The Cane River Royals 8U Travel Ball Team from Natchitoches competed this weekend in the USSSA March Madness Tournament at Parc Natchitoches. The Royals competed against six other teams in a two day tournament. They won the championship game 16-14 against the Team Louisiana North 8U. Pictured left to right: Coach Jody Biscoe, Jaxson Noteworthy, Gavin Key, Coach Jacob Cook, Noah Scarborough, Tate Dupree, Liam Mahloch, Coach Luke Mahloch, Carson Gentry, Jax Errington, OJ Hall, Coach Cody Hough, Carter Hough, and Zechariah Hall.

The Northwestern State baseball team has set an Alumni Day celebration for April 2, centered around the Demons’ 2 p.m. game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

All Demon baseball alumni are invited to participate in the day-long event that includes lunch and beer served at Brown-Stroud Field.

“We look forward to honoring our alumni that mean so much to our program,” said head coach Bobby Barbier, himself an NSU baseball alum. “It is great for our players to meet the guys who came before them and laid the foundation for what we have today.”

The alumni will be treated to a pregame tour of the Demon baseball facilities and will be recognized on the field ahead of the game.

Following the game, any alumni in attendance will be allowed to partake in batting practice on the field. There will be a postgame social with the coaching staff at Cane River Brewing.

Interested Northwestern State baseball alumni can contact Scott Maggio in the Northwestern State Athletics Ticket Office for special pricing at 318-357-4268.

Since the first-time man ever wet a hook, he has always looked for an advantage, a way to figure out the best way to catch fish. Bass anglers especially have been obsessed with trying to find and locate bass in all kinds of water clarity. But today, anglers have access to fish finding instruments that can read the date on a dime in 30 feet of water. I really believe you could navigate to Mars with the electronics anglers have on their boats today. Tournament anglers are spending $15,000 on their fish finding units for the sole purpose of catching bass. Not all tournament anglers can afford this, and it’s created a major advantage for those who can. It’s a case of the haves vs. the have nots. Tournaments are being won on a weekly basis with these forward-facing sonars. Due to these advancements, it’s no longer a level playing field. Which brings up the question…. Is it ethical? Have we made bass and crappie fishing too easy? Will this come back to bite anglers after a few years of using these high advanced fish locating devices?

To understand how far sonars have come, let’s first go back to the late 1960’s with an instrument known as a flasher. This device was what started the electronics revolution. It was a round digital sonar that registered the depth and showed anything between the bottom and the surface with a red flashing line. Just like any electronic device that’s new, these were not cheap and only anglers with deep pockets could afford one of these.

Then came the paper graph. Now this was truly cutting-edge technology that came out in the early 70’s. This unit would print out a paper copy of the contour of the bottom and show fish suspended and even along the bottom. You could see stumps, trees, and underwater grass. It was a true mapping of the entire water column. Anglers would take these printed copies and keep them on file for use in future events.

During the 1980’s, sonar became the craze of the fishing world as companies like Humminbird unleashed their LCR (Liquid Crystal Recorder) which was so advanced it was scary. This revolutionized the marine industry with its detailed structure, zoom capability, sensitivity control, high speed tracking, waterproofness, and a screen you could actually see in the bright sunlight, which was a big problem for earlier sonars.

Now fast forward to today with what Garmin calls “Livescope” and Lowrance calls “Active Target Live.” Garmin was the first to come out with this new forward-facing sonar. A unit that allows you to see fish up to 60 or 70 feet in front of your boat live and in real time. Now THIS is a game changer!!! Anglers now cannot only see fish swimming, but when they bite the lure. It’s basically a video game on the front of your boat!!! If you do not have this level of electronics on your boat today, you’re probably fishing for 2nd place.

But this level of technology has raised questions and has become a hot topic for anglers across America. Some want it banned and think it should not be allowed in tournament competition. They think it gives anglers an unfair advantage. But they would be wrong. No matter what device is ever invented, there’s been nothing that will make fish bite a lure. Even looking at fish on a screen does not guarantee success. Anglers still must figure out a way to trigger fish into biting. But forward-facing sonar does help to locate fish a lot quicker and it allows anglers to zero in on larger fish.

From an angler’s perspective, forward facing sonar (Garmin’s Live Scope) just might be the greatest invention the fishing industry has ever seen. Once again, from the first-time man has ever wet a hook, he has always looked for a way to make it easier to find and catch fish. This will never change and when it comes to technology, there is no telling what lies ahead with regards to the fishing industry. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Daiwa/SPRO Pro Staffer

The popular and beloved 11th annual Run, Baby, Run! 5K by the Women’s Resource Center is officially set for Saturday, May 7th, 2022.

They will be running through Downtown Natchitoches again, but this time – they are returning to the Downtown Riverbank! Taking place in the midst of the Natchitoches Farmers Market, it will be bigger than ever.

Valerie Balthazar, Natchitoches Farmer’s Market Coordinator, stated that there will be a smoothie bike as well as other healthy living attractions. The Farmer’s Market provides fresh nutritional options to the community by local vendors and everyone has the opportunity to shop before and after the race.

All proceeds go directly to the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches, serving young women and mothers in the Natchitoches and beyond community. They are a nonprofit organization that offers a multitude of support and assistance throughout a woman’s pregnancy journey free of charge.

“We are excited about this partnership in conjunction with healthy wellness and healthy pregnancies. There will be something for the whole family.” says Jennifer Luna, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center.

Make sure to sign up today to get a chance to earn one of this year’s prizes in the form of local gift certificates for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each age group, as well as the overall winners.

This is an event that families and people alike will not want to miss. This is just not a race for runners; walkers are encouraged and all pets and strollers are welcome. Children under 5 are free for the race.

Register by April 20th to guarantee a t-shirt and a swag bag!

Sign up today: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Natchitoches/WomensResourceCenterRunBabyRun5K and Follow the event: FOLLOW US HERE.

Annual Salary Range: $41,600.00 – $44,000.00 (Pay rate to be determined by level of
certification(s) possessed).

Benefits Offered: Employer retirement contribution; sick and vacation leave; paid holidays, health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurances offered.

Work:
The purpose of this classification is to operate, monitor, and maintain water production and treatment
systems and related equipment to provide quality drinking water for public use in accordance with all
established regulations, standards, and procedures. Work is performed under general supervision at the level allowed according to the certification held by the employee and training received.

Minimum Desired Applicant Qualifications:
Experience in water plant operations preferred or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Necessary Special Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED.
Must possess the State of Louisiana Class IV Water Production and Class IV Water Treatment certifications.

May consider class 3 certifications BUT must be able to advance to Level 4 within 90 days of hire.
Pay rate to be determined by level of certification(s) possessed.

Work Schedule:
12 hour shifts; includes weekends and holidays

Accepting applications: Until filled

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., or you can download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

BOM is proud to sponsor Presley White Barrel Racing! Presley is a 10 year old native of Natchitoches and she has been riding horses since she was four. She trains three to four days a week and recently qualified for the KK Run for Vegas in Gonzales. She won the Barrels of Fun Race in Ruston out of 225 riders. Pictured from left are BOM’s Kristi Lee, Steele White, Presley White, BOM’s Emily Breedlove and Sherri Outlaw.

March 21-25 – Spring break. University administrative offices will remain open during the break.

March 22 – Baseball vs. Grambling, Brown-Stroud Field, 6 p.m.

March 23 – Softball vs. UT-Arlington, Lady Demon Diamond, 6 p.m.

March 25 – Tennis vs. Incarnate Word, Jack Fisher Lady Demon Complex, 1 p.m.

March 26 – SAT testing, Kyser Hall, 8 a.m.

NATCHITOCHES:
Douglas Rachal, Sr.
November 5, 1940 – March 15, 2022
Service: Friday, March 18 at 10 am at Fairview Baptist Church

Michael Glenn Sparks
January 16, 1978 – March 11, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 19 at 1 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Hardrick Rivers
September 12, 1956 – March 10, 2022
Service: Monday, March 21, 2022 at the Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 at 11am. The casketed remains will lie in state from 9:00 a. m. until service time.

A water main was busted this morning due to ongoing construction on our campus.
Due to there currently being no running water in our buildings, all NCHS students will be dismissed today at 12:30pm.

We will update parents as to the status of school tomorrow sometime this afternoon.
We apologize for this inconvenience and would like to thank you all for your patience and cooperation!

Senator Bernard shares his thoughts on the current legislative session and the potential impacts to funding for education in general, the future of NSU, the insurance industry and his continuing fight for Northwest Louisiana given the changing demographics in Louisiana.

The 2022 Regular Legislative Session convened on Monday, March 14, 2022. Final Adjournment no later than 6:00 pm on Monday, June 6, 2022

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Northwestern State’s search producing new athletic director Kevin Bostian took two months. His search for a successor to longtime basketball coach Mike McConathy will take only a week.

McConathy, 66, was lauded at a Tuesday morning event in Prather Coliseum, ending his 23 years running the Demons’ program. Bostian, who took over Northwestern’s athletic department Feb. 7, hopes to introduce the new coach next Tuesday.

Bowlsby Sports Advisors, the same firm that ran NSU’s AD search, was hired Monday afternoon, not long after Bostian met with McConathy. Immediately, Bostian and Kyle Bowlsby compared lists of potential candidates and began trimming the field. As news spread about McConathy’s exit, inquiries began pouring in to Bostian, who is redirecting all to Bowlsby for vetting.

A preliminary list of candidates to interview was set Tuesday morning and the first conversation via Zoom occurred Tuesday night. Demons’ associate head coach Jeff Moore, who anchored McConathy’s staff for 16 years, interviewed Wednesday morning and by midnight, the other early favorites also had Zoom conversations with Bostian and Bowlsby about the job.

This morning, Bostian and Bowlsby will confer to narrow the list to top contenders. Latecomers to the candidate pool will get consideration as warranted, Bostian said.

“The plan as of right now,” he said, “is to bring two finalists to campus Monday, make an offer Monday night and potentially have a press conference next Tuesday afternoon.”

University president Marcus Jones is traveling to France but will be involved, including in Zoom meetings with the finalists, Bostain said.

But any coaching search is fluid, especially one fast-tracked. The short turnaround is vital, he said.

“The reason we have to do that is because of the urgency of the transfer portal, both with our own kids – Kendal (Coleman, NSU’s standout freshman center, who entered the portal Monday afternoon) being one of them – and kids the new coach may look at bringing in.”

What’s the broad description for the next Demons basketball coach?

“I want somebody who has ties to Louisiana and/or Texas, who has a documented pedigree for recruiting, somebody who has successfully recruited high school kids, but has also used the transfer portal. That’s changed college basketball. You can get good, very quickly with that,” Bostian said. “I want somebody who embraces that. You still have to have a foundation, and I think that’s through high school basketball. It has to be somebody who can recruit high schools, junior colleges, and use the portal, and can make all those pieces fit.”

His ideal candidate would have head coaching experience, but Bostian is open-minded on that point.

“It would be nice, but it’s not required,” he said. “We need somebody who’s very personable and knows how to engage recruits and their families, and somebody who can represent Northwestern in the community and in the surrounding area.

“My vision for the program is that we should be competing for our Southland Conference championship every year. We’re not going to win it every year – you never know what happens in those three or four days in March (at the conference tournament, the Southland’s only path to the NCAA Tournament) – but I want to be competitive in the top third or half of the conference year in, year out.

“We’re going to increase our resources for the program, so the expectation is to have a chance to win it every year. That’s the vision,” said Bostian, who indicated the additional financial support will come both from within the university and through outside revenues, including game guarantees.

“There are things Dr. Jones, (executive vice president) Jerry Pierce and I are working on that can help all of our sports, especially football and men’s basketball,” he said.

McConathy’s track record will loom large as his successor is selected.

“Coach McConathy did a great job in fundraising and so many other areas, and we need to expand upon that,” Bostian said.

“This job is wanted. Coaches know they can win here, because Coach McConathy did that again and again over time. This is an attractive job, and I’m fully confident we can hire a person who can move our program forward, someone who will be very strong.”

The Lakeview Gators have completed another great season with a third straight trip to Marsh Madness. Lakeview finished the season with a 29-5 record and with back to back district titles. The Gators are carving their way into a basketball power house in the area.

Lakeview, under its current coaching staff, have presented themselves as a district power house as well as a State Contender year in and year out. In the past eight years Lakeview has yet to miss a play-off appearance, have a losing season, and has numerous other accolades listed below:

• 2015 – #2 ranking in Class 2A, State runners-up, 31-5, District Champions, District MVP – Tivonte Hardy, District Coach of the year – Brian Williams, college signees – Tivonte Hardy, Malik Metoyer, & Brenton Toussaint, All Area Honors – Tivonte Hardy & Adrio Bailey, All State Honors – Tivonte Hardy
• 2016 – #15 ranking in Class 2A, Regional Finalist, 20-10, District MVP – Adrio Bailey, college signees – Adrio Bailey, Cameron Pottain, All -Area Honors – Adrio Bailey, All State Honors – Adrio Bailey
• 2017 – #12 ranking in Class 2A, Regional Finalist, 14-12
• 2018 – #8 ranking in Class 2A, Quarter Finalist, 22-9, District MVP – Zarious Lewis, college signee – Demondre Young, All Area Honors – Zarious Lewis, All State Honors – Zarious Lewis
• 2019 – #5 ranking in Class 2A, Quarter Finalist, 31-6, District Champions, District MVP – Zarious Lewis, District Coach of the Year – Brian Williams, college signees – Christopher Small Jr., All Area Honors – Zarious Lewis, All State Honors – Zarious Lewis
• 2020 – #4 ranking in Class 2A, Semi-Finalist, 24-10, District MVP – Nate Braden, college signees – Nate Braden, All Area Honors – Nate Braden, All State Honors – Nate Braden
• 2021 – #6 ranking in Class 2A, Semi-Finalist, 22-6, District Champions, District MVP – Javonte Howard, District Coach of the Year – Brian Williams, All Area Honors – Javonte Howard, All State Honors – Javonte Howard
• 2022 – #1 ranking in Class 2A, Semi-Finalist, 29-5, District Champions, District MVP – Javonte Howard, District Coach of the Year – Brian Williams

Lakeview has continued this tradition with numerous individual district accolades for the 2021-2022 Season:
• Sr. Javonte Howard Bask to Back District 3-2A MVP (16 ppg 5.5 rpg 3.3 apg 3.3 spg)
• So. Alonzo Driver 1st Team All District 3-2A (11.7 ppg 5.3 rpg 1.7 apg 1.3 spg)
• So. Andre Sowell 2nd Team All District 3-2A (10.7 ppg 2.7 rpg 0.7 apg 1.5 spg)
• Jr. Dillon Pikes All Defensive Team District 3-2A ( 5.8 ppg 5.4 rpg 2.2 apg 2.4 spg)
• Jr. Clifton Jones District 3-2A Honorable Mention ( 6.7 ppg 7.2 rpg 0.9 apg 1.2 spg)
• Sr. Cameron Holden District 3-2A Honorable Mention (3.0 ppg 2.0 rpg 1.2 apg 0.5 spg)
• Fr. Jamarcus Reliford District 3-2A Honorable Mention (9.4 ppg 5.0 rpg 1.8 apg 1.5 spg)

With a history like this, Lakeview is arguably one of the best basketball programs in Louisiana. Lakeview has a young team that is predicted to win a State title in the near future. “We have to get over the hump. It’s going to take a team effort and not a super star to get us there,” stated Coach Williams. Lakeview fights hard on the court and play with a lot of heart even when undersized. Lakeview presents an exciting brand of basketball and a true meaning of up-tempo. Many coaches over the state commend Lakeview on their team speed. “We will get in the lab over the spring and summer and you will see a much-improved team from this year. If we continue to get better and improve, we will get over the hump. We were two games away. Our motto this summer and spring will be, two games,” stated Coach Williams. It may be disappointing to many but, to the Natchitoches community, Lakeview represented the district very well. Until next year, Lakeview basketball is signing out.

JACKSON, Miss. – Northwestern State got the bounce-back performance it was looking for on Wednesday afternoon picking up a pair of wins at Jackson State 7-3 and 3-2.

Sage Hoover (5-3) and Bronte Rhoden (1-3) kept the Jackson State hitters off balance all day as the top of the Lady Demon lineup, led by Taylor Williams’ five-hit day, accounted for 14 of the 20 total hits.

The damage from the top of the order started in the very first inning where it took just two batter for the Lady Demons (14-11) to score their first run.

Bailie Ragsdale singled to start the day, moved to second on a throwing error and raced around to score on a Taylor Williams base hit to right three pitches later.

The 1-0 was protected by starting pitcher Sage Hoover over the next three innings as the Lady Demons had baserunners in each frame but could not add to the early edge. Hoover retired the first five batters she faced and got some defensive help after allowing a lead-off single in the bottom of the fourth.

Catcher Tristin Court caught the pinch runner too far off the bag at first, picking off the runner and saving a potential tying run after the Tigers (11-10) hit a double to left center two batters later.

Maggie Black started the next half inning with a base hit to center, and after moving to second on a sacrifice bunt scored on the second Jackson State error of the game on a ground ball to short.

Hoover struck out the side in the bottom of the inning on 15 pitches giving the Lady Demons all the momentum heading into the final third of the game.

With runners at second and third following a walk and Kat Marshall double, Vivica Hernandez slid home after a wild pitch and a Black sacrifice fly to right brought Marshall in extending the lead to 4-0.

Three straight two-out, extra-base hits in the top of the seventh blew the game open for NSU. Williams and Laney Rood started the rally with back-to-back doubles and Makenzie Chaffin finished it with a two-run home run to right making it a 7-0 game.

“We did a good job of adjusting in the first game and put up some crooked numbers at the end to blow the game open,” head coach Donald Pickett said.

Those late runs proved to be even more beneficial for NSU in the bottom of the inning as the Tigers, down to their final strike of the game, hit a three-run home run to center to break up the shutout bid.

Hoover finished the complete game effort two batters later with a fly ball to left, ending the Lady Demons’ short three-game losing skid.

The first four batters in the lineup went 8-for-16 with a pair of doubles and a home run in the win while Hoover picked up her fifth win of the season and fourth complete game.

After two scoreless and hitless innings to start the second game, NSU again struck first on Williams’ second double of the day to bring Hernandez around to score with two-outs in the top of the third.

The Lady Demons added to their lead in the fourth with two more extra-base hits to start the frame. Chaffin doubled to right center to start the inning and trotted home on a Keely DuBois two-run home run, her third of the season, that made it a 3-0 game.

Coming off five straight stellar relief outings and a Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week honor, Rhoden made her first start since the second weekend of the year and continued to pitch at a high level.

She retired 10 of 11 batters between the first and fourth innings without allowing a hit through 3 2/3 innings. The Tigers got their first run, an unearned tally, on a two-out single to right, the first hit allowed by Rhoden in the game.

“Bronte did a great job today,” Pickett said. “She only gave up one hit through three or four innings and if not for some wet spots on the field really wouldn’t have given up an earned run at all. She did a great job of attacking hitters and really settled in after that first inning.”

The NSU offense had at least one hit in each of the final five innings of the game but couldn’t bring any more runs across following DuBois’ home run in the fourth.

The Tigers cut the lead down to one in the bottom of the sixth but a call to Maggie Darr out of the bullpen immediately silenced any thoughts of a dramatic victory.

Darr struck out the side in the bottom of the inning to pick up her first career save, the third NSU pitchers to record a save this season and secure the Wednesday sweep.

The Lady Demons turned in their fifth and sixth games this season with double-digit hits and the second time doing so in consecutive games.

The top four batters in the lineup went a combined 14-for-30 on the day with three doubles a home run and five batted in.

“Bailie was able to get on a few times and really set the tone for us,” Pickett said. “Felt like Taylor got a hit every time she stepped up today and of course Mak had the big home run. They’re there for a reason and we need them to produce up there and they’re doing a good job of it.”

The Lady Demons travel to Memphis on Friday for the Tiger Classic beginning at 9 a.m. against James Madison.

A service celebrating the life and legacy of this internationally renowned saxophonist, band director and educator will go forth Monday, March 21, 2022 at the Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 at 11am. The casketed remains will lie in state from 9:00 a. m. until service time. Cremation will follow the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Hardrick Rivers Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Bank of Montgomery, Account 40909041.

The crisp season of fall was pleased to have brought forth the birth of our incomparable Hardrick Rivers. He was a gift to his parents, Elijah King and the late Melba Rivers September 12, 1956 in the Powhatan Community. As he developed, matured and shared his talents in the musical arts , he became a gift to the entire community and beyond. His creator sounded the final call of Taps March 10, 2022 while he was a patient in the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Hardrick’s final earthly song had ended.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in Alexandria, LA at the tender age of seven. In the later years, he affiliated with the First Methodist Church of Natchitoches, LA. He was a baptized believer.

At the young age of 13, this multi-talented adolescent began playing music under the tutelage of a well-known Blues artist, the late Overton Owens (“Dr. Drip Drop”). He concentrated on formulating his own unique sound on the saxophone and exhibited his new vibe through becoming a part of the Mustangs, and then through a band he founded called the Lighthouse Crew. As he matured musically, he became an integral part of the Rivers’ Revue Band. One of his loves was the monthly jam session with some of his favorite colleagues at Roque’s Grocery and Pool Hall on Carver Avenue in Natchitoches. An outgrowth of these musical sets was the Roques’ Blues Band.

Our beloved Hardrick was a graduate of Allen High School. In 2001 following a decade of employment with construction sprinkled with weekend gigs, this industrious young man earned a degree in Music from Northwestern State University where he became an instrumentalist with the school’s Jazz Ensemble for two semesters. This formal credential prepared him for the awesome task of developing a great band as a Music Instructor at Coushatta High School in Coushatta, LA.

Shortly after earning his degree, he was awarded with the professional compliment of being inducted into the Louisiana Folk Life Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists.

2003 marked the year of his teaming with B. B. Majors Blue Band and they toured Italy playing various blues events and venues.

Hardrick’s community of Powhatan recognized the statesman-like qualities he had and elected him as their Mayor in 2020 where he brought a spirit of progress to that settlement. He was the sitting Mayor at the time of his passing.

The year of 2017 brought another signal honor—his being honored as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer at a ceremony at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum in Natchitoches. Known as a “SAX MAN” and Blues Band Leader, Hardrick was a versatile musician that truly enjoyed performing.

This memorable gentleman was preceded in death by his mother, Melba Rivers, five siblings: Pamela Revels Johnikin, Deondre King, Elijah King, Jr. and Elmer King.

Those who will long cherish his legendary lifetime of memories include His wife Pamela Rivers, His Children Donna Conday, Douglas (Kesha) Conday, Renee (Marlon) Brown, Melba (Bruce) Rivers, Hardrick (Petula) Rivers Jr., Tiawana Rivers, Joy (Vantrey) Dove, Charles (Hannan) Dove, and Justin Dove.

24 Grandchildren; Cedric Conday, Derick (Antriece)Turner Jr., Bre’Anna (Brandon) Perkins, Semaj ( Murphy ) Morman, Douglas (Yasmeen) Conday Jr., Derion Winder, Rodney Robinson, Bruce Smith III, Ladaijha Rivers, BrittNee Smith, Justice Robinson, Braeden Smith, Destiny Adkins, Alexis Rivers, Darin Adkins, Kaiden Conday, Marques Conday, Faith Conday, Jeremiah Rivers, Layla’ Cook, Kyla Cook, Brielle Monroe, Judah Cook, and Charles Dove III.

6 Great Grandchildren; Logan Tademy, Nova Owens, Mason Morman, Aiyanna Turner, Aeden Zoberbier

14 siblings; Charles Guiden, Deondre King, Carolyn King, Calvin King, Corrundulet King Sheard, Charlesetta Collins, Lee Crockom, Darrell Crockom, Latonia M Crockom, David Crockom, Kenneth King, Frank King, Leslie Crockom Mims, and His Ex-wife and Coparent Ms. Violet Rivers

His Friend and fellow musician since Childhood Ganey “Pop” Hymes

Countless Band members and musicians that have shared the stage and formed unforgettable friendships and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, additional family and friends including Alvin King.

Remembering Hardrick Rivers

Description: Experienced and reliable Property Manager to oversee operations at our 40-unit complex. In this position, you will create leasing contracts for new and current tenants, ensure units are ready for tenants, fulfill repair requests efficiently, collect monthly rents, and track daily expenses, to provide regular status reports on the condition of the property and any issues that arise and maintain a positive relationship with renters and tenants.

Qualifications: Our ideal candidate has at least five years of property management experience. High school degree or equivalent; bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. Proficient with Microsoft Office and property management software. Organized and able to create multiple timelines, budgets, and schedules. Excellent communication skills

Deadline: Applications will be accepted through March 28, 2022

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Please mail resumes to:
Willa Point Apartments
ATTN: Human Resources
PO Box 255
Natchitoches LA 71457

POSITION: Animal Control Officer

DESCRIPTION: Enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinance; maintain records and reports regarding impounded animals, animal bites, quarantines, investigations, citations and daily statistics; ability to operate Microsoft Word and Excel; clean and disinfect kennels and cages; provideanimals with proper food, water, and medical care; must be available for after hours and weekend work.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent. Must be a licensed driver.

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., or you can download an application online at http://www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through March 21, 2022.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

BOM Bank is a Centennial sponsor of Northwestern State University’s upcoming Greek Centennial Celebration with a contribution at the $5,000 level. BOM personnel with Greek ties joined NSU Development staff in making the presentation. From left are Jacob Murchison, Luke Lucky, John Sullivan, Jill Bankston, Luke Rasberry, Cristy Bernard, Danielle Cobb, Claire Mayeaux, Carrie Hough, Reagan Washington, Maya Levo, Aaron Savell, Richard Lindsay, Matt Nelson, Reba Phelps and Kyler Burns.

The Greek Centennial Celebration will kick off Friday, April 8 in conjunction with Flavor of Louisiana and will continue Saturday, April 9. 

The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission is supporting a meeting of the Louisiana Association for Institutional Research, hosted by Northwestern State University July 13-14. The NHDDC presented a $2,000 sponsorship/grant to support the conference that will draw more than 100 professionals to the city from all over the state.

Dawn Mitchell, director of Institutional Research at NSU, is vice president of LAIR and program chair for the upcoming conference. Kelsey Claspill, institutional research data analyst at NSU, is LAIR secretary. LAIR president Dane O’Blanc is from McNeese State University and treasurer Steve Cox is from the Louisiana Community Technical College System.

“Institutional researchers are ‘the data stewards’ of higher education,’ Mitchell explained. “IR develops, tracks and reports key institutional metrics, such as enrollment, retention, graduation rates and more, to internal and external stakeholders. This data is used for national and regional trending, institutional decision-making and informing statewide initiatives and policies.”

The conference is open to anyone interested in post-secondary institutional research or assessment. The fee to participate is $55. For more information, contact Mitchell at mitchelldawn@nsula.edu.

“We are grateful to the NHDDC for their sponsorship of this event. Attendees from across the state will get to enjoy a fantastic downtown Natchitoches experience with Wednesday night’s reception being held at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame,” Mitchell said.

Rotary Club of Natchitoches honored the Student of the Month Will DeVargas, a Senior at St. Mary’s. The Rotary Scholarship Sponsor was Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway, and Todtenbier, CPA. DeVargas will attend the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and major in Political Science. Pictured from left are St. Mary’s Principal Jason Lachica, DeVargas, and Amy DeVargas (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

NATCHITOCHES:
Douglas Rachal, Sr.
November 5, 1940 – March 15, 2022
Service: Friday, March 18 at 10 am at Fairview Baptist Church

David Lee Coolman
February 27, 1967 – March 11, 2022
Service: Thursday, March 17 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Michael Glenn Sparks
January 16, 1978 – March 11, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 19 at 1 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Mary Anne Erwin Giering
November 18, 1945 – March 12, 2022
Service: Thursday, March 17 at 11 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches

Alyssa Waters, a 7th grader at St. Mary’s Catholic School, competed on March 12 in the USA Powerlifting City Classic in Baton Rouge. She broke five of her own State Records and set five new State Records. She also took 1st Place in the Youth Division and went 9/9 on her lifts.

“I only compete against myself,” said Alyssa. “I strive to be the best version of myself.”

Squat: 176.25lbs
Bench: 93.50lbs
Deadlift: 237.00lbs