Sabine State Bank & Trust Company, a commercial bank headquartered in Many, LA with more than $1.2 billion in assets. The combined entity is expected to provide access to a broad variety of lending products to all communities served by TDECU and will expand TDECU’s presence in lending to small business owners in oil and gas, agriculture, and energy.

At closing, the combined institution will be expected to have approximately $6 billion in assets and 471,000 Members. The acquisition will expand the field of membership for TDECU, which has a significant presence in Greater Houston, and a growing presence in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Victoria areas.

“TDECU is on a growth journey to expand across the state of Texas and beyond,” said President & CEO Isaac Johnson. “Our mission is helping people navigate their financial journeys, and be financial solvers for our Members’ everyday needs. This acquisition extends our reach to more communities, diversifies our commercial portfolio, and makes our balance sheet even stronger. If our balance sheet is stronger that will enable TDECU to continue to deliver and do more for our existing Members. Together, we will strengthen ties with our membership, partners, and local communities”

A strong performing commercial bank

Founded more than 120 years ago, Sabine has a footprint of 51 branches across Louisiana and east Texas. It specializes in commercial loans with industry concentration in oil and gas, forestry, timber and agriculture, and has many long-standing depository relationships.

“We are excited to become a part of the TDECU family and we share their commitment to strengthening our communities and empowering our customers to build better financial futures,” said Lee H. McCann, President and CEO of Sabine. “Our customers can rest assured that they will continue to experience the best-in-class service they count on from us. Best of all, that service will be enhanced with an even wider array of financial products to help them better secure their futures.”

Strengthening the credit union movement

TDECU has a healthy balance sheet that is focused on consumer deposits and lower-risk investment strategies. Sabine’s strong commercial operations will further diversify the credit union’s loan concentration and support TDECU’s overall growth strategy, bolstering stability and resiliency to provide compelling service offerings to its Members during economic and market fluctuations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed early 2025, subject to receiving all required regulatory and shareholder approvals and satisfying all other closing conditions. TDECU members and Sabine customers should continue to conduct their business as usual until the closing.

From L to R: Paul Sklar, Chief Financial Officer of Sabine State Bank and Trust; Lee McCann, President and CEO of Sabine State Bank and Trust; Dave Sikora, TDECU Board Chairman; Isaac Johnson, TDECU President and CEO; Jim Cole, Sabine Board Chairman; John Whitehead, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Sabine State Bank and Trust; Aparna Dave, TDECU Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel

Photo courtesy: TDECU

A ribbon cutting will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 4 pm to celebrate the opening of Victoria’s Garden, an education garden providing a “lot of compassion” for the community where seeds of unity and sustainability will be sown.

The garden’s location is 15 School Drive, right behind East Natchitoches Elementary School. This Educational Garden services the entire community and is within walking distance of three schools: East Natchitoches, Weaver, and Saint Mary’s. 

A $20,000 grant was secured through Kids Gardening and Mr. Meyer’s Clean Day through the partnership of Natchitoches Parish 4-H, the Natchitoches Parish School Board, Lisa Wiggins and Victoria Wiggins. The mission to create a community garden was inspired through Victoria’s involvement with the State 4-H Food and Fitness board.  The issue of food insecurity is real and food deserts are here in the Natchitoches community.  

The nationwide grant supplied $20,000 to support local leaders looking to transform vacant lots into gardens to help grow compassion in their community. Victoria’s Garden was one of ten projects accepted nationwide. 

Any member of the public is invited to help develop the garden to help eliminate food insecurity in the community. For more information on how to enter you may contact the 4-H office at 357-2224.

Lakeview High School has officially named Lawrence Seawood as the Head Football Coach for the Lakeview Gators for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.

Coach Lawrence Seawood brings over a decade of coaching experience to the Gators program. A dedicated member of the Lakeview coaching staff for 13 years, Coach Seawood has developed a deep understanding of the school’s athletic culture and a strong connection with the community.

As a former football player at Northwestern State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science, Coach Seawood has a strong foundation in the sport. His passion for working with youth led him to further his education with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

When he is not on the field, he cherishes time with his wife, Aaliyah, and their two children Lexie and Trey. He is also actively involved in The Theta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., where he mentors young men.

“I am honored to accept this new position,” said Coach Seawood. “The Lakeview Community has been great to me, and I can’t wait to see where we can take Gator Football in the coming years. Go Gators!”

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) will honor the 40th graduating class during its annual Commencement Ceremony, held on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. in Northwestern State University’s Prather Coliseum.

As the school celebrates its own 40th anniversary, it is very appropriate that Dr. Art Williams is set to be the guest speaker at the event, as he and his wife Dr. Sharon Williams were recipients of the LSMSA Foundation’s Wingspan Award for Dedication, an award created to recognize the dedication of individuals and organizations who demonstrate meaningful support for LSMSA through financial means, volunteer time, advocacy and other avenues of engagement considered above and beyond.

“Dr. Art and Sharon Williams have consistently gone above and beyond in their support of the Louisiana School,” said LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton. “His unwavering belief in our mission and his extraordinary contributions have had a profound impact on our school community. We are immensely grateful for his continued support and the positive difference he makes in the lives of our students every day.”

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Arthur Williams graduated with a doctorate in English with specialization in Restoration and Eighteenth-Century English Literature from Emory University.

Dr. Art began working at LSMSA in 1984 and served in many roles as well – chair of the humanities department, faculty representative to the Board of Directors, executive director (1990-1994) and a senior lecturer in humanities.

As executive director, he led LSMSA through some of its darkest budget times. He began SLAMT, the sports weekend where LSMSA competes against its sister schools, and opened the new gym. He also served as faculty sponsor to the student newspaper, “The Renaissance.”

He retired after 32 years of service to LSMSA. In 2017, he was bestowed the honor of Executive Director Emeritus at LSMSA and continues to offer classes in a limited capacity (classical guitar).

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Art as our keynote speaker for this year’s graduation ceremony,” said Dr. Horton. “He has always been a beloved member of the Eagle family. His dedication to the community serves as an inspiration to our graduating class.”

LSMSA officials are honored to have him as the guest speaker for the event.

“We look forward to his words of wisdom and encouragement as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students and their bright futures ahead,” said Dr. Horton.

In just over a week, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s June 22 New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp has been filled to capacity.

The capacity registration was not surprising, said camp coordinator Kat Marshall, but the rapid response filling the event more than a month in advance was unexpected. Logistics in operating the event require a limit on participants.

“We appreciate the great response,” said Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland. “We wish we could involve even more kids in this free camp but it’s just not possible considering the facilities and the time frame with four events going on that day.”

Camp Day on Saturday, June 22 begins with check-in at 8:30 a.m. at the WRAC with introductions of Hall of Famers at 9, and activities starting by 9:15. It wraps up at 11 after all campers get football and speed instruction at Northwestern’s Turpin Stadium and receive basketball and agility instruction inside the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center (WRAC) at 322 Sam Sibley Drive.

Campers will receive free T-shirts, a meal coupon, and more. Northwestern State coaches and athletes help Saints and Pelicans personnel, and the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, working with the kids.

The 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Class includes Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Basketball Hall of Fame 2024 inductee Seimone Augustus, recently enshrined in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, MMA legend Daniel Cormier, NFL quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph of the Chicago Bears, former Tulane basketball coach Perry Clark, longtime Grambling baseball coach Wilbert Ellis, USA wrestling gold medalist Kevin Jackson, legendary high school football and baseball coach Frank Monica and one of America’s greatest jockeys, Ray Sibille.

Complete information on all Induction Celebration events June 20-22 in Natchitoches is available at the LaSportsHall.com website or by calling 318-238-4255.

Aside from getting their much anticipated high school diplomas this week, TOP Natchitoches Parish senior athletes from Lakeview, Natchitoches Central and St. Mary’s High Schools, will be honored during the annual “Best of the Best” awards ceremony Friday, May 17 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum.

The featured awards this year will include: The L’Jarius Sneed Leadership Award which honors Minden native and two-time (2023 & 2024) Super Bowl Champion Sneed. A former member of the Kansas City Chiefs football team, Sneed was recently traded (March 2024) to the Tennessee Titans; business and entertainment “Snoop Dogg” Leadership Award, J.D. Garrett, Petey Perot and Charlie Tolar Football Awards will be presented.

Other named-Natchitoches tied awards include: The “Becca” Allen Softball Award, Pat LISTACH Baseball Award, Joe Dumars and Shantel Hardison Basketball Awards and the Stephanie Sowell Track and Field Award. Other named awards will be the W.D. Braxton Extra Mile Memorial Award and the Robert Walker Memorial Leadership Award.

After careful research by the Natchitoches Leadership Through Athletics Committee (NLTAC), each year, awards are given to students in their chosen-sanctioned Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) sport(s). The event is open to the public without a cost. For information call: 318-357-2492.

POSITION: Probation Officer
LOCATION: Deridder, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana.

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience or education in law enforcement or criminal justice or social work preferred; P.O.S.T. certification preferred; Job description available upon request 

CONTACT: 337-463-7993

SUBMISSION: Submit resumes on or before May 24, 2024, at 4 p.m. to:
P.O. Box 1148,
DeRidder, LA 70634
OR fax to 337.463.9244

EOE

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested a 15-year-old juvenile for a burglary that occurred on May 13 around 4:57 pm.

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Breda Avenue in reference to a juvenile causing damage to a residence.  Upon officers arrival they located and arrested the fifteen year old who had broken a window and gained entry into the house.

The juvenile has been charged with one count of simple burglary and was placed in the Jackson Parish Correctional Center. 

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to remind its citizens to please note the brand, model and serial number on all valuable household items and firearms.  The serial numbers can help officers identify your items and get them back to you.

Be aware of suspicious activity in your neighborhood.  Below are a few examples:

• People walking up and down the street looking in vehicles or pulling on door handles; during the day or at night.
• Vehicles driving at slow speeds while looking at parked vehicles.
• People on bicycles or scooters riding around during late night hours.
• If your home has a security camera please contact the police if you observe anything suspicious.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $3,000 for the arrest of an offender.

The Natchitoches Parish Government issued a list of roads that the Highway Department will begin to work on because they all need new culverts, ditching and gravel. This work schedule is subject to weather conditions, manpower, availability of materials and funds availability.

Road Name & Road Number:

Seab Horn 731

Housely 462

Lou Ivy 545A

Hicks 537

Bennett Loop 536

Raggio 714

Cat Island 711

Cat Island Cuttoff 710

Bayonne 711A

Mims 593

Blos Moore 562

Marthaville School TS04

Marthaville Ball Field TS04

Emmanuel 825

Nid Aigie 700

John Scott 529A

Eight Mile Loop 527

Mora Baptist Church 913

Forest Road 339

Mora Red Dirt 910

Zack Weber 911

Weber Cuttoff 911A

Mora Hutton 916

Fate Martin 917

Louis Cook Ext 834

Posey Road 547

Mill St. TB25

Moss Hill SC02

Sowell St. TG22

Boleyn 589

Freeman Loop 571

Allen Beulah 450

Bay Springs 812

Litton Nugent 800

Many Marthaville 591

Bethany Pres. Church 353

Waddle 431

Good Hope 713A

Obannon 802

Cunningham Camp 602

Jim Bell 366

Sylvest 729

Lime Kiln 530

Harmony Baptist Church 721

Foshee Ranch 531

LC Baker 348

River View 607

Monroe 524

Patrick 605

Cox Lane 739

Engage Federal Credit Union is excited to announce a limited-time car sale event for qualifying members! From April 1st to June 30th, 2024, eligible members have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a discounted interest rate of 1% off our current rates for any 2020 or newer vehicle purchase.

This special offer is designed to provide our members with unparalleled savings and convenience when purchasing their next vehicle. To take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, simply apply for the loan as you normally would by visiting our website at http://www.engagefcu.org/apply-for-a-loan. After submitting your application, please send proof of income to loans@engagefcu.org to complete the process.

Don’t miss out on this unbelievable chance to secure a great deal on your dream car! Act fast, as this offer is only available for a limited time. Drive away with confidence and savings when you choose Engage Federal Credit Union for your auto financing needs.

For more information about this promotion and our range of financial products and services, please visit our website or contact us directly at 318-238-7762.

About Engage Federal Credit Union:

Engage Federal Credit Union is dedicated to serving the financial needs of the Natchitoches community, offering a wide range of financial products and services designed to empower our members. With a commitment to providing exceptional service and value, Engage FCU strives to help members achieve their financial goals and dreams.

Contact:
Engage Federal Credit Union
www.engagefcu.org
318-238-7762

The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that the bridge located on Hwy. 1 South will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection on Wednesday, May 15 from 7-11:30 A.M.

Northwestern State University’s Division of Mathematics will offer a new course this fall that will incorporate 3D printing to help students learn complex mathematical concepts. Dr. Nicholas Richardson, instructor for CSC 3040 3D Print Design I, said he’s been using 3D printers to make models for calculus classes after finding that concepts become clear when students have a 3D object in their hand to use.   

“I first started using 3D printing in my calculus class,” Richardson said.  “There was one section that we would go over that was always difficult to understand the first time through.  While we can draw 3D pictures, we are still limited in what they represent on 2D paper.” 

Richardson will begin the class by introducing students to two new UltiMaker S5 3D printers and familiarizing them with a program called OpenSCAD.  

“This is similar to other 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs, but the approach is more from the programming perspective than a drawing perspective,” he said. “In OpenSCAD, we can make basic objects such as spheres, cubes and cylinders.  By moving them around and combining these objects together in different ways we can make several different types of 3D models with no drawing skills required.” 

The class is also intended to be a programming course similar to Computer Science I C/C++.   

“I would get students in 1060 that are not ready for a language like C/C++, but it is required for them,” Richardson said. “While C/C++ and OpenSCAD are used for different goals, I will be able to cover several programming topics where they can get instant feedback and see progress as the work, unlike in C/C++ where you may need to do several things at once before you can see progress.”  

Students will learn the entire prototyping process from creating and printing a 3D model to having the final object in hand.  

“I will likely get feedback from the class to see what they want to print/model and go from there.  While we might not be able to do everything, they want with OpenSCAD, I am sure we can find something that will pique their interest.  I think some flexibility like this is key since we will need to design and print many objects throughout the class.  Obviously, some of these will be small while others would be larger and take more time.” 

NSU’s Division of Mathematics is part of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.  For information on CSC 3040, contact Richardson at  richardsonn@nsula.edu/.   

Information on NSU’s Division of Mathematics, visit https://www.nsula.edu/mathematics/.     

By Dr. Damien Tristant, Assistant Professor of Physics 

Northwestern State University  

The roots of artificial intelligence (AI) trace back to the 1950s when Alan Turing (1912-1954), a brilliant British mathematician and computer scientist, explored the potential of building intelligent machines. He endeavored to formulate methods for evaluating their intelligence, as detailed in his seminal paper “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” (https://phil415.pbworks.com/f/TuringComputing.pdf). Since then, extensive research and development have deepened our understanding of AI. With the widespread adoption of chatbots, AI programs designed for conversational interactions, the world has entered a new era. AI now showcases its versatility as a powerful tool, capable of generating various forms of informational content (text, images, and videos) and analyzing vast amounts of data to extract trends and valuable insights. 

In this context, Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches, Louisiana, USA, is dedicated to advancing AI across diverse fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering technology, veterinary technology, biology, and microbiology. Through its STEM school (https://www.nsula.edu/stem/) and the College of Arts and Sciences (https://www.nsula.edu/coas/), NSU is revising its curriculum to equip students with foundational programming skills, particularly in Python. This empowers them to address scientific challenges, excel in machine learning, and enhance algorithms within AI.  

In addition to its educational initiatives, NSU is actively involved in AI research, fostering partnerships with renowned institutions such as the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) in the USA, the Fédération Française du Bâtiment (FFB) from Aube, the Cluster Patrimoine Bâti (CPB) 4.0, and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) in France. 

Located in Natchitoches, the NCPTT (www.nps.gov/ncptt) is a National Park Service research and training facility dedicated to advancing historic preservation through science and technology. Since 2018, the NCPTT has partnered with the CPB 4.0 (https://clusterpatrimoinebati.com/?lang=en), a nonprofit organization that combines diverse and complementary skills to innovate in the energy and digital transitions of built heritage. This initiative was started by the FFB from Aube, a leading organization in France representing construction professionals. Together, the NCPTT, the FFB, and the CPB 4.0 study how historical structures respond to various environmental conditions. They advocate sustainable renovation practices that improve building performance.  

NSU recently partnered with these initiatives to understand how Louisiana’s unique conditions – characterized by hot, humid weather and frequent hurricanes – impact historical buildings. By deploying modern sensors (as depicted in the accompanying photo) to measure parameters like temperature, humidity, and luminosity, the initial focus is on mapping NSU campus buildings constructed around 1950. Using AI, the goal is to identify robust building aspects, facilitating long-term enhancements in insulation while preserving historical integrity. This research aims to optimize historical buildings throughout Louisiana, benefiting disadvantaged communities.  

NSU students will actively participate in this initiative, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research methods and enhancing their computational skills. The collaboration includes an exchange program with the UTT (https://www.utt.fr/study-at-utt), a leading French institution for engineering and technology education and research. This program allows NSU students to study in France and welcomes UTT students to explore AI at NSU. Supported by the Department of English, Languages, & Cultural Studies (https://www.nsula.edu/english/), students can learn or strengthen their English and French language skills while immersing themselves in Louisiana culture.  

This enriching collaboration between institutions marks a significant stride in advancing knowledge and technologies in AI. Interested students can learn more about the programs by contacting Dr. Damien Tristant (tristantd@nsula.edu).  

Pictured: NSU received a sensor from the Fédération Française du Bâtiment and University of Technology of Troyes to make the commencement of NSU research on artificial intelligence. From left are NCPTT Architecture and Engineering Chief Andy Ferrell, NCPTT Materials Conservator Jason Church, Dr. Francene LeMoine, dean of NSU’s College of Arts and Sciences; NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, STEM School Facilitator and Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Anna Dugas; Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Damien Tristant, STEM School Director and Associate Professor Dr. Christopher Lyles and Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.