National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.” 

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country. 

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes. 

In 2021, Natchitoches Parish produced nearly $870 million in visitor spending, an increase of 50% over 2020 and an increase of 43% since 2019. (Covid years) Visitor spending in Natchitoches Parish created $29 million in direct earnings and 1,080 direct jobs. Visitors contributed $9.25 million in state and local tax revenues for Natchitoches Parish in 2021. Natchitoches ranks 19^th out of 64 parishes for spending produced by visitors to each parish. If it was not for the State and local taxes paid by tourists in Natchitoches Parish, each household would pay $653 MORE in taxes. 

The Natchitoches CVB is recognized travel’s essential contributions by welcoming several charter buses with over 150 visitors from across the country to kick off National Travel and Tourism Week on May 7. These visitors chose historic downtown Natchitoches to enjoy shopping, dining and strolling along Cane River as a day trip while attending the National Rose Society Conference in Shreveport. 

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum along with the Cane River National Heritage Area and the Natchitoches CVB, will host a Lunch and Learn program on Friday, May 12from 12-1 pm. The event is free and the public is invited to attend. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch and celebratory dessert will be served.  The Lunch and Learn event will host a panel of speakers including Carrie Mardoff, Superintendent of the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Rebecca Blankenbaker, Executive Director of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Jay Sharplin, of Sharpco Hotels.  

Arlene Gould, Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau stated, “Travel is the heart of Natchitoches, LA, powering a strong economy, creating jobs and strengthening our community’s culture and identity. This National Travel and Tourism Week, we are proud to celebrate all that travel does for our community now, and all that it will contribute in the future.” 

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week. Or visit Natchitoches.com to learn more about things to do, places to stay and where to eat in Natchitoches.

COMMERCE, Texas—“I’m making Annie proud.”

Junior Madison Brown gave injured pole vault record-holder Annemarie Broussard a salute following a gold medal-winning performance in the event, highlighting an impressive first day for Northwestern State at the Southland Conference outdoor championships Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

Down to her last attempt at grabbing the gold, Brown cleared a personal-best 12-7.5 to win the SLC championship in the pole vault, narrowly beating out UIW’s Matilde Poli.

“I’m just thanking God right now,” Brown said. “That was a battle. They put up a fight and I had to dig deep to pull that one out.”

Brown, a former Natchitoches Central High School standout athletically and academically, is NSU’s third straight gold medalist in the women’s pole vault, as Broussard won it each of the past two seasons. It is her first Southland crown. She was a state meet qualifier at NCHS for three years while also earning all-district honors in soccer, being a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society.

Karlyn Trahan finished fourth in the event, nearly cracking the podium. But the junior still picked up a crucial five points as the women’s team aims to sweep the conference team championships.

“It was a pretty dang good day,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “Madison did a great job winning her first conference title and making it three in a row for us. Her teammate Karlyn did a phenomenal job as well. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Ashley Duffus was the other NSU athlete to reach the podium on day one, as she threw a personal best 141-01 in her fifth throw in the women’s javelin to collect the bronze medal. It is her first career medal after barely missing the podium in last year’s SLC outdoor championships, finishing fourth.

She was one of two Lady Demons to make the top five in the women’s javelin, as Carnitra Mackey (125-07) earned points with a fifth-place finish. Akira Phillip narrowly missed the finals, finishing 10th with a 116-01.

The women are in second place in the team title chase after day one with 24 points, only trailing McNeese’s 42. The men are seventh with four points.

In the men’s hammer throw, Diamante Gumbs set a personal record and British Virgin Islands record with a 180-0 to finish fifth in the event and crack the top 10 in program history.

On the track, the Demons and Lady Demons lived up to their nickname of ‘Speed Demons.’ Seven combined men and women reached the finals in the 200-meters, four more than the next best (Texas A&M-Commerce and UIW). The women placed four of the top seven, including the top two.

The two friendly rivals Maygan Shaw and Sanaria Butler went 1-2 in the prelims. Shaw ran a 23.76 and Butler came in second with a 23.84. Vanessa Balde placed fourth with a 24.06 and Lynell Washington came back to finish seventh with a time of 24.50 after missing a month.

“The women sprinters did their thing,” Heimerman said. “They didn’t have the best lane draws but they advanced anyway. To put four in the finals shows how strong they are. Maygan, Sanaria, Vanessa and Lynell all were outstanding. Lynell advanced out of lane one, which is just amazing.”

On the men’s side, Dylan Swain (21.10, fourth), Cyrus Jacobs (21.38, seventh) and Simon Wulff (21.39, eighth) all reached the finals, as NSU had three make the finals, more than any school in the conference.

Destine-Unique Scott (21.45) finished 12th, Mikkel Johansson (21.58) placed 15th and Austin Simoneaux (21.74) came in 17th.

“The men did a great job advancing three into the finals, led by Dylan Swain. Simon advanced out of lane No. 1, like Lynell. Being 6’8” in lane No. 1 and running that fast is great.”

To round out the day, freshman Sian Weller posted a personal-best 58.97 in the 400-meter hurdle prelims, which ranks sixth in school history, putting her in the finals.

The teams are back in action for day two of the conference championships Friday in Commerce. The combined events kick off the second day of the meet at 11 a.m. with the field events starting at 3 p.m. and running events beginning at 6:45 p.m.

“Overall, it was a great day,” Heimerman said. “We did a lot of things we wanted to do and just missed out on a couple things, but that happens. We have another big day tomorrow, but I like what I have seen so far.”

The staff and management of Blanchard-St Denis Funeral Home would like to welcome Dottie Clark to their team as their new Prearrangement and Aftercare Specialist.

Dottie’s venture into the funeral business began nine years ago with the passing of her father. Growing up, she remembered him saying that all he wanted to do was live to the age of 90. He achieved his goal, turning 90 in November of 2013, and he passed away the following January.

To honor his service as a veteran of WWII, Dottie, and her family planned to have a military funeral. They thought he had a $25,000 life insurance policy but were devastated to learn that he had aged out of his policy just two months prior, on his 90^th birthday. Dottie, along with her three siblings, had to pay for his funeral out of pocket.

After they said their final goodbyes to their beloved father, the only phone call that they got from the funeral home was to pick up his death certificates. There was no condolence call or offer to help with grief management.

This was when Dottie found her calling. She wanted to make sure that people knew the ins and outs of life insurance, and she wanted to make sure that every family who suffered the loss of a family member got a condolence call from the funeral home.

“It amazes me that people don’t realize that you can lose your life insurance if you go into a nursing home,” said Dottie. “Life insurance is considered an asset and, therefore, the state can force you to cash out your life insurance for your living care. Prearranged funerals are exempt from such a procedure because they are fully accepted as a legal asset according to MEDICAID spend down rules. Also, people don’t know that when you buy a prearranged funeral plan from Blanchard-St Denis Funeral Home, the cost is ‘locked in’ for life, and the plans are fully transferrable anywhere in the United States.”

Dottie’s specialty is helping people prearrange and pay for their funerals in advance, saving their families thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses. However, that is not where her job ends. Once a loved one passes away, she follows up with each and every family to make sure that their needs have been met.

No obligation, consultations are available by appointment. Please call Blanchard-St-Denis Funeral Home at 318-357-8271 for details.

Mr. and Miss SMS is a longstanding tradition and honorary award granted to those students who embody the deepest values of St. Mary’s Catholic School.  Candidates should be Catholics of exemplary character who live the faith and devote themselves to the service of others.  The symbolic representation of this devotion is displayed every year as Mr. and Miss SMS crown the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary during May Crowning.

Mason Cecil McCart is the son of Mr. Jonathan Paul McCart and Mrs. Mary Carmella McCart. He has attended St. Mary’s for fifteen years and was the recipient of the Student of the Year award for this year.  He has served as both the Louisiana and National Sr. Beta President, the District VII President for student council, as well as being the founder and president of Cooking for a Cause, which has donated nearly $20,000 to various organizations in the Natchitoches community. Mason is also a six year member of the St. Mary’s varsity tennis team where he serves as captain and is a two time state tournament qualifier. He is a three year member of the varsity cross country team, a two year member of the varsity track team, and a two year member of the cheer team where he served as mascot. Mason is also a four year member of FBLA where he is a 3x state champion in Current Events, Leo Club, FFA, and a two year member of the Mayor’s Youth Council. He is also a recipient of the 2022 LPB Louisiana Young Hero Award, the 2019 and 2021 Bishop Martin Award, and the 2022 Tiger Integrity Award. Mason has also spoken at various events including the Natchitoches Mental Health Day conference, the Natchitoches March for Life, and various Beta conventions. Mason also led St. Mary’s first District VII student council convention with over 300 attendees from 20 schools present. Along with being the second consecutive national and Louisiana Beta president to hail from St. Mary’s, he is also a 2021 National Beta Campaign Skit winner, and a 2022 Louisiana Beta Campaign Skit runner-up.  Mason participates as a lector and altar server at school Masses and is a member of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church. In the fall, Mason plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and pursue a double major in Marketing and Film. 

Anna Marie Peluso is the daughter of Tony and Jessica Peluso and the sister of Madelyn and Isabella Peluso. She has attended St. Mary’s Catholic School for fourteen years and has taken both dual enrollment and honors classes in high school. Anna has participated in both academic and athletic extracurricular activities as well. She has been a member of Beta Club and National Honor Society for three years and Student Council for four years. She has experienced many leadership positions in Student Council, serving as class treasurer for three years and Executive Board President her senior year. She attended the LASC conference for three years while being in Student Council. Anna has been a varsity cheerleader for four years and served as captain her senior year. She was selected as an All American cheerleader for two years at UCA summer camp and a Pin-it-Forward Recipient one year. She has also been a member of the varsity tennis team for four years and the cross country team for three years. Anna qualified for state each year that she competed with cross country and received many achievements at different races. She has also been in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Pro Life club for four years and participates as a lector in student-led masses. Anna Peluso plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in Speech Language Pathology.

The Northwestern State University Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies held their annual Senior Symposium and Honors Convocation April 29.  

Five seniors presented work during the opening session. They included Tyrenisha James of Brusly reading an excerpt from “Moriah & the Malfunction,” Haley Summerlin of Natchitoches reading an excerpt from the graphic novel “Bloom,” Hosue Ray Rodriguez of Franklin presenting an excerpt from “The Son of the Americans,” Haley Crosby of Benton presenting “In the Frozen” and Kimtang Eung of Buras with “Cambodian Cuisine.” 

Department Head Dr. Thomas Reynolds presented winners of departmental awards for the 2022-2023 school year. Each student received a certificate and cash prize. 

The Excellence in First-Year Writing Award recognizes student essays submitted in English 1010 or 1020 during the academic year. Student essays are nominated by instructors and judged by a small committee of English faculty members. Winners were Lainie Marceaux of Kaplan for “A Compromise on Gun Control to Reduce Mass Shootings” and Anthony Knight Winnfield of for “Cybersecurity and How It Can Be Better.” Their instructors, Heather Salter Dromm and Sadeem El Nahhas, recognized the students. 

Laila Salas of Leesville won the award for Outstanding Foreign Language Student. The honor is given to a non-native speaker of Spanish who is minoring in Spanish and who has demonstrated outstanding work in the study of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Salas demonstrated dedication to the learning of the Spanish language in the classroom and has sought opportunities outside of the classroom to further her understanding of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. 

The Dr. Ellis Melder Award for Excellence in Literature is given to a student in recognition of their outstanding work in British or American literature. This year the honor went to Ange Saldivar of Brownsville, Texas. 

The Larry Monk Young Poet’s Prize is given to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated both skill as a creative writer and passion for the creative writing community. Originally created with a poet in mind, the award may also be given to writers who excel in other genres of creative writing. Hosue Rodriguez earned this honor. 

Marko Bones of Cotton Valley was presented The Dr. and Mrs. Randall J. Webb Award for Outstanding Undergraduate English Major. The award is given to a senior English or English Education major chosen by the faculty on the basis of scholarship and contributions to the department and discipline. 

The Dempsy Perkins Award for Outstanding Folklife-Southern Culture Graduate Student recognizes the achievements of the student in this track who has actively worked to document oral narrative, folklife and/or produce publications in the aforementioned fields or in the literature of the southern United States. Regina Brossett of Natchitoches received the award. 

Juliet Ellinger of Stockton, California, won The Dr. and Mrs. Donald W. Hatley Award for Outstanding Graduate Student in English award given to the graduate student who demonstrates a commitment to professionalism in the discipline through scholarship, work within the Department, and/or participation at conferences or publications.  

The standing room only ceremony also honored graduating seniors in both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  

Information on NSU’s Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies is available at https://www.nsula.edu/english/. 

Pictured: Students honored during the Department of English, Foreign Languages and Cultural Studies Senior Symposium and Honors Convocation were, front row from left, Ange Saldivar, Regina Brossett, Lanie Marceaux and Laila Salas. On back row from left are Haley Crosby, Haley Summerlin, Tyrenisha James, Hosue Rodriguez, Marko Bones and Anthony Night. Not shown are Kimtang Eung and Juliet Ellinger. 

As long as I can remember I have always loved a porch. As a child both sets of grandparents had porches. The porch was where the family gathered for the shelling of peas, shucking of corn, snapping of green beans and drinking a cold glass of tea on hot summer days. Sometimes it would host the scene of long goodbyes or quick visits. The grandparent with the screened in porch was where I would take refuge from the many dogs who liked to play a little too rough. The other grandparent’s porch was not screened in but had a wooden enclosure to keep someone from unintentionally falling off of it. I would spend long amounts of time sitting on the porch staring at her Mimosa trees with Toledo Bend serenely flowing in the background.

Both Southern porches held many wonderful childhood memories. A porch has simply always been a happy place for me.

When we moved to Natchitoches sixteen years ago, a porch was the only requirement I had while shopping for a home. We were blessed to find a house with a really deep front porch and a comfy smaller back porch. Both porches gave us plenty enough room to enjoy a sitting area during rainstorms or grilling on the back porch.

My sweet southern porch soon became the spot where we took family photos, (still do to this day). It became the sitting area while I waited with the girls to catch the school bus. It became a hideaway when I needed a quiet place with a cup of coffee. Sometimes I would sit out there just to read a book and mentally regroup from the many pressures of parenting, working and life in general.

My porches have held many family meetings and meetings with friends who just needed to stop by and vent for a moment. Numerous coffee clubs have been celebrated in my second hand patio furniture that adorns every nook and cranny of the porches. My front porch is also occasionally hailed as a commerce sight. If I am selling something it can normally be retrieved from my porch or if I have made a purchase it may be delivered there.

My front porch plays also plays host to the world’s cutest “ding dong ditchers” and their precious dog, Addie. Lucky for me I get to see this cuteness on my doorbell cameras. While the front porch seems to be a busy place for activity, the back porch views are even better. I have the perfect view of a swing set tower where the “ding dong ditchers” play

Either one of my humble porches is the perfect place to get lost in reading my Bible and talking to the Lord. During some of my tougher times I found so much peace just sitting outside and being alone. Those tough times soon morphed into pure gratefulness and contentment.

Mark 1:35 tells us, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Even Jesus needed time to recuperate after ministering and being with people for long periods of time. Everyone needs a place they can go and feel close to God and meditate on his goodness and mercy. A porch is the perfect, reflective place to sit and realize how grateful you are to even have shelter and a place to call home. So many people take for granted the simple blessing of being content in your own home, on your own porch and your very own relationship with a God who saves.

Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

Lakeview High School standout Dillon Pikes has earned a college scholarship to compete in track and field, and today in Baton Rouge he wraps up his high school career with a good chance to repeat as a state champion.

Pikes is the second-ranked competitor in the 2023 Class 2A boys’ triple jump with his regional championship mark of 42-5 ½. Only Oak Grove’s Brodie Stewart, at 42-10 ½, had a better regional mark among the 10 qualifiers in the event for the LHSAA 2A Outdoor Track and Field Championships at LSU’s Bernie Moore Track Stadium.

Pikes has a personal best of 47-5 in the event, which he won last year at the LHSAA meet. It placed him third nationally.

Pikes, who was a two-way star for the Gators’ football team, has signed a full scholarship to compete in track and field at Pratt Community College in Kansas.

The 18-year-old is a 4.0 student and is an active volunteer in community causes.

He won player of the week honors six times in football, where he played free safety, wide receiver and some quarterback.

As a senior, he broke a Lakeview yardage record and had the long play of the season with a 75-yard kickoff return touchdown.

Pikes also played basketball as a forward on Lakeview’s always strong boys’ team, averaging 14 points per game this season and earning Most Outstanding Player all four years.

In track and field for the Gators, he has starred in the sprints (100, 200) and the jumps, winning district in the 100, long jump and triple jump.

Pikes has competed in AAU track and field during the summer.

JOURNAL SPORTS

College competition wraps up today, with high school anglers competing Sunday, on the Red River out of the Grand Ecore landing in the Bassmaster College Series and High School Tournament.

Hosted by the Red River Waterway Commission, the college series has brought anglers from near and far all week long in Natchitoches, as they fished practice rounds before getting into competition Thursday.

The LSUS tandem of Brayden Nichols and William Tew stand fourth with five fish weighing 11 pounds, 10 ounces after the first day in the 2023 Stike King Bassmaster College Series at River River presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Cole Holloway and Brandon Martin of Emmanuel College have a two-pound lead with five fish totalling 15 pounds, 14 ounces.

Another LSUS team, Tripp Bowman and Matthew Nesbit, has five fish weighing 10 pounds, 14 ounces to rank eighth among 126 competitors. Full standings are available at Bassmaster.com.

Anglers head out at 6:10 and the first flight with the leader will be due in eight hours later at 2:10. Weigh in and awards will soon follow this afternoon.

High school registration is Saturday from 8-11 a.m., with competition Sunday from 6:10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.

PHOTO – Attached (Photo by CHASE SANSOM, courtesy Bassmaster.com)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Four times in the first six games of the season, the Northwestern State baseball team faced an opponent for the first time since at least 1990.

In its sixth Southland Conference series of the season, the Demons will face a familiar foe but will do so in what might as well qualify as a first-time venue.

Northwestern State continues its season-long, five-game road trip Friday at 7 p.m. when it faces Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at Chapman Field, opening the three-game Southland Conference series in their first visit to the venue since March 26, 2017.

“I learned (Wednesday) at lunch from the coaches that we haven’t played down there in forever,” seventh-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “It’s a long ride down there, and it will be a good test against a good team. They’ve played much better in conference. They have some guys on the mound who are pitching it really well right now.”

The Demons (24-18, 9-6) will play six of their final nine conference games on the road. NSU has split its first two conference road series, taking two of three from New Orleans from March 31-April 2 before dropping two of three at Houston Christian from April 14-16.

Northwestern State enters this weekend’s series a half-game out of first place behind Incarnate Word, which is idle this weekend. The Islanders (20-24, 8-7) are a game behind the Demons and Nicholls. Both teams control their destiny down the stretch as the Demons hold tiebreakers over both UIW and Nicholls while the Islanders face the Colonels in Thibodaux next weekend before concluding the season with a three-game home series against UIW.

This marks the fourth straight season – excluding the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season – in which the Demons enter the final three conference series within at least two games of the conference leaders.

“We want to build a program that can last,” Barbier said. “We want to build a program everyone can be proud of. That doesn’t always mean we’re going to win a championship or be the last guy standing in the end. In our game, if you keep giving yourself opportunities, they work out. I hope it says a lot about us and how our guys and how they handle their business.

“Every weekend for the last three years in this league has been huge – every game has been huge. You’ve got to treat every game and every pitch like a boxing match.”

The Demons have found themselves in the thick of the Southland race this season because of a core of veterans that has been buttressed by a handful of underclassmen. The starting lineup the Demons have deployed for the past two games has averaged 103 games per player – nearly two full seasons of action.

Chief among them has been senior left fielder Jeffrey Elkins, who played in his 200^th game in a Demon uniform in Tuesday night’s win at Louisiana Tech. With 10 regular-season games remaining, Elkins could climb as high as eighth in school history in games played before the Southland Conference Tournament begins March 23 in Lake Charles.

Elkins already established Northwestern State’s career home run record and extended it with a leadoff home run Wednesday night – his fifth leadoff blast of the year and the sixth overall from a Demon leadoff man this season.

Since moving into the top spot in the batting order on March 17, Elkins has batted .306 with all nine of his home runs and 20 of his 26 RBIs on the season. He is slugging a team-best .611 and has produced an OPS of 1.038 in the 26 games since the move.

As a team, the Demons have averaged 7.1 runs per game in that 26-game stretch.

“I like to have someone in the leadoff spot who can damage you,” Barbier said. “That’s what I enjoy having. As a pitching coach when my Friday night guys runs out there and throws strikes and the first guy can’t damage you, that puts no fear in me. Jeff’s there to put some fear in them. He’s there to make that guy think about if he’s going to run that first fastball down the middle like he has the previous three or four weeks. That’s what’s been so great about him in that leadoff spot.

“He’s had better at-bats. Two years ago, Jeff’s not having a nine-pitch at-bat that ends with a homer. It’s over in three whether he got a hit or made an out. It’s been great to see him mature in that way and help our team.”

Series Probables

Friday: Northwestern State LHP Cal Carver (5-2, 3.88) at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi RHP Matthew Watson (4-3, 4.87)

Saturday: Northwestern State RHP Alex Makarewich (5-3, 5.54) at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi RHP Colin Purcell (3-5, 4.60)

Sunday: Northwestern State RHP Drayton Brown (3-6, 5.81) at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi LHP Evans Hendricks (3-0, 3.63)

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 11 from 4:30-6:30 pm at the City Council Chambers, located at 700 2nd St. in Natchitoches concerning the upgrade of designated traffic signals across Natchitoches Parish to include flashing yellow left turn arrow signals.

The meeting will be held in an open house format where attendees can ask questions and receive information regarding the new signals and their locations.

The flashing yellow arrows will replace a solid green bulb to indicate the motorist should yield to oncoming traffic during a left turn.

Flashing yellow arrow signals have been shown to increase safety and reduce traffic delays. The new left turn signals will only be installed at intersections where a protected left turn already exists.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about how the new traffic signals will function.

“College is more than just athletics or just academics…it’s a lifetime experience.” 

Those are the words of Northwestern State senior pitcher Bronte Rhoden who will cap of her softball and college years this weekend as softball hosts Southeastern in its home finale. The series begins with Friday’s 4 p.m. doubleheader with the final game on Saturday at 12 p.m. 

Looking back on her time spent in Natchitoches, it’s easy to see how Rhoden took those words to heart and lived them out every step of the way. 

Every student-athlete requires a certain level of balance between their chosen sport and their chosen degree plan, both of which can take up the majority of any given day. For Rhoden however, she saw the opportunity to see, do and experience more than just softball and school from the moment she stepped on campus. 

“I think it goes along with going to school here,” she said. “With NSU being a smaller campus, you can be more than just a student-athlete. And since those opportunities where there for me, it made we want to explore my options. College is a lifetime experience and I wanted to make the most of it.” 

And make the most of it she did. 

From joining and being an active member of the Tri Sigma sorority, to leading the NSU chapters of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as their presidents, to pitching nearly 300 innings in the circle for the softball team, all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.   

“I had to have a really good planner,” she joked. “I always put my school stuff first because that is the main reason I am here, but I used my planner to make the most out of my time. If I had 30 minutes in between classes, I’m going to be studying or preparing for something. If there’s time between a bullpen session and practice, I’ll get out my books.” 

Just a small sampling of the level of involvement and investment Rhoden has made in Natchitoches, NSU and everyone she crossed paths with along the way.  

“I am so incredibly blessed to not only call Bronte a teammate, but a friend,” fellow pitching staff member Kenzie Seely said. “She is an amazing, kind and thoughtful person that puts her whole heart into anything she is passionate about. She is a competitive and determined athlete that never gives up, every pitch of every game. When I came in my freshman year she took me under her wing and always wished the absolute best for me, for that I will forever be grateful.” 

That passion and thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed by people outside of NSU and the softball program in 2021. 

As president of SAAC, Rhoden helped spearhead, along with men’s track and field sprinter Ebenezer Aggrey, multiple projects and initiatives that earned both of them the Southland Conference Steve McCarty Citizenship Award. 

Given to one male and one female athlete each year in the conference, the award recognizes student-athletes that exhibit outstanding qualities in citizenship, sportsmanship, leadership and community service. 

One of her most memorable, and proudest, moments, she attributed the award and experience of serving as SAAC president during that time to the mentorship she received from former NSU academic advisors Kaitlyn McCanna-Doty and Taylor McFall. 

“She wants the best for our campus and the student athletes,” Seely said. “With juggling school, work, softball and everything else, she always made time to care for the people around her. She is just an all-around role model.” 

Her ability and desire to do so many different things off the field is also reflected in her abilities on the field. Rhoden has appeared in 90 games during her five-year career with nearly half of them coming in a starting role and the other in relief. 

Her seven career saves are among the most by a single pitcher in program history and the most by one pitcher in head coach Donald Pickett’s 15 years at NSU. Rhoden has earned 20 wins in her career with perhaps the most impressive coming in the final home game of the 2021 season where she struck out a career-best 12 in a two-hit shutout of UIW. 

She earned her first postseason all-conference honor following the season landing on the second team in a stacked pitching league.

“Bronte has meant a lot to our program and been a real important part of our team the past five years,” Pickett said. “She’s obviously been a great student and been great in the community. It shows you how well-rounded of a person she is. She’s represents our team and sport really well everywhere she goes. She’s the type of player and person we want in our program.” 

Thanks to her determination, and elite planning abilities, Rhoden has earned her biology degree this past fall, graduating summa cum laude and will continue towards a nursing career. 

Despite all the long days and nights spent in class, studying, practicing her rise ball, planning campus events, working in the community and helping the Demons win on the softball field, her time at NSU went by in a flash.  

Her advice to her younger self is easy, enjoy it every step of the way. 

“I know it’s kind of cliché but just to soak it all in,” she said. “They say these years go fast but they really do. I’ve been here five years, but it feels like I just stepped onto campus. I would also say to give yourself a little bit of grace. That was something I struggled with my freshman year so understanding that it’s a different ball game here on the field and understanding that you are here for a reason and God put you here for a reason.” 

The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that Friday, May 12 Front Street from Church Street to St. Denis Street will close at 4 pm to vehicular traffic and remain closed until the conclusion of events at 11 pm Friday evening. 

On Saturday, May 13 Front Street from Church Street to Lafayette Street will close at 6 am to vehicular traffic and remain closed until the conclusion of the events at 11 pm Saturday evening. The Rue Beauport Riverbank will also be closed to all drive-through traffic for both days of the festival.

These street closures are due to the 26th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival that will take place in the downtown area May 12-13, 2023. For more information on the 26th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival please visit www.natchjazzfest.com.

Northwestern State University students Nicholas Cooksey of Bossier City and Blake “Scott” Fowler of Natchitoches were named recipients of the Order of Omega Scholarships, which are intended to support future academic endeavors.   

Order of Omega is a Greek honorary organization that recognizes the top five percent of individuals in the fraternity and sorority community.  The scholarship program was established to recognize academic achievements, participation and leadership in campus organizations, citizenship and service to Order of Omega and the campus community.  

Cooksey awarded $500. Fowler was awarded $700 award. 

Cooksey is a junior majoring in history with a minor in social science. He is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and will serve as the 2023-24 Student Government Association vice president. He is also involved with Interfraternity Council, Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Alpha Delta, Catholic Student Organization and Order of Omega.  He has been a Freshman Connector, Demon VIP, a member of the Homecoming Honor Court and is involved with Demon Mentor Network and Demons in Government. 

“I truly believe Greek life is an essential part of the college experience,” Cooksey said. “Not only does it enable you to make a ton of lifelong friends and connections, but it also equips you for your career in many ways. It teaches you valuable networking and time management skills, provides you with opportunities to serve your community through charity and community service and allows you to grow and mature as a leader amongst your peers. If I had to give one single piece of advice to any incoming freshman, it would be to Go Greek.” 

Fowler is a junior business administration major and a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, which he has served as president and treasurer. He is president of Interfraternity Council and Order of Omega, has been a Freshman Connector, a member of the NSU Homecoming Honor Court, Blue Key Honor Society, Presidents Leadership Program and Alpha Lambda Delta.  He has also served as a Demon VIP, Demon Mentor and was the 2022 Greek Man of the Year, 

“Being a part of a Greek organization at NSU has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Fowler said. “Greek life has truly made my college experience the best it could be and I couldn’t imagine myself not being a part of this wonderful community. One of the biggest benefits of being a part of a Greek organization is the friendships and the connections you make along the way. The connections I have made since joining Greek Life will benefit me forever in every aspect of my life. I highly encourage incoming students to join the Greek Life community because it will make their college experience even better in every way and benefit them for a lifetime.” 

We are thankful for your attendance at the 26th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and want to help make your festival experience a great one!

Due to the size and configuration of the venue NO PERSONAL CHAIRS WILL BE ALLOWED ON FESTIVAL GROUNDS. THERE WILL BE NO CHAIRS IN FRONT OF OR ADJACENT TO THE MAIN STAGE EXCEPT IN THE VIP AREA AND HANDICAPPED SEATING AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. 

There is an amphitheater directly in front of the Main Stage and the festival is providing ample additional seating in the VIP area adjacent to the stage and in the areas in front of the two side stages. 

VIP SEATS

You may want to consider purchasing VIP tickets. Seating will be available in the shaded area to the side of the main stage, including a private bathroom and access to a full bar.  They are ON SALE now, with limited availability. They are going FAST so get yours today. You are also free to use your personal chairs in the VIP area, as space permits. 

JAZZ FEST FAQs

– No Refunds. 

– No Rain Out Location. 

– No Ice Chests. 

– No Pets. 

– No Parking on Riverbank. 

– Armbands can be purchased on the day of the festival or with online orders.

– Pick up armbands at the ticket booth downtown with your receipt. 

– For more information, please call Julie at 318-471-5778 or email her at llbrewton1@aol.com.

FOOD AND DRINK 

No outside food or drink allowed. Food, beer, and alcohol vendors will be located in multiple areas for easy access.  

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND VETERANS 

Active Duty Military and their families are admitted free of charge and will, of course, need to be prepared to show an ID but there are no Veterans discounts.  

See the full line-up here

https://www.natchjazzfest.com/lineup-2023

Purchase tickets here

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/26th-annual-natchitoches-jazzrb-festival-tickets-520954377567

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches met on Thursday, May 4th for its weekly meeting. Club president Craig George opened the meeting and discussed club updates. George discussed upcoming Kiwanis district news and training as well as the upcoming Color Run 5K and Pancake Festival on Saturday, October 7th.

Club secretary Craig Caskey introduced Jalissa Loyd, Matching and Enrollment Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Natchitoches. Loyd is charged with helping match under-resourced youth, or “Little” as they are called, with a positive adult role model to be their “Big.” BBBS has a few avenues available for adult volunteers to help be a mentor. To learn more, visit natchitochesbigs.com.

Pictured Left to Right: club president Craig George, Jalissa Loyd

BOM is a sponsor of the 43rd Annual NSU Folk Festival. The year’s theme, “Celebrating Louisiana’s Cultural Gumbo,” will take place on July 22 in Prather Coliseum. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Kristen Carpenter and Festival Director Dr. Shane Rasmussen.

If you’re a sports fan, then you know each sport has “gods” that oversee and influence the outcome of a particular game. These would be former players who have passed on and come before all those that are playing today, players who helped make the sport what it is with their high level of play that made them legends of the sport. 

So many times, the gods are blamed for someone’s success or failures. Well, tournament bass fishing is no different. Triton would probably be the number one fishing god of our sport today, but then there are a few who recently passed that might be considered as gods of the bass fishing world.  

Some of these would be the late Ray Scott (the founder of B.A.S.S. organization) and Forrest Wood (the founder of Ranger Boats,) as well as legendary anglers Guido Hibdon, Ricky Green, Dee Thomas, and Aaron Martens. Each of these guys would be considered for godly status due to their impact on the bass fishing world.  

Now that we are well into the 2023 tournament fishing season, the fishing gods have not been very kind to me. 

Anglers are always looking for something or someone to blame for their lack of success. Most of the time it’s the weather; it’s either too windy, too cold, too hot or the water level is dropping or rising, too much fishing pressure, the excuses go on and on. Very seldom is it our fault as anglers, because we’re too dang good to not figure out how to catch a bass on any given body of water — right? 

Wrong!!! How can a little green fish with a brain the size of a penny outsmart us anglers who have made it our life’s ambition to go out and catch largemouth bass every single time we go fishing?  

For me, the 2023 season has been rough so far as we head into the summer months. I have not competed well at all, especially on bodies of water where I have a lot of experience. A good example for me would be the Red River. I’ve had success on the Red and have been very competitive, not only with high finishes but wins as well. But last month at the Ray Scott National Championship, the Red River was not very good to me.  

After Day 1, I weighed just shy of 11 pounds and was sitting in 15^th place, right where I needed to be to make the final day cut into the top 25. Day 2 was another story as I came in with just two fish and missed the cut by 1.5 pounds. All I had to do was weigh a five-bass-limit and I would have been in the top 10 heading into the final day, giving me a shot at another Red River victory. 

Now that doesn’t sound like it should be that hard, but once again the fishing gods must have been angry with me for some reason. On Day 2 I had six fish hooked up and headed for the boat when, for no apparent reason, they just came off! Frustrated, angry and downright ticked off, the Day 2 weigh-in may have been one of my most embarrassing weigh-ins ever. After all, I was one of the favorites to win this event and could not even make the final day cut!  

So, on the long one-hour drive home that day, I kept asking myself “why?” Why was I not able to land those fish and catch my five-fish- limit and make it to the final day? Was it my technique, dull hooks, poor hook-sets? How was it that I failed to get those six fish in the boat? 

Then it hit me — the fishing gods; they were the reason I did not make it to Day 3 of this championship event! But why were they angry with me? What had I done wrong as an angler for them to unleash such punishment on what might have been the biggest event of my fishing career in my own back yard?  

Then to make matters worse, the same thing happened one week later at Sam Rayburn when I weighed the smallest limit of fish I’ve ever weighed-in on that body of water. Now my frustration was compounded, and I was so angry that I could have stripped naked and run through a briar patch and felt no pain! Why was this happening to me?  

Every angler, no matter how good, will at some point go through difficult times that just can’t be explained. All the preparation and planning does not always guarantee success. Tournament bass fishing is a funny and humbling sport that sometimes defies explanation. 

Tournament anglers have a saying that really is true: “When it’s your turn to win, it’s your turn and nothing you do will screw it up.” I think this is where the fishing gods come into play — when they want you to win, they will make sure you win. 

Until next time, good luck, good fishing and always say an extra prayer each night to the fishing gods if you want to be successful. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen! Take it from me, melanoma is real and will strike when you neglect your protection.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Position:  Water Plant Operator Level 4

Description:  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.

Contact:
City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department
750 Second St. or P.O. Box 37
Natchitoches LA 71458-0037

Applications:  May be picked up at City Hall located at 700 Second St, Natchitoches, LA or you can download an application at www.natchitochesla.gov

Deadline:  Applications will be accepted through May 19th, 2023.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNIY EMPLOYER