December 24th, 2020

As a child growing up in East Texas, I can remember the anticipation of Santa making his annual visit to the Graf household. There’s something special about being a kid and still believing the man in the red suit is coming to MY house tonight. I remember trying to decide what time to go to bed? Would I finally be able to get a glimpse of the man himself? What would really happen if he saw me? Is it true that if he see’s you awake, he won’t leave any presents? Would I get all the gifts I had asked for? Was I good enough for the whole year or just the month of December? All day you had the anxiety of Santa’s coming tonight!

Now that all those questions have been answered, let me continue by taking you back to my days as a young boy. My Christmas lists were always long and full of your typical boy toys…G.I. Joe, bicycle, BB gun, football or basketball, bow and arrows, my first wrist watch and oh and fresh underwear that mom thought I need every year! Then one year I got the best gift ever…my first shotgun! It was at this Christmas my dad decided to hand me down his old Remington Wingmaster 870 20 gauge shotgun that his dad gave him. To this day, nothing has ever topped that and probably nothing ever will. It was then official, at the ripe old age of 10, I was a hunter now with my own shotgun! Nothing else in the world mattered that day other than how quick I needed to get to the woods and kill a few squirrels or maybe sneak up over the dam on one of our ranch ponds and pot shot a duck or two. Over the years I’ve killed a many a squirrel, a buck or two, lots of ducks and even a few dove and quail with that gun. The full choke barrel is not the best for dove or quail but I’ve made it work. Today, 49 years later that gun is still as special too me as it was the day I got it. Not because of all the wildlife I’ve taken with it, but the fact that my dad and granddad used this same gun to put wild game on their tables. Every time I pick up this gun for any reason, I feel that special bond between me and the two men that held it before.

Well let us fast forward 50 years later. Today it’s still amazing to me the spirit of Christmas is still alive with anticipation but it has a whole different meaning now. Our kids are all grown and gone but they all make it home for Christmas and we’ll reminisce about Christmas’s gone by. As a parent you always wanted to get your kids what they asked for and most of the time, we made that happen. You hope as a parent that you did a good job of making their Christmas’s special. But during all our time looking back, not one time did they mention a gift they had received or not received. We tried to teach our kids that Christmas is not about the gifts you receive but more about spending time with family and friends. Today, the gifts are nice and all but we’ve decided it’s more important in how we spend this time together. Playing games with cousins and grand parents and the most important part…eating! Now I’m not a sweets guy, I’m more about the turkey and dressing but for the rest of my family, it’s all about the dessert table. That’s right, I said dessert table… that’s got more sugar on it than a sugar cane field can grow in one year. But with each passing Christmas, we have learned to appreciate still getting everyone together.

But this Christmas, things will be a little different, Covid 19 has invaded our world and turned it upside down. Even this past Thanksgiving we were not able to get together like we have before. Social distancing has become the new norm and we will find different ways to celebrate even if we can’t all be together. But, by not having this special time together, maybe it will make us appreciate it more when we all get the vaccine and can once again come together as family. In the mean time, we’ll have to find other ways to communicate like Zoom meetings and face timing each other in order to celebrate this Christmas season. Who knows maybe letter writing will make a return. Probably not because we’re too lazy now to do that and most of the young people today can barely write their name thanks to computers. I’ll wrap this up by saying “Merry Christmas” everyone and I hope each of you have a special holiday season! To all the anglers out there, “Don’t forget to set the hook!”

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show

I would like to wish all of our Natchitoches Central High School parents, students and friends a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.

I would like to acknowledge the contribution of staff, parents and students to NCHS in 2020.

Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful ideas in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” This is certainly the case as a principal. The reality is that the learning experiences and projects that have taken place this year could not have happened without a great deal of commitment and support from our staff, parents and students.

The staff is to be applauded for the way in which they have embraced the changes caused by the Pandemic that have altered everyday life in our world. They have implemented the challenges of conducting school in the Pandemic era. I am privileged to be a part of a school with highly capable and committed teachers and support staff. There has never been a time when being a teacher has been more demanding or challenging. To our teachers and support staff, thank you for your energy, passion and enthusiasm. It is a privilege to be able to witness the joy that comes with the understanding or satisfaction of solving problems and living new adventures in learning by the Chief family.

The teachers are privileged each day to participate in their students’ academic journeys. They recognize and applaud just how hard their students work. They celebrate their students’ achievements whether they be great or small.

This year we have celebrated many successful school events such as the Class of 2020 graduation conducted in July on the turf of Turpin Stadium. These seniors missed a lot of joy that is included in the last months of a normal Senior year. I have anguished over the loss of special memories for the Class of 2020. Best wishes for this exceptional group of young adults. The success of this event would not be possible without staff, parents and students working together collaboratively.

When I reflect on my time as principal of what I consider to be the most awesome school in the state of Louisiana, I have many memories. The road has had bumps and many challenges along the way. The rewards have far outweighed the challenges. All of the experiences of this year have contributed to making our staff and students stronger.

Merry Christmas to all and have a safe and happy holiday season.

Bill Gordy
GO CHIEFS

PULLMAN, Washington – The Northwestern State men’s basketball team defended as well as it has all year Wednesday afternoon against Washington State.

While the Demons played solid defense, Washington State did as well and utilized a large advantage at the free throw line to slip past Northwestern State, 62-52, inside a fanless Beasley Coliseum.

“I think we had better ball movement in the second half,” head coach Mike McConathy said. “We got really solid play out of a host of guys. We had to mix it up on some. LT (LaTerrance Reed) did a good job. Dalin Williams was extremely active. We got so far down and battled back. I told them (at halftime), tonight you’ve scored 16 and last night you scored 17.”

For the second straight night, as they closed out a stretch of three games in as many days, the Demons (1-10) scuffled offensively in the first half and found themselves down, 27-16, at the break after shooting 18 percent (6 for 32) from the field.

Washington State (8-0) fared only slightly better offensively, hitting just 35.7 percent (10 for 28) from the field in the first half and then going 8-for-27 (29.6 percent) in the second half.

The Cougars were able to maintain their double-figure lead by caravanning to the free throw line. Washington State got to the line 35 times, 28 more than Northwestern State, and the Cougars converted. Washington State hit 23 its 35 tries, including a streak of 13 straight to open the second half.

That pronounced difference at the line helped the Cougars overcome a Demon defense that did not allow a field goal across the final 4:41 of the game. At that point, the Cougars had a 56-46 lead.

Washington State kept the Demons off balance as well, switching to a zone late in the second half.

“That was the turning point in the game,” McConathy said. “We were rolling, coming back and they went to the zone. They got really, really big. They sat their smaller guards. We didn’t have a guy who could operate and get a bucket in the paint. Their length really bothered us all night. LT had a great driving shot where he challenged the big guy, but we didn’t get enough of them.”

The Demons appeared to cut the lead to six with a little more than a minute to play when it was ruled Jovan Zelenbaba touched the ball in the cylinder. After a short review the call stood, keeping Washington State up nine.

For the second straight game, the Demons enjoyed a strong start to the second half as Trenton Massner and Jairus Roberson connected on 3-pointers.

Northwestern State hit 52 percent of its shots early in the second half before running out of gas.

Roberson knocked down four 3-pointers for the third straight game, finishing with a team-high 14 points. He was the lone Demon in double figure while Efe Abogidi paced Washington State with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Larry Owens just missed a double-double for Northwestern State, scoring nine points and grabbing a season-best 10 rebounds.

Behind twin 12-rebound performances from Abogidi and Andrej Jakimovski, the Cougars outrebounded NSU by 11, leading to a 21-8 advantage in second-chance points as the Demons dropped their final non-conference game of the season.

“Think about the improvement we made against high-quality teams,” McConathy said. “We got great growth out of Larry Owens. Dalin Williams’ play today, he was very active. I thought Jamaure Gregg battled. Slim (Roberson) and Trenton did some good things. Carvell gave us a lift. If we come out and play like we did in the second half of the last two games, we’ll be good.”

The Demons are off until Jan. 2 when they conclude a season-long, six-game road trip in their Southland Conference opener at Houston Baptist. Tipoff for that game is set for 7 p.m. inside Sharp Gymnasium.

 

Position: Water & Sewer Department – Maintenance Mechanic I

Description: Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance work and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water, sewer and storm drainage facilities and systems.

Qualifications: Must be able to acquire a LA Water or Sewer Operator Certification. Applicants that already have certification are preferred and will be eligible for an increased pay rate.

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, Natchitoches, LA or you can download an application at http://www.natchitochesla.gov

Deadline: Applications will be accepted through January 6, 2021.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NATCHITOCHES:
Jayen Smith
September 11, 2001 – December 23, 2020
Service: Arrangements TBA

Phillip A. Johnson
May 26, 1954 – December 21, 2020
Service: Saturday, December 26 at 11 am at Gorum Cemetery

Lois Kerry
January 21, 1961 – December 20, 2020
Service: Monday, December 28 at 12 pm at Emmanuel Cemetery, located at 2260 Emmanuel Road in Chopin

Joseph Antee
December 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Willie Brown
January 8, 1965 – December 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Bobby Jean Parker
August 9, 1955 – December 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

McTavish Raymond
June 22, 1972 – December 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Richard Williams
December 17, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Sophia Willoughby Washington
December 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Elijah Calhoun
February 11, 1960 – December 11, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Martha Ann Esters
July 13, 1951 – December 22, 2020
Service: Sunday, December 27 at 1 pm at Southern Funeral Home

Faris Cooper Wyatt
February 27, 1931 – December 20, 2020
Service: Saturday, December 26 at 2 pm at the Southern Funeral Home Chapel

RED RIVER:
Elsie Pauline Harrison
September 02, 1935 – December 21, 2020
Service: Sunday, December 27 at 1 pm at Thomas-Wren Cemetery

Join David Stamey, Billy West and Doug Ireland this morning at 7am right here on the Natchitoches Parish Journal for a LIVE discussion of the upcoming High School Football State Championship.

Our Guests include:
Dr. Chris Maggio
Eric Held
Ronnie Williams
Greg Burke

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association State Football Championship will be played right here at Turpin Stadium December 27 through December 30th in beautiful Natchitoches.

Ronnie’s Collision Center is the product of a dream and a whole lot of hard work. Ronnie and Karen Poche opened their business in 1998 after Ronnie retired from 30 years of dirt racing Super Late Models. Though he traveled across the country to compete, he and Karen stayed firmly planted in their hometown of Natchitoches.

Ronnie Poche’s shop, DBA Ronnie’s Collision Center, is still operating at 209 Ralph Street in Natchitoches.

Ronnie got his first taste of mechanic work at a young age. His passion was passed down from his father, who Ronnie would help in the shop behind their home. When he started driving, he continued working on vehicles.

“It was always our dream to own our own business,” said Karen, who worked for Dr. Brazeale for 46 years. When the Collision Center opened, she doubled down on managerial work to run the front desk at the shop as well.

They also made plenty of time for family, which includes their two daughters and three grandchildren.

“It’s kept both of us pretty busy but we’ve continued to work hard,” Karen shared.

When they first opened, there were very few collision centers in town. Ronnie thought he could fit the bill for the mechanic industry and build a better life for his family in the process. Today, Ronnie’s Collision Center offers collision repair and body work, expert painting, and windshield repair and replacement. It helps that they have wonderful employees that work as a great team, certified technicians and a great manager, Johnny Overstreet. The Collision Center is fully insured and work is guaranteed.

When a customer picks up their car, they’re often surprised to find it washed and detailed.

“We take pride in our services and the cars that leave our shop,” said Ronnie. “It’s just one more part of the quality of work we do.”

Through the years, Ronnie and Karen have enjoyed living in Natchitoches and being a part of the community. The Collision Center has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2007, and a sponsor of Natchitoches’ annual Classic Car Show. They also support Northwestern State University and other local businesses in an effort to grow the local economy.

“Our business has grown every year, but for us it’s about more than that,” said Ronnie, who has trained countless employees through the years with the necessary skills to excel in the mechanic field.

“It’s part running a business and part educating the next generation to carry on the torch,” he added.

And when you’re running a business you’re in charge of everything from setting the rat traps to making sure every customer leaves satisfied.

Ronnie knows cars from the ground up, ask any customer.

Taking things a step further, Ronnie’s Classic Rods operates in the back of the shop with the help of John “Red” Wallace, a top notch classic car technician. This allows Ronnie to pursue his love of cars in two ways. While the Collision Center is full throttle on repairing vehicles, Ronnie’s Classic Rods breathes new life into classic cars.

“It’s important for us to see the smile on our customers’ faces when a job is finished,” said Karen. “It’s especially rewarding when we run into people on the weekends or after hours and they come up to us and thank us for how great their car looks. It means the world to us.”

Ronnie’s Collision Center is still located at 209 Ralph Street, serving customers from 8 am – 5 pm, 5 days a week.

For more information call 318-352-5959. All insurances are accepted. Call today for a free estimate.

NATCHITOCHES – The time of the game was the same as was the opponent.

The Northwestern State men’s basketball team’s performance on either side of halftime could not have been more different.

Facing the No. 1 team in the country for the second straight night Tuesday, the Demons shook off a dismal first half to deliver a virtuoso second-half offensive surge before falling 95-78 to No. 1 Gonzaga inside the McCarthey Athletic Center.

“We decided to play basketball,” head coach Mike McConathy said of the differences in the two halves. “We let some guys sit and watch who didn’t come out ready to play. They decided to come and play. It helped that Slim (Jairus Roberson) came out hot. It helped that Larry (Owens) was really good the first 1:41 of the second half. We fed off that.

“Defensively, they missed some shots. We made some shots. We held them to eight offensive boards versus 18 a night ago. We still left a lot on the table. The stat of the game is we had one turnover in the second half.”

Trailing 43-17 at the half, the Demons (1-9) produced a remarkable final 20 minutes of offense, shooting 60 percent (24-for-40) from the field in the second half.

Northwestern State was even more efficient from 3-point range, connecting on 10 of 13 long-range shots in the second half while committing only one turnover. NSU’s 61 points were the most scored against Gonzaga (6-0) in a half since 2010.

That offensive efficiency allowed the Demons to trim their 26-point halftime deficit to 11 with 6:58 to play, and it came from up and down the NSU roster.

Jairus Roberson sparked the second-half uprising, sinking his first three shots of the half en route to a 15-point second half in which he went 4-for-6 from 3-point range. After playing just three minutes each in the first half, Roberson and Trenton Massner (14) combined for 29 of the Demons’ 61 second-half points.

“It was by design, because I didn’t think they came to play,” McConathy said. “Jairus was amazing. He was 4-for-6 from 3. He made his first three shots of the second half. Then it got tough, and they started face-guarding him. What it did was it opened up driving lanes everywhere else. It was a heck of an effort. I’m really proud of the guys.”

Gonzaga built its 26-point halftime lead by overwhelming the Demons inside and taking advantage of 16 first-half NSU turnovers.

The Zags tallied 34 points in the paint in the first half, outscoring the Demons by 30 in the first 20 minutes. The 16 NSU turnovers turned into 17 Gonzaga points.

NSU reduced that advantage to 12 in the second half, but Drew Timme proved to be the difference.

Timme sank 10 of 15 shots, finishing with a game-high 25 points.

“We didn’t have an answer for him,” McConathy said. “When we made our run, they’d just throw it into him.”

For the second half, the Zags had little answer for the Demons. In addition to Roberson and Massner, Owens had eight of his 10 points in the second half while Jovan Zelenbaba added 11 of his 14 in the second half.

Zelenbaba was a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range as the Demons shot 50 percent from long distance, connecting on a season-best 12 3-pointers.

Five Demons finished in double figures, a season high. In addition to Roberson, Massner, Owens and Zelenbaba, Gregg chipped in 11 points.

“It was pretty special, considering who you’re playing,” McConathy said. “When we went really, really small, Jamaure (Gregg) and Larry did an unbelievable job in the post. Larry was a beast down there. Brian White came in and gave us something that created a problem. They had a guarding down issue. Yeah, you got beat by the best team in the country, but you went out and competed.”

The Demons conclude a stretch of five games in six days with a 4 p.m. Central matchup at Washington State on Wednesday. That will be the first meeting between the Cougars and Demons.

Photo: Jamaure Gregg takes a shot during NSU’s loss to No. 1 Gonzaga on Tuesday night. Credit: Torrey Vail/Gonzaga Athletics

 

NSULA– Gary Reasons first made a name for himself on the playing field at Turpin Stadium.

A three-time All-American and College Football Hall of Fame inductee based on his exploits as a Demon, Reasons will enjoy another homecoming when the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Prep Classic takes place on the Northwestern State campus Dec. 27-30.

Reasons will be the color analyst for all nine Louisiana state high school championship football games that will be replayed on Cox Sports Television. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, Reasons has served as the color analyst on numerous television broadcasts involving his alma mater.

“What a tremendous honor it is to be broadcasting all nine LSHAA state championship games this year, and it is extra special that this year the games will be played at Northwestern State,” Reasons said. “I remember seeing Natchitoches and Demonland as a high school athlete and I know the players competing, fans attending, and those viewing our telecasts will enjoy the games, the scenics we’ll show, and hopefully some of my personal thoughts on what should be a tremendous slate of games.”

Reasons will be joined on the broadcast crew by Jeff Palermo (play by play) and Ronnie Rantz (sideline).

Like Reasons, Rantz shares Natchitoches ties, serving as the President and CEO of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. The foundation provides financial and marketing support to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, located in downtown Natchitoches, while also hosting statewide events that raise awareness of the brand of the hall.

The four-day Prep Classic kicks off with two games Sunday – the Class 2A championship between Many and Kinder at 1 p.m. and the Division I championship between C.E. Byrd of Shreveport and Catholic-Baton Rouge at 6 p.m.

Brian and Teri Lewis’ faith brought them to Natchitoches over a year ago from Detroit, Mich. When it came to finding employment, their path was clear. Looking for a way to work for themselves, Brian and Teri found there was a niche market for cleaning services, focusing on windows.

“We strive to not use any harmful chemicals in our process,” said Brian. “Using water fed technology where possible gives windows a spotless finish.”

However, their skillset extends far beyond glass surfaces.

This husband and wife team offers residential and commercial cleaning from the outside, to the inside. They will clean a home’s exterior from the driveway to the gutters. Get the most out of your solar panels by having them cleaned properly to allow for maximum light absorption. They’ll even dust those too-high-to-reach ceilings. Say goodbye to that pesky mold in your shower with Let’s B Clear’s shower door cleaning services.

Is your honey-do list a mile long? Let’s B Clear offers light carpentry and electrical work in case you need to check off installing a new light fixture or repairing that cabinet drawer that always sticks.

Their business is going well so far and is allowing them to be self supported and work with a flexible schedule. They’ve enjoyed getting to know their new home and now they’re ready to get to know you! Call now to set up a one-time cleaning, schedule your regular cleaning, or customize a plan that better fits your schedule.

“It’s our desire to give the best service possible,” said Teri. “We strive to go above and beyond for our customers. No matter if it’s a home or a business, we give 5 star service to all.”

Call Let’s B Clear at 318-431-0303 to receive your FREE estimate or go online to letsbclearwindowwashing.com for more information.

BATON ROUGE- As another fireworks sales season begins, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) wants to encourage all Louisiana residents to not only be safe when using fireworks, but knowledgeable when buying them and prepared if considering attending a public fireworks display during this pandemic.

Ordinarily, the SFM would encourage families to choose to enjoy public fireworks displays over creating their own. However, many public fireworks displays are either being canceled or altered due to the concerns over COVID-19. In the event a public display is still being offered in your area, and your family is considering attending, make sure every member of your household wears a face covering, aim to provide your own seating and ensure that seating is spaced six feet from the nearest individual or group of individuals.

If your family has, instead, chosen to purchase fireworks in order to stay safer at home, ideally with only the members of your household, know that there is no prohibition on the sale of retail fireworks at the state level as a result of COVID-19. However, state law does still require wholesale and retail fireworks business operators to be appropriately licensed by the SFM in the parishes and municipalities where they are legally allowed. The sales season extends through January 1.

A retail fireworks business falls under the Modified Phase 2 guidance for “Shopping Malls/Retail Stores,” which details requirements such as a maximum limit of 50% of the total capacity of the structure or tent while maintaining a social distance of six feet between employees and customers, the wearing of face coverings by employees and customers as well as explicit sanitation requirements. The full guidance can be accessed on OpenSafely.la.gov. For businesses that operate with counter sales only, where fireworks are displayed and sold from behind a counter, requirements include maintaining a distance of six feet between customers and the wearing of face masks by employees and customers, especially when interacting. Owners should also maintain access to hand sanitizer for employees and customers engaged in sales which require the handling of money, credit cards, etc.

Lastly, we want everyone to enjoy fireworks in the safest way possible. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure

fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.

To avoid becoming part of these statistics, the SFM advises:

Detonating devices at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles and rubbish
Never allowing children to light fireworks
Never operating fireworks while impaired
Lighting devices one at a time and monitoring embers released with a bucket of water or hose nearby
Discarding detonated items by wetting them down to prevent reignition and not disposing of them in a trash container immediately

All Parish Government offices, as well as the Parish landfill, will be closed Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Bin sites in the Parish will close only on Friday, December 25. Questions about the closures may be directed to the Parish Government offices at 318-352-2714.

Gov. John Bel Edwards extended his modified Phase Two order on Dec. 22, including Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate, to January 13, 2021, as hospitalizations have exceeded the level reached during the second surge in July.

The Governor also declared an emergency for the elections in February, March and April of next year, per a request from the Secretary of State.

“While we have seen minor improvements, no one should feel good about our current COVID situation in Louisiana. We have too many new cases, too many people in the hospital and, sadly, too many Louisianans continue to die of this illness. Just this week, we reported the highest number of deaths since July. Aggressive mitigation is recommended by Louisiana’s public health experts and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and it is absolutely critical that all of our people take every action they can to slow the spread of COVID,” Gov. Edwards said. “All Louisianans are at risk, but those who are 65 or older or who have health conditions that make it more likely that they will have severe COVID complications should be incredibly careful in the coming days and weeks and should avoid any indoor place other than their home where there is not universal masking.

“I cannot stress this enough: the holidays this year simply cannot look the same as they have in previous years,” Gov. Edwards said. “Having holiday parties where people from various households gather together, especially indoors, is dangerous and could lead to the spread of COVID and the loss of family members and friends. This year has been tragic and sad and we finally have the hope of better therapeutics and a vaccine, which means the end of the pandemic is in our sights. Now is not the time to let down our guard simply because it is Christmas or New Year’s Eve.”

Gov. Edwards’ extended order will be in place through January 13, 2021.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.
All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
Retail businesses may open at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household, whichever is less.
Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.

NATCHITOCHES:
Louise Posey Booty
July 02, 1938 – December 19, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church of Coushatta

Barbara Nell Jordan
June 04, 1949 – December 20, 2020
Service: Tuesday, December 29 at 2 p.m. at Rocky Mount Church

Joseph Antee
December 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Bobby Gene Dalme
May 22, 1938 – December 19, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 30 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Eva Lee Antilley Beasley
September 25, 1927 – December 20, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 2 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

Willie Brown
January 8, 1965 – December 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Reva Darlene Dalton
August 10, 1959 – December 18, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 30 from 5-7 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Clyde Shoemaker
February 04, 1934 – December 19, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 10 am at Hickory Grove Congregational Methodist Church in Robeline

Bobby Jean Parker
August 9, 1955 – December 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

McTavish Raymond
June 22, 1972 – December 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Richard Williams
December 17, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Sophia Willoughby Washington
December 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Elijah Calhoun
February 11, 1960 – December 11, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Faris Cooper Wyatt
February 27, 1931 – December 20, 2020
Service: Saturday, December 26 at 2 pm at the Southern Funeral Home Chapel

Cheryl Caskey Walters
September 20, 1949 – December 20, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 2 pm at Gloryway Church

Mary Fitzgerald
May 22, 1940 – December 19, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 10 am at Corinth Tabernacle Cemetery

Sherri Stroud Davison
February 29, 1948 – December 19, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 11 am in the St. Maurice cemetery

RED RIVER:
Glenn Curtiss McElwee
September 26, 1927 – December 21, 2020
Service: Wednesday, December 23 at 3 pm at Bethany Cemetery in Coushatta

Elsie Pauline Harrison
September 02, 1935 – December 21, 2020
Service: Sunday, December 27 at 1 pm at Thomas-Wren Cemetery

Residents of the Village of Goldonna will have an opportunity on March 20, 2021 to vote on a 1% sales tax for a term of 10 years for the purpose of maintenance, repair and improvement of roads, including attendant drainage and traffic controls.

A resolution to put the proposition on the ballot was passed by the Mayor and Board of Alderman at the Village’s November 9 meeting and was approved by the State Bond Commission on December 17. If passed, the sales tax will go into effect on July 1. It is anticipated that the tax will generate approximately $18,589 annually with all monies collected going directly to the maintenance of roads within the Village of Goldonna.

Natchitoches Parish School Board President Billy Benefield and Board Vice President Steven Harris came before the Parish Council at its Monday night meeting, Dec. 21 to present a proclamation to the Council regarding the repair of dangerous roads throughout the Parish.

“It’s a safety issue getting children to and from school,” said Benefield. He added that school buses struggle to safely travel down the roads and many end up getting stuck.

“We just want to be in partnership with you all [the Parish Council] to help,” said Harris.

The following groups are in support of the proclamation to advise Council to repair roads in Parish and get funds to do so.

Natchitoches Parish School Board
Natchitoches Parish Communications District
Town of Campti
Ecco Ride Bus Company
Greater Central Louisiana Realtors Association
Village of Natchez
Village of Goldonna
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office
Women’s Resource Center
Village of Ashland
Ashland Volunteer Fire Department
Natchitoches Fire District No. 1 and 2

This proclamation gives the Parish Government documentation to show the need to repair the roads. The plan is to present the proclamation to legislative representatives on every level to try and secure additional funding to improve the road situation in Natchitoches Parish.

SEE PROCLAMATION BELOW

“I appeared before the Council a few years ago to talk about the condition of the roads and nothing has changed,” said Benefield. “Shame on you for that.”

Council member Chris Paige made the motion to add the proclamation to the agenda, which was seconded by Marty Cheatwood.

In other business, as part of the Office of Community Service report, Senior Companion Director Rodney Irchirl addressed the Council to tell them about $15,000 they received for the augmentation of the Senior Program in Natchitoches Parish. Some of the money will be used to purchase PPE to help senior companions when they go out to see their senior clients.

The Senior Program purchased 15 iPads. Some will be put in the hands of volunteers and some in the hands of senior clients as well to try and decrease loneliness and increase social interaction.

A familiar agenda item was brought up at the meeting yet again. Parish Council member Jim Kilcoyne made a motion to table Ordinance 019-2020 to amend the Natchitoches Parish Personnel Manual to provide that, effective January 1, 2021 the job position of Council Clerk is a part-time position, and to set the salary for that part-time position. Council members Paige, John Salter and Cheatwood voted against tabling this item.

Council member Patsy Ward Hoover brought up a meeting between Kilcoyne and Parish President John Richmond where they discussed giving the Council Clerk some additional responsibilities which would make her position full-time.

“We’ve beat this up for half the year,” said Paige. “We’ve got bigger fish to be frying up here.”

Hoover made a motion to remove the item from the agenda completely and Paige seconded. The Council approved removing this item from the agenda.

In other business, the Council announced its intention to ​consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in Sales Tax District No. 1 of the Parish of Natchitoches, State of Louisiana, to authorize the levy of a sales and use tax at its January 19, 2021 meeting at 5:30 pm.

A sales and use tax voted on by Parish residents in 2010 is set to expire December 31, 2020, ​which will result in the loss of funds specifically dedicated to the Parish’s solid waste fund. Since no ballot initiative was put before the voters in 2020, a new tax will have to be approved by the voters in 2021.

The initiative will be sent to the State Bond Commission for approval. Once approved at the state level, the initiative can be placed on the April 24, 2021 ballot.  If voters approve the collection of this new tax to fund the solid waste department, the tax will become effective on July 1, 2021.

According to the Parish president, while the expiration of the tax will result in the loss of funds for the first half of 2021, there will be no interruption of services provided by the solid waste department. All bin sites will remain open and Parish residents will still be able to dump trash and limbs at the landfill free of charge.

After being asking by Paige during Monday night’s meeting Parish Treasurer Julie Lockhart did confirm that if the tax doesn’t pass in April the Parish Government will then be facing a lot of cuts.

“If we start collecting this tax again in July we will be good,” she said. The Parish will receive its last tax money in January in the amount of $250,000-300,000. The estimated revenue decrease from January to July while the tax isn’t collected is expected to be $950,000. There’s $654,000 in salaries for solid waste department covering 47 total employees.

In the proposed budget amendment, Lockhart reduced the amount of money to be transferred to the Solid Waste Fund from the Sales Tax Fund by $200,000. The proposed budget amendment recommends decreasing the following line items to the amounts listed below:

Equipment Purchases (Solid Waste 103 Fund)- $45,000
Trash Contract (Solid Waste 103 Fund)- $130,000
Capital Expense Building (Solid Waste 103 Fund)- $25,000
Total Decrease- $200,000

Lockhart said with the projected numbers, the sales tax fund should end 2021 with $500,000. The Parish is expected to go into January with $1.6 million in cash reserves.

Other agenda items included:

Show support for the Louisiana Legislature to pass legislation which will invest in the installation of high-speed internet for rural Louisiana.

Confirm re-appointment of Dennis Broadway to the Natchitoches Fire District 7 Board

Confirm appointment of Patt Todd to the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission

Introduce Ordinance 020-2020 to affect zoning exception to the I-A Industry-Agriculture District zoning classification for a .500-acre tract of land, parcel #0040081700 for the purpose of establishing a family cemetery

Introduce Ordinance 021-2020 for 2021 Budget Amendments for the Sales Tax Fund, Solid Waste Fund and the Highway Fund

Sign agreements with the Natchitoches Humane Society and Hope for Paws for $5,000 per organization for the 2021 Budget Year

Award bid for Fish Hatchery Road Project to Regional Construction in the amount of $2,055,205.78, which is lower than the engineer’s estimate of over $2.6 million

Change Jan. 18 regular meeting date to Jan. 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King Day

Change Feb. 15 regular meeting date to Feb. 16 due to President’s Day

Approve Change Order No. 2 for a net cost of $11.10 associated with the change order for Payne Subdivision Phase 2 Road Resurfacing of streets

Approve Change Order No. 3 for revised method of base course construction on Cheri Loop. This will provide for cleaning a short section of the existing natural outfall channel that parallels Cheri Loop Drive. This will decrease in the amount of 71-cents for a revised contract amount of $893,449

Award insurances for the Parish including but not limited to Worker’s Compensation, auto, inland marine, cyber security, property, and public officials liability

Award bids for the following highway items:
Tires- Despino’s Tires
Culverts- Coastal Culverts
Silty Clay Soil- FFT Trucking
Crushed Stone 610 Base- Madden Contractors
Stone Rip Rap 301lb- Madden Contractors
Stone Rip Rap 3X5- Madden Contractors
HP Cold Mix- Madden Contractors
Base Coarse Aggregate SB2- Madden Contractors

The COVID pandemic has forced many changes in the normal course of life. The members of the Natchitoches Dreams Scholarship Foundation have traditionally hosted a toy drive for needy families in our community during the Christmas season. Safety concerns precluded the drive from being held this year. That did not stop the men and women of the Natchitoches Dreams Scholarship Foundation from finding a new way to help people in our city who need a helping hand at Christmastime.

Board President Cloyd Benjamin, Chairwoman Sylvia Davenport and the board members of the foundation are assisting 12 local families with turkeys and other groceries needed for Christmas dinners. The families will also receive presents for their children. Rev. Brian Small, pastor of Goodwill Baptist Church, hosted the members of the Natchitoches Dreams Scholarship Foundation at his church hall as they assembled the colorfully wrapped holiday food boxes and gave them to the families, Monday, December 21.

The Natchitoches Dreams Scholarship Foundation is a force for good in our community. For over 15 years, they have worked to make sure each child will have something under the tree at Christmas. In addition, the foundation’s college scholarships have helped many students over the years achieve their dreams and make their family’s tomorrows be better than their todays. Our community is a far better place as a result of their efforts.

The Natchitoches Dreams Scholarship Foundation is always looking for people who wish to build the families and youth of our community. If you wish to donate your time, money, goods or services to their worthy work, please contact Cloyd Benjamin at 318-820-9595. There is much to be done!

Effective January 1, 2021: Sales and Use Tax Changes for Natchitoches Parish

As of January 1, 2021 there will be a one percent (1%) decrease in sales tax for the following areas of Natchitoches Parish:

Natchitoches Parish 3.0%
Village of Clarence 4.0%
Village of Natchez 4.0%
Town of Campti 4.5%
Village of Robeline 4.0%

The changes affect columns A, C, D, E, and F on the sales tax form.

A new column for the City of Natchitoches, Economic Development District “D” (BD), is being added to the sales tax return located on Keyser Avenue at 6.5%.

The changes DO NOT affect the City of Natchitoches, for columns B (City of Natchitoches), BA (Economic Development District A), or BC (Economic Development District C).

For those businesses outside the city limits of Natchitoches, make certain you notify your vendors of the tax decrease and use the new sales tax form January 1, 2021. The new form will be sent out before the end of the year. DO NOT file online until the changes have been made in the systems. Mail in your returns and payments for January, February and March.

Any questions concerning the implementation of these tax changes should be directed to:

Jerry W. McWherter, Administrator
Natchitoches Tax Commission
318-357-8871

Recently elected Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. and Purchasing & Human Resources Director Edd Lee took the day, Dec. 9, to visit and learn more about Louisiana’s only pharmacy benefit manager – Southern Scripts. Not only is Southern Scripts making national waves in the PBM industry from right here in Natchitoches, but the city is also a longtime client of the company.

Mayor Williams and Lee visited with Chief Executive Officer/Co-Founder LeAnn C. Boyd and Owner/Co-Founder Steven T. Boyd. The leadership duo introduced Southern Scripts and its role with the City of Natchitoches, detailing how the company serves the city and a peek at employment attraction, increases, and retention.

“Meeting with a client that has new and old faces is such a rare and special opportunity for us—it gives us the chance to not only touch upon how far we’ve come in our partnership but to take a look into the bright future ahead,” said LeAnn C. Boyd. “Our partnership with the City of Natchitoches is beyond special, and we look forward to many successful years to come.”

“It was such a special day to be able to take an inside look at a highly successful company headquartered in Natchitoches,” said Williams. “We are beyond grateful to have such an extraordinary business that puts our city on the map as well as taking care of our very own.”

For more information on Southern Scripts, please visit southernscripts.net.

Pictured above, from left, are Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., Southern Scripts CEO/Cofounder LeAnn C. Boyd, PharmD, and City of Natchitoches Purchasing & Human Resources Director, Edd Lee.

July 2, 1938 – December 19, 2020

Private funeral services celebrating the life of Louise Posey Booty, 82, of Natchitoches, LA will be held at 11 A.M. Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at First Baptist Church Coushatta with Bro. Randy Posey officiating. Interment will follow in Springville Cemetery. Services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Mrs. Booty was born July 2, 1938 in Coushatta, LA and passed away December 19, 2020. Louise was affectionately known as “Malou” by her grandchildren and many others until her great-grandchildren came along and she was proud to be “Loukie”. It didn’t matter what you called her, to know her was to love her. She had an infectious smile that lit up the room. Malou was full of life and lived it to the fullest. She loved to look her best wherever she went, and if she ever got the compliment about looking good, her signature response was “looks have never been my problem.”

Louise was strong in her faith and baptized at an early age. She was a member of First Baptist Church Coushatta. She was a graduate of Coushatta High School Class of 1956 and Ayres School of Business. After graduating, she was a secretary at Hanna L’Heirson Clinic and Natchitoches Parish Hospital. Louise also worked at Edward Jones as a branch office administrator for 17 years. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Louise looked forward to meeting up with her “lunch bunch” group. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star Chapter #6.

Louise was known everywhere she went and never met a stranger. She was always the life of the party, but always insisted on being the center of attention. She was proud to be from Natchitoches and loved to tell people she was in Steel Magnolias. She and DeWitt loved to dance and for years attended monthly dance club. They were also proud supporters of NSU Athletics.

Louise was a member of the Krewe of Dionysos where she proudly wore the title of Queen in 2000. She found much happiness in parading around and spreading joy through the City of Natchitoches and surrounding areas. She always looked forward to the Queens trips and was always up for an adventure.

She was preceded in death by her husband, DeWitt Booty; son, Robert Henry “Skip” Wooley, Jr.; father of her children, Robert Henry Wooley; parents, Robert “Bobby” Edwin Posey, Jr. and Elizabeth “Tap” Bogan Posey; and sister, Shirley Fry.

Mrs. Booty is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Wooley Chamberlin and husband, Bobby of Evelyn, LA; grandson, Rob Chamberlin and wife, Stephanie of Coushatta, LA; granddaughter, Aimee Walker and husband, Chris of Natchitoches, LA; great-grandchildren, Madison and Madelyn Chamberlin, and Hunter and Witt Walker; brother, Robert “Bubba” Posey and wife, Shirley; numerous nieces and nephews; special family friends, David and Kirby Peddy and their children, Madalyn, Caylyn, Dyson and Austyn Marie; and Regina Monette and family.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rob Chamberlin, Chris Walker, Denny Bass, Daryl Bass, Chad Shirley, and David Peddy. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Chamberlin, Paul Clapp, Nolan Clapp, Dawson Bass, Ryan Tomerlin, James Southern, Scott Maxfield, and John Kirwen Brown.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Otis Barnum and Meg Barnum, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, Dr. Manish Dhawan and staff at M.D. Clinics, and Hospice of Natchitoches-Haley, Marie, Casey, Dorcas, D.J., and Chaplain Buster.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in memory of Louise to Springville Cemetery Association, First Baptist Church Coushatta, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

This years, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Toy Drive event was a success even though the parish continues to experience the effects of COVID-19 and the impacts it’s had on families across the world, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

“The holidays are a season for giving and caring about each other,” he said.

During the first couple of weeks of December, ladies in the NPSO Main Office Administrative Divisions began collecting items during the annual toy drive to assist families during the holidays.

Each year this has been a successful effort.

This year, donations made to the drive by the public and deputies were given to CASA of Natchitoches to distribute to families and children in need.

The NPSO thanks everyone for the donations and wishes the community a very Merry Christmas.

NATCHITOCHES – Avid followers of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association cross country championships are more than familiar with the bevy of tourism options for visitors to Natchitoches.

Even those veteran visitors who find their way to town for next week’s LHSAA Prep Classic state football championships will learn the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase remains a tourist haven in the final week of the year.

The renowned Christmas lights, a display that recently garnered top-10 national acclaim from USA TODAY, remain lit throughout the season and there will be a fireworks show Dec. 26, the night before the nine-game football slate kicks off at Turpin Stadium at 1 p.m. Dec. 27.

In addition to the yearly lights display, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum will have extended hours and days during the championships, allowing prep football fans from across the state to take in the rich tapestry of Louisiana sports at every level.

The museum, which typically is closed on Sundays and Mondays, will be open throughout the Prep Classic Dec. 27-30 daily from 10 a.m. -4:30 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.). Guests who mention they are in town for the Prep Classic receive $1 off admission. Admission before the discount is applied is $6 for adults, $5 for students, seniors, and military, with children 6 and under admitted free. State pandemic guidelines limit museum capacity to 250 people and no groups larger than 8 family members. Masking is required. For more information on the museum, visit http://www.LaSportsHall.com.

Alongside the lights and the Hall of Fame, Front Street offers a cadre of locally owned restaurants and shops. A short distance from Front Street, the hub of downtown Natchitoches, is the Steel Magnolia House, where much of the 1989 film of the same name was filmed.

For all information surrounding the LHSAA Prep Classic, visit www.nsudemons.com/lhsaaprepclassic.