NATCHITOCHES:
Mike McCart
April 11, 1961 – March 21, 2021
Service: Monday, April 5 at 7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Martha Jean Howington Jordan
February 13, 1928 – March 19, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 27 at 2 pm at Blanchard – St. Denis Funeral Home

Van Thomas Barker, Jr.
January 03, 1945 – December 26, 2020
Service: Friday, April 9 from 5-6:30 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Annie M. Law
August 17, 1947 – March 17, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 27 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches

Frankie Hunter
November 30, 1954 – March 16, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 27 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches

Stephen “Bumpy” Hudson
May 5, 1996 – March 6, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 27 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches

WINN:
Mary Lee Sproles Ortego
May 29, 1949 – March 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Theodore Benjamin “Ted” Pace Jr.
June 09, 1939 – March 17, 2021
No services are planned.

Cassie Williams (DEM, 29%) and Michael Melerine (REP, 28%) will be up on the ballot in a runoff for the April 24 election. The BESE District 4 seat represents ten parishes in Northwest Louisiana, including Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, De Soto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Vernon, Webster, and Winn.

The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is April 3.
Early voting is April 10-17 (closed Sunday, April 11) from 8:30 am – 6 pm.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 20 by 4:30 pm. Request one online at the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Voter Portal or by mail from the Registrar of Voters Office (exception: military and overseas voters).
The deadline for absentee ballots is April 23 by 4:30 pm (exception: military and overseas voters).

Below are the items that were discussed at the March 18 meeting of the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC).

Tree Maintenance and Fertilization:
As part of a master plan for the district they’re taking a look at the oak trees, which will be monitored over the next 4 weeks because they suffered through the recent cold weather. They’re giving them time to heal, which will hopefully be evident by mid April. Further evaluation will be considered after this point.

NSU:
The university is up 7 percent year on year for admits so the numbers are looking good and everyone is excited.

In Person Summer Orientation Sessions:

Session 1- May 20-21
Session 2- May 27-28
1 Day Session- June 3
Session 4- July 8-9

Summer Cheer Camps (150 beds per camp):
June 6-9
June 13-16

HDBA/MainStreet Office:
Bloomin’ on the Bricks and CAPA on the Cane were a success.
Farmers Market- April 24- July 31
British Brass Band- Free concert May 2 on the riverbank stage
Sale on the Trail- May 7-8 Vendor spots will be open on the riverbank
Jazz and R&B Festival- May 21-22 (Planning on Saturday only)
June 17-19- Lady Bass Anglers Fishing Tournament
June 23-26- 2020 Induction for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
August 25-28- 2021 Induction for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
June 25 and August 27- Free concert on riverbank to coincide with Induction celebrations

APHN:
April 17-18- Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival

NPS:
The Cane River Creole National Historical Park is officially in its new warehouse. The next phase of the move is the Depot Project. Construction drawings will be complete in the next couple of weeks and construction may begin this summer. The NPS will facilitate community meetings to get input on interpretive displays that will be installed in the depot. A press release will be sent out on meetings in April and May when dates have been determined.

CRNHA:
The Cane River National Heritage Area is developing a free preservation trades workshop for local contractors to educate them on how to update homes while still preserving the integrity.

CRNHA is also working with the City to upgrade the MLK triangle including new lighting, plantings and a new sign.

The Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival is still in the planning process, but they’re looking at a series of unplugged concerts and crafting events during the summer at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

Chamber:
March 27- Home & Garden Expo at the Events Center
April 14- Next Picnic in the Park Luncheon to learn about the GEAUX Fame program at CLTCC and how it helps with workforce development in the Natchitoches community.

City of Natchitoches:
Pervious Concrete will be used at the intersection of Second and Texas Streets to combat the constant water leakage that occurs at this location.

Here is a look at the week of March 21-27 at Northwestern State University.

March 22-27 – Registration for summer, fall semesters

March 22 – NSU Horn Choir, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #

March 23 – Tennis vs. UL-Monroe, Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, 2 p.m.

March 24 – Faculty recital featuring Paul Christopher, cello, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #

March 24-28 – NSU Theatre and Dance presents “Booty candy,” virtual performance #

March 25 – Fine and Graphic Art Virtual Show, Hanchey Gallery

March 25 – Spring Read, 6 p.m. Available online at nsula.edu/SpringRead

March 25 – Volleyball vs. UNO, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m.

March 25 – NSU Chamber Choir, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

March 26-27 – Softball vs. Houston Baptist, Lady Demon Diamond

March 27 – Volleyball vs. Nicholls, Prather Coliseum, 1 p.m.

# Livestream available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream

NATCHITOCHES – The City of Natchitoches would like to notify the public that the section of Texas Street, at the railroad overpass, will be closed on Monday, March 22 to conduct maintenance of the overpass.

The above mentioned portion of Texas Street will be closed from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. to complete the work.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time and asks when traveling through the area motorists proceed with caution and use adjacent side streets of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Sixth street to bypass this area.

By Bud Denega, Sports Information Graduate Assistant

LAKE CHARLES — The Northwestern State soccer team defined grit, in the purest sense of the word, Sunday at McNeese.

NSU didn’t have its full assortment of starters. Some of those missing pieces are large proponents of the Lady Demons’ offensive build up.

With those components missing, goals were hard to come by again. NSU was also dealing with the disappointment off its first loss of the season that it suffered Friday.

But even with all that working against it, Northwestern State emerged victorious Sunday. McNeese suffered an own goal in the 82nd minute — which was a result of NSU offensive pressure — and Northwestern State earned a 1-0 victory at Cowgirl Field.

“We were obviously disappointed, and rightfully so, about the result on Friday, and part of the characteristics that were going to lead us to rebound was going be grit, heart and fight,” said co-head coach Jess Jobe. “We needed to have a willingness to use some of those emotions to spur us on and get us back on the right foot.”

The win improves NSU to 8-1-1 overall and 6-1-1 in Southland Conference play, while the loss drops the Cowgirls to 3-5-1 overall and 3-4-1 in league action. Northwestern State keeps pace with Lamar, which is 8-1-0 in conference, and both squads clinched a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament on Sunday.

The game’s lone goal was a result of consistent offensive pressure from NSU in the attacking third. For the game, Northwestern State recorded six shots, five of which were on frame. Five different players — juniors Jalen Donaldson and Norma Trejo, sophomore Olivia Draguicevich, and freshmen Cianne Talamo and Sara Roche — laid claim to those scoring chances.

“We dominated pretty much every phase of the game, but in the end, we had to fight, and we had to scrap,” Jobe said. “We had to do everything we could to put ourselves in a position to win. We are really happy for the result, no matter how it comes. It’s three points, and we needed it.”

Junior goaltender Acelya Aydogmus stood tall in net for NSU. McNeese fired six shots, as well — five on target — and Aydogmus turned away all five to log her seventh shutout of the season.

“Ace was really strong today, and she was really good for us, being reliable,” Jobe said. “Our entire backline, the heart and fight and resilience to keep going under every circumstance today was a positive, and we are really proud of them.”

NSU enjoys a week off from completion, and that comes at a good time. The roster is a little banged up, and 11 days between games is going to do a world of good to remedy some of those ailments.

“Healing is going to be the No. 1 priority, as well as diving deep and getting really detail oriented in a few things that we want to continue to be part of how we play tactically,” Jobe said. “(The time off) is going to allow us time to add some layers to our play and to our system.”

Northwestern State returns to action April 1. NSU hosts Abilene Christian at 7 p.m. at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.

Natchitoches Junior High School JAG members would like to extend their appreciation to Attorney Howard E. Conday Jr. for his continued support and generosity to the program. Truly appreciate you!!

Pictured: Attorney Howard Conday, Jacquelyn Rainwater and Felicia Young

NATCHITOCHES – The City of Natchitoches would like to notify the public work is set to begin on Monday, March 22, 2021 to install thermoplastic pavement markings on several city streets.

This project will consist of replacing the existing painted pavement markings at the following locations on Second Street and Old Robeline Road with new thermoplastic pavement markings:

Second Street – Replacement of crosswalk markings at St. Denis Street, Church Street, Trudeau Street, and Touline Street as well as replacement of markings at University Parkway.

Old Robeline Road – Replacement of intersection markings at University Parkway and replacement of left-turn lane markings at entrances into businesses between University Parkway and Amanda Street.

Thermoplastic is a pavement marking material that is a 100% solid, environmentally and user safe compound. These markings are expected to last longer than the previously installed painted markings.

During the installation process, the contractor will maintain one-lane, two-way traffic. Traffic delays are expected to be minimal during the timeline of this project. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time and asks when traveling through the area motorists proceed with caution and follow flagger instructions.

Students volunteers hosted a rededication of the Northwestern State University Food Pantry March 18 as one activity that took place during spring Homecoming week. Student groups dropped off donations for the Demon Drive service project, toured the renovated facility, restocked shelves and learned about services provided. The Pantry was established as a group project by social work students in 2015 to address food insecurity on campus.

“Today, our mission is the same as it was then: to combat food insecurity by providing temporary emergency assistance in the form of healthy, culturally appropriate non-perishable food items to students in need,” said Jessica Mullican of DeRidder. She along with Sheridan Duet of Thibodaux are student coordinators of The Pantry.

The Pantry serves all NSU and BPCC@NSU students free of charge. The Pantry has been a vital resource, especially through events of the last year when students were financially affected by COVID-19, multiple hurricanes, the recent winter storm and other unexpected expenses, according to Reatha Cox, director of Student Affairs. During university breaks and other closures, prepackaged bags were placed for collection outside The Pantry, which is located on the south side of Trisler Power Plant on NSU’s Central Avenue. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Friday.

NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio congratulated the students on the project that came together through the collaboration of several individuals and organizations.

“This is what I love about Northwestern – students helping students,” Maggio said. “It was initiated by students who brought their ideas to staff and administrators who helped, who mentored, but ultimately this project is student-driven.”

The Pantry recently underwent a floor to ceiling facelift, partially funded by a grant of unused travel funds from the Student Government Association. Students from the President’s Leadership Program and Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society worked with other groups and individuals to coordinate improvements that include facility rehab, branding, communication and supplies. The Pantry is set up like a small convenience store with a friendly staff of volunteers who participate in training on the importance of courtesy and confidentiality.

Many university and student groups such as University Programming Council, Housing and Residential Life, Greek organizations, faculty and staff, along with clubs, businesses and individuals from the Natchitoches community have donated items to stock The Pantry with non-perishable food, toiletries, personal care items, cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, cutlery, sanitizer and other household necessities. Earlier this year, The Pantry received a $10,000 boost of support from Northwestern graduate Mike Knotts, a 1986 NSU graduate.

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – For the first time in eight Southland Conference games, the Northwestern State baseball team did not lead in a league game Sunday.

Sam Houston jumped to an early lead against the Demons and used that edge to double up Northwestern State, 6-3, and earn a split of the four-game series at Don Sanders Stadium.

Preseason All-American Colton Cowser homered twice, including a three-run shot in the first inning, as Sam Houston (5-12, 2-6) started fast and dealt the Demons (9-9, 4-4) their first multi-run loss of conference play.

“The two left-handed hitters (Cowser and Jack Rogers) are pretty special,” fifth-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “We kept them at bay a little bit for the first few games. They hurt us a little bit today. It got us behind. Micah (Berens) came in and settled down the game for us.”

Cowser’s first-inning home run off Reed Michel (0-2) came after Easton Loyd’s leadoff double and a hit by pitch of Rogers.

After the first, Michel and Berens kept the Bearkats off the scoreboard until the Demons could solve left-hander Kyle Backhus, which happened in the fifth.

Jacob Farrell reached on an error and Larson Fontenot and Jake Haze each drew walks to load the bases with one out and end Backhus’ day.

Daunte Stuart welcomed reliever Coltin Atkinson (1-1) with an RBI infield single before Atkinson wild pitched Fontenot home. That shakiness was about the only time the Demons got to Atkinson, a freshman right-hander.

Even after slicing the lead to one, the Demons could not sustain the momentum as Rogers homered to lead off the bottom of the fifth and Cowser came around to score after being hit a pitch.

“This game’s funny,” Barbier said. “It will knock you down when it’s not going good. It’s one of those things where you have to keep fighting through it. This game rewards the fighters. It rewards the people who push through these tough times.”

Tyler Smith brought the Demons within two with his first home run of the season – a solo blast to right field in the sixth inning off Atkinson, who worked 3 2-3 innings to earn his first win of the season. It was Smith’s 21st career home run, which ties him with Jordan Robison for 10th place in school history.

Cowser answered with his second home run of the game in the seventh to cap the scoring.

Cowser and Rogers combined to go 4-for-7 with three home runs, five runs scored and five RBIs.

The Demons return to action Friday when they host South Alabama in the opener of a three-game, non-conference series. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at Brown-Stroud Field.

Sam Houston 6, Northwestern State 3
NSU 000 021 000 – 3 3 2
SH 300 020 10x – 6 9 3

W – Coltin Atkinson (1-1). L – Reed Michel (0-2). S – Lance Lusk (1). 2B – SH, Easton Loyd, Jack Rogers. 3B – SH, Bryce Holmes. HR – NSU, Tyler Smith (1). SH, Jack Rogers (3), Colton Cowser 2 (4). Highlights: SH, Rogers 2-3, 2B, HR, RBI; Cowser 2-3, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs.

Records: Northwestern State 9-9, 4-4; Sam Houston 5-12, 2-6.

Photo: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

The Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated announces its annual Scholarship Application for high school seniors.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, this year’s application is available electronically. Deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 19, 2021. All students are encouraged to apply.

To access the scholarship application, CLICK HERE 

Natchitoches Magnet Job Opening: Kindergarten Teacher

POSITION AVAILABLE

JOB VACANCIES: Kindergarten Teacher

SITE LOCATION(S): Natchitoches Magnet School

QUALIFICATIONS: Louisiana Teaching Certificate
Masters’ Degree Preferred
Minimum – Five years of successful teaching experience.

SALARY: Starting salary: According to parish school salary schedule.

DEADLINE: Thursday, April 1, 2021; 4:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Personnel Director
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358
EOE

NATCHITOCHES:
Van Thomas Barker, Jr.
January 03, 1945 – December 26, 2020
Service: Friday April 9 from 5-6:30 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Annie M. Law
August 17, 1947 – March 17, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Frankie Hunter
November 30, 1954 – March 16, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Stephen “Bumpy” Hudson
May 5, 1996 – March 6, 2021
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Mandy Dee Sanson
June 16, 1938 – March 19, 2021
Service: Monday, March 22 at 11 am at Prosperity Baptist Church

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested an individual for two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder for a shooting that occurred last October.

On October 17, 2020 around 4:03 a.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded to the 800 block of Clarence Drive in reference to gunshots in the area. Upon officers arrival they located the victim who said that she saw two individuals outside of her window and they began to shoot into her residence. 

On March 15, 2021 the Natchitoches Police Department arrested Billy Smith (B/M, 30 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and he was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

If you would like to report suspicious activity 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.

BOMFS is proud to be a continuous sponsor of the 5th Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament. This year’s fishing tournament will be held March 27th at Cypress Bend Boat Launch in Toledo Bend. The funds raised from this event will continue to support a scholarship set up in Dylan Poche’s name at Northwestern State University.

Left-to-Right: Sarah Shoemaker, Jennifer Campbell, Gina Banks, Kyler Burns, Burt Poche, Shelley Poche, Brady Poche, Dewayne Chelette, Raven Gray.

Louisiana Eye and Laser Center
New Location in Natchitoches

Louisiana Eye and Laser Center is proud to announce the opening of our new location in Natchitoches at 118 South Drive. The new building is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility, and officially opened
.
The local chamber is supporting Louisiana Eye and Laser Center, a proud chamber member and supporter, by performing a ribbon cutting at their grand opening, slated for the end of this month.

Doctors working out of the new office will include: Dr. Michael Redmond, M.D., Dr. Karen Laird, M.D., Dr. Cheryl Stoker, O.D., Dr. Silva Hamade, O.D. and Dr. Richard Walters, O.D. and Director of O.D. Services.

STATE-OF-THE-ART OPHTHALMOLOGY SPECIALTY CLINIC

Louisiana Eye and Laser Center is the largest Ophthalmology/ optometry practice in Central Louisiana, and with 14 locations and state-of-the-art testing and technology, they are dedicated to bringing the best eye care possible to each family they are honored to serve.

“At Louisiana Eye and laser Center, our main goal is for our patients to receive state-of-the-art eye care in a warm and caring environment for the whole family,” states Dr. Michael Redmond. Our skilled physicians, and nationally recognized surgeons, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and various eye surgeries including advanced laser-assisted cataract removal and premium lens implants, LASIK laser vision correction, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)and much more! “Our staff and doctors take time with our patients to decide on which surgery option is right for them, so that they get the best possible visual outcome,” emphasizes Dr. Redmond, state, and nationally recognized surgeon.

“Our practice has grown to 14 sites across central Louisiana making LELC the largest integrated eye care health system serving central Louisiana, and we are here to serve the needs of this community by providing the best possible care to its families”, declares Dr. Redmond.

This benefits all patients by having your total eye care team in one place for all
your eye care needs.

Chief Executive Officer of LELC, Carl I. Walters II states,” LELC will bring state-of-the-art eyecare services to our valued Natchitoches (and surrounding) parish families.”

LELC offers an array of other services to assist our patients with almost any eye problem they may be experiencing. In addition to performing comprehensive diagnostic testing and specialized surgical procedures in our pristine Eye Care Center, we provide routine eye exams and contact lens fittings.

Louisiana Eye and Laser Center takes it one step further by providing our patients with fashionable, quality eyewear through our Optical Center, as well as offering related products and services. LELC is also known for their strong and respectful MD/ OD relationships. This benefits all patients by having your total eye care team in one place for all your eye care needs.

We are your total eye care team – regular eye exams, diabetic exams, contact lenses and glasses, cataract surgery, dry eye treatment, low vision care, treatment of eye diseases, glaucoma care and much more!
Louisiana Eye and Laser Center welcomes the opportunity to become your family’s eye care provider

By Steve Graf 

No one is more blessed than the bass fishermen in this part of the country. By this I mean the Ark-La-Tex region. Nowhere in the great USA do you have access to better bass fishing than we do. Every year Bassmaster Magazine publishes it’s “Best Bass Lakes in America” publication and it always has three or four lakes from our region as an angler destination. Most of the time, they base their rankings off tournament results. While this is a great barometer, it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Some anglers base their own personal rankings off how many fish they catch or maybe the lake’s potential for huge largemouth bass in the 10 pound plus range. 

Over the next two weeks, I’ll attempt to break down the two of the best. Let’s start with the legendary Lake Fork located in the heart of East Texas just south of Sulphur Springs. It can best be described as “Wow” and just might be the number one fishery in the country. If you’re looking to catch that fish of a lifetime, Lake Fork would be right at the top of the list. No lake in the state of Texas has more entries into the state record books than Lake Fork. Ever since it opened in the early 80’s, this impoundment has been on the bucket list for anglers all across America. If you don’t believe me, just look up the number of bass fishing guides for Lake Fork and you’ll realize there must be something to it. I actually remember my first trip to Lake Fork back in the early 90’s. We literally had to wait in line to launch our boat for over an hour and this was ten years after the lake had officially opened!

To give you an idea of how good this lake can be, I took a trip with 4 Time Lake Fork Guide of the Year Johnny Guice, with my daughter and two of her college basketball teammates.  On day one we caught 35 bass in 4 hours and all were between 5 and 9 pounds apiece! Day two was pretty much the same with 30 bass all over 4 pounds! Lake Fork is also a crappie destination as well but the lake will get a lot of pressure especially this time of year as folks north of the Mason-Dixon line converge on this southern body of water.

Another example of the potential of Lake Fork, is by looking at the results of several B.A.S.S. Pro Tour events like the Texas Bass Fest in which anglers shattered records for the most pounds caught with one pro  angler catching over 100 pounds of fish during the four day event. Even with so many tournaments taking place and with all the fishing pressure, Lake Fork continues to produce both quality and quantity.

The lake has several great resorts but none better than Lake Fork Marina and Motel just outside of Alba, Texas. They have everything an angler is looking for from a super nice motel to lake house rentals along with an awesome RV park. They offer a great restaurant, gas, ice, outerwear and a nice selection of bait and tackle to catch those huge Lake Fork bass. So if you’re looking for a great fishing trip with the potential to catch the biggest bass of your life, book a trip to Lake Fork Texas! Next week we’ll take a look at another great Texas fishery in Sam Rayburn. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live

POSITION AVAILABLE: INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST

QUALIFICATION:

● Valid Teaching Certificate

● Master’s Degree in Education (preferred)

● Minimum of five years of teaching experience with evidence of successfully impacting student achievement, particularly those who have the greatest needs.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Instructional Specialist is a critical lever in improving student achievement. The role of the Instructional Specialist is to build teacher capacity and deepen teachers’ understanding of instructional practices as related to Louisiana Student Standards and Data-Driven Instruction.

SALARY:
Salary based on teacher pay scale with applicant’s years of experience, and the addition of a substantial Instructional Specialist stipend.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
9 Months

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016 Phone: (318) 352-2358
Fax: (318) 352-8138

APPLICATIONS:
Application packet should consist of the following:

● Resume’

● Evidence of successful teaching experience (for example, VAM, Student Performance Data, COMPASS, CLASS, etc.)

● Original transcripts from institution(s) awarding degree

● Three professional letters of recommendation, one of which is from your immediate supervisor

Submit a ten-to-fifteen-minute video clip of a model lesson involving students or professional development session involving teachers where the applicant is leading the event (share link via Google Drive to lpage@nat.k12.la.us).

By Tommy Rush

Hopefully by now, we have all adjusted to the “Time Change” that took place this past Sunday. It’s interesting to hear people talk about Daylight Savings Time. You hear phrases like, “I love the extra hour of daylight, but hate losing the hour of sleep.”

We actually say a lot of weird things about time, such as “time flies,” “where did the time go,” or “I’m running out of time.” Sometimes we talk about managing our time better, but the reality is there is no such thing as time management. The term is an oxymoron. Time cannot be managed. You can manage yourself, but no one can manage time. Some people say that they need to “find more time.” I would say that if you’re trying to find more time, you need to quit looking because there isn’t any extra time lying around to be found.

This morning my wife informed me that a check from the United States Treasury for $1400 had been deposited in my checking account during the night. She received a check for the same amount. We will definitely find something to do with the money (probably put it toward our taxes in a few weeks.) This deposit made me think of another deposit made to my life account every morning. Every morning when I wake up, God deposits 1,440 minutes into my life. God’s gift of 1,440 minutes total 24 hours or 864,000 seconds. This “time” deposit is far more valuable than any monetary deposit made to my bank account.

I’ve heard people say, “Time is money.” Time is actually more valuable than money. Why? Because you can run out of money and still have life left, but when you run out of time it’s gone forever. You can never buy more time! So don’t waste precious time pouting over things you cannot change. Time is irretrievable, so spend it wisely.

Today many people are living life frantically fighting the clock. Many live under the constant stress of juggling time between their jobs, their families, and a host of other life demands. I’m not sure who said it, but they summed our culture up pretty well by describing it as, “The age of the half-read page, the quick hash and the mad dash; the bright nights with the nerves tight; the plane hop with a brief stop; the lamp tan in a short span; the brain strain and the heart pain; The catnaps till the spring snaps; And then the fun’s done.”

Ephesians 5:16 tells us to “redeem the time.” This means we should use time or spend time with great care because time is a gift. I would encourage you to entrust your time to the One who holds time in His hands. A Christian friend told me years ago, “Give your time to your Redeemer and your Redeemer will redeem your time.”

A BIG Congratulations goes out to Sophomore Kimberly Cain!  She has broken a 21 year old school record in the girls triple jump raising the record from 36 ft 1 inch to 36 ft 3 inches!

Go Chiefs!

Former Northwestern State defensive end Ed Orgeron will be a winner no matter what Saturday when the Demons take on McNeese in Turpin Stadium.

Orgeron, who will be honored as the Exchange Bank and Trust Demon Great of the Game, will be on hand to watch his beloved alma mater face a Cowboys squad quarterbacked by his son Cody Orgeron.

Because NSU is playing its football season in the spring, and Orgeron’s LSU Tigers competed in a fall campaign, dad has been able to see more of his son in his senior season.

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s 4 p.m. game.

Orgeron was a standout defensive end on the Demons front line in the early 1980s, making 121 tackles in his final two seasons as part of NSU teams that included future NFL products like Gary Reasons, Mark Duper, Bobby Hebert and Joe Delaney.

The man they call “BeBe” became the first recipient of the Joe Delaney Leadership Award for Defense in 1983, awarded to the permanent team captain elected by his teammates.

“Those were special years,” Orgeron said during a 2017 Legends Gala event. “The thing I loved most was my teammates. We had a great time here. Natchitoches was a great place to grow up in and be a man.”

Orgeron, who was named one of NSU’s Top 100 Players of All-Time in 2007, made his largest mark on football as a coach.

That path started right here in Natchitoches under coach Sam Goodwin, who took over the program for Orgeron’s senior season in 1983 and gave him his first coaching gig.

“I always wanted to be a leader for Coach Goodwin,” said Orgeron, who added he slept on a cot in the visitor’s locker room during his early days on the NSU staff. “He sat me down, his first year here, and told me about my role, and it was a leadership role. He came in and demanded a lot of respect, and he got it. I’d always been a leader wherever I played, and I was just glad to be a leader for him.”

“The biggest thing was I got my degree and I got networked in college coaching. I got to Arkansas because of Coach Goodwin and John Thompson. I got to Miami because of Bill Johnson, and on my career went, so I’m forever grateful to Northwestern State.”

Orgeron, known as being a recruiting and defensive line guru, had his greatest success in the coaching profession to date in retooling an LSU program that he guided to a perfect season and a national championship in 2019.

Experts consider it one of the greatest seasons in college football history.

“They needed a Louisiana man to run this program, and I’m glad it was me,” he said. “Since the moment I started coaching, I wanted to be the head coach at LSU.”