Executive Office ONE:

Size: Approximately 9′ x 14′
Term: Lease – 1 to 3 year with an option to renews.
Lease Rate: $600.00 per month
Included: Utilities, Cleaning, Security and Internet Service

Location: The Cunningham Office Building, 431 Jefferson St., Downtown Natchitoches

Executive Office TWO:

Size: Approximately 9′ x 20′
Term: Lease – 1 to 3 year with an option to renews.
Lease Rate: $650.00 per month
Included: Utilities, Cleaning, Security and Internet Service

Location: The Cunningham Office Building, 431 Jefferson St., Downtown Natchitoches

For more information and/or a showing, please contact Rose Sarpy, 318.352.8105

After winning their events this past weekend in the northeast, a pair of Northwestern State track athletes have earned Southland Conference weekly awards, the conference announced Wednesday.

Following a meet in which they won the shot put and pole vault respectively, Djimon Gumbs and Madison Brown were named SLC Men’s and Women’s Field Performers of the Week.

Gumbs, a senior from Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, tossed a 58-8.5 to finish first in the event at the Bruce Lehane Scarlet & White Invite in Boston.

The distance is the top one in the conference this season and the seventh-best in the South Central region.

That came a day after finishing second in the event at Harvard, recording a distance of 57-7.75.

Brown, a senior from Natchitoches, posted an indoor personal best in her event, clearing 12-6.75 to finish first out of 24 competitors.

The height is the top mark in the SLC this season by a wide margin and 21^st best in the South Central region.

Brown also competed in the 60-meter hurdles, running a personal best 8.99, checking in at 25^th place.

It is the first weekly award won for each athlete this season.

The NSU track and field teams continue their indoor season with a trip to Lubbock, Texas, for the Jarvis Scott Open, beginning Friday. It is the final meet prior to heading to Birmingham, Alabama, for the SLC Indoor Championships.

The Village of Natchez will hold a town meeting tonight, Feb. 12, at 6:30 PM.  The meeting will be via zoom call. The number is 774-290-2200, conference id is 753-8892. Please announce your name after getting on.

Natchitoches Junior High School JAG members would like to extend their appreciation to Ms. Barbara Leach from LA Workforce Commission. Ms. Leach was our guest speaker on January 26, 2024. She discussed the guidelines as it relates to resume’ writing, professionalism, seeking, obtaining, and maintaining employment. 

Natchitoches Lions Club recently welcomed Dr. Thorne Lacaze to a program meeting where he spoke about the recent advancements of Bossier Parish Community College. Dr. Lacaze shared with the club the benefits of having certifications for much sought after skill sets. The Natchitoches campus of BPCC offers career and technical education programs, general education courses, high school dual enrollment, WorkReadyU (adult basic education) and workforce development training. For more information, visit bpcc.edu, visit the campus located at 6587 Highway 1 Bypass or call 318-951-4490.

By Jeanni Ritchie

Growing up I always heard the saying “When you ASSUME, you make an ASS out of U and ME” and the message stuck with me.

The lesson, however, would not come for many more years. I assumed a lot. My overthinking mind usually made scenarios worse than they really were. I didn’t give people the benefit of doubt, my life lessons often showing me the underside of people.

I was a jackass at best. A slave to an imprisoning mind at worst. None of it was necessary. 

I’m not the only one. This happens a lot in our society as evidenced by Lana Del Ray’s Instagram post coming to Taylor Swift’s defense a few days after the Grammys. Taylor pulled her fellow Album of the Year nominee up to the stage with her as she accepted her win. Calling it a mean girl move because Lana had just lost, viewers insisted Taylor purposefully put her in an uncomfortable position. The assumptions were based on how they would feel if it had happened to them, how they perceived the facial expressions and body language of each woman, and their personal life experiences.

That doesn’t make it truth, however.

“I literally just loved being there….I..did not feel one ounce of negative emotion at any point…” She didn’t have to explain herself, but she chose to. It seems hypocritical for me to assume her reasoning in an article decrying speculation, but it seems safe to say she was supporting a friend who has had to stare into the face of a thousand barrels lately.

Maybe it’s okay to assume if you give people the benefit of doubt. Maybe that’s the only time assumptions don’t turn you into a member of the Equidae family.

I’m no Taylor Swift but I understand having to deal with people and their faulty assumptions.

My second husband and I are following Katherine Woodward Thomas’ “conscious uncoupling” method. When Gwyneth Paltrow popularized the term during her divorce to Chris Martin in 2014, I dismissed it as another bizarre celebrity trend.

I’m wondering now why I thought amicable divorces were so strange. Surely, I hadn’t forgotten my first divorce and the every-other-weekend exchanges in the McDonald’s parking lot. I remember the years it took to pay off the lawyers. I painfully recall every joyous event in my children’s lives that was marred by the “gladiator uncoupling” method we’d used instead of the symbiotic relationship we have now.

I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. My second husband and I didn’t have minor children, but we did have grandchildren. If children are Circle K, grandchildren are BUC-EE’S.

But people didn’t understand. That was fair; our separation had started off rocky and we didn’t hold a press conference when it evened out. I’m open but discreet; those details weren’t yet made public. I did share privately though. That’s where the assumptions came in.

“You called off the divorce?” 

No, we can be amicable and still divorce.

“You’ll be okay.” 

I’m actually better than ever.

“He’s just saying what he thinks you want to hear.”

“You’re just saying what he wants to hear.”

He’s 70; I’m 54. We’re confident in our discernment. I know my intentions.

“You were planning this for a long time.”

Because slinking back to your hometown in exile with no money and a complete career change in middle age is on every girl’s bucket list?

“How is he going to handle it when you start dating someone?”

I’m not dating; I’m returning to SBC. No, that’s not the Southern Baptist Convention; it’s Single by Choice.   

“You’re faking your friendship for clicks.”

Really? You give me more credit in the self-control department than I deserve.

We can only change our negative thinking by fostering healthy communication. Ask questions; accept answers at face value. Deep diving for hurts only causes mental pain. If you aren’t sure, always presume positivity!

BOM Bank, a leading financial institution dedicated to serving the community, proudly announces a significant milestone as it crosses the $1 billion mark in total assets. This achievement underscores the unwavering commitment to its customers, exceptional service, and steady growth in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

Since its establishment in 1903 with $15,000 in capital, BOM Bank has remained deeply rooted in the community. As the bank expanded its offerings and services, it consistently upheld its core values, earning the trust and loyalty of its customers while contributing to the economic development in northern Louisiana and surrounding areas. BOM now employs over 165 team members among 19 branches in Grant, Natchitoches, Sabine, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Rapides Parish in Louisiana in addition to Sabine and Angelina County in Texas serving over 30,000 customers.

Reaching $1 billion in assets represents a momentous accomplishment for BOM Bank, symbolizing prudent financial management, strategic planning, and the trust placed in the institution by its valued customers. Despite economic challenges, the bank’s resilience, dedication, and commitment to its hardworking customers have propelled its growth and positioned it as a leading financial institution in Louisiana and East Texas.

BOM Bank’s President and CEO, Ken Hale, expressed gratitude for this landmark achievement, stating, “Achieving one billion dollars in assets represents a significant milestone that reflects the dedication and collective efforts of the entire BOM team and our steadfast customers. This accomplishment stands as a testament to years of hard work and commitment. I am incredibly grateful and deeply humbled. I want to thank our staff, local communities and customers for their overwhelming support of BOM. Without each of you, this achievement would not be possible. We remain committed to our community roots by focusing on customer service and giving back to our communities.” 

As part of its ongoing commitment to community development, BOM Bank has consistently supported local initiatives, charitable organizations, and educational programs. BOM Bank is an accredited Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to volunteerism and catering to the needs of the unbanked and underbanked communities. The bank provides specialized resources, such as a credit builder program and a certified BankOn checking account, designed specifically for individuals outside the traditional financial system and those striving to cultivate sound financial practices. With this milestone, the bank stands as an indispensable pillar and reaffirms its dedication to fostering growth and prosperity within the communities it serves. BOM Bank, a face you know, a bank you can trust.

About BOM Bank: BOM Bank has been providing customers with a variety of products and services since 1903. BOM now employs over 165 staff members among 19 locations in Grant, Natchitoches, Sabine, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, and Rapides parishes in Louisiana in addition to Sabine and Angelina County in Texas serving over 30,000 customers. For a complete list of locations, as well as products and services, visit bofm.com or follow us on social media @bomest1903. BOM – a face you know, a bank you can trust. 

Rodney Boswell, Lori Cumberland, Kim Boler, Bettina Troquille and Charlene Young, would like to introduce their new company and exceptional team members to the Natchitoches community and surrounding areas. 

IHS Group, an experienced tax and accounting firm, has four locations open in Natchitoches, Many, Pineville, and Leesville. 

“At IHS Group, we are committed to extending our assistance to individuals and companies, wherever they may be located,” said Boswell, who explained that he’s been building toward this new business venture for years.

With over 80 years of accumulated experience in the tax and accounting services field and 30 years of experience as a leadership coach, the IHS Group team is a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re looking to improve your tax strategies, streamline your accounting processes, or enhance your leadership skills, IHS Group is here to guide you. This includes tax planning and strategy consulting, accounting services, payroll services, business consulting and leadership coaching.

“As an Enrolled Agent, I have the opportunity to help people and businesses maximize their tax benefits, ensuring they keep more of their hard-earned money,” said Kimbra Boler, EA.

At IHS Group, the vision is clear: We exist to inspire individuals to reach their full potential. We’re here to team up with entrepreneurs and business owners, helping them scale their business, save on taxes, and accumulate wealth. Our mission is to guide you through the intricacies of the accounting and tax industry while providing invaluable leadership coaching and consulting services.

“Rodney’s leadership skills are exceptional. He is invested in his team’s well-being and growth. He encourages everyone he meets to strive to reach their full potential,” said Catherine Whittington.

“We understand that your needs are unique, and we’re here to provide the right solutions to help you achieve your business goals,” Boswell added.

To get started and schedule a consultation TODAY, go online to www.ihsgroup.co or call 318-302-0879.

Natchitoches Central High School senior Kaylee Stacy has a long list of school activities and accomplishments that make her a standout among local youth.

What she’s done in her time away from school, and the Natchitoches community, has earned her worldwide recognition.

Stacy, 17, received the Safari Club International & Bass Pro Ford/Cabela’s Young Hunter Award recently during the 2024 SCI Convention in Nashville. The presentation occurred at the SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention Night of the Hunter, and she will be featured in an upcoming Safari Magazine Awards issue.

Her nomination was supported by numerous SCI chapters and local educational leaders. SCI officials said it is rare that a young woman is the recipient of the award.

The honor not only recognizes remarkable achievement as a hunter, but the recipient’s significant contributions to conservation efforts and land stewardship, along with advocacy for ethical hunting practices.

Stacy is a life member of SCI, Texas Trophy Hunters Association and other hunting organizations, and has traveled internationally with her parents, Russell and Mary Edith Stacy, to enjoy the outdoors and experience hunts and safaris around the nation and the world.

“Kaylee has many impressive accomplishments and contributions to the hunting industry and conservation efforts,” wrote Chris Clark, chapter president of the SCI’s Texas Brush Country chapter. “Her dedication to volunteering and (her) hunting achievements across different continents are commendable, especially at such a young age. It is clear she is a well-rounded individual with achievements in academics and extracurricular activities.”

Richard Kennedy III, president of the Louisiana Acadiana SCI Chapter, also cited Stacy’s commitment to volunteering and community service.

“I am perhaps most impressed that when asked about her favorite adventure, she pointed to a trip to Zimbabwe because of the opportunity to introduce Africa to family friends and visit a local school with supplies,” he said. “Beyond hunting, Kaylee is a quite accomplished young lady. She carries an excellent GPA in honors classes, is a student leader and competes in sports for her school. She is a very talented musician and was the first chair in her school’s orchestra.

“Kaylee represents the very bright future of the hunting conservation world, and we are lucky to have her,” said Kennedy.

The 2005 SCI Young Hunter Award recipient, Will Ellison, cited some of the accolades Stacy has earned in her teenage years.

“She has achieved many youth hunting and trophy awards including the coveted Colin Caruthers Young Hunter of the Year from the Dallas Safari Club, the Trophy Game Records Youth Huntress of the Year, and multiple SCI top tens including one major award,” wrote Ellison in his endorsement. “We wish there were more young women like her getting involved in the community and promoting the benefits of hunting.”

Along with hunts in Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania and other states, Stacy and her parents have enjoyed hunting expeditions and experiences in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Canada and Europe. She has taken trophy animals such as the Pronghorn Antelope, Nile Lechwe, Dybowski Sika Deer, mountain lion, Chobe Bushbuck, Chinese Blue Sheep, Rocky Mountain Elk, the Texas Dall Sheep and the Nubian Ibex.

“I hope that five years from now I am still doing what I love – hunting and working side-by-side with industry leaders in the conservation field,” she wrote in her application packet for the prestigious award.

Stacy is on pace to be a high-ranking member of the NCHS Class of 2024 and is closing in on making her college choice while staying involved in school and community activities.

“I have deep roots in this town, having spent my entire life here, and it would be a profound honor to represent the place I’ve called home since childhood. Throughout my journey, I’ve actively engaged with our community, formerly 10 years working with law enforcement as a civil defense deputy and correctional officer, 15 years in management, and 38 years of ministry have instilled a genuine love for people. I believe my experiences uniquely position me as a valuable asset to Natchitoches. I am passionate about bringing innovative ideas to the table and envisioning a city that progresses forward. One of our city’s enduring challenges has been creating an environment where both youth and adults feel a sense of belonging, free from the shadows of crime and fear. I am determined to revitalize the atmosphere we once enjoyed during our formative years, a time when sitting outside was carefree, devoid of concerns about drive-by shootings and drug-related crime.”

“As a candidate, I see rebuilding trust in local government as pivotal. The community must believe that their best interests are at the forefront of our decision-making. I am confident that the residents of Natchitoches will recognize my genuine commitment to this cause.

Above all, my candidacy is fueled by a profound love for Natchitoches—my home. I firmly believe that our local government has the potential to achieve much more than what is currently presented to us. I am confident that my leadership and organizational skills that I have will allow me to fulfill my platform of public trust, city-wide safety, economic development, and community development.

With a reputation for honesty, fairness in all my dealings with people, and a willingness to serve, I am committed to utilizing these qualities to make a positive impact. I will be dedicated to working diligently with citizens and community leaders to make our historic city a thriving hub of progress, fostering unity, implementing innovative solutions, and preserving the rich heritage that defines us. Together, we can build a future that reflects the aspirations and dreams of every resident, ensuring Natchitoches remains a place we are proud to call home.

Your support and engagement are crucial, and I look forward to connecting with you in the coming weeks to discuss our shared vision. Please consider electing me as your next Mayor.”
I can be reached at (318) 471-0029.

“Working Together To Better Our Community”

I prayerfully ask for your support and vote during early voting (March 9-16) and Election Day on March 23, 2024.

Sincerely,
James Below, Jr.
Candidate for Mayor #25
Email: jamesbelowjrformayor@gmail.com
Facebook.com/electjamesbelowjr
Website: jamesbelowjrformay.wixsite.com/electjames

Paid for by the James Below Jr for Mayor Campaign

The LA Regents Region 6 LaSTEM Center, hosted by NSU’s Alexandria campus at England Airpark, was joined by their fellow centers in Regions 3 and 8 in hosting the 2024 “Find the Recipe for Rural STEM” at the Megashelter south of Alexandria Friday. February 8. The event was attended by over 1,400 students from schools throughout central Louisiana. The youngsters got to see displays, demonstrations and try hands-on educational activities from over 27 agencies, colleges, and firms.

The annual event is just one of many initiatives sponsored by the LaSTEM centers to spark an interest in the sciences, math, and engineering among our state’s young minds. Students from Northwestern State University’s Nursing, Allied Health, Math and Sciences departments took time away from their studies to share their enthusiasm about what they do with the young men and women attending. Much of LaSTEM’s mission is to show our state’s young people possibilities they may not have realized. Those NSU students and faculties’ love of their subjects was obvious. They were superb ambassadors for their university and subject areas.

The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts likewise brought a table of sharp young people, including former NCHS student Diamond Smith. The LSMSA students showed their young visitors a row of microscopes with everything from bread mold to insect legs to see under magnification.

It was a joy to watch faculty, industry leaders and college students that have an obvious passion for what they do share that knowledge and passion with our area’s young people.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that, weather permitting, on Monday, Feb. 12 at 7 am, portions of LA 107, LA 114, LA 3191, LA 486, LA 496, LA 116, LA 1207, and LA 488 located in Avoyelles, Natchitoches, and Rapides Parishes will have alternating lane closures. This construction project is expected to be completed by July 2024.

This construction project consists of sign replacements, pavement striping, rumble strips and related work.

This contract was awarded to Nation Services Company, Inc. in the amount of $2,043,521.05.

Permit/Detour section
There are no detours at this time associated with these alternating lane closures.

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

Additional Information
Call (318) 561-5100 or (800) 542-3509 or 511 or visit www.511LA.org for additional information. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, the Way to Geaux Application for iPhone or Android devices, the DOTD Facebook page or the LA DOTD Twitter page, @Alex_Traffic for further information and details.

There is an old country song that Neil McCoy sang in 2005 called, “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On”. The song characterizes a down on his luck man who has been dumped by his girlfriend and he takes his heartbreak to the nearest bar to drown his sorrows in several beers. After guzzling quite a few too many, everyone looks beautiful to him. Everything looks like fun, including fighting.

The country song was so popular that radio stations during that time played it non-stop. It was one of those songs that lived on in your mind for days at a time. The video even featured a famous comedian who made it all the funnier. The term “beer goggles” was boosted to stardom and it became the household word of the year. It even became a scapegoat for poor behavior.

My beer goggles made me do it……

The past few weeks have been a trying time for me personally. Every time I would find myself getting upset or angry, I would forcibly remind myself to look at people through the lens of Jesus because my lenses were absolutely fogged. This wasn’t an enjoyable exercise by any stretch of the imagination. My personal lenses saw people as imperfect sinners who God must be just as mad at as I was. You know… because God always takes our side, right? My goggles can totally pick out what you are doing wrong. Sometimes my goggles are not kind at all.

My prayers began to plead with the Lord that I would see people as he sees them. One night while I was praying, or possibly complaining, I told the Lord to lend me his goggles so I could see people like he does. Jesus Goggles.

What if we consistently saw people through Jesus goggles instead of our own Judge Judy goggles? What would our world be like if we chose Jesus goggles over our sinful goggles?

What if Jesus just saw lowly fishermen and not fishers of men when he “happened” upon Simon Peter and Andrew?

What if Jesus had completely walked the other way when he saw the Samaritan woman at the well during the middle of the day?

What if Jesus had not stooped down to write a message in the dirt with his finger and allowed the Pharisees to stone an adulterous woman?

What if Jesus had decided not washed the feet of his disciples…including his betrayer?

What is Jesus saw unclean men with a dreaded disease and decided he wanted no part of it…the lepers would not have been healed?

So many amazing miracles never would have happened had Jesus saw people for what they were. Sinners. Boy, I sure am eternally grateful that Jesus sees me through his goggles and not my foggy ones.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this while we were still sinners Christ died for us”.
Romans 5:8

The Northwestern State baseball team’s battery powered its way to preseason Southland Conference honors.

Junior starting pitcher Chase Prestwich and senior catcher Bo Willis were named second-team Preseason All-Southland Conference on Thursday morning after a vote of league coaches and sports information directors.

Willis repeated as a preseason all-conference selection after entering the 2023 season as the first-team preseason selection. In two seasons with the Demons, Willis has batted .257 with 15 home runs and 69 RBIs.

A Magnolia, Texas, native, Willis enters the 2024 season eight home runs shy of entering the NSU career top 10 and is the Demons’ active career leader in games played, at-bats, hits, RBIs, runs scored, home runs, double and walks.

Prestwich emerged as the Demons’ most versatile pitcher a season ago.

A two-time Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week, Prestwich went 4-4 with a pair of saves across 21 appearances (eight starts). He picked up his second save of the season in the Demons’ first-round Southland Conference Tournament victory against UIW – Northwestern State’s first tournament victory since 2018.

A right-hander from Frederick, Colorado, Prestwich finished the season ranked 95^th nationally in fewest hits allowed per nine innings at 7.55. He ranked third in the Southland in fewest hits allowed (52) and tied for second in fewest home runs allowed (4).

The Demons, who were chosen eighth in the preseason poll that also was announced Thursday, open the first season of the Chris Bertrand era at home against Southern Illinois on Feb. 16. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+.

Coming back home is just what the doctor ordered for the Northwestern State tennis team. 

NSU (2-2) has won back-to-back contests at home after losing its first two on the road. The Lady Demons aim to continue their home dominance as they play their third match of long 12-match homestand against Sam Houston on Friday. 

The match begins at 11 a.m. at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. 

NSU is coming off a pair of home wins this past weekend against LSU-Alexandria and Southern Miss. 

“I want to see our girls execute what we are practicing,” head coach Marcos Morelli said. “We have been working a lot in doubles and we are executed to show what we have in that aspect.” 

Ayu Ishibashi is continuing right where she left off last season. She is 3-1 in singles at the No. 4 position. She cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win over Southern Miss, putting up the first point for the Lady Demons to get the ball rolling en route to the victory. 

Sofi Garcia has been a dominant force on the court in the No. 5 position. She defeated Southern Miss, Angelia Blinova, 6-4, 6-2. 

Freshman Sara Erenda, showed her toughness against USM, clinching the match for the Lady Demons in a three-set thriller when the Golden Eagles were trying to fight their way back. 

Erenda dominated her first set 6-1, before dropping the second 6-3. Entering the third Erenda was down 4-3 before winning 3 consecutive games to give her the 6-4 win to earn NSU the 4-1 triumph. 

Paige Wise, a junior from South Africa, picked up her first singles win of the season against LSU-Alexandria, 6-1, 6-4. Her match against Southern Miss went unfinished. 

“All my matches are really tough, it’s a higher level,” said Wise. “But that’s what I like. I like being out there and competing.” 

The Lady Demons are going head-to-head with Sam Houston for the first time since the 2021 season, where NSU lost 6-1. 

Northwestern State leads the Bearkats 34-4 in overall wins. 

Sam Houston (3-1) has wins against Prairie View (twice) and UT Tyler, but lost a close 4-3 match last time out at Texas State. 

The Bearkats are led by junior Megan Basson. Basson was the number one singles player for Sam Houston the past two seasons. She posted a 25-16 career singles record. 

Linn Svaerd, a sophomore from Sweden, won the Aramark SHSU Invitational D Flight singles championship in the fall. 

Following the match, NSU wraps up the weekend by welcoming South Alabama to Natchitoches for a 10 a.m. first serve.

District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today the sentencing in a homicide case. Darrion Simmons, 22 of Campti, pleaded guilty on Feb. 1 to one count of manslaughter in the 10th Judicial District Court. As a result of the guilty plea, District Court Judge Desiree Dyess sentenced Simmons to an agreed upon 17 years of incarceration at hard labor. The case stems from a 2022 incident where Simmons and the victim were involved in an altercation resulting in Simmons shooting and killing the victim. Assistant District Attorney Cloyd Benjamin Jr. prosecuted the case.