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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Position:​  Water & Sewer Department – Maintenance Mechanic I

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

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

Contact:  ​City of Natchitoches Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St., or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches LA 71458-0037.Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St, Natchitoches, LA or you can download an application at http://www.natchitochesla.gov

Deadline:  ​Applications will be accepted through May 25, 2021.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNIY EMPLOYER

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BOM was proud to support the NCHS Softball Team. Pictured from left are Linsey Hargis, Josie Fontenot, and BOM’s Tiffany Woods.

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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

Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Russell Burke
February 02, 1936 – May 15, 2021
Service: Thursday, May 20 at 10 am at the historic American Cemetery in Natchitoches

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

WINN:
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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The Natchitoches Parish School Board approved the creation of the Natchitoches Virtual Academy (NVA) on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The Academy will offer online instruction for grades 6-12 next academic year. The selective admission program will offer two personalized programs for self-motivated learners in the district:

• A full-time virtual program for students taking all online courses
• An accelerated learning program that will give virtual and face-to-face-students an opportunity to take an advanced learning course online in addition to their regular course load

The Virtual Academy will offer similar academic rigor to that of traditional face-to-face instruction but will offer the flexibility that some students may need to succeed. While students receive instruction and complete coursework online through Edgenuity, an NVA Teacher will be available to offer additional guidance on difficult to understand topics. Each NVA student is expected to meet weekly with his/her NVA Teacher, record their attendance every school day, and complete assignments and tests by the due date.

In addition to demonstrating that they have reliable internet service, students must exhibit a 2.5 GPA or higher and have no more than 10 unexcused absences in the prior school year. Each candidate for admission will also need to complete an Online Learning Readiness Assessment and an enrollment interview with a NVA staff member. This application process is designed to ensure that students who are accepted as virtual learners have the self-determination and motivation to be successful in an online setting.

Families who are interested in participating in virtual instruction next year are invited to attend one of our upcoming interest meetings to learn more about the program and admission criteria.

Natchitoches Virtual Academy
Interest Meetings

NPSB Boardroom
310 Royal St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Tuesday, May 25 at 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 2 at 5:30 PM
Tuesday, June 8 at 5:30 PM

More information on the academy and the application for enrollment will be published soon.

Interested families should complete the form at http://forms.gle/nWcthvYFDpG3heBX8 to learn more.

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Natchitoches Parish Sales and Use Tax Changes effective July 1

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

Natchitoches Parish 4.0%
Village of Clarence 5.0%
Village of Natchez 5.0%
Town of Campti 5.5%
Village of Robeline 5.0%
* Village of Goldonna 5.0%

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

*A new column for the Village of Goldonna, column (G) is being added to the sales tax return at the rate of 5.0%.

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

For those businesses outside the city limits of Natchitoches, make certain you notify your vendors of the tax increase and use the new sales tax form July 1, 2021. New forms will be provided. DO NOT file online until the changes have been made in all systems. Mail in your returns and payments for July, August, and September.

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

NATCHITOCHES TAX COMMISSION
Jerry W. McWherter
Administrator

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LaTrinda McGee of Zwolle and Naomi Adams of Natchitoches were named winners of the Northwestern State University Department of English, Foreign Languages, & Cultural Studies Excellence in First-Year Writing Award.
McGee, a freshman nursing major from Zwolle, won Best Narrative Essay for her story, “8 Minutes 46 Seconds.” The essay was written for Instructor Mariann Wilson’s online English 1010 class. Her personal narrative centers on the murder of George Floyd, a cousin she knew personally as Perry, and recounts McGee’s journey to D.C. to participate in the August 2020 March on Washington in Floyd’s memory.

“My work revolved around the death of George Floyd that basically reignited the civil rights movement and sparked global change,” said McGee. “With me being the cousin of George, or “Perry”, as we called him it touched me in such a different way. It was difficult to handle all of the media attention his death was received. Whether it was good or bad it still took a toll.”

McGee said she could not pass up the chance to go to Washington D.C., with family members to take part in the march done in Floyd’s name.

“I reconnected with family I hadn’t seen in years and it was definitely one of the highlights in my life,” said McGee. “Throughout this tragedy, our family rekindled some of our relationships and made me realize how precious life is.

“I’m not sure if this work will encourage me to seek out any other opportunities to write only because this was so personal to me. I just wrote about my experiences and what our family went through during that tough time.”

Adams, a freshman fine and graphic art major, won Best Research Essay for “Why Serial Killers Flooded the 1980s,” which analyzes the environmental and psychological factors that could explain the historic number of serial murderers in the United Stated during the 1980s. Adams wrote the essay for Instructor Katie Rayburn’s English 1020 class.

“I love true crime, especially documentaries, and have always had a strong interest in serial killers,” said Adams. “The most prolific serial killers in history killed during the late 70s and the entirety of the 80s, and this greatly interested me. When I was presented the opportunity to write a research essay, I immediately decided to write it on this specific situation. Writing this essay also allowed for me to catch a glimpse into the minds of serial killers, which plays into another huge interest of mine—psychology.”

Adams said she was encouraged by receiving the award and said it will make her work to improve her personal writing so that future essays will reach the same level of excellence.

This was the second time the award was presented by the Department of English, Foreign Languages, & Cultural Studies. They were given in 2019 but not in 2020. Wilson created the awards and coordinates them.

“I created the awards after learning about similar awards at other universities,” said Wilson. “We teach over 2,000 students each year in our freshman writing classes, so I was eager to recognize our students and faculty for their valuable work at NSU”

English 1010 and 1020 faculty are encouraged to nominate the best essays submitted in their classes during the academic year. A small committee from the department selects winners in two categories: Best Narrative Essay and Best Research Essay.

This year’s winners were notified by e-mail and will receive a certificate and monetary prize.

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If you ever wonder who keeps the Village of Goldonna running so smoothly you should probably know that they are comprised of a Mayor and a Board of Alderman. This week I want to introduce you to Alderman, Reed Franklin.

Mr. Franklin was raised in Goldonna by two parents who were educators. Mr. WH Franklin was an Agriculture teacher and Mrs. Esther Franklin was a third grade teacher. He followed in his father’s footsteps and majored in “Vocational Agricultural Education” at Louisiana Tech. Once he graduated he went to work for the USDA in several capacities all over the state. That was until the USDA out of Washington, DC began calling his name.

Mr. Franklin spent many years in DC and eventually moved back to his roots in Goldonna and was very excited to become part of the community again. He was originally appointed as Alderman replacing Rodney Bedgood when he took the Chief of Police position. It was all she wrote after that. Mr. Franklin ran for the position and has not been unseated since.

When I asked what was his favorite memory of growing up in Goldonna he quickly recalled the peaceful days of swimming at the Salt Works. If you are not familiar with the area I can attest to the fact that you may or may not see a gator on your visit. You would have also seen the most inviting rope swings that offered hours and hours of entertainment.

I was also very curious to know if money and resources were not an issue, what would his ultimate dream be for the community. Without hesitation he replied, “High Speed Internet, real high speed, not DSL or any other knock off, the speediest internet. Also, a Cell phone tower.”

That is two tall orders for Goldonna, but the internet is on the horizon with the investment being made by the Natchitoches Parish School Board. To say the community is eager would be a mere understatement. There is no doubt Mr. Franklin loves his job as Alderman and he loves seeing the progress that has been made over the year. The Goldonna Mayor agrees.

“Alderman Reed Franklin has been a member of the Goldonna town council for many years. He is able to bring his experiences from years past to the newer members of the board. We are striving to closer as a team to better serve the community. It is exciting to be a part of the different progresses that has been taking place in Goldonna,” shared Mayor Jennifer Smith.

Being a Public Servant can often be a thankless job but the community of Goldonna appreciates their representation and recognize that hard work benefits all of the residents.

Free Wednesday night suppers are still happening at Goldonna Baptist Church. The Kingdon Community meals start at 5:30 and end at 6:30. This week’s meal includes: jambalaya, corn, garlic bread, dessert and a drink. I do believe God must be multiplying the Tony Chachere Company’s donation. They have not run out yet!

If you have news you would like to contribute please email Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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At the May 18 Rotary Club of Natchitoches luncheon meeting, Rotarian Lee Waskom introduced the guest speaker Superintendent of Natchitoches Parish School System (NPSS) Dr. Grant Eloi to the Rotarians. Eloi updated the Rotarians on the educational progress of the NPSS during the 2020-2021 school year. Pictured from left are Rotary President Paul Rinehart, Eloi, and Waskom (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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