Two students graduating from Northwestern State University this week are the university’s first to complete the Black Studies minor.  Destyni Murray of Sulphur and Jeremiah Hollins of Bastrop will earn degrees in criminal justice, along with the minor.  

The Black Studies minor is a 21-credit hour cross-disciplinary minor within the School of Social Science and Applied Programs. Students choose classes that range from music to history to sociology.  

 “This minor is a great way for students to both learn about Black studies and speak on their personal experiences as African Americans,” Hollins said.  “The course work is relatable, and the course material is so interesting that you find yourself forgetting that you are even in class at times because of how relatable the materials are.”  

“I learned things that I was never taught in high school. It pushed me to expand my knowledge on my own history and get a better understanding,” Murray added. “I am very big on knowledge is power and you can never know too much. Choosing a minor, especially the Black Studies minor, can teach you more diversity going into your career field.”  

Both students found the coursework inspiring and see a future in Black studies. 

“I hope to encourage other students to take this course in grade school and in college and show them why it is beneficial to be in this minor,” Murray said.  

“I plan to use the knowledge that I gained through this minor to possibly serve as an avenue into the field of education to hopefully one day teach on the subject of Black Studies,” Hollins said. “These classes have both given me additional insight as well as the opportunity to gain new perspectives through class discussions with my classmates.” 

If you want to learn more about the Black Studies Minor, visit https://www.nsula.edu/ssap/ssapdegrees/ or email Dr. Jasmine Wise, coordinator of Black Studies, at wisej@nsula.edu.  

I am a Cereal Harlot.

Do not judge me: something tells me you are too.

I covet a good bowl of cereal. Have never tried to hide it.

My spousal unit knows it. My friends know it. The American People know it.

Folks like us, we’ve forgotten more about cereal than most people will ever know.

Kind of proud of it.

What about you? Don’t you love cereal with cold, cold milk? Isn’t cereal the food version of the marvelous dog? Always there when you need it, always forgiving and welcoming, refreshing, low maintenance, a friend at all times?

Tougher question: If you can eat only one cereal the rest of your days, what is it?

If you answered Frosted Flakes, you are correct. But, different strokes for different folks. Next week we will examine the Top 10 Cereals of All-Time, According to Me. What does your Top 10 look like?

In the meantime, let’s more fully explore this simple yet complex culinary treat that should be a Food Group all its own.

Consider the fascination and charm of its history, from a guy “inventing” granola more than 100 years ago to Cap’n Crunch, which is a cottage industry unto itself.

I touched Cap’n Crunch once with a 10-foot pole and promised never to again. But against a cereal that is so self-important it doesn’t even spell out Captain, I am in the minority. There is Cap’n Crunch Berries, Cap’n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch, Cap’n Crunch Caramel Crunch, Cap’n Crunch All Berries … dude should have made General by now.

But my spousal unit as a youth enjoyed Cap’n Crunch. I was shocked at this revelation. Investigated further and discovered I am matrimonied to a person whose favorite cereals growing up were Golden Grahams and something I’ve never even seen in real life, and that is King Vitaman, spelled ‘man’ instead of ‘min,’ which in itself is messed up. Why would a little girl eat that? You think you know a person …King Vitaman breathed its last in 2019 so how good could it have been and how good could it have been for you?

Let’s take a roll call and see what memories these bring back:

What is so special about Special K?;

Post Alpha-Bits. Discontinued in 2021. And yes, I took a physical knee in honor of the cereal, and vowed to never eat a Post cereal again — until that night when I ate a bowl of Cheerios, one of history’s greatest cereals;

Sugar Smacks, Trix (are for kids), Grape Nuts and Post Toasties;

(Cukoo for) Cocoa Puffs, Cocoa Crispies, and Count Chocula, which is the cereal company’s way of saying, “We want your child to weigh 260 by fifth grade”;

Total (which is total baloney if you’re a kid), Life, Quisp, Apple Jacks, Lucky Charms, Crispy Critters, Fruity Pebbles (the Flintstones franchise, which is totally bogus since everyone knows there was no cereal in the Stone Age, DUH!), Franken Berry, Sugar Bombs, Shredded Wheat, and on and on we could go.

Your Top 10. Be thinking … (Malt-O-Meal or Cream of Wheat equals an automatic disqualification.)

 Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

The Green Bay Packers’ history with undrafted free agents has been a decorated one.

It is one that, as of this past weekend, now includes a former Northwestern State standout. Cornerback William Hooper signed a free-agent contract with the Packers following his performance at a rookie minicamp this past weekend in Green Bay.

“It’s almost like a real-life dream,” Hooper said. “It’s crazy. I can’t even put it in words.”

Hooper, a 6-foot, 185-pound native of Montgomery, Alabama, was a second-team All-Southland Conference selection after a senior year in which he recorded 12 pass breakups, 29 total tackles and a blocked kick.

He earned the invitation to the minicamp and then showed enough promise for the Packers to sign him in hopes he could be the next Tramon Williams or Sam Shields, prior undrafted defensive backs who became integral parts of the Green Bay secondary.

As the two-day camp moved along, Hooper’s confidence grew.

“I felt like I had a pretty good practice Friday, but I was excited to be there,” Hooper said. “I was like a kid in a cand shop. I wanted to know everything about the facilities. I went to practice Saturday and had a pretty solid day. The game started to slow down for me, and they told me after practice they were going to sign me.”

Following the news, Hooper received a call from his agent before calling his mother and his NSU position coach, De’Von Lockett.

Lockett and Hooper maintained contact throughout the latter’s preparation for his Pro Day performance in New Orleans and the ensuing NFL Draft and free-agent markets.

“This whole time, he’s checked in on me, made sure I was good, that I’m focused and prepared,” Hooper said. “He was pretty excited. I could hear it in his voice.”

Although he grew up in Alabama and played his high school football at Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, Hooper said he had a soft spot for the Packers, naming them as one of the teams he would use while playing the Madden series of video games.

When the Packers’ first set of organized team activities begin May 22, Hooper will have his next chance to continue to impress an organization that already made an impression on him – especially with their history of undrafted free agents.

“It really gives me an extra boost to keep going and keep working,” Hooper said. “I love the organization. They’re really honest. The team president (Mark Murphy) was an undrafted guy and played nine years in the NFL.”

West Fraser’s Joyce sawmill is hiring for an Operator Apprentice, which is an entry-level general labor role with the expectation that self-motivated individuals will advance into progressively skilled positions.

With our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits, you will get:

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Wellness Pay Program
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training 
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k with company match
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid vacations and holidays

If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, a safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com/careers

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please apply through our online application process as resumes will not be accepted at the site. No phone inquiries, please.  Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, a drug screen test, and a physical.

Get ready to score great reads at affordable prices at the Friends of the Natchitoches Parish Library (FONPL) mini book sale happening from May 20 to June 3 at the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) Main Branch! Browse through shelves filled with thousands of items, including DVDs, paperbacks, hardbacks, and audiobooks. Every item is just 50 cents, and new items will be added daily as space allows.

Best of all, the proceeds will help support future NPL programming. The FONPL has previously helped fund exciting events such as adult fitness classes, children’s art workshops, after-school teen clubs, and the annual summer reading program.

Please note that only cash payments are accepted, and change cannot be provided by library staff. Make sure to drop by the third-floor meeting room during regular business hours to take advantage of this great book sale opportunity!

If you are interested in getting involved with the FONPL or want to stay updated on the latest NPL happenings, visit natlib.org or follow the NPL’s Facebook page. Don’t miss out on this chance to score some fantastic reads while supporting your local library!

Rotary of Natchitoches welcomed five Seniors who each wrote a competitive essay for the Rotary Scholarship essay contest on the topic of the “Rotary 4-Way Test of the Things we Think, Say, or Do.” Each of the five candidates presented their essay at the Rotary May 9 luncheon. Pictured from left are Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) Vonghachack Damian Liamkeo, LSMSA Rosie Shultz, Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS) Caleb Weaver, Rotary Scholarship Chair Dr. Ron McBride, NCHS Brantley Gray, and NCHS Emma Rose Giddens.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board hired Natalie Ducote on May 8 as the new principal of the Northwestern State University (NSU) Middle Laboratory School. Ducote’s position as principal will be effective on Thursday, June 1 for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.

Natalie Ducote, a lifelong resident of Natchitoches, began her educational career in the Natchitoches School District in 2009. During her 12-year tenure with the district, Mrs. Ducote spent eight years in the classroom as a Kindergarten and Junior High Science teacher. She then served four years in administration as the principal of L.P. Vaughn Elementary School.

Mrs. Ducote was on the staff of the NSU Middle Lab School as the school’s science teacher in 2017 when the school was named a “National Blue Ribbon School.” She and her husband of 13 years, Keith Ducote, have four daughters Karmelya, Ava, Allie, and Charlee Ann.

“As a former student and teacher of the NSU Lab School system, I am beyond thrilled to return to Middle Lab as the school’s Principal,” said Ducote. “I look forward to further developing the relationship between the College of Education, the students, teachers, and families of the Lab School system while working with the amazing team at NPSB.”

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is excited to see where Mrs. Ducote takes NSU Middle Lab School next school year,” said NPSB Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi. “We’re excited for the next chapter at Middle Lab and believe that under Mrs. Ducote’s leadership, it will continue to get better and better.”

For more administrative updates on Natchitoches Parish Schools, follow the Natchitoches Parish School Board on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057636872022.

The Natchitoches City Council voted to adopt the Budget for the City Of Natchitoches for the Fiscal Year June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024 on May 8 after tabling the agenda item at its April 24 meeting.

General Fund – $20,590,175

Proprietary Fund (Utility) – $49,038,082

Special and Capital Project Fund – $26,90,876

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. said there were comments expressing concern at the April 24 Council meeting over “things being done differently.”

“It’s pretty much the same as last time,” he added.

One of the biggest concerns expressed on April 24 was over the grant writer situation locally and what was proposed in the budget. 

“There’s a cost associated with when you win,” said Williams. “The whole point is that it’s better to pay a $250,000 fee cause you’re getting a $2 million value. That’s kind a no brainer. It’s not cheap to do it and there’s a lot of work that goes into it.”

Council member Dale Nielsen said that part of the reason for passing the budget is because the City is up against a hard deadline of June 1. 

“There is one bone of contention with the Council on the one salary item,” he added. “I would respectfully ask that you go back and revisit that. There were part time numbers that I sent in that did not show up on this. My concern partially is that you’re probably to the level, you need full time. That matches those numbers. Part time with this much on the books is going to be kinda hard to do and you’re trying to get a premium salary for a part time position.”

Council member-at-large Betty Sawyer-Smith said she agrees with Nelson. The Council are stewards over tax payer monies and should be making sure it’s spent wisely and in the best way possible.

“The way it’s being done…I don’t think it was done properly,” she said. “We weren’t aware of some things and I think it’s a big amount for a part time position.”

Mayor Williams said a full time position would come with benefits, which would increase the $70,000 amount to around $100,000 (30% markup on overall costs of an employee).

Council member Harrington said if they don’t pass the budget, it would affect all the pay increases they’ve worked diligently for for other employees. There were several meetings regarding their pay increase, which were all nickeled and dimes through the process.

“For this part time position not one of us on the Council had any knowledge of it, of a 69% increase,” Harrington said. “No one spoke to us about it. We never had a single meeting about it, yet we were ‘nickel and diming’ police and fire increase…We’re holding the pay increases that we fought for hostage by not voting for this because of one that we had no input on or knowledge of. That doesn’t sit well with me. That’s not how things should be done…I’ll vote to pass the budget for all other positions, but in protest.”

Mayor Williams added that, for him, the increase for the grant writer is a “no brainer” because of the results.

Smith added that the Council doesn’t want to not pass the budget.

“We were given the impression that when we did the utility increase, putting that burden on tax payers, that monies would be going toward workers, firemen, and police to increase their pay ($10-$15 an hour), and here part-time ($30 an hour)…We don’t want to put a hardship on any of these workers that are working, but transparency is very important.”

Other agenda items included:

PROCLAMATIONS:

Declare May 7 – 13, 2023 As National Travel And Tourism Week In The City Of Natchitoches

Declare May 20, 2023 As Kids to Park Day In The City Of Natchitoches

Declare May, 2023 As Mental Health Awareness Month In The City Of Natchitoches

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:

Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Lot 190 Feet Front North Side Mill Street As Shown on Plat in Conveyance Book 317, Page 884 (104 Mill St.)

MOTION TO TAKE ORDINANCE NO. 024 OF 2023 FROM THE TABLE

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Authorize A Franchise In Favor Of Paul’s Party Boat, To Operate A Tour Boat Business Within The City Limits Of The City Of Natchitoches, Confirming The Term Of The Franchise, Conditions, And Consideration For Said Franchise And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Said Franchise Agreement On Behalf Of The City Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Adopt the Millage Rate For The Tax Year 2023.

Award The Bid For A Digger Derrick Truck For The City Of Natchitoches Utility Department (Bid No. 0659)

Declare Certain Buildings Unsafe And Recommending That Same Be Demolished Or Put Into Repair To Comply With The Building Code, Authorizing Notice To Be Served, Fixing Hearing Date And Appointing Curator To Represent Absentees

Amend The 2022-2023 Budget To Reflect Additional      Revenues And Expenditures.

Amend The 2022-2023 Budget To Reflect Additional      Revenues And Expenditures. (Jefferson Street Sink Hole Project)

RESOLUTIONS:

Levy An Additional Sales And Use Tax Of Two Percent (2%) And An Additional Hotel Occupancy Tax Of Two Percent (2%) In The Natchitoches Economic Development District F, State Of Louisiana (The “District”); Designating The Full Amount Of Such Newly Levied Additional Sales And Use Tax And Hotel Occupancy Tax As The Local Sales And Use Tax And Local Hotel Occupancy Tax In The District From Which The Local Sales And Use Tax Increments And Local Hotel Occupancy Tax Increments Will Be Determined And Used To Finance Economic Development Projects In Accordance With And As Authorized By Part II, Chapter 27, Title 33 Of The Louisiana Revised Statutes Of 1950, As Amended; Designating The Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate And Establishing A Monthly Baseline Collection Rate For The District; Pledging And Dedicating Such Tax Increments To Fund Economic Development Projects; Authorizing The Execution Of A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Governing The Use And Administration Of The Newly Levied Taxes; And Providing For Other Matters In Connection With The Foregoing.

Designate Friday, June 16, 2023 As An Official Holiday For The Employees Of The City Of Natchitoches In Observation Of Juneteenth

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be May 24, 2023.

The typical homeowner usually sees their house as one of their most significant investments. Unfortunately, your home’s value also draws the attention of thieves looking to scam you for your equity. Homeowners who experience identity theft are especially vulnerable to home title theft, as their financial information is in criminals’ hands. Here’s how you can avoid home title theft or report it if you suspect a thief is using your financial information.

What Is Home Title Theft?
Home title theft is when someone illegally steals your identity and transfers your house title to their name to steal money or property. Identity theft is usually necessary for title fraud because the thief needs to make the forged home deed look legitimate. Home title theft comes in several forms, including:

A fraudulent refinance in which the person withdraws your equity and leaves you with another mortgage. While they don’t gain possession of your home, they use your identity to steal money based on your home’s value.
Similarly, they can access your equity through a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and create a mountain of debt for which you’re responsible.
Thieves can forge deeds to sell uninhabited real estate, such as rental buildings or vacation homes.
Someone might present homeowners in financial hardship with a fake refinancing opportunity. At closing, the homeowner unknowingly signs paperwork for a home sale assigning the scammer as the new owner.

How To Prevent Home Title Theft
Home title theft can have dire consequences – but fortunately, homeowners can take several measures to protect themselves.

1. Keep Track Of All Bills And Homeowner Mail
Staying on top of the consistent flow of typical bills, such as utilities and mortgage payment notices, is crucial for homeowners to stay in good financial standing. If specific bills stop arriving or you receive mortgage paperwork that seems unfamiliar, it may be a sign that someone could be tampering with your home title. Therefore, keeping track of your homeowner mail is vital to preventing theft and fraud.

2. Check Your Credit Report Routinely
Frequently checking your credit report is an excellent practice for financial health. In addition, homeowners can scan their reports for suspicious activity. For example, a new loan or lender you don’t recognize requires further investigation, as it could be a sign of a scam. You can also pay for a monitoring service to provide constant vigilance for your credit reports.

3. Get Title Insurance
Title insurance comes in two forms: lenders and homeowners. When you buy a home, your lender will mandate your purchase of title insurance to ensure there are no liens against the home you’re buying. In other words, the insurance helps guarantee the sale is legitimate and provides repayment to the lender if it isn’t.

Conversely, homeowners title insurance protects you after buying a home. If unforeseen liens or financial claims come against your home, your policy will pay for legal fees and defend your right to stay in your home. This protection includes fending off fraudulent claims against your homeownership.

4. Stay Educated On Common Scams
Understanding and identifying common scams that target homeowners can help you steer clear of theft. For example, scammers pose as real estate agents or lenders to perform fraudulent transactions or identity theft. Or, the thief might try a reverse mortgage scam on older homeowners, leaving them saddled with debt. Lastly, if a deal or interest rate for a home seems too good to be true, it likely is. Scammers often lure in unsuspecting homeowners with incredible deals to obtain personal and financial information.

What To Do If Home Title Theft Has Happened To You

Homeowners who are victims of home title theft or detect suspicious activity should take the following steps:

Call or contact the relevant entities. For instance, call your lender’s fraud department if you think scammers have used your identity to steal money through a refinance. Your lender will freeze your account to prevent further activity.
Change your login credentials for your mortgage, credit cards, bank accounts and other financial accounts. It’s also essential to file an identity theft claim with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Notify one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax®, TransUnion® and Experian™) of the theft. The entity you contact will inform the others. In addition, pull your credit reports from the bureaus to document the theft.
Visit your local police department with your ID, proof of address and documents demonstrating the home title theft and your FTC identity theft claim.

The Bottom Line
Home title theft can be financially ruinous for homeowners. When a thief gets a hold of your personal and financial information, they can take out new debts against your home and walk away with the cash or even transfer your property to themselves. Therefore, monitoring your financial information and reporting suspicious activity to your lender and relevant authorities is crucial.

Contact your Clerk of Court:
David Stamey
Clerk of Court
Natchitoches, Parish
318-352-8152

Free property fraud protection program provided by parish Clerk of Court’s office

The Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court is introducing a free property check alert program. Title theft and property fraud has unfortunately become a nationwide problem and has begun locally.

Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey said there have been three reported incidences here over the last couple of months. Stamey said realizing that problem will doubtlessly climb, he knew he had to do something to try to protect the property owners of Natchitoches Parish. His office’s computer software company, i3 Software and Services of Shreveport, has been working on a solution.

Now, the public can register to receive free alerts whenever a document such as a deed or mortgage is recorded in Natchitoches Parish under your name or your business’s name. If you receive an alert about suspicious activity, this early notification can provide valuable time to stop criminals in their tracks.

It’s a simple and free process. First, go to Clerkconnect.com and register. There is no charge for registration. After you register for Clerk Connect, go to the top bar and tap FRAUD alerts. Then follow the instructions to add your information to the fraud alert system. It gives you a chance to add the name on the filing and parish, noting if it’s an individual or business, before you save the information in the system.

If an alert is received, call 318-352-8152 or come by the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court’s office in the courthouse in downtown Natchitoches, and you’ll be able review the document that was submitted. If it is fraudulent, the legal system will quickly react.

“The Clerk’s office takes these threats seriously,” said Stamey. “This free program to fight fraud is our first line of defense. We encourage all property owners in Natchitoches Parish to take advantage of this service.”

Anyone needing assistance can contact the Clerk of Court’s office, he said.

ALERT: Has your home’s title been stolen?

Natchitoches’ Women’s Resource Center dedicated its new education center and honored one of its most ardent supporters in a ribbon cutting held Monday, May 8. The new educational center was named the Rose Long Educational Center in honor of the long serving board member, advocate for the unborn and donor to the center’s mission.

Over 50 supporters of the WRC, along with Mayor Ronnie Williams, Parish President John Richmond, City Councilwoman Betty Sawyer-Smith, former NSU Coach Mike McConathy and Chamber of Commerce president Laura Lyles attended the ceremony. The ribbon was cut by Rose Long’s husband, former long time state senator Gerald Long. He was flanked on each side by his daughters Andrea Phillips and Pamela Jackson as well as WRC director Morgan LaCaze and a host of friends and supporters. Senator Long donated $1,000.00 to the Women’s Resource Center after the ribbon cutting.

The two-story facility is located in back of the center’s main building. The educational center features a comfortable classroom where mothers-to-be can learn about subjects such as personal finance, nutrition, fitting a baby seat and other subjects taught by volunteer teachers. The bottom floor features the “Little Rose Baby Boutique” in which new and expectant mothers can obtain everything from baby clothes to diapers, formula, and baby car seats.

The Women’s Resource Center has tirelessly served the families of our community since 1989, all at no cost to the women they serve. Rose Long, sadly taken from us all too soon in 2017, was a tireless advocate for the Women’s Resource Center, a cause dear to her heart. In thought, word and deed, in the way she lived her life, Rose Long was the epitome of what a Christian should be. The Rose Long Educational Center is an entirely fitting way to honor her memory and legacy of service to others.

Diane Dodd, active in the City’s Recreation Department accepted a proclamation at the May 8 City Council meeting. The proclamation declared May 20 as “Kids to Park Day” in the City Of Natchitoches.

Dodd moved to Natchitoches in 2017 and immediately got involved in coaching youth sports. 

“I’m passionate about what I do,” said Dodd, who moved to Natchitoches after retiring from law enforcement in California.

The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) extends its sincere gratitude to the voters who supported our mission of ‘Knowledge, Connection, Community’ in the recent election. As a result, the library will be able to continue to serve the residents of Natchitoches Parish and provide essential access to knowledge and resources.

At NPL, we firmly believe that libraries play an essential role in providing access to knowledge, and we strive to provide the necessary tools and resources to facilitate personal growth and development. Moreover, we recognize that libraries are a place where people can connect with one another, share interests, and build strong, supportive communities. Because of this, we remain committed to our mission and reflect it in the services and programs we offer.

Our extensive collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and online resources, as well as our online and in-person services, aim to provide our patrons with the best possible tools to learn, grow, and connect with others. Furthermore, our programs cater to all ages, from children’s storytimes and craft activities, to after-school teen hangouts and writing classes, to computer classes and painting classes for adults. We are grateful for the support received to continue pursuing our mission.

We believe that the recent election was a testament to the community’s belief in the importance of libraries and their role in our society. We would like to thank the voters who supported the library’s full funding, enabling us to provide high-quality services and programs to meet our patrons’ needs. We also thank those who took the time to learn about our mission and recognized the value of having a strong, vibrant library in our community.

We are committed to being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We will continue to work hard to provide the best possible services and programs and ensure that the library remains a useful, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone. We invite those who have not used their local library’s services recently to visit us and explore what we offer. Talk to our staff, ask questions, and we firmly believe that you will discover something of value here.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff who work tirelessly to make the library an engaging place for the community. Their hard work and commitment to our mission are what make the library such a special place.

We encourage all of our supporters and patrons to spread the word about the Natchitoches Parish Library and the services, materials, classes, and programs we offer. Let your friends, family, and neighbors know about the resources available at their local library, all at no cost, and encourage them to visit and explore our shared community resources.

Looking for more information about library events and services? Visit the NPL’s Facebook page or head to natlib.org. 

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA)’s annual student art show will open with a reception on Tuesday, May 9, from 4:30-6 p.m.

This exhibit showcases some of the best of this year’s student work from across the arts curriculum, including architecture, drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and even boat-building projects. The show will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Friday, May 19. After May 19, the show will be open by appointment.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, residential, public high school for high-achieving rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need. For more information about the Louisiana School or to apply for the 2023-24 school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu.

The Law Office of Howard E Conday Jr., a 2023 finalist for Best Professional Service in Natchitoches and a recipient of the Louisiana State University top 100 growing businesses designation, has relocated its office to 328 St. Denis Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

The Law Offices of Howard E Conday Jr. focuses on federal and state criminal defense cases, and personal injury cases (18 wheeler/car accidents).

For legal inquiries, please contact the office at 318 238 1756, between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday through Thursday, and between 9 AM and 2 PM on Friday.

LAKE CHARLES – Northwestern State has seen its fair share of success in the Southland Conference Tournament over the years. 

With 52 overall wins, second most of any team in the league, in 21 total appearances and a .612 winning percentage, best of any team in the league, and not to mention a handful of titles along the way, the Lady Demons are always a factor come postseason. 

For them to capture more of that triumph in 2023 however, they will have to make a quick turnaround with a renewed target on what lay in front of them rather than what’s behind. 

“It’s even more about one pitch at a time in the tournament and that has to be our focus,” head coach Donald Pickett said who makes his 10^th trip to the postseason with NSU this year. “We can’t think about what’s happened the rest of the year or the past few weekends. We have to move forward and focus that way as well.” 

NSU will play the final game of the first day of the tournament against the No. 3 seed Nicholls scheduled for 5 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ live from Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond in Lake Charles. 

With just three days between the end of the regular season and the start of the conference tournament, the Demons look to turn the page quickly after a sweep at the hands of second-seeded Southeastern, in the hopes of an extended stay in Lake Charles. 

The Demons have won at least one game in the conference tournament in each of their previous eight appearances. 

The Colonels lost six of eight games in conference play prior to their season-finale home sweep of HCU which came on April 29. Nicholls has not played a game since their 2-1 extra inning win over the Huskies over a week ago. 

The two teams met early in the conference schedule with NSU nearly sweeping the Colonels in Thibodaux, falling in extra innings on the second conference weekend near the end of March. 

Makenzie Chaffin and Kenzie Seely each had one of their best performances of the season in the series against the Colonels. Chaffin had a four-hit game with two doubles, both career highs, and totaled six hits for the weekend. 

Seely threw a complete game in the 3-1 NSU win allowing just the one run and assisting in the second triple play in the past two seasons for her and the NSU defense. 

Both are also coming of quality performances in the series with Southeastern where Chaffin went 4-for-8 with a home run and three RBI and Seely threw her sixth complete game of the year holding the stout Lion offense to just three runs. 

“We’ve got to focus in on things and go back over what we did well or didn’t do well the first time we played,” Pickett said. “Both of us are different teams now than when we saw each other earlier in the season. We’ll do some scouting and looking at film of what they’ve been doing lately but the most important thing for us right now is to know that this is a new season.” 

During Pickett’s tenure, NSU lost its only other meeting with Nicholls in the postseason in the NSU-hosted 2011 tournament. 

BATON ROUGE – It has become something of a tradition for the Northwestern State baseball team to play its final mid-week game of the season at Alex Box Stadium.

For the third straight season, that holds true as the Demons head to Baton Rouge to face No. 2-ranked LSU at 6:30 p.m.

“I don’t know that the time of year you play them matters as much as much your ball club going to play that game and enjoying the experience and learning from it,” associate head coach Chris Bertrand said. “Ultimately, that’s what we’re after. Whether you play those guys in February or you play them in May, the idea is you get a litmus test and you get to teach some life lessons and baseball lessons to your ball club at, this time, one of the most opportune times as we prepare to go on a run and finish the Southland schedule and build toward the tournament.”

Both Northwestern State (25-20) and the Tigers (37-10) enter the annual matchup coming off series losses this past weekend with the Demons dropping two at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi while LSU did the same at Auburn.

While the results were the same, the results were flipped. LSU won its series opener Friday night while the Demons salvaged a win in Sunday’s series finale against the Islanders.

The Demons did it in a way LSU has become familiar with – bludgeoning its opponent with a barrage of base hits.

Northwestern State rapped out a season-high 20 hits – including a career-high-tying four hits for freshman Michael Dattalo, who was named the Southland Conference Hitter of the Week on Monday.

It marked the first time since March 15, 2022, for the Demons to reach the 20-hit plateau while Dattalo pushed his season hit total to 70 – the most for a Demon since current Cleveland Guardian David Fry had 80 and San Francisco Giants draftee Kwan Adkins had 77 in the 2018 season.

“Mike’s been great since he’s been here,” Barbier said. “He’s been fantastic. Whenever we need a hit, he’s there.”

The Demon pitching staff will face an LSU offense that leads the Southeastern Conference in batting average (.313), on-base percentage (.441) and runs (451) while sharing the conference lead in doubles (92).

NSU will start its typical mid-week starter, sophomore right-hander Chase Prestwich (4-3, 5.51).

He will be backed by an offense that will have plenty of momentum and confidence following its 17-8 win to cap the series at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

“Any time you can finish a series – no matter who or where you’re playing – in the manner in which we finished it, it does give you confidence and momentum,” Bertrand said. “The biggest thing we take away from the weekend is not just Sunday, but the fact, for us, we have to play clean, consistent baseball. We want to clean up some of the mistakes we’ve made – whether that’s offense, defense or pitch execution. We’ve got to play a little cleaner and more consistently.

“For us to be the best team we can, we have to play more complementary where all three phases are going at the same time, and there’s not as much of a deficiency in one area or another.”