EUGENE, Oregon – Natchitoches native Maria Bienvenu, a St. Mary’s alumnus now competing for TCU, lines up this afternoon in the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials among a 24-woman field in the javelin.

She ranks seventh overall and is fourth among the current collegiate competitors.  The qualifying round for the event begins at 6 p.m. with NBC Sports providing overall coverage from Hayward Field on NBC (9 p.m. CDT), Peacock (6-10 p.m.) and USA Network (7-9 p.m.). Live results will be available online at the https://results.usatf.org/2024trials/ website.

The top 12 throwers this evening after three rounds advance to Sunday’s 6:10 CDT finals. Coverage airs on Peacock from 4:50-7:30 CDT and on NBC from 6:30-7:30.

The top three finishers Sunday are eligible for the Paris Olympics – with a catch. They have to have posted a throw that meets or exceeds the Olympic standard, 64.00 meters (209 feet, 11 inches).  

Only one athlete throwing the javelin today, Maggie Malone Hardin of the New York Athletic Club, has done that this year. She has a 65.00 best (213-3). The only other competitor who is over 60 meters is American record holder Kara Winger, with a 2024 best of 63.22 (207-5) and a career best of 68.11 (223-5).

Bienvenu, a two-time All-American in her first two collegiate seasons at UL-Lafayette, missed a third All-America award by one place with a 16^th place finish early this month at the NCAA Championships. She instead received honorable mention All-America honors.

But most of the throwers at the NCAAs were foreign athletes, leaving Bienvenu among America’s better young throwers.

Her season and personal best mark is 54.45 (178-7), meaning she would need to improve by over 31 feet while finishing in the top three this weekend to have a chance to qualify for the Paris Games.

Although that is very unlikely, a good finish at the Olympic Trials would be a career boost for the 21-year-old who did not throw the javelin until late in her senior year at St. Mary’s, where she was an All-State basketball star who helped the Lady Tigers win a state championship.

She has another collegiate season of eligibility. If she chooses, she could continue her career after college, training for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Typically javelin throwers peak in their post-collegiate years in their 20s.

Pelican Broadband, the newly rebranded internet service provider, is excited to announce its official launch, following a recent purchase and rebranding effort. The company, NortheastTel, recently acquired the Louisiana operations of EpicTouch, marking a significant milestone in its growth and commitment to providing superior internet services to Natchitoches and other local communities.

The purchase, finalized in February, brings together the legacy of two telecommunications companies that date back to the 1930’s and 40’s, when the original companies began as Campti-Pleasant Hill Telephone Company and Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company. The new entity, Pelican Broadband, is working to implement and improve internet services in the communities of Campti, Creston, Natchitoches, and Pleasant Hill. Along with the planned improvements, Pelican Broadband is dedicated to continuing to provide outstanding service to DeSoto, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, and Sabine Parishes.

A Commitment to Better Connectivity

Pelican Broadband is currently replacing legacy copper infrastructure with state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to ensure faster, more reliable internet and telephone services. This ambitious project aims to cover approximately 300 miles of fiber optic cable over the next five years. The upgrade will bring minimum speeds of 100 Mbps to underserved areas, with plans for up to 1 Gbps of speed.

Community Focus and Affordability

As a local, family-owned business, Pelican Broadband understands the unique needs of its customers. The company has made significant strides in making its services more accessible, including reducing the prices of most residential packages and simplifying the sign-up process with a flat deposit and no credit check requirements. 

“We want to ensure everyone has access to reliable internet, especially in today’s world where connectivity is crucial,” said Mike George, President and CEO of Pelican Broadband.

Expanding Services and Community Involvement

Pelican Broadband is not just about internet and traditional telephone services. The company also offers Hosted PBX phone systems, and will be rolling out Managed IT Services, a new offering to the Natchitoches area. 

Additionally, Pelican Broadband is committed to supporting their communities, sponsoring events such as the NPSB Expo in July, a 4-mile run/walk in Morehouse Parish in October, various K-12 organizations & athletics, Natchitoches Christmas Festival, and the annual Tappedtober and NRMC Foundation Gala events.

Trusted Local Service

“Our team remains the same dedicated group of professionals our customers have come to know and trust,” said  Chief Operating Officer, Rick Darsey, who joined the company in 2010.

“We pride ourselves on providing personal, reliable service and being an integral part of the communities we serve.”

Pelican Broadband invites current and prospective customers to learn more about their services by visiting their website or contacting either of their offices. As the company looks to the future, it remains focused on expanding into new areas and continuously improving its network to meet the needs of all customers, ensuring that even the most rural areas have access to high-quality internet services.

For more information, please visit pelicanbroadband.com or contact Pelican Broadband at 318-352-0006.

About Pelican Broadband

Pelican Broadband is a local, family-owned internet service provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable internet and telephone services to communities in Louisiana. With a rich history dating back to 1933, the company is committed to enhancing connectivity through state-of-the-art fiber optic technology and a focus on customer satisfaction.

By Reba Phelps

The airport is truly a place that can evoke all kinds of deep emotions. Some may have sweet childhood memories of watching airplanes take off because they lived near an airport. Some may have fond memories of picking up loved ones as they returned home from a long journey or possibly even from serving a call of duty. While others may have sad memories of watching someone move far away from home with no definite time to return. 

More times than not, there may be pure excitement in the airport. Maybe you are taking a vacation that was planned years in advance from the discipline of saving all of the money necessary to enjoy a trip of a lifetime. Maybe you are excited because it is your first time flying anywhere. Or, maybe the airport makes you feel stress because of the vehicle traffic, the people traffic, and flight delays. 

The emotions that one can feel are absolutely endless but the one thing I enjoy most about airports is watching people hug. Typically in an airport, the hugs are tighter. They are sweeter. They linger longer as if you don’t know when you will get that same hug again. I could watch this for days and only imagine what the story is behind the hug. 

This past week my little family had the opportunity to spend some time together. My oldest daughter flew in from Idaho to meet us while I was on a work trip. Our time was so brief due to meetings but I knew once the meetings were over, I would have so much fun catching up with my daughters while they were under one roof. Being a parent is realizing that when your children enjoy time together without you, you have done your job. 

My girls actually like each other and probably have more fun without me and I am totally okay with that. It blesses me just seeing them love being together. 

As the trip came to an end we had to leave my oldest at the airport. Having done this dozens of times we were prepared and told each other we would not cry. We were going to have a solid goodbye with zero tears. We were going to be big girls. As we pulled into the airport, we almost refused to speak or even look at each other. We just kept singing the Taylor Swift songs that were playing in the background. 

While we were disembarking from our car I noticed what appeared to be another mom saying goodbye to her daughter. They were hugging so tightly and crying so much they were vibrating. I tried to be cynical about the gushy display of emotion and told myself, geez you will see each other again… but would they? I didn’t know, but there I was judging as if I did. 

Once my daughter’s suitcase was unloaded, we just started at each other noticing all eyes were full of tears. We hugged and shed tears as if she was going off to war. The airport hugs are the sweetest but never the easiest hugs. While we have so many reasons to count our blessings, saying goodbye is always tough. 

Love will always make you feel all of the emotions. Love will make the hugs tighter. Love will make you miss those that you cannot see every day. Love will even disappoint you and hurt your feelings. When we are filled with the perfect love of Christ, we have no choice but to share that love with others. It shows up in our speech, it shows up in our hugs, it shows up when dealing with strangers…the love of Christ is endless. 

“We love because he first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have previously been awarded an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell Rating Service which is the service’s highest possible designation of professionalism and ethics.  This rating was generated by a survey of Harrington’s peers and only 10% of attorneys across the United States receive this coveted designation.  

Martindale-Hubbell is widely recognized as the world’s most respected service for rating attorneys.  They have been conducting and publishing attorney ratings for over 130 years and are regarded the “Gold Standard” of attorney ratings. 

Now, the Harrington Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney C. Rodney Harrington and the firm have also been awarded by the same rating service the highest possible distinction by the judiciary.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have added to their previous award the Special Edition Judicial Award which is especially noteworthy because it is based upon the confidential opinions and recommendation of members of the judiciary familiar with Mr. Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm.  The Judicial Edition Award indicates perfect ratings from the judiciary on the attorney’s legal ability and ethical standards.

According to Harrington, he is particularly proud of this recognition because it is based upon reviews from other attorneys and area judges who are familiar with his and the firm’s legal standards and professional ability, and not some “Buy an Award” marketing ploy.

“We’re a small, family law firm in a small town and we strive every single day to be ethical and professional in the representation of our clients,” said Harrington.  “That’s why it’s so gratifying to learn that we have received the highest possible rating by our fellow attorneys and now by judges as well.  We must be doing something right.”

C. Rodney Harrington has been practicing law in this area for over 45 years and his son and partner, C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington for over 14 years.

The Harrington Law Firm handles a wide range of cases, but primarily all types of personal injury, including Automobile, Motorcycles, and Big Truck Wrecks and Medical Malpractice, along with Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability Appeals, and Wills and Estates.

The firm’s website is http://www.theharringtonlawfirm.com

Job Opening: Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeping 

We are looking for a candidate who will be the first point of contact for clients and the general public who call or walk to our office at 431 Jefferson Street. The candidate should have at least 10 years’ experience in the business world and great interpersonal skills, computer skills, and some bookkeeping experience. This multi-faceted position will test your ability to learn new skills, perfect existing ones, and be adaptable to the different needs of the office, including insurance bookkeeping and report management, office administration and coordination, and customer service.

Email a confidential resume’ and cover letter with a short description of your experience, your salary and benefit requirements to joe.c@cunninghaminsurancegroup.com.

EOE

Greg Roberts Fire Hydrant Repair and Supply will conduct a hard flush on July 1, 2, 3, and 5 at the following locations: St. Clair Ave. to Keyser Ave., and the sounding areas of St. Clair and Keyser Ave. 

The purpose of this hard flush is to clean out the service lines in the city. Please be aware, that customers may experience discolored water during the flush. 

For more information or questions regarding Fire Hydrant Hard Flush contact the Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.

The Healing Clinics is the number one choice for medical marijuana evaluations in Louisiana. More than 40,000 satisfied patients. The Healing Clinics is the real deal when it comes to compassionate care during your healing journey with medical marijuana. Accept no substitutions!

The physicians at The Healing Clinics treat patients from all walks of life. From in-clinic treatment to hospice care, our patients know that their doctors will monitor their treatment with medical cannabis and they will receive professional, compassionate care from their physicians and the entire staff.

No matter what your motivation for seeking medical marijuana as an addition to your treatment plan, the physicians and staff at The Healing Clinics will guide you on your journey.

We value your privacy. Every step of your journey with us is HIPAA compliant and your information will always be protected.

Start your healing journey today! The Healing Clinics offers telehealth for optimum convenience in your physician evaluation.

For More Information:

Website:  at TheHealingClinics.com
Call:  (318) 227-4088
Email: info@thehealingclinics.com

Five (5) Convenient Locations:

BATON ROUGE
11715 Bricksome Ave., Suite A-6
Baton Rouge, LA, 70816
(225) 250-8606
HOURS: By Appointment Only

MADISONVILLE
1519 West Hwy 22, Suite 5
Madisonville, LA 70447
(985) 590-8088
HOURS: 9AM to 5PM M-F

LAKE CHARLES
2802 Hodges St.
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 240-6587
HOURS: By Appointment Only

MONROE
100 South 2nd Street
Monroe, LA, 71201
(318) 227-4088
HOURS: By Appointment Only

SHREVEPORT
745 Olive Street, Suite 202
Shreveport, Louisiana, 71104
(318) 227-4088
HOURS: 9AM to 5PM M-Th • 8AM to 4PM Friday

The Natchitoches Parish School Board held a special called meeting one June 25 to approve the following agenda items:

Approve revisions to the NPSB student hand book policy section Electronic telecommunication devices for students: Cell Phone discipline policies.

Approve the 2024-2025 NPSB Student Handbook.

Approve supplemental salary schedule in accordance with Act 311 of the legislature.

Approve job description amendments for Teachers, Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Principals, Supervisors and Directors.

Approve updated salary schedule to include club sponsorship stipends.

The Natchitoches Parish Council voted at its June 26 meeting to approve entering into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Parish Government and the Cane River Waterway Commission to improve a portion of Patrick Road. The next step is for the project to be put out for bids. A more definitive timeline was not discussed.

Other agenda items included:

Approve changing regular meeting date of July 15 to July 29 to have 30 days for public hearing for ordinances introduced at June 25 meeting

Appoint Henry T. Moffett to the Natchitoches Parish Hospital Board of Commissioners.

Appoint Abe Ackel to the Northwest Louisiana Game and Fish Commission.

Adopt Ordinance-009-2024 to authorize an act of sale by the Parish of Natchitoches to sell certain adjudicated properties (Parcels 9010152800, 9010287400, and 9040136200) by public auction; and, further providing with respect thereto.

Adopt Ordinance-010-2024 approving an ad valorem tax exemption of up to $2500 of the assessed

valuation of property receiving Homestead exemption that is owned and occupied by a qualified First

Responder pursuant to Article VII, section 21(0) of the Louisiana Constitution.

First Introduction of proposed Ordinances:

Ordinance-012-2024 to add the Levy Taylor Road back into the Parish Road system.

Ordinance-013-2024 for a budget amendment for the Foster Grandparents Program Fund 810.

Ordinance-014-2024 to update the Parish of Natchitoches Personnel manual to add a job description for the OCS Senior Program Support and update the current job description for the OCS Senior Program FGP/SCP Project Director position as well as update and add/update the salary ranges to accommodate the new Foster Grand Parent program at OCS.

Resolutions:

Resolution for CDBG funds for the East Natchitoches Drainage Improvements Project to authorize John Salter, President, to execute the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with OCD for the Project, as well as all related documents, and to do any and all things necessary and proper to carry out this Resolution and to fulfill its objectives and purposes.

Adopt a Resolution to request appointing Dale Carter as Constable to replace the late Elmer “Bobby” Carter and to call a Special election for November 5, 2024. And included in that Special Election the Justice of the Peace for Ward 4 Parish of Natchitoches.

Approve levying the same millage or roll forward for the 2024 tax year. The Council rolled everything forward except for the Natchitoches Parish Library.

The Natchitoches Junior High School strives for excellence everyday and recently, members of its instructional leadership team spent some of the summer weeks improving instructional and coaching practices to continue building Top Tier educators and student learners. Principal Bernard-Conday and Master Teachers Christy LaCombe, Tiffany Williams, and Rebecca Theriot attended NIET’s summer institute to develop their toolkit to ensure effective instruction in every classroom.

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching summer institute event, educators from across the country learn from NIET specialists and have dedicated time to collaborate with their peers. The sessions and dedicated team planning time provides educators the opportunity to connect around strategies that will help them accelerate teaching and learning going into the 2024-25 school year.

The Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE), in partnership with Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana, is more than thrilled to announce that our statewide LA40by2030 Tours to varying regions will launch in Louisiana Department of Health Region 7* in Natchitoches. This tour brings together community members, state and local officials, community-based organizations, health professionals, and more to foster meaningful dialogue and gather valuable insights with a focus on rural areas. This initiative is part of the LA40by2030 campaign to improve Louisiana’s health rankings from 50^th to 40^th by 2030. 

The LA40by2030 Tours will include visits to multiple regions across Louisiana with a focus on the rural areas that face unique challenges in healthcare access and health outcomes. LCHE is working diligently to build a platform of engagement for community members to contribute to candid conversations about creating a more equitable state for all Louisianians.

Your participation is vital in the forming of a future where healthy living is a tangible reality across the state. The tours will kick off in Region 7 of our state, starting in Natchitoches. 

Join Us: 

WHEN: Tuesday, July 2 starting at 7 pm

WHERE: Natchitoches Arts Center, 716 Second St. in Natchitoches

Registration and information link: LA40by2030Tours.eventbrite.com

Note: There will be a virtual option. See details on Eventbrite.  

Following Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams’ Welcome to the City and comments, Natchitoches First Lady Tiffany Williams will serve as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies.  Presenters include Alma Stewart Allen, Founder and President of LCHE; Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Region 7 Director Dr. Martha Whyte; and Margaux Fisher, LCHE Fellow.

We are calling upon community members, governmental and non-governmental organizations, local and state officials, service providers, advocates, visionaries, and community champions to come together to rally around a shared goal of improving the health of people across the region.

For more information, www.eventbrite.com/e/la40by2030-tours. Should you have any questions, please email info@lahealthequity.org or text/call 225-772-7029.

*As designated by the Louisiana Department of Health to include the following parishes: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Webster. 

Richard Earl Foshee, Jr., a beloved husband, father, and friend, was born on September 25, 1961, in Natchitoches, LA, to Richard Earl Foshee, Sr. and Ernestine Neal Foshee. Richard passed away on June 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma, at the age of 62.

Richard graduated from Hickory Ridge School in 1979 and continued his education at Northwestern State University (NSU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He furthered his studies at Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), where he obtained a Master of Science in Geology and an MBA.

Upon completing his education, Richard began his professional career with CenturyLink, working in Marion, Monroe, and Shreveport, LA. He retired from CenturyLink in April 2011. In December 2017, Richard returned to work for the Natchitoches Parish School Board as the Supervisor of Business Affairs, where he was employed until July 2020.

Outside of his professional life, Richard enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons. He also frequently coached their soccer and baseball teams. He enjoyed many family vacations to our national parks as well as hunting for precious rocks and gemstones with his granddaughters. He cherished these moments of adventure and discovery with those that loved him.

Services for Richard will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, Crossroads Worship Center in Natchitoches, with Reverend Gary Willis officiating. Visitation will take place on the same day from 2:00 PM until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

Richard leaves behind cherished memories and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Allen Foshee; his father, Richard Earl Foshee, Sr.; his stepfather, Ray Hewitt Allen; his paternal grandparents, Thomas Jefferson Foshee, Sr. and Stella Wharton Foshee; his maternal grandparents, James Lawice Neal and Grace Louise Latham Neal; his paternal great-grandparents, James Ernest Neal and Minnie Belle Searcy Neal; and his maternal great-grandparents, William Edgar Latham and Emma Irene Harrel Latham.

He is survived by his mother, Ernestine Neal Foshee; his loving spouse of 42 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Foshee; his sons, Richard Earl Foshee, III, and spouse LeAnna; Matthew James Foshee and spouse Megan. His grandchildren Ripplie Perkins, Piper Foshee, Haleigh Dowden, and Louise Dowden. As well as his Aunt Geraldine Gullion and cousins Terry Mitchell, Jr., Mark Busby, Chris Busby, Denise Solomon, and Eddie Jordan.

Richard’s legacy of love, hard work, and humor will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pallbearers will be Mark Busby, Chris Busby, Eddie Jordan, Steve Graf, Allen Evans and John Evans.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Caddo Bossier Cancer Foundation League, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches.

332 Bird Ave. Natchitoches

Wonderful Location!!!

Updated and on the market is this well cared for 4 bed 3 bath home tucked in the very sought-after area of Natchitoches.  The inside of the home was painted in 2020.  The outside of the home was painted in 2023.  New energy efficient air condition (A/C) was installed.  This house has a wonderful in-ground pool.

If you are looking for a great neighborhood just minutes from beautiful downtown Natchitoches, give us a call to take a look!

No Rental Inquires; Serious Purchase Inquires Only, 

For information or appointment:
Cell: 318-471-9955
eMail: royfpm@bellsouth.net