Northwestern State aims to build on its performance last time out against league-leading Southeastern Louisiana when it travels to third-place Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday.

Tip-off is at 7 p.m. at American Bank Center.

NSU (9-14, 5-7) approaches the final five contests of the regular season with a chance to make a move in the Southland Conference standings.

The Demons enter the final stretch just 1.5 games in back of UIW for the coveted fourth seed in the SLC standings, which means a bye in the first round.

Five teams are within 1.5 games of fourth place and NSU faces three of those teams in its final five games.

The Islanders (15-7, 8-3) are firmly in third place, two games in back of second place Lamar and two games ahead of fourth place UIW.

While NSU was unable to come through with a win against SLU last time out, the Demons bounced back in a big way and had a chance to topple the conference leaders.

Head coach Anna Nimz hopes taking the Lions down to the wire gives her team confidence as it heads into the three-match road trip.

“It was a tale of two teams, the last two games,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “I don’t know what the team was that showed up against New Orleans. We could have folded after that game, facing quite a bit of adversity, but they didn’t. They put together three really good quarters against Southeastern. It shows a lot of maturity to bounce back and showed we can compete against the team at the top of the conference.”

AMCC joins SLU as the only schools in the SLC that are in the top three in both field goal percentage and field goal percentage defense, ranking third and second, respectively.

Ranking right behind of the Islanders in field goal percentage defense is NSU, which allows teams to shoot just 37.8 percent.

When it comes to points per game, AMCC leads the conference, surrendering just 56.6 points per game.

The Islanders are especially good at defending the 3-point shot, allowing teams to shoot just 25 percent from beyond the arc. The Demons, on the other hand, are second in the SLC in 3-point shooting.

In the first meeting this season, NSU nearly came back from 11 points down in the fourth quarter before falling 50-45 in Natchitoches.

Karmelah Dean has scored in double figures for the Demons in each of the last five games and ninth time in the last 12, including a career-high 22 against UNO this past Thursday.

Offensively, AMCC spreads around the scoring, as no one averages more than 12 points per game, led by Alicia Westbrook’s 11.5.

Eight players on the Islanders average at least five points per game.

Westbrook leads the team in points (11.5), rebounding (7.9) and assists (2.4).

The Islanders have forced opponents into 402 turnovers, the fourth-most in the league. NSU has turned the ball over 44 times the last two games. Nimz stressed how much the team needs to cut down on them.

“No matter what quarter it is, we’re getting a streak in there where we are just throwing the ball away, without pressure and without traps. That is really hurting us. While we have to limit our turnovers, it is not just limiting the turnovers, but within that goal is limiting unforced and live ball turnovers, the ones that are directly leading to two to three points on the opposite end.

“In the last few games, we’ve turned the ball over a lot off both live balls and above the free throw line, and that makes it tremendously hard to get a stop.”

AMCC is third in the conference in rebound margin, out-rebounding its opponent by 3.2 per game. NSU has out-rebounded its opponent in each of the last seven contests.

Following Thursday’s contest, NSU continues its string of three consecutive matches on the road with a trip to UIW on Saturday.

December 15, 1935 — February 12, 2024

Sophie Ursula Snell Packard was born on December 15, 1935 in Anacoco, LA to Willie Cranford “W. C.” Snell and Lorea Dixon Snell.  She passed away peacefully at her home with family and friends at her bedside on February 12, 2024 in Natchitoches, LA.

A native of Anacoco, LA, Sophie graduated from Anacoco High School and entered Northwestern State University in 1953, pursuing a degree in elementary education.  While at the Baptist Student Union, she met Hyland, the love of her life, in 1954.  They were married the next year. They welcomed their daughter, Michelle in 1955 and son, Mike in 1963. In 1967 the Packard family moved from Melville, LA to Natchitoches, where they attended First Baptist Church for many years.   Sophie sang in the church choir and volunteered with the nursery.

After retirement from her teaching career in 1995, she and Hyland supervised the Lov’n Care Mission in Natchitoches, providing emergency food and clothing for those in need.

Sophie was very active in volunteer work with the Lion’s Club and Eastern Star.  She was a dedicated volunteer who touched the lives of many.  In 2012, she was recognized as a Natchitoches Treasure.

Her passion was raising and spending time with her family, teaching her school students, and playing piano in church for many years.

She goes on to join her husband, Hyland in Heaven.  She is survived by her children, Michelle Chopin and husband, Ed Chopin of Greenwood, LA and Mike Packard and wife Kristen Keller Packard of Fort Mill, SC; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother, David Snell of Graham, TX; her sisters, Jan Robison of Dallas, TX, and Sue Creighton of Hickory, NC.

She proclaimed at Hyland’s funeral in February of 2021, “The love of my life went to be with the love of his life for all eternity.  We will be together again one day in our eternal home.”

A memorial service will be held at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lion’s Club in Sophie’s honor.

Where do Mardi Gras beads go? Every year about 25 million pounds of used Mardi Gras beads are thrown away. Cane River Creole National Historical Park will accept your surplus beads. Mardi Gras bead collection containers will be located at Oakland Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, and the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot. The beads will be recycled by the park and then used in future parades.

Locations of collection containers:

Oakland Plantation Entrance Pavilion

Magnolia Plantation Store

Texas and Pacific Railway Depot

In addition to the drop off collection containers, park staff will be down on the Natchitoches Riverbank (Rue Beauport) on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10 am to 12 pm to collect beads.

Drop off collection containers will be at Oakland Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, and the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot until March 3.

The grounds of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are open daily from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Nearly 80 original buildings remain, many open for self-guided tours including several that are historically furnished from Wednesday through Sunday. Park staff conducts tours of the plantation grounds daily Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, the park offers tours on the NPS App. The Oakland Main House is open for self-guided tours from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Magnolia Main House is privately owned and is not open to the public. For more information, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/cari, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/canerivercreoleNPS or call the park at 318-352-0383, ext. 316. 

Ronnie Williams responds to Lee Posey

Paid for by Ronnie Williams for Mayor

Northwestern State University’s Student nursing students are holding a toy drive to benefit patients at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.  The drive will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, March 11 in the Student Union lobby. 

Requested are gift cards for meals, retailers and general use; crayons, craft activities, board and card games, fidget toys, balls, brain toys, light-up toys, backpacks, watches, mini-purses, bags, hats, beanies, fun blankets, socks, pillows, speakers and water bottles.

Shriner’s Hospitals for Children work to provide high quality care to children. There are several hospitals throughout the country that specialize in different medical disciplines.  Shriners Hospital in Shreveport works with children with neuromuscular and orthopedic disabilities or injuries. According to the Shriners Hospitals website, the majority of the monetary donations they receive are allocated to “patient care, research and education.” The hospitals provide care to children regardless of the families’ ability to pay.”

For more information on Shriners Hospitals, visit www.lovetotherescue.org.  For information on the toy drive, contact Katie Blake at (318) 332-3155. 

That part of my campaign for the City of Natchitoches Councilman-at-large position has been both enjoyable and informative. It has been nice seeing so many friends while also meeting new people. There is one common denominator among all with whom I have visited – they care about our city and want to see it realize its maximum potential.

My succinct message to Natchitoches residents, while being conscious of the time they give me when they open their door, is:

• Natchitoches means a great deal to me. I have lived here for nearly 40 years, married a Natchitoches girl (Susu Williamson) 37 years ago and worked at NSU for 32 years before retiring in May of 2022 after 26 years as Athletic Director.
• If elected, I will work to enhance the positives Natchitoches has to offer and ask questions/initiate discussion to improve the issues facing our community.
• My skill set and experience have prepared me for this position – as Athletic Director I collaborated with a broad-based group of people, worked long hours, faced stress/controversy, and had to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions.
• I will take seriously the “at large” aspect of this council position. If elected, I will – as has been the case during my campaign – engage and listen to citizens from one end of town to the other. Bottom line – I want people in every corner of Natchitoches to know that I am in “their corner.”

If I have not knocked on your door yet, that day will come soon, and I look forward to visiting with you!

Another opportunity to meet me and learn about my background, as well as my plans if elected, will be at the “All for Natchitoches Rally” this Thursday, February 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall on East 5^th Street. Food and drink will be provided. A $25 per person/$50 per couple donation is requested which will be designated to my campaign fund. Hope to see you there!

Finally, if you are not registered to vote, please do so. The registration deadline through the mail or in-person is February 21. The on-line deadline is March 2. Most importantly, please remember that early voting is March 9-16 and Election Day is March 23. I respectfully ask that you consider voting for me to be Natchitoches’ next Councilman-at-Large.

All for One, One for All, ALL for Natchitoches!

Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a Skeet Shoot on March 30th with all proceeds benefitting the Operation Christmas Child mission. resume their Operation Christmas Child collections for 2024. The entry fee is $25 and lunch will be provided. The church is asking for local businesses to consider donating an item for the winner’s prize package. Donors will be recognized on the day of the event as well as social media “shoutouts”. Please contact Pastor Ben Dupree if you want to participate or donate prizes.

Anytime someone asks what makes Goldonna so special it is easy to point to the residents who comprise the Village of Goldonna. Out of the four hundred twenty four residents, one particular lady stands out in the crowd. Although she doesn’t live in the city limits of Goldonna, she spent most of her life there with her family consisting of her husband and three sons. Mrs. Linda Dupree has been an active member of the community and supporter of all things “Goldonna” as long as anyone can remember. Her family of five quickly grew to include daughters-in-law and grandchildren. While it is not easy to sum up her love for her community in words… mainly because she is often found on the “serving” side of church events, town events, weddings and funerals… it is easy to remember some of her contributions that many may not know about. During COVID Linda began a ministry and labor of love that including providing families with Bible study lessons while church were closed due to the pandemic. These Sunday School lessons began with a small group of five people but soon grew to encompass more than forty families. Although churches have long since reopened, her ministry continues with a smaller group that is homebound. These lessons are routinely mailed to anyone who has a need. While I personally was the recipient of these lessons for a few weeks, I can attest to the blessing that came neatly placed in an envelope with a message that was compiled with love by Linda Dupree, herself. Goldonna is blessed to have Linda Dupree as a dedicated friend.

Goldonna Assembly of God Church will host a Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 23rd at 8:00am. The special guest speaker will be Russel Jones. To RSVP please contact Daniel Kirkham at 310228-7698. The church will also hosting a Revival with the Seed Sowers beginning on March 3rd at 10:00am and 5:00pm. March 4th thru 9th services will begin at 6:30.

Goldonna Elementary Junior High School will host a Mardi Gras Parade on Friday, February 16th at 9:00am. The parade will exclusively feature the Pre-K through 2nd grade students. Baseball and softball are in full swing. Goldonna Wildcats will take on the Marthaville Hawks on February 27th at 5:30. The Good News Club will meet on February 27th, March 26th and April 30th from 3:00 until 4:45. After school programs and attendance recovery is held Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 until 5:00. Attending two days of after school programs will excuse one full unexcused absence.

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

POSITION: Technology Support Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Associates degree or Military/Technical School Training in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in an administrative or technical support role
• Intermediate knowledge of LAN topographies and monitoring tools
• Strong familiarity with Apple iOS devices, MDM’s and their operation
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office including Access Database Management
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
310 Royal St., P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

Website: npsb.la

DEADLINE:
Monday, February 26, 2024

APPLICATIONS:
Application packets should consist of a letter of application, resume’, diploma or official transcripts and one letter of reference.

EOE

The City of Natchitoches would like to notify the public that the Church Street bridge will close on Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 6-9 pm so the Utility Department can take down the Christmas lights.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time and asks when traveling through the area motorists proceed with caution. 

Once again out of frustration, I am going off course today and away from fishing to express my discontent with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. From the day I completed potty training, I was a Dallas fan. I earned how to spell Cowboys before my own name.

Since being labeled “America’s Team,” they have become the most valuable franchise in all of sports. The Cowboys set the standard for winning all through the 70s, 80s and 90s with five Super Bowl  championships. So why am I so disappointed with “MY” Dallas Cowboys?

Let’s first begin by looking at their history. They have the all-time highest winning percentage in the history of the NFL at 57.4. The Green Bay Packers are No. 2 at 57.2 followed by the Baltimore Ravens at 56.1. That being said, the ‘Boys have not won a Super Bowl since January 1996. That’s a
drought of 28 years by a franchise that prides itself on winning Super Bowls.

So, what’s the problem? Why are the Cowboys no longer winning Super Bowls? Not only are they not getting to the Super Bowl, but they also aren’t even getting to the NFC championship game which determines who goes to the Super Bowl. Despite all the coaching changes since the late 90s, Dallas is not any closer to winning a Super Bowl.

Of all the issues and the many excuses over the years, what is the one constant? We don’t have to look far. It’s the father-son duo of Jerry and Stephen Jones. I’m all for family-owned businesses, but every now and then you must be able to recognize your weaknesses and be honest with yourself.

After so many years of failure, you would think they would look in the mirror and realize it’s time to bring in a real general manager who knows football and can make educated decisions about selecting the coach and draft picks, and recommendations on who to hire for key positions within the organization. They need to put their egos aside and do what’s right for the organization. They owe that much to their fan base.

Since the worst divorce in all of sports between head coach Jimmy Johnson and team owner Jerry Jones, the Cowboys only have five playoff wins. Egos played a huge roll in the divorce, as neither were able to set aside their differences. Champagne bottles have remained in the wine cellar for 28 years since their last championship victory. We could dive deeper into the reasons Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson parted ways, but that would be a story for another day.

Jimmy left in 1995. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl the following year with head coach Barry Switzer. But it was Jimmy’s talent that allowed them to win their fifth Super Bowl. Since then, the Cowboys have hired one head coach after another looking for the secret recipe to winning a championship. Five
other head coaches have come and gone including a coaching legend in Bill Parcells. The Cowboy fan base thought Parcells would be the answer since he had won multiple Super Bowls and was a proven winner.

After being let go by Jerry Jones, the greatest departing quote ever heard came from Parcells when he made the following comment at his final press conference: “They want me to cook the dinner, but I can’t shop for the groceries.” What a great analogy, a shot directly at Jerry Jones for his controlling and meddling of football operations. This is why the Cowboys need to hire a true general manager.

As Cowboy fans, I think we are destined for failure as long as the Jones family is in charge. In 2008, in one of the last conversations I had with my dad, he said Jerry Jones would be the demise of the Dallas Cowboys due to his controlling nature as an owner. Sixteen years later, he’s been right so far.

The Cowboys have had great success in the regular season over the years, but for Dallas fans that’s not good enough. Their recent three straight 12-4 seasons is not good enough. Most NFL organizations would be shouting from the roof tops with that kind of regular season success. But when it comes to
the Dallas Cowboys, they are judged on winning Super Bowls, not just divisional titles.

We’re still waiting … and hoping.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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.

I love you more than football,
I love you more than hoops.
I love you more than baseball —
And that’s almost the truth.
         n.From “Love is a Ball,” a work in progress

There is no way to win on Valentine’s Day.

Sports is about trying to win and sports is about pressure, either imagined or for real. But you can’t win on Valentine’s Day. Can’t do it. Too much pressure for even the best of us. 

You have to do something on Valentine’s Day. Gotta make the free throw. Gotta complete the pass. Gotta get on base.

It’s ridiculous.

It’s like being on the Kiss Camera, or “Kiss Cam,” a popular thing at sporting events. It’s a public torture chamber and should be banned. They show a “couple” on the Kiss Cam and they’re supposed to kiss. Even if it’s a first date, even if it’s a last date, even if they’ve just had a fight over who’s going to get the beer. The guy who invented the Kiss Cam should have to go on a date with Rosie O’Donnell. 

The only time Kiss Cam has hit a homer was when it caught Mr. and Mrs. Met kissing at Citi Field. And that was in the summer. When Valentine’s Day should be.

No one can be perfect all the time. Baseball millionaires get a hit just 30 percent of their at-bats. But Valentine’s Day demands that you barrel it up. On demand. Not just a hit, but extra bases. 

Tip of the hat to the guy who made up Valentine’s Day. He’s rolling in the dough and the rest of us are trying to figure out how to do “something special” for our significant others on a blah day in February, which would be just another day if this Valentine’s Day Creator hadn’t ruined up.

The best way to combat Valentine’s Day is to admit it. Admit your romantic game is in the cellar. What I know about women and relationships, you could fit in a walnut shell. But I DO know that when you’re staring into the loss column, the best thing to do is to say so.

“I love you but I don’t know what to do today to express that. BUT, would you like to go eat out in a couple of weeks? Also, I will buy you new underwear and some socks.”

Boom.

That’s what works for me. Just move Valentine’s Day to another day. A random day when you express to your beloved that you think they are Johnny Unitas reincarnated. Give him or her a card on Valentine’s Day, then eat out and send flowers on a Wednesday in March. Watch a March Madness game with them. 

End of story.

That’s really what’s wrong with Valentine’s Day. There is nothing to do, sports-wise, in mid-February. Super Bowl’s done. Basketball is mid-season. Spring training just started, but how many of us can take time off in winter to go to Scottsdale or Cocoa Beach?

Too bad, because America’s best sports song is about dating. It’s about love.

“TAKE ME OUT … to the ballgame. Take me out to the crowd…”

If only there were a game to go to.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Rotarian with the Program Joe Henry introduced the Executive Vice-President of Liviniti Pharmaceutics Steven T. Boyd at the Feb. 13 Rotary luncheon. Boyd shared information on the many services provided to clients with an emphasis on employers and their employees. Pictured from left are Henry, Boyd, and Rotary President Joe Sers (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

The City of Natchitoches Fire Department was dispatched by the Natchitoches Police Department on Feb. 12 to a possible structure fire in the Automotive Department at Walmart. Engines 1 and 2, Truck 1, Rescue 1, C1, C2, C3 and C4 were dispatched. All of the occupants had been evacuated from the structure prior to arrival of responders. An employee had extinguished the main body of the fire with an extinguisher before the fire department arrived on scene. The fire was located around a vent that was near the cash register area. Firefighters accessed the ceiling to check for fire extension and none was found. Exhaust fans were placed to evacuate smoke from the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.