On Sunday, January 12, 1969, the editorial cartoon in The State, the daily newspaper from Columbia, S.C., was of a young colt smiling and stomping on a jet that was grounded and broken in two.

Both the colt and the airliner had on little helmets with the logos of the teams they were representing.

That’s how most people figured that day’s Super Bowl III would end, with Baltimore’s Colts of the NFL beating New York’s Jets of the AFL by five or six touchdowns — although the official betting line was 18.

Of course, cocky 25-year-old Joe Namath and the Jets beat Baltimore, 16-7, in Miami. Baltimore’s quarterbacks played a bigger role than Namath: Earl Morrall and Johnny U. combined for four interceptions, two in the end zone and one at the goal line.

The great defensive lineman Fred Miller of Homer, LSU and the Colts, passed away at 82 last February and said until the end that it was that loss to the Jets that troubled him the most, made him angry whenever he thought about it.

I remember it because it was Super Bowl I to me, the first Super Bowl that activates any memory. My pre-10-year-old brain had not been able to register Green Bay’s sweep of Super Bowls I and II.

It was a big year for a kid in a Carolina farming town of 750 to begin realizing that the world expanded beyond Myrtle Beach and Columbia. New York was, I figured, the only team that got to win titles: the Jets won, the Mets beat Baltimore, and the Knicks beat the Los Angeles Lakers that year. 

Two more things about 1969. That Super Bowl III lit some sort of sports fire in me, expanded everything. The Baltimore Orioles and their Arkansas third baseman, Brooks Robinson, became my baseball team, and the Birds being upset by the Miracle Mets that October taught me at an early age a bit about love and loss.

The other thing: Willis Reed from Lincoln Parish, who passed away in March of last year at 80, was a bad, bad man (in a good, good way). The former Grambling star limped onto the court before what many call the Greatest Game 7 Ever Played in NBA history, and his inspiring return from injury was the shot the Knicks needed to demolish the visiting Lakers that day to win the title in Madison Square Garden, back when the Garden was Eden. That scene was probably a lot more dynamic in person than on our little black-and-while Sylvania. Or was it a Philco …?

Sports matter.

If you are a sports fan and, like me, nearing the time when Medicare and Social Security are things your friends are reminding you to familiarize yourself with, you can remember when you could recite every Super Bowl matchup, along with the score and where it was played. 

I can’t do that anymore. (New Orleans 31, Indianapolis 17 in Miami, 2010, is an exception.)

Used to, the game was the thing. It was actually a really big deal. Halftime shows for Super Bowls I and II were Grambling’s “World Famed Tiger Marching Band,” a bad, bad band (in a good, good way). Today, halftime is an “extravaganza,” the commercials are more anticipated than the contest, and the pregame show is longer than the game. Today it’s Super Bowl parties and prop bets.

Which is fine. Things change. And they needed to. Fred Miller and Willis Reed were the best at what they did, and they had off-season jobs. 

Still fun to remember, though. 

Last year, Kansas City beat Philadelphia, 38-35. Great game (I think; had to look it up to remember. Insert confused-face emoji here.) Sunday in Las Vegas, San Francisco is a two-point favorite over Kansas City, an organization playing it its fourth Super Bowl in five seasons. 

This bureau will pull for KC because L’Jarius Sneed of Minden and Louisiana Tech plays cornerback for them. If he plays as he has all season, maybe he’ll give us something fun to remember. No matter what, it’s a better bet we’ll be talking about either halftime or a commercial.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

We are writing to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community during the recent fundraiser for Ms. Kristie Davis. The outpouring of compassion and financial contributions has made a significant impact on Kristie’s journey toward healing after the domestic violence incident. The overwhelming support has not only raised essential funds but also fostered a sense of unity within our community.

We appreciate everyone’s commitment to highlighting important local issues and rallying support for those in need. The community’s role in promoting this cause has made a meaningful difference, and we are immensely grateful for your partnership in creating positive change. We are happy to announce that we raised over $25,000 for Kristie’s healing journey.

Thank you again for standing with us in support of Ms. Kristie Davis. Additionally, we would like to express gratitude to individuals who dedicated their time and efforts to make an event a success.

Pictured left to right:  Tracy Maxey, Katy Palmer, Marvin Davis, Judy Davis, Kristie Davis, Dewayne George, Ricky LaCaze, Barbara Roberts, Mike Rachal, John Abraham, and Shelby Borders. Not pictured:  Kilita Jones, Mike Jones, Angela Jenkins, Geraldine Clark, Kelly Krouse, Regina Robertson, James Maxey & Mike Casey.

Age, I’ve always been told, is just a number. But the older I get,
advancing to whatever number is next, my feelings change on certain topics.

Now headed into my mid 60s, one thing that has suddenly changed is my level
of patience. All of the sudden the man who had little to no patience, has
the patience of Job (whatever that means). Father Time, as some call it, has
a way of adjusting your attitude. You begin to look at life a little
differently and appreciate whatever amount of time you have left.

As an athlete growing up, you think you’ll always be able to leap tall
buildings with a single bound. You’ll always be as fast as anyone on the
field. But then the day comes when someone tells you that you’re no longer
good enough to play the game. All that time and energy you spent developing
skills that made you the player you were is now a distant memory.

Bass tournament fishing is the one sport that allows you to compete at a
high level even into your late 70s as Jimmy Houston, Tommy Martin, and Rick
Clunn have all proven. It’s a sport where, in many cases, age can make you
better as you continue to gain more knowledge. Or does it?

Like most sports, age is usually the determining factor that sends us home
to relax in our Lazy-Boy or dust off our old trophies. For a bass tournament
angler, I’ve learned over the years that tournament fishing really is a
young man’s sport. It’s so draining with all the travel, practice and
speaking engagements. During my 30s and 40s, there was a time when I would
pre-fish from daylight ‘til dark.

Rain, shine, sleet or snow, my boat was in the water looking for bass as I
prepared for my next event. Then around the age of 55, my competitive fire
and perspective began to change. No longer was it as important as it was
when I was 35 to go out and try to win a tournament. My priorities changed
as other areas of my life became more important and I was happy just to get
a check. If I finished in the money, I was perfectly happy.   

Simply put, I still wanted to win, but my desire has waned over the years
when it came to braving the elements and fishing on those days when it was
hotter than Hades or colder than the Arctic Circle. I just wasn’t as mad at
them (bass) as I used to be!

At the same time, other things in my life began to interfere with my desire
to be on the water. My priorities changed and it became more about the
friendships and camaraderie with the guys I traveled with. It’s sitting on
the water before takeoff watching a beautiful sunrise and visiting with
other anglers, some who were friends and others who were competitors. I love
fishing when the conditions are good, and temperatures are mild. Yes, that’s
right — I am now one of those fair-weather anglers that I used to make fun
of.

Back in the day, I didn’t care how hot or cold it was because I wanted to
beat every angler that backed a boat in the water. My competitive fire was
very high during my early years. After a tough tournament, I was an
emotional wreck on some of those long drives home asking and critiquing
myself on what went wrong and how could I learn from it. This is how anglers
get better! You have to be able to be honest with yourself and recognize
your mistakes whether they’re physical or mental.

One great thing about the sport of tournament bass fishing is you never
stop learning from your first day on the water until the day you load the
boat on the trailer for the last time. It’s a constantly evolving sport no
matter how good you are. But if you ever stop learning and gaining
knowledge, that’s when you’re no longer relevant in the bass tournament
world.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt, set the hook!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Richard L. Taylor, husband, father, teacher, and Episcopal priest, died at age 90 on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. 

Richard was born in Corbin, Kentucky and educated at Piedmont College, Georgia, East Carolina University, and University of the South at Sewanee.  He served as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Natchitoches from 1982-1998. 

He loved traveling the world with his wife, Mele, especially to her home country, England.

Richard touched many lives through his teaching, preaching, and storytelling.  He said many times that his fondest memories were his days as teacher and headmaster in the Hawaiian Islands as well as a teacher St. Mary’s High School in Natchitoches.

Richard is survived by his wife, Marilyn Hedges Taylor, daughters Leila Taylor Whelan and husband, David, Emma Taylor Reeves and husband, Wayne, and Maile Taylor and her partner, Brenda; sons Jared Taylor and Seth Taylor and his exchange student “sons”, Alexei Nekrasa of Ukraine, and Tomas Maroul, and Karel and Antonin Kastner of the Czech Republic.  He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

There will be no funeral or memorial service; however, in Richard’s memory, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Rotary Student of the Month St. Mary’s High School Senior Anna Claire Thibodaux was introduced by St. Mary’s Principal Stephen Wren at the Feb. 6 Rotary luncheon. Thibodaux will graduate in May and attend the University of Louisiana Monroe and major in English. Pictured from left are Rotary President Joe Sers, Wren, Thibodaux, mother Nina Thibodaux, father Dr. James Thibodaux, and Student of the Month Coordinator Jessica Broadway (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

BOM donated to the Ladies’ Daisy Group to help fund an endowment with the Northwestern State University Foundation. The endowment will provide scholarships for Natchitoches Parish young women who attend NSU. Pictured left to right: Gayle Howell and BOM’s Claire Mayeaux.

Charges have been upgraded on a Fairview Alpha man in connection with a hit & run crash involving a pedestrian on US-71 in Campti on Friday afternoon according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The victim remains in a regional trauma center.

On Friday afternoon, February 2, 2024 at approximately 3:18pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau, Campti Police and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a hit & run crash involving a pedestrian on US-71 near the Campti Bayou Road in Campti, La.

Deputies arrived on scene finding a male on the shoulder of the road suffering from what appeared to be life-threatening injuries.

The victim, identified as a 27-year-old Natchitoches man was transported from the scene by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Airport and airlifted to a regional trauma center with serious life-threatening injuries.

Deputies notified next-of-kin but withheld the victim’s name for the privacy of family members.

Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau and High Tech Crime Unit responded to the scene.

Detectives said they in the early stages of the investigation, they have learned through sources and witnesses, that what appeared to be a dark blue or black Chevrolet HHR was traveling southbound on US-71 within the city limits of Campti when the vehicle veered onto the southbound shoulder striking the pedestrian.

The vehicle then fled the scene traveling southbound on US-71. Some reports say the vehicle may have turned and traveled northbound following the crash.

Deputies believed the vehicle sustained damages to the right roof area, windshield and possibly the hood and front end area.

At 6:00pm, detectives were still processing the crime scene, which included taking photographs and measurements. Detectives were also searching for any evidence at the scene that may assist them in the investigation.

Other deputies combed the Campti area searching for the vehicle.

On Friday evening, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies issued a social media post with the image of the suspect vehicle and utilized media outlets, Crime Stoppers of Natchitoches and law enforcement bulletins to request the public’s assistance.

Throughout the night, NATCOM 911 Center and detectives began receiving tips on a person of interest based on our social media post, media outlet broadcasts and other sources.

Detectives decided not to release the suspect’s name at that point due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

On Saturday morning, February 3, 2024, shortly after 5:00am, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau stopped a dark colored Chevrolet HHR on La. Hwy 480 north of the International Paper-Red River Mill in the Fairview Alpha area.

Deputies say the vehicle had damage consistent with information learned through law enforcement sources and witnesses on Friday afternoon.

The operator of the vehicle, identified as 21-year-old Cole D. Jones, of Fairview Alpha, La., was arrested and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with DWI.

Deputies also obtained a search warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge to collect DWI evidence.

The vehicle was seized as evidence and stored at a secured undisclosed location.

Detectives continued the investigation releasing only limited information to the public while they interviewed potential witnesses, gathered facts and other evidence.

On Monday morning, February 5, 2024, defectives interviewed Jones at the NPSO High Tech Criminal Investigations Bureau where he allegedly confessed to the hit & run, then fled to the Alexandria area, then returned during the early morning hours and was stopped by NPSO Deputies on La. Hwy 480.

As a result of the investigation and in addition to his original charge of DWI, Cole D. Jones was returned to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, booked and charged with:

*Hit & Run
*First Degree Vehicular Negligent injury.

Jones remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

Sheriff Wright wishes to thank the public for their tips, media outlets, and Crime Stoppers of Natchitoches for their assistance during this investigation. Our patrol bureau, public information office and detectives worked tirelessly throughout this investigation to make an arrest in this case which is believed to have been caused by the negligence of an impaired driver.

We extend our prayers to the victim’s family and hope for a full recovery.

If you have any information, contact Detective Michael Giannone, Case Agent, at 318-521-0194.

Notice to Natchitoches Parish Citizens that received a summons for Jury Duty for February 5th:

All citizen’s that received a summons for Jury Service that was originally for February 5th are given notice that the proceedings will take place Tuesday February 6th at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse at 9:00 AM.

Remember there are no cell phones allowed in the Courtroom.

Thanks for your service to Natchitoches Parish and the 10th Judicial District.

David Stamey
Clerk of Court Natchitoches Parish
318-352-8152

The Natchitoches Parish School district received a bomb threat on Feb. 5 regarding Natchitoches Junior High School. The bomb threat was specifically targeted at the bathrooms on campus.

All students were immediately moved to the football field and local law enforcement conducted a search in all bathrooms, classrooms, and hallways. Law enforcement thoroughly searched the campus and gave the all clear within the hour.

Students were outside for approximately one hour and were monitored closely by NJH faculty and staff, including resource officers. Students returned safely to class after the investigation was concluded.

NPSB officials would like to thank the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for conducting their investigation thoroughly and ensuring the safety of all students and staff. Student safety continues to be NPSB’s greatest responsibility and NPSB officials will always act accordingly when a threat is made against a campus.

Northwestern State University’s Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library is joining libraries from around the state in a program to encourage litter abatement in Louisiana.  Students and faculty with a campus ID can check out clean-up kits with vests, litter grabbers, trash bags and instructions to clean up litter. 

The program, presented by Keep Louisiana Beautiful is labeled “Get Down and Clean Up:  2-Step Your Way to Keep Louisiana Beautiful.”  The slogan reads, “See Some Litter?  Get Down On It.”

Program materials encourage students to “Do a little dance while you pick up litter and share your photos on social media with #GetDownandCleanUp.”

Keep Louisiana Beautiful launched the Clean Up Supplies Loaner Library Program in partnership with the Louisiana state libraries in January. There are currently 33 libraries, including Natchitoches Parish Library, from all over the state signed up for the program.  KLB will supply any local library with free clean-up supply kits.

According to KLB, the program could make a huge impact on communities.  NSU is an affiliate university of Keep Louisiana Beautiful. 

The deadline to sign up for the program is Feb. 10.  Sign up is available at https://www.cognitoforms.com/KeepLouisianaBeautiful1/KLBLibraryCleanUpSupplyLoanerProgramApplication.

For more information, contact Aundi Brown at klb@keeplouisianabeautiful.org or call (318) 237-1945

In 2020, a challenging year globally, an unfamiliar and deadly virus swept through our nation, leading to lockdowns. In our small town, 2020 marked an election year for the mayoral position. Faced with the uncertainty of whether I would be re-elected or a new person would assume the role, it became another challenging aspect in an already difficult year. Despite my deep love and passion for both the town and the cherished position, I lost the re-election to our current Mayor, Ronnie Williams. The transition coincided with another tough moment for Natchitoches – Hurricane Laura.

Fast forward to 2024, we are in another election year for the mayoral position. In the past week, I’ve come across statements in print and Mayor Williams’ recent speech, claiming I ‘abandoned’ the mayor’s office, leaving him to struggle during Hurricane Laura’s approach to Natchitoches. This memo is meant to Set the Record Straight.

These recent statements are entirely untrue. Integrity is a core aspect of my character, and I feel compelled to address and correct any misrepresentations of my actions. In fact, I possess notes and documentation affirming that Mayor Williams and I engaged in a thorough and compassionate discussion about the office turnover. Recognizing the hurricane’s impending arrival during the turnover week, I offered him the choice of starting before or after. I was prepared to stay and “weather” the storm with the community. Seizing the chance to fortify his new role, Ronnie Williams opted to assume mayoral duties a few days ahead of the storm, beginning on Tuesday, August 25th. In alignment with his decision, I handed over my keys on Monday, August 24th. During our conversation, I also expressed my willingness to advise and assist him in any way necessary. He NEVER called.

It is evident that this is not an abandonment of office. The accompanying picture, posted on August 17th, 2020, speaks volumes. Mayor Williams shared this image on his Facebook page (Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr), captioned ‘smooth transition in the works!,’ further confirming the collaborative and planned nature of the transition.

I find it ironic that the accusation of ‘abandoning the office of Mayor’ arises only now, after 3.5 years, amidst another mayoral race. Integrity is fundamental to my character. My love for Natchitoches runs deep from corner to corner of this town. I DID NOT and WOULD NEVER abandon the community I have provided decades of service to in one fashion or another. Should I be re-elected as your Mayor I will be steadfast in protecting and leading our community into the future with experience and integrity that matters.

Thank you for allowing me to Set the Record Straight.

Lee Posey, served as Natchitoches Mayor 2012 – 2020

Paid for by the Lee Posey for Mayor Campaign

The Northwestern State track and field teams added another veteran voice in the room with the addition of Lon Badeaux, head coach Mike Heimerman announced Monday.

Badeaux, who retired as the head coach from UL Lafayette in November, will serve as the jumps coach for NSU, replacing Richard Fisher, who accepted an assistant coach position at Michigan State.

The veteran brings nearly 25 years of coaching experience, serving as the head coach for ULL for the previous 12 seasons and head coach at Arkansas State the four years prior to heading to ULL.

“After retiring from head coach, I was honestly unsure of what I wanted to do,” Badeaux said. “But after the support and comments from past athletes saying how much I touched their lives, I realized that coaching was still in my future.

“When this job opened, the appeal of working with such high-level coaches as Coach Mike (Heimerman) and Coach Adam (Pennington) and with such a high-quality team, I knew it was something I had to pursue. I am honored to work for Northwestern State and thank everyone who has given me this chance.”

In his 12 seasons at UL Lafayette, Badeaux coached 17 All-Americans, including three-time All-American Albert Fournette and two-time All-Americans Jasmine Manuel and Maria Bienvenu.

He also coached Morgann Leleux, the 2016 NCAA DI runner-up in the women’s pole vault and alternate on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.

Overall, Badeaux coached 75 Sun Belt Conference champions as well as 279 All-Sun Belt Conference selections in his time as the head man with the Ragin’ Cajuns.

“I am very excited to add a coach with the knowledge and experience that Lon has,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “When I found out that I needed to replace Richard, who I am very happy for getting a power 5 job, it was a little scary to try and fill a position 3-4 weeks before the season starts. But I think we found a great fit with Lon. He knows the state and region for recruiting, has some international connections for recruiting and is a solid coach that knows the events we need to be coached.”

During his tenure, Badeaux was named LSWA Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year twice as well as being named the Sun Belt Conference Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year in 2012 in his first season with the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Prior to his time in Lafayette, he spent four seasons as the head coach at Arkansas State after being an assistant at ASU from 2000-11.

While at ASU, he was part of its 2006 men’s indoor Sun Belt Conference championship team and was the interim head coach when student-athlete James Jenkins was named an All-American after placing fourth in the triple jump at the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

Overall, he coached 69 Sun Belt Conference champions, 53 regional qualifiers and 19 national qualifiers with the Red Wolves. Seven student-athletes were named All-Americans under his tutelage, while one more competed in the Olympics.

Badeaux was named runner-up for the 2004 Mondo National Assistant Coach of the Year for jumps and multi-events by the USA Track and Field Coaches for Division I-A. He was also named to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Committee for scheduling.

A graduate of UL Lafayette, he competed on the track team, setting the indoor and outdoor records in the pole vault at 17-7 and 17-5, respectively, which stood for 14 years.

In 1996, he was an All-American following a third-place finish in the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Badeaux earned his bachelor’s degree from UL Lafayette in 1996 and his master’s from Arkansas State in 1999.

The NSU track and field teams continue their indoor season with a trip to Lubbock, Texas, for the Jarvis Scott Open on Friday.

The Natchitoches Central softball team notched a couple of 3-2 victories
Monday, topping district rival Parkway and Winnfield in a pair of
four-inning games.

Sydney Terrell was a standout for NCHS, now 3-0. In the victory over
Winnfield, she threw all four innings, striking out five and scattering four
hits. After Lila Robertson plated the game’s first run with a single in the
first inning, Terrell followed with a two-run homer that proved to be the
difference.

Winnfield got back-to-back doubles and scored twice in the third inning, but
Terrell got a strikeout to end the threat and preserve the lead. She and the
NCHS defense set down the Lady Tigers in order in the final inning.

Against Parkway, Terrell contributed an RBI double. Skylar Braxton added a
run-scoring single and Bre Hale scored the decisive run on a wild pitch.

Ehren Guidroz struck out five and allowed only two hits in three innings in
the circle. Sydni Jones earned a save by pitching the fourth inning and
keeping Parkway at bay.

Northwestern State University Athletics and Department of Military Science honored members of the U.S. Armed Services with Military Appreciation Day during the basketball doubleheader Feb. 3.  Select honorees were Ted Duggan, his son Ted Duggan II and Staff Sgt. Richard Spikes.

After commissioning through NSU’s ROTC Program in 1957, Ted Duggan Sr. was an Air Defense Artilleryman and achieved the rank of captain while serving at various missile sites in West Germany.  At Northwestern, he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma and Lambda Zeta Fraternities and performed with the College Singers.  He was the Gulf States Conference High Jump Champion in 1956 and was inducted in Northwestern’s N Club later that year. 

Ted Duggan II also commissioned through NSU’s ROTC program and served 15 years as an Infantryman.  He achieved the rank of major and was selected for company command four times, which is unheard of today.  In addition to numerous awards and decorations, he holds the Expert Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge.  At Northwestern, Duggan II was a member of the President’s Leadership Program and the Blue Key National Honor Society.  He served on the Black Knights Drill Team, was the Cadet Battalion Commander, and a Distinguished Military Graduate.  Continuing to serve, he is the Personnel Officer for the Demon Regiment, ROTC’s alumni organization.

Spikes is a Senior Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officer for the Louisiana Army National Guard. In his 13 years of military service, he has trained as a Recruiter, Utilities Equipment Repairer, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, and an Automated Logistics Specialist.  He has completed Master Resiliency Training and the Basic and Senior Leaders Courses.  Spikes, a native of Georgetown, has served as a youth pastor for over 10 years.  He partners with NSU’s ROTC program and is available to answer questions about serving in the Louisiana Army National Guard. His office is in the Military Science Building across from Turpin Stadium.

Information on NSU’s ROTC program is available at https://www.nsula.edu/rotc/. 

The City of Natchitoches announces that, weather permitting, roadside drainage work will begin during the week of Feb. 5 on Carver Street from the intersection of Williams Avenue to the intersection of East Fifth Street.

This work, which consists of side-drain pipe replacement at selected locations and grading and shaping roadside ditches, is part of the City’s 2023-24 Street Rehabilitation Program, and will be followed by base reconstruction and placement of new asphalt surfacing on this street.

It is not anticipated that the drainage work will necessitate the complete closure of the street, but recurring lane closures will be necessary.  Motorists are urged to obey all warning signs and flagger instructions when traveling through this workzone.

This roadside drainage work is expected to last two to three weeks, weather permitting. 

For more information, please contact Mr. Nick Verret, City Engineer, at (318) 352-3877.

By Doug De Graffenried

What are you giving up for Lent?

Some members of the family of God can answer that one quickly. They are members of a body of Christ known as a “High Church” or a “Liturgical Church.” The other congregations that don’t follow the liturgical calendar are known as “Low Church.” I’m not sure where that designation came from, but it is slightly nonsensical. 

This might help you. Lent is “is the solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year commemorating the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry. In its modern manifestation, we talk about preparing our hearts to meet the resurrected Jesus on Easter Sunday. We use Lent to make room for Jesus.

One of the ways people prepare during Lent is to “give up” something or “add” some spiritual discipline to their daily schedules. I have seen these projects run the gamut. Some of the Lenten disciplines are heart transforming. Sometimes Lenten practices become lifelong habits. There is another side to this Lenten discipline thing.

Some people use Lent as a do-over for New Year’s Resolutions which didn’t work out. Some people have discovered they can give up making New Year’s resolutions for Lent. Others I have known, give up candy, chocolate, or other pleasures. I usually give up King Cake for Lent!

The way we talk about Lent points to a flaw in our Christian thinking. We talk about Lent with project language. The season has a starting date, an ending date, and clear, quantifiable goals “to accomplish” in between. After Easter we evaluate Lent with project language. We “did okay” or “only made it two weeks” or “kept our commitment” or “totally failed.”

I want to suggest that our faith is following Jesus. That we need to practice the idea of sojourn. A “sojourn” is a “temporary place to stay.” Faith as a sojourn is about being in the presence of Jesus. It is not about being productive or finishing a project. It is about being with Him.

I hope you have a spiritual discipline that you are practicing during Lent. If so, the sojourn idea would remind you that spiritual disciplines do not transform, they are opportunities to open our lives to the Holy Spirt, who transforms.

Following Jesus is about starting, stopping, and staying as He leads us. We are so goal oriented in following Jesus, that I sometimes wonder if we are not wearing spiritual pedometers and are keeping up with the steps we have taken while following Him. I know that somewhere a budding philanthropist has designed a Spiritual Growth Chart. You get it in the App store!

Maybe you need the words of Jesus on this matter.  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 

What if Lent is all about resting in Jesus while being with Him?

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

The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m. for the Central LA region (District 08). The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

Location:

Pineville City Hall

Council Meeting Room

910 Main Street

Pineville, LA 71360

District 08 (Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn Parishes)

Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 24-25 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.

All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.

The opportunity to listen to the meeting via Zoom will be provided online at bit.ly/3ukgw6h

Suffice it to say that I have been asked more than a few times about my decision to enter the “political arena” and run for City of Natchitoches Councilman-at-Large.

The four-word answer “I believe in Natchitoches” speaks to a deep belief and passion for our city to maximize its potential. Natchitoches has assets and challenges (see GregBurke.net for details). The focus must be on enhancing what is good and mitigating the not-so-good.

This city is special, and I want to see it stay that way. When first moving to Natchitoches in 1985, downtown business windows were covered with plywood, university enrollment was below 3,000 and there was little that aesthetically stood out (unlike now with an Events Center, Sports Hall of Fame Museum, downtown condos and hotels, a unique and intimate riverbank stage with amphitheater seating, and more).

For perspective, I have spent most of the past 40 years in Natchitoches. Even during a four-and-a-half-year hiatus for an athletic administration job in college athletics close to my hometown in Ohio, my Natchitoches native and sweet wife Susu scheduled several trips a year back down south. NSU students have been heard to say that Natchitoches “draws them back in” and I get it. The chance to move back to the City of Lights and take a dream job as Athletic Director at NSU in 1996 was an easy decision. Despite other opportunities presenting themselves through the years, I did not leave and instead, stayed in a place which means everything to me.

I am prepared and enthusiastic about potentially helping lead Natchitoches to greater heights. The word “helping” is intentional – I have consistently said that as Councilman-at-Large, making change and progress would not/could not be a one-person effort. Rather, I would collaborate with the mayor, other council members, and most importantly, the people of Natchitoches to make our town one which is admired and respected from the inside and outside.

Finally, I have been blessed to develop friendships and connections in all corners of Natchitoches and will be engaging those individuals for input and feedback because that epitomizes what being an “at large” council member means.

I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for your town and mine. If you are not registered to vote, please do so. The deadline to register through the mail or in-person is February 21. The on-line deadline is March 2. Most importantly, please vote either during early voting on March 9-16 or on Election Day on March 23. And I respectfully ask that you consider voting for me to be Natchitoches’ next Councilman-at-Large.

PAID FOR BY GREG BURKE, COUNCILMAN-AT-LARGE CANDIDATE