Cheers to 2021. We’ve made it. As much as we all might like to think that the dawn of a new year will allow us to leave the horrors of 2020 behind us, the reality is even more chilling. We’re still dealing with Covid-19 in the United States, in Louisiana, and in Natchitoches.
2020 has served up a lot for us to deal with including devastating wildfires, controversial protests, murder hornets, and the loss of some very important public figures. I know RBG made headlines, but I cried over Eddie Van Halen and Alex Trebek too.
When I sat down to put together a list of the most engaging stories that came out of the Journal in 2020, I was surprised to see that it wasn’t all doom and gloom (Covid numbers and orange jump suit mugshots).
The year forced a lot of people to think outside the box and find new ways to do things, like ushering in virtual learning in education systems. The year showed how willing the community is to support its healthcare warriors, first responders and every other person that’s working the frontlines and dealing with the risk of the coronavirus on a daily basis.
Natchitoches had its own obstacles. Hurricane Laura was not merciful. Students have been tested in new ways with home learning and school closures as Covid precautions were taken by the district. However, I was glad to see that some of the most engaging articles that came out of the Natchitoches community in 2020 included the unveiling of the Christmas Festival poster, the accomplishments of local youth as they competed in rodeo competitions, the inauguration of a new mayor, state championships and much more.
Life has been filled with frustration, but humanity always finds ways to shine through the bad.
After you’ve browsed the 2020 news article recap below, I encourage you to sit down and watch Pixar’s new movie Soul. I was really impressed by the overall message that shone through this heartwarming film. When the world weighs you down, it can be easy to feel like a lost soul as you go through your day-to-day routine. You can lose sight of the little things that often get taken for granted.
Let’s face 2021 with a new outlook on life. Despite the craziness, in spite of whatever new horrors the world may yet have in store for us, let’s find what inspires us and makes us happy. It doesn’t have to be grandiose. It can be little. Appreciate a meal or time spent with your family unit.
You won’t realize the true value of something until you no longer have it. Live in the moment and live for the things that bring you joy. It’s the best medicine we can take as we step into a new year full of risks, uncertainty, and as a silver lining- possibilities.
The list below is the top three most engaging stories for each month of 2020. This is a rough estimate based off of Facebook analytics. Live streams weren’t eligible, as they always come out on top. These are articles that reside at www.natchitochesparishjournal.com and on the NPJ’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
I hope my musings find you well and that in some way, it may help you find a different perspective to shine a bit of hope and joy on the new year ahead of us.
JANUARY:
BRIDGE WILL CLOSE WEDNESDAY TO TAKE DOWN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
2020 Qualifying – after the first day
NPSO DETECTIVES ARREST NATCHITOCHES WOMAN IN PLOY TO ALLEGEDLY MURDER HUSBAND
FEBRUARY:
Parc Natchitoches will hold Open House February 13
NCHS Boys Basketball Team wins at Top 10 Matchup for District 1-5A Championship
Foster Mom: I’m Not the Enemy
MARCH:
NSU will transition to on-line classes as pandemic develops
Lady Tigers bring home State Championship
NATCHITOCHES SHERIFF: JAIL VISITATIONS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
APRIL:
Natchitoches School District comments on closures for remainder of school year
Former university president, N-Club Hall of Famer Dr. Robert Alost dies at 85
Gov. Edwards Signs Proclamation Moving Louisiana’s Elections Back Several Weeks – Again!
MAY:
Department of Health issues COVID-19 Nursing Home Report – LOCAL UPDATE
STOLEN JEEP RECOVERED CRASHED NEAR GORUM
NSU alum Dr. Cade Brumley named state superintendent of schools
JUNE:
NPD arrests two for damaging city property
CORRECTIONS: CRESTON WATERWORKS SYSTEM SECRETARY ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THEFT OF OVER $173,000 DOLLARS IN FUNDS
Natchitoches Police investigate shooting at local convenience store
JULY:
LHSAA says it has no intention of cancelling fall sports
Local candidates qualified for the November 3rd election
NSU confirms positive COVID-19 test
AUGUST:
NPSB Announces School and Office Closures
Have Lunch On Us” Feeds over 500 First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, and Line Crews
NSU fall sports postponed until spring semester
SEPTEMBER:
Natchitoches community attends historic inauguration celebration for Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr.
State and local leaders meet to discuss recovery efforts during Hurricane Laura
NPSO: RECKLESS OPERATION LEADS TO STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERY NEAR CHOPIN; 2 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
OCTOBER:
Glamping in State Parks
Natchitoches Parish residents compete at National Little Britches Finals
Update: Natchitoches Police arrest suspect in homicide that occurred on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
NOVEMBER:
Goldonna Police Chief submitted his letter of resignation
Christmas Festival Poster Unveiled
The Adventures of Gumbo
DECEMBER:
Natchitoches Police arrest individual for shooting on Fairgrounds Road
Lakeview Jr./Senior High School Under Quarantine for COVID-19
COVID Vaccine arrives in Natchitoches with the NPJ
