The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted to approve a resolution at its Feb. 15 meeting to order and call a special election to be held in Consolidated School District No. 7 to authorize the levy of a special tax therein. This will give residents of the Goldonna community the opportunity to raise funding through the tax to allow the Goldonna school to remain open. Closing the school became a consideration when the district realized it needs to decrease spending by $5-6 million in the next 2 years. If the district does nothing, it’s looking at a $6 million shortfall. This is a projection. There’s no perfect plan and everything was done to avoid the possibility of closing the school in Goldonna, which currently has 99 students.

For the better part of seven months, the Northwestern State baseball team has become a family.

At 6:30 p.m. Friday, the Demons truly become whole when a newcomer-laden roster finally experiences a chance to compete against another team. That comes when another team with a cadre of new faces – Southern Illinois – arrives at Brown-Stroud Field to start the 2024 season.

All three games of the series – Friday’s opener, the 2 p.m. Saturday matchup and Sunday’s 12 p.m. series finale – will air on ESPN+.

“Hard to contain it,” new Demon skipper Chris Bertrand said about the excitement level for himself and his team. “When we throw the first pitch Friday, it’s a culmination of everything we’ve been through. Once we get to it, we’re the 2024 Demons. We are responsible and accountable for what happens. The season is upon us. We have a bunch that welcomes competition, and they’re ready to get after somebody else.”

Northwestern State’s roster includes 27 newcomers among its 40 total players. However, the Demons do have a core of veterans back from a season ago led by a pair of preseason All-Southland Conference selections.

Both senior catcher Bo Willis and junior right-handed pitcher Chase Prestwich were second-team preseason all-league picks, and both enter their third season at NSU. That pair joins other upperclassmen such as pitchers Dawson Flowers and Tim O’Connor, catcher James Starnes and center fielder Reese Lipoma as veteran Demons who have helped Northwestern State’s transition to the Bertrand era.

“Being with those guys for three years shows in the leadership part,” Lipoma said. “Bert leans on us to lead, especially with the younger guys. We show them how we do things here. With such a new team, you’re going to need people who have been here to show the way and pave a path for the newcomers.”

While Willis brings 81 career starts at Northwestern State into his senior season, Lipoma drew the majority of his 12 career starts down the stretch of the 2023 season.

Primarily a pinch runner for most of his first two seasons, Lipoma has a chance to follow in the footsteps of his former St. Amant High School and NSU teammate Larson Fontenot.

“Larson did a good job of working while he waited,” said Lipoma, who has hit .262 and posted a .396 career on-base percentage in 53 career plate appearances. “That’s been my whole thing. The opportunities haven’t always shown, but Larson and I continued to work and get better. When the opportunity arose, he succeeded well and had a really good last two years. I’d like to do the same.”

Similar to the way Lipoma has worked his way into the lineup, Prestwich has worked his way into the weekend rotation.

A season ago, Prestwich was a two-time Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week, earning one award each for a start and a relief outing. A Frederick, Colorado, native, Prestwich is set to anchor the Demons’ rotation in his junior season.

“I’m really excited,” said Prestwich, who made 13 relief appearances and eight starts a season go. “I have experience in both, but I’m ready to be a starter and get into that routine.”

The visiting Salukis, 30-27 a season ago, are in a similar position to Northwestern State with regards to roster construction. Twenty of Southern Illinois’ 34 players are new to the program.

As the Demons will, the Salukis will start two newcomers in the weekend rotation with the difference being SIU will send its lone returning starter – Jake Combs – to the mound in the series finale while the Demons open with Prestwich, their most experienced returning starter.

Junior college transfer Aidan Foeller and USC Upstate transfer Al Holquin are expected to start the first two games for Southern Illinois. Northwestern State will counter with Coppin State transfer Tyler Nichol and junior college transfer Aidan Newton in games two and three this weekend.

Under fifth-year head coach Lance Rhodes, the Salukis have averaged 38 wins per season the past three years.

“I have all the respect for Lance and the job he does,” Bertrand said. “In talking with him and getting to know him, he’s a tremendous leader and has built a tremendous program. We are excited about the caliber of the opponent. We want to build the right way. We want to challenge ourselves. We welcome the competition. We want to bring in quality opponents to help our team get better. We want to bring in quality opponents who can help us prepare for Southland Conference play. We want to navigate a 56-game season against quality opponents in a way that helps us prepare for the postseason and tournament play.

“We have a lot of perspective on how we want to go through the season. To be able to start it against such a quality opponent is right in line with what we want to do and how we want to build.”

Series Probables (2023 stats if available)

Friday: Southern Illinois RHP Aidan Foeller at Northwestern State RHP Chase Prestwich (4-4, 5.08)

Saturday: Southern Illinois LHP Al Holguin at Northwestern State RHP Tyler Nichol

Sunday: Southern Illinois RHP Jake Combs (3-2, 2.97) at Northwestern State RHP Aidan Newton

Concrete bases for Robert Alost Hall are being poured and the 18-month project is running on schedule, according to Jennifer Kelly, Northwestern State University’s executive director of University Affairs.

“Steel will start going up mid- to late February,” Kelly said. “It’s progressing, even considering several days of rain, they’ve been able to move forward.” 

The contract for the David and Sherry Morgan Sports Performance Center has been sent to the contractor and the timeline for its construction will be developed in the coming weeks when approved by the state Office of Facility Planning and Control. After that preliminary surface work, such as the marking of utilities and preparation for construction, will begin.

The roof and hood replacement for Fournet Hall is in the final stages of design by the architect and engineers.  Bids should be released in the next six weeks. 

Design work on the rigging system – the system of ropes and pulleys that enable a stage crew to hoist scenery, lights and stage effects — in A.A Fredericks Auditorium are underway in preparation for a future upgrade. An architect from Shreveport has been selected and will work with faculty and administrators in Department of Theatre and Dance and facilities personnel on the project.  The upgrade should begin in the next six weeks, working around stage productions that are scheduled for the spring.

Elevator updates are ongoing in Kyser Hall and Watson Library.  An elevator project at the Shreveport campus is complete and awaiting final inspection.

The replacement of stadium lights in Turpin Stadium will be completed by late spring, Kelly said.  Lighting upgrades in Prather Coliseum were completed last fall. 

“With all the rain we are addressing the problem of potholes on campus,” Kelly said.  “The Student Government Association is working with us on a trash can project. They will partner with the Department of Fine and Graphic Art to paint some of the trash cans that will be placed in strategic locations around campus where we frequently find litter.”

Administrators at NSU have submitted five-year capital outlay plans and funding proposals for fiscal year 2025 to the University of Louisiana System. Capital outlay plans outline proposed construction projects that are submitted annually to the Louisiana Legislature for state funding consideration. The Legislative session will convene March 11 in Baton Rouge.

By Reba Phelps

“February 2018 was the beginning of my adventure writing for the Natchitoches Parish Journal. I am forever grateful for this journey and wanted to share my very first article again. Life has really changed a lot in the past six years, I love revisiting to remind me what all God has done for me and my daughters. The questionable Jack Russell Terrier is still around….with all of her energy and loyalty.”

Valentine’s Day, by all accounts, is supposed to be filled with love, roses, chocolates, romantic dinners, and larger than life gestures that will surely make up for a year’s worth of possible wrongs or minor neglects. Unless… let me say it again for the dramatic affect…. UNLESS you are going through the throws of a divorce. That’s right, you read it correctly. Divorce after 22 years of marriage, two amazingly resilient and beautiful daughters, and one questionable Jack Russell Terrier is enough to make even the purest of hearts a little faint.

Having barely made it through the first round of holidays since the separation with the help of good friends, lots of bible study, a few bottles of wine and more tears than I care to admit I had completely forgotten about the beast named “Valentine’s Day”. One day while having a conversation with a close friend I admitted that I hated the holiday. As soon as the words left my mouth I questioned why I would blame this innocent holiday for my present situation or even have ill will towards anyone enjoying the most needless day of the February calendar. My friend quickly reminded me that maybe, just maybe, I just haven’t had a good experience on Valentine’s Day.

These words quickly had me pondering the past 22 Valentine’s Days. With the sharp memory of any woman scorned I scoured the past 22 years of memories in mere seconds. There were good ones, there were bad ones, there were funny ones like the year we bought each other the very same greeting card. I couldn’t stay there long or the tears would build and the emotions of the divorce would darken my visit with my friend.

With the new found knowledge of possibly living the rest of my adult life with hate in my heart for this waste of a holiday I went on a one woman mission to help myself have a positive experience for Valentine’s Day. Do I send flowers to myself? Buy myself an expensive purse that I cannot afford with one daughter in college and another who spends all of our earthly treasures buying slime making supplies? Do I buy my own card and tell myself how special I am? I just couldn’t even begin to imagine any of these ideas garnering the miraculous results I was looking for.

Thinking outside of the box and trying to escape this mini-self-induced downward spiral that I created for myself I decided that possibly I should put others before myself and see how “the other side” enjoys this holiday. In my mind “the other side” is the happily married, soon to be married, or just in the blissful dating stage (blissfully unaware stage) or possibly  a sweet elderly couple who has been married for 50 years…I knew what I was looking for and I knew just who to call, eh, I mean text.

My friend, Nicole Ezernack, is the owner of Nicole’s Creative Flowers. I assumed she could use some extra hands on deck during the “Super Bowl of Floral Events”. After a quick text conversation she agreed to let me into the world of floral delivery on a temporary basis.  I am not quite sure she was aware of my inner struggles with this (blissfully unaware) but she took me in.

When I arrived at 1:00 her husband, Donnie, fired me for being late. Nicole graciously rehired me and then trained me quickly. During training I could clearly see her passion for her work. She shared various experiences with me that she has encountered over the years and it totally confirmed that I was in for a treat. So, off I went with the other ladies loading the van. During my first trip to the flower mobile I popped a balloon from a beautiful arrangement and I was fired again by Donnie. Lucky for me, Nicole was there to rehire me.

We made several deliveries all over the parish. Every single recipient was ecstatic that they received a delivery but there was one delivery that completely stole my heart. I arrived at a local nursing home not knowing if we were delivering to an employee or a resident. When I announced the name for my delivery the receptionist’s face lit up with excitement so I assumed she was the lucky lady. Another lady came over and asked the same question. When I repeated the name I was met with the same enthusiastic look. They were both elated that this lady was receiving some Valentine love. As I made my way down the hall to deliver the goodies I began to feel the excitement building up.

When I entered the room I was unsure of her current health so I spoke loudly. While announcing her name she threw her bed covers back and sat straight up in her bed and said, “Who are these from? I do not have my glasses, read it for me!”

I am not sure who was more excited. Me or her? Fumbling around I opened her card and read a loving message from her precious son. Tears filled her eyes as she proclaimed, “that’s my son, he loves his mom very much and he is 47 years old”… (was this a bad time to tell her I was single and he is not that much older than me? I mean, there could have been a divine reason she said his age).

I could not help but feel the pure joy and love that she had for her son and I soon could not control the fluid dripping from my eyes. While there was a lot of whining and complaining on my part about this holiday it was shown to me today in living color that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about a romantic love. It can be the love that is shared between parents and children. It can be shared with best friends and coworkers. Valentine’s Day, however one might feel, can be enjoyed even going through the worst life change that anyone can imagine.

Hebrews 13:16 also reminds us that “Do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”. We can never go wrong when we step outside of our own pain and think others first. 

Here’s hoping your deer season was as successful as you hoped it would be. If you have been sitting down to meals of chicken-fried backstrap steaks or a tasty roast or found your breakfast of eggs tasting especially good with rounds or links of venison sausage on the side, you have for sure been successful.

If you’re anxiously waiting for a call from the taxidermist telling you the mount of your trophy is ready for pickup and hanging on the wall, pat yourself on the back; it’s been a good year for you.

You may be having withdrawal symptoms now that season is over and you really wish you get to spend just one more frosty morning in a deer stand. You’re not alone in this. Scores of hunters feel the same way.

What can deer hunters do as a form of recovery to help you get over your addiction to chasing deer? Here’s a suggestion – head for your woods and begin looking for shed antlers of the big buck you hunted all season but never showed up. Now that antlers are beginning to drop, the next several weeks offer the opportunity to locate sheds before the mice and squirrels begin gnawing on them.

Here’s what happens in the world of the deer. Buck deer drop their antlers in late winter or early spring. Soon after losing their headgear, they start growing a new set of antlers they’ll have until this time next year. This new set begins as fuzzy knobs growing on the pedicles which are located on the buck’s head between his eyes and ears. The newly formed antlers are soft and subject to damage and for this reason, bucks are shy and reclusive; they’re protective of this new growth.

A couple of months before shedding antlers, bucks use them to hook and thrash bushes, brush and small saplings and to fight other bucks to establish dominance. Bushes and bucks are in no danger of being gored and thrashed in spring and summer because he is protecting his newly forming soft antlers.

Velvet is described as “vascular skin that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing bone.” This amazing material causes the antler it covers to grow at an amazing rate. In fact, deer antlers grow faster than any other mammal bone. This fast rate of growth actually is a handicap to a buck because of the incredible nutritional demand on deer to re-grow antlers annually.

Once the antlers achieve their full potential for the year, usually by mid-September in our part of the world, the velvet has served its purpose and as it dries and is rubbed off on bushes by the buck, the antler bone actually dies and here’s something I read that gave me pause. What deer hunters see when that big buck comes slipping by the stand is an animal sporting a head full of dead bone.

Where should you look for the best chance to find shed antlers? If you planted a food plot prior to deer season, searching the plot or trails leading to the plot can often result in a bit of good luck when you find tines sticking up out of the grass.

Another good place to look is where a trail crosses a low fence or stream small enough for the buck to jump across. Antlers can sometimes be jarred loose when the buck lands on the other side of the fence or stream.

So for folks puzzled about deer antlers, maybe this bit of information will answer your questions.

There is a measure of excitement to hold in your hands the head gear of a big buck that will whet your appetite for what he’ll look like once hunting seasons roll around again this coming fall.

The entire process of bucks growing velvet covered delicate antlers to them becoming hardened and eventually being shed just to do it all again every year is one of nature’s most amazing and fascinating feats.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

The three Natchitoches Parish high school girls’ basketball teams all won Thursday night in the bi-district round of the LHSAA playoffs, and advanced to second-round games Monday. Only Lakeview gets to stay home.

Non-Select Division I

No. 10 Natchitoches Central 59, No. 23 Benton 33: In a battle between District 1-5A foes at the Teepee, Alyssa Christophe topped the Lady Chiefs with 20 points, Tootie Gallien was next with 13. NCHS is now 23-10 and travel to face No. 7 Ruston Monday night.

Select Division IV

No. 16 St. Mary’s 54, No. 17 Vermilion Catholic 44 – At St. Mary’s, Four Lady Tigers in double figures led by Lybi Cross with 17 points, Ava Hebert scored 11 and Ava Errington and Ava Holland both had 10. St. Mary’s is now 13-18 and will travel to Baton Rouge to face No. 1 Sothern Lab on Monday.

Non-Select Division IV

No. 5 Lakeview 51, No. 28 West St. John 6 – The Lady Gators improved to 24-4 holding the visitors to only a pair of 3-point field goals. Tee Washington led the scoring for Lakeview with 15 points and Amiya Marshall had 10 as the girls had nine different players entering the scoring column. Lakeview will
host No. 12 Merryville in the second round Monday.

Born and raised in beautiful Natchitoches, I’m just a guy, doing my thing to make this place a little better every day. Started off with the Boy Scouts then at a young age I volunteered to be of service to my Country and became a Veteran of the Vietnam War era. My life has since been spent giving back to my community in any way I can from Coaching Little League to various community charities and groups that provide a better life for all.

That’s why I’m stepping up to run for Councilman-at-Large. I figure, if I’m already out here fighting for folks, why not do it from a position where I can really make a difference? From tackling crime rates to questioning and reducing those utility hikes that have collectively hit us each in the wallet, I’m all about finding real solutions that work for everyone.

Being a Councilman-at-Large means I’m here to represent everyone, no exceptions. Whether you’ve got a big issue or just a little concern, I’m all ears. I’m here to listen and make sure your voice gets heard. As Councilman-at-Large it is crucial to promote inclusivity and equity within our community. I firmly believe that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves equal opportunities and access to essential services. By championing policies that promote diversity and social justice, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

But it’s not just about listening – it’s about getting stuff done too. If you know me, I’m that guy who’s always got your back when it comes to looking out for my neighbor, my loved ones, my friends and strangers alike. Whether it’s lending an ear, lending a hand, or just plain rolling up my sleeves to get stuff done, I’m there. Performing as Councilman-at-Large will only enable me to perform at my optimal self.

As Councilman-at-Large, my goal is to bring us together to tackle our challenges head-on. Whether it’s working with local businesses, nonprofits, or schools, I’m all about building partnerships that benefit us all.

And let’s not forget about the money stuff. Your tax dollars are precious, and I’m committed to making sure they’re spent wisely and transparently. That means keeping a close eye on the budget and making sure we’re investing in the things that matter most to you.

So, there you have it. Being a Councilman-at-Large isn’t just a title – it’s a commitment to serving our community with passion, integrity, and a whole lot of heart. I would be honored to have your trust, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work should you elect me, Harold Bayonne #33, as your Councilman-at-Large.

Let’s make Natchitoches the best it’s ever been. Together, we can do better.

St. Mary’s Catholic School is in need of a food service technician.  Must be available Monday through Friday.  For more information, call 352-3125. 

All three parish high schools have their girls basketball teams opening the state playoffs at home tonight.

Lakeview’s Lady Gators are the parish’s highest seed, with a No. 5 ranking in Non-Select Division IV. Lakeview (23-3) plays at 5:30 tonight at home against No. 28 West St. John (9-17).

Coach Dewaskie Fuller’s Lady Gators have won 10 of their last 11 games. Lakeview is aiming for a return to Marsh Madness in Hamond, where last year it played for the state title and was upset by Oakdale.

A win advances the Lady Gators to a second-round game against either No. 12 Merryville or No. 21 Franklin.

Natchitoches Central is again among the state’s best big school girls teams. The Lady Chiefs are seeded 10th in Non-Select Division I, coming out of what is traditionally the strongest district in the state, 1-5A.

Tonight at 6 o’clock, the NCHS girls host a district opponent, Benton, at The Teepee. The Lady Chiefs (22-10) hold two double-digit wins over the No. 23 Lady Tigers (18-15), where former NSU Lady Demon basketball player Lyndzee Greene McConathy is an assistant coach.

Coach Nikki Jones’ NCHS team hopes to advance to a second-round contest Monday night against one of a couple of former district rivals, No. 7 Ruston (coached by Natchitoches Central alumnae and former Lady Demon Meridith Graf) or No. 26 West Monroe.

Across town Thursday night at 6, the St. Mary’s girls, seeded 16th in Select Division IV, play host to No. 17 Vermilion Catholic. SMHS won only two games a year ago, but earned a home playoff game this year under second-year coach Brooke Jones. The Lady Tigers are 12-18 overall while the visiting Lady Eagles are 12-12.

The winner gets to travel to Baton Rouge to face the No. 1 seed, Southern Lab, Monday night at 6.

The boys basketball season wraps up Friday night, with all three parish teams destined for first-round home games next week. Lakeview and St. Mary’s will draw top 5 seeds in their divisions and NCHS will not be too far back.

By Jeanni Ritchie

After a couple of private messages checking on me this morning after I alluded to some man vs. man conflict on my social media page, I began wondering if protecting one’s loved ones in silence outweighed the public good of open dialogue.

Who told us to sit down and shut up? Better yet, why did we listen?

I’ve been talking to people privately for years about workplace stress, aging parents, severe illness, financial difficulties, addiction, caregiving, bereaved parenthood, young motherhood, childhood difficulties, and mental health to name a few. There are internal conflicts, workplace issues, and difficult family dynamics.

Our stories aren’t new nor are they unique. We all have tales; a friend put in perspective succinctly for me last week.

“Ah, parenting grown children. No one prepares you for that.”

He simplified something that had tormented my mind for weeks. Why didn’t I open up sooner?

It’s not one-sided; my children have valid concerns. A middle-aged mother living a midlife gap year without abandon can be jarring.

But dialogue is necessary.

We talk in private. We run into each other in person and we connect online. Some are old friends, some new. I’ve talked to forever friends and former neighbors, exes and former enemies, and new acquaintances and former students. I’ve met strangers in stores and in online support groups with shared interests like dementia caregiving or book lovers. There might’ve been a Swiftie group or two. Or seven.

We share our hopes, our fears, our struggles, our strife. People are relieved to find out they aren’t alone; their relief etched in their faces in person and their emojis online.

We don’t need answers or advice. We just need to know someone understands.

In the South we don’t need someone taking sides. Unless we are moms with daughters. Then there are two rules:

1. Always take mom’s side in a conflict with her daughter

2. Never try to co-chair the prosecution

Healthy relationships begin with open communication. Somewhere between silence and Springer is a good place to start.

Jeanni Ritchie is a journalist and mom to four grown children, one son and three daughters.

Get ready to level up your entertainment experience, Natchitoches! Arcade Natchitoches is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its revolutionary entertainment venue, offering a diverse range of state-of-the-art gaming equipment and family-friendly fun. Nestled I-49 corridor below the giant American flag, Arcade Natchitoches promises an unforgettable experience for gamers of all ages.

At Arcade Natchitoches, we pride ourselves on being the first of our kind in town, featuring cutting-edge gaming technology that will transport you to new realms of excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for a good time, we have something for everyone.

Step up to the plate and experience the thrill of facing off against the world’s best pitchers with the Batbox USA baseball batting simulator. No field? No problem. Our advanced simulator brings the game to you, allowing you to hone your skills and perfect your swing in a dynamic virtual environment. Say goodbye to waiting for batting practice and hello to uninterrupted fun and improvement.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Duckpin bowling takes the traditional bowling experience to a whole new level. Perfect for players of all skill levels, our Duckpin bowling alley promises hours of exhilarating fun for the whole family. Roll, aim, and score big with every frame — it’s bowling like you’ve never seen it before!

In addition to our state-of-the-art gaming attractions, Arcade Natchitoches is proud to partner with Jerry’s Pizza to offer mouthwatering meals to our guests. Available for takeout, delivery via DoorDash and EZ Street Delivery, as well as dine-in for gaming guests, Jerry’s Pizza adds an extra layer of convenience and deliciousness to your Arcade Natchitoches experience.

“We are beyond excited to bring Arcade Natchitoches to locals and tourists alike,” said Owner Jay Sharplin. “With our cutting-edge gaming technology and family-friendly atmosphere, we aim to provide an unparalleled entertainment experience for gamers of all ages. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy.”

Fun awaits around every corner, so grab your friends and family and get ready to play like never before!

For more information about Arcade Natchitoches or Jerry’s Pizza, including hours of operation and pricing, visit our website at www.arcadenatchitoches.com and mrjerryspizza.com or follow us on social media.

Dear Natchitoches,

I am writing to express my dismay and concern regarding the recent news release of a citizen in our community being honored with the naming of the gym located within the Martin Luther King Recreation Center to the John Winston Sr Gym. This contradiction is deeply troubling and warrants attention from our community.

Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to promoting equality, justice, and unity among all people, regardless of race or ethnicity. His teachings emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and understanding in overcoming discrimination and prejudice. Therefore, it is deeply ironic and contradictory to honor someone who embraces discriminatory views with a center named after Dr. King.

Recently, myself and several other voters in our community, all seemingly of African American ethnicity, were taken aback to receive a letter from Mr. John Winston Sr that was highly race-baiting and divisive. While the letter expressed fervent support for re-electing our current Mayor, it also contained racist language that encouraged division within our community. Mr. Winston referred to an ‘establishment’ of people who supposedly do not want the African American community to succeed or progress.

It is true that until 2020, Natchitoches had never had an African American Mayor. However, it is important to recognize that the so-called ‘establishment’ he mentions has always been comprised of a diverse and inclusive group of citizens who have been dedicated to investing in the future of Natchitoches for decades. This ‘establishment’ is not a hierarchy seeking to suppress African American citizens, but rather a collective of individuals from all backgrounds working towards a common goal.

In 2020, our community, alongside this inclusive ‘establishment’, shattered the glass ceiling by collectively electing our first African American Mayor. This historic moment was a testament to the unity and progressiveness of our community, with voters of all ethnicities coming together to make history.

It is deeply troubling to see divisive rhetoric being used to sow discord within our community, especially at a time when unity and solidarity are more important than ever. Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to work together, regardless of race or ethnicity, to build a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

As a community, we must uphold the values and principles that Dr. King fought for. Discrimination and bigotry have no place in our society, and it is essential that we denounce and confront any actions or attitudes that perpetuate division and inequality.

Furthermore, naming a youth center after Dr. King should serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for our youth, encouraging them to embrace diversity, promote equality, and strive for positive change in their communities. To honor Dr. King’s legacy effectively, we must ensure that the individuals and institutions associated with his name embody his values and teachings.

I call upon our community leaders and decision-makers to reconsider this decision and to uphold the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy by promoting inclusivity, equality, and justice for all. While I am not aware of the many contributions Mr John Winston Sr has made to the community of Natchitoches, I do not believe these contributions equate to being able to have his name synonymous and within the walls of a center created with Martin Luther King Jr’s dream for our children. Let us work together to create a future where discrimination is eradicated, and Dr. King’s dream of a beloved community continues to blossom.

Sincerely,
‘Coach’ Diane Dodd

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article or letter to the editor of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.

By Jeanni Ritchie

The #1 movie in the nation didn’t initially look like something I’d enjoy. I’d seen the trailer twice. Sometime before I saw it a third time I’d lightened up and understood the creative intent. The fact that it was in its second week at the top made it must-see.

The timing was symbolic. I’d just embarked on my second act writing full-time. Bryce Dallas Howard’s Elly was a novelist with anxiety issues. The camaraderie I felt with her character was needed. A writer’s life is solitude. Connecting to a character for a couple of hours is a healthy alternative to frequent isolation.

It was a hard-fought attempt; the GPX projector malfunctioned and the next standard showing wasn’t for another hour. I waited, the excitement of my availability to be flexible superseding my frustration at the delay. I was on assignment; I would accomplish my mission.

At some point it was going around the theater that a movie critic was in attendance. That wasn’t entirely accurate. I offer perspective, not criticism, and my desire is to promote the arts and mental positivity. They are often intertwined. If you are looking for negativity you won’t find it here. Like pizza, there are no bad movies. Just ones I won’t rewatch.

The plot was interesting and the characterization was relatable. Ellie’s desire to seek reassurance while becoming untethered from those she loved was palpable. I knew her fire and her fear. I was rooting for her because I knew by the time the credits rolled, she’d find resolution and I’d move a step closer in my own wellness journey.

The four young men also in the theater for the show were not managing mental health or deep diving into character complexities. Their reasoning for choosing Argylle was much simpler.

“Dua Lipa.”

Jeanni Ritchie is a movie-loving journalist, promoting positive mental health through the arts.

The Youth of Natchitoches First United Methodist Church, led by Colby and Lindsey Session and NSU FUMC internsPhillip Coleman, Rachael Smith and Garrett Wells visited the Northwestern State University Teacher Education Center recently to engage in a service learning project and tour the building.

Following a discussion of how literacy impacts school performance and future success led by Brett Brunson, Natchitoches District Defender, and Michelle Brunson, NSU Early Childhood professor, the youth made 100 family literacy bags that will be distributed to local kindergarten children. The middle and high school students then toured the TEC and were presented with NSU swag bags donated by University Recruiting.

Research consistently reports the positive impact of family literacy on children, families and communities. Young children who are read to for just 20 minutes a day have broader vocabularies, stronger literacy skills, more consistent school attendance, better school performance and increased positive dispositions toward learning. By sharing a love for reading and a love for books, families can grow stronger as they learn together, bond over shared experiences, and make memories that last for a lifetime.  On the front row from left are Rachael Smith, Garrett Landry, Haleigh Dowden and Lindsey Session. On the back row are Dr. Michelle Brunson, Phillip Coleman, Garrett Wells, Cameron Brunson, Jacob Hypes, Brynn Landry, Brylee Guillory and Colby Session.

A Southland Conference record and four Northwestern State athletes who posted top marks in the SLC led to a sweep of the conference weekly awards, announced Wednesday.

After Sanaria Butler’s record-breaking performance at the Jarvis Scott Open on the campus of Texas Tech, she was named SLC Women’s Track Athlete of the Year. Butler was joined by Annemarie Broussard (women’s field), Keontae Gaines (men’s track) and Djimon Gumbs (men’s field) as the conference players of the week.

Butler, a sophomore from Port Arthur, ran a blistering 52.92 in the 400-meter dash, 0.33 seconds faster than the previous top mark of 53.25, set by Natashia Jackson in 2020.

She now holds both the indoor and outdoor school records in the 400-meter dash.

After running Butler went straight from running a conference record in the 400 to go to the long jump section A, where she proceeded to post a personal-best 19-5.25.

Broussard is coming back to normal after missing the outdoor season a season ago due to injury. The most decorated cleared 12-10.75 in the pole vault.

Gumbs is no stranger to being the top of the conference in an event. After being sick for a few weeks, Gumbs is on his way to being back to normal. Gumbs finished second in the shot put with a toss of a conference-best 60-7.75.

It is the second consecutive weekly award for him.

Gaines earned his first career SLC weekly award, earning the men’s track athlete of the week award for his efforts in the 60-meter dash in Lubbock.

The junior ran a personal-best 6.62 to grab sixth in the 60-meter dash after sprinting to a 6.68 in the prelims to advance to the finals.

The NSU track and field teams take a week off before heading to Birmingham, Alabama, for the SLC Indoor Championships, beginning Feb. 25.