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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS arrived on the scene of a single-vehicle crash on June 6 at around 9:10 am on La. Hwy 6 West, east of Hagewood, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say according to witnesses, the 1999 Ford Contour was traveling westbound on La. Hwy 6, when for reasons still under investigation, it left the road on the right side, traveling down an embankment and striking a tree.

The vehicle operator was transported from the scene by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

CASA of Central LA, is looking for new volunteers to assist us in serving the almost 4,000 children in Louisiana foster care. CASA volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates who are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in court. CASA volunteers are different because we remain appointed to the child’s case throughout its duration. While the child may have multiple attorneys, social workers, therapists, and foster placement throughout the life of the case, they will have only one CASA volunteer. By being that caring consistent adult, CASA volunteers have been the certainty in uncertain times for these children.

CASA of Central Louisiana specifically advocates for the abused and neglected children of Natchitoches, Red River, and Sabine Parishes. For more information call (318)238-2446.

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by Edwin Crayton/Opinion

Right now, in Washington, politicians are meeting to try to find answers to the question of how to stop random, mass shootings that continue to plague the nation and which are breaking its heart. As I catch glimpses of those conversations and debates through news reports, it has occurred to me that our progress on this issue is being hindered because there are questions we are overlooking. What I mean is, while it is obviously a good thing that the politicians are asking how we can stop the shootings. I believe an even better question is how can we stop the shooters from wanting to commit such horrific acts in the first place?

What if we could change the minds of the gunmen long before they picked up guns? What if we could reach them at a point when they were receptive to the idea that violent acts are morally wrong and ultimately destroy both the victim and the shooter? We can. The Bible tells us how. Proverbs 22:6 says the key is to reach them when they are at their most receptive stage of life: childhood. It reads, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” In other words, the training we receive as children—formally or informally—stays with us for a lifetime and has a lasting impact on our decisions as adults (Also see Deuteronomy 6:1-12). Of course, changing minds is not an easy task. But the Scriptures also assure us that we have the help of a resource that does not fail: God is available to help us do his will and bring up children in ways that are obedient to him. In fact, the Bible also says that when a person becomes a Christian, God transforms the mind of the individual (Romans 12:1-2).

But some may ask, why couldn’t God just end these killings through a miracle or something? While it’s true that he could do so, God has historically chosen to work through people. From Abraham to Moses to Peter to Paul and into our modern day, God has worked through ordinary, flawed people. (Mostly because that’s all he’s got to work with.) Still, it is his choice to use mankind to heal and help mankind. That means those of us who are moved by these tragedies are being called to be used by him. God wants to use you and me to be part of the solution to dealing with these random shootings. Being used by God requires being open to new perspectives and new truths, some of which are inconvenient. It will also require self-examination and a willingness to change direction, because God does not follow, he leads.

When the shootings occur, usually there is a tendency to view the shooter as someone who is out of touch with society. While mental illness has played a role in several cases, is it as simple as that? Or are these shooters a product of their society? Think about it. The shooters rely on violence as a solution at a time when our society is also becoming more violent. We are entertained by video games where the players are rewarded for killing. Our reality shows play up conflict. It isn’t hard to find talk shows featuring battling women who fight over men on the air in front of an amused audience—all with no shame. Our two main political parties are becoming so angrily polarized towards one another, they have almost become ineffective at governing. Even as we mourn the killing of children in Uvalde, Texas, an NPR news report has cited a poll that said that 53% of Americans support a woman’s right to an abortion, which is just another way of taking a child’s life. In other words, while some people mourn the death of innocent school kids, they are apparently still alright with the idea of taking the life of innocent children in other ways.

What can we do to contribute to a solution? If you are a Christian, God has already laid out a clear plan. He calls us to be witnesses by living out our Christian values in front of our children. We can start by taking them to church and demonstrating Christ’s love in how we treat other people throughout the week, especially in conflict situations. Do we love even our enemies as Jesus commanded? Or do we respond with violent acts and vulgar words? Trading insult for insult, returning evil for evil. Do we practice prejudice? Or is our love inclusive of all people, regardless of whether they are like us or not? Or whether we agree with them or not? Do we vow to get even or pray to God to help us to forgive? Children watch what we do, especially when we don’t realize they are looking. What they notice can become life lessons which can turn into their personal values. There is an old saying I have a feeling you are probably familiar with: “The apple does not fall far from the tree.” What kind of a tree are you?

We may not mow people down with bullets, but do we mow them down with cruelty or profanity? Many of us have become so comfortable with profanity, until today, you can hear people using it in almost every social setting–even in a business meeting. It’s in the music our children listen to. I’ve heard more than a few young moms call their own children vile names in public: “Come here you B_ _ _ _!” Who are we really more like? The shooters or the victims? These shooters did not come from Mars. They were raised amongst us. When we submit to God’s will, he will help us raise more godly families, resulting in children who at least will grow up having been influenced by God’s values. Of course, there is no guarantee that children will buy into the values we try to teach them. Some will even reject the Christian faith and its teachings. But those who do surrender their lives to Jesus will be transformed by the Holy Spirit to make good moral choices when they submit their decisions to Christ. As Romans 12:1-2 says, their minds will be renewed. Although this does not mean that they will not sin, it does mean that their decisions when influenced by faith and obedience will be spiritually healthier ones. When a person is under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he or she is not going to walk into a supermarket and shoot people as the shooter recently did in Buffalo, New York. God’s Holy Spirit would simply not compel anyone to commit such an act.

Realistically, we will always have killers in our midst. It is a sad fact of the flawed human character. But by teaching and encouraging our children to submit their lives to Jesus and persuading them that every life matters, we can begin to build a society that refuses to accept random killings as a normal part of life in the 21th Century. And the less we accept random violence and commit ourselves to stand against it with God’s help, the less such violence is likely to happen.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2

Look for this opinion article at least twice monthly in the Journal.

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CHARLES DAVID CLOUD
DOB:  01/05/1954
RACE:  W
SEX:  M
HAIR COLOR:  GRY
EYE COLOR:  GRN

CURRENT BOOKING INFORMATION
CHARGE: 14:37.4 DESCRIPTION: AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM BOND: $75,000.00
CHARGE: 14:34.7 DESCRIPTION: BATTERY-AGGRAVATED SECOND DEGREE BOND: $0.00

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CHARLIE WOLF
DOB: 08/29/2001
RACE:  B
SEX:  M
HAIR COLOR:
EYE COLOR:

CURRENT BOOKING INFORMATION
CHARGE: 14:35.3 DESCRIPTION: DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY BOND: $4,500.00
CHARGE: 14:79 DESCRIPTION: VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS BOND: $0.00
CHARGE: 32:52 DESCRIPTION: DRIVER MUST BE LICENSED BOND: $0.00
CHARGE: 32:361 DESCRIPTION: IMPROPER WINDOW TINT BOND: $0.00
CHARGE: 40:966E DESCRIPTION: PROHIBITED ACTS – POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, OR SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS BOND: $0.00

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GENTRY HEBERT
DOB:  11/04/2000
RACE:  B
SEX:  M
HAIR COLOR:
EYE COLOR:

CURRENT BOOKING INFORMATION
CHARGE: 14:42.1/V DESCRIPTION: FORCIBLE RAPE BOND: $0.00
CHARGE: 14:42.1/V DESCRIPTION: FORCIBLE RAPE BOND: $0.00

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Gov. John Bel Edwards recently signed the following bills into law from the 2022 Legislative Session.

ACT 171—HB 395 Removes the requirement that certain property owners annually certify income to receive the special assessment level for ad valorem property taxes.

ACT 172—HB 599 To provide for a property tax exemption for certain veterans with disabilities.

ACT 173—SB 64 Provides relative to crimes of violence and sex offenses.

ACT 174—SB 68 Provides relative to the Port of Iberia.

ACT 175—SB 71 Provides relative to the district attorney’s discretion to prosecute a juvenile as an adult for certain offenses.

ACT 176—SB 72 Provides relative to the authority of juvenile courts in certain proceedings.

ACT 177—SB 73 Provides for appointments to fill vacancies in local offices under certain circumstances.

ACT 178—SB 74 Provides relative to the qualification of poll watchers.

ACT 179—SB 78 Increases threshold amount that requires a public bid for the procurement of certain law enforcement vehicles by a local government unit. 

ACT 180—SB 94 Provides relative to instruction on child assault awareness and prevention in public schools.

ACT 181—SB 100 Exempts certain visa holders from Louisiana driver education requirements.  

ACT 182—SB 132 Re-creates the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. 

ACT 183—SB 171 Re-creates the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

ACT 184—HB 642 Exempts certain transactions regarding the donation, sale, or lease of the former defender’s office utilized to render public defender services under certain conditions

ACT 185—HB 664 Provides for hearings arising out of matters involving the Louisiana Insurance Code. 

ACT 186—HB 753 Provides relative to the sale of certain state property in Iberia Parish 

ACT 187—HB 770 Creates and provides for the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Commission.

ACT 188—HB 784 Provides relative to universal perinatal mood disorder screening for primary care doctors. 

ACT 189—HB 826 Includes addiction counselors and other behavioral health providers within the definition of “healthcare provider” in the La. Telehealth Access Act.

ACT 190—HB 890 Provides for the transfer of certain state property in Tangipahoa Parish. 

ACT 191—HB 902 Provides for an official state steam locomotive. 

ACT 192—HB 903 Provides for the parish of execution of remote online notarial acts.

ACT 193—HB 973 Provides relative to corporations.

ACT 194—HB 1005 Provides for surety insurance.

ACT 195—HB 602 Provides relative to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

ACT 196—HB 822 Provides relative to exemptions for ear piercing.

ACT 197—HB 633 Provides for Revenue Sharing Distribution for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

ACT 198—HB 1011 Makes appropriations for the expenses of the legislature for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. 

ACT 199—HB 1 Provides for the ordinary operating expenses of state government for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

ACT 200—HB 18 Provides relative to the reemployment of retired members of the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System.

ACT 201—HB 20 Provides relative to the District Attorneys’ Retirement System board of trustees and the reemployment of system retirees.

ACT 202—HB 64 Provides relative to the definition of a child.

ACT 203—HB 110 Provides relative to the assignment of domestic violence matters in the Nineteenth Judicial District.

ACT 204—HB 221 Provides relative to procurement limits for purchases of materials and supplies by public entities.

ACT 205—HB 231 Provides for the transfer of academic credit from public postsecondary education institutions that grant bachelor’s degrees to institutions that grant associate’s degrees.

ACT 206—HB 238 Provides relative to the membership of the board of commissioners of Special Education District No. 1 of the parish of Lafourche. 

ACT 207—HB 313 Provides relative to rights of victims of criminal offenses. 

ACT 208—HB 332 Changes the frequency of mullet stock assessments.

ACT 209—HB 333 Requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to include information on certain curricula options as part of the secondary school advisement policy. 

ACT 210—HB 337 Establishes a special identification card designation for persons with autism spectrum disorder.

ACT 211—HB 348 Provides relative to recreation districts in St. Mary Parish. 

ACT 212—HB 375 Provides relative to qualifications for the police chief of a village. 

ACT 213—HB 392 Provides relative to employees of communications districts. 

ACT 214—HB 419 Provides for hand-grabbing of catfish and the taking of bream in minnow traps.

ACT 215—HB 422 Provides for taking of deer by use of pre-charged pneumatic devices. 

ACT 216—HB 426 Provides relative to horse racing.

ACT 217—HB 432 Provides relative to progress reports of juveniles. 

ACT 218—HB 441 Provides relative to the classified police service in the city of Rayne. 

ACT 219—HB 443 Provides relative to the payment of fines, fees, costs, restitution, and other monetary obligations related to an offender’s conviction. 

ACT 220—HB 447 Provides relative to certain violent crimes committed by juveniles. 

ACT 221—HB 457 Provides relative to contracts awarded to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the city of Baton Rouge and the parish of East Baton Rouge. 

ACT 222—HB 548 Requires the state Department of Education to develop and distribute health and safety guidelines relative to best practices for the use of digital devices in public schools.

ACT 223—HB 563 Provides relative to annexations in Ascension Parish.

ACT 224—HB 583 Provides relative to administrative services provided to certain entities in Ascension Parish.

ACT 225—HB 601 Provides relative to immunity for certain actions involving drug-related overdoses.

ACT 226—HB 699 Provides relative to compensation for members of the planning and zoning commission for the town of Addis. 

ACT 227—HB 704 Provides relative to the breast cancer awareness special prestige license plate.

ACT 228—HB 713 Authorizes political subdivisions to create stormwater utility systems. 

ACT 229—HB 718 Provides relative to hunting and fishing licenses for nonresident veterans, retired military personnel, and Purple Heart recipients. 

ACT 230—HB 719 Provides for the salary of certain marshals. 

ACT 231—HB 757 Provides relative to firefighter training. 

ACT 232—HB 848 Provides relative to the disposition of reports from the Department of Children and Family Services. 

ACT 233—HB 855 Provides relative to medical exemptions applicable to tinting of motor vehicle windows.

ACT 234—HB 919 Authorizes the exchange of certain school land by the Union Parish School Board.

ACT 235—HB 1071 Provides relative to the funding of the criminalistics laboratory commissions.

ACT 236—SB 196 Prohibits the importation of crude oil and petroleum products from the Russian Federation into Louisiana.

ACT 237—SB 206 Requires the Louisiana Public Defender Board to annually enter into a contract with the University of Louisiana Monroe to provide certain statewide training. 

ACT 238—SB 216 Provides for the transfer and deposit of monies from the witness fee fund to the operating fund of the Bastrop City Court for operating expenses of the court. 

ACT 239—SB 219 Authorizes judicial district indigent defender funds to be used for the purposes of retaining expert witnesses.

ACT 240—SB 237 Creates the Sagefield Crime Prevention District in East Baton Rouge Parish. 

ACT 241—SB 257 Provides relative to Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitors. 

ACT 242—SB 260 Provides relative to the Community and Family Support System Fund.

ACT 243—SB 302 Provides for changing the special prestige license plate for Girl Scouts.

ACT 244—SB 377 Provides relative to teacher certification requirements.

ACT 245—SB 392 Designates St. Landry Parish as the Equine Capital of Louisiana and St. Tammany Parish as the Thoroughbred Breeding Capital of Louisiana.

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The Winn Parish Police Jury / Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the scheduled drawdown of Saline Lake, in Natchitoches and Winn parishes, starting May 31, 2022. The primary purpose is to control the growth of giant Salvinia during the upcoming summer months when growth potential is at its highest. The 2021 WLF aquatic vegetation management plan can be found on the LDWF website (Fisheries-Publications and Brochures-Inland Vegetation Management Plans-Saline Lake, Winn Parish).

The lake will dewater at a rate of 3 to 4 inches per day until it reaches a target drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The control gates will close on approximately October 3, 2022, to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter and early spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Numerous additional obstructions will be present due to the lower water level.

This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.

During the drawdown, property owners have the option to take advantage of the low water to repair boat docks, seawalls, boat slips, etc. However, a Corp of Engineer permit is required from the USACE Regulatory Branch for any such activities in and around Saline Lake before any work is started. Basically a shovel cannot be placed in the lake bottom until a permit is obtained.

Saline Lake is considered a Section 10 waterbody, and any work conducted over, in, or under the lake would require permit authorization from the Regulatory Office of the USACE. Outside of the lake itself, any dredging or filling activities within a wetland or stream may also require authorization prior to the impact. You may contact your local Police Jury / Parish Government or the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission for help with your permit.

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Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Notary Public Exam Prep Course starting June 16. Class time is 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday until Sept. 22. The early bird fee is $430 until June 10 and $450 after that date.

In partnership with Louisiana State University-Shreveport, this 52-hour course is an introduction to notary public fundamentals, The instructor, attorney and notary Jennifer Brown, distributes significant course study guides and materials to assist in preparation for the exam. This course will be delivered via online video conferencing. The instructor will provide participants with a conferencing link to join the class once enrolled.

Requirements for the course are that participants must have broadband access, a camera and sound. The test is based on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s newest edition of “The Fundamentals of Louisiana Notarial Law and Practice,” which is available only at http://www.sos.la.gov or call (225) 922-0507 for further information. You must have this book on the first day of class. Please visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Website’s Notary and Certifications for qualifications by calling (225) 922-0507. In order to take the Louisiana State Notary Exam, students must be Louisiana residents and registered to vote in Louisiana.

For more information or to register for classes, call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Connie Boswell Whitford
May 13, 1942 – June 3, 2022
Service: Friday, June 10, 2022 at Memory Lawn Cemetery

Glynn Masters
November 11, 1947 – June 2, 2022
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Larry Wayne Rivers
January 22, 1950 – May 31, 2022
Service: Tuesday, June 7 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Rowena Jo Evans
February 21, 1936 – May 28, 2022
Service: Wednesday, June 8 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

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The Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council held its inaugural “Bike Sunday” ride, Sunday, June 5. The riders, led by Mayor and Tiffany Williams, left NSU’s Watson Library for a pleasant early morning ride through the city. The riders were escorted by the police department before returning to the library parking lot for water and snacks. Each participant earned a bike themed t-shirt courtesy of Fisher’s Sports.

The event is the first of several planned rides slated to take place in our city. There will be other events focused on encouraging healthy habits as well. The Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council is helping build a healthier city while providing fun for residents of all ages.

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There was an ocean of family fun to be had as the Natchitoches Parish Public Library held registration Saturday, June 4 for its Summer Reading Program. The program is not just for elementary aged schoolchildren, there are categories for teens and adults as well. Over 600 parish residents took advantage of the popular reading program last summer.

The event featured face painting, sno-cones, and the library’s ubiquitous popcorn machine. Local musicians entertained the crowd. A petting zoo was on hand with everything from hamsters to ponies and a camel. The program offers prizes for readers young and old. Lifeshare was also on hand collecting much needed blood donations.

If you see a home in the parish with a “Reading Rockstar” yard sign, you know that a smart young man or woman lives there! The Natchitoches Parish Journal joins the library in urging the young people of the parish to have some fun, win some prizes and keep their reading skills sharp this summer.

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The Natchitoches Farmer’s Market, a much-loved feature of life in our area since 1999, continues its innovative themes complementing its locally produced crafts, plants and food.

On Saturday, June 4, the market featured “Chicken or the Egg?”. Local resident Renee Crews brought along “Rhoda”, a Rhode Island Red hen who was a hit with the visiting children. Visitors were able to learn about chickens and see various colored eggs. Rhoda was to be the guest of honor at a reading of the children’s classic “Green Eggs and Ham” on the riverbank stage.

The children attending the reading were each able to take home a copy of the Suess classic, courtesy of the Farmer’s Market. The market also gave out delicious samples of Mexican street corn, made with ingredients from the vendors.

The Natchitoches Farmer’s Market is more than a place to purchase fresh produce. It has become a beloved community institution and one of the things that makes life in Natchitoches so special. Come by the market and help support our local farmers and artisans!

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Lakeview High School’s Air Force JROTC recently received the Distinguished Unit Award for its outstanding achievements during the 2021-2022 school year.

This award was given to them by the Department of the Air Force’s Air Education & Training Command to recognize the accomplishments of the cadets, their personal growth through extracurricular activities, and their involvement in community service. Other factors included in the award include instructor mentorship and contribution as well as school administration and school board support for the program.

Lakeview AFJROTC ranked in the top 10% of 870 schools making them one of the highest rated programs in the nation.

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June 2, 2022, marks the 8-year anniversary of the City of Natchitoches’ Early Childhood Education and Development program. The vision is to create a unique agency to provide direct assistance to Type III Child Care Centers during the transition to a new era of Early Childhood Education. In 2012, Act 3 called for the establishment of the Louisiana Early Childhood Care and Education Network to unify the state’s early childhood education programs. This statewide network is comprised of 65 early childhood community networks that include every publicly-funding Pre-K program, Head Starts/Early Head Starts, and Child Care Center programs within the state of Louisiana.

In 2014, the City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish School Board, Northwestern State University Child & Family Network, and Chamber of Commerce recognized the need for assistance with the transition into Academic Approval requirements for our local Type III Child Care Centers, therefore the Early Childhood Education and Development was created under the leadership of Amy Metoyer-Roberson, Early Childhood Coordinator. Over the years Amy, in collaboration with the local Natchitoches Parish School board community network and individual child care centers has increased Child Care center participation from 33% to 100%; increased Performance Profile scores from 4.44 to 5.48; increase CLASS reliable observers onsite at each individual center from 10% to 90%; increase in Lead Teacher certifications within their first 2 years of employment from 4% to 68%. Growth success is based upon the hard work centers implement daily with their students, staff, and for their families to provide age-appropriate learning experiences to students of all ages.

“On behalf of the City, I would like to thank each Type III Child Care Center administrator and educator for their hard work over the past 8 years, as a whole we have shown growth in Performance Profiles scores consecutively every year. Although we originally created this program to provide assistance for only 3 years during Act 3 transitioning, we are now in year 9 due to the increase in funding and early childhood awareness promoted by the Louisiana Department of Education. We look forward to continuing to meet your needs over the years to come. ” Amy Metoyer-Roberson.

Type III Child Care Centers are privately owned and operated facilities that choose to partner with the Louisiana Department of Education and the City of Natchitoches. We only monitor academic efforts implemented into early learning classrooms of students aged Birth-5, provide administrative assistance on ensuring educational activities are present daily, and educators have an opportunity to receive higher education certifications and degrees. Additional guidance to all academic approval requirements, Department of Education requests, professional developments, local and state advocacy, resources, and technical assistance on a daily basis from the City are provided. We value efforts made at sites working hard to implement these strategies daily in the classroom and encouraging families to provide learning experiences in the home.

Our goal is to also provide high-quality education and care to EVERY child in need aged birth-5. Therefore, families are offered assistance to families in need of understanding how to choose and enroll in a Type III Child Care center. A partnership with the Natchitoches Parish School Board allows Christina Friday to be housed at the City of Natchitoches Early Childhood Education & Development office to provide additional assistance to the community in understanding what funding sources are available that can provide tuition payment assistance and assistance in submitting applications. Tuition assistance programs such as Child Care Assistance application submissions (over 1,500 applications submitted since 2017), Birth-3 Scholarship application submissions (over 150 applications submitted since 2019), Tracking of Time Systems (TOTS) finger scans, and Child Care Criminal Background Checks (CCCBC) finger imaging.

We look forward to continued efforts and growth for our centers resulting in advancement in all areas of development for our earliest learners within the community. For more information you can reach us at 318-238-7505 or at ametoyer@natchitochesla.gov

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Northwestern State University’s Eta Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars named Juanita Marin-Tabarez as the third recipient of the Phi Beta Delta Scholarship Award. Marin-Tabarez is from Pereira, Colombia, and is pursuing a dual business administration degree in NSU’s School of Business and Universidad Libre in Colombia.

This scholarship is awarded for the Spring 2022 semester. Its purpose is to support NSU students participating in international studies on campus or academic studies abroad. Marin-Tabarez was recognized as a scholarship recipient at the honor society’s spring induction program.

Marin-Tabarez said she is looking forward to continuing to grow personally and professionally during her time at NSU. She has immersed herself in the Natchitoches community by doing volunteer services at the Legacy Café.

“I have known people from different countries and cultures, and that’s one of the best things because I really like to travel and get involved with other cultures,” Marin-Tabarez said. “I have learned to be more open-minded and respect everyone’s beliefs and opinions.”

The Eta Mu chapter of Phi Beta Delta noted how proud they are of Marin-Tabarez’s international endeavors. She was chosen from many applicants to receive this scholarship.

Phi Beta Delta was established in 1987 and now has over 200 chapters at universities throughout the United States and around the world. Its goals are to increase the recognition, credibility and importance of the international experience and create a catalyst for international academic-based programming on college campuses while providing support and recognition to those individuals on campuses who are involved in international endeavors.

For more information about Phi Beta Delta, contact Dr. Marcia Hardy at hardym@nsulaedu.

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Photographed here is Mr. Jermaine Thomas, Founder & Director of the well-know Boys to Men Club, and also Mr. Ray Ponthieux of the Knights of Columbus Council 1357. Mr. Ponthieux contributed several great neckties to the club, which can be used by the guys when attending casual and formal events.

Even though the 2021-22 school year has ended, Thomas says that he is still available to support the guys and offers support in any way possible throughout the summer months.

For more information on the Boys to Men Club, please email the Director at jermaine.thomas@npsb.la.

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With the start of hurricane season, Louisiana State Treasurer John M. Schroder urges Louisianans to make financial disaster plans when they do their hurricane preparations.

“In Louisiana, we all know how to prepare for hurricanes with water, batteries, and bread,” he said, “but it’s important to have your finances in order, too.”

Some of the tips he shared include the following:

• Grab some cash if you can since banks and ATMs may not work after the storm.
• Keep your financial records safe – housing payments, insurance policies, bank accounts, tax statements, and pay stubs.
• Make sure your insurance coverage will meet your needs to deal with all possible hazards. Check your property, health, life, and homeowners policies, and keep in mind that homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding.
• Start an emergency savings account for use in any crisis.
• Before evacuating, take a video of the inside of your house, including your closets. This video serves as a record of your belongings should your home suffer damage.

He stressed that having a financial disaster plan is essential no matter an individual’s bank account size. Rebuilding after a disaster is challenging, no matter your income level.

“Unfortunately, we know it’s not a matter of if another hurricane will hit,” Schroder said. “It’s a matter of when and how many. It’s our job to be as prepared as possible before they head our way. If your financial disaster plan is in place when disaster strikes, you can focus on recovery right away.”

Make sure to add and update phone apps that will be helpful in the wake of a disaster, and for additional hurricane preparedness tips go to ready.gov/hurricanes.

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Brothers Keepers MC #17 presented CASA of Central Louisiana a check for $4,000, raised at the 2022 Cenla Burn Run. The Cenla Burn Run is a collaboration of three BKMC Chapters – 3 Pineville, 4 Leesville & 17 Natchitoches. We truly appreciate their support to our program. Pictured from left are Chuck Stoker, Terry McQuillin, CASA Executive Director Jack Duty, John Wynn Jr. and James Dupree.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Glynn Masters
November 11, 1947 – June 2, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Dennis Wade Birdwell
December 17, 1955 – June 3, 2022
Service: Monday, June 6 at 10 am at Jennings Chapel in the Bethany Community

SABINE:
Larry Wayne Rivers
January 22, 1950 – May 31, 2022
Service: Tuesday, June 7 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Rowena Jo Evans
February 21, 1936 – May 28, 2022
Service: Wednesday, June 8 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

WINN:
Chloe Boullion
November 8, 1939 – June 1, 2022O
Service: Monday, June 6 at 11 am at Bethlehem Cemetery

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Among a group of bills given final legislative approval by the Louisiana House, House Bill No. 2 presents a comprehensive Capital Outlay budget. The bill has been signed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The next step is to send agencies letters notifying them of capital outlay appropriations and of the procedures required to initiate funded projects.

Health Performance Center, Planning and Construction – Payable from State General Fund (Direct) Non-Recurring Revenues  $5,000,000

Payable from General Obligations Bonds (Direct) Non-Recurring Revenues  $3,000,000

Payable from Fees & Self-Generated Revenues $1,000,000

Renovation of Roy Hall, Planning and Construction – from General Obligation Bonds (Priority 5)

$9,765,000

Replacement of John S. Kyser Hall, Planning and Construction – Payable from General Obligation Bonds

Priority 1 – $3,907,680
Priority 5 – $33,195,000
Total – $37,102,680

Total Now Stands at $55,867,680

NSU Slated to Receive $52 million in Capital Outlay funding

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District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced on June 2 the conviction of a Clarence man of 2nd-degree murder and 1st-degree feticide.

Christopher Houston Jr., 28, was convicted by a 12-person jury in a two-day trial in the 10th Judicial District Court.

The conviction is the result of the June 2019 death of Elonzeya Zeoleah Teal Houston, who was married to the defendant. She was five months pregnant at the time of her death.

At trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the defendant choked the victim until she became unconscious and later died, thereby killing her unborn child also. A video statement and confession made by the defendant was played to the jury where he described how he choked the victim. After killing her, the defendant admitted to wrapping his wife’s body in a sheet and hiding her next to their bed. He then told family members that his wife had gone for a walk and that he did not know her whereabouts, Her body was later found by a family member who was searching for her.

Houston was later arrested by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives Darrel Winder and Reginald Turner.

Judge Lala Sylvester presided over the trial and set sentencing for Aug. 29. The mandatory penalty for 2nd-degree murder is a life sentence without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. First-degree feticide, which is a killing of an unborn child, has a maximum fifteen-year sentence.

The case was prosecuted by Jason O. Methvin and J. Chris Guillet.

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