Louisiana is known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Louisiana’s historic sites represent the past, but often these sites become neglected, abandoned, or ultimately demolished. The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation works statewide to help identify and advocate for our state’s historic places and has announced the 2021 Louisiana Most Endangered Places. 11 new nominations have been selected. Since 1999, LTHP has maintained this growing list. Many sites have been saved and others will stand stagnant. LTHP encourages creative approaches and valuable tools such as the National Register of Historic Places or state and federal tax credits to help save these endangered places.

This year’s list represents a mix of sites ranging from enslaved burial grounds to World War II era buildings. Listing these places acknowledges their importance to the local community but also our statewide identity and economy.  

The list is generated from nominations made by the public and aims to attract creative approaches and resources to see the sites saved and rehabilitated for future generations.  Brian Davis, LTHP Executive Director said, “Getting a property added to the Louisiana’s Most Endangered Places List can be a useful tool in the effort to save an important part of a community’s history. It reinforces the significance of the site and the urgency for action, when applying for a grant or garnering support from the local community. It also increases the commitment of the Louisiana Trust and its resources in seeing a positive outcome for the site.”

Selections to Louisiana’s Most Endangered Places List are based on their historic significance; the critical nature of their threat; and the likelihood to bring about a positive resolution to their situation or to those of similar sites.  More information about the program, including nomination form, and a complete list of sites may be found at http://www.lthp.org/endangered-properties/.

2021 Additions to Louisiana’s Most Endangered Places List: 

Buena Vista & Acadia Plantation Cemeteries (St. James, St. James Parish) – While many plantations have been lost along River Road, historic remnants are hidden among sugarcane fields. Descendants of the enslaved at these burial sites have researched their ancestry back to 1852. The land is now the site of a proposed plastics complex. Construction was delayed after opposition by the Corps of Engineers. The United Nations have raised concerns of continued environmental racism increasing regional health issues.

Camp Ruston POW Buildings (Ruston, Lincoln Parish) – Local farm land was acquired by the federal government to establish this internment camp for WWII Prisoners of War. It was activated on Christmas Day 1942 and reached its peak population in October 1943 with 4,315 prisoners. The site went on to become a tuberculosis hospital and later turned over to Grambling State University. Remaining Camp Ruston buildings survive today in poor condition and may need to be moved to be restored.

Columbia Free Methodist Church (Columbia, Caldwell Parish) – Located just outside Columbia’s Main Street community, this simple concrete block structure once served as a house of worship, later an educational center. The building has lost its entrance steps and has been vacant for over two decades. Situated on the main road, it is highly visible and could be a great adaptive reuse property as a new business opportunity or community center.

Frank Young House (Franklin, St. Mary Parish) – Frank Young was an active member of the African American community advocating for educational opportunities in the early 20th century. He deeply influenced his grandson, Andrew Young. A. Young visited his grandfather often and went on to become a leader of the Civil Rights Movement in Louisiana and beyond. The property was to be donated and used for the Boys and Girls Club in the late 1900s but remains vacant.

Franklin Lodge No. 57 FAM (Franklin, St. Mary Parish) – Masons chartered in 1848 and later built this prominent building as their headquarters on Main Street in 1895. Leaders have completed architectural plans to work towards restoration. Some masonry work was completed in recent years, but additional work includes returning second-story windows and balcony as well as updated storefronts. Long-time tenants have recently moved out. Community leaders are working to raise funds to restore the facade and encourage new activity.

Gueydan Museum & Cultural Arts Society (Gueydan, Vermillion Parish) – Originally built as a bank in 1902, it features ornate details such as the recessed Romanesque arched entry. It was listed on the National Register in 1990 and opened as a museum that same year. In the fall of 2020, the building was impacted by hurricane damage. Repairs include repairing or replacing all windows, a new roof, and other updates. The museum is actively fundraising but needs additional support to keep their space open and safe.

Holy Cross School (New Orleans, Orleans Parish) – This long-time school has sat vacant since Hurricane Katrina. Plans and proposals by Perez Architects have been made but no movement or site improvements have been made. The building continues to deteriorate, and the grounds are overgrown with weeds and no proper security. Lower 9th Ward neighbors are advocating for emergency repairs to keep the 1895 building up as well as appropriate reuses to fit the surrounding local and National Register historic district.

Husser School; Community Center (Husser, Tangipahoa Parish) – 100 years ago this school house was built by local citizens in the nearby farming communities. It features three classroom spaces made with local pine timber and includes a small wood bell tower. The school closed at the end of the 1942 school year but went on to serve as a community center. Events continued here until the 1980s. Efforts to restore the school are taking shape, but additional funding is necessary.

Mary & J.W. Thomas House (Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish) – Originally from Baton
Rouge, JW Thomas moved to Natchitoches in the early 1900s to educate black youths. In 1912, he opened the Lincoln Institute where he served as teacher and administrator. By 1925, a seven-room school house was dedicated as the Natchitoches Parish Training School. His home remained occupied until 2009. Repairs are needed to stabilize and update the traditional cottage.

Kerner House (Gretna, Jefferson Parish) – Individually listed on the National Register, the Kerner House is representative of the Greek Revival & Italianate styles. The property has become a site of overgrown vegetation and rot. It is also located within a local historic district. Community leaders hope to work together to clean up and restore the property as a showcase to their neighborhood’s history.

St. Mary’s Chapel (Union, St. James Parish) – This sacred space was designed and built by Louis Chauvin II, a local sugar maker, architect, and Civil War veteran in 1875. It was constructed from top to bottom in local cypress highlighting the Gothic Revival style. Additions of the transepts and sacristy were added in 1900. The frame structure suffers from neglect and incoming water damage. Community members are working to establish a new non-profit to establish renovation plans and fundraisers.

The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation was founded in 1979 and works in all 64 parishes to advocate, promote and preserve historic places representing our diverse culture.  It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and for more information, visit LTHP.org or follow on Facebook (@LTHPreservation) and Instagram (@LouisianaTrust).

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St. Mary’s Catholic School recently had their Academic Awards ceremony for the 2020-21 school year for students in first through eleventh grades.  Congratulations to the following students for their academic achievements this school year!

Woodman of the World Award

The Woodman of the World Award is given each year to an outstanding student in American History.  This award is not only for having a high grade point average, but also for demonstrating the ability to understand and appreciate the value of the study of history. 

The recipient of this years’ Woodman of the World Award is Sheridan Pesnell.

Catholic Daughters Awards

The local chapter of the Catholic Daughters hosts a contest every year for students who compete in five different areas. These areas are art, computer art, poetry, essay, and photography. The students who place first in the local competition go on to compete at the state and national level. The following students received the Catholic Daughters Award:

Division I – Grades 4 and 5
Art – 1^st  Caroline Johnson (3rd at state level)  2^nd  Kevin Albert    3^rd  Elijah Huynh
Computer Art – 1^st Amelia Picou (1^st at state level) 2^nd Winn Cedars  3^rd Caitlynn Hernandez
Essay –   1^st Chloe Methvin     2^nd Sophia Pleasant      3^rd Ady Rhodes
Poetry – 1^st Emiry Jeane  2^nd  Ava Knapp  3^rd Landri Ezernack

Division II – Grades 6, 7 and 8
Art – 1^st Ainsley Armstrong  2^nd Destanee Stewart  3^rd Joseph Sklar
Poetry – 1^st Jenna Sklar   2^nd Cameron Ball   3^rd Luc Cross
Photography – 1^st Molly Smith

Division III – Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Art – 1^st Camille Ball  (1st at state level)   2^nd Ethan Busby    3^rd Emma Stewart
Poetry – 1^st John Henry Ingrish   2^nd Triston Mitchell  3^rd Cameron Bienvenu
Essay – 1^st Lily Anna Sklar (1st at state level)  2^nd Anne Michelle Long    3^rd Sophia Hogg
Photography – 1^st Anna McClung (1st at state level)  2^nd Anne Michelle Long

Academic Subject Awards 

The academic subject awards are chosen by the teachers and are given to the student who demonstrates high academic achievement in the subject, as well as great interest and potential in the subject area. The following students were recognized for ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies:

1st grade:
ELA –  Carter Hough
Math –  Jax Errington
Science –  Lila Campbell
Social Studies – Jaxson Norsworthy

2nd grade:
ELA – Heath Methvin 
Math – Oliver Picou
Science – Sam Dean
Social Studies – Hadley Mayeaux

3rd grade:
ELA –Weston LeGrande
Math – Lacey Boyd
Science –Corbyn Gandy
Social Studies – Holt Cedars

4th grade:
ELA – Sydney  Culotta
Math – Aaron Campbell
Science – Amilia Picou
Social Studies – Sophia Pleasant

5th grade:
ELA – Ava Knapp
Math – Fisher York
Science – Merritt Vandersteen
Social Studies – Gannon Sheffield

6th grade:
ELA – John Paul Thibodaux
Math – Preston Tilley
Science – Abram Nichols
Social Studies – Carter Burks

7th grade:
ELA – Lila Lewis
Math – Jenna Sklar
Science – Justin Vienne
Social Studies – Tucker Johnson

8th grade:
ELA – Emma Blanchard
Math – Ainsley Armstrong
Science – Georgia Kate Philen
Social Studies – Peter Kautz

9th grade:
ELA – Anna Thibodaux
Math – Colton Cross
Science – Sophia Hogg
History – Preston Martinez

10th grade:
ELA – DJ Rager-Ridley
Math –  Anne Michelle Long
Science – Adam Parker
History – Trent Middendorf

11th grade:
ELA – Lily Anna Sklar        
Math –  Emma Broadway
Science – John Henry Ingrish
History – Cal Sukerek

Tiger Integrity Awards

St. Mary’s recognizes students who have continually represented values that the school was founded upon, and who represent the mission of the school. The Tiger Integrity award is an honor given to St. Mary’s students that exhibit a compilation of many honorable and outstanding traits.  This honor is bestowed upon one student in grades first through eleventh.  The recipients of this award are students that show great school pride and spirit.  They are honest and helpful to others and are well liked by their classmates. These tigers possess a quality of humble respect for others, and value the religious aspect of a St. Mary’s education.  The following students received the Tiger Integrity Award:

1^st grade – Jax Errington
2^nd grade – Hudson Harrington
3^rd grade – Paisley Rae Tilley
4^th grade – Emiry Jeane
5^th grade – Tenley Thornton
6^th grade – Lindsey Stewart
7^th grade – Grace Wren
8^th grade – Addison Evans
9^th grade – Colton Cross
10^th grade – Trent Middendorf
11^th grade – Anna Kate Jackson

Bishop Martin Awards

The Natchitoches Diocese was created in 1852.  Augustus Marie Martin was consecrated as the first Bishop in October of 1853.  During his 22^nd year tenure he established a seminary to train native clergy, founded numerous missions, and erected a cathedral (our own Immaculate Conception). He guided the diocese during the Civil War and struggled for many years with failing health. When he died at the age of 72, he was buried next to the altar inside of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church. 

In keeping with the spirit of the first bishop, the Bishop Martin award of St. Mary’s is awarded to a student that has consistently maintained the mission of St. Mary’s. The students that receive this award have led by example, attempted to maintain and exhibit Catholic Christian values, and have taken advantage of the religious foundation offered at St. Mary’s to reach their full potential spiritually, academically, and physically. This award is one of the highest honors a St. Mary’s student can receive. The following students received the Bishop Martin Award:

1^st grade – Hendrix Harrington
2^nd grade – Branch Smith
3^rd grade – Aaron Blanchard
4^th grade – Ady Rhodes
5^th grade – Emme Errington
6^th grade – Luc Cross
7^th grade – Jackson Godfrey
8^th grade – Anderson Kelly
9^th grade – Gabby Godfrey
10^th grade – Mason McCart
11^th grade – Emma Broadway

Beta Club Awards

Anna Kate Jackson was recognized as the recently elected President of Louisiana State Beta for the 2021-2022 academic year.  She will run for National Beta Club president at the national convention in Orlando, Florida this summer.

The St. Mary’s Beta Club placed second in the skit competition at the state convention for their skit “Lights, Camera, Jackson”.  This skit was in support of Anna Kate’s campaign for president.  Members of the club will perform a skit in Orlando as Anna Kate makes her run for national president.

Clary Smiley was also recognized for placing third in the Division 1 onsite art competition.  She will also compete in the onsite competition at the national convention this summer in Orlando.

St. Mary’s is a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school that educates students from preschool through twelfth grade.  It is a ministry of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church.  

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By Joe Darby

In my first few columns since I’ve been back, I’ve written about very personal events along with a couple of lighthearted opinion pieces. Now this week I’m going to get serious. And I’m likely to make both political extremes mad at me but that’s all right. One of the things this country needs is a true variety of opinions, in which folks are not afraid to speak out.

I say that because one of my chief concerns about political trends today is the cancel culture, the atmosphere in which if you don’t agree with the principles of the far left, you don’t deserve to keep your job, you should be shunned by “woke” society and you better just shut up and be still.

People are being punished for some obscure remark that they may have made many years ago. And today’s insidious social media make it easy for the woke police to seek out and find any past transgressions against their creed. A person may have made some statement when he or she was a teenager that doesn’t meet the standards of today’s left, but that doesn’t matter. It’s a figurative “off with their heads.”

America has always thrived because people felt the right to speak out, relying on the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of speech. But fear of leftist reaction is putting a strong damper on that right. Alarmingly, in a 2020 survey, about 60 percent of college students feared to speak out because of the anticipated reaction of fellow students or faculty.

And, in my opinion, the more this culture persists, the more powerful it will become and moderates and conservatives will tend to sit back and allow the leftist restrictions to become more and more the rule.

I’m also disappointed in the fact that, not always but almost invariably, when a moderate or moderate conservative makes a statement that is jumped on by the left, they “walk it back” as the phrase goes, and abjectly apologize. They would do much better to stick to their guns and stand up to the woke pressure.

There other issues pushed by the left that will be damaging to this country, including the crazy out of control spending, which will certainly bankrupt this nation if something is not done. And the blind attacks on our carbon energy industry, which has succeeded in making us energy independent for the first time in many years. But, for today, I am concentrating solely on dangers to the freedom of speech.

Now, I said earlier that I will likely make both extremes mad. That’s because, while I fear the leftist policies, I also believe Donald Trump was immensely damaging to the US. People say he stands up for America. I disagree. He stands up for Donald Trump. He is an ego maniac.

He was not cheated out of victory in the presidential race and whenever he went to court his attorneys had no legal proof whatsoever. Even conservative, Republican-appointed judges came to that opinion. And he WAS responsible for the attack on the US Capitol, one of the worst incidents in the whole history of this country. He is a terribly flawed, dangerous man.

Finally, it scares me that so many Republicans still support him. I am no longer a member of that party. I have been a proud, conservative Republican for many decades. I remain a conservative. But after the Capitol attack, I changed my registration to Independent. If the GOP once again becomes the responsible, truly conservative party it once was, (and Trump is not a true conservative) I will be happy to rejoin.

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NATCHITOCHES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RIVERBANK STAGE:

1:00-2:00–The Nakatosh Rhythm Chiefs (Classic and modern Jazz from the legendary Luke Brouillette and friends)

2:20-3:50–Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers–(High energy music from the Grammy-nominated member of Louisiana Zydeco’s royal family.)

4:10–5:10–Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs–(Regional favorites performing a tribute to R&B and Soul music as part of their “Great Outdoors Tour”).

5:25-6:25–Peter Rivera (Former lead singer of 70’s hit-making Motown recording artists Rare Earth, performing hits like “(I Just Want To) Celebrate”, and “Get Ready”).

7:00-8:30–Neal McCoy–(Country superstar with several chart-topping hits to his credit. His live shows are legendary for their high energy)

9:00-10:30–Back in Black–(Widely regarded as the World’s Greatest AC/DC Tribute Band, Back in Black will be performing a pitch-perfect recreation of an AC/DC live concert)

Southern Scripts Stage (Roque House)

12:00–Kelli Roberts Band (Variety)
1:00–LA Sweet T–(Latin Rhythms/Jazz)
2:00—50-Man Machine feat. The Thistle Scottish Dancers (Celtic/Americana)
3:00—Cane River Soul (Soul/funk/R&B)
4:00–Billy O’Con and Badd Apple (High energy classic rock)
5:00–Lucas Jagneaux–(Country singer-songwriter)

Alliance Compressors Stage (Fleur De Lis)

12:15–The Armadillo Jackals (Americana/Variety)
1:15–The Louisiana Sidemen Blues Band (Blues/R&B)
2:15–Breaktime for Frances (Alternative original rock)
3:15–TBA
4:15–The Turn-Ups–(Classic Rock/Variety)
5:15–The Snake Doctors–(Blues/Americana)

MC: Trini Triggs

The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival has announced the lineups for the side stages at the Festival which will be held on the downtown Natchitoches Riverbank on May 22.

According to entertainment committee member Daniel Page, the Festival gives local and area musical acts an opportunity to shine. “I know our area musicians look forward to this opportunity every year”, said Page, “We feel like we have some of the best, most talented acts anywhere right here in our area and we want to spotlight them.”

The lineup on the Southern Scripts and Alliance Compressors stages continues with the festival tradition of featuring and wide and eclectic variety of music, featuring Celtic, Latin, Alternative, Americana, Country, Blues, Rock, and, of course, plenty of Jazz and R&B.

These acts are in addition to the lineup on the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Riverbank Stage, which will feature headliner Neal McCoy, Rare Earth lead singer Peter Rivera, Grammy-nominated Zydeco star Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers, AC/DC Tribute band Back in Black, regional favorites Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, and local Jazz great Luke Brouillette and the Nakatosh Rhythm Chiefs.

Page said the general admission tickets are $30 for adults and are “selling like hot cakes”.

“I think folks are just ready to get out and see and hear live music”, Page continued “And they realize what a bargain it is to pay $30 to see 17 high-quality acts and enjoy a day of music. That’s less than $2 per band and you’d pay that to see Neal McCoy by himself!”

The Festival will be Covid-compliant and because of that, the number of people who can be present on the riverbank is limited by the Fire Marshal and right now are limited to no more than 3000. Once those are sold, the event will be “Sold Out”.

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One hundred and thirty seniors from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) graduated during the school’s 37th Commencement Ceremony on May 15, 2021 in Prather Coliseum on the campus of Northwestern State University.

For students, faculty and staff seated in the coliseum, the day of Friday, March 12, 2020 seemed like an eternity ago. On this day the faculty and staff said goodbye to students as they left for virtual learning at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19. What they assumed would be a few weeks soon turned into months. And through it all, every member of the LSMSA family mourned what was missed.

Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton addressed the crowd on a Saturday afternoon in May of 2021. Friends and family were allowed to attend thanks to decreases in pandemic restrictions. Masks were still mandatory, but it was a small price to pay to have everyone together to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.

“Regardless of what obstacles are thrown at us, we always persevere, and as a result, we are home again,” said Horton.

LSMSA’s commencement began in Prather in 1985 with 172 members of the first graduating class. Horton began the 37th commencement by recognizing some of the senior administration who have helped to make things possible. They include: Chief of Staff, Director of Operations, and Senior Class Sponsor John Allen; Director of Academic Services Dr. Kristi Pope Key; Director of Enrollment; and Student Services Emily Shumate.

Being a student at the Louisiana School can be stressful, but at the same time it’s extremely rewarding. Aubrey Prewitt spoke to the resilience of her fellow students as she delivered the Senior Address.

“We missed out on a lot…but we’re still here,” she said. “We are the first class to survive nearly a year of online classes, a global pandemic, multiple hurricanes, a Louisiana snowstorm and more. It wasn’t the ideal senior year by any standard, but we made it.”

The past year is far from the only difficult time the graduating seniors will face in their lives. They will run into roadblocks, hardships, and stress in their lives. But just like the school’s alma mater says, “We are eagles soaring strong and true.”

“Though we are now leaving our nest, we can do anything we put our minds to,” Prewitt added.

Dr. Darrell Bourque, professor emeritus in English from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette and a former Louisiana Poet Laureate, was the keynote speaker. He echoed Prewitt’s sentiments that LSMSA students are exceptional humans. They see the possible and the probable where others do not. He then offered a few simple yet impactful pieces of advice as the graduating seniors go out in the world to “do their work.” Take care of the planet. Be considerate of the welfare of the future generations to come as they are in your hands. Beware of inflexibility, which will break you.

Of those students moving on to the next stage of their lives, 63 percent will attend 18 colleges and universities in Louisiana while 37 percent are headed to 44 different universities throughout the US and abroad. Collectively they have been awarded over $27.8 million in merit-based scholarships. This is in addition to nearly 3,200 hours of college credit through articulation agreements and dual enrollment credits, which over 60 percent of students took advantage of.

“We are so proud of you,” said Horton. “What you have learned about the subjects you studied. What you have learned about your abilities and potential. What you have learned about life. We are proud of you individually and collectively as a community…Know that we hope we have given you what you need to thrive in your next steps in life…I want to challenge this class to continue to excel, to continue to learn and serve, and to know that LSMSA will remain here for you, with you. Go forward with this foundation, go forward and excel.”

Acadia
Carin Angelle
Cameron Beaux

Ascension
Sophia Abbahou
Charles Beam
Devyn Hambrick
Emma McCarthy

Assumption
Madison Lee

Avoyelles
Brett Guidry

Beauregard
Hannah Lewis

Bienville
Kerrigan Zachry

Bossier
Madison Kavanaugh
Daniel Seo
Virginia Strickland

Caddo
Gabrielle Meaux
Oluwagbeng Ojemakinde

Calcasieu
Sneha Anthony
Connor Breaux
Khristian Guynes
Michael Guynes
Allison Johnson
Adeline Moss
Treyauna Pouchie
Faith Royer
Jacqueline Schlamp
Benjamin Schleter
Ryan Schleter
Jamie Simpson
Andrew Yen

Concordia
Jacob Knapp
Cailyn Lee

De Soto
Jenna Hall

East Baton Rouge
Anna Cattar
Diamond Dixon
Rylie Fisher
Kaitlyn Kahn
Isis Frech
Isabela Landers
William Pugh
Lucy Silverman

Evangeline
Anne-Marie Boseman

Franklin
Pooja Desai
Avery Johnson

Iberia
Kayla Brown

Jackson
Enissa Hatfield
Samuel Smith

Jefferson
Jennie Longwell
Jessica Lotz
Jalen Xia

Lafayette
Andrew Abshire
Ryan Guidry
Alex Le
Angelina Liemkeo
Eva McDonald
Demyah McGhee
Allison Zanyk
Yoojin Seok

Lafourche
Cera Aex

Lincoln
Jaden Poindexter

Livingston
Savannah Cecchini
Katherine Jones
Riley Berry
Autumn Meadors
Cassidy Whitted

Natchitoches
Andrea Chen
Gloria Church
Tyler French
Katherine Hughes
Mary Long
Steven Meziere
Lorelei Morris
David Peters
Byron Pinckley
Margaret Wheat
Stephen Wheat

Orleans
Ryan Maghanoy

Ouachita
Gregory Allen
Caleb Baham
Jason Garrison
Sarah Johnson
John Littleton
Owen Traylor 

Plaquemines
Jacie Propps

Pointe Coupee
Emma Doucet
Madeline Lorio
Richard McLemore

Rapides
Kaitlyn Carlock
Noah Murray
Mary Hutson

Richland
Emily Fisher
Aubrey Prewitt

Sabine
Hana Lewis
Robert Lombardino
Kaitlin Mong
Kameron Self
Adelaide Soileau

St. Bernard
Nicholas Maag
Ethan Swan-Beganaud

St. John The Baptist
Katelyn Wale
Ashleigh Zaidain

St. Landry
Trent Richard
Justelyn Rosette

St. Mary
AnaLaysha Burgess-Collazo
Grace Lemoine

St. Tammany
Sy’rai Adams
Elaina Bachman
Laurel Davis
Paige Delsa
Eve Goodwin
Jayden Gray
Madison Gray
Sanele Harmon
Colton Hayes
Joshua Henry
Sarah Hossain
Blake Martin
Vani Pandian
Koby Ramsey

Tangipahoa
Madison Clemons
Julia Johnson

Terrebonne
Andrew Palermo
Johnathan Zarraga

Vernon
Angela Komsuprom
Dominic Ross
Sherry Weng
Hannah Hartley 

Webster
Caleb Gross

West Baton Rouge
Annalise Bates

West Feliciana
Victoria McMillan

Texas:
Reagan Brown

Mississippi:
Camille Seymour

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The 2nd annual NCHS Football Golf Tournament Fundraiser has been postponed and has been
rescheduled for July 10th , 2021 at the NSU Golf Complex. We apologize for any inconveniences this might cause but with the weather conditions and condition of the course, we feel that this is the best option moving forward.

If you have already registered a team and have questions regarding the new date of the
tournament, please contact Coach Wilkerson to discuss. Also if you bought a raffle ticket, the raffle will be held on the new date of the tournament so please hang on to your tickets.

Once again we apologize for any inconveniences this might cause but we hope that you will join
us on July 10th for our tournament.

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POSITION: CDL Vac/End Dump Operators

DESCRIPTION: Southern Fluid Solutions LLC is a locally owned and operated company with positions open for Vac/End Dump Operators. Responsibilities include; operating a tanker or end dump truck to haul off oil field waste.

REQUIREMEMNTS:
• 2 years of driving experience
• Valid CDL
• Pre-employment drug screen

Benefits available after 90 days

CONTACT: For more information call 936-598-2500 or visit www.southernfluidtx.com

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The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC) and its partners kick off Spring and Summer celebrations and encourage residents and visitors to download the GoNatchitoches app. The app serves as your one-stop-shop trip planner and a community calendar that serves as an interactive way to map out everything visitors and residents want to see and do in Natchitoches.

The GoNatchitoches app provides a new way to explore what Natchitoches offers, including upcoming events, popular attractions, restaurants, tours, lodging, shops, landmarks, and much more. Users can view it all at once or search by categories like Attractions, Dining, Arts & Culture, Lodging, and many others.
See a festival you don’t want to miss? Click “Add,” and the event will be added to your plan, and you’ll be sent a reminder.

That restaurant everyone keeps telling you about? Click “Add,” and you won’t forget to try it.  Want to invite some friends? Share your plan with them via social media, email, or SMS text message.  Need a reminder for upcoming events? Turn on the push notifications for the app!  No need to waste time or another sheet of paper. With this planner, GoNatchitoches can help you get organized and maximize your time so that you can have more fun in Natchitoches.

Already on your way to Natchitoches or live here? Download the app for your iPhone or Android and take your plan with you! Just type “GoNatchitoches” in the search box of your app store.

The “GoNatchitoches” project is a coalition between the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the City of Natchitoches, Cane River National Heritage Area, Northwestern State University, the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission, the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association, the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.

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It’s a sad time of year for most bass anglers as the spawn is over and the fish are in transition back to their summer haunts. It’s the time of year anglers call “post spawn.” The fishing can be pretty tough but there’s also a feeding period at this time for bass as they fatten up from the weight they lost during the spawn. The spawn takes a lot out of bass physically and they need time to recover. This is also the time of the year when the shad spawn kicks in. Funny how Mother Nature knows exactly how and when to make things happen. Her timing is impeccable and with the shad in their spawning stage now, this allows the bass to feed up and recover quicker.

So where can you find the bass after the spawn? Well, you might want to start looking at the same place you looked when they were in the pre-spawn stage which is mainly the first drop off headed back out to deeper water. Understand that the first drop might be as small as a one-foot break line, or it could be the first 5-to-10-foot drop. Deep water drop off is relative to what lake you’re fishing. For example, the Red River the first drop might only be the first two-foot break line off the bank. But on Toledo Bend or Sam Rayburn, it could be the first 10 to 15 foot drop off the bank. Every lake is different but any slight change in depth is all it takes to hold fish, but this gives you a starting point to look.

Another place to look, the boat docks; especially docks close to deeper water. Bass like to get next to something vertical for some reason and I don’t know why. Boat docks that are on main lake points are great places to look for bass after the spawn. Another feature to look for is brush tops around the boat docks. These make great places to fish because brush tops usually hold bait fish for the bass to feed on whether it’s shad or bream. Bass really go after the bream this time of year as the bream pull into the shallows and spawn after the bass are done. This is a great time to throw bream-colored baits like green pumpkin, watermelon/red and just about anything with green flakes will work like the color called Junebug.

I cannot state enough how tough the bass fishing can be this time of year. But once the bass recover and get into their summer patterns, bass fishing will improve. Now is also the time when the big 10- and 12-inch worms (like the V&M Wild Thang) become a big player in catching bass. Deep diving crank baits are also a great choice as some bass will pull out and suspend over deeper water. Chartreuse and blue or shad colored crank baits are a good choice depending on watercolor. Small ¼ oz. spinnerbaits thrown in shallow water will also catch bass as the small blades tend to match the hatch of the shad spawn.

I hope this helps you understand the dynamics of what anglers call the “post spawn” and where you can expect the bass to be. Just like any other time of year, you just have to go into search mode and figure it out. But hopefully I’ve given you an idea of where to start your search for the largemouth bass. 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

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Northwestern State University alumna Emily Myers first recognized her love for reading and writing while in the seventh grade at Converse High School in Sabine Parish. She knew her dream of becoming a published author was lofty and came with an uncertain future. Still, she chose to continue her studies in English at NSU, graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Professional Writing, and a minor in Mass Communications.

Myers credits her time at Northwestern as pivotal in her writing development.

“Every time I write I think about Dr. [Shane] Rasmussen’s literature classes and the critical thinking skills he taught me,” she said. “He pushes all his students to think deeply and engage with texts in a unique way. I was sure to take a class with Dr. Rasmussen almost every semester of my undergraduate studies because his classes were always challenging, enlightening, and truly impactful.”

Despite Myers’ love and talent for writing, she found herself on a different path after college graduation. She put her dream on hold to pursue a stable career. Yet, as she began her career as a high school English teacher in Rapides Parish, her path toward certainty and stability was shattered when her father was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lung Cancer. He passed away after a year and a half battle with the disease.

Myers says losing her father was the catalyst that pushed her to focus on her dream now, rather than later.

“He was so young when he passed, only 53. I started looking at my life as if it would end when I turned 53. I no longer felt safe in putting off my dream. I had to do it now and that’s exactly what I’ve done.”

Myers has dedicated the past 2-1/2 years to finding her niche in the publishing industry and preparing her first novel to self-publish.

“It has been a long and bumpy journey, but I’ve finally found my place in this incredibly vast industry. And the more I write, the more I find my voice,” she said.

Myers’ debut novel, “The Truth About Unspeakable Things,” is a Women’s Fiction/ Romance novel that follows a sexual assault survivor on her journey toward recovery. The emotional, and, at times uncomfortable aspects of the book are balanced with budding romance and unpredictable suspense. Her novel challenges standard genre norms and blends emotion, moral dilemmas, romance, suspense, family drama and action into one moving read.

Myers put her degree in English to good use while writing her debut novel.

“At Northwestern, I was blessed with knowledgeable teachers, like Dr. Rasmussen, who pushed me to analyze literature in a deep and critical way. It is that same critical thinking I bring to my fiction writing. “The Truth About Unspeakable Things” is an entertaining read littered with thought-provoking messages that can really resonate with readers.”

“The Truth About Unspeakable Things” is available for purchase now on Amazon and through Barnes and Noble’s website in both eBook and paperback forms.

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BOM is a Grand Slam Title Sponsor of the Natchitoches Kiwanis 5K Color Run & Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, June 6 at Collins Family Pavilion at NSU. Race registration is at 7:30 am, 1 mile run at 8:00 am, 5K at 8:45 am, pancake contest at 10:00 am, and pancakes will be served from 7:00 am – 11:00 am.

Pictured from left are Emily Settle, Kaitlyn Hamm, Craig Caskey, Micah Murchison, Craig George, Brooke Harrell, and Blaise LaCour. 

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NATCHITOCHES:
Henry Braxton
May 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Doretha Charles
May 18, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 22 at 1 pm at the Abundant Life Ministries Church on Ben Drive in Natchitoches

BJ Miller
September 05, 1998 – May 14, 2021
Service: Friday, May 21 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church Provencal

Charles R. Rushing
May 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 22 at 2 pmat the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches

Dan P. Roberson
May 12, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 22 at 11 am at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North St. in Natchitoches

Margaret Carter Cooper
November 2, 1961 – May 10, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Phillip Lloyd Gillis
March 13, 1968 – April 29, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 1-5 pm at the home of Ryan and Bekah French Home, located at 1615 Williams Ave. in Natchitoches

SABINE:
Griffin H. Warren
February 28, 1933 – May 18, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 22 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Zwolle

WINN:
Bill W. Sanders
December 21, 1940 – May 19, 2021
Service: Sunday, May 23 at 3 pm at Goldonna Cemetery

Claude L. O’Bryan
August 22, 1936 – May 18, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 22 at 10 am at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Calvin

Earnestine Durahm
May 10, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 22 at 11 am at the Winnfield Funeral Home, located at 117 MLK Drive in Winnfield

RED RIVER:
Billy Roy Wren
May 02, 1954 – May 18, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 22 at 11 am at Creston Baptist Church

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Author Tonya Chen Mezrich visited Northwestern State University’s Elementary Lab School this week to discuss the writing process and autograph copies of the Charlie Numbers books students are currently reading. Dr. Mezrich and her husband Ben have cowritten four books in the series that focus on the adventures of a group of whiz kids who solve mysteries using math and science.

Mezrich attended NSU Elementary Lab and Middle Lab as a youngster when her father was a political science professor at NSU. She graduated from high school at Choate Rosemary Hall, studied French literature and art history at Tufts University and earned a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. After practicing as a dentist, she later became a jewelry and fashion designer and produced and cohosted the TV Show Style Boston. She recently launched the popular half hour TV show on NESN called Boston’s Red Carpet with Tonya Mezrich featuring philanthropy and fashion as a follow up to her role as resident fashion expert at NBC Boston.

Mezrich based the Charlie Numbers series on her experience at NSU Middle Lab and the school’s teachers and science lab. She wanted to look in on the school while visiting her parents who still live in Natchitoches and cited Melanie McCain as her Gifted/Talented teacher. The visit to the Elementary Lab was arranged by Principal Caron Coleman and a copy of her book was purchased for all second through fifth grade students. Mezrich said she was impressed with the reading levels of the Lab School students and their proficiency with chapter books.

Mezrich and her husband Ben, also a successful writer, wrote the first Charlie Numbers book in 2017 and it was chosen as the required summer reading for all sixth graders in Boston Public Schools. The Charlie Numbers books are slated to be developed into a movie series with Ellen Pompeo of Gray’s Anatomy. The Mezrichs recently completed “Charlie Numbers and the UFO Bash” set for release this year. The couple live in Vermont with their two kids and pug.

Elementary Lab students incorporated the Charlie Numbers story into their school library garden where each class uses elements of a grade-appropriate book in their gardening project.

Mezrich talked with second through fifth graders about the books, the challenges of writing and the benefits of the school’s book club where students discuss what they are reading. She credited her husband Ben as her personal mentor in writing. Ben Mezrich is author of 17 books, including two New York Times bestsellers “The Accidental Billionaires” and “Bringing Down the House,” that were adapted into films.

E Lab students responded positively to Mezrich and asked good questions about writing and what projects she has in the works.

“I do believe it gave them inspiration and thinking ahead to what they could do with writing and education,” said Lisa Wiggins, E Lab librarian. “She put such a positive spin on the importance of education, reading, writing, science and math.”

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Healogics has announced its 2020 award winners, and the team at NRMC’s Wound Care Center has achieved the prestigious President’s Circle Award. NRMC is one of only 16 centers receiving this honor in the nation.

“Congratulations to the NRMC Wound Care team,” noted Lisa Thompson, RN, MEd, Clinical Director of Healogics Operations. Program Director Jamie Fontana, Medical Director Dr. Marc Stokes, and CNM Andrea Rachel, RN, provided strong and consistent leadership throughout a very difficult and challenging 2020. In spite of the challenges, this team achieved amazing results and patient outcomes that place them in the top 16 wound care centers of the organization. We are so proud of you. Congratulations!”

“Our fantastic wound care team provides families in our region with excellent wound care services. Their efforts truly save people’s lives and limbs,” explained Kirk Soileau, NRMC Chief Executive Officer.

“The demand for their services became so great that we had to expand to meet patients’ needs. In response, we opened our new Comprehensive Wound Care Center in 2020. This 7,000 square foot facility has six hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers. We have patients coming in from across the region for care. Our wound care team can heal horrific wounds using specialized treatments and our state-of-the-art technology, but it is their experience and expertise that makes the difference. The work this team does is truly extraordinary. On behalf of the NRMC family, we want to congratulate the Wound Care team on being named as a recipient of the President’s Circle Award. They deserve it,” Soileau said.

For this award, the Wound Care team achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92 percent within 28 median days to heal. The Wound Care team provides advanced wound care modalities including negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The Center’s hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen to help progress the healing of the wound. The Center has a team of 10 multidisciplinary Panel Physicians with specialized wound care training who are committed to providing outstanding care.

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Northwestern State University’s Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Cultural Studies encouraged literacy at parish schools this spring by sponsoring two contests. Students in grades K-five participated in an Easter writing and coloring contest. Sixth-eighth graders entered the St. Patrick’s Day creative writing contest.

The events were advertised to local schools with 234 students in lower grades and 100 students in upper grades from six different local schools entering. Participating schools were Provencal Elementary and Jr. High, Marthaville Elementary and Jr. High, NSU Elementary Lab School, NSU Middle Lab School, Fairview Alpha Elementary, Lakeview Jr. High and Provencal Christian Academy.

K-three winners were: first place Taylor Stewart from Fairview Alpha Elementary, second place Aubrie Hinds from Provencal Elementary and third place Andi Carney from Provencal Christian Academy.

Winners in grades four-five were: first place Karen Cedars from Provencal, second place Conner Franks from Fairview Alpha and third place Saydi Loftin from Provencal.

Sixth-eighth grade winners were: first place Tralyn Loftin from Lakeview Jr. High, second place Grace Smith from NSU Middle Lab, third place Nevaeh Revels from Fairview Alpha and honorable mention Bronson Rains from Marthaville.

Department Administrative Service Coordinator Scarlett Vascocu was the lead organizer and presented the awards to winning students. Several department faculty and staff assisted with judging.

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Here is a look at the week of May 23-29 at Northwestern State University.

May 23-29 – Registration for summer, fall semesters

May 27-28 – Freshman Connection, Natchitoches campus

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This has been a very different year for the Natchitoches Central High School Band. They had to cancel band camp this past summer due to the second spike of COVID-19 cases in the state, play outdoors, utilize bell covers and social distancing, abstain from travel, and mostly participate in virtual events rather than the in-person ones they’re accustomed to. However, through all of the challenges they have persevered and achieved success in several areas.

Throughout the year, the band has utilized social media to be able to keep performing when it was unsafe to host live events. The band presented what they typically perform for the Natchitoches Christmas Parade, they honored Black History Month with a performance of “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, a tribute to the NCHS Boys Basketball team, a performance featuring the NCHS Percussion Ensemble performing on nontraditional instruments, and featured the Tribal Fire Colorguard. While the NCHS Band was able to perform in the stands at football games, they were unable to perform a halftime show due to COVID regulations. These virtual performances were instrumental in ensuring that their talents reached a wider audience and that they could share the joy of music with others.

Students participated in fundraisers this year, including a donation drive and a jambalaya plate lunch fundraiser. These funds are appreciated as they will help with instrument repair, new instrument purchases, future travel, and materials for the classroom. The NCHS Band intends to keep offering ways for the community can contribute, and they are grateful for all of the support that the community has provided so far!

The NCHS Band had eight students selected to the District II Honor Band: Alexx Gibson, flute; Adriana Hernandez, flute, Mariana Martinez, flute, Jeron Larry, alto saxophone, Tyson Roberson, trombone, Wesley Clark, tuba, Colton Conley, percussion, and Caldwell DeFord, percussion. These students were selected via virtual audition amongst other high school musicians from surrounding parishes.

In addition to being selected to the District Honor Band, Wesley Clark, tuba, was selected to the LMEA All-State Band. All-state is a two-round process, and students who were selected to move on to the second round include Jeron Larry, alto saxophone, Colton Conley, percussion, and Caldwell DeFord, percussion. This is an even more selective process as it includes students from all over the state. Wesley is the first NCHS band students to be selected for this honor since 2004. He has been invited to the Northwestern State University Honor Wind Ensemble program this summer as a result of this honor.

Several NCHS Band students participated in the LMEA District II Solo and Ensemble
Assessment. This assessment involves small ensembles and solos who perform for
adjudication and receive a rating that indicates their level of achievement. One ensemble and two soloists participated in this event and they all received a rating of Superior, which is the highest achievable rating. The ensemble includes Adriana Hernandez, flute, Jeron Larry, alto saxophone, and Aidan St. Peter, bass clarinet. The soloists are Wesley Clark, tuba, and Mariana Martinez, flute.

The NCHS Band also participated as a full ensemble in the virtual LMEA Large Ensemble Assessment. This assessment was a combination of parishes from north and central Louisiana and involved three adjudicators listening to recorded submissions and assign a rating. The NCHS Band received a Superior rating from all three adjudicators, the highest achievable rating.

This was especially exciting since schools shut down the week before the NCHS Band was set to perform for 2020’s Large Ensemble Assessment.

Finally, the NCHS Band was able to hold a live concert on May 13th for the first time since December 2019. The concert featured a performance by the NCHS Percussion Ensemble, the previously mentioned Superior-rated woodwind ensemble, and the entire ensemble. Awards were also distributed and seniors were recognized for the participation and contributions throughout their high school careers.

This has been a very successful year for the Natchitoches Central High School Band despite the challenges and obstacles they have faced. They are looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year and hope to be able to continue spreading the joy of music to the community.

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POSITION AVAILABLE

POSITION: PRINCIPAL

SITE LOCATION: NATCHITOCHES CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

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

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be certified or eligible at the time of the application according to Louisiana State Department of Education requirements and must have 5 years of teaching experience.

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

DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 4:00 p.m.

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, official transcripts from institutions awarding degrees, a copy of Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate with principal/education leadership endorsement, three (3) letters of reference, (one being from your immediate supervisor).

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POSITION AVAILABLE

JOB VACANCIES: Department of Exceptional Student Services Secretary

LOCATION: Central Office

QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or equivalent, Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in computer skills.

SALARY: According to Parish Salary Schedule

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months

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

DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 4:00 p.m.

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, official transcript, and two
letters of reference.

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POSITION AVAILABLE

JOB VACANCIES: Department of Exceptional Student Services Clerk

LOCATION: Central Office

QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or equivalent, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in computer skills.

SALARY: According to Parish Salary Schedule

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months

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

DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 4:00 p.m.

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, official transcript, and two
letters of reference.

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Congratulations goes out to the Air Force JROTC Marksmanship team at Lakeview High School, they placed 2nd in their division at the Louisiana National Guard State tournament. This is the first Marksmanship trophy Lakeview has received. When asked about the team’s progress this year, Major Wiggins stated; “They did an outstanding job. All but one of our students will be back next year to compete, so we hope to be even more competitive next year. Additionally, with our newly dedicated space for the marksmanship range that Principal William Hymes provided our team, the cadets are afforded more time to hone their marksmanship skills.”

The students use .177 caliber air rifles to shoot at a 1-3/4 inch target from a distance of 10 meters in the Standing, Kneeling, and Prone positions. Chief Master Sergeant John Thomas stated that “once we get the ability to enable each student to use a dedicated weapon without having to share, you’ll see us take our competitiveness to a whole new level.”

Pictured from left are CMSgt John Thomas (US Air Force Retired), Cadet Airman 1st Class Danny Smith, Cadet Airman Basic William Harbour, Cadet Airman 1st Class Charles Culliford, Cadet Senior Airman Dylan Fulton, Cadet Amn Adrian Davis, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Hannah Walsworth, and Major Stacey Wiggins (US Air Force Retired). Not pictured are Cadet Airman Tramon Lloyd and Cadet CMSgt Cameron Taylor.

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