Readers looking for a cheap way to fill out their reading lists will be happy to hear that the annual Friends of the Natchitoches Parish Library (FONPL) Book Sale will be back in just a few weeks! Visitors can expect to find thousands of books for sale, including children’s books, adult fiction, cookbooks, travel, religion, business, arts and crafts, music and more. The Book Sale is the FONPL’s most important fundraiser of the year. Proceeds will help to provide many cultural, educational, and entertaining programs to benefit the community throughout the year at the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL).
The FONPL Book Sale will take place at the MLK Center, 660 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The sale will run Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20, from 10 AM to 5PM, and Saturday, March 21, from 9 AM to 2PM.
The FONPL is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to support and enrich the capabilities, resources, and services of the NPL through fundraising and advocacy efforts that benefit the community. The FONPL is dedicated to enhancing the programs and resources of the NPL’s library branches. Funds raised by the FONPL are used to meet library needs not met through the traditional Natchitoches Parish Library budget. Funding support includes, but is not limited to, the purchase of special equipment and sponsorship of special, thematic library programs.
No matter your interest, there will be something for you at the book sale. And for those avid readers, there will be boxed and bagged specials!
For more information about the book sale or other library programming or services, please contact Alan Niette, Natchitoches Parish Library’s Outreach Services Coordinator and Friends Liaison at 318-238-9236.
Shirley Dunn Chevalier, genealogist at the Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University, will speak to the Natchitoches Genealogical and Historical Association (NGHA) at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Old Natchitoches Courthouse, 600 Second St. Chevalier will discuss the genealogy section at the CHC and the resources available there.
Chevalier and her husband David are natives of the Cane River region of Natchitoches Parish. After living in California where she worked for AT&T, they returned home to Natchitoches Parish. Chevalier curates the genealogical collections at the Creole Heritage Center and is secretary of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville.
Together with the late Louise Llorens, Chevalier created a family database that connects families and their history across Louisiana and the United States, including Creole families from Alabama, California, New Mexico, Illinois, Texas, Canada, Australia and several other places. Their contributions supplement the database already available at the Creole Heritage Center.
The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call (318) 357-2235.
Applications for the Northwestern State University Child Development Center draw for the 2020-21 school year are due at noon Friday, March 20.
Applications can be picked up the school office or are available upon request by emailing Faith Stanfield at stanfieldf@nsula.edu. When applications are submitted, proof of child’s birthdate is required.
NSU’s Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center is a preschool program for three- and four-year-old children. The center is a Tier III preschool center that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The center is dedicated to providing parents, children, and university students with the best early learning environment possible.
For more information, contact Stanfield at (318) 357-6860.
Northwestern State University has earned the 2020-21 Military Friendly School designation from VIQTORY, publisher of G.I. Jobs. This Northwestern State’s 10th time to receive the designation.
Now in its 19th year, the Military Friendly Schools list has come to set the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. This prestigious list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies, veteran students and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.
“Northwestern State University is proud of its 136-year tradition of academic excellence and recognizes the valuable contributions made by our veterans and military personnel,” said Dr. Darlene Williams, vice president for technology, innovation, and economic development at NSU. “Northwestern State provides service capabilities that extend from the main campus in Natchitoches to NSU@Barksdale, NSU-Leesville/Ft. Polk, NSU’s Cenla campus in Alexandria and NSU-Shreveport. It is an honor to be recognized as a Military Friendly Institution, and we will continue to explore opportunities that will enhance and expand services in support of our goal of providing exceptional student service.”
Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. Student survey data was also taken into consideration for the designation.
The 2020-2021 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine. The list can also be found at militaryfriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
The Military Friendly Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Ernst & Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly Schools list using the criteria set forth by VIQTORY.
Five Northwestern State University students participated in the Louisiana Association for Fairs and Festival’s annual convention Feb. 8 and were among 66 festival queens from around the state who competed for the LAFF Queen title.
Students were Sheridan Duet, Miss Louisiana Gumbo Festival Queen XLVIII; Shelbi Rials, Miss Queen Cotton LXVI; Autumn Wyatt, Miss Sabine Freestate; Alison Garcia, Miss Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Queen, and Madison Clouse, Miss Westlake Family Fun and Food Festival.
Duet, Rials and Wyatt were named to the LAFF top 15.
Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Line Dance class starting Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 127 of the Health and Human Performance Building. The class will be held each Tuesday through March 31. The fee is $65.
Line Dancing is a fun way to dance socially without a dance partner. Dancing styles covered in this class will include country western, zydeco, hip-hop and an introduction to salsa and waltz.
For more information on NSU non-credit programs, go to nsula.edu/ece/non-credit-programs/ or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.
NATCHITOCHES: Jimmie Achord Wynn September 04, 1937 – February 16, 2020 Visitation: Friday, February 21 from 1-2:45 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Service: Friday, February 21 at 3 pm at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches
Cameron Harville February 17, 2020 Arrangements TBA
Wayne Paul Antee July 9, 1958 – February 9, 2020 Visitation: Tuesday, February 18 from 9:30-11 am St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches Service: Tuesday, February 18 at 11 am St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Claudette Thomas January 23, 1941 – February 14, 2020 Visitation: Wednesday, February 9 from 12-2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches Service: Wednesday, February 19 at 2 pm at Memory Lawn Cemetery, located at 1700 Washington Street in Natchitoches
Cleveland Lewis February 15, 2020 Arrangements TBA
Eyvette Harris February 15, 2020 Arrangements TBA
Delores Chevalier Sylvie October 18, 1930 – January 22, 2020 Service: Saturday, January 25 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Natchez
WINN PARISH: Tammy Rowell Gill October 3, 1964 – February 15, 2020 Service: Thursday, February 20 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home Interment: Couley Double Church Cemetery in Winnfield
Northwestern State head football coach Brad Laird has been placed on administrative leave without pay after being arrested for driving while intoxicated Saturday night.
Northwestern State Director of Athletics Greg Burke said: “Brad Laird informed me on February 16 that he had been charged with a DWI the previous evening. The university takes misconduct by any employee seriously and especially one with the level of responsibility of a head coach. The university immediately investigated and confirmed this incident. I met with Coach Laird on the morning of February 17 and informed him that he would be suspended for one week without pay.
“He was also issued a letter of reprimand informing him of consequences that could result from any future misconduct that would violate the conditions of his contract with the university. The letter also outlined additional measures to address this incident. Having known Coach Laird for many years, I respect and was not surprised that he expressed regret about his lack of judgment in this incident and stated that it is his desire to learn from this matter and move forward as a better leader for the young men in the NSU football program.”
Laird issued the following statement:
“On Saturday night, February 15, I made a poor decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol. It was a poor and selfish decision, and I apologize to everyone who was unknowingly put at risk. I am extremely disappointed in this decision as this is not the type of behavior I instill in my players and staff. This was a lapse in judgement, and I take 100 percent responsibility for my actions. There are so many that are affected by my selfish decision.
“I would like to apologize to my family, Dr. Jim Henderson and the University Louisiana System, Dr. Chris Maggio and Northwestern State University, Mr. Greg Burke and the Northwestern State Athletic Department, and to the Northwestern State football players and coaches – past and present.
“As a role model for this great University and the players and coaches, I am disappointed as my actions were not in the best interest of my family, University, players and coaches. I completely understand there are consequences for all actions, and I accept the disciplinary terms that come with the decision I made Saturday night.”
Because this is a personnel matter, the Northwestern State athletic department will not comment further.
Early this morning, Feb. 17, a single-vehicle crash killed a man from Natchitoches. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected during the crash.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed the crash occurred on LA Hwy 494 near St. Ann Drive. The crash involved a 2018 Dodge Challenger, driven by 28-year-old Cameron Terrell Harville. For reasons still under investigation, Harville was eastbound on LA Hwy 494 when he lost control of the vehicle, exited the roadway, and impacted a private residence.
As a result of the crash, Harville sustained severe injuries. He was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Routine toxicology tests are pending.
Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most important decisions that a motorist can make. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.
Troop E Troopers have investigated six fatal crashes in 2020, resulting in seven fatalities.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, Natchitoches Fire Department and Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 alsos responded to the scene.
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
The 14th Cloutierville Mardi Gras parade rolled through the south Natchitoches parish town Saturday, Feb 15. Well over 100 units participated in the popular event, bringing everything from a fire truck, floats and horses to beautifully restored classic cars. The 2020 Parade Grand Marshal, NRMC Emergency Services Director Larry Atteridge, led the parade accompanied by an ambulance.
Over 1,000 eager paradegoers lined the main drive through Cloutierville and called out for beads and trinkets to the passing units. They were not disappointed! Beads, cups, candy and small stuffed animals were just a few examples of the huge number of items thrown by the members of the parade units. It was a rare child indeed that did not go home with a neck full of beads and a bag of candy and toys.
The parade ended at the St. John the Baptist church hall, transformed into one of the best restaurants in the area, as the parishioners served up bowls of homemade gumbo, meatpies and other Creole delicacies. A DJ kept the party going with a mix of music guaranteed to get anyone on the dance floor.
The Cloutierville Mardi Gras parade is a superb example of the unique culture that makes Louisiana such a wonderful place to live. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to next year’s parade.
Robert Smalls was a man whose life could have been the inspiration for an action-adventure movie. Born a slave, he won his, his family’s and his crew and their families’ freedom by commandeering a Confederate warship and sailing it from Charleston harbor to the Union fleet. He went on to serve the US Navy throughout the rest of the war utilizing his extensive knowledge of the area’s waters.
After the Civil War, Robert Smalls led a successful life in business and politics. He served in Congress, the South Carolina House and Senate and unsuccessfully ran for US Senate. As a businessman, he started a railroad with other investors and owned and published a newspaper. It was an enviable record of achievement by any measure.
He is most well known, however, for commandeering a Confederate warship, the CSS Planter and delivering it, along with his and his crew’s families, a cargo of guns and ammunition as well as the code books and maps of the harbor, to the Union navy blockading Charleston. His bold strike for freedom brought him fame, and a $4,000.00 price on his head from an enraged and embarrassed Confederacy.
Robert Smalls had been rented out by his master as a laborer on the docks of Charleston where he developed the skill and knowledge of the local waters that would prove so critical later on. At age 17, he married Hannah Jones and started to save to purchase their freedom, a process that could take years, if not decades. The advent of the Civil War, and the Union navy only a few miles offshore, was to present him an opportunity. Robert Smalls would win his family’s freedom.
In 1862, Smalls was a crewmember on the CSS Planter, a supply and transport ship used throughout the Charleston harbor and river area. He planned his escape with some of the other slaves on the ship’s crew. Finally, on May 13, 1862, their chance came. The Planter’s captain and White officers all went ashore for the evening, leaving the ship, its cargo, codebooks and maps to the crew. Robert Smalls dressed in the captain’s uniform and distinctive straw hat and the Planter left the dock. They stopped to pick up their families and turned to the sea and the Union navy.
There was no turning back. There could be no surrender. They would either achieve freedom or die in the attempt. As they approached checkpoints in the harbor, Smalls would use the ship’s codebook to give the proper response to the challenge. Dressed as the ship’s captain and even imitating his mannerisms, Smalls slipped past each post. He even blew the ship’s steam whistle in salute of Ft. Sumpter as the Planter had always done before. The Union blockade and freedom was just a few miles away, but tragedy almost stuck at the last minute. The Planter’s Confederate flag had been hauled down and replaced with a white bed sheet, but it wasn’t visible in the pre-dawn darkness. The USS Onward was preparing to fire on the Planter when at last the dawn came and they were able to see the white flag.
As the Planter drew near the Union ship, a man stepped forward, took off his hat and said “Good morning, sir! I’ve brought you some of the old United States guns, sir!” Robert Smalls, his crew and their families were free. In battle and in peace, Robert Smalls never stopped fighting for freedom and dignity. He died in 1915 owning the house in which he was born into slavery. He is a true American Hero.
The Northwestern State softball program is welcoming back all former Lady Demons for alumni weekend on March 13-14.
NSU will have a special recognition for the 20th anniversary of the 2000 Lady Demons that won the Southland Conference regular season and tournament titles as well as appearing in the NCAA Tournament.
The weekend starts with the March 13 doubleheader at 4 p.m. against Lamar and former NSU assistant coach Amy Hooks. The series concludes with a 1 p.m. finale Saturday.
Postgame socials will take place Friday night (Cane River Brewery) and Saturday night (Mama’s).
Alumni will be recognized before Saturday’s contest.
Tickets are $10 per person, which will admit softball alumni into all three games and into the VIP Outfield Club, where food and beverages will be served.
Alumni can register at nsudemons.com/softballreunion, where a full schedule can also be found.
Questions can be directed to Mike Jaworski at jaworskim@nsula.edu.
Photo Credit: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
Northwestern State University is seeking an individual to serve as the Director of the Mrs. H.D. Dear, Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). The individual selected will be responsible for the total academic and fiscal control of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts which includes the academic areas of art, music, new media/communications, and theater/dance.
The School of CAPA is the academic home for the areas of art, music, new media/communications, and theater/dance and currently has approximately 650 majors and 62 full-time faculty as well as approximately 20 adjunct faculty members. Three of the four units are accredited by their respective national accrediting agency and the School has been designated as an “Area of Excellence” by the Board of Trustees for the University of Louisiana System. Northwestern State University is located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. It is approximately one hour south of Shreveport. The University is a member of the University of Louisiana System.
If selected for an interview, applicants should be prepared to discuss strategies for attracting undergraduate and graduate majors. Applicants should also be prepared to provide a vision for success which could apply to Northwestern State University.
To Apply: Submit a letter of application, official transcript(s) from each university attended, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, contact information for three professional references to:
Dr. Francene J. Lemoine, Interim Dean College of Arts and Sciences Northwestern State University Natchitoches, LA 71497 lemoinef@nsula.edu
Interested in big game hunting? Join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 pm for a lively discussion with Kaylee Stacey, the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) 2020 recipient of the Colin Caruthers Young Hunter Award and Shawn Daily, holder of numerous big game records with Safari Club International (SCI). Come hear about their worldwide adventures, awards, and involvement in wildlife conservation. This event is free and open to the public.
Visit the museum’s website or call (318) 357-2492 for more information.
NATCHITOCHES – The first seven-plus innings of Sunday’s game against Wichita State belonged to the future of the Northwestern State baseball pitching staff.
The end came down to the elder statesman of the staff.
Freshman right-handers Johnathan Harmon and Drake Smith spun almost eight innings of stellar baseball before fifth-year senior Kyle Swanson shut the door in a 3-2, series-clinching win against Wichita State at Brown-Stroud Field.
“They pitched great,” Barbier said. “Anyone watching the game or reading a box score can see that. It wasn’t about the results, although those were great, but just the way they owned the mound. We’ve talked about it, especially with those two guys, about having some attitude and owning the mound. They did that, and hopefully we can build off that.”
Harmon gave the Demons (2-1) six strong innings in his collegiate debut, scattering three hits and a run. Smith (1-0) followed with 1 2-3 innings of relief, retiring the first five batters he faced before running into a little trouble.
After Smith allowed a two-out, eighth-inning single and walked a batter with the Demons leading 3-1, Barbier turned to Swanson.
Swanson surrendered an RBI single to Ross Cadena before retiring Garrett Kocis to preserve NSU’s one-run lead before working around a single and a passed ball to strike out Derek Shaver to secure the win and Swanson’s first save since April 22, 2017.
Since that save against McNeese, Swanson has undergone back surgery and missed all but two games of the 2018 season. His fifth career save came via 1 1-3 scoreless innings of work.
“Being able to come out here and get back to where I was is awesome,” said Swanson, who recently was accepted into Sam Houston State’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It was easy to follow the freshmen we had out there today. I’ve been talking to both of them all week, telling them the stuff I wish I knew when I was a freshman coming in. You see them go out and perform, and it looks like they’ve been doing it for two or three years.”
Harmon bounced back from allowing a solo home run to Couper Cornblum in the third inning to keep the deficit at one before Smith took over and worked a clean seventh inning, setting up the third big inning of the weekend for the Demons.
Wichita State starter Preston Snavely (0-1) gave the Shockers a third straight strong start, shutting NSU out through six innings before tiring in the seventh.
Lenni Kunert’s one-out single started a rally that freshman Daunte Stuart extended with a two-out walk before freshman pinch hitter Cole Horton singled off leaping Shockers shortstop Derek Shaver’s glove to load the bases.
Pinch hitter Kendall Foster then drew a walk on a full-count pitch from Connery Peters to tie the game and set up Foster’s biggest play of his three-game NSU career.
With the bases loaded and Foster at first, Cam Sibley grounded a ball back up the middle to Shaver at shortstop. Shaver laid back on the play, allowing Foster to beat the flip to second base.
Pinch runner Chaney Dodge, who entered for Horton, never stopped rounding third base and beat Jack Sigrist’s relay home to complete the two-run fielder’s choice and cap the three-run inning.
“You had two guys who sat over there the entire series until the seventh inning who affected the game in Cole and Chaney,” Barbier said. “Both affected it in a positive way. When you have guys who can run, it does that for you. You can steal a base here or there or make a great play like Tyler Smith did in right field (in the ninth inning). It’s good to involve a lot of people. I’m proud of them for being ready to go when they’re called on.”
The Demons’ eight-game, season-opening homestand continues Tuesday when they host UL Monroe at 6 p.m. in the first mid-week game of the season.
Northwestern State 3, Wichita State 2
WSU 001 000 010 – 2 6 0 NSU 000 000 30x – 3 6 0
W – Drake Smith (1-0). L – Preston Snavely (0-1). S – Kyle Swanson (1). HR – WSU, Couper Cornblum (1). Highlights: WSU, Jack Sigrist 2-4; Hunter Gibson 2-4.
Records: Wichita State 1-2; Northwestern State 2-1.
The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will present an evening of Latin Jazz on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open the public. NSU Associate Professor of Trumpet Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.
The featured guest artist and conductor is Latin jazz percussionist Victor Rendón.
The Jazz Orchestra will play “El Cuarto de Tula” by the Buena Vista Social Club, “Arsenio, An Homage to Arsenio Rodriguez” by Rick Faulkner, “Europa” by Carlos Santana and T. Coster and arranged by Joe Mannozzi and featuring Galindo Rodriguez on flugelhorn and Daniel Scott on tenor saxophone, “Generoso” by Faulkner with Jacob St. Pierre on trombone and Nestor Garcia on timbales and “Chow Mein” by Tito Puente and transcribed by Rendon featuring the saxophone and trumpet section.
The Jazz Orchestra will play two Rendón compositions, “Café Sin Leche” arranged by Mannozzi featuring St. Pierre, Jordan Davis on baritone saxophone and Mercado and “True Flight” arranged by Rendon and Mannozzi featuring Alex Guillory on alto saxophone, Sadoc Silva-Calderon on trumpet and Juan Santos Sierra on Timbales. They will also perform “110th Street and Fifth Avenue” by Noro Morales featuring Romulo Ossorio on piano, the saxophone and trumpet sections and Latin percussionists.
Rendón, a drummer/percussionist/educator/composer/arranger, is a sought after New York City musician who has worked with Mongo Santamaria, Chico O’Farrill, Carlos “Patato” Valdés, Ray Santos, Grupo Caribe, The Latin Jazz Coalition, The “New” Xavier Cugat Orchestra, Los Más Valientes, Grupo Latin Vibe, Rudy Calzado’s Cubarama, Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz, and many others. He currently performs with the acclaimed salsa group, Grupo Latin Vibe as well as his own group, Blue Mambo.
Rendón is also author of “The Art of Playing Timbales” published by Music in Motion Films and currently teaches at Lehman College in the Bronx, where he co-leads the Latin Jazz Ensemble with his long-time colleague, Armando Rodriguez. . As an author/transcriber, Rendon’s work has appeared in Modern Drummer, DRUM!, Percussive Notes, Drumfiles, DCI Music Video, RRR Education Newsletter (Reading-Writing-Rhythm) by LP, and Warner Bros. Publications. He is former publisher of his own semi-annual magazine called the Latin Percussionist.
As an educator, Rendón conducts the Latin Jazz Ensemble at Lehman College. He holds a Bachelor of Music from The University of North Texas and has taught instrumental music and Latin percussion classes in the New York Public School system and at the Boy’s Harbor Performing Arts Center. He has also conducted clinics/workshops for the Department of Education in New York City, PASIC 2000 (Percussive Arts Society International Convention), KOSA NYC, Global Praise at Princeton University and the Eddie Ming Drum School in Bermuda among other events. He is also on the LP’s Educational Team at LP Music.
DESCRIPTION: Inspects and approves all phases of public/private construction and improvement work including building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas, construction, alterations or repairs for compliance with codes, laws and regulations with the City of Natchitoches and State of Louisiana.
QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or GED, supplemented by two years of related technical or college training in construction, engineering technology, civil engineering or a closely related field; Possess a current ICC Certified Building Official or current ICC Master Code Professional certificate; experience in residential and commercial construction and minimum of three years experience as an architect, engineer, inspector, plans examiner, contractor or superintendent of construction or any combination of these.
CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department, located at 1400 Sabine St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St. or may be downloaded at http://www.natchitochesla.gov
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted Through: February 19, 2020
THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
BOM is proud of the Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet, Madeleine Hensley! BOM’s Carrie Hough, Micah Foshee and Blaise LaCour presented a check to Madeline for the Miss Louisiana pageant!
Get in the Mardi Gras spirit at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum with a mask making craft on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 12-2 pm. Children accompanied by an adult are invited to make festive Mardi Gras masks to celebrate the holiday and receive their first throw of the season. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided by FLASH. Regular admission prices apply.
Admission prices are $6 for adults, $5 for military, students, and seniors and children 6 and under are free.
Visit the museum’s website or call (318) 357-2492 for more information.
Sandra McQuain, Executive Director of England Airpark and Community, and David Broussard, Deputy Director were guest speakers for the Feb. 11 Rotary Club meeting. Rotarian Tommy Melder introduced them to the club. Sandra discussed the history of the project and local impact on the Alexandria metropolitan area. The project began in 1993 and has an annual impact of 48 million dollars to the area. It has created over 200 jobs and supports the Alexandria International Airport.
NATCHITOCHES: Wayne Paul Antee July 9, 1958 – February 9, 2020 Visitation: Tuesday, February 18 from 9:30-11 am St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches Service: Tuesday, February 18 at 11 am St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Claudette Thomas January 23, 1941 – February 14, 2020 Visitation: Wednesday, February 9 from 12-2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches Service: Wednesday, February 19 at 2 pm at Memory Lawn Cemetery, located at 1700 Washington Street in Natchitoches
Cleveland Lewis February 15, 2020 Arrangements TBA
Eyvette Harris February 15, 2020 Arrangements TBA
Delores Chevalier Sylvie October 18, 1930 – January 22, 2020 Service: Saturday, January 25 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Natchez
RED RIVER: Michael Ruff Garrett, M.D. December 25, 1987 – February 14, 2020 Service held Feb. 16
