Louisiana is home to museums whose subjects range from the state’s prehistoric inhabitants to the Civil War, Jazz and natural history. Our state’s museums and historic sites have something for every taste, almost all of it available for free or at a modest cost.

A visitor to Monroe’s Biedenharn museum will have the opportunity to see the Coca-Cola Museum as well as a Gutenberg Bible in the Bible Museum and tour a mansion. The Biedenharn Museum is actually three different attractions in one.

I began at the Coca-Cola Museum. Opened in 2008 and located a few houses down from the Biedenharn Mansion and Bible Museum, the Coca-Cola Museum depicts the legacy of Joseph Biedenharn, the first person to bottle the then new sensation, Coca-Cola. Prior to his innovation, Coca-Cola was only dispensed by “jerks” who served the drink by the glass for a nickel. Needless to say, bottled Coca-Cola proved to be quite successful, making the Biedenharn family extraordinarily wealthy. As with every museum I’ve visited, the staff is key to a quality experience. The docent behind the counter at the museum is a history major at ULM and a font of information on the history of the Coca-Cola company. One of the more interesting facts learned on the tour was that the first Cola bottles were not sealed with the caps familiar to our older readers, or the twist tops used today. Rather, a thirsty customer would slap the palm of his or her hand sharply on the top of the bottle. That would break the early “hutch seal” which would then sink to the bottom of the bottle. The distinctive noise led to the expression “soda pop” for the drink.

The Biedenharn Bible Museum is a few doors down. The museum is simply amazing! Emy-Lou Biedenharn collected Bibles throughout her life. The museum contains an original 1611 King James Bible, a page from a 1454 Gutenberg Bible as well as dozens of Bibles of historic note. The museum contains a collection of Russian Icons and religiously themed art from Marc Chagall. There is also an extensive sculpture collection, including a series of statues depicting the Stations of the Cross accompanied by paintings done by local artists.

Lastly, visitors can take a docent led tour of the Biedenharn Mansion. Built in 1914 when the Biedenharn moved to Monroe from Vicksburg, MS. Emy-Lou Biedenharn was one of Joseph Biedenharn’s children who had a successful career in Europe as an opera singer until her return to America upon the outbreak of WWII. She lived in the mansion until her death in 1984. The mansion and gardens were purposely left largely as they were when she lived there. The mansion is an architectural gem, and the gardens are a peaceful oasis.

The Biedenharn Museum is a superb destination for a family road trip. The hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00. The cost is a modest $7.00 for adults and $6.00 for military/seniors. Children one through high school are $4.00.

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CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate; we are a group of staff and volunteers that advocate for the best interest of children in the foster care system. On a statewide level, CASA works in dozens of courtrooms across 61 parishes and serve over 3,000 of Louisiana’s most vulnerable children. CASA of Central Louisiana specifically advocates for the abused and neglected children of Natchitoches, Red River, and Sabine Parishes. For more information call (318)238-2446 or visit http://www.casanat.org

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By Will Martin, Louisiana Sportsman, Inc.

On July 18, 10-year-old Landon Smith of Natchitoches caught a bass that’s a personal best that will be hard to beat. The monster largemouth weighed an impressive 12.05 pounds. It was so large that the fifth-grader was struck speechless for a time on the bank after landing it.

Smith caught the bass while fishing with his grandfather, Rodger Smith, on a private pond near Atlanta, La., at approximately 5:45 p.m.

That afternoon, they set off for a 3-acre pond on the family’s property. The sky was overcast, but bright. An easy breeze greeted them as they approached the water, rustling the alligator grass and willow leaves. A stand of cypress trees stood still and silent.

“Pawpaw and I went down to the pond to fish,” Landon Smith said, “and when we got there, I saw this little swirl in the water.”

He appreciated the opportunity for what it was, and cast a plastic worm to the site of the commotion. The bass hit the lure, but not with conviction. Landon reeled in and cast a second time. Persistence did the trick.

Wham! A bass slammed the bait in about 3 feet of water.

“After I threw it over there the second time, the bass hit it,” Landon said, “and when I set the hook, I thought I’d hooked into a log.”

A dream fish on his line

But it was not a log, no sir. The youngster had hooked into the kind of fish men dream of catching, some until their fishing days are done.

He’d hooked the fish with a Lew’s Mach 2, rod-and-reel combo and a Culprit worm, fire-and-ice color, Texas-rigged with a small bullet weight.

“It took him not longer than a minute to reel it in,” Rodger Smith said. “He was fishing with a 50-pound test line.”

Landon was in shock after landing the massive fish. His grandfather helped him lug it onto the bank.

“I was surprised,” Landon Smith said, “and I was really excited.”

“He was so excited, he couldn’t talk at the time,” Rodger Smith said, chuckling.

Landon Smith tried to revive the fish so it could be released back into the pond, even placing the bass into a bathtub in his attempt, but it was not to be.

“I dropped it a couple of times,” Landon Smith said. “It was so heavy.”

In the end, the Smith’s decided to mount the fish and keep it as a memento of a special experience in Landon’s budding outdoors life, an outdoors life that began with fishing trips with his grandfather when he was only 3 years old.

Pursuing the life of a sportsman

“This is not the only big fish he’s caught,” said Marilyn Smith, Landon’s grandmother. His previous best was a 10-pound bass, and he’s caught a few 8-pounders and several 5-pound fish to boot.

“He’s just got a natural knack for it,” she said. “It’s uncanny how well he can place his (casts).

“He’s an all-around sportsman,” Rodger Smith said. “He loves the outdoors and all types of hunting and fishing.”

Landon, who has taken three deer to date, is excited about the 2021-22 season.

“He’s looking for the big buck this year,” Rodger Smith said.

“We’ve got a 16-point buck on our land,” Landon Smith said, “and I’m going to get him this year.”

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StoryBrew Coffee Cafe opened its doors in May of 2020. Located in the historic district at 780 Front St Suite 104, StoryBrew offers a wide variety of espresso based drinks, teas, boba milk tea and fresh baked pastries.

StoryBrew works hard to create a unique environment; full of creativity, fun and passion. Love music? Come watch local musicians while enjoying a hot or iced latte! Need to study or work? StoryBrew offers free wifi and is open 7 days a week! Looking for fresh baked goodies? All pastries at StoryBrew are made from scratch! Enjoy some favorites such as King Size Cinnamon Rolls, Ham & Cheese Stuffed Buns and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

StoryBrew loves offering unique flavors and coffee to the community. If you’re looking to try something different, order a Lavender Latte and top it with Lavender flavored whip cream! Enjoy drip coffee? StoryBrew offers a number of Single Origin beans available in light, medium and dark roast. You can also try any of the beans available in a Chemex or French Press!

If it’s espresso you’re looking for, StoryBrew has plenty of options to choose from. Stop by for a Latte, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, Frappe, Cortado, Italian Macchiato or Americano! If you’re wanting to add a flavor, there are plenty to choose from! If you’re looking for something stronger, StoryBrew offers Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. There are also plenty of alternative milk choices!

Are you a tea lover? StoryBrew carries Harney & Sons tea leaves! For a caffeine free option, try Orange Passion Fruit or Goji Berry! Try any of the teas on the menu iced and add in some Popping Boba available in Peach, Strawberry, Blueberry and Orange Passion. StoryBrew also offers 10 different flavors of Milk Tea complete with tapioca pearls!

If you’re looking for a place to relax or hang out with friends, StoryBrew offers a Book Nook area with books available for customers to read as well as a wide variety of board games for family and friends to play! Take a picture by the throne or snap a selfie with Saphira the Dragon, the shop’s beloved mascot. But beware! Hang around Saphira too long and she’ll ROAR!

Other offerings include a small selection of used books for sale to the public, Open Mic Nights with the NSU Creative Writing Department, children book readings, Smash Bro Tournaments and extended hours for NSU students during midterms and finals!

If you’re in a hurry, you can always call ahead at (318) 214-2387 to place an order! You can also have your coffee or tea delivered through EZ Street or DoorDash! Check out StoryBrew’s Facebook page (facebook.com/storybrew/) for special events, new menu items and limited seasonal favorites!

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NSU Theatre and Dance will present “The Rocky Horror Show” September 22-25 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. each evening with a 2 p.m. matinee on September 25.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors. Northwestern State, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current I.D. and sticker. Reservations are not required. For ticket information, call (318) 357-4483 or go to BUY TICKETS HERE

The show does contain adult language and content. Those attending are asked to follow university regulations and to wear a mask when in the Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Scott Burrell is the director.

“I think most people are familiar with the cult movie ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ which came out in 1975,” said Burrell. “It was a huge success and still plays in movie theaters at midnight showings around the world. Most don’t realize the film was actually an adaptation of a stage musical that premiered in London in 1973 called ‘The Rocky Horror Show.’ The stage musical continues to be as popular as the movie and is especially widespread on university campuses.

Burrell said like the movie, the musical provides audience members to participate either by dressing up as their favorite character, talking back to the characters and dancing the “Time Warp.”

“Of course, like the movie, the musical is a little irreverent and may not be to everyone’s taste,” said Burrell. “It does contain adult content and some bawdy humor. I suggest those who are not familiar with ‘Rocky Horror’ to do a little research to know what the show is about.”

Dylan Fuselier, a senior theatre major with a concentration in musical theatre from Chalmette, who plays the lead Frank N Furter, understands most audience members will be familiar with the movie.

“The thing with doing ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is that it’s also a movie that is so iconic,” said Fuselier. “The lead of the show is such a cult classic icon. Getting to play this role is such an honor for he has truly one of the best musical entrances in history.”

Fuselier says “The Rocky Horror Show” has meaning aside from being an entertaining play and film.

“It has provided an outlet all around the world where viewers come together to be the truest version of themselves,” said Fuselier. “That’s the best part of doing this show for me. I hope that the audience, the community of Natchitoches and anyone else who comes to see ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ at Northwestern State leaves with a sense of individuality. This is demonstrated by my favorite quote in the show ‘Don’t Dream It….Be It.’ That sums it up. It doesn’t matter what you wear, how you dress, how you act, who you love, just be you. That is the essence of Rocky Horror.”

The cast also includes Austin Anderson of New Orleans as Brad, Ashley Stevens of Baton Rouge as Janet, Sarah Lord Holoubek of Shreveport as Riff Raff, Kristi Contreary of Baton Rouge as Magenta, Joy Davis of Minden as Columbia, Jeremiah Mitchell of Alexandria as Rocky, Grant Broussard of Abbeville as Eddie/Dr. Scott and Mark Alexander of Baton Rouge as the Narrator.

Members of the chorus are Dre’lan Evans of Baton Rouge, Abigail Aldridge and Victoria Hickman of Mandeville, Virginia Tudor of Alexandria, Leigh B. Leighton of Gretna and Sophie Stechmann of Chalmette.

JeBreanne Morgan of Baton Rouge is sound designer, Nicole Lala of Kenner is costume designer, Drew Davis of Livingston is assistant scenic designer, Roshane Brown of Kingston, Jamaica, is lighting designer and LB Slater is props master. Josie Oliva of Raceland is stage manager and Mallory Speir of Pineville, Logan Dupuy of Prairieville and Anna Sternaman of Lafayette are assistant stage managers.

Choreography is by Brett Alan Garfinkel with music direction by Dr. Grace Edgar, scenic design by Pedro Guevara and technical direction by Robert Richoux.

 

NSU Theatre and Dance’s production of “Rocky Horror” is co-produced with the NSU Student Theatre Organization (STO) who in past years, presented their own in-house production of “Rocky Horror”. STO will be assisting those audience members who want to purchase the “audience interaction” package which will be available at the door.

 

“It’s an honor to be a part of such an incredibly strong cast of performers, putting on such an iconic show,” said Aldridge, a junior theatre major with an emphasis in musical theatre who is president of the STO. “The Student Theatre Organization production of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ has grown to become a pretty popular event on campus. I think there is an overall love and appreciation for the story which continues to draw people in year after year. This opportunity has allowed us to dive deep into the show and our characters and find the true meaning of the show and make it our own.”

 

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Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson, director of graduate programs in early childhood education, and Dr. Lisa Abney, professor of English, were named winners of two Northwestern State University research awards. Brunson is recipient of the Dr. Jean D’Amato Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award. Abney is recipient of the Dr. Mariette Lebreton Louisiana Studies Award.

“Each year, during NSU’s Research Day, we present several research awards to individuals whose careers have been dedicated to research, scholarly achievements and service to their discipline,” said Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “As Research Day was virtual this year, we made the decision to postpone the awards with the hope of announcing them during the Faculty/Staff Institute.” Faculty/Staff Institute was postponed due to COVID concerns.

The Dr. Jean D’Amato Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually at NSU Research Day to honor senior faculty members whose careers have included a significant commitment to research and service to their discipline. Individuals must be nominated by a colleague, hold the rank of associate or full professor, have made significant contributions to the field of study, have remained dedicated to a consistent research agenda spanning their entire career and must demonstrate a sustained record of service to the discipline.

The Dr. Marietta Lebreton Louisiana Studies Award is presented annually at NSU Research Day to honor faculty members whose careers have been dedicated to research regarding Louisiana topics. Individuals may be nominated by a colleague or self-submit, hold any academic rank, have made significant contributions to the field of study, demonstrate a sustained record of research on Louisiana topics and the research must illustrate a significant connection to Louisiana through history, culture, languages, science, math or other fields.

To learn more about each faculty member’s research, access the videos below.

Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson: https://vimeo.com/607045369

Dr. Lisa Abney: https://vimeo.com/607095996

“It is my honor to congratulate these two outstanding faculty members, and to thank them for their service to Northwestern, their dedication and service to their chosen disciplines and for continuing to support the Academic Mission of the University,” Handel said.

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The Northwestern State Athletic Department’s proposed Sports Performance Center hit another benchmark Tuesday.

Thanks to a $100,000 gift from NSU alumni Kelvin and Stacy Fee, the Sports Performance Center project has now cleared the $1 million mark in private donations. The Fees announced an initial $50,000 contribution with the other half to be paid in installments.

Northwestern State has designated the Sports Performance Center as its top new capital outlay project. NSU Athletics is seeking $6 million in capital outlay monies and continues to raise private donations for matching funds.

“We’re getting closer and closer to the finish line and making this project a reality,” said Northwestern State Director of Athletics Greg Burke. “There will be no let up as we move forward and continue to engage alumni and former athletes who have the interest and ability to become part of something significant for our athletic program and university.”

The donation toward the Sports Performance Center tapped into another level of generosity from Kelvin Fee, who with his late wife, Pat, established an endowed athletic scholarship in 2007 that now sits at the $50,000 level.

Kelvin Fee was a four-year javelin letterman at Northwestern State, who also competed under legendary Demon track and field coach Leon Johnson when Johnson coached at DeRidder High School. Fee credited Johnson with turning him into a javelin thrower during Fee’s high school career.

“I’ve benefited from my Northwestern State experience throughout my life,” said Fee, who is now the executive vice president at MetroNet in Chicago. “I’ve been blessed and always wanted to pass it along to someone else. Greg and I have talked about this for a while. We took a tour of the fieldhouse a week or so ago, and it was the first time I’ve been there in about 35 years. The weight room was pretty much the same weight room and training room that was here when I was. I want to see Northwestern be successful in sports. To do that, you have to have facilities and things that help you recruit kids. We need to upgrade ours. I hope others feel the same way and do something to help.”

Added Burke: “Kelvin and Stacy are greatly appreciated for their generosity, which continues the momentum for this game-changing project that will greatly impact student-athletes now and in the future. The passion they have for their alma mater is remarkable and is reflected in their support for other areas of the NSU athletics in addition to the Sports Performance Center project.”

In addition to Kelvin Fee’s athletic career, Stacy Fee is an NSU alumna whose family ties run deep on more than one Northwestern State campus.

Stacy Fee’s father was a biology professor and registrar on the Natchitoches campus before becoming the provost of Northwestern State’s Fort Polk campus.

“All I knew was Northwestern,” she said. “My dad was also an academic advisor for the athletes, and they loved him. I didn’t think twice about (donating). That’s my home. That’s my school. I’m proud that we are able to help Northwestern State athletics.”

The sprawling strength and conditioning facility, which will be constructed on the back end of the Athletic Fieldhouse, will include a new 11,600 square foot weight room with space for more than 100 student-athletes, a 25-foot artificial turf pad, a new nutrition center, student-athlete lounge area and offices for the strength staff.

The second phase of the project will convert the current weight room into a high-tech rehabilitation center along with other sports medicine upgrades.

The third phase will be the renovation of the current “Eugene Christmas Training Room.”

“It is exciting to see momentum for this transformational project continue to grow,” Burke said. “Having a strength and conditioning center that will be the best among Southland Conference members, past and present, will be a game changer on the recruiting front and in the everyday lives of our student-athletes and coaches.”

Contributions can be made directly to the Sports Performance Center project by visiting https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/Victorious or by contacting Burke at 318-357-5251 or burkeg@nsula.edu.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board has received many questions concerning its Voluntary Covid-19 Testing Program through LSU Health Shreveport.

If you registered for weekly testing and opted in for the incentive pay program, you will earn a payment each time you are tested! For the first test, each participant will receive $25. For every additional test after, participants will receive $10. Please see the flyer for more information on how to receive your payment.

Every additional person tested reduces the chance of Covid-19 spreading in our community. This program not only helps keep our schools safe but also provides an opportunity for students to start saving for their futures!

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Natchitoches Junior High JAG members would like to extend their appreciation to Alliance Compressor for their generous donation to our program. As a community partner, you make the difference for us. NJH-JAG is forever grateful.

Pictured are: Brian Brock, Alliance Plant Manager, LaTina Harris, Alliance Controller; Jacquelyn Rainwater, J.A.G. Specialist and Michelle Brundige, Alliance Human Resource Manager

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Sue Rosenthal, a member of the Class of 1985 at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA), will deliver the address for the Matriculation Ceremony set for 2 p.m. Saturday Sept. 25 in Treen Auditorium.

Rosenthal is from the small community of Bayou Rapides outside of Boyce, La. in Rapides Parish. Following her time at the Louisiana School, she earned her Bachelor’s in Microbiology from Howard University in Washington, D.C., her Master’s in Immunology from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Ca. and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. An attorney with ExxonMobil, Rosenthal has practiced law for the past 25 years.

Rosenthal credits the Louisiana School with giving her the confidence and knowledge to further pursue her education and view the sky as the limit for opportunity.

“I always kept in mind that if I could compete with the state’s best and brightest, I could compete anywhere,” said Rosenthal.

As Vice President of the LSMSA Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the newly named Chair of LSMSA’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Advisory Council, Rosenthal’s primary objective is to ensure that all eligible students in Louisiana have access to the life-changing opportunities that LSMSA afforded her.

To keep the LSMSA community safe, this year’s time-honored Matriculation Ceremony will be held in person for students, faculty and staff, and virtually for family and friends. To watch the livestream, visit https://livestream.com/lsmsa/matriculation at 2 p.m. on Sept. 25.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Michelle Ann O’Donnell
May 09, 1969 – September 17, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 25 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Joseph Lynch
September 20, 2021
Arrangements TBA

James Clark
September 21, 2021
Arrangements TBA

James “J.C” Coutee, Sr.
March 12, 1962 – September 16, 2021
Service: Wednesday, September 22 at 2 pm at Bay Springs Baptist Church

Cyldia B. Groce
September 17, 2021
Arrangements TBA

John Jackson Sr.
September 15, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Ricky Lane Carpenter
May 27, 1961 – September 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 25 at 11 am at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches

Gloria Shields
September 12, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Felenn Sowell
September 08, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Minnie Johnson
September 04, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
James Rickey Hebert
May 20, 1963 – September 12, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 25 at 10 am at Spring Ridge Baptist Church

RED RIVER:
Suzanne Marie Bumgardner
February 13, 1954 – September 18, 2021
Service: Wednesday, September 22 at 10 am at Ashland Baptist Church

Stanley Derrell Horton
October 28, 1938 – September 19, 2021
Service: Friday, September 24 at 11 am at Open Door Fellowship Church

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Watch Viral Singer Deshawn Washington on The Ellen Show TODAY

Natchitoches native, viral video singer, and FedEx driver Deshawn Washington will be on The Ellen Show TODAY (Tuesday, Sept. 21).

Local Listings:

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT OF DESHAWN STARTS AT ABOUT THE 4:00 MARK: 

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Council Member Attendance by Telephonic Conference

At its Sept. 20 meeting the Natchitoches Parish Council approved Resolutions 37, 38, 39 and 40 of 2021 for committing certain matching funds in connection with the application of Sandy Point 480, Creston, and Chestnut-Readhimer Water Systems; and Sabine Parish Waterworks District No. 1 for project funding from the State of Louisiana’s Water Sector Program.

As unanimously approved by the Council during its regularly scheduled meeting in July, all rural water systems serving residents of Natchitoches Parish were invited to submit their WATER SECTOR PROJECTS to Natchitoches Parish Government. The intention of the NPG’s involvement in these projects is to use funds from its distribution of funds associated with the American Rescue Plan Act, as permitted, to “close the funding gap” of the anticipated costs of these projects.

The requested funds are not related to the NPG normal annual budget and may be spent only on projects related to water, sewer, or storm water drainage per ARPA guidelines and guidance. If every project listed below is approved for funding at the both the State and Parish level, the total expenditure from NPG ARPA funds will be $1,256,620, with $2,449,465 remaining in this current disbursement.

American Recovery Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA): Initial funding of approximately $3.7 million has been received by Natchitoches Parish. Early guidance has indicated that along with COVID19 related costs, these funds may be used for water, sewer, and stormwater drainage related projects. Based on this guidance, NPG has formulated a framework for a plan that includes the following:

1. Partnering with rural water systems to assist in funding the “gap” in their existing funding structures on “shovel ready projects”. Projects, and recommended funding amounts will be subject to Parish Council approval. These are projects the Council approved at Monday night’s meeting.

2. Working within each district with engineers and Parish Council representatives to develop drainage projects, RFPs, and subsequent approval of projects that meet the following conditions:

3. Solve immediate stormwater drainage problems in each district, and
Focus not only on drainage, but also storm water retention, and controlled outflow.

The Water Sector Projects to be submitted to the State of Louisiana, and requesting ARPA funding assistance from the Natchitoches Parish Government are as follows:

In other business, during his report to the Council, Parish President John Richmond mentioned that a new bin site is needed in the Kisatchie area. All options/offers will be considered.

Other agenda items included:

Reappoint Ralph Hernandez to the Fire District #5 Board, Ted Duggan to the Water Works District No. 2 Board, Tracy Brown to the Library Board of Control, Laquita Collins to the Housing Authority Board, and appoint Justin Martin to replace Dorle Hays on the Fire District No. 8 Board and Mario Fox to replace George Culpepper on the Fire District No. 5 Board.

Introduction of Ordinance 014-2021 for a budget amendment for Fish Hatchery Road, Capital Outlay and American Rescue Plan Fund (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).

Approve or deny the assessed value levied by Tax Assessor Tim Page (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).

Approve Resolution 036-2021 for Chestnut-Readhimer Water System by the Natchitoches Parish Government supporting an emergency grant application to the Community Water Enrichment Fund and/or the Local Government Assistance Program(s) for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. There’s currently an emergency situation with this water system. The Natchitoches Parish Government is asking the state to fund a CWEF grant.

Enter into Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Natchitoches Parish Government and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

Award RFP to Wilbanks Appraisal Co. and to contract with the firm for performing the property appraisals needed for acquisition of two drainage servitudes for the construction of drainage improvements necessary to establish proper drainage on the project for the resurfacing of Fish Hatchery Road.

Seek sealed bid proposals for materials and supplies for the Parish Highway and Solid Waste Departments.

Approve the authorization for RFP for selecting a firm to handle the reapportionment/redistricting for Natchitoches Parish.

Consider selection of projects and submission of applications for Capital Outlay funding by the State including the following roads: Harmony, Goldonna, Blanchard, Bayou Derbonne, Hart, Pardee, current aged asphalt portion of Collins, Robeline Provencal (from Provencal to Old Victoria Road), Patrick, Church (Natchez), Cedar Bend/Riverview, and Brickyard.

Enter into Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the following good samaritans: Earl Bynog for Emmanuel and Paul Bynog Road, Coy Birdwell for McCaskill Cemetery and Joe Clouse Road, Monique Sarpy for J Benjamin Road, Charles Shivers for Renee Street, and Jackie Colston for Dufrene Road.

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Join Trini & Ashley LIVE for  River Blackout Bingo!   Your chance to win begins at 7 am on 94.9 The River.

New Jackpot

To obtain you Virtual Bingo Card:   just TEXT the following and be ready to play.  Cards are limited, so get your card ASAP!

TEXT “riverbingo” (all one word) to 21000

Trini & Ashley will start call the numbers starting at 7:15am.

If you have a Blackout Bingo, be the first caller to the River Lines: 318-581-4025.

The first Blackout Bingo to call and verify their card as a winning card wins the jackpot!

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Cane River National Heritage Area and the Cane River Creole National Historical Park will host the Cane River Fall Festivities throughout the month of October. Magnolia Plantation located far from the light pollution of civilization is the ultimate place to learn about and enjoy the splendor of the night sky.

Join us on October 8, 2021, to explore the night sky! This FREE program will take place from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and is limited to twenty participants. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 318-352-0383 x316. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. A Junior Ranger program for children will start promptly at 6:30 pm. Kids will earn their Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch. At 7:00 pm, Professor Michael Scanlan of Northwestern State University will begin a short indoor program which will be followed with outdoor observational instruction.

Come experience your park after dark! Please dress for the weather and bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, bug spray, and a flashlight. Binoculars or telescopes are optional. Magnolia Plantation is located at 5549 Highway 119, Derry/Cloutierville, LA. Due to a road closure Magnolia Plantation can only be accessed from the southern end of Highway 119 via LA Highway 1.

The grounds of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nearly 80 original buildings remain, many open for self-guided tours including several that are historically furnished from Wednesday through Sunday. Park staff conducts tours of the plantation grounds daily Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, the park offers a cell phone tour. The Oakland Main House is open for self-guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Magnolia Main House is privately owned and is not open to the public. For more information call the park at 318-352-0383, ext. 316.

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Taylor McFall has been promoted to assistant athletics director for student-athlete development, announced Northwestern State athletics director Greg Burke on Monday.

McFall served in the NSU Athletics academic services department for nearly one year as the academic coordinator and director of the enhanced academic program.

“Taylor has done an outstanding job of mentoring student-athletes and engaging with coaches over the past eight months, which combined with experience working at other Division I programs across the country, has provided a solid foundation for assuming oversight for the athletic department’s overall academic support program,” said NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke. “Taylor will have big shoes to fill as NSU has been blessed over the past couple of decades to have highly dedicated leaders in the academic support area, but she is up to the task.

“She is bright, energetic, creative and genuinely cares about the student-athlete. Her work ethic is tremendous. I look forward to working with her and her staff.”

McFall guided women’s basketball, volleyball and track and field/cross country programs this past season, handling academic eligibility, secondary advising and registration services and a host of other duties.

She will manage NSU Athletics’ academic support operations for the nearly 400 student-athletes on campus.

McFall will also coordinate life skills training for NSU’s competitors, along with overseeing the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and helping direct community service initiatives involving NSU Athletics teams and staff members.

Prior to arriving in Natchitoches, McFall spent two-plus years at Louisiana Tech as an athletic academic advisor, working closely with a variety of Tech’s athletic teams.

The Western Kentucky product has an undergraduate degree in social work and a masters degree in recreation and sport administration.

McFall has experience at other regional schools, working as an athletics academic advisor at Old Dominion and Central Arkansas.

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CITY OF NATCHITOCHES JOB OPPORTUNITY: RECORDS CLERK

POSITION: Records Clerk – Part Time – Police Department

DESCRIPTION: Performs routine clerical tasks such as maintaining records, answering telephones, places records in files and retrieves them as needed, receives and prepares reports, gathers data from file records and prepares reports for the Chief, Department Officers and other assignments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: High School or GED

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

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through: October 4, 2021

 

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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In continuing the university’s long-held tradition of recognizing military service at home athletic events, Northwestern State University welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Drake and his family to Natchitoches and honored his service to the nation during the Sept. 18 football game.

LTC Drake joined the Northwestern family as the professor of Military Science this summer. He was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 2005 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. With over 17 years of active service, including four combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, he brings a wealth of experience to NSU’s ROTC program. Most recently, he was an Observer, Coach, Trainer and Brigade S3 in the Operations Group, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk.

LTC Drake holds a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, and Command and General Staff College.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal w/2 OLC, Army Commendation Medal w/4 OLC, and the Army Achievement Medal. The Oak Leaf Cluster is a bronze or silver device that designates a subsequent awarding of a medal or ribbon. Drake has also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Parachutist Badge.

LTC Drake hails from Lakeland, Florida. He and his wife, Brittany, have two daughters, Ava and Jada.

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Northwestern State University remembered Carley McCord during the Sept. 18 football game against UT-Martin by recognizing her family and the presentation of a scholarship in her name. McCord, a 2011 graduate of Northwestern, was a well-known sports journalist and digital media reporter who stayed in touch with her NSU family and was a devoted Demon supporter.

Friends, classmates, colleagues, sorority sisters and others contributed more than $108,000 to the Carley McCord Memorial scholarship, created to benefit a female student pursuing a career in sports journalism and media.

Caroline Bland of Shreveport is the inaugural recipient of the scholarship. Bland is a graduate of Byrd High School and is pursuing a degree in communications with concentration in sports media and a minor in photography.

McCord, a Baton Rouge native, earned a degree in journalism at NSU. As an undergraduate, she worked in NSU’s Recruiting Office for four years where she was a Student Ambassador and gave tours to prospective students. A talented vocalist, she was crowned Miss Northwestern-Lady of the Bracelet in 2010 when her fellow contestants voted her Miss Congeniality. She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She worked as a digital media reporter for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches and was the in-game host for the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. She was a frequent visitor to Northwestern State and supported the NSU Foundation as a Columns Fund member. McCord and four others died in a plane crash Dec. 28, 2019.

A high school volleyball player and student athletic trainer, Bland said she was drawn to sports media because of her life-long love of athletics. This semester she began a student job in NSU’s Sports Information Office where she helps cover football and volleyball.

“I would like to tell the McCord family that I am so thankful to be thought of for this scholarship. Once I got into this field in Spring 2020 I looked up all different female sports journalist and Carley was one who stood out to me. I read up on her and all of her accomplishments and I really looked up to who she was and I aspire to be like her,” Bland said.

“Caroline has jumped in with both feet since coming to our office. Her work ethic has made a quick impression and is reminiscent of Carley’s passionate, professional drive to do whatever she could to the best of her ability,” said Sports Information Director Jason Pugh.

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NATCHITOCHES:
James “J.C” Coutee, Sr.
March 12, 1962 – September 16, 2021
Service: Wednesday, September 22 at 2 pm at Bay Springs Baptist Church

Cyldia B. Groce
September 17, 2021
Arrangements TBA

John Jackson Sr.
September 15, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Ricky Lane Carpenter
May 27, 1961 – September 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 25 at 11 am at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches

Gloria Shields
September 12, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Felenn Sowell
September 08, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Minnie Johnson
September 04, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
James Rickey Hebert
May 20, 1963 – September 12, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 25 at 10 am at Spring Ridge Baptist Church

RED RIVER:
Suzanne Marie Bumgardner
February 13, 1954 – September 18, 2021
Service: Wednesday, September 22 at 10 am at Ashland Baptist Church

Stanley Derrell Horton
October 28, 1938 – September 19, 2021|
Service: Friday, September 24 at 11 am at Open Door Fellowship Church

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