July 5, 1932 — May 23, 2023

Jim Bob Key, a Winnfield native and lifetime resident of Natchitoches, died Tuesday, May 23, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, with graveside services following at Memory Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis.

Mr. Key was born on July 5, 1932, to Corinne and James Key.  He graduated from Winnfield High School in 1950 and earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in art and interior design from Northwestern State University in 1954.  A lifetime music enthusiast, he played percussion in the NSU Band and timpani in the Northwestern Symphony Orchestra.  He was a member of the Gamma Rho chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia.

In 1955 he married the former Betty Sue Choate, and as a newlywed husband he served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957.  Upon return to Natchitoches in 1957, he joined the family business, Choate’s Interiors, and in 1960 he and Betty Sue purchased the business and operated it until it closed in 2017.  

Key assisted in the founding of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, where he served as a past president and a lifetime member of the board of directors.  He served on the National Council of the Metropolitan Opera and the regional boards of the Shreveport Symphony and Shreveport Opera.  He was a member of the Louisiana State Arts Council, which founded the Louisiana Outdoor Drama Association amphitheater located at Grand Ecore.   He was inducted in the NSU Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame in 2014 and selected a Natchitoches Treasure in 2015.

He was a former president of the Natchitoches Rotary Club, served on the state board of directors of the Louisiana Mental Health Association, and was a member of the board of directors of the Natchitoches Historic Foundation.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 53 years;  He leaves his daughters, Pamela Key DeBlieux (Jimmy), Susan Key Grayson (Paul), and Patricia Key Repp (Scott) of McKinney, TX; his grandchildren, Lesley DeBlieux Dunn (Darren) of Dallas, Emily DeBlieux Poche (Jim); Andrew Michael DeBlieux (Madeline) of Shreveport; Mary Elizabeth Grayson Nielsen (Brad) of Dallas; David Paul Grayson (Sadie) of Atlanta, GA; John Louis Repp and Anne Elizabeth Repp of Dallas, and William Richard Repp of McKinney, Texas.  He had 12 great-grandchildren.  His very dear family friend, William Brent, also survives him.    

Honorary pallbearers will be L.J. Melder, Ed Rath, William Brent, Dr. Greg Handel, Jeff Gary, Gary DeBlieux, Dr. Jeff Mathews, Clay Abington, Jay Pleasant, Mickey Brewton, and members of the Gamma Rho chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.  

In lieu of floral donations, memorials may be made to the Betty and Jim Bob Key Scholarship at Northwestern State University (NSU Foundation, Natchitoches, LA 71497).

The family expresses a sincere, heartfelt thank you of appreciation to Janet and Charles Brown and Sandra McClinton for their compassionate care and close comforting friendship that they each shared with our dad.  Additionally, our family thanks Hospice of Natchitoches for their guidance, care, and support.

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The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches opened on Thursday, May 25th for its weekly meeting. Club president Craig George led the meeting, giving updates on club news and upcoming projects.

Club secretary Craig Caskey introduced Women’s Resource Center Executive Director, Morgan LaCaze. LaCaze gave an excellent presentation on the services provided by the Women’s Resource Center as well as a glimpse into the future plan for the WRC.

Pictured left to right: club secretary Craig Caskey, Morgan LaCaze

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Jackie Baxley 2019 Achievement Award for his service as Worshipful Master at Ashland Lodge #196. Pictured with Roy Paul Wright DDGM.

Jackie has been in Lodge for over20 years and has served as worshipful master several times. It is a one year term and DDGM stands for District Deputy Grand Master. Jackie is from Martin.

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She’s old, gotten fairly long in the tooth and like most of us, we tend to slow down once this happens to us. There is hope, however, for one of this area’s favorite lakes, Lake Claiborne.

I was fortunate to live in Homer when the lake was constructed and watched water begin trickling over the spillway half a century ago indicating that at long last the lake was finally what it was designed to be, a brand-new 6,400 acre body of water that would provide recreational opportunities not only for the folks living in Claiborne Parish but around north Louisiana as well.

I found a lot on the Beaver Creek branch of the lake, put my money down and purchased the lot so I could enjoy what this new lake had to offer, and boy, did it offer some good stuff.

After purchasing the lot, clearing it off, I did something then I couldn’t think of doing now. With the help of friends, I built a pier and boat house where I kept my ski boat and fishing boat and there weren’t many afternoons after work that I was not out there taking my kids skiing and searching for some of the best fishing holes.

One particular hot spot for bass was a row of green willows that grew in the middle of Beaver Creek just a long cast from my pier. This was one of the hottest spots on the lake to ease up early morning before the sun began to peak over the distant trees to the row of willows, then cast out a Tiny Torpedo next to the greenery. I’ve had successful fishing trips since but nothing to me was more fun than being close enough to be able to glance over my shoulder at my boat house, cast the lure and watch a bass explode on it. Man, that was some genuine fun.        

I eventually moved from Homer, sold my lot and my trips back to the lake became fewer and further between and it was just as well because the red-hot fishing Claiborne had offered was starting to wane. The lake began acting like most lakes with some age on them as vegetation died away and things just weren’t the same any longer.

Something has happened to this half a century old lake over the past few years. First off, the Lake Commission arranged to purchase and release in the lake a species of bass that would hopefully add a shot in the arm to the lake, Tiger bass. Genetically, they’re a special combination of native largemouth and those of the Florida strain that while not having the potential of growing as large as pure Florida’s, tend to be more aggressive and more likely to strike a lure.

I recently visited with Fisheries Manager for Northwest Louisiana for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Jeff Sibley, who is responsible for the management of Lake Claiborne.

“In addition to the Tiger bass that have been released in the lake over the past five years or so, our department is also releasing pure Florida bass which may not be as easy to catch but have the potential of growing quite big,” Sibley said.

Another shot in the arm for Claiborne took place a few weeks ago when the Major League Fishing circuit was in Louisiana fishing on Caney Lake and Bussey Brake. This group has a habitat project they fund on lakes in the states where their tournaments are held.

“They choose a lake not on the tournament circuit and this year they chose Claiborne and contributed some $25,000 to improve the fishing habitat. Special fish attracting structures were put together and placed in the lake in several locations, mainly around the State Park with coordinates available so anglers could locate the structures that should attract fish,” Sibley said.

Time will tell if these “shots in the arm” will return Lake Claiborne to one that anglers will be hitting more frequently with the real possibility of bringing in bragging-sized fish.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

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Over the past couple of years, there’s been some controversy with a certain professional angler having an unfair advantage. Today we’ll look at this particular angler who is at the root of this controversy. He’s a guy who is not a cheater, but an angler who takes advantage of how the rules of the game are written. He’s an angler, fishing at the highest level with both B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing, who has had a lot of success doing it his way. 

The angler we’re talking about is Keith Poche. Keith was raised in Natchitoches, attended Natchitoches Central High School and after graduation went on to play football at Troy State University. After a knee injury, Keith decided to walk away from football and pick up a rod and reel. Even though he grew up fishing the banks of Cane River, he decided to take his fishing to another level and pursue a career as a professional angler. 

In 2014, Keith qualified to fish his first Bassmaster Classic, held on the Red River out of Shreveport, where he finished third overall. To say Keith has had “a little success” is an understatement. He’s had 46 top 50 finishes, 21 top 20’s, and 7 top 10’s, with a few victories mixed in. 

A few seasons ago, Keith made a decision to fish out of a custom-built aluminum boat that allowed him to get into areas that other anglers could not. He did not want the fully-wrapped fiberglass boat that 98 percent of the professional anglers use.

His competition was not happy with him having such an advantage with his custom boat. After several events, protests were made and there were many attempts to have him disqualified with the way he was accessing backwater areas. This special boat, built to his specifications, allowed him to gain access into backwater areas holding bass that had zero pressure and, in some cases, had never seen a bait before. 

As I’ve said in past articles, anglers are a fickle bunch and hate it when one guy figures something out they did not. Keith figured out quickly that this was his niche, how he could have success without breaking any rules. Now he obviously pushes the envelope, but he never violates a written rule. Still anglers and officials knew something had to be done to “level the playing field.” One rule implemented a couple of years ago was that whatever boat you start the season with, is the same boat you must fish out of in all the tournaments. 

But here’s what amazing — these same anglers complaining are not recognizing that Keith is at a huge disadvantage when tournaments are held on large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. His small custom boat with a 90-horsepower engine is not conducive for fishing the larger bodies of water, putting him at a distinct disadvantage. Keith is restricted on how far he can go compared to the guys running 20 to 21-foot boats with 250 horsepower engines.

Keith has never complained about him being at a disadvantage when the tour reaches these massive lakes. He just puts his head down and tries to make the best of it. Not sure if it’s just a coincidence, but no one is complaining about Keith’s small aluminum boat unless he is at or near the top of the leader board.

The most recent issue came this month at the Toledo Bend B.A.S.S. Open Series where Keith ran up the lake and gained access into an area other anglers could not reach. He finished 29^th in this event, but a protest was made on the area and how Keith gained access. 

This is a continuing story that I will make sure to monitor as Keith and his lawyers, along with B.A.S.S. officials, are working together to try and come to a mutual agreement on what’s allowed and not allowed. One thing is for sure: look for some major rule changes at B.A.S.S for the upcoming 2024 season to take away Keith’s advantage.

Until next week, good luck, good fishing and make sure to wear sunscreen and good protective clothing. No one is immune to skin cancer like Melanoma.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a burned vehicle found on Dalme Road in the Bermuda community south of Natchez according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Local farmers found the burned vehicle on May 24 shortly after 7 am on Dalme Road approximately 1/4 mile off of Hwy. 1220 in the Bermuda area.

Deputies assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations  and Patrol Operations Bureaus responded to the scene.

Detectives photographed and processed the crime scene.

The vehicle appears to be a new model Volkswagen SUV.

There were no vehicle fires reported overnight therefore detectives believe the vehicle was burned intentionally.

Detectives are attempting to obtain a vehicle identification number but due to the extensive fire damage it may take some time before other VIN stamped identification locations can be located on the vehicle.

Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 also responded to the scene.

Detectives say no additional evidence or human remains were found while sifting through the interior of the vehicle.

The vehicle is being impounded by a local towing service.

The investigation is active and ongoing.  If you have any information about the vehicle contact Major Reginald Turner at NPSO Criminal Investigations 357-7830.

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Amy Lee has been named director of Marketing and Branding at Northwestern State University, pending approval by the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System.  Lee will be responsible for the university’s brand, graphics identity and social media presence.   

“It is an honor to return to NSU in this capacity. I have been fortunate to serve the Natchitoches community throughout my career and I am looking forward to continuing that while at Northwestern,” said Lee. 

Lee was previously public relations and marketing manager for Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. She began her career as director of outreach and engagement for Cane River National Heritage Area, promoting cultural tourism for the region.   

A native of California, Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism at NSU in 2019 and is a 2021 graduate of the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy.  In the community she is involved with the Service League of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Young Professionals and was recently named one of NYP’s 4 Under 40 honorees for excellence in community leadership and professional achievements.  

“The staff at NSU is so hardworking and dedicated to our students. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that on Thursday, June 1 from 8 AM – 4 PM, weather permitting, Bridge# 083504550617701 and 083504550617702 on I-49 Northbound and Southbound bridges over KISATCHIE BAYOU will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 7.29 MI. NORTH OF LA 119.

Permit/Detour section
No detour will be needed as one lane will be open at all times.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org. Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.govand the DOTD Facebook page.

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Mark your calendars for May 30th, June 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 26th, 27th, July 11th, 24th, 25th, 31st, and August 1st !

OMC Natchitoches is hosting a Pediatric Care Summer Wellness Fest! Our services include sick child visits, immunizations/vaccines, and back-to-school sports/wellness physicals. Walk-ins are welcome or call 318-352-9299 for an appointment.

“Because Caring For You Is What We Do!”

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Two young people with local ties helped their Texas high school teams win state championships last month on the big stage of Texas prep soccer. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is featuring both – Maddox Thomas of boys’ Class 5A champion Frisco Lone Star High School, and Erin Hebert, the rookie head coach of the girls’ Class 6A surprise champion, Flower Mound Marcus High School.

After focusing on Thomas, a standout player, last Thursday, we spotlight Hebert today. Her local ties are far-reaching, as she has many friends from her visits to Natchitoches. She is the granddaughter of the late Raymond Arthur and Elizabeth “Nonie” Arthur, and she is the daughter of Natchitoches native Susan Arthur, an attorney like her dad, living in the Dallas metroplex.

Susan and Erin made many visits here and still come to spend time with their beloved “Nonie.”

Some of the trips during Erin’s formative years were made so she could participate in NSU Lady Demon soccer camps as a girl.

“I went to the NSU soccer camp every summer when I was a kid, and two summers when I came in, they did a British soccer camp with guys from England,” said the 28-year-old lifelong Texan. “I loved coming to Natchitoches every summer and made a lot of friends through those camps that I still talk with today.”

She graduated from Marcus High in 2013, then earned a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in educational leadership, both from Texas A&M. Her career path was set during her teenage years.

“I come from a family full of educators (Nonie was a longtime Natchitoches Central teacher), so I knew early on in high school that’s what I wanted to do. I went back and forth between being a lawyer like my mom and my grandpa,” said Hebert. “In high school, I got to do mentoring programs and work with some younger soccer players that made me know that was the trajectory I wanted to follow.”

She came home to DFW and was hired by the Marcus Independent School District to teach English and coach in middle school. She eventually moved up to the same roles at Marcus High, assisting a veteran coach with a strong program in one of the state’s toughest districts. This year’s state championship was the school’s first, but it was the seventh state tournament appearance. In each of the last two seasons, Marcus reached the Region 1 (DFW area) final and lost to the eventual state champion.

The 2023 team was expected to be competitive, but nobody saw what was coming. Especially after the veteran head coach left for another job – the day before the first game. Hebert was quickly named interim head coach.

“I got called into my principal’s office and he told me he had all of the confidence in the world I could take over the program and do a great job this year,” she remembered. “A lot of people thought this was going to be a rebuilding year, including the coach that left. We graduated 11 seniors last year, and we had a lot of new, younger players.

“It was a pleasant surprise to see how well they bonded and how well they meshed on the field. I didn’t see that coming, but as the season progressed and we practiced and worked together, they developed a bond that was super special,” said Hebert.

She had seven seniors – four who were in her very first class of seventh-grade English students. But losing the head coach was the second big blow to the 2023 outlook. The team’s leading goal scorer in 2022, a senior on this year’s team, tore an ACL in her knee three weeks before the season began and was lost for the spring.

So, how did the team handle the adversity of losing its best goal producer, then its head coach, and being led by a young, interim coach?

The Mauraders went 26-1-1 and charged to the Texas 6A championship. Their only loss was early in district play, and even that worked out for the best.

“It was really good for the girls. We played in tournaments around the state and were winning 5, 6, 7-0. That loss kind of humbled us, but then we went on an 18-game winning streak.”

With its consistent playoff success, the Marcus team was determined to succeed in the postseason, but thoughts of winning state were still beyond imagination. Not, however, for their interim coach.

“I felt that way all season. I know the girls thought I was crazy,” she said. “I told them before the first playoff game we could win the whole thing, but we all knew we had to get past Southlake Carroll.”

As in national high school powerhouse Southlake Carroll, a program that has multiple national team players on its roster most seasons, including this spring. But in the state quarterfinals, Marcus scored a 1-0 victory.

“That was one of the best games, if not the best, we played all year,” said Hebert.

It was off to the state tournament in Georgetown, and glory awaited. First came an impressive 4-0 semifinal victory over Round Rock Westwood from the Austin area. Hebert’s coaching paid off.

“Their defensive style, when we played teams earlier in the season that mimicked that, it was really hard for us to score. That week leading up to the state tournament, we worked on offense through a super-compact and high-numbered defense,” she said. “The girls were just the right amount of confident and nervous, and they took care of business.”

The state championship game the following day (Saturday, April 15) pitted Marcus against Fort Benning Ridgepoint.

“The wind was super crazy. In the first half, we defended it, going against the wind, and after we made it to halftime, I knew we were going to be just fine. The ball was naturally going to stay in our attacking half of the field.

“We got a goal pretty early, scored another on a penalty kick, and we walked off state champions,” she said.

Then things got even better.

Sunday evening as she was getting ready to teach her junior English classes Monday, and her principal texted and “asked me to meet at the athletic office Monday at 9. I thought, this is either going to be really good, or not so good.

“It was really awesome when I walked in, and they (the principal and the athletic director) had big smiles on their faces. They just expressed how proud they were of everything that happened this season, not only the state championship. I did a lot of bringing the community into our soccer games and around our team, which made things a lot more special for everybody, the girls, their parents, and the community surrounding the school.”

She was no longer the interim head coach. She had earned the job for good.

“They had gotten approval so they didn’t have to interview or post the position because they said they knew who they wanted. It was the greatest day,” she said. “I am super happy.”

Her first Marcus team finished not only with the Texas 6A title but a national No. 3 ranking.

Incredibly, Erin’s fabulous year has yet another milestone ahead, the biggest yet. On July 1, she’s getting married.

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JACKSONVILLE, Florida—The women take center stage Thursday, as five Northwestern State athletes, as well as a relay team kick off their regionals at the NCAA East Preliminaries at the University of North Florida. 

All five athletes individually are aiming to finish in the top 24 who reach their event finals Saturday. The top 12 make the nationals next month, which take place in Austin. 

After having her first outdoor season cancelled and second hampered by injury, Lynell Washington made it back to regionals for a second consecutive season in the 100-meters. 

While Washington is a veteran to the NCAA prelims, she is joined by a new cast of Lady Demons. In addition to sophomore Maygan Shaw, who is taking part in the 400-meters, three freshmen—Sanaria Butler, Vanessa Balde and Sian Weller—are all making their regionals debut. 

Shaw and the freshmen trio are the athletes to make up the 4×400 relay team. The last time the quartet ran the event, they posted a season-best 3:35.77 to take home the gold at the Southland Conference championships. 

Balde, fresh off being named Southland Conference Female Freshman of the Year, kicks off the day for the Lady Demons in the 100-meter hurdles Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. 

“It’s an honor to compete at such a high level,” Balde said. “I know there are a lot of great athletes there and I am kind of nervous, but there is a reason why I am there. I just need to try my best to show everyone how good I am.” 

Balde’s 13.46 in the 100 hurdles, which she earned at the SLC championships, placing her 44^th in the event in the region. 

She is one of around 20 athletes between the men and women to make it to regionals and is excited knowing she is competing with a number of teammates, knowing they have her back. 

“It feels so good to have so many of my teammates also there,” Balde said. “They are not just my teammates, but also my friends. It is such an honor and so cool to compete with them. They always cheer me up when I am nervous and they are there for me. It is so good to know that I have people behind me who support me and help me.” 

In addition to Balde winning SLC Female Freshman of the Year, fellow freshman Butler took home the SLC Female Athlete of the Year in addition to earning the Female Most Outstanding Performer award at the conference championships, scoring 30.5 points. 

Butler is participating in the 400-meters, running a season-best and school record 52.19 at the Michael Johnson Invitational to place 15^th in the region in the event. 

She broke her own school record of 52.22 that stood for one week, which she set at the Leon Johnson Invitational in front of the home crowd. 

She almost qualified for the long jump as well, but came up just short, being one of the first five who missed the cut. 

Also competing in the 400-meters is Shaw, a sophomore from Pineville. 

She qualified for the meet on the strength of a time of 52.73. Like Butler, that time also came at the Michael Johnson Invitational. 

Shaw finished 25^th in the region in the 400, which puts her as a real threat to reach Saturday’s finals and possibly a trip to nationals. 

The 400 begins at 7:25. 

Weller, a native of Houston, is the other freshman Lady Demon to qualify individually, doing so in the 400-meter hurdles. 

She snuck in at 47th in the region in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking a 58.97 in the SLC championship prelims. 

Weller earned the bronze in the event at the SLC championships, while also running a leg in the 4×400 relay. 

All three are a part of the relay team, which takes place Saturday at 8:45 to conclude the regional meet. The quartet placed 21^st in the region. 

“Those four young ladies right there are a monster group in the 4×400,” Heimerman said. “With three freshmen and a sophomore. They’ll be a force to be reckoned with throughout their time here.” 

Washington, who advanced to the regional finals in 2022, is back again in the 100. She placed 36^th in the region, clocking an 11.40 at the Battle on the Bayou. 

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LAKE CHARLES – Northwestern State’s first Southland Conference Baseball Tournament win in five years ended with a Rocky Mountain high. 

Sophomore right-hander Chase Prestwich finished a seven-out save with a flourish, striking out Grant Randall with the tying run on third to preserve the fifth-seeded Demons’ 2-1 opening-round win against UIW at Joe Miller Ballpark on Wednesday afternoon. 

“I’ve been in a lot of big spots this season and at times I’ve let the game speed up on me,” said Prestwich, who notched his second save and sent the Demons to Thursday’s 6 p.m. winner’s bracket game against either No. 3 seed Lamar or fourth-seeded New Orleans. “Those moments really helped me go out there today and settle down and focus. Deep breaths and really settling down and really breathe.” 

Neither Prestwich, a native of Frederick, Colorado, nor starting pitcher Cal Carver (7-3) allowed the Cardinals (28-25) to breathe much. 

After UIW nicked him for a run in the first inning, Carver artfully worked around traffic on the bases to work 6 2-3 innings for the third straight Southland Conference Tournament start. With Prestwich’s help, Carver notched his first SLC Tournament win and the 18^th of his career, moving him into a three-way tie for ninth on NSU’s all-time list. 

The win came in Carver’s 45^th career start, tying the school record set by Dennis Choate from 1972-75. 

Carer needed 26 pitches to get out of the first inning, allowing only Rey Mendoza’s sacrifice fly to left. A six-pitch second inning, highlighted by a line-drive double play started by second baseman Daunte Stuart, got him back in the groove. 

“That first inning, I had some stressful pitches and was able to get in the dugout, relax, take some breaths and get going for the rest of the game,” Carver said. “Knowing guys like Daunte and Jake (Haze) are going to make those plays every single time is really good.” 

The other half of the Demon battery was equally instrumental in pushing Northwestern State (28-25) into the winner’s bracket for the first time since 2018 when the Demons collected their only tournament championship in program history. 

Bo Willis had a hand in both of the Demons’ runs, starting a two-out, second-inning rally with a double off UIW starter Kayden Cassidy (3-3) before putting NSU ahead to stay with a solo home run to left off Cassidy in the fourth. 

Willis finished 3-for-4, marking his second three-hit game of the season. His double capped a nine-pitch at-bat and came in front of Gray Rowlett’s game-tying double to right field. 

“I think the ball here is pretty easy to see,” said Willis, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs in his Joe Miller Ballpark debut a season ago against McNeese. “The place and the atmosphere, I just feel comfortable in the box. This year hasn’t gone the best for me, so I was trying to relax, see the ball over the plate and put the bat on it. I fought off some really good pitches, one came inside and I pulled it down the line.” 

Willis’ second big swing came on the first pitch he saw from Cassidy in the fourth, turning it around and driving it out to straightaway left field. Earlier in the game, the Demons had seen two other well-hit balls to left fall short of leaving the ballpark. 

“I got what I wanted and put the best swing I could on it,” Willis said of the home run. “I was iffy about it. I didn’t want to jog out of the box. I wanted to look at a little bit, but I wanted to get to first base so I didn’t get yelled at.” 

While Willis had the big swing, the Demon pitching made pivotal pitch after pivotal pitch as NSU improved to 3-1 against UIW this season.  

Carver scattered seven hits in 6 2-3 innings while Prestwich had to work around a leadoff infield single in the ninth, stranding Alec Carr at third base by striking out Randall. 

“Today was a strange day for this part, because it’s typically a hitter’s park this time of the year,” seventh-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “It played differently today, and we did a good job of throwing strikes. We liked the matchup with (Prestwich) starting ninth. Fro (closer Kyle Froehlich) is down there – and last weekend we gave it up a couple times – but we trusted the matchup with Chase the two right-handers coming up. He kept making good pitches.” 

While the Demons await the winner of the Lamar-New Orleans matchup, NSU has announced it will start second-team All-Southland Conference selection Alex Makarewich (5-4, 5.16) in the winner’s bracket game. 

Northwestern State 2, UIW 1 

NSU       010 100 000 – 2 7 0 

UIW       100 000 000 – 1 9 1 

W – Cal Carver (7-3). L – Kayden Cassidy (3-3). S – Chase Prestwich (2). 2B – NSU, Bo Willis, Gray Rowlett. UIW, Grant Randall. HR – NSU, Bo Willis (4). Highlights: NSU, Willis 3-4, 2B, HR, RBI. UIW, Hernan Yanez 2-4; Jimmy DeLeon 2-2; Alec Carr 2-4.  

Records: Northwestern State 28-25; UIW 28-25. 

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Village of Natchez (herein referred to as the “Owner”) hereby solicits sealed bids for the bids for the village of Natchez Sewer collection and Treatment System Improvements. Sealed Bids shall be addressed to the Village of  Natchez, and delivered to the City Hall (Administration Office) located at 181 Main  Street (P. O. Box 229), Natchez, LA 71456 not later than 2:30 P.M. (local time) on the 20^th day of June, 2023. Any bid received after this specified time and date will not be considered. The sealed bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:30 P.M. (local time) on the 20^th day of June, 2023 at the Village of Natchez City Hall (Administration Office) located at 181 Main Street, Natchez, LA 71456.

The instructions to Bidders, Bid Form, Contract, Plans, Specifications, and Forms of Bid Bond, Performance Bond and Payment Bond, and other bidding documents may be obtained at the office of MB Design Consultants, LLC, located at 8841 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (Phone – (678) 557-9069) upon payment of fee. Validation of the Contractor’s license and classifications will be made prior to release of bid documents.

All bids must be accompanied by bid security equal to 5% of the total bid and must be in the form of certified check, cashier’s check, or Bid Bond Form written by a company licensed to do business in the state of Louisiana, countersigned by a person who is under contract with surety of bond issuer as a licensed agent to furnish Performance and Payment Bond written by a company licensed to do business in the state of Louisiana, in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount.

Where bids are to be received on forms furnished by the awarding authority, no contract documents shall be issued to anyone except a Licensed Contractor or his authorized representatives. In no event shall any documents for bidding be issued later than Seventy-Two (72) hours prior to the hour and date set for receiving bids. 

Each bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing on the outside the name of the bidder, his/her address, contactor’s state license number and the name of the project for which the bid is submitted. If forwarded by mail, the sealed envelope containing the bid must be enclosed in another envelope addressed to the Village of Natchez City Hall, 181 Main Street, Natchez, Louisiana 71456.

Attention of Bidders is called particularly to the requirements for conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract (Davis-Bacon Act), Section 3 (Low Income Resident anticipation) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1974, Section 109 (Non-Discrimination) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Section 503 (Non-Discrimination Against Employees with Disabilities) and Section 504 (Non-Discrimination Against Individuals with Disabilities) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Segregated Facilities, Executive Order 11246, and all applicable laws and regulations of the Federal Government and State of Louisiana and Bonding and insurance requirements, Minority owned firms, small businesses, and/or Section 3 businesses are encouraged to participate. 

No bidder may withdraw his/her Bid within Forty-Five (45) calendar days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause; such actions will be in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.

All questions regarding this project and the bid package shall be submitted in writing to the Engineer, MB Design Consultants, LLC, 8841 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, mbdesigncon@gmail.com by 5:00PM on Friday June 09, 2023. Responses will be coordinated with the Owner and submitted to all plan holders by 5:00 PM on Wednesday June 14, 2023.

All addenda, Amendments, Letters of Clarification, and Withdrawal Notices will be submitted electronically to all plan holders.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause and to waive informalities incidental thereto.

OWNER

VILLAGE OF ST. NATCHEZ

BY: /s/PATSY WARD HOOVER, MAYOR

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May News from the Village of Goldonna

The Goldonna Assembly of God Church is hosting a Community Cookout on May 27, 2023. The church will be providing delicious free food, drinks, and outstanding fellowship at the L&A Trails Pavillion. The family-friendly event will be held from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. For more information please contact Pastor Timmy Harris at 318-481-7191 or Pam Harris at 318-229-8766. The church is overjoyed to share this community event. Everyone is welcome to come and fellowship with their community.

The Natchitoches Area Fire District 2 will be holding a fundraiser on June 10, 2023. They will be hosting their First Annual Poker Run. The poker run will cover miles and miles of scenic terrain with several checkpoints along the way where participants will draw playing cards, to build their poker hand. Prizes will be awarded for the top three hands and there will be door prizes as well as a “Split the Pot”. Complimentary water will be available at every checkpoint. There will be a Fried Fish Lunch available for the low cost of $10 per plate. Non-participants will be allowed to purchase meals too. The ride begins at 8:00 am and concludes at 5:00 pm at the final drawing spot in Goldonna. You must be 21 years or older to participate in the Poker Game.

All proceeds will benefit the Volunteer Fire Department and their tireless efforts in keeping the community safe. You can pre-register for $20 from now until June 3rd. After that, the fee will be increased to $30. For more information, you can contact Candace Smith (318-471-0704), Mason Rachal (318-471-8636), or Rachel Chesser (318-663-2964)

Goldonna Baptist Church Youth Group is hosting an Evening Bass Tournament in hopes of raising money for their Summer trip. The tournament will be held on June 2, 2023, at the Mill Creek Reservoir, which is located just a few miles down the road in Saline, Louisiana. Boats will leave at 6:00 pm and weigh-in will be held at 9:00 pm. It should be noted that this is a three-fish tournament. There is a $100 per boat fee with a 50% payback. Options include Big Bass $10 and trash fish $5. There will be a .25lb penalty for dead fish. No minimum length rule. For more information, you may call or text 318-413-7528

GBC is also laying the groundwork to have the biggest year of Operation Christmas Child that the Goldonna community has ever seen. Pastor Dupree recently announced the following donation schedule:

May – Hard plastic cups, bowls, utensils
June – Sewing kits and multi tools
July – School supplies, pencil cases, notebooks, crayons, coloring books
August – Hats/caps, tshirts, undies, socks
September – wipes, makeup, hair clips, maxi-pads, solid deodorant
October – Christmas Stockings, Christmas Cards
November – Packing Party

The Village of Goldonna is a beautiful town with the most thoughtful, loving and kind residents. If you would like to highlight a community member please reach out to me. I know there are many gems just waiting to shine.

If you have news to include please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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QUALIFICATION:
● Valid Teaching Certificate
● Master’s Degree in Education (preferred)
● Certification in Science or Math (preferred)
● Minimum of five years of teaching experience with evidence of successfully impacting student achievement, particularly those who have the greatest needs.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Instructional Specialist is a critical lever in improving student achievement. The role of the Instructional Specialist is to build teacher capacity and deepen teachers’ understanding of instructional practices as related to Louisiana Student Standards and Data-Driven Instruction.

SALARY: Salary based on teacher pay scale with applicant’s years of experience and the addition of a substantial Instructional Specialist stipend.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 9 Months

DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 6, 2023, by 3:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY:

Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
Phone: (318) 352-2358
Fax: (318) 352-8138

WEBSITE: npsb.la

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of the following:
● Resume’
● Evidence of successful teaching experience (for example, most recent VAM,
Student Performance Data, COMPASS, CLASS, etc.)
● Original transcripts from institution(s) awarding degree
● Three professional letters of recommendation, one of which is from your immediate supervisor

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Natchitoches Central is seeking a certified teaching applicant to also serve as Head Softball Coach for the 2023-2024 school year.

Previous head coaching experience is preferred. Applicants coming from a program with an established history of winning may also apply. Applicants must hold a valid Louisiana teaching certificate or equivalent (out-of-state) to be considered.

Applications can be mailed to the below address or emailed to NCHS Athletic Director Dean Johnson at djohnson1@npsb.la.

Mail applications to:

6513 Hwy. 1 Bypass

c/o A.D. Dean Johnson

Natchitoches, LA 71457

To see more job openings in Natchitoches Parish Schools, please visit

https://www.npsb.la/page/job-openings.

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BOM is a Gold sponsor of the City of Natchitoches Juneteenth Celebration. This year’s events will include a youth basketball tournament, a “celebrity” basketball game, a festival with music, a kids’ zone with jumpers and slides, local food trucks, and fireworks on Saturday, June 17.

Pictured left to right: BOM’s Micah Murchison and Jill Leo.

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