Dr. Michael Snowden’s appointment as vice president for Diversity and Inclusion at Northwestern State University was approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Snowden was named interim vice president in June 2020. The appointment will be effective May 1.

A veteran administrator and student advocate in higher education with over 20 years of professional experience, Snowden has a leadership role in creating and coordinating programs and initiatives that will lead to intensified recruitment of African American employees in prominent positions on the faculty and staff and minority students to provide expanded participation and leadership in student organizations and activities at the university.

Since arriving at NSU last summer, Snowden has made several professional presentations and participated in campus events aimed at moving the needle in diversity, equity and inclusion and has attended meetings of local civic engagement organizations. He is developing a five-year Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan and plans to offer inclusive coaching sessions, training and workshops for students, faculty and staff. He also plans to develop a speaker series focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and host an NSU Inclusive Excellence conference, among other ongoing efforts.

Snowden came to NSU from McNeese State University, where he served as chief diversity officer, ADA coordinator, Title IX coordinator and director of Office of Inclusive Excellence since 2011. In that role, he was responsible for establishing a strategic plan of operation for cultivating a campus culture that embraces diversity, enables inclusion and provides equity to all campus constituents. At McNeese Snowden managed the development and implementation of the affirmative action plan, provided leadership of the university’s equity and inclusion policies for employees with disabilities, anti-bullying, prohibition against retaliation, the Vets 100 report and other requirements related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies.

At McNeese, Snowden also managed Title IX administration and compliance with federal and state regulations, served as a diversity trainer for the campus, investigated complaints of discrimination and provided counsel to the president and upper administration. During his tenure he initiated a name change from Office of Equal Opportunity to Office of Inclusive Excellence and established equity and inclusion initiatives such as the Black Faculty Staff Council, Foundations Accounts for Black Faculty Staff Council Initiative, training partnership with DiversityEdu and Bias Incident Report Mechanism.

Marketing and Communications Director for the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NAVCB), Kelli West, accepted a proclamation from City Council Member at Large, Betty Smith, at the Council’s meeting on April 26. The proclamation declares May 2 – 8, 2021 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Natchitoches.

West had some good news to share with the Council. Tourism numbers are up, occupancy numbers at the hotels are up. Restaurants and attractions are seeing visitors. Despite the struggle many towns are facing, Natchitoches is doing well.

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic recovery efforts and building the path forward through the theme Power of Travel.

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 38th annual NTTW (May 2-8) arrives at an opportune moment to recognize the importance to the U.S. economy of initiating a post-pandemic travel recovery.

“NTTW takes on a special significance this year as the travel industry looks to rebound quickly from the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “The past year was incredibly challenging, but we saw the full power of the travel industry on display in the way we united and supported one another through this crisis.”

“Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.—evidence of the outsized role the industry will play in America’s broader economic recovery,” said Dow.

Northwestern State University was awarded $1,000 from International Paper’s Campti Mill and the International Paper Foundation to support the Cradle to College initiative, a project that seeks to remap the path for at-risk youngsters by providing early literacy activities and support to children and families with limited resources so that children can engage in literacy activities at home with their parents.

Kelly Trumbo, communications coordinator at International Paper’s Red River Mill, presented the donation to Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson, professor of early childhood education at Northwestern State.

The Cradle to College initiative is an on-going project in which NSU students and faculty collect supplies and purchase materials to make family literacy bags for preschool and kindergarten students in Natchitoches Parish. Brunson began the project as a way to provide extra support to children who live below the poverty line before they begin falling behind in school.

The International Paper Foundation is one of the ways International Paper strives to reach its vision to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world. Started in 1952, the foundation annually provides millions in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Funding priority is given to programs related to its signature causes: education, hunger, health & wellness, disaster relief, and initiatives that improve the planet. For more information, visit ipgiving.com.

Brunson said donations of school supplies and books are always needed. To make a contribution, contact her at faziom@nsula.edu.

Pictured: Janna Maggio, preschool teacher at L.P. Vaughan Early Learning Center, helped distribute family literacy bags to all preschool and kindergarten children at the school. Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson, director of Graduate Programs in Early Childhood Education at Northwestern State University, spearheads the project, which is intended to provide extra support to children before they fall behind in school.

The Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6 is excited to announce the news about its new Residential Volunteer Firefighter Program. On Friday April 16 Garrett McCart signed a lease agreement as the very first resident Volunteer Firefighter.

A vision now for over 2 years this program has now become a reality for Fire District 6. The District constructed a residence at 158 Laird Fletcher Rd next door to the Fire Station. The residence, just over 1600 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, was constructed by Rhodes Properties and is designed to house four individuals who will have a private room and bathroom yet share the common areas. The design was inspired by both The University Columns, and The Quad Apartments which both are of similar design.

The Residence is a cost-effective solution to increase district coverage and provide additional credit in future PIAL Ratings, which directly affects the cost of homeowners insurance. The program commonly referred to as a Live-In Program will allow individuals to reside at the residence in exchange for their service to the Fire District. Individuals will have to become and remain active members of the Fire District and meet all the minimum requirements for certification and training. The Firefighters will respond from the Laird Fletcher station and provide support to On-Duty personnel.

Live-In programs are very common among the Nation’s volunteer fire service. Fire District 6 will pioneer the program as the first for Natchitoches Parish.

The vision for this program began with the late Chief Bryan Wimberly. When Michael Sesvold assumed the role of Fire Chief for the district in the Fall of 2016 he wanted to continue that vision.

“This means a lot to me,” said Sesvold, who started volunteering with the fire department in 2004 when he was a student in the criminal justice program at Northwestern State University.

“Fire District 6 serves the residents primarily in ward 1 who live outside the city limits,” said Sesvold. “We are a Professional Combination Fire Department working hard to serve the citizens of our jurisdiction.”

The new Live-In Program will provide practical response support at a fraction of the cost required to increase the number of full-time firefighters. Anyone interested in serving as a Volunteer or the Live-In Program should contact FD 6’s Recruiting Officer Jon McCart or Fire Chief Michael Sesvold at 318-352-8755.

The NSU Jazz Combos and NSU Steel Band will send students into finals on a happy note with a concert on Friday, April 30 at the Alumni Plaza near the A.A. Fredericks Center for Creative and Performing Arts. The Jazz Combos, which include the Monday Night Jazz Combo and Wednesday Night Jazz Combo, perform at 5 p.m. The Steel Band plays at 6:30 p.m. In case of bad weather, the concert will be held in Magale Recital Hall. Those attending are required to wear masks and observe social distancing.

The combos will feature jazz standards of all styles including “A Night in Tunisia,” “On Green Dolphin Street,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and more.

Members of the Monday Night Jazz Combo are Daniel Scott of Bossier City and Evan Chapman of Mesquite, Texas on saxophone, David Paz of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on keyboard, Jose Colon of Cartagena, Colombia, on bass and Adam Trupp of Frisco, Texas, on drums.

Members of the Wednesday Night Combo are Ted Scott of Bossier City on trumpet, Justin Dysarz of Houston on saxophone, Mario Gomez of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on keyboard, Alexandria Walker of Baton Rouge on keyboard, Seth Wimberly of Hall Summit on guitar, Jonathan Chaparro of Cartagena, Colombia, on bass and Damian Lunny of Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania on drums.

The steel band is comprised of instruments from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. The unique timbre and infectious dance beats make it a fun and exciting concert. The program will include some island classics such as “Limbo” and “Jump in the Line” as well as some current hits like “Bang!” by AJR and “Shake it off” by Taylor Swift.

The steel band will also feature a tune comprising NSU and Natchitoches community members. A workshop will be held in the afternoon to learn how to play the steel pans and then perform with the group.

Members of the steel band are Jackson Forester of Rowlett, Texas, Miguel Bustillo of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Zachary Duhon, Kora Chauveaux and Zachary Lafosse of Lafayette, Damian Lunny of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, John Spero of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Roger Jones of Avondale, Tyler White of DeRidder, Cindy Pinkerton of Patterson, Henry Pineda of Tegucigalpa, Honduras and Mason Trumps of Pollock.

POSITION: Custodian – Police Department

DESCRIPTION: Must follow directions given by immediate supervisor in the daily care and maintenance of Police Department. This position requires that typical custodial duties be performed both inside and outside the Police Department facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess a LA driver’s license.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Application may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St. or downloaded online at http://www.natchitochsla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through: May 5, 2021

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Four senior student athletes from St. Mary’s Catholic School were selected as part of the 2020-21 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) All-State Composite Team for spring sports. The LHSAA All-Academic Award Program recognizes the academic excellence of senior student athletes who have attained a 4.0 grade point average by placing them on the composite All-American Team.

Maggie Gilmore, daughter of Eric and Jaime Gilmore, has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while taking honors and dual enrollment courses at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Maggie has been a member of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Beta Club. She has held leadership offices on the Student Council executive board, FBLA and the Natchitoches Leo Club. Maggie was chosen as a delegate for the Louisiana Association of Student Councils, the Hugh O’Brien Youth Seminar, as well as Louisiana Girls State. She was a recipient of the Tiger Integrity Award as well as the Catholic Daughters Essay Award. Maggie has participated with numerous varsity sports during her high school years including indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, cross country, tennis, cheer, and basketball. As a varsity basketball player, she was a member of the 2020 Lady Tigers District IV Championship team. She qualified for state level competition for both cross country and indoor track and field. She competed and was the district champion, regional champion, and state runner-up in the category of high jump for outdoor track and field. She was the district champion for the category of triple jump for outdoor track and field. Maggie was honored to be selected as the District Girls Field Athlete in 2017 and for the All Cenla Track and Field team in 2019. Maggie was previously recognized as a member of the LHSAA All Academic All State Composite teams for both fall and winter sports. Maggie participates as a lector at student-led masses, and attends the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church. Maggie plans to attend Louisiana Tech University in the fall and major in biomedical engineering.

Jensen is the daughter of Jason and Mandy Parker. Jensen has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while playing varsity sports at St. Mary’s Catholic High School. Jensen is a six year member of the varsity track team and a three year member of the indoor track team. She was all district outstanding female track athlete and 800m champion for three years. She was district runner-up and/or champion in many other running events throughout her high school career including the 3200m, 1600m, 400m, 4x400m and 4x200m relay races. She received the team female track outstanding player award for four years. She was fifth place in the State 800m in 1A race for two years. She finished the 2020 season, shortened by Covid, ranked #1 in the 800m race in the state for class 1A. She won fifth and sixth place for the last two years in the indoor state division II 800m race and qualified for the state indoor meet in the 400m race. Jensen is also on the varsity cross country and basketball teams where she previously received the LHSAA All Academic All State Composite awards this school year. She is lieutenant captain and two time All American cheerleader. She’s a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, FCA/Pro-Life Club, Leo Club, FBLA president and BETA secretary. She was selected as the 2020 SMH Homecoming Queen. Jensen was named The 2020 Female High School Heisman Scholarship Award Winner for the state of Louisiana. Jensen plans to attend the University of Arkansas and major in communication disorders.

Andrew Godfrey, son of Scott and Aline Godfrey, is a senior at St. Mary’s Catholic High School, and has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while taking honors and dual-enrollment courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Leo Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Future Business Leaders of America. In 2019, Andrew was awarded a Masonic Honesty and Integrity Award. Athletically, he has participated in varsity football, baseball, and indoor / outdoor track. In 2019, he was honored as a First-Team All-District Quarterback, and received the Grant Ingram Memorial Scholarship. Andrew was previously recognized as a member of the 2020-2021 LHSAA All-Academic All-State Composite Team for fall sports. He was recently selected as Mr. SMH by the administration and faculty at St. Mary’s. He participates as an altar server during all-school Mass, and attends the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Holy Cross Catholic Church. Andrew plans to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Stephen Wilkes Wheat is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Wheat. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Loran Lindsey, Dr. Margaret Wheat-Carter and the late Dr. Reginald D. Wheat. Stephen is senior at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts where he has maintained a 4.0 unweighted grade point average while working to achieve his college associate’s degree. Stephen was selected by the LMEA All State Orchestra in violin, in 2018, 2019 and 2020. He was recognized as Academic All State all three years. He is a four year member of the National Honors Society and Beta Club; also active in the Catholic Club serving as secretary; SGO – presently serving as SGO Senator, Math Club, and table tennis club. Stephen was selected Boys State delegate in 2020, and earned the National Eagle Scout Award in 2019. Stephen has been a member of St. Mary’s Cross-Country team, being named top male runner his freshman year; also, a three-year member of St. Mary’s Tennis team. He is recognized in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-Composite team in both sports. Stephen will attend LSU Ogden’s Honors College in Baton Rouge. He plans to major in biology and pursue a career in medicine.

Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance will present the annual Senior Dance Concert on Saturday, May 1 at 7 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. The show is titled “Fundamentals.”

Attendance is limited to 160. For ticket information or to make reservations, call (318) 357-4483. A livestream will be available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream.

The advisor for the class is Kirstin Riehl. Stage Manager for the show is Caitlin Foster.

“Fundamentals” will feature original works choreographed by graduating seniors Emily Ricalde of New Orleans, Ashley Henry of Slidell, Tara Lane of Little Rock, Arkansas, Alexz Hattier of Slidell, Alphone Shine of DeRidder, Maci Burt of Mandeville and Vilma Castro of San Pedro Sula, Honduras,

Ricalde’s work is “@The Museum.” Liam Gardner is the lighting director. The cast is Sarah Talbot of Baton Rouge, Abigail Miller of Slidell, Mary Strickland of Metairie, John Jefferson of Shreveport, Grant Broussard of Abbeville, Adele Hebert of Lafayette and Julia Lynch of St. Amant.

Henry’s “Intertwined Thoughts” is a personal reflection of how people tend to visualize who Henry is as a person. Jaedyn Maxwell of Baton Rouge is the lighting designer. The cast is Sarah Grace Duplessis of Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Ashanta Wilson of Leesville, Peyton Harville of Bossier City, D’Sherrick Williams of Marshall, Texas, Chelsie Stephens of New Orleans and Strickland.

“At first glance, I’m seen as a shy, introverted person, ‘a person who is still in her shell,’” or someone who has everything going perfectly fine in my life,” said Henry. “Having a constant reach for perfection has led me to my own mental demise. Instead of looking at the positive experiences in life’s affirmations, I reminisce negative circumstances, creating a never-ending cycle of heartaches, low esteem and anxiety and loneliness. This piece will show the internal battles of escaping from the vivid thoughts, within the intentions of finding hope, and my own happiness, even if it’s momentarily. Being able to capture traits and creating movement, as well as incorporating the use of an unpredictable prop has been quite challenging for me mentally, and for my cast, physically.”

Lane’s work, “Fading Strings” is inspired by cello strings. Roshane Brown is the lighting designer. The cast is Hannah Knoff of Baton Rouge, Alyson Brown of Jennings, Erin Fallis of Pineville and Carleigh Murphy of Meadville, Pennsylvania.

“Each dancer represents a different string on the cello,” said Lane “Their movement is a mix of classical and contemporary all based on the way strings move and the sound that they make. Each dancer or string has their moment of being played intermingled with them coming together to play as one as a full cello. My work was inspired by a loved one that plays a stringed instrument and the lovely music that these instruments play. With that I wanted to focus on the beauty of the dancer and the moments they make with the music.”

Hattier’s piece is “Unique but One” and is about being unique as a dancer but being one with the group. Gardner is the lighting designer. The cast is Talbot and Mary Scott Pourciau of Baton Rouge, Miller and Haleigh Giorlando-Wall of New Orleans.

“As dancers we create our own style that makes us stand out however when we dance together, we have to be one,” said Hattier. “The solos in my piece are highlighting what makes those dancers unique and stand out from one another. The moments that they are dancing together is when they realize it is OK to be different when dancing in a group as long as we are in sync. Growing up as a dancer I struggled to embrace being different however as I grew more comfortable with my own style I realized that being different is acceptable.”

Shine’s piece, “Once Upon a Moment in Life” is a story book approach on a few everyday experiences that humans go through. The lighting designer is Abi Reeves. The cast is Luther Brooks IV of Lafayette, Fallis, Robert McCandish of Monroe, Murphy, Knoff, Stephens and JirNeicia Ward of Bossier City.

“I want the audience to essentially insert themselves into the story while the dancers dance. There’s four different sections and they each encapsulate different emotions and moods: some including having fun with friends and being super sassy, while another jumps on the love train, being very cutesy and fun. There’s many different moods and songs to enjoy while enjoying a look into a few characters that my dancers and I had a fun time creating.”

Shine said at the end the cast comes together to do one last dance.

“They portray the fact that although someone is bored over here, another may be having a grande time in another place, but it’s all happening simultaneously, because, well that’s just life,” said Shine. “I really wanted to challenge myself to tackle multiple moods within one piece, and with the support of my friends, I definitely feel like I’ve created something that I can truly be proud of.”

Burt’s work, “fp movimento” attempts to capture what goes on inside the mind of someone with bipolar disorder. Roshane Brown is the lighting director. The cast is Giorlando-Wall, Williams, Pourciau, Kerrie Spillman of Natchitoches, Cullen Barrilleaux of Belle Chasse and Sara Grace of Baton Rouge.

“The first section represents a manic and louder section of movement,” said Burt. “The second part of the piece represents a softer and more depressed state of mind. The movement itself is loud and soft which is why the piece is called ‘fp movement.’”

Castro’s work is called “Frailty.” Jebreanne Morgan is lighting designer. The cast is Barrilleaux as a living soul, Wilson as the spirit of life, Lynch as the shadow of death, Brown, MeKayla Jenkins of Jennings, Maria Paula Mancera-Romero of Cartagena, Colombia, Ashlyn Pettiss of Dutchtown and Broussard as souls.

“The story of the choreography would be based on the story behind the music,” said Castro. “It is a piece recreated in the ancient superstition of the dance of death in the late 1800s. The main idea is to capture in the piece the life cycle that a human being has, which despite the fact his efforts to continue living at some points arrives his moment to face death and becomes part of the dead crew. I want to highlight a pas de trois between life, death and human.”

Castro recalls a quote from writer and journalist Victoria Finlay. “Human life is fragile: we live in the space between one breath and the next. We often try to maintain an illusion of permanence, through what we do, say… how we enjoy our… it is an illusion that is constantly being undermined by change and death.”

NATCHITOCHES:
Camille Hoover
April 24, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Harry Graham
April 24, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Amari Clark
April 28, 2002 – April 22, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Donnie Ray Armstrong
February 1, 1953 – April 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Rickey Lane Smith Sr.
October 7, 1968 – April 17, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Thelma Jean Morris
April 16, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Joseph Amos Parrie Jr.
May 13, 1943 – April 24, 2021
Service: Tuesday, April 27 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Bettye Loraine Strahan Cabra
February 24, 1939 – April 25, 2021
Service: Tuesday, April 27 at 3 pm at Evening Light Tabernacle in Many

During the April 21, 2021 meeting of the Board of Commissioners to the Natchitoches Parish Communications District, Mr. Jack McCain was presented with a glass sculpture recognizing his service to the 9-1-1 Commission. Mr. McCain has served the citizens of Natchitoches Parish for over 30 years. McCain was first appointed to the Board of Commissioners in 1988 by Mayor Joe Sampite to represent him on the 9-1-1 Commission. Following that first appointment, Mr. McCain was re-appointed by Mayor Wayne McCollough and Mayor Lee Posey to represent them as well.

During his service on the 9-1-1 Commission, Natchitoches Parish has seen many improvements to its 9-1-1 system. McCain has served on the Budget/Finance Committee for several years and was key to supporting a private study of the 9-1-1 system in 2009, which has been the catalyst for many of the Communications District’s improvements. Some of these include: implementation of a parish-wide Emergency Warning Siren system, Phase II location accuracy for cellular telephones, replacement of two 9-1-1- call processing systems, purchase and installation of a voice logging system serving both the Police and Sheriff dispatch operations. Perhaps the most notable accomplishment was the completion of the 4.4-million-dollar, debt free, Emergency Communications Center, which opened almost two years ago. Commission Chairman John Wynn thanked McCain for his service to Natchitoches 9-1-1 saying that he will be greatly missed on the Commission.

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., recently replaced Mr. McCain, as his representative on the Communications Commission, with Mr. Calvin Braxton.

On Saturday morning, April 24, 2021, I got a phone call at 7:51 a.m. I answered and heard the following: “Mr. Billy, your friend Harry passed last night.” After saying the obligatory things, one says when you receive that kind of call… Thanks… I am so sorry… let me know about the arrangements…, I reflected on the life of Harry Graham.

Harry and I have been friends since 1993. Mr. Ben Johnson introduced me to Harry. Mr. Ben was keenly interested in providing the youth in our City with recreational opportunities and mentors to help assist young boys who were in need of “direction.”

Mr. Johnson formed the North Street Boxing Club and Harry was named Executive Director. The North Street Boxing Club was so much more than just a place for young boys to train and learn to punch someone. They also learned how to take a punch, but the North Street Boxing Club taught discipline and punctuality and other very basic lessons that so many of our youth simply aren’t taught anymore.

Harry Graham wasn’t perfect. He would be the first to admit that fact. But he cared. He especially cared about America and the future of this great country.

Harry took pride in being a Republican. As an African American in a small Southern city, Harry often went against the grain.

A 30-year Navy veteran, Harry proudly served the United States of America. He took great pride in his military service and often would get wound up telling stories of his world travels and experiences. The military taught Harry everything; discipline, toughness, responsibility, duty; but maybe most importantly, an obligation to take care of his fellow seaman. By doing your part, a unit or group together can do much more than any individual on their own.

Mr. Johnson knew what kind of leader Harry Graham was and also recognized that Harry was just the type mentor many of our young kids should emulate.

Small in stature, bald and soft spoken, Harry on the surface seemed less than ideal to run the North Street Boxing Club in an area of town better known for gambling and other nefarious street activity. When Harry spoke, those kids listened and I am confident that many young people benefitted from their time with Harry Graham, whether they realize it or not.

Harry loved kids and he loved politics. Harry served on our School Board solely because he thought he could help.

While not formally educated, Harry had wisdom; wisdom that comes from living life, serving 30 years in the U.S. Navy, traveling the world and as Harry would often tell me, “I’ve been on the streets talking to people.” When I wanted to know what the pulse of Natchitoches may be on a particular issue, there was one man I called, Harry Graham.

Many will remember Harry as “The Bomber” while calling in to KNOC Radio, often to offer an opinion that might ruffle a few feathers. Harry took great pride in being informed and actively participating in local politics. Harry and I often disagreed on issues but I can never remember seeing Harry angry about anything. Harry enjoyed retired life as a Navy veteran, even though the last several years were difficult. Harry never lost his sense of humor and he was a wise man who served his country and his community. One may have disagreed with Harry but you knew where you stood with the man.

Natchitoches lost a good man and community leader. Rest easy, Harry, you earned it!

Thank you, my friend!

Billy L. West, Jr.

It’s the 10th anniversary of a state championship season for the St. Mary’s baseball program, a fact that seems pertinent as the 2021 Tigers begin their postseason path later this week.

SMHS got its marching orders outlined Sunday when LHSAA playoff brackets were set, and to no surprise, the Tigers open the Division IV playoffs at home as the No. 4 seed in a 16-team field.

Thursday and Friday evenings at Cracker Brown Field in the east Natchitoches recreation complex, St. Mary’s will host St. Frederick’s from Monroe in a best-of-three series. Thursday’s opener begins at 6. Friday’s second game starts at 5, with a third game, if necessary, to follow about a half-hour later Friday night. Admission is $10 both days.

Coach Brooks McMinn’s Tigers are 26-5 with an impressive resume. They own wins over Class 4A St. Thomas More and Franklin Parish, a series win at another 4A toughie, Northwood of Shreveport, a triumph over 3A Westlake, and a win over 2A Many.

Against their district opposition, the Tigers roared. They were not only undefeated, but dominant, posting run-rule victories in every game.

The core of the St. Mary’s starting lineup is startingly young – six freshmen.

“The future is bright,” said McMinn, who as a standout on the 2008 SMHS team played with freshmen who went on to claim the 2011 state crown.

The current-day Tigers have two seniors: left fielder and pitcher Noah Heard, and the anchor of the team, LSU-Eunice signee Patrick Vienne, the ace pitcher and a first baseman who has clubbed nine homers while dominating on the bump.

“He’s been a great leader for us,” said McMinn. “With those younger guys, we needed somebody to step up, and he’s been absolutely awesome in every aspect.”

Ably assisting McMinn are Justin Fredieu, a mainstay of the 2011 state title team, and NSU freshman Tate Nelson, who played for the Tigers in the last four seasons.

McMinn embraces the playoff format sending teams into best-of-three series in the first two rounds.

“I like it. Over a three-game stretch, usually the stronger team should win the series. It gives somebody a better chance if they don’t have one stud pitcher,” he said. “But we happen to have that this year, so I wouldn’t mind a one-game playoff.”

Worth noting; the state semifinals and finals will be decided by one-game matchups.

But first things first. Friday night, McMinn hopes his Tigers are marching on to the quarterfinals and another series.

“In a 16-team bracket, everybody’s good. There’s not much difference at all,” he said.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is holding a Town Hall Meeting in Natchez on Tuesday, April 27 at 6 pm at the New Birth Baptist Church located at 108 Church Street in Natchez.

They will be discussing the consolidation of District 6, 8 and 10 into a new District 1. They are also proposing a new high school that would serve the Provencal, Marthaville and Cloutierville areas.

Input from the public is encouraged to attend to provide feedback on the consolidation as well as the high school.

Mrs. Liz Miller, a middle school English Language Arts teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Natchitoches, was named the recipient of the Em W. Knipmeyer Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2020-21 school year.

This award has been given for sixteen years and is usually presented by Mrs. Jo B. Stamey to an outstanding teacher in honor of her sister, Em Knipmeyer who was a graduate, former teacher and principal at St. Mary’s. This year the award was presented by Principal Andrea Harrell as Mrs. Stamey was unable to attend. The award honors a current teacher who holds the same teaching ideals of Mrs. Knipmeyer.

Mrs. Miller joined St. Mary’s as a receptionist in 2011. After receiving her teaching degree from Louisiana College, she began her middle school teaching in English Language Arts in December of 2012. Mrs. Miller also serves as the faculty sponsor for the high school Student Council.

“Mrs. Miller displays a strong commitment to excellence and to the St. Mary’s school mission. She has the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues,” said Principal Andrea Harrell. “She displays creativity, a willingness to try new ideas in the classroom, poise, eloquence and above all a Christ-like character in all areas of life. She embodies this description and daily models it throughout her life and role as a teacher on our staff.”

The award was presented on April 22 after an All School Mass at the school during Student Council Week.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board has held several community meetings recently to present the public with information on the proposal of consolidation of the Marthaville, Provencal and Cloutierville school districts to create District 11.

Read the powerpoint below to learn more about the district’s plan.

Matthew Elliott, a graduating senior from Central High School in Baton Rouge, has signed with the Northwestern State University Fishing Team. On the front row are Elliot, center, with his parents Denise and Steve Elliott. Standing are Director of Recruiting Van Erickson and Baton Rouge area recruiter Emily Miller. Elliott plans to major in engineering technology this fall. He was named Anger of the Year at CHS for the most points and King Fisher for the most weight. He has qualified to fish the Louisiana State Championship each year in high school and is currently quadruple qualified for the 2021 Championship Tournament. The NSU Fishing Team is a club sport open to all students interested in competitive bass fishing and competes in FLW, B.A.S.S. and Collegiate Bass circuits. NSU Fishing Team scholarships are made possible and funded by the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Scholarship fund. For information on the NSU Fishing Team, email Team Sponsor Juddy Hamous at juddyh@nsula.edu.

Kevin’s Gallery

Sometimes it’s not how you finish.

It’s infinitely more fitting to remember the 2021 Natchitoches Central Lady Chiefs softball team for what they did accomplish, rather than what didn’t go as hoped.

Their historic postseason run ended beyond expectations, in the state quarterfinal round, with the longest stretch of success for the NCHS program this century, at least.

A throng of fans, family members and suddenly interested observers were on hand Saturday afternoon to witness history as the Lady Chiefs hosted powerhouse West Monroe in a Class 5A Elite Eight matchup at Parc Natchitoches.

A fourth inning that will unfortunately live in infamy was catastrophic. West Monroe closed out a 17-0 rout by scoring 13 times in its fourth at-bat.

If it could go wrong, it did for NCHS. It was the opposite of a season that earned the Lady Chiefs a ninth seed in the 32-team state playoff field.

It happened on the heels of a stirring 2-1 triumph in Baton Rouge over longtime state softball power Central High in the regional round of the playoffs.

Despite the crushing immediate impact of the bad inning and the outcome, it did not detract from the rise of the Lady Chiefs this spring.

One indication of the respect they earned is the multi-faceted effort by city leaders, Parc Natchitoches managers and others who moved mini-marshlands to provide a quality venue for Saturday’s game.

An ironic footnote: ordinarily, a state quarterfinal game would have been played at the state tournament in Sulphur, but the extensive damages from last fall’s hurricane have collapsed hotel availability there, so the LHSAA shifted its schedule and spread Elite Eight contests around the state. So these Lady Chiefs didn’t have the chance to step into the statewide spotlight in Sulphur, as they would have in almost any other year.

Nonetheless, the occasion Saturday will not soon be forgotten.

For seniors Krystalin Edwards, Josie Fontenot and Lindsay Hargis, it was their final time in uniform. They were part of a 23-9 team that made an indelible mark.

Coach Ronnie Ables will have a lot of talented players back for 2022 and beyond.

The Lady Chiefs may have just scratched the surface this spring.

But if greater accomplishment is ahead, this year’s team will be remembered as the one that made the breakthrough to respect in softball circles around the state.