The Northwestern State University Army ROTC held an Activation Ceremony for the 73rd Demon Battalion. Each year since 1951, NSU’s ARMY ROTC activates its cadet battalion as the graduating class leaves NSU and goes on to serve. Thursday, August 25, marked the activation of NSU’s 73rd cadet battalion at the student union ballroom, carrying on a tradition of excellence and service.

The new battalion flag and Infantry blue streamer was uncased for the first time by Cadet Major Michael Shamblin and Cadet Command Sergeant MJimmy Lara. Cadet Shamblin was filling in for Cadet LTC Cade Davis who is attending the Army Airborne school.

It was a busy summer, indeed for NSU Army ROTC! Several cadets were also recognized at the ceremony. Cadet Lara was presented with his RECONDO badge, the first earned by a NSU cadet in seven years. The cadet staff of the Demon battalion were introduced. Cadets Cade Davis, Taylor Dixon, Jimmy Lara. Michael Shamblin and Dylan Trueblood were recognized for their successful completion of Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, KY. Cadet Brandon Campbell began his Army journey at Basic Camp at Fort Knox. Cadet Loren Higginbotham spent 4 weeks at West Point learning small unit tactical operations, while Cadet Shamblin spent the summer at Shofield Barracks in Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division.

When students initially enter ROTC, there is no military obligation. Two students who made the decision to serve as Army officers after graduation were sworn in as contract cadets. Mackenzie Cain and Caiden Matthews were sworn in by NSU Professor of Military Science LTC Joshua Drake.

One of the highlights of the event was the awarding of the inaugural scholarships from the Wise Foundation to three NSU Army cadets. The scholarships, named in honor of the late Major General Erbon W. Wise, former Adjutant General of Louisiana and NSU Alumnus, are intended to help first and second-year cadets who are awaiting contracting. Cadets Jordan Edwards, Todd Gladish and Layla Theriot were each presented their scholarships by LTC Drake.

Army ROTC is a superb compliment to anyone’s college education. The young men and women of NSU’s Army ROTC learn much about themselves as they meet the challenges of their regular college studies and ROTC classes. There are summer training opportunities as varied as parachuting and rappelling out of helicopters as well as unparalleled leadership training. There are opportunities to have your entire education paid for and have a job as an Army officer upon graduation. Ready to grow, get better and earn a scholarship? Call 318-357-6501.

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STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Opening day at the Texan Invitational for Northwestern State volleyball will be filled with plenty of firsts.

NSU’s first day of the season begins with in-state rival ULM at 1 p.m. and ends with the weekend tournament’s host Tarleton State at 6 p.m. Links for live video and stats are available at http://www.nsudemons.com. Friday night’s match against Tarleton can be seen on ESPN+.

The Lady Demons are looking to take what they learned from the exhibition a week ago at Stephen F. Austin and put into practice, but even more importantly continue to bring the chemistry that exists off the court between the line that will lead to more efficiency and consistency on the court.

“We have really good chemistry off the court,” freshman middle Jordan Gamble said. “We’re with each other pretty much all day every day, especially the freshmen. We go places together, we eat together and then of course we come back and play, so it’s just a matter of time before that carries over on the court.”

From a scheme and execution perspective, head coach Sean Kiracofe can see the makings but just needing more time for things to develop.

“The offensive plays that we ran in serve receive and the thought process from our setters specifically was all good,” Kiracofe said about the match at SFA. “It just wasn’t necessarily connecting perfectly but at this point in the year we’re not expecting that just because we’re all new.

“I’m asking a lot of the new players to play a defense that’s a little different than what they’re used to. We had some people doing some great things defensively, just being athletes, but we also had them get out of position. But it’s an easy little correction of teaching them to not make that move when this happens. Those are things that will start to click as we get reps and work together.”

The match with ULM will be the first in the collegiate careers of several freshman, including Gamble who is expected to make her first collegiate start this weekend. The 6-foot-3 offensive and defensive presence has, as you might expect, a few butterflies leading up to her first match as a Demon.

“I always get really nervous before games,” she said. “So, I know it’s going to hit me, just waiting until we’re out there Friday to see exactly what the emotions are for me.”

It will also be the first of two matches this year against ULM, setting the Lady Demons up with the opportunity of learning and growing from one matchup to the other. That will be the expectation once conference play rolls around but a big progression moment for a large group of new players.

“That will be fun, in-state rival and a great way to start off the year.” Kiracofe said. “And fortunately for me from a coaching standpoint is we get to see them again later in the season in that fourth weekend as well. So, it will be how do we tie together those adjustments that will be made depending on how well or not well we play and vice versa.”

Another major first for the 2022 squad will come in the nightcap against Tarleton. With a loud and invested crowd, it will be the first taste of a hostile collegiate environment for the five freshmen and pressure moments for everyone.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Tarleton,” Kiracofe said. “We’re playing in that 6 p.m. slot on Friday night against them and looking forward to a great environment that’s going to be great for our girls, especially all the freshmen, to be like this is college athletics. Just right off the bat, there’s no easing into it.

“There’s going to be plenty of tournament games where you go out there and it’s just mom and dad in the stands and that’s it. But that Friday night is going to be a good environment.”

NSU finishes the weekend with a 1 p.m. match on Saturday against Fairleigh Dickinson.

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A pair of NCAA Tournament teams and a beefed-up 18-game Southland Conference schedule await the Northwestern State women’s basketball team in the 2022-23 season.

“The 22-23 non-conference schedule is very exciting,” third-year head coach Anna Nimz said. “The girls are going to have the opportunity to play in tradition-rich environments in addition to facing high-level talent.

The Lady Demons open the season at home on Monday, Nov. 9 against LeTourneau beginning the alternating home and away contests that comprise the first month of the season.

The first of three trips to the state of Oklahoma on the year comes four days later with Oklahoma State (Nov. 11). NSU returns to face Oklahoma (Nov. 30) and finishes with Tulsa (Dec. 19) in the final non-conference game of the season.

Like NSU’s trip through Kansas a year ago, Nimz’s home state, the games in Oklahoma take on an equally as special feeling for assistant coach Leasa Ailshie.

“As an Oklahoma girl, there is an extra level of excitement to play in the Lloyd Noble Center (OU) and Gallagher-Iba (OSU) arena,” Ailshie said. “Those are two high-level programs that I have been a fan of throughout my childhood.

“The University of Tulsa is also 30 minutes from my hometown, so we are expecting a fun following of friends and family to come out to support NSU. Although surreal, it will be a fun challenge to compete and a great opportunity to improve by playing against the top teams in Oklahoma.”

Following the first journey to the Sooner State, the Lady Demons renew a pair of Louisiana-based series by hosting Southern (Nov. 17) and traveling to LSU (Nov. 20). The game with Southern is the first since 2009 and NSU meets the Tigers for the first time since 1986.

LSU is the first of the two NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago the Lady Demons face within a 10-day stretch, with the Oklahoma game set for Nov. 30.

Three returning opponents from a season ago ring in December with Champion Christian (Dec. 4) and ULM (Dec. 10) coming to Natchitoches and NSU making its first trip to Tarleton State (Dec. 14).

“Testing our talent against six different Division I conferences (Big 12, SEC, American, WAC, Sun-Belt, SWAC) will allow our program to be challenged and help prepare us for the Southland Conference,” Nimz said.

After the game at Tulsa on Dec. 19, NSU opens the expanded Southland schedule on New Year’s Eve with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

NSU plays three of the first four conference games at home – AMCC, Nicholls (Jan. 7) and McNeese (Jan. 12) – before three straight road games at Nicholls (Jan. 14), at Southeastern (Jan. 19) and at New Orleans (Jan. 21).

A quick home-and-home series with HBU and Lamar make up the next four games before consecutive matchups with the newest member of the conference Texas A&M-Commerce. NSU makes its first trip to Commerce on Feb. 9 before hosting the Lions in Natchitoches two days later.

The home game with TAMUC starts a three-game home stand late in the year that also includes Southeastern (Feb. 16) and New Orleans (Feb. 18) before a road weekend at UIW and AMCC to close out February.

The Lady Demons host UIW in the final game of the regular season before entering the Southland Conference Tournament on March 6 in Lake Charles.

Season tickets for Northwestern State basketball are available by contacting the NSU Athletics ticket office at 318-357-4269.

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We gathered recently in Thibodaux for the annual conference of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. On Saturday night during the dinner and awards ceremony, I sat at a table with good friends Terry and Carol Jones from West Monroe.

The last event that night was the ever-popular raffle. In an annual ritual, we enthusiastically purchase tickets hoping to win prizes of merchandise provided by sponsors. I felt a slight tingle of excitement when one of my numbers was called. There were fishing rods and reels and all sorts of neat stuff. My enthusiasm dropped a bit when I was handed my prize. I got a cap and a coffee mug.

As the number of prizes dwindled down to the last one, I heard a little squeal from Carol as one of Terry’s numbers was called. What did he win? More on that later.

It was a cold December day in 2015 when Terry was hunting ducks and squirrels along his favorite waterway, Dugdemona Bayou. Growing up in northern Winn Parish, the Dugdemona and its surroundings were his favorite places to hunt and fish.

As he paddled his way along the bayou in his pirogue, he encountered a tree that had fallen across the waterway. As the struggled to remove enough limbs to make his way along the bayou, one of the limbs caught the barrel of his shotgun, a Mossberg Model 500 pump, and flipped it into the water.

“When I looked back and saw my shotgun was gone, I carry a magnet with me just in case I lose something like that but the magnet got hung and broke off so I gave up and came home,” Jones said.

Six months later the following summer, Jones was back fishing on Dugdemona when he recognized the same fallen tree that had robbed him of his shotgun.

“I realized this was where my gun had fallen into the water. The water level was down and I looked down to my surprise I saw my gun lying on the bottom in the mud all rusted, corroded, and covered in silt. It was in really bad shape so I knew there was no way it could be salvaged.

“It was loaded when it went overboard so I had to be careful and I stuck the barrel in the mud and left it there as a sacrifice to the Creek gods,” he laughed. “Telling friends about my mishap, several told me that they had also lost guns to the overhanging limbs on Dugdemona.”

Back to the LOWA conference…

As ticket numbers were being called, I watched several friends winning rods, reels, tackle boxes, and all sorts of neat prizes. I kept watching my skein of tickets hoping for something a bit more valuable than my cap and coffee mug but, alas, that never happened.

The table of prizes dwindled down to the very last one and when the number was called, the usually quiet and easy-going retired history professor, Dr. Terry Jones, showed a measure of excitement when his number matched the one being called out.

The final item is always the most coveted prize of the drawing and this time was no different; in fact, in his case, it was extra-special. My friend, Terry Jones, had the ticket that matched the prize; it was a shotgun — but not just any shotgun.

It was a Mossberg Model 500 pump, just like the one rusting away along the margin of Dugdemona Bayou.

Oh, and by the way, he also won a padded gun case. It floats.

You can’t make up stuff like this.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

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On a particularly toasty summer day, July 5, 2021, I made a promise to myself and to the Lord that I would not drink alcohol for one solid year. It wasn’t because I had an alcohol addiction. It wasn’t because of a brush with the law or any type of dangerous situation. It definitely wasn’t because I was trying to be a good Baptist or holier than those around me.

It was simply because I had no boundaries and was not well-behaved when I would consume alcohol. Specifically, my drinks of choice were margaritas and martinis. It was one or the other, never both on the same night. (Margaritas with Mexican food and Martini with everything else!)

I never really drank alcohol during the week unless it was a social function and I never drank at home alone, rarely ever kept any of it at my house. My favorite way to unwind was to go to dinner with friends and consume as many drinks as it took to laugh my troubles away. Sounds innocent enough but it just wasn’t sitting well with my soul because deep down, I knew that I was not respecting the healthy limits of only having one or two drinks.

I wasn’t drinking because I was thirsty, I was drinking because I wanted to loosen up…or reach a level of relaxation that one drink didn’t offer.

I never realized how hard this past year was going to be and how much alcohol had become a welcomed habit. The first big test came with a birthday dinner for my friend the following fall and the next test came when I went on a weekend-long bachelorette trip with my beloved friends. Then, came my birthday. I tried to reason with that close friend that I truly needed just one Martini to celebrate. It couldn’t be a birthday without a Lemon Drop Martini.

My friend, being the strong woman that she is would not let me fail. My closest friends and daughters knew that I had given up the sauce for a year and they were determined to help me meet my mark. So, no birthday drinking drink for me. Right before Thanksgiving came a wedding for that friend, in which I was officiating, no champagne toast here.

Christmas bells soon began to ring as the New Year was rolling in. Still no celebratory drinks. It was right around this time that I started to worry, it was as if I wasn’t sure who I was social without having a drink. I would leave parties early, I wouldn’t attend certain events where I would normally have a few drinks with friends. I was truly struggling with my identity without a drink in my hand.

As I said goodbye to Valentine’s Day and Easter I felt like I was in the home stretch. I was feeling confident until I took my daughter and her friend to a local Italian restaurant. For some reason, while I was there, I had to the overwhelming urge to have a glass of wine. Just one. One glass of red wine to accompany my dinner. It may have been because the sweet waitress asked if I wanted a glass of wine with my dinner… I don’t know… but I was truly considering it. Just as I was ready to throw away a year’s worth of hard work and reflection, my daughter and her friend said, “You have almost made it one year without one single drop of alcohol, you got this!”

No sooner than these words left their lips, the aforementioned sweet waitress looked at me with the most sincere and supportive face and said, “It’s okay, my mom was alcoholic too and I totally understand.”

Both of the girls at my table looked down to keep from laughing at me but there may have been some truth bells ringing in those waitress’ words. Was I on the road to becoming one? I cannot answer that question but what I can say is that I did in fact make it an entire year without booze with the help of the Lord and some very good friends.

For the past few years, I have been growing in my relationship with the Lord and he slowly began to show me that I did not need the liquid encouragement to have a good time with my friends. I didn’t need the alcohol to merely unwind. My friends and family still loved me regardless of whether I had a glass in hand or not. His love is never-ending, so he didn’t cease his affection when I was drinking too much.

These are lies that the world wants us to believe, we cannot have a good time being a follower of Christ.

Everyone has their own walk, their own salvation story, and their own way of recognizing what brings them close to the Lord. For me, he wanted me to live a cleaner life than I was living and wanted me to walk more closely beside him. This walk wasn’t about just cutting out drinking, it was about relying on God and putting him first.

I am so grateful for my salvation story, even the missing pages or the pages with smudged ink, and crinkled and tattered edges.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – Jame 5:16

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Northwestern State University received approval Thursday to name four major existing and planned facilities on its main campus at Natchitoches in honor of individuals who made a significant positive impact on the university.

A $37.3 million state-of-the-art facility that will replace Kyser Hall as NSU’s primary academic center will be named for Dr. Robert Alost, who spent most of his distinguished educational career at Northwestern and was president of the university from 1986 to 1996.

The entire athletic fieldhouse complex that serves student-athletes, coaches, and other personnel in all 14 intercollegiate sports in which the university participates will be named for former State Senator Donald G. Kelly.

A new $9.5 million annex to the fieldhouse will be named the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center to honor those prominent alumni and generous donors, and the basketball court at Prather Coliseum will be named for retired coach Mike McConathy.

The request to name the facilities was approved this week by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Ceremonies to commemorate the honorees and the new and expanded facilities will be announced as plans for each are finalized.

Northwestern president Dr. Marcus Jones said, “Naming university facilities for individuals have been infrequent over the years. These requests to honor Senator Kelly, Dr. Alost, David and Sherry Morgan, and Coach McConathy reflect unprecedented private and state support in recent months for the development and enhancement of campus facilities.”

He stated that construction will start this fall on the Alost Hall academic center, which will be the largest capital outlay project in NSU history. The university also received $8 million in state funding and nearly $2 million in private donations for the fieldhouse expansion.

Jones said the decision to name the fieldhouse the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex “is appropriate and long overdue. Senator Kelly was the driving force in obtaining funding for construction of the athletic fieldhouse and the major expansion of Turpin Stadium.”

He expressed appreciation to David and Sherry Morgan “who provided the impetus for the Health Performance Center annex to the fieldhouse with a $1.5 million gift for the project that is the largest private contribution ever received by the university’s athletic department. That funding helped pave the way for the state capital outlay funding.”

Successful in numerous business enterprises, the Morgans have provided extensive financial support to the university over the years for scholarships and other programs.

A new artificial turf field has been installed at the stadium, and the Prather Coliseum court has been refurbished with new designs and other enhancements. Jones said naming the floor for McConathy “will help perpetuate the achievements of the winningest college basketball coach ever in Louisiana.”

McConathy retired last spring after compiling 330 victories at NSU and Bossier Parish Community College. In 23 seasons at Northwestern, he guided teams to the only three NCAA Tournament appearances in school history.

The new 73,200-square-foot Alost Hall academic center will preserve the legacy of the former president whose tenure was highlighted by record enrollments, academic achievements, athletic success, physical plant enhancements, and other major accomplishments. Alost died in 2020 at age 85.

Kelly was one of the most respected and influential figures in state government from the 1970s into the 1990s. He was a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention in 1973 and was then elected to five consecutive terms in the Senate where he was a floor leader for Governors Edwin Edwards and Buddy Roemer and served on powerful budget and finance committees.

He is a former NSU football player and a member of the university’s N Club Hall of Fame and the Long Purple Line Hall of Distinction, the highest honor for NSU alumni.

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By Joe Darby

Sometimes old cliches are true. That man’s best friend is a dog, I think, is one assertion that would be disputed by very few.

I know that I sure love the critters or fur babies as some folks have taken to call them in recent years. I’ve written previously about Baby, my wonderful little poodle-terrier mix who means so much to me at this stage in my life. She also is prominent on my Facebook page and there’s almost always a photo of her at the top.

But I’m not going to talk so much about my own dogs, as the dogs of a group of men who have served as President of the United States. We’ve had some great men and some true scoundrels in that revered office, but one thing many of them had in common is their love of dogs. The information I am using in this column comes from a new book I just got, “All-American Dogs” by Andrew Hagel.

Dogs have been companions to humans for about 10,000 years. So, yeah, we and the pups go way back. We’ve used them for hunting, herding livestock, guarding our property, and, most importantly, for companionship. So, when George Washington, President No. 1, surrounded himself with dozens of dogs of all breeds at his Mount Vernon, Va., home, he was just following in the footsteps of many generations.

One of his favorites was Sweet Lips, who he described as a “perfect fox hound.” He used to take her walking in Philadelphia, to take a break from the burdens of politics. When he was at home at Mount Vernon, he visited his kennels every morning to check on his pack. One time one of his French hounds, Vulcan, sent to him from overseas by the Marquis de Lafayette, stole a ham that was scheduled to be the main course at a dinner for important guests. Although the guests were amused, Martha Washington was less than pleased.

John Adams, the first President to actually occupy the newly-built White House, also had dogs. John and his wife Abigail had two mutts or mixed breeds as we would call them today — Juno and Satan. Abigail once wrote to one of her granddaughters about Juno, “If you love me, you must love my dog.” We can only guess why Satan acquired that rather intimidating name.

James Buchanan, who proceeded Abraham Lincoln in the White House just prior to the Civil War, had a 170-pound Newfie named Lara, who is almost certainly the largest dog ever to live in the White House. Lara slept next to the President and became his personal protector. One Visitor often said she seemed to sleep with one eye open.

Lincoln himself had a beloved mixed, named Fido. Fido was a lovable but temperamental pup. For example, when noisy crowds gathered outside the Lincolns’ Springfield, Ill., home to celebrate his election victory in 1869, Fido hid behind the sofa. So Lincoln felt that Fido would not handle well the long train trip to Washington and left him at home, in the care of some good friends, expecting to be reunited with the dog after his term was up. Alas, it was not to be, as Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865.

After Buchanan had Lara, Newfoundlands became popular in the US and when Ulysses Grant moved into the White House in 1869, his 11-year-old boy Jesse brought his own Newfie, Faithful, with the family to Washington. The Grants had lost other pets in recent years so the general said he would fire the entire White House staff if anything happened to Faithful.

So, these tales (tails?) will do for a start. This column will have two parts. So if you want to read more about Presidential dogs, be sure to look in these spaces next week!

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The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA)’s annual matriculation ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on the campus of Northwestern State University.

The matriculation ceremony recognizes students’ accomplishments, reinforces their commitment to LSMSA and encourages them to apply the necessary diligence to persevere until reaching commencement.

LSMSA Theatre Instructor and IDEA Advisory Council member Scott Theriot will deliver the address for the school. A native of Waggaman, Theriot holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of New Orleans and acted in and directed a number of plays before coming to LSMSA. At the Louisiana School, Theriot has taught Acting I, II, and III, Script Analysis, Musical Theatre Cabaret, Improvisation I and II, and Theatre Repertory, and has directed nine plays. Theriot sponsors the school’s Theatre Club, directs staged cabaret performances each semester, participates in the Louisiana ITS Festival at NSU, and oversees the theatre Artist in Training program.

This event is open to the public.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, state-funded residential school for high-achieving, highly motivated rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Louisiana.

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Here is a look at the week of August 28 – Sept. 3 at Northwestern State University.

August 28 – Sept. 2 — Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition, Hanchey Gallery. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

August 31 — Natchitoches Young Professionals Social and viewing of Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition, Hanchey Gallery, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 – Closing reception for Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition, Hanchey Gallery, Hanchey Gallery 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

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Northwestern State University has named Dr. Yonna Pasch director of Student Affairs and Vanner Erikson interim director of Enrollment Management and director of Recruiting.

As director of Student Affairs, Pasch is responsible for the leadership and oversight of seven Student Affairs departments including Accessibility & Disability Support, Counseling and Career Services, First-Year Experience, Fraternal and Civic Engagement, Health Services, Student Activities and Leadership Development and TRIO & Student Support Services. The Division of Student Affairs professionals connect with students to provide vital services, resources and learning opportunities preparing them for work and life beyond NSU.

“We are dedicated to ensuring each student and staff member can learn, grow, and develop while at NSU,” Pasch said.

Pasch earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and tourism and a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at NSU and a doctorate in higher education with certification in higher education administration from Louisiana Tech. She has worked in higher education for 19 years, starting as an adjunct instructor in the Student Affairs in Higher Education degree program. Her work in student affairs includes student activities programming, fraternity and sorority life, student organizations, student union facilities, intramurals, and leadership development.

As an undergraduate, Pasch was part of the NSU rowing team and Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She has been married to Alan Pasch, a 2001 and 2006 graduate of NSU, for 21 years and they have a son, Amsden, 12.

“It is an extreme honor to serve as the next director of Student Affairs at Northwestern State University,” Pasch said. “NSU is an outstanding academic institution with a diverse and talented student body and caring higher education professionals. I am excited to work alongside the leadership, staff, faculty, students, alumni, and community members in this new capacity as we chart a path forward for Northwestern State University.”

As interim director of Enrollment Management and director of Recruiting, Erikson’s purview includes Recruiting, Financial Aid, and Admissions. Prior to his current role, he’s been a part of the NSU Family since 2007, as an undergraduate and graduate student, recruiter, Alumni director, and director of First Year Experience.

In the community, Erikson serves as the chair of the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, chair of the Board of Directors of both the Chamber of Commerce and Cane River National Heritage Area, and member of the Ready Start Natchitoches Early Childhood Board. He helped recharter the local Boys and Girls Club in Natchitoches and now sits on the state board. He and his wife Aly, also an NSU graduate, have two daughters, Landry and Gray.

“I’m looking forward to implementing new strategies in automation, data analytics and customer service in regards to recruiting and retention, where we will become more student-centric in all that we do,” Erikson said. “We have a great team in Enrollment Services and Student Affairs that make up the Student Experience Division and I look forward to cross-collaboration and innovative initiatives that bridge the gap to External and Academic Affairs.”

 

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Picking up where I left off last week on the “good ole days” of my generation, I’ve always felt that I grew up during the best time a kid could ever ask for. The Vietnam War was ending in the early ’70s and the crazy 60s were behind us. Life was simple, people had jobs and worked hard. Being labeled “middle class” was not a bad thing. It meant you worked hard for a living and took pride in what you did and who you were. You weren’t necessarily judged by how much money you had. You were judged by the kind of person you were and your character. You did not want to do anything to disgrace your family name or embarrass your parents.

My generation respected our teachers and coaches, as these were some of the most influential people in my life. They gave homework (which I hated,) but they pushed you and challenged you to learn. My coaches taught us what hard work and determination could lead to. They taught us to never quit or give up, and to fight through adversity, not to transfer to another school because the competition got a little tough or things didn’t go our way. My coaches made me feel proud to be an Mt. Pleasant Tiger. This made me play harder because as a player you represented your town, school, coaches, and parents, but most importantly….yourself. Yes, we won, and won a lot, including a State Championship, but you had a sense of pride if you were an MP Tiger and you never wanted to let the community down.

Hard work was expected at my house as I grew up on a ranch where there was always something to do. I hauled hay, doctored cattle, built barns, fixed fences, and cleared land for pasture or for hay meadows. There was no sleeping in at my house! Sleeping in meant you got to sleep till 7:00 AM. Many mornings, especially on weekends, my bedroom light came on at 5:00 AM as dad would inform me as to what work had to be done that day at the ranch. But one thing that dad did every single day of his life, and even for me on the days I worked with him, was cook breakfast…two eggs over easy, two pieces of bacon, and two pieces of toast. This was as automatic as the sun coming up!

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade my days growing up for anything or any other time. The freedoms we had as kids were nothing short of incredible. Growing up in a small town in Texas was great. Everyone knew everyone and their business. You learned a lot at the local barber shop, everything from who was having affairs to if a coach was going to get fired. Nothing was off limits at the barber shop!

People helped each other in times of need, whether a storm had come through or a family member passed away. People cared about each other and would help in any way possible when someone needed it. You were friends with all your neighbors and never worried about locking doors. You slept with windows open at night to let the cool breeze flow through the house. When was the last time you heard of anyone doing this? Moms cooked dinner every night and you ate as a family while discussing how your day went. This is when communication took place, as dad would break the news as to what chores needed to be done the next day. Family dinners back then were the equivalent of a zoom call today…it was when you asked for permission to borrow the car, go on a date, or maybe go camping with your buds. But at my house, you better make sure you had your ducks in a row before you asked for permission on anything because the answer you got was not negotiable. You had better state your case right the first time because there were no second chances after the answer was given. I learned, “Don’t shoot from the hip because you will get shot down.”

As you can see, I had a great childhood and upbringing. I would not change a single thing about it. For those reading this, I hoped it reminded you of some great times and the good ole days! Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show &
Tackle Talk Live

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BOM donated hygiene and clothing items to the Natchitoches Parish School Board. These items will be used for students in need.

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Concluding its summer meetings, Natchitoches Leadership Through Athletics Committee (NLTAC) held its last meeting for the summer and hosted the Northwestern State University men’s basketball team this week during a “Chat and Chew” gathering at the Samuel Guy House Bed/Breakfast and Special Events Center. During dinner, the group formally met the team, coaching, and support staff and thanked them for their countless hours of community service from March to date in the various communities of the parish.

“We sincerely appreciate everything this program stands for and has done for the past few months to help enhance our community,” said Bobby Benjamin, committee member, and presiding officer at the event.

Coach Corey Gipson provided a brief update on the team and extended the team and staff’s gratitude to NLTA, Samuel Guy House owner Payne Williams and inn director Susan Wright for their support.

“Our team and staff can be found working very hard daily to make the basketball program one of the better programs in the collegiate community. We sincerely appreciate this opportunity to share with NLTAC our status and vision,” Gipson remarked.

Following football season, NLTAC will recognize high school and NSU Basketball teams during the season for exemplary efforts.

NLTAC membership includes Bobby Benjamin, Jumar Ficklin, Rev. Bradlen Holden, Erica Jackson, Sylvester Moss, Tan’Keia Palmer, Byron Parrott, Persunda Raymond, and Ralph Wilson. Not pictured, are Holden and Palmer and NSU’s assistant coach; Tony Holliday.

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Abby Reynolds, the granddaughter of Edwin and Lola Donahue,  attended First Baptist Church in Natchitoches during Vacation Bible School and fell in love with Operation Christmas Child when she was eleven years of age.  She made items, made and packed shoeboxes, and learned the importance of the shoe boxes.  Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that sends millions of gifts to children around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Abby the following year for her 12th birthday asked friends to bring presents that were items that could be packed in shoeboxes like stuffed animals, toys, balls, toiletries, school supplies, clothing, and shoes.  Abby and her friends packed 50 shoeboxes.

 Last year Abby, at age 13, packed 66 shoeboxes on her own and this year Abby’s goal is 75 packed shoeboxes.  At age 13, Abby organizes the collection of shoeboxes for her church, Oak Grove Baptist Church in Church Spring, Texas which has an average attendance of 300.  They collected nearly three hundred shoeboxes last year.

One of the churches in Waco, Texas has asked Abby to organize the collection of shoeboxes with the youth of their church.  This church collects over 2000 shoeboxes.

Abby was featured in the magazine “Girls Like You” in Jan/Feb 2022.  She stated that she enjoyed packing shoeboxes so much she would love to continue to pack shoeboxes throughout her lifetime.  Abby knows the importance of sharing the Gospel throughout the world using a shoebox.  

Abby’s challenge is for everyone to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.

For more information about the ministry contact Brenda Ingram, Logistics Coordinator, 318-471-9415.

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JOURNAL STAFF

U.S. Senator John Kennedy presented a congressional update to a crowded room for the Natchitoches Chamber’s Luncheon on Aug. 24. Kenedy said that together with his staff he’s done a lot in 5 years. Overall in the legislature, there’s been around $20 billion in disaster relief over the last 5 years.

“A lot of bad things happen to a lot of good people,” he said. “My job is to try and get them a little financial help.”

There was also $3.5 billion dispersed for roads and bridges in the state.

Here in Natty:

• $65 million total ($17 million RAISE GRANT)
• $2 million for the airport
• $164 million in disaster loans
• $71 million for farmers
• $46 million for health centers

“I keep a close eye on my friends in Natchitoches,” Kennedy added. “I’m just a phone call away and I love our city.”

He went on to say that no one is completely free if they can’t express themselves and say what they think.

“I welcome other points of view,” he explained. “The truth is a result of the clash of competing ideas and that’s one of the things that make this country so great. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. When I vote I try to represent the values of the majority of Louisiana residents.”

Now 18 months into the Biden administration, Kennedy broke down the main things it believes in:

• Bigger government
• Higher taxes
• More spending (another 300 billion today forgiving student debt)
• More debt (the nation’s debt is now greater than national output)
• More regulation
• Open borders
• Defund the police
• Forfeit America’s energy independence

“I think this has hurt our country,” said Kennedy, referring to the Biden administration’s beliefs. “If you work hard and earn it you should get to keep most of it. I don’t believe you get to spend more money when there’s none left.”

He explained that there are two divisions in Washington. One group believes the federal government is what made America great. The other group believes it was made great by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Kennedy is a member of the latter group, but the former group is in charge.

Kennedy touched on other subjects including crime, immigration, and education.

Crime: I believe in second chances, but I think there are some people in this world that are just antisocial and they hurt other people. Those people have to be separated from society. Without order, there can be no justice.

Immigration: We welcome 1 million immigrants every year- legal, not illegal. We have a legal immigration system to vet people to know what they’re bringing in with them. This will have an impact on the state over time.

Education: While I might not be able to name the first five presidents, I can name my elementary school teachers. I volunteer in the public school system. I support our teachers. A lot of our crime is committed by young offenders. Why are these young people more likely to grow up and go to prison than get married and buy a home? It’s because they don’t have an education. We’ve made a lot of strides in the state but we can’t let up. We need to find out which of our teachers can teach and pay them what they’re worth and either raise up or weed out the teachers that can’t teach.

In closing, Kennedy said, “The future of America can be better than our present or our past. I cannot promise you I’ll win every fight but until you tell me to come home, by God I’ll refuse to be beaten. Thank you for the meat pies.”

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The meeting was called to order by Mayor Patsy Ward Hoover

Roll call was as follows: Mayor Patsy Ward Hoover, Alderman Monique Sarpy, Alderman Shelia Johnson, Alderman McKinley Hoover, Clerk, Janice Perry.

Invocation by Mayor Hoover

Pledge of Allegiance by Alderman McKinley Hoover

Mayor Hoover opened by asking the Council to hire MB Design Consultants, LLA to provide Engineering Services for a Louisiana Water Sector Grant for the Village of Natchez.

It was motioned by Alderman Sarpy and Second by Alderman Hoover

On a roll call vote, the vote thereon was as follows: Alderman Sarpy Yes, Alderman Johnson Yes, Alderman Hoover Yes, No 0, Absent 0

The motion was passed.

Council authorized Mayor Hoover to hire Engineer MB Design Consultants and sign all official documentation needed for the Village of Natchez.

It was a motion by Alderman Sarpy and a Second by Alderman Johnson.

On a roll call vote, the vote thereon was as follows: Alderman Sarpy Yes, Alderman Johnson Yes, Alderman Hoover Yes, No 0, Absent 0

The motion was passed.

Council retained Attorney Alex Washington for the Village of Natchez

It was a motion by Alderman Hoover and a Second by Alderman Sarpy.

On a roll call vote, the vote thereon was as follows: Alderman Sarpy Yes, Alderman Johnson Yes, Alderman Hoover Yes, No 0, Absent 0

The motion was passed

The Resolution for MB Design Consultants, LLC was adopted.

It was a motion by Alderman Johnson and Second by Alderman Sarpy to adopt Resolution 2-2022 for the Village of Natchez.

On a roll call vote, the vote thereon was as follows: Alderman Sarpy Yes, Alderman Johnson Yes, Alderman Hoover Yes, No 0, Absent 0

The motion was passed.

A motion was made by Alderman Sarpy and Second by Alderman Johnson to table the voting of Michel & Pratt until the September 1, 2022 meeting.

On a roll call vote, the vote thereon was as follows: Alderman Sarpy Yes, Alderman Johnson Yes, Alderman Hoover Yes, No 0, Absent 0

The motion was passed.

Meeting Adjourn

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Locals set out to change the face of animal welfare in Natchitoches Parish

FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals) today announces that Edwina and Sam Friedman have donated six acres of land on Highway 1 Bypass to be used for the construction of a city and parish pet adoption and community center. This marks the first milestone for FAUNA’s mission to improve animal welfare for the city and parish of Natchitoches.

The Friedmans have a long history of providing homes to countless rescue animals, and they have actively supported Natchitoches Hope for Paws and Natchitoches Humane Society for more than two decades. They endorse the two organizations uniting to form FAUNA with the goal of providing a clean, safe, humane environment for animals to be housed until they can be adopted.

Louisiana ranks 6th in the nation for shelter deaths according to 2021 data released by Best Friends Animal Society, a leading 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization. One of FAUNA’s objectives is to move Natchitoches from a 55% kill rate to a no or low kill rate. This is accomplished through education, robust spay/neuter programs, and increased adoption/foster opportunities, all of which will be operating components of the new pet adoption and community center. The Friedmans’ benevolence will leave a legacy of compassion and have an impact on the community for generations.

This news comes in the wake of other related recent events:

● The 2021 release of The Louisiana Legislative Audit on Louisiana’s Role in Animal Welfare and Control Activities
● A community animal welfare forum held for residents earlier this year
● A move to consolidate two local animal welfare organizations, Natchitoches Humane Society and Natchitoches Hope for Paws, into FAUNA, a united entity working to improve the lives of animals.


About FAUNA:
FAUNA is an organization that connects local and state officials, volunteers, and advocates with the tools and services they need to promote positive outcomes for animal welfare. From securing shelter for animals in need to educating citizens and elected officials on proper animal care and law enforcement, FAUNA works to ensure harmony between residents and animals in the community.

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The proposed Consolidated Budget of the Natchitoches Parish School Board for 2022-2023 is now available for public inspection at the School Board office in Natchitoches.  The following is a Summary Budget.

Annual Operating Budget	2022 – 2023
Budget Due	August 12, 2022
Budget Sent to Local Media	August 22, 2022
Publication Date	August 27, 022
Public Inspection (NPSB Room)	August 31, 2022 at 10:30 am until September 15, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Public Hearing	September 15, 2022, 5:00 pm
Board Approval	September 15, 2022 or immediately following
COPY PROVIDED BELOW	Please study!

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Landmark plan embraces Louisiana’s fundamental shift in how children are taught to read

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana has adopted the state’s first accountability system for kindergarten through second grade. The Louisiana Department of Education’s (LDOE) literacy-focused plan was approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) on Aug. 24.

“This landmark action closes a glaring gap in our accountability system and embraces a fundamental shift in how we’re teaching children to read,” said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “Not only has our state rallied behind this commitment to our early learners, but we’re continuing to see momentum build behind Louisiana’s reading revival.”

While Louisiana has a nationally recognized early childhood quality rating system and a robust 3-12 accountability system, the state lacked a strong measure of how students in grades K-2 were performing prior to Wednesday’s vote.

Accountability systems identify what student success looks like and measure progress towards those outcomes. When student goals are clearly defined, educators can drive change by aligning resources to priorities. This K-2 accountability plan will encourage educators to embrace this fundamental shift in literacy instruction.

Louisiana’s new K-2 accountability is part of a comprehensive literacy strategy that emphasizes the Science of Reading. Students in grades K-2 will take a literacy indicator that measures early literacy skills, ensuring they are making adequate progress. Those results will be reflected in the annual School Performance Scores and District Performance Scores. Students will begin taking the literacy indicator during the 2024-25 school year.

Also, schools will be incentivized to utilize research-based instructional rubrics in early education focusing on best practices in teaching and learning.

“This long-awaited enhancement to Louisiana’s accountability system will be an important tool in improving early literacy in our state,” said BESE President Jim Garvey. “Accurately measuring and reporting the progress of basic skills development in grades K-2 is critical in helping system leaders and parents identify obstacles to reading, and ensuring that our youngest learners are on track for academic success.”

Wednesday’s vote comes after more than two years of stakeholder engagement, research, and planning by LDOE. While K-2 accountability currently focuses on early literacy, LDOE will also begin exploring the possibility of adding a math component in the future.

“We took an important step to include age-appropriate K-2 assessments in how we communicate school performance,” said Assistant Superintendent of Assessments, Accountability & Analytics Thomas Lambert. “Reliable and consistent data will help ensure our students are ready to master 3rd-grade skills. Literacy matters–we must know how our students are doing in order to provide support and help Louisiana’s kids grow.”

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