Apparently, the government has issued a command or passed a law or sent out a decree that all the world, at least every living person in America, must see the new Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun: Maverick, each in his own city, and not just once but at least two or three times, or else they’ll cut off your … cable?

So, I went to see it.

Wasn’t 100 percent sold on the idea, but if you want to have a decent conversation with anyone these days, you have to have seen Top Gun: Maverick, hereafter referred to as a space-saving Top Gun, the original movie title in 1986.

The current movie is the sequel. In the original, Cruise and his friends were hot-shot fighter pilots in the United States Navy, the best of the best. The cast did an excellent job of portraying what is required from the real pilots defending us as we speak, and let’s take a moment and be grateful they’re on our side.

A couple of things: I haven’t been “to the show” in three years and not to a show on Saturday afternoon, something normal functioning people often do, since—taking a legit guess here—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968-ish. That show was so bad it kept me out of Saturday afternoon movie houses for decades, even when a good John Wayne or Clint Eastwood was playing.

Became a nighttime guy.

But I went back Saturday, although it was iffy. Online tickets were sold out except for a seat here or there, and this at theaters that were playing Top Gun on several screens.

Somehow, we ended up as fortunate as some of the pilots portrayed in the movie. We got golden tickets. And suddenly there we were, with Tom Cruise onscreen as himself welcoming us to the picture show in what I thought was a nice touch.

Then it started.

If you didn’t see the original, you’ll still “get the picture.” Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, years and years after his graduation from the TOPGUN Naval aviation program — Cruise’s character is basically 718 in pilot years by now — gets called back to instruct elite fliers. One of those youngsters is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late wingman and best friend, Goose.

You’ve noticed these need-for-speed pilots have nicknames. Maverick. Rooster. Goose. The new movie is not lacking in this area: there’s Carburetor and Skeeter, Mud Flaps and Truck Nuts. Eat My Rubber. My favorite is Bob. “Bob.” True story. Apparently, any name’s game as long as it can be stenciled onto the front of a flight helmet.

Another holdover from the original: a bad mustache. Goose, who tragically did not make it through the original, had that special kind of very 1980’s porn star mustache. In any strip club in any country, you still see this kind of mustache worn by most all patrons. And by some of the dancers. Not a good look.

So, in the sequel, to make us know for certain that this was Goose’s offspring, they made the son have that same mustache. I’d have bought in without that hammer over the head, but perhaps it made for a key plot element, subliminal and all: Could Rooster overcome a haunting legacy AND the lame mustache?

Glad I bought a ticket to find out (even though the government made me go). It was worth it. Three different times, I thought the film was over, but Things Kept Happening. It was like three movies in one.

And thank goodness they made this thing a couple of years ago before gas prices soared higher and faster than a F/A-18 Super Hornet. If they’d made it today, a ticket would cost $147.

We rate it VG for Very Good. No sex. No cussing that I recall. And just the right amount of sentiment in paying homage to the original. I almost cried one time — but maybe that was because I really needed to go to the bathroom.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Pitcher and shortstop Maddie Robinson was a first-team selection, while her Natchitoches Central High School teammates Catherine Stokes and Desi Robinson earned honorable mention accolades on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A All-State softball team.

Sports media from around the state selected the team honoring the top performers among Louisiana’s biggest high schools.

Maddie Robinson and Desi Robinson are juniors; Stokes graduated in May and will attend Centenary on a softball scholarship. They helped lead NCHS to the second round of the state playoffs and an impressive 6-1 win over nationally-ranked Pineville and an overall 21-10 record.

Maddie Robinson batted .447 with a .557 on-base percentage and a stout .894 slugging percentage. She was second among the Lady Chiefs in hits (46), doubles (12), triples (3) and home runs (8). She collected 35 RBI while drawing 23 walks. She fielded .929.

In the pitching circle, Robinson was overwhelming. She finished 16-6 and notched a save, holding opposing hitters to a .188 batting average while posting a 2.12 ERA. She averaged 9.6 strikeouts per game, sitting down 216 batters of the 680 she faced in 158 innings.

Stokes played shortstop and second base and was chosen for the coaches’ West All-Star. She carried a lofty .512 batting average with a .597 on-base percentage and slugged at an .857 rate.

She led the Lady Chiefs in hits (58), doubles (20) and was second in runs scored (44) while recording 29 RBI and drawing 19 walks. Stokes fielded at a 919 rate,

Desi Robinson, a junior first baseman and outfielder, owned a .428 batting average, got on base 52 percent of the time, and slugged .880. She topped NCHS in triples (7) and home runs (11), along with runs scored (51), and was second in hits (48), RBI (41) and walks drawn 914). With the glove, she fielded .992.

LSWA CLASS 5A ALL-STATE SOFTBALL

Position, Player, School, Class, Stats

P Halie Pappion Barbe Sr. .20-3
P Maddie Nichols,West Monroe Sr. 14-4
P Lainee Bailey Walker Sr. 29-5
P Addison Jackson St. Amant Jr. 30-2
C Kirsten Thiels Pineville Sr. .432
IF Brylie Fontenot Sam Houston Jr. .534
IF Bailey Henderson Pineville Jr. .608
IF Sara Roussel Hahnville Sr. .551
IF Chloe Larry Parkway So. .643
OF Nyjah Fontenot Barbe Sr. .486
OF Dayzja Williams Alexandria Jr. .456
OF Karli Sellers West Monroe Jr. .413
UT Lexie Dibley Sam Houston Jr. .398
UT Emily Collins Pineville Sr. 30-3
UT Maddie Robinson Natchitoches Central Jr. 14-6, .447 batting average
UT Kira Manganello John Curtis So. .388
UT Kai Goodman John Curtis So. 18-1

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: ADDISON JACKSON, ST. AMANT

COACH OF THE YEAR: AMY PITRE, ST. AMANT 

Honorable mention

Kailey Dwyer, Acadiana; Bevan Hartnett, Pineville; Lauren Cooper, Pineville; Catherine Stokes, Natchitoches Central; Carla Wilson, Ruston; Ana Grace Garcia, St. Joseph’s Academy; Jenna Samuel, Northshore; Madison Laiche, John Curtis; Laney Waguespack, Hahnville; Lauren Sekenger, Dominican; Riley Myers, Southwood; Ava Defee, Benton; Brynne Songy, Dutchtown; Parish Endris, Airline; Madison Jolie Lenderman, Acadiana; Rheagan Montgomery, Ouachita; Erin Stallings, Alexandria; Desi Robinson, Natchitoches Central; Caitlyn Riche, Walker; Shaun Leiva, Live Oak; Alix Franklin, St. Amant; Ashlyn Shirah, Northshore; Rikki Adams, Chalmette; MyKail Lusco, Dominican; Jina Baffuto, Airline; Brooklyn Brockhaus, Haughton; Landrie Crockett, West Ouachita; Carmen Dixon, St. Amant; Elena Heng, Airline; Madelyn England, Sam Houston; Bailey Neathery, West Ouachita; Heather Triche, H.L. Bourgeois; Sophie Livers, Benton.

CUTLINE – Maddie Robinson

By Brad Dison

In the Fall of 1861, Robert Smalls became the pilot of the CSS Planter, “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” Robert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, had been piloting vessels in Charleston harbor for several years and knew it well.

The Planter was “a high-pressure, side-wheel steamer, 140 feet in length, and about 50 feet beam, and [drew] about five feet of water.” Before the war, the Charleston-built vessel was used to transport up to 1400 bales of cotton per trip. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Confederate Navy converted the vessel into a gunboat armed with a 32-pound rifle on its forward deck and a 24-pound howitzer on its aft deck.

The boat’s captain, Charles Relyea, along with his first and second mates, had a habit of sleeping in comfortable beds in homes near the wharf. Pilot Robert Smalls, engineers John Smalls and Alfred Gradine, and crew members Abraham Jackson, Gabriel Turno, William Morrison, Samuel Chisholm, Abraham Allston, and David Jones had to sleep in the cramped quarters aboard the boat.

One night in the spring of 1862, after the captain and first and second mates had gone ashore for the night, one of the crew aboard the Planter, unhappy about their situation, joked that they should defect to the north by running the vessel to the sea. Some of the crew members readily agreed. Robert, the senior most crew member, immediately warned the crew not to discuss the defection while onboard the vessel. Robert suggested that if they wanted to discuss the defection “in sober earnestness,” that they meet at his home in Charleston.

During their clandestine meeting, the entire crew, including Robert, decided that they would defect. Knowing that Robert was born and raised in Charleston, and that he had piloted vessels in the Charleston harbor for several years, the crew left the plan entirely up to Robert. They agreed to follow Robert’s orders without question, to be ready at a moment’s notice, and swore to absolute secrecy. All of the men knew that if they were caught trying to defect, or even discussing defection in the prized boat, they would surely be hung.

Robert and the other crewmen waited for the right opportunity to defect. Robert hid provisions for the crew members in the hold of the boat. On the night of May 12, 1862, Captain Relyea and his first and second mates went on shore to spend the night. The Planter was scheduled to leave for Fort Ripley on the following morning with supplies for the fort which included a 7-inch rifled gun, an 8-inch columbiad cannon, an 8-inch howitzer cannon, a long 82-pounder cannon, and about 200 rounds of ammunition. This, Robert decided, was the perfect opportunity.

Robert quickly put his secret plan into motion. He sent for his wife and three children, and John Smalls sent for his wife, child, and sister. The rest of the crew members had no family in Charleston. The men secreted the women and children onto the boat and aroused no suspicion. Leaving them in Charleston was not an option because the captain would have arrested them until the crew members returned to face charges. At about 3:00 a.m., the crew lit the fires under the boilers and waited for the pressure to build. Their hearts beat fast as the minutes felt like hours. Finally, steam had built up enough for them to depart and the vessel paddled away from the harbor.

The crew hoped to pass the batteries of Fort Sumter in the cover of darkness, but the tide was against the Planter and the vessel moved slowly through the water. It was fully daylight when the boat neared Fort Sumter. Robert wore clothing which, at a distance, resembled the hat and uniform of the Planter’s captain. As the boat approached the fort, Robert could see the sentinel. He reached for the whistle cord. If the sentinel suspected anything, Robert’s horn blasts would be answered by cannon fire. Otherwise, the sentinel would motion for the boat to continue. Robert gave the usual signal—two long pulls and a jerk at the whistle cord. He watched the sentinel’s every move. To Robert’s relief, the sentinel motioned for the boat to continue.

Robert steered the Planter away from the Confederacy and toward the American ships he knew would be waiting. As the vessel came within sight of the US Navy’s blockading squadron, the crew hoisted the white flag of surrender. US sailors boarded the Planter, learned of their plan to defect, and allowed them to pass through the blockade. The boat then proceeded to Port Royal, via St. Helena Sound and Broad River, and reached the Wabash, the flagship of the US Navy, at 10:00 p.m. The defection was mutually beneficial for the US Navy and the Planters’ crew and its passengers. The US Navy got what they wanted— “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” The Planters’ crew and its passengers got what they so desired—their freedom. Robert and the rest of the defectors were slaves.

Source: Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), May 20, 1862, p.2.

Five Lakeview Jr/Sr High School Air Force JROTC cadets just completed a week-long, 24 hr/day, Cadet Leadership Course this past week at Grambling State University. The summer course matures and prepares students to take on leadership roles within the cadet corps at their school. During this exciting and rewarding week they focused on teamwork, following instructions, and attention to detail. They started their days at 5 AM each morning with physical fitness training before transitioning over to other events and classes. The remainder of their day included dormitory inspection preparation, academic testing preparation, and teambuilding activities such as Drill Competition, Water Survival, a Confidence Course, Orienteering, Field Activities, and more.

The week concluded Saturday morning with a military style Parade (Pass In Review), followed by graduation and awards ceremonies. The five cadets who graduated the course, pictured left to right, were: Sophia Kerry, Peyton Cunningham, Colie Killingsworth, Natalee Lebrun, and Sydney Thompson. Lakeview also brought home some awards from this course. Cadet Colie Killingsworth graduated in the top of her class and was selected as a Distinguished Graduate, Cadet Sophia Kerry was a member of the team that earned the Warrior Flight award, and Cadet Peyton Cunningham was a member of the team that earned the Honor Flight award.

Natchitoches Parish
Seab A. Horn
June 15, 1916 – June 6, 2022
Visitation: 6pm to 8pm, Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Service:  Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 10:00 a. m.
Interment:  Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in the Vowells Mill Community.

Winn Parish
Lisa Thomas Coleman
October 12, 1964 – June 5, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 18, 2022, 11:00am; Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel,  Winnfield, LA
Interment: Winnfield Cemetery

The Cane River Royals 8U AA Team from Natchitoches competed in the USSSA I-10 Shootout in Lafayette. The team won second place and received silver rings at the tournament. Royals members Murphy Linebaugh and Liam Mahloch both walked away with “Players of the Game” awards for their outstanding performance.

Pictured left to right, front row: Jaxson Norsworthy, OJ Hall, Carter Hough, Tate Dupree, Gavin Key, and Jax Errington. Back row, left to right: Coach Luke Mahloch, Chanz Winn, Murphy Linebaugh, Liam Mahloch, Coach Jacob Cook, Zechariah Hall, Coach Cody Hough, and Coach Jody Biscoe.

The members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority , Incorporated , Mu Omega Zeta Chapter Scholarship Committee are proud to announce Jared Braxton, a native of Natchitoches and a 2022 graduate of Natchitoches Central High School, has been named the first recipient of the Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor Legacy Academic Award. This academic award program is designated for the children, grandchildren and guardianship of children of fully financial and active members in good standing with the local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Mu Omega Zeta Chapter. Mrs. Josephine Winder currently serves as the Chapter President and Ms. Candance Grayson serves as the Scholarship Committee Chairperson. The scholarship applicant had to complete an application and meet all necessary requirements to have been considered for this award. As the Inaugural Scholarship Recipient, Mr. Braxton will receive a book scholarship, a dormitory care package and dinner with the benefactor, Mrs. Toliver-Taylor.

“So many times we as members of our Greek Letter Organization sacrifice our time away from our families especially our children. We know we are leaving a legacy of helping others through volunteerism, service to our communities and financial support. As the chapter’s past president from 2017 to 2021, my parting thoughts were to guarantee something financial in the form of an academic award based on Zeta’s primary founding principle, Scholarship. This award is made available to the children (legacies) who see the sacrifices and efforts made by their mothers or grandmothers as viable members of this chapter. It is our hope that one day they too may want to become part of this Blue and White Family. “

Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor, Life Member, Immediate Past Chapter President and Elementary Educator

Jared is the son of Catherine and Kenny Braxton. Mrs. Braxton is an educator with Save the Children Headstart, Red River Region. She has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Omega Zeta Chapter since 2015. She has served as the chapter’s ZHOPE Coordinator and Sergeant- at- Arms. She has also served on various committees and programs.

This fall Jared will be attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on an academic scholarship majoring in Biology with a minor in Business. After receiving his bachelor’s degree Jared plans to become a Pediatrician. Apart from studying Jared likes to read, play basketball, play video games and attend church services. He serves as a drummer of the Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ernest Green. Jared has a major concern about the gun violence that is plaguing our communities. If he could change one thing it would be to better monitor gun control and those who have access to guns. We wish Jared the very best in his future endeavors as he matriculates to college.

I would like to inform the voters of Natchitoches Parish School Board District 7 that I will not be seeking re-election in this fall’s Election. Qualifying starts as early as next month. It has truly been an honor to serve you and your children for the past two terms. I know in my heart that God will place someone there to pick up exactly where we left off and continue moving things in a forward manner. I would like to personally thank all of the board members, present and past that I have had the honor to work with. They are some pretty amazing people who are dedicated to Public Education. I also would like to thank all of the faculty and staff of Natchitoches Parish School Board for their amazing work. Thank you to all of the Central Office staff for all of their hard work. They are truly dedicated to their work and always put the children first no matter the cost. It’s been a great honor to work side by side with Rev. Steve Harris. Together I feel like we’ve accomplished a lot and there is still more work to be done.

In closing, I am truly going to miss you all. May God continue to keep his hands of protection over Natchitoches Parish and all of our students.

Between April 26 and May 10, 2022, two jet skis were removed from a storage area located off Highway 71/84 in south Red River Parish. One was a 1998 red Kawasaki and the other was a 2012 blue Yamaha along with a white double trailer that carried both jet skis.

Entrance was gained by cutting the chain to a locked gate. The matter is being investigated by the Red River Parish Sheriffs office.

A reward is being offered to the anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the theft.

REWARD OFFER: $1,000.00
CONTACT: The office of Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards
PHONE: 318-932-6701
* All Callers will remain anonymous.

Northwestern State University’s College of Education and Human Development is seeking nominations for the 2022 Hall of Distinguished Educators and Outstanding Young Professionals.

Nominees must have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from Northwestern State University, must have a minimum of 30 years of service in the field of education and must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community at a local, state, national or international level. Nominees may be living or deceased.

More than 100 educators have been honored with this prestigious award since 2000. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Hall of Distinguished Educators

Applications must be received by Monday, August 1. Applications can be completed here: https://bit.ly/HallofDeEducators22.  For more information, contact Stephanie Anthony-Smith in the Teacher Education Center at (318) 357-6278 or email anthonys@nsula.edu.

POSITION: Controller – Finance Department

DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of routine and complex clerical and administrative skills in the Finance Department. Responsible for supervising all functions of the payroll department, all functions of the accounts payable department, including monthly sales tax, balancing cash, invoice processing, airport credit card report, monthly sales tax and 1099’s. Train other employees in the Finance Department. Assists in monthly, quarterly and year end reports. Monitors and performs the daily operations in relation to various employee benefits offered including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement and other benefits offered to employees.

Sets up new vendors and account codes in the GMBA system.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant shall have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or related field or 4 years of experience in municipal accounting and finance work.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine Street, or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Lakeview Jr/Sr. High School Boys Basketball team will give back to the community on Friday, June 17 from 5-7 pm with a community clean-up project. These young men, along with their coaches will assist the Payne Subdivision Community to SUPPORT A LITER FREE COMMUNITY. As parents, grandparents, community leaders, we want to show these young men that it’s important to give back to the community that supports them, not only as a team, but as young men striving to stay on the right path. For additional information and to volunteer, contact School Board Member Pastor Steve R. Harris or Ja’Lesia Mims. Asking everyone to meet at Tony’s Bodyshop.

NATCHITOCHES:
John W. Bailes
August 27, 1936 – June 8, 2022
Service: Tuesday, June 14 at 11:30 am at Marthaville Cemetery

UPDATE:

From Fire Chief John D. Wynn, Jr.

On Sunday, June 12, 2022, the City of Natchitoches Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at The Mariner’s Restaurant. Engine 1, Engine 3, truck 1, Rescue 1 and C2 were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters arrived on scene and found flames showing through the roof. A call back page for all off duty firefighters was sent out and Fire District 6 was requested for mutual aid. No further details available at this time and no reported injuries from this incident.

ORIGINAL:

An NPJ reader submitted these photos showing an early morning fire at the Mariner’s this morning. the fire started around 4 am Sunday morning.

June 12, 2022

The Northwestern State University Men’s Basketball team, under first year coach Corey Gipson, is preparing for success both on, and off, the court with a series of events intended to give back to the community. The team recently held a “Demons Dine and Ditch” event Friday, June 10 at a local BBQ restaurant.

The team grilled hot dogs and burgers for anyone in the community to enjoy free of charge. The team gave away over 150 dinners to neighborhood residents and passing motorists. This dinner is just one of a series of events the men of NSU basketball have held for our community. The team held a camp at Provencal Junior High and has helped serve meals to our city’s homeless population at the Ben D. Johnson Center. In the upcoming months, the student athletes will be hosting a camp at the Ben D. Johnson Center, reading stories to children at parish library story-time and cleaning up litter at Parc Natchitoches.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to the NSU Men’s Basketball team as they and Coach Gipson embark on the upcoming season. May it be injury-free and victorious! Fork ‘em Demons!
The men’s basketball program will host it’s first home game on November 10, tipoff time to be determined.

From baked goods to sunflowers and dog treats, this Saturday’s Natchitoches Farmer’s Market saw six young businesspeople join the Farmer’s Market’s usual lineup of food and crafts. The youngsters took part in the market’s Mini-Makers Day, which is designed to encourage entrepreneurship in young people. The Natchitoches Parish 4-H’ers were also on hand, as they are each week, selling their superb produce. The riverbank stage also featured bagpipes and Scottish Country Dancing as part of the market’s varied programs of family entertainment.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend all of the young people who participated in the Farmer’s Market Mini-Makers Day as well as the 4-H’ers and dancers. As you have fun, you also learn valuable lessons that will serve you in the future.

The NSU Summer Dinner Theatre will present the sci-fi murder mystery “It Came from Outer Space” on June 14-18 and 21-25 on the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium stage. Sean Bartley is the director.

“It Came from Outer Space” details the voyage of the starship Natchitoches. The ship’s mission is to explore new worlds, search out new life and boldly go where no man has gone before with the Captain, his sidekick, number two and a cast of characters. The show is appropriate for those in high school and up.

Members of the cast are Drew Davis of Livingston, Jackson Holoubek of Shreveport, Mia Claire Huffman of Pineville, Josie Oliva of Raceland, Virginia Tudor of Alexandria, Derek Walle of Prairieville and Phoenix Woods of Lafayette.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner service starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 which includes a meal (soup, salad, entrée, dessert, tea, coffee) and the show. A cash bar will be available. The price does not include a suggested gratuity of $8 per guest. Dress is casual. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com by searching for NSU Summer Dinner Theatre. For more information, contact Yolanda Britton at (318) 357-4483 or email brittony@nsula.edu.

Gov. John Bel Edwards sent a letter on June 10 to the Senate President and Speaker of the House explaining why it is premature to cancel the Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature set to begin June 15, 2022, which the Governor called after the Middle District Court ruled that the maps of Louisiana’s congressional districts drawn by Republicans in the legislature violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Late Thursday, the Fifth Circuit issued an administrative stay of the Middle District Court’s injunction directing the Legislature to draw new maps. However, the court also requested briefings be filed by the parties regarding the stay request by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 10. Given the expedited timeline, there will likely be additional action by the Fifth Circuit on the stay request before the session is set to begin on June 15th.

The Governor’s letter advised the Speaker and the President that, while he is not rescinding the special session call at this time, he will rescind the call if a stay from the Fifth Circuit is in place as of 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14th.

In the letter, Gov. Edwards states:

“I remain hopeful that the Fifth Circuit will vacate the administrative stay and allow Judge Dick’s well-reasoned decision and injunction to remain in place. I believe the legislature can and should meet next week to enact maps that create a second majority minority district. Further, while I am mindful of the costs to the taxpayers as pointed out in your press release, it is clear that the state would have saved the unknown thousands of dollars being spent on out-of-state lawyers if the legislature had originally enacted maps that comply with the Voting Rights Act and the standard of fundamental fairness. It is not too late for the legislature to do the right thing. However, while I am Governor, I also remain an officer of the court, and I respect the Fifth Circuit’s authority over this matter. Should the Court retain a stay over Judge Dick’s decision, I agree that further action of the legislature should be delayed until the Fifth Circuit can review the merits of her decision.”

As of now, the Special Session will begin on June 15, 2022 and must adjourn by 6 p.m. on June 20, 2022.

AGENDA:

Opportunity: Program Manager at Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches

General Description:

The Program Manager is responsible for general overseeing of the WRC client program, general center needs, and additional special events. This position is a core and intricate component of our team environment and has a passion for serving in direct client impact. The Program Manager will be a familiar face to many of our clients that we see on a daily basis and able to lead volunteers well.

The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches exists to educate and empower individuals to  make life-affirming choices. A cornerstone nonprofit organization in North/Central Louisiana as a free  and confidential resource dedicated to pregnant women; our services include prenatal education,  lifestyle skills, ultrasounds, material assistance, childbirth education, breastfeeding education, car  seat safety classes, child safety classes, peer counseling, and more. 

Position Described:

1. The Program Manager is a part-time employee of the Women’s Resource Center. 

2. Maintain and support an open commitment to Jesus Christ, promote the sanctity of human life, be an active member of a local church, and agree with the WRC principles and statement of faith. 

Qualifications:

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university is preferred.
2. Proficient in technology (Google Voice, Microsoft Excel and Word, Databases)
3. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, and be standing for long periods of time.
4. Ability to operate office equipment including a computer, printer, and scanner.
5. Ability to understand safety procedures and make logical decisions with HIPAA compliance.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
7. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare detailed and accurate monthly reports.
8. Ability to diffuse difficult situations and manage client loads (not limited to but including: abuse, coercion, trauma, etc.) with high levels of compassion.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of TANF, Medicaid Guidelines
2. Two (2) years of nonprofit experience.

Principal Activities:

1. Client Needs: Peer-counsels clients confidentiality when needed, giving empathetic support to make life-affirming decisions. Managing the text-line, communicating with clients on next appointments, scheduling referrals and birth follow-up visits. Updating and keeping inventory of all literature to most current education. Supervisor of documentation in charting for complete information. Enters client information into appropriate databases weekly.
2. Volunteer Advocate: Trains and interviews all new volunteers for all positions (counselors, front-desk, administration, etc). Supports, encourages, and assists volunteers. Monitor progress of those training.
3. Special Events: Christmas Festival Morning (December), Celebration of Life Gala (September) Run Baby Run (May), Annual Giveaway (2x a year, April and October). Assists team with planning Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Christmas Party.
4. Other duties as assigned.

Compensation:

This is a part-time position, from Tuesdays-Thursdays, with the occasional Monday and Friday for class days and special events. The range is $16-18 an hour based on qualifications and experience.  

Acknowledgements:
Minimal travel required in the birth follow-up visits at NRMC. The above statements are intended to the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties, education/experience/skills requirement of the position at any time.

Email resumes to wrcnatchitoches@gmail.com by June 24th, 2022. Interviews will take place on June 27th, 2022 or unless stated otherwise.