Northwestern State University students who qualified for CARES Act relief will receive an additional award as the university disburses the remainder of funds it received

“We would like to divide this amount across the 4,426 that have qualified to receive funds, providing them with an additional check in the amount of $147.50,” said Dawn Eubanks, assistant controllor and bursar.

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act was signed to address the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. NSU received and distributed $2.8 million to 4,426 students.

CARES Act funds were available to all currently enrolled, degree-seeking, undergraduate and graduate students, full- and part-time, who were not enrolled exclusively in all online programs prior to the COVID-19 emergency, who experienced a disruption to campus operations, due to COVID-19, and who met specific eligibility requirements. Award amounts were based on Pell eligibility and the number of hours the student was enrolled.

Funds will be posted to each eligible student’s account and paid in the form of a direct deposit (if set up) or a paper check by U.S. mail to the student address on file with the university.

NATCHITOCHES:
Edward Earl Tolar
October 30, 1929 – June 18, 2020
Service: Monday, June 22 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches with a graveside service to follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Saline

Rosa L. Baker
June 20, 2020
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Steven Wade Rodrigues
July 21, 1970 – June 17, 2020
The funeral service will be available live on the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Many, Louisiana Facebook page starting at 10:00 AM on Monday.

Release Date: June 20, 2020

Natchitoches Police arrest two individuals for Simple Battery that occurred at Maglieaux’s on the Cane

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested John Richmond (W/M, 54 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) and Bradley Haigler (W/M, 35 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for simple battery.

On May 15, 2020 around 9:19 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to 805 Washington Street (Maglieaux’s on the Cane) in reference to a disturbance. As officers arrived to Maglieaux’s on the Cane they made contact with, John Richmond, who told them that two of his employees got into a physical altercation. John Richmond also said to officers that while trying to break up the disturbance he sustained several minor injuries.

After an extensive investigation Detectives with the Natchitoches Police Department were able to obtain video surveillance of this incident.

John Richmond and Bradley Haigler were arrested for Simple Battery and were given a Natchitoches City Court date of September 22, 2020 to return.

On June 20, 2020 it was reported erroneously by a news outlet in the Shreveport area that the victim in this case was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. This is an inaccurate report and this media outlet has been contacted about their error.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or an emergency please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Terry Johnson at (318) 357-3858. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

Officer John Greely
Natchitoches Police Department

The Natchitoches Parish School Board held a very brief special called meeting Thursday, June 18 in order to approve the board’s new social media policy, The 4 page policy was the sole agenda item and was passed unanimously after a brief explanation by Superintendent Grant Eloi.

A motion was made to amend the agenda to include two other items, granting permission for the superintendent to enter negotiations with the Rapides Foundation and to accept a $142,000.00 grant from the Rapides Foundation for professional development. Both amendments passed unanimously as well.

The School Board also took the opportunity to welcome its newest employee, Ms. Chynna Paris who will serve as the district communications manager. Her duties will be to oversee the district’s and schools’ social media presence. She has already started her job and is hard at work revising and constructing Facebook and web pages. The district’s new social media presence will debut on July 1. Ms. Paris is a 2019 LSU alumnae with a degree in Public Relations. She is also a graduate of Lake Charles’ Sam Houston High School.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal would like to welcome Ms. Paris to our community and wish her every success in her new career!

The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC) held a Zoom meeting on June 18 to approve the 2020-2021 budget and slate of officers as they enter into the next fiscal year.

“We do have funds to carry over for next year,” said President Van Erickson. “The reason we have these is because some events didn’t occur.” There’s also monies left over from the downtown wifi project the NHDDC had considered investing in, but in the end, decided not to proceed.

The 2020-2021 budget is the same exact budget as last year because the NHDDC has zero clarity on what the outlook is from the state level. Members will reassess once they’ve found out what the extent of the cuts will be.

Slate of officers for 2020-2021:

Van- President
Vice Chair- Jill Leo
Treasurer- Payne Williams

Erikson gave an update on a new Natchitoches commercial, which will be a lot longer (1.5-2 minutes) than the first 30 second video they released on May 22. This new video will be good for social media and will be released in the next few weeks.

The Go Natchitoches (#gonatchitoches) campaign, which is a collaboration between the CRNHA, the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association (HDBA), the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB), and Natchitoches Main Street. The campaign was started on March 19 to support community businesses.

In other business, Northwestern State University is planning to fully open in the fall with face-to-face classes. The first day of classes will remain on Aug. 17.

“We’re going full force in the fall,” said Erikson, who is also the director of first year experience at NSU. This means consistent temperature checks, a reporting system on cases that do pop up through Health Services, and comprehensive reopening plans that should come out in the next few weeks. “These will answer a lot of questions especially as they relate to larger events like athletics where the community is a participant,” he said.

The Historic District Business Association (HDBA) is moving forward with the Car Show and Christmas Festival. HDBA Director of Festivals and Events Jill Leo said they should be able to accommodate social distancing in the same capacity as they normally operate the Car Show. Christmas Festival will be different and they’ll accommodate as they move forward.

Leo, also the director for the Natchitoches Main Street Program, said they have many fall events penciled in on the Main Street calendar but they’re waiting on confirmation for festivals like Meat Pie and Zydeco. They are planning a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks downtown and a few food vendors. Some restaurants on Front Street with have live music. The Natchitoches Farmers Market has been having really good Saturdays with some really great produce to offer. This will continue through July.

The Cane River Creole National Historical Park entered phase 1 on June 1 so the grounds for Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are open for self guided tours (no restrooms). It looks like these locations will be in phase 1 for quite some time until some of the case numbers start to drop again before the NPS considers entering phase 2 officially. In the meantime, they’re trying to find other ways to stay connected with the community. They will now have a ranger at the Farmers Markets starting this Saturday. They’re also planning some upcoming classes like painting and Hot Yoga, which can be held outside on the park grounds. They’ve also installed new interpretive stations at the Oakland Plantation pavilion. They’re also hosting a Historic Preservation Crew that left in March due to Covid-19. The crew is working on the main house to replace all the window sills and decking. They arrived last week and will be at the park through July so Park Superintendent Carrie Mardorf said she’s really excited about the project.

Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB) Executive Director Arlene Gould said the Louisiana Office of Tourism recently released numbers for each parish. Visitors to Natchitoches Parish produced nearly $110 million in spending, an increase of 5% over last year, which generated $13.7 million in State and local taxes. Visitor spending in Natchitoches Parish created $39.4 million in direct earnings and 1,430 direct jobs.

Rebecca Blakenbaker, executive director of the Cane River National Heritage Area (CRNHA), updated the commission that Los Adaes grounds are open but the Grand Ecore Visitors Center is still closed. The CRNHA is tentatively scheduling walking tours to pick back up in October. In other business, signs on the El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail are receiving a face lift because they’ve received extensive sun damage.

The Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches has a new director of Melrose Plantation- Heather Tichenor from Canada. She is currently working there part time while her husband teaches at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA). Melrose is also open for tours once again. For guided tours you are required to make reservations. The APHN has also decided that its annual Arts and Crafts Festival will be combined with the Fall Tour of Homes (still to be held on the second weekend in October).

Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce President Laura Lyles said the Natchitoches Young Prefessional’s (NYP) Pub Crawl is on the calendar for Nov 7, but no one knows what it’s going to look like yet.

On behalf of the City, Erikson announced that the Grady Erwin Nature Area, which is getting a lot of use, will be expanded. The City is working with landscape architects to connect those trails to the Parc Natchitoches trails. This will create over 12 miles of trails in the new system for the public to enjoy.

Just a reminder that Early Voting begins Saturday, June 20 and runs through July 4 (closed on Sundays) from 8:30 am – 6 pm at the Registrar of Voters Office in the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse. The deadline to register online is June 20. Due to the 6-foot social distancing guidelines we will only be operating with three voting machines and we are asking that our voters be patient and prepared to wait in line to cast their votes. If there are ANY candidates that will have individuals bringing voters to Early Vote, I am asking that the drivers please remain in their vehicles or in the parking lot and wait on the voters.

Also, there is still time to request and Absentee Ballot if you have not done so already. The deadline to request an Absentee Ballot is July 7 at 4:30 pm and the deadline for the Registrar’s Office to receive your voted Absentee Ballot is July 10. Voted ballots can be returned by mail or hand delivered to the Registrar of Voters Office at 200 Church Street, RM 103.

We are expecting a larger turnout and are encouraging everyone to come out and VOTE.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call our office at 318-357-2211.

By Reba Phelps

When I was in the seventh grade my papa became a preacher. Being so young I really did not comprehend what all this would entail. Outside of the Madonna song from the 80’s, I had never had any type of experience with a preacher. I was delighted to know that this meant I was being permanently installed into the prestigious club called, “The PK Club”.

Being a preacher’s kid in a small town means that you are under surveillance at all times and everyone in the community will judge the preacher based on his fruit. If the fruit spoils then he must not be practicing at home what he preaches behind the pulpit.

I spent the rest of my childhood trying to conceal from my papa that I may have been rotten fruit. If there was childhood folly going on then you can guarantee I was not too far away or I partook in the event. I went to get lengths to hide the occasional smell of wine coolers on my breath. I was also a professional at blaming others for the faint scent of cigarette smoke.

A couple decades later the tides would turn. I found myself needing my father’s advice more often than I ever had in my whole life and for much more serious issues than childhood follies.

I knew the only way to get accurate advice that would actually help was to let him know that I was not perfect. My mistakes would have to be known.

Much to my surprise, he was not shocked when I informed him that I was, in fact, not perfect.

The very first time I poured my heart out to him it took me half of an hour to explain the entire situation. He just stared at me for what seemed like an eternity and then said, “The lone banana gets skint”.

What?

“You know when you go to peel a banana you always grab the one not attached?”

I then stared at him for an equal amount of time trying to process what he said. Maybe he means we work better as a team? Maybe he wasn’t listening to me at all? Regardless, It made me laugh hard enough that I forgot why we were talking.

The next serious problem I brought to him would surely end with some deep spiritual advice that only preacher’s kids are privy to. After I explained my imperfection I waited for the preacher to preach. That never happened.

My dad merely said, “Do you realize that when people made mistakes in the Bible that their mistakes were written about in a book that is still around over two thousand years later. Their stories are used to try to teach others not to make the same mistakes. Just be glad you aren’t in that book”

Another request for advice was answered with one of his famous sayings, “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot just to see if it hurts.”

Still, to this day, I have not discerned whether my dad’s advice is clearly too deep for me to understand or if it was so simple that I was the one making my problems worse. Maybe the advice was merely musings to distract me from my current problems?

Maybe since my dad has been a minister for over thirty-three years he was simply fatigued from doling out advice day in day out.

Whatever the reason is for his puzzling advice I thank God every day that I have my papa around to preach the good news to me and my daughters. We are very blessed to have a patriarch with such great connections to the man upstairs.

Happy father’s day, Brother George.

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble”. – Proverbs 4:11-12

The 2020-21 members of the Demon Dazzlers at Northwestern State University have been selected. The Demon Dazzlers serve as the official dance line for Northwestern State.

Sarah Talbot of Baton Rouge is the group’s captain while Ashley Henry of Slidell is co-captain, JirNeicia Ward of Bossier City is lieutenant and Mallory Martinez of Jennings is manager.

Those selected are Hannah Knoff of Baton Rouge, Abigail Miller of Slidell, Isabelle Duhon and Jacquelyn Kay of Bossier City, Mary Strickland of Metairie, Alphonse Engram of DeRidder, Kayla Smith and John Jefferson of Shreveport, Tlen Mason of Marshall, Texas, Brittany Davis of Houston, Raegan Washington of Natchitoches and Ariel Theriot of Houma.

During the fall semester the Demon Dazzlers perform at pep rallies and the annual Christmas Gala. They also are included as members of The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band and perform at home football games. During the spring semester, the Dazzlers perform at home basketball games and occasionally will participate in dance competitions. They also perform for various organizations and events around campus throughout the school year.

Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, Inc. has safely reopened four of its Job Centers to start rebuilding our community and workforce.

Goodwill Industries provides vital community services through its Job Centers and Placement staff. “Now more than ever, Goodwill will play a critical role in assisting the most vulnerable segments of our community who have been laid off or dislocated from employment,” stated David Tinkis, President and CEO. “We will still offer job placement services virtually, if desired, but there are many in our community without access to technology. Opening our Job Centers will allow us to accomodiate these individuals.”

The four open Job Centers are: 800 W. 70th Street, Shreveport; 3158 Louisville Avenue, Monroe; 311 South Drive, Natchitoches; and 6501 Coliseum Blvd #700-C, Alexandria. Job Centers are open Monday though Thursday 8am to 5pm and Fridays 8am to Noon.

Goodwill is following CDC guidelines and reconfigured the computers to be 6 feet apart, along with limiting the number of job seekers inside each Job Center and sanitizing after each use. Individuals will be required to wear a mask, answer a health screening and have their temperature checked.

Goodwill will continue to provide help with immediate needs such as employment registration, community needs referrals, job search assistance, resume writing, interviewing skills and preparation and one-on-one case management. Goodwill can even connect you to free skills training as requested.

Providing these community services requires funding, and the Goodwill Retail Stores provide a direct financial source to support Goodwill programs and the Job Centers. Goodwill Retail Stores began reopening in May. For a list of store locations that are open, visit: https://goodwillnla.org/shopping-locations/.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education is offering several free online courses through the end of the month. The courses are self-paced and can be done any time.

Available subjects are “Creating Web Pages,” “Creating WordPress Websites,” “Fundamentals and Supervision of Management,” “Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search” and “Keys to Effective Communication.”

Other available classes are “Managing Customer Service,” “Marketing Your Business on the Internet,” “Personal Finance,” “Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring,” and “Individual Excellence.”

Enrollment is available at ed2go.com/nsu. For more information, contact Melanie Bedgood at bedgoodm@nsula.edu.

What does it take to bring an All-American offensive lineman and 11-year NFL veteran to tears?

For Marcus Spears, it was learning the No. 76 he wore from 1991-93 will become the sixth retired number in Northwestern State football history. Director of Athletics Greg Burke informed Spears of the honor in person Thursday, causing the two-time All-American to break down and cry.

“You talk about a surreal moment,” Spears said. “I was on a trip to visit Natchitoches. It’s like home to me. I drove on campus and said let me just see who’s here. (Having his number retired) is one of those things where you don’t know what to say. I don’t feel like I’m worthy to accept it.”

Spears’ number is the second retirement under the NSU Athletic Department’s new policy, which incorporated input from various sources to compile a list of criteria for this honor. He joins former Demon baseball great Danny Bob Turner in that group, and Spears’ 76 now stands alongside Bobby Hebert’s 12, Gary Reasons’ 34, Al Dodd’s 41, Joe Delaney’s 44 and Jackie Smith’s 80 as retired NSU football numbers.

While Spears says he may not feel worthy, his credentials speak for themselves.

A 6-foot-4, 320-pounder from Baton Rouge, Spears earned All-American honors in 1992 and 1993, becoming just the second FCS-level player to make the Football Writers Association All-American Team with his 1993 selection. He was one of 10 semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, presented to the nation’s best lineman, and is believed to be the lone FCS player to achieve that honor. Spears spent part of his career blocking for current NSU head coach Brad Laird, who set the Demon career passing yardage record in 1995.

A three-time All-Southland Conference selection and All-Louisiana honoree, Spears was drafted in the second round (39th overall) by the Chicago Bears. He spent three seasons with Chicago before playing the bulk of his career for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1997-2003. Spears concluded his NFL career with a one-season stop in Houston in 2004.

A 2011 N-Club Hall of Fame inductee, Spears has remained close to Northwestern State since concluding his career.

“This recognition of Marcus’ NSU career is appropriate as he was one of the most imposing and skilled offensive linemen to ever play at the FCS level,” said NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke, who recalled Spears being in Auburn Hills, Michigan, in 2006 for NSU’s first-round upset of Iowa in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as being an example of the pride he has always had for his alma mater.

“The caliber of his play in the trenches as a collegian was further illustrated by his lengthy tenure in the NFL. He played with passion and has lived his life in like fashion. All of us at NSU are grateful for his undying ‘Demon passion’ and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Upon gathering his composure, Spears made sure to thank “every teammate” and Sam Goodwin’s coaching staff.

“He only played one year of high school football,” Goodwin said. “You could tell he had great movement and athleticism, but did he have the temperament? He did. We ran a lot of outside zone when he was here, and that meant he had to get to reach the end outside of him. He could hit that guy from the side or the backside, and they’d go reeling and land on their face. Then he’d keep running and get him another one. He was that athletic.”

He highlighted one of those teammates, one who will be with him in spirit on Oct. 17 when Spears’ number joins the five other retired numbers in NSU history during the Homecoming game against Sam Houston State.

“I’ll have Curtis Wilkins’ ashes with me,” Spears said. “He was my classmate, my roommate, my teammate. He was all three. I spoke at his funeral, and I bought a special urn. Now I know why I bought it. It was meant for him to be here at Northwestern, and I’m going to leave him here with my jersey. That’s the least I can do.”

Photos: Marcus Spears in action against Southern and being recognized as the Demon Great of the Game in 2011. Credits: NSU Photographic Services

NATCHITOCHES:
Willie Piece
June 8, 2020
Mr. Piece will lie instate Saturday, June 20th from 9am-11am for a walk thru viewing. Due to COVID-19, there will be no congregating allowed and everyone must wear a face covering. A private homegoing celebration and final masonic rites will be held at 11am for immediate family only. All services will be held at the Abundant Life Church in Natchitoches.

SABINE:
Shanda Renee Malmay
September 22, 1965 – June 15, 2020
Service: Friday, June 19 at 10 am at St. Ann Catholic Church

James (Jimmy) Hurd
November 11, 1964 – June 16, 2020
Service: Saturday, June 20 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle

WINN:
P. J. Turner
June 17, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Douglas Ray Thompson
September 05, 1953 – June 14, 2020
Service: Friday, June 19 at 10 am in Thompson-Sharron Cemetery of Sikes

Joann Henson
June 11, 2020
COVID19 restrictions regarding attendance, social distancing and wearing of facial masks will govern the funeral service at the Winnfield Funeral Home Chapel, 117 MLK Dr., Winnfield, LA 71483 Saturday, June 20, 2020, 2 p. m. Burial will follow in the Saline Grove Cemetery in the Calvin Community. The visitation will take place one hour before service time.

A Special Called Meeting of the Natchitoches Parish School Board will be held TONIGHT, June 18 at 5 p.m at the School Board office on Royal Street. The meeting is being conducted electronically and can be viewed by going to

http://www.natchitochesparishjournal.com

or

http://www.facebook.com/NPJNatLa

Comments from the public will be received until the start of the meeting at 5 p.m. Comments must be on a specific agenda item. Send an email to: npsb@nat.k12.la.us or submit comments using the public comments link on our home page. Submitting a comment will generate an email to the Natchitoches Parish School Board which will be read when the appropriate agenda item is being discussed.

The lone agenda item is to consider a social media policy for the Natchitoches Parish School Board.

Rhodes Realty is excited to announce its expansion into Central Louisiana by opening a new office in Pineville.

Candace Selman, Associate Broker and Team Leader for the Pineville location is a resident of Woodworth and a CENLA native. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

She has worked in the housing industry since 2002 dealing mainly with financing and new construction. Candace obtained her Real Estate license in 2015. She was Rookie of the Year for the Central Louisiana Board of Realtors in 2016 and received the Top Producers award in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019!

“Expanding is in our DNA at Rhodes Realty, and we look forward to serving the Pineville and Alexandria community on a larger scale with our new brick and mortar location in Pineville,” said Rhodes Realty CEO Rodrick McIntosh. “With strong Team Leads/Associate Brokers like Candace it really helps make this process seamless! We couldn’t do it without our strong Team Leads and Agents who make it all possible.”

The Pineville office currently has 6 agents working out of it, but they’re looking to expand the team.

“CENLA is a great area for raising families,” said Selman, who feels this is thanks to the area’s churches, schools, and overall small town atmosphere.

From the agents she works with, to the Rhodes Realty family, and the Pineville community, Selman said she feels like she’s got a village behind her. This also applies to clients as well, because when you shop for your next home with Rhodes Realty you become part of the family.

“I’m a people person and I love seeing the excitement on the faces of first time home buyers when we close on a house,” said Selman. “Everyday is different in this job and we get to spend a lot of time with our clients and really get to know them. I’m looking forward to growing with the Rhodes Realty team.”

The Pineville office is located at 3340 Military Highway in Pineville. For more information call 318-238-3733. Other Rhodes Realty locations include Natchitoches, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Monroe and Ruston.

The Coach De Foundation is a nonprofit organization designed to be used as a vehicle to bring resources to underserved or low income neighborhoods. The Coach De Foundation was founded in May of 2019 by De’Andrea “Coach De” Sanders, a local community advocate. The Coach De Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides programming to underserved neighborhoods. The foundation currently hosts Coach De’s Closets which are events that provide food, clothes, hygiene products and shoes to the community for free at local parks. The foundation provides school supplies (shoes and uniforms) to local youth and participates in other local nonprofit events by providing crafts as well.

The Coach De Foundation will be giving away free food, clothes, shoes, and hygiene products at the upcoming Coach De’s Closet! Coach De’s Closet will have two locations:

June 19, 2020

Ben Johnson Park (616 MLK Drive) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Ross Williams Park (1401 Dean Street.) from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The foundation has clothing and shoes in all sizes. There is no requirement to receive donations. Early arrival is recommended.

To donate, contact De’Andrea “Coach De” Sanders at (225) 244-3291 or thecoachdefoundation@gmail.com.

Keep up with the foundation by following:
Instagram: @TheCoachDeFoundation
Facebook: The Coach De Foundation
Youtube: The Coach De Foundation

District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced that a grand jury has returned true bill indictments for three Natchitoches Parish people for murder and attempted murder.

The grand jury indicted Jessie Petite, Jr., 21, and Daerieon Latchie, 17, both of Natchitoches, each with 2 counts of 1st degree murder and 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder.

The grand jury also indicted Jaleel Tousant, 22, of Natchitoches, 2 counts of principal to 1st degree murder and 1 count of principal to attempted 1st degree murder.

The indictments stem from the January 27 homicides of Larry Batiste and Hiram Phillips, Jr. and attempted homicide of Briana Roberson on Short 7th Street in Natchitoches.

The defendants will be arraigned on the charges at an upcoming court date.

“We are pleased with the grand jury’s indictments and are prepared to move forward with the prosecution of these cases,” said District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington.

Juneteenth Celebration “Break every Chain” is about two things: (1) helping bridge the gap between the community and the law enforcement that serves the community to help solve “unsolved” murders and (2) Fighting for justice and equality for all.

We recognize that Juneteenth is one of the most important days in the history of the African American experience. We will educate our children on the importance of this holiday. 100 Black Men and Unheard Voices are non-political community organizations and are not funded by any outside funds. We deliberately take this stance so no one can “dictate” who or what issues we decide to attack.

Join Trini & Ashley LIVE this morning for Mystery Sound Cash Contest.  Your chance to win begins at 7 am on 94.9 The River.

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(Shreveport, LA) – United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) has been awarded $20,000 from Hancock Whitney Bank to support the United for NWLA Fund, the organization’s COVID-19 emergency response fund.

“United Way is fortunate to receive the continued support of our corporate partners,” says Dr. Bruce Willson, Jr., president and CEO of UWNWLA. “We are very grateful to Hancock Whitney for their support of ALICE families struggling to stay in their homes during this difficult time.”

The funds from Hancock Whitney will provide rental assistance to households currently struggling due to the pandemic. Families can request assistance through the United for NWLA Fund and United Way’s 211 Information and Resource Helpline, a program that connects callers to other nonprofit and governmental resources, such as food pantries, rental assistances, health and mental health care. 211 also coordinates access to emergency and disaster resources during times of crisis.

Hancock Whitney Market President Rhonda Jones said the bank’s commitment to housing relief and legal services comes at a critical time, as many local communities across Hancock Whitney’s banking footprint have begun, or will soon begin, to lift rental and eviction moratoriums.

“Over the past few months, we have been faced with unprecedented impacts to our local, state, and national economies,” said Jones. “At Hancock Whitney, our institution is anchored in values, reinforced with resilience, and focused on opportunity. It is important to us that we partner with local organizations to help preserve the incomes of our neighbors, so they have every opportunity to recover.”

During the COVID-19 emergency, crisis calls into 211 call centers have more than doubled. During the past four months, 211 has serviced more than 75,000 calls for help. Louisiana Association of United Ways, Louisiana Department of Health, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are all promoting 211 as the place for up-to-date resources, including COVID information and assistance.