Tickets are available for the annual luncheon honoring the latest inductees into Northwestern State University’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line.

The 2022 inductees are Tommy Chester and Lola Dunahoe of Natchitoches, Dr. Johnny Cox of Coushatta. Tynes Hildebrand of Shreveport, Gail Metoyer Jones of Natchez, and Carlos Treadway of London, England. The inductees will be honored at a luncheon on October 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center. Tickets are $30 and are available at https://nsulongpurpleline.eventbrite.com.

For more information, contact Danielle Cobb at (318) 357-5513.

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Dr. James Andrews brings quite a resume to Shreveport Thursday night when the internationally known sports surgeon returns to his home state to educate and inform concerning the development and protection of young athletes, an issue near and dear to his football-playing, pole-vaulting, ligament-repairing heart.  

The one-hour community forum, free and open to the public, begins at 5:30 p.m. at BHP Billiton YMCA, 3455 Knight Street in Shreveport. 

The event is hosted jointly by YMCA Northwest Louisiana (a continuation of its community lecture series) and Ochsner LSU Health; earlier this year, Ochsner Health announced an exclusive five-year partnership with Andrews and the Andrews Institute he co-founded to form the Ochsner Andrews Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute.  

This won’t be a one-and-done appearance by Andrews, 80 and a proud son of Claiborne Parish and Homer. 

“The thing I’ll stress most is we have to try to prevent injuries in youth sports,” said Andrews, a vigorous proponent of young athletes playing more than only one sport. “Injuries in youth sports have increased 10-fold since 2000. One of the things I’m most passionate about is getting the message out about injury patterns and what we can do to prevent that. We’ll try to take that message all over the state through Ochsner. I’ve been to all their facilities and I’ll be coming back periodically.”  

Good thing, because this is a subject right in the good doctor’s wheelhouse. Because before he became a certified and trained doctor and surgeon dedicated to injury prevention, education and research in orthopedic and sports medicine … 

before he became one of the most well-known orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists in the world … 

before he operated on top-shelf athletes such as John Smoltz, Drew Brees, Jack Nicklaus, Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson …  

before he became team doctor for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tampa Bay Rays, Auburn University Tigers and Washington Redskins … 

before he became a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2008 as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award …  

before he was honored with his own bobblehead doll at a Pensacola Blue Wahoos minor league game last summer (I know, right?!) …  

Before all that, he was other things.  

Like a Homer High School Iron Man. 

He and his Pelican teammates captured the imagination of the state in the fall of 1957 when Homer High finished 11-2-1 and state AA runners-up — despite fielding just 18 players. The storied Iron Men. Six of those players went to LSU and played sports other than football, including Andrews, an SEC champion pole vaulter. 

Like his close friend and C.E. Byrd High grad Dr. Billy Bundrick, now retired but for more than 40 years the area’s renowned sports medicine doctor and surgeon — Louisiana Tech’s training room and new softball stadium are named in honor of the former Bulldog football team captain — Andrews knew sports up close. 

“He’s one of the best orthopedic sports medicine doctors ever to come out of Louisiana,” Andrews said of Bundrick. “He was a couple of years ahead of me, and when he put on any sports medicine conference, I was there. He was taking care of Tech when he could barely get over there to do it because of the demand for him from his patients and local teams.  

“He knew how athletes thought, how football players thought,” Andrews said. “That gave us one-upmanship about being a team physician because we were so directly involved in athletics.” 

“Plus,” Bundrick said, “James was like I was: we were both just eaten up with it.” 

They do love it. 

“It’s what we were put on Earth to do,” Bundrick said.  

So, concerning your children, it’s not a waste of time to listen to nearly 100 years of celebrated sports medicine practice talking when both Andrews and Bundrick, Dr. A and Dr. B, warn of the serious issues confronting young athletes. 

“We (parents and coaches) have to start paying better attention,” Bundrick said.  

Andrews’ goal through Ochsner is to preach the S.T.O.P/Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention program and to stress the need for the state to adopt sports injury accreditation programs for youth coaches. 

“We’re going to get our athletic trainers around here up to date about what we’re doing,” Andrews said. “Trainers are our first responders when it comes to athletic injuries. We’ll have programs for players and coaches and parents to attend. That’s the main message: we’re going to learn how to keep from getting hurt at a young age.” 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

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What is your organization and purpose?  

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center is a non-profit organization, formerly called the Alzheimer’s Agency of Shreveport/Bossier. The name was changed to better illustrate our local mission. 

Our mission is to provide resources, education, and support services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias; their family members and their caregivers in the local area; as well as to promote awareness in the community.  

Our vision is to “Create a community where no one affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia makes the journey alone.” 

What are the Alzheimer’s stats nationwide?  

Nationwide, more than 6 million people, age 65 and over, are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to increase 20% by 2025. 

How many people are affected by Alzheimer’s in our area?  

The Center for Brain Health at LSU Health, Shreveport estimates over 85,000 people are affected by Alzheimer’s within a 75-mile radius of Shreveport.  

What is your organization doing to help this community?  

We are working diligently and with urgency to address the unmet needs of people in Northwest Louisiana affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. We help by assessing individual client needs, guiding, and supporting caregivers, responding to requests for help and information, educating the public, providing resources, and overall helping to navigate the care system.  

What services do you provide?  

We have care navigators to help you through the journey and a Licensed Professional Counselor for one-on-one meetings or to talk with family members.  We offer memory screenings, monthly education workshops, fun and engaging activities for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia, a printed and online local resource directory, and assistance in legal matters. We teach families how to maintain the dignity of their loved ones and help nurture relationships throughout the disease process. We have a speaker’s bureau for education and training for civic groups, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations. We also facilitate caregiver support groups in the community. 

Tell us more about the caregiver support groups. 

Support groups are vital to the caregiver. It’s an opportunity for the caregiver to express their emotions in a non-judgmental way. Caregivers learn that they are not going through this journey alone and they have a peer group that knows exactly what each other is going through. Groups meet for an hour once or twice a month – you can attend as many as you need. 

Do you have events the public can attend?  

The Second Annual Education Conference in Northwest Louisiana, “A Positive Approach to Dementia,” is scheduled for Friday, November 4, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, Shreveport. The keynote address will be given by a national speaker with the Teepa Snow Foundation, well-known in the world of dementia. This conference is the only one of its kind in Northwest Louisiana.  

Where are you located?  

We are located in the heart of Shreveport at 851 Olive Street. However, we are willing to travel to where we are needed in Northwest Louisiana. 

Can you give us some fun tips for improving brain health?  

Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominate hand, wear earplugs to experience the world without sound, or learn a new musical instrument or something that is completely new to you. 

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Join us on October 15th and 16th at Melrose Fall Festival located on the grounds at historic Melrose on the Cane. Melrose Fall Festival will host over 50 vendors who will be selling handcrafted items. You’ll find original artwork, candles, jams, jewelry, seasonal home décor, and more – it’s the perfect way to kick start your holiday shopping! There will also be food vendors, an arts and crafts table for kids, a photo backdrop, and home tours. (Tours are not included in the price of admission).

Pre-purchase your tickets at Eventbrite.com or MelroseOnTheCane.com/festivals.

FOR: October 15 (9am-5pm) MELROSE PLANTATION TICKETS – JUST CLICK HERE

FOR: October 16 (10am-3pm) MELROSE PLANTATION TICKETS – JUST CLICK HERE

Sponsored by the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

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Bailey Willis of Opelousas and Ebenezer “Eb” Aggrey of Baton Rouge were selected as queen and king of the 2022 Homecoming Honor Court at Northwestern State University.

Willis and Aggrey are part of a 22-member honor court, which will participate in activities during Homecoming Week at Northwestern State and will be presented at halftime of the Homecoming game against Southeastern Louisiana on Oct. 23.

The court also includes Ar’Nijah Bradley of Grand Cane, Jesus Bravo of Joaquin, Texas, Natalee Cook of Vivian, Nicholas Cooksey, Jonatan Jimenez and Jordan Richardson of Bossier City, Tristan Dotson of Shreveport, Scott Fowler, William Roberson and Mary Anna Scruggs of Natchitoches, Kaitlyn Gaines and Alexandria “Alex” Walker of Baton Rouge, Zoe Johnson of Morgan City, Mariah Kador of Oscar, Nick Knotts of Haughton, Morgan “Meaux” Landry of New Iberia, Zoё Nelson of New Orleans, Zachary Remedies of Zwolle, Payten Vidourek of Sanger, Texas, and Waylon Washington of Coushatta.

Willis is a junior secondary education major and is the daughter of Christopher Willis and Alvada Willis. She is president of the Student Government Association and the 2022 Miss Northwestern-Lady of the Bracelet. Willis participated in the Lamar Governor’s Fellows Program. She is a member of Helping Hands, Kappa Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, the African American Caucus and participated in the President’s Leadership Program. Willis was a freshman orientation leader and Demon peer mentor.

Aggrey is a junior accounting major and is the son of Ebenezer and Georgina Aggrey. He is an Alumnus of the Presidential Leadership Program and currently serves as Vice President of the Student Government Association. Aggrey is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Demon Volunteers in Progress., the Student Athlete Advisory Council, and the Demon Track & Field Team. He is a participant in the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program, serves as secretary of the Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and is a co-founder of Black Male Alliance. Aggrey is the inaugural recipient of the James Carter Exemplary Leadership Award and the Steve McCarthy Citizenship Award presented by the Southland Conference. He has been named to the President’s list as well as Honor’s list.

Bradley is a senior biology major with a biomedical concentration and is the daughter of Constance Boyd and the late Earnest Bradley. She is a member of Helping Hands, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society , Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society, NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she serves as president. Bradley has remained on the President’s List and Dean’s List since her freshman year.

Bravo is the son of Milo and Maria Bravo. He is a junior accounting major. Bravo was in the President’s Leadership Program and involved with the Office of First Year Experience. He is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress. Bravo has been on the President’s List, Dena’s List and Honor Roll.

Cook is a senior elementary education major and is the daughter of Vanessa Cook. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Purple Jackets, Order of Omega, Alpha Lambda Delta and Demon Volunteers in Progress. Cook is a three-year Morgan Extra Mile Scholarship Recipient, She is president of Purple Jackets, president of Order of Omega and served as a two-time freshman orientation leader.

Cooksey is a junior history major and is the son of Sean and Sally Cooksey and Melinda Cooksey. He is the Internal Vice President of Pi Kappa Alpha, former president of Alpha Lambda Delta, senator at large in the Student Government Association, and an active member of Demon Volunteers in Progress, Interfraternity Council, Order of Omega, Catholic Student Organization, Demon Mentor Network and Students for Animal Protection. Cooksey was a freshman orientation leader. He is a President’s and Dean’s List student, a 2020 Elks Lodge Outstanding Student Scholarship recipient and 2021 Returning Sophomore Scholarship recipient, a 2022 Alpha Lambda Delta TROW Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient and 2022 Louisiana Police Jury Association Scholarship recipient.

Dotson is the son of Kenneth and Yolanda Dotson and is a theatre major with a concentration in musical theatre. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Lifted Voice Gospel Choir, NAACP and Student Theatre Organization.

Fowler is a junior business administration major and is the son of Blake and Kara Fowler. He is President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and is a member of the President’s Leadership Program where he was a mentor, Alpha Lambda Delta, Order of Omega, Demon Volunteers in Progress, the Demon Mentor Network and was a freshman orientation leader. Fowler was named NSU Greek Man of the Year and received the Kappa Sigma Donald C. Dilley, Jr. Scholarship-Leadership Award and was selected Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority Man of The Year. He is a President’s List student and is a recipient of the Gallaspy Scholarship and Pam Miller Scholarship.

Gaines is a senior strategic communications major with a minor in hospitality management and tourism and the daughter of Lonnie and Ireon Gaines. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Order of Omega, Purple Jackets Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and is active in the University Programming Council. Gaines is a President’s List and Dean’s List student and received the Sisterhood Ring presented by Kappa Chi chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi.

Jimenez is the son of Roberto Jimenez and Ana Damian. He is a senior biology major with a biomedical concentration and a minor in chemistry. Jimenez is the secretary and past historian of Pi Kappa Phi, current treasurer and past senator-at-large for the Student Government Association, member of Tri Beta, Helping Hands, Order of Omega, African American Caucus, a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, and the Demon Dental Society. He is an alumnus of the President’s Leadership Program. Jimenez is a recipient of the David D. Morgan Extra Mile Scholarship and David D. Morgan First Generation Scholarship.

Johnson is a junior business administration major with a focus on marketing and is the daughter of Sonya Johnson and Michael Johnson. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Demon Volunteers in Progress, Demon Mentor Network and Purple Jackets. Johnson was a freshman orientation leader. She is a recipient of the Morgan Extra Mile Scholarship

Kador is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kador, Sr. and is a junior double biology and microbiology major with concentrations in biomedical and health and medical professions. She was in the President’s Leadership Program and currently serves as a mentor. Kador is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, served as a freshman orientation leader and is in the Demon Mentor Network. She is speaker of the senate in the Student Government Association, captain of the Purple Pizzazz Pom Line, a member of the Purple Jacket Honor Society, Helping Hands, and is a committee head for Demon Volunteers in Progress. Kador is vice president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is a Dean’s List student and received the Purple Heart award from the Pom Line.

Knotts is a junior business administration major and is the son of Mike and Bridgette Knotts and Susanne and Mike Sewell. He is a President’s List student and has been a freshman orientation leader and participated in the President’s Leadership Program, First Year Experience and Demon Volunteers in Progress.

Landry is a senior biology pre-med major and is the daughter of Miranda Landry. She is the 2022 Miss NSU. Landry is a member and past section leader of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band and President of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Service Fraternity. She is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, has served CPC as a Gamma Chi, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Catholic Student Organization, Purple Jackets, Order of Omega, Demon Mentor Network, Natchitoches Lions Club and serves as a Presidential Ambassador. Landry is vice president for the American Society for Microbiology and treasurer for Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. She is a third year JOVE Research Scholar, 2022 Pi Kappa Phi Rose Queen and recipient of an Academic Excellence Scholarship, Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Honors Scholarship.

Nelson is a junior nursing major and the daughter of Zena Nelson and Barry Nelson. She serves as social media head of the Student Nurses Association. Nelson is a member of the Exquisite Eta Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, secretary of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and secretary of the Mu Phi Chapter of the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. Nelson is the preceding public relations officer of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, has participated in the President’s Leadership Program, Demon Volunteers in Progress and served on the Leadership NSU Committee and the Residential Life Committee. Nelson is a recipient of the Hettie Fincher Scholarship and Entergy Community Scholarship.

Remedies is a junior hospitality management and tourism major and is the son of Anna and Kenny Remedies. He is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha where he serves as health and safety executive and is active in the Student Government Association. Remedies is president of Students for Animal Protection and a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress, Tri Beta, Catholic Student Organization, Demon Mentor Network and the Archery Club. He has been named to the Dean’s List and Honor List.

Richardson is the daughter of Shawn Richardson and Tasha Lacy-Richardson. She is a senior psychology major and is the president of the African American Caucus and a member of Helping Hands. She is active in the Student Government Association and is part of the Kappa Phi Sisterhood, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, a three-year volunteer with the Demon VIP program, and a four-year member of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching band. Richardson was a freshman orientation leader and was in the President’s Leadership Program. She is a Dean’s List and Honor List student.

Roberson is a senior health and physical education major and is the son of Bishop William and Jeannine Roberson. He is part of the Call Me Mr. Educator’s Program and is president and founder of NSU’s Black Male Alliance. Roberson is a member of the 2022 Demon Network Program, the NAACP, African American Caucus, Helping Hands and is a NSLS facilitator. He is secretary of NABJ and president of the Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Order of Omega. Roberson was Theta Chi Chapter Brother of the Month for Sept. 2021 and Theta Chi Chapter Brother of the Year for 2021-22 and 2022-23. He was selected to the 2021 Homecoming Court and is a Call Me Mister Scholarship recipient and 2022-23 Louisiana Assistant District Director.

Scruggs is the daughter of Sammy and Connie Scruggs and is a junior strategic communications major. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta and was a President’s Leadership Program member and mentor. Scruggs is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress was a freshman orientation leader and serves as a Student Government Association senator. She is a member of the Order of Omega, Demon Mentor Network Program and the Catholic Student Organization. She is a President’s List and Honor List student.

Vidourek is a senior business administration major and is the son of Kathy and Steve Vidourek. He is the secretary of Pi Kappa Alpha, a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Demon Volunteers in Progress, the Demon track and field team where he made All-Southland Conference in the indoor mile, the Student Athletic Advisory Council and Students for Animal Protection. He also currently serves as a university mentor with the Demon Mentor Network. He was a freshman orientation leader and 2022 Gentleman of the Year for Pi Kappa Alpha. He is also an Honor List student.

Walker is a senior psychology and music business major and the daughter of Valerie Walker and Dana Walker. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The NAACP, National Pan-Hellenic Council, African American Caucus and Lifted Voices Gospel Choir. Walker is active in the Student Government Association and is the recipient of an NSU music scholarship for piano. She is an Honor List student.

Washington is a senior communications major and is the son of Martin and Angela Washington. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the NABJ and the NAACP. Washington was a recipient of the annual Luther W. Lott Sr. Memorial Scholarship. He was a member of the Demon football team and was on the 2020-2021 Southland Conference commissioners’ fall honor roll. Washington was an Honor List student.

Pictured: Members of Northwestern State University’s 2022 Homecoming Honor Court are, from left, Jesus Bravo, Natalee Cook, Nicholas “Nick” Knotts, Mary Scruggs, Zach Remedies, Zoe Johnson, Tristan Dotson, Alexandria “Alex” Walker, Scott Fowler, Jordan Richardson, Bailey Willis (Queen), Ebenezer “Eb” Aggrey (King), Mariah Kador, Payten Vidourek, Kaitlyn Gaines, Waylon Washington, Zoë Nelson, Nicholas Cooksey, Morgan “ Meaux” Landry, Jonatan Jimenez, Ar’Nijah Bradley and William Roberson.

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It’s Official! TappedTober is back for 2022 presented by the Cane River Waterway Commission! Clear your calendars for Saturday October 15th as we once again rock the Natchitoches Riverfront Stage. This annual event is known for its family-friendly environment, top-notch entertainment, and ever-expanding beer and wine tasting selections, without missing a second of everyone’s favorite fall activity, football, on the gigantic riverfront screen. Headlining this year’s musical lineup is country legend, Tracy Lawrence, brought to you by Cunningham Insurance and Ameriprise! Visit our website at http://www.thetappedtober.com or find us on Facebook @Tappedtober for the latest information.

Proceeds from this event will support the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation & the NRMC Cancer Center in their efforts to improve access to healthcare in our community!

The ticket link is below.

TAPPEDTOBER TICKETS HERE – JUST CLICK NOW

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Rotarian with the Program Dr. Ron McBride introduced Northwestern State University (NSU) Athletic Director Kevin Bostian at the October 11 luncheon. Bostian spoke about the plans and goals of the NSU Athletic Programs. Pictured from left are Rotary President Aaron Johnson, McBride, and Bostian.

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The Natchitoches City Council approved an ordinance for a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City and Crime Stoppers of Natchitoches at its Oct. 10 meeting.

For the year, Crime Stoppers received 86 tips. A total of $3,300 was paid out for five tips that led to an arrest. Tips are coming from the parish and inside the city limits as well. They’ve involved information on homicides, warrants, drugs, bank fraud, arson, theft, vehicle theft, robbery, forgery and littering.

In other business, an ordinance was introduced to designate funds from the American Rescue Plan to demolish certain properties in the City that are a danger to public health and welfare. Mayor Ronnie Williams added that there was a bid opening on Oct. 10 for the demolition of the Hopeville Apartments on Second Street. The lowest of the two bids that were received was from Regional Construction of Natchitoches in the amount of $153,540. Williams added that the company should be able to start on the demolition as soon as the Council approves this agenda item.

Other agenda items included:

PROCLAMATION:
Declare The Month Of October, 2022 As National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Declare The Month Of October, 2022 As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:
Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Lot 15 & A portion of Lot 14, Block “B” of Keegan’s East Natchitoches Subdivision (516 Keegan St.)
Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Tracts “A” Containing 1.89 Acres and “B” Containing 1.36 Acres In Section 87, Township 9 North-Range, 7 West as Shown on Plat in Conveyance Book 330, Page 490 and Lot containing 1.37 Acres West of Tract “A” and Lot containing 0.81 Acre Below Tracts “A” and “B”, all shown on Plat in Conveyance Book 493, Page 760. (7096 Hwy 1 Bypass)

ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Award The Bid For Liquid Chlorine For The Water Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0654)
Approve The Terms And Form Of A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between The City Of Natchitoches And The Natchitoches Parish School Board Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) Between The City Of Natchitoches And The Natchitoches Parish School Board Which Will Provide For Terms To Support Additional Cross GuardsIn The City And Parish.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
Award The Bid For Caustic Soda For The Water Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0655)
Approve A Memorandum Of Cooperative Endeavor Between The City Of Natchitoches, The Red River Waterway Commission And The Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau To Promote The Use Of The Red River For The Kingkat Fishing Tournament.
Accept The Terms Of A Lease Of Certain Real Property From The Union Pacific Railroad Company By The City Of Natchitoches; Authorizing The Mayor Of The City To Execute The Lease; And Otherwise Providing With Respect Thereto.

RESOLUTIONS:
Adopt A Citizen Participation Plan/Citizen Complaint Procedure And Appoint A Citizen Complaint Officer For Compliance With The FY 2023 LCDBG Program.
Adopt The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Procurement Policy For The FY 2023.
Proceed With The Development Of The FY 2023 LCDBGProposal Taking Into Consideration Citizen Participation Requirements And Views Of The Governing Body.
Execute An Agreement With The Louisiana Department Of Transportation And Development (LADOTD) For the Rehabilitate Runway 17/35, Taxiways, Apron – Phase I (Design)
Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 By And Between The State Of Louisiana, Division Of Administration, Office Of Community Development, And The City Of Natchitoches For The FY 2021 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant-CV HVAC In The Amount Of $600,000.00 For Additional Costs Due To The Extenuating Remediation Efforts Needed At The MLKCenter

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, October 24, 2022.

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Our Q&A Column is a way for us to highlight the interesting people within our community.

This week we talked with local entrepreneur Troy Henderson.

Why Were You Interested In Your Current Role/Job in the Beginning?

To be honest, I had just left a promising career in sales management to move home and marry my wonderful wife, Kristi Haigh (Henderson). I found a job here in Natchitoches that didn’t pay all that much at the time. So, to make ends meet, my mother agreed to let me stock the cooler in the evenings to help with paying for gas to get back and forth to work. After some time, the sales increased because of my efforts. From there, my mother, Linda, asked me to become a full-time stocker. I didn’t realize at that time how much I would come to enjoy, not only working with my parents, but also helping to make manifest the dream of the business that French Market Express has become. The eventual movement into management was not the plan in the beginning but has become such a blessing for my family and me.

What Are The Roles Of Your Position?

The roles of my position include inventory, scheduling, and hiring. I enjoy filling in in many other roles as well, such as cashier, and media management, but mostly I would just consider myself a problem solver. Whether it’s making phone calls to vendors or helping a customer in the parking lot with a flat tire or talking on the radio in the morning because everyone else is so busy. I enjoy going where I am needed the most.

What Major Challenges Have You Faced So Far?

We have the same challenges as any other growing business. Having adequate staffing, overcoming obstacles of products being out of stock, and always being prepared for the next big event that Natchitoches may have are just a few of those challenges. However, making sure each customer’s experience here is optimal, is always our goal. But hands down, the most difficult day ever, was the day after Hurricane Laura.

What Kind of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role?

The strategy of how French Market Express is run, has always been to follow the Golden Rule. My mother has always done it, and I have always tried to follow her example. The mindset is to think outside the box and overcome adversities, with hard work and the will to succeed.

How Do You Stay Motivated In Your Work?

My motivation at work is the same as any other good husband and father. First and foremost, I love my family, and I strive to keep French Market Express successful to provide them with a comfortable life. Added to that, I’m also motivated as a son, to be there for my parents, and help them in any way I can.

Describe A Time When You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned?

I fail every day, in one way or another. Everyday on my short drive home, I can think of one or two things that I could have done better.  A lesson that I have learned and that I am still getting better at putting into practice is to never react to a situation with emotion.  Logic is always better.  

Tell me something fun that not many people may know about you.

In my youth, I was talented at rock climbing.  I would travel to Utah once every 2 months to go tackle new climbing spots that I hadn’t been to yet.

If You Could Time Travel, When Would You Go?

I honestly feel as if I was meant to be in this time, but I wouldn’t mind taking a short trip to see what it was like in the early days of this great nation.

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Several thousand people came to visit the St Augustine Creole Celebration held at the historic St. Augustine Church in Isle Brevelle Oct. 7-9. The popular event is a celebration of Creole Culture and is something of a family reunion as descendants of the area’s families come home from all over the United States and abroad. The festival also transforms the St. Augustine parish hall into what is arguably the finest restaurant in the state as the hardworking cooks serve homemade meatpies, tamales, red beans and rice, and, of course, their signature gumbo.

There were games for the children in addition to music and dancing. This year’s event also featured some special visitors as the Cane River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted visiting members of the DAR from Lafayette, Opelousas, Crowley and New Iberia. The visitors toured the historic St. Augustine church and cemetery before enjoying the festival’s superb food. The St. Augustine Creole Festival is a long-standing tradition in our community and is a celebration of one of the many unique cultures that make Louisiana a special place. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to next year!

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Witch Way to Main Street and Farmers Market are teaming up for a joint event on the Riverbank Saturday, Oct. 29, for a morning of live entertainment, children and pet costume contests, vendors, trick or treating and more. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and will be allowed to trick or treat from 10am-Noon on the Downtown Riverbank. Businesses and individuals interested in hosting a Witch Way to Main Street booth may contact the Main Street office at 318.357.3822.

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Natchitoches Junior High JAG members conducted community service on September 30th. The members distributed non-perishable and perishable food items to the community.

If your child attends Natchitoches Junior High or L.P. Vaughn Elementary School, you may apply for a free, bi-monthly school food pantry program offering fresh fruits, vegetables and non-perishable food items from the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.

The next distribution date is slated for Oct. 21 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Applications can be picked up from Natchitoches Junior High School.

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By Edwin Crayton/Opinion

Anyone who is making a list of the greatest confessions in history can find one in Luke Chapter 23, verses 39-43 of the Holy Bible. It occurred on the day Jesus was crucified. One of the criminals who hung on a cross next to him gave an enlightening three-part confession. First, he confessed that he and the other criminal were guilty of the crimes they were condemned for. Then he criticized the other criminal for mocking Jesus and told him that although they were in fact guilty, Jesus was not. Thirdly, he indirectly showed faith in Jesus when he confessed that Jesus was who he said he was, and then asked Christ to remember him when he came into his kingdom. You see, in his heart, this condemned man knew Jesus was lord and savior. That last part of the confession prompted Jesus to promise this criminal that he would be with him when he got to paradise (heaven). So that criminal, who just minutes earlier was most likely headed for a miserable eternity in hell, was in the last moments of his life, saved and taken to heaven. It’s truly moving.

I believe that criminal’s confession is the ideal example of what Christian confessions should look like. In other words, it gives us the basic content. First, we must acknowledge our sins. All human beings have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Then we must acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and savior, submit to his authority, repent for our sin and ask him to be our lord and savior (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10). However, today, the reality is, many who claim to be Christians are simply not meeting these requirements and in some cases are rejecting them partially or completely. Ours is a willful society determined to have its own way. Even inside the church we are now having to deal with certain members who are trying to bring ungodly, worldly ideas into the church body itself (John 14:23-24). Just open the paper or log on to your online news and see what I mean. The Greenville News reports that the United Methodist Church in South Carolina is facing a “theological split over sexuality”. The paper makes it clear the fight is over whether the church should accept same sex marriage and openly gay clergy. It’s also not uncommon elsewhere to find church members who back abortion or who fornicate (having sex with someone you are not married to). The Bible prohibits all of that (Leviticus 18:22, 1 Corinthians, chapter 6, Exodus 20:13). Yet that doesn’t seem to matter in some churches where there are those who see God’s commands as mere suggestions to be debated instead of holy commands to be obeyed. This is a direct challenge to God. It’s 100% demonic and 100% unacceptable. The Bible is not like a Chinese buffet. You can’t just take what you want and leave what you find unappetizing or undesirable. You have to take the whole thing. Another way to look at it is that it’s like driving your car. You cannot skip steps in the driving process. You can’t say, “Well, I won’t turn on the ignition. I’ll skip that step. Or, I’ll only use the accelerator and never use the brakes.” In the same way, confession is a mandatory step in accepting Jesus as savior and lord. Peter said, you must repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Romans 10:9-10 says, “You must confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord.” No confession of sin, means no repentance. No repentance, means no surrender to Christ, which indicates no faith in Jesus. No faith in Jesus means no salvation (John 3:16-18).

But although it is the main reason, salvation isn’t the only important reason that confession matters. Confession has many spiritually healthy benefits. It relieves you of a heavy burden that can rob you of your peace of mind and injure your soul. It can free someone who has been accused of what you are in fact guilty of. It restores your relationship to God and allows Christ to wash away your sins (1 Corinthians 6:11). If it’s that beneficial then why don’t more of us confess? The reasons are perhaps too numerous to catalogue in an article, but here are a few I’ve found to be true in my own life as a sinner and that I’ve noticed in general. First, mankind is proud and craves social acceptance and status. We care what others think about us and that makes us tailor our lives to fit what is socially acceptable. In Jesus’ day, some people did not follow him, because they were afraid of the religious rulers who made themselves enemies of Christ (John 12:42-43). This is still an issue today as some people still reject Jesus due to social pressures. Another reason is that we are worried about what would happen if we admitted to having a moral failing. There is something worse than having others look down on us because of our failings. It’s dying without confessing our sin and then paying for it by living a hellish eternity. You see, God is just and righteous and so he must and will punish those who sin and refuse to repent. In other words, if you do not repent, your sin remains. That means you will have to pay for it. There is one more reason we don’t confess. Many of us who claim Christ have forgotten that we are guilty sinners, just like those two criminals who died with Christ. That is why we don’t get excited about being used to save other sinners. It’s why we don’t witness, it’s why when the pastor stands up in the church sanctuary and invites volunteers to stand up and give a testimony about what God has done in their lives, almost everyone is silent. Have some of us forget that we were lost, but now are found? Or, do people display this lukewarm attitude because they are in reality still lost (Matthew 7:21)?

What can you do about this? Well, God gave us the answer to that question quite a long time ago and it still works. He told us to obey the instructions given in the Bible. Repent. and confess your sins. Then ask Jesus to be your savior and lord (John 3:16). The Bible also says, “Confess your faults to one another so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Also, if you have committed sins that are crimes, you as a believer have an obligation to confess them to the police. If you were part of crimes or have knowledge of a crime, you are also obligated to confess what you know to authorities. Some may say, “But I might be arrested and jailed.” True. Yet, there is something worse than jail. It’s leaving this life with unrepented sin and then having to pay for it by experiencing a painful eternity in hell. That is much worse, because eternity means you’ll pay for your sin forever. There is no parole from Hell. You cannot appeal or plea bargain anything after death. However, if you confess while living, you can be washed clean spiritually and be freed in your soul, even if you have to be bound in jail. There is hope. You can serve God and other people well even in jail. Many have done it. A good deal of the Bible was written by prisoners, serving time in jail.

Remember, like those two criminals who were crucified with Jesus, our lord, we are all guilty. We are spiritual criminals (Romans 3;23). The only question is, which criminal are we going to be most like? The one who disrespected Jesus and did not take him seriously? We can disrespect God’s commands and promote sin and rebellion in the name of the church. Or we can be like the other criminal who admitted his sin and confessed that Jesus is lord and obeyed him. All in hopes that some other poor, miserable sinner who is watching us, might also be saved.

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” -1 John 1:8 (ESV)
“Confession is good for the soul.” –Ancient expression of unknown origins

Look for this opinion article at least twice monthly in the Journal, usually on Tuesdays.

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The Village of Natchez celebrated National Night Out on Oct. 4. Police Chief Michael Gillie shared the history and Mayor Hoover welcomed the community. The community of about 50 children and adults played games and prizes were handed out. Chief Gillie provided red beans and rice, hot dogs, and burgers. The Mayor and Council provided popcorn, refreshments and gift bags. Volunteers were Doris Hoover, Shaiqua Hoover, Malonia McDaniel Maudrineaux Gillie and Alisha Hoover.

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Parish President John Richmond has issued a Parish-wide burn ban under the advisement of the rural Fire Departments and the Natchitoches Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness effective immediately, due to the lack of rainfall and extremely dry conditions. This burn ban will remain in place until further notice.

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The ladies of the Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated can’t wait to work with you and your children! We are calling all Delta youth participants and parents to a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 PM at First Baptist Church North Street. The youth programs include Embodi, Delta Academy, GEMS, College Tour, Jaberwock, and Beautillion. For information on any of these programs or the opportunity to participate. Attendance at the October 11 meeting is mandatory.

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Dr. Stephen J.C. Andes will give a lecture at the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University on Thursday, October 13 at 3 p.m. in Room 227 of Morrison Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.

The lecture “The Mark of Douglas Fairbanks: How Hollywood’s First Power Couple Took Zorro from the Pulp Pages to the Silver Screen,” is presented in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Andes is an associate professor of history at Louisiana State University. He is the author of three books of nonfiction, including his most recent, “Zorro’s Shadow: How a Mexican Legend Became America’s First Superhero.” It was named among the Best Non-Western and POC Fantasy Books of 2020 (Den of Geek) and included in The Chicago Tribune’s 12 Must-Reads of Fall 2020. He has just finished a manuscript called “Chasing Speedy: The Secret History of America’s Fastest Cartoon Mouse,” a study that describes how Mexican American audiences took the little Hollywood gave and made the Looney Tunes mouse into something looking like authentic representation.

The lecture is sponsored by the Louisiana Scholars’ College, The School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs and the Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

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By Brad Dison

Jeannette Rankin was an exceptional woman. She was born and raised in the wilderness near Missoula in what was then the Montana Territory. Jeannette was a good student. Her mother, Olive Pickering, had moved from New Hampshire to the Montana Territory to teach before she met and married John Rankin, a prosperous rancher and builder originally from Canada. It may have been her mother’s desire to teach that led to Jeannette’s desire to learn.

Following her high school graduation, Jeannette attended Montana State University and, in 1902, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Jeannette taught for a short time and worked as a seamstress’s apprentice. Jeannette was not satisfied. She knew she could do more.

In 1904, Jeannette’s father died and she went to visit her uncle in San Francisco. It was there that Jeannette first heard of the Telegraph Hill settlement house. She learned that the settlement house was set up as a way for the middle and upper classes to help the poor class of society by sharing their experiences and education. In this hierarchy, based on her father’s financial success and her education, Jeannette was considered middle class. Jeannette volunteered at the settlement house and thus began her lifelong passion for social work.

Jeannette left San Francisco and enrolled in the New York School of Philanthropy from which she graduated in 1909. From New York, she moved to Spokane, Washington, where she worked with impoverished children. In her spare time, Jeannette took more classes in the social sciences. She became an advocate for social reform, first as a volunteer and then as a field secretary with the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Still, she thought there was more she could do.

On July 13, 1916, Jeannette announced her candidacy for one of Montana’s two seats in the United States House of Representatives. Her platform supported many prominent issues of the day which included child welfare legislation and the prohibition of alcohol. Jeannette was fighting an uphill battle. Her announcement garnered little attention. Many of the newspapers in Montana ignored Jeannette’s campaign altogether. National newspapers focused, not on Jeanette’s campaign, but mainly on the campaigns of the nearly 300 women in Kansas who were running for office at every level of government. Jeannette was lost in the shuffle.

Remember, Jeannette was an exceptional woman. In August of 1916, she won the Republican primary by more than 7,000 votes. On Tuesday, November 7, 1916, people throughout the country cast their votes for the candidates of their choice. The major election news was the narrow reelection of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson to a second term of office. Montana and Jeannette were still ignored by the news media because Montana was so sparsely populated that no one knew the results of their election for three or four days. It took time to hand deliver election results from across the state on horseback. When the final votes were tallied for Montana’s two seats in Congress, incumbent Representative John Morgan Evans led by around 7,600 votes. He took the first seat. Jeannette beat the third-place contender by around 6,000 votes. She took the second seat.

The news media ignored Jeannette no more. On April 2, 1917, newspaper reporters took copious notes as Jeannette took the oath of office and took her seat as a United States Representative. She also took her seat in history. In 1917, Jeannette became the first woman elected to the United States Congress. Jeannette became a Congresswoman four years before the Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guaranteed women the right to vote.

Sources:
1. “Rankin, Jeannette, US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives.” 2020. @USHouseHistory. 2020. history.house.gov/People/Detail/20147.

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The Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Committee will hold the annual Veterans Day Program on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 4 P.M. on the Downtown Riverbank Stage. Prior to the program, there will be a tour of the Veterans Park at 3 P.M. Anyone wishing to see the nearly installed bricks honoring Veterans may plan to attend the tour.

This year’s Keynote Speaker for the 4:00 P.M. Program will be Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Kevin B. Stuart. Sergeant Major Stuart served in the Army for 32 ½ years serving at many Army bases, including Ft. Polk, Ft. Riley, and Ft. Benning. He served in many countries, including Korea and Saudi Arabia. As a Veteran of the Gulf War, he will give tribute to our Gulf War Veterans that are present for the program.

The Gulf War Veterans serving between August 2, 1990 – November 30, 1995, are invited to sit together in a designated area for the program, so they may be recognized. Please send a text to 318-663-4326 giving your name and the years you served. A committee member will be on hand to guide you to the appropriate seating area.

We are expecting a Military Group from Ft. Polk to accompany CMS Stuart, including the current Command Master Sergeant and some of his staff. More details will be given at a later date, but please SAVE THE DATE to attend.

NSU Elementary lab will hold its annual Veteran Reception at 8 A.M. on Friday, Nov. 11, followed by the Program at 8:30 A.M. They are also sponsoring a Hero Run on Saturday, Nov. 12, on NSU campus. More details of this event will be coming soon.

Remember: FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! THANK A VETERAN!

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