I was on the lake fishing for bass once when scenes from the movie, “National Lampoon’s Vacation” entered my mind. Remember when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) was intent on providing a wonderful vacation for his family when his obnoxious cousin, Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) showed up with his family to totally disrupt Griswold’s plans?

What brought the movie to my memory? When I felt the thump and vicious fight of a bass that started me thinking about a state record. The fish was stripping line from my reel as it bored for the depths. I was already considering bribing my wife into allowing me to hang the mount of this monster on the wall in our bedroom when the huge fish came to the surface. It wasn’t a bass. It was a bowfin, aka choupique aka cypress trout, aka grinnel. Just like Cousin Eddie, this rascal of a fish had totally disrupted my plans.

The grinnel is one of what I call the “G” fish that can mess up a day on the lake:

Grinnel

Gaspergou

Gar.

On another occasion when fishing with a group of outdoor writers on a media trip to Caddo Lake, channel catfish were biting and my colleagues were catching them hand over fist. Early on, they were beating the socks off me when my line tightened and a struggle ensued as a catfish I felt was larger than any of my friends had landed, took the bait and bored for the depths.

After a spirited battle, I was finally able to bring the brute to the boat and was already feeling smug about landing the lunker of the day. My heart shrank a bit when I realized the big fish I had caught was no catfish; it was a big gaspergou, or “gou” for short.

I agree that these rascals, just like grinnels, can put up a fine fight but as table fare, they’re as far down the list as mud cats. I remembered once while in college a group of us spent the night on the lake intent on frying up and eating the fish we caught. The only thing biting, other than mosquitoes that night, were gou; we caught a bunch of them so we fileted and fried them up. I remember chewing on a hunk of gou that night and the longer I chewed the bigger it got — like I was chewing on a wad of cotton — so we ended up eating hush puppies and fries and dumping the remains in the lake to be eaten by the other “G” fish, gar.

More than once I have had a fishing trip disrupted by having a gar attack my bait, a lure that I said goodbye to because the toothy gar easily severed my line and swam away with what he thought was a tasty morsel.

I know people who convert the flesh of gar into something like salmon patties. Removing filets and grinding them up, adding onion and seasoning, they swear the gar patties are as good as those made with salmon. As for me, I’ll just open a can of salmon, and follow the directions to make patties. I can’t bring myself to eating patties made out of something that disrupted my fishing and swam away with my favorite lure. Not only that, they’re ugly as sin.

There is one other dastardly piscatorial species that would qualify as a “G” fish — if I converted the spelling to “Ghackfish”. Too bony to eat with teeth just waiting to relieve me of a favorite lure, the jackfish (chain pickerel for the high-browed) has always been my sworn enemy when I’m fishing for bass.

So there you have it. When you head for the lake on your next outing, be on the lookout for those dreaded “G”fish.

Contact Glynn at GlynnHarris37@gmail.com

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Harry Friedman, 83, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Born in 1939, Harry was a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana and lived most of his life in his hometown and in New Orleans. He graduated from Natchitoches Central High School in 1957 and was a proud 1961 graduate and life-long supporter of LSU.

After college, Harry owned car dealerships in Natchitoches. There he raised his family with his wife Amanda. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family while instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity and compassion for others. In 1989, the family moved to Naples, Florida where he was involved in real estate and carved out a successful career before returning to Louisiana in the mid-1990’s. In New Orleans Harry continued his work by focusing his efforts on his family’s real estate holdings where he continued working until his final days.

Harry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Amanda Readhimer Friedman, his son Hampton Friedman of Austin, Texas, and his daughter Janet Gable (Blake) of Naples, Florida. His grandchildren, Ethan and Kelsey Gable, and Jake, Jasa and Harry Friedman were a constant source of pride and joy for him and he surrounded them with love and affection at every opportunity. Harry will especially be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, love of dancing, a good party, and the LSU Tigers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Aug. 27 at Merci Beaucoup in Natchitoches from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harry’s name to CASA of Central Louisiana or St. Mary’s Catholic School in Natchitoches.

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Two traditional crafts persons, a musician, and a folk dance group were inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists during an induction ceremony held at Northwestern State University on Saturday, July 23 as part of the 42nd Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. Inductees included fiddler Amanda Shaw, who also served as honorary Festival Chair, music instrument maker R.V. Couch, twisted wire toy maker Elvin Shields, and the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers.

Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at NSU, led the induction ceremony, assisted by Dr. Sarah McFarland.

Honorary Festival Chair and inductee Amanda Shaw is best known as the dynamic Cajun fiddler and frontwoman of Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys. Shaw and her band are a staple at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, where she performs annually. She was a featured New Orleans performer on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in 2020 as well as on CNN’s New Year’s Eve with Don Lemon in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Shaw began studying classical violin at age four and began performing live Cajun music at age eight. She self-released her first album, Little Black Dog, at age eleven, and has since released four studio albums and two live recordings. She was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2020.

R.V. Couch started disassembling and rebuilding household objects during his childhood in Summerville, LA. Couch worked with his hands throughout his adult life, working as an automotive and mobile home mechanic until his retirement. He built his first violin around 2005. Since then, he has developed a reputation as a sought-out instrument builder who expertly crafts travel guitars (acoustic or electric), “pik-a-sticks,” violins, and teardrop violins. He sometimes cuts his own trees and saws the wood for the instrument in his circular sawmill. In recent years, Couch has become a fixture at the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, where his beautifully crafted instruments are always a hit with attendees.

Elvin Shields was born into a family of sharecroppers in 1949 on Melrose Plantation. He spent his childhood working in the fields with his family and the other sharecroppers of the plantation. There was no money for the family to buy toys, so Shields and the other boys learned to twist wire into toys. Shields stopped making wire toys when he was fifteen, but he took the craft back up during his retirement in order to teach about the traditions and history of Black plantation sharecroppers. He enjoys creating the toys and sharing this often-overlooked history with others. Shields is currently a volunteer at the Cane River National Historical Park, where he presents lectures about his time living on the plantation and the history of the Black sharecroppers who lived in southern Natchitoches Parish.

The Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers debuted in 1987 as a project of the Louisiana Czech Heritage Association, Inc. of Libuse. At its peak, the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers boasted more than 20 dancers ranging in age from 10 to 90. For 35 years, they have regularly performed at the Czech Festival, nursing homes, local folk festivals all over Louisiana, the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, and at events in Texas. Although time has decreased their numbers, the group still performs annually at the Louisiana Czech Heritage Festival. Visiting Czechs have been astonished to find such a vibrant and authentic dance group in the middle of rural Louisiana, a tribute to the tenacity and resiliency of Czech folk traditions in the colonies of Libuse and Kolin.

There are now 121 members in the Hall of Master Folk Artists, which was started in 1981. This year’s festival theme was “Stronger Together: The Power of Traditional Folk Culture.” The festival is held annually in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus. Next year’s festival, to be held on July 22, 2023, will recognize many artists young and old who are keeping tradition alive in Louisiana, and will include performers such as the Broussard Family Juré, James Linden Hogg, the Russell Welch Hot Quartet, Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush, Yvette Landry and the Jukes, and the annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship. For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@louisiana.edu, or online at http://louisianafolklife.nsula.edu/.

Pictured: Inductees into the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists were recognized during the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. From left are Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center; music instrument maker R.V. Couch, fiddler Amanda Shaw, who also served as honorary Festival Chair; twisted wire toy maker Elvin Shields, and the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers.

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POSITION: Clerk II – Cashier

DESCRIPTION: Responsible for receipting of utility payments and various other payments, and posting monies to appropriate accounts. Receives the public and answers questions, and responds to inquiries from employees and citizens. Setup, close and amend utility accounts, as well as preparing and monitoring work orders.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St. 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 can download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be through August 1, 2022

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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The Louisiana Scholars’ College (LSC) at Northwestern State University hosted a recruiting event for older participants of NSU’s ADVANCE Program for Young Scholars (ADVANCE). ADVANCE is a three-week residential program that offers a challenging and rewarding curriculum for academically motivated middle and high school students. Students enroll in one course for three weeks of intense and demanding study and cover an entire year’s worth of school material. Courses have a maximum of 15 students creating a low student-faculty ratio and are taught by a talented group of highly qualified Instructor-Teaching Assistant (TA) teams.

While the academic curriculum is central to the ADVANCE experience, the program ensures that students have a fabulous time when they are not in class. The residential staff members offer a wide variety of social and recreational activities to assist in creating lasting friendships and strengthen the ADVANCE community.

ADVANCE students come from many different backgrounds and have a wide variety of opinions and beliefs. Engaging in such diversity is part of the educational experience that the program provides, and ADVANCE encourages students to appreciate the similarities and respect the differences that make each student unique.

The Louisiana Scholars’ College serves as the state’s selective-admission honors college of the liberal arts and sciences. Its mission is to provide highly motivated students with a rigorous, customized honors education firmly grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.

Students may pursue a traditional major or an interdisciplinary concentration in Classical Studies; Fine and Performing Arts; Foreign Languages; Humanities and Social Thought; Philosophy, Politics, and Economics or Scientific Inquiry.

The Scholars’ College offers small classes, a close-knit community, and supportive faculty who are committed to student success. Most classes are seminars in which ideas are exchanged in an open and supportive environment. There are also opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad.

Applying to college, qualifying scores, scholarship opportunities, and deadlines were discussed with ADVANCE students who are rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

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Bids/Proposals will be accepted until September 2, 2022 2:00 p.m. and will be policy opened and read aloud at that time in the School Board’s Central Office, 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71457•
5709. Please find bid·related documents at WWW.CENTRALBIDDING.COM or with Natchitoches Parish Journal and Natchitoches Times. Bids/Proposals received after the date and time of opening will not be considered. Facsimile transmissions will not be considered. Additional information may be obtained
upon request by contacting Michelle Demery, Purchasing Coordinator, at Michelle.Demery@npsb.la or 318·352·2358, Ext. 1155, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bids may be mailed in or dropped off at 310 Royal Street.

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

 

Other terms and conditions:

1) Bidder must acknowledge their acceptance of the template leave and its terms which is attach herein on their bid offer.

2) All parcels of land up for bid have a minimum bid per acre of $7 except parcel #8040076300 which has a minimum bid of $4 per acre.

3) Each Iesae is for three years and the bidder must state their bid for each year separately. An example is “Year 1-$7, Year 2-$8 and Year 3-$9”

4) Bidder must bid for each parcel separable In a separately sealed envelope with parcel umber identified on the outside of the envelope.

S) Bidder must provide proof of easement to the parcel being bided. Example is “Using Water Well Road as Easement”

 

/s/
____________________________
Lee Waskom, Director of Business Affairs

 

/s/
____________________________
Grant Eloi, ED.D. Secretary-Treasurer
Natchitoches Parish School Board

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Friday, July 29, 12:15-12:45pm

Jason Church will talk about the NCPTT and the Cane River Heritage Area’s project to locate the dance halls and juke joints that were once in Natchitoches Parish. This talk will show the documentation, oral histories, and mapping that NCPTT has produced in finding these lost cultural sites.

To complete this research, the team is looking for your help. Do you have old photographs of a dance hall, juke joint, or bar that played live music? Did you own, play music, or work at one of these places? If so, the researchers would love to talk with you about your experience. If you have any information, please contact Jason Church at 318-356-7444 or jason_church@contractor.nps.gov.

Visitors are welcome to bring their lunch and eat during the presentation.

Please call (318) 357-2492 for more information.

Free and open to the public

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AS A TEAM LEADER, YOU WILL: 

• Supervise utilizing strong interpersonal skills 
• Use technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, as applies to such supervision 
• Utilize computer skills to facilitate processes and software used 
• Pursue objectives with organizational skills to meet goals 
• Work with personnel at all levels of the organization 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• Two (2) year Associates Degree, plus one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Excellent communication skills; both oral and written 
• Great computer skills (Excel and Word 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Shift is 4:30 p.m. until 3:00 a.m.  Overtime requirements are based on customer needs to meet business objectives. 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

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By Steve Graf

Bass fishing is a funny sport that can and will test a person’s mental stability. It’s comparable to golf in that there’s no one else to blame for your failure or success more than yourself. YOU determine your own fate with skill, determination, and effort, with effort being in the form of spending hours on the water. There’s no substitute for time on the water and the anglers who fish daylight till dark will be the guys who are hard to beat on tournament day. Today, we’ll look at what really makes an angler great and why.

Bass fishing is just like any other sport; it requires great skills. Needed are skills like casting and being able to put a bait in places the average angler would not even attempt. You also need to understand how certain baits should be worked in order to the get the most action out of that particular bait. You need an understanding of fish behavior during the different seasons of the year. One more skill, that not all anglers have, is the ability to read water. Knowing how to read the water and what baits will work best under certain water conditions is essential to an angler’s success.

Most anglers fall into two categories…guys who like to fish deep or shallow. If you’re a deep-water angler, you’ll need to have the ability to read your electronics, interpret topo maps and know what you’re looking at. Deep water anglers need to learn how to find brush tops and look for good structure. Structure is not the same thing as a brush pile; it’s about the contours, humps, and undulations of the bottom.

There’s one tool that has really leveled the playing field and helped an average angler to become a great angler. It’s forward-facing sonar, that both Hummingbird and Lowrance offer. Today’s forward-facing sonars come in handy when fishing in water eight feet or more by giving you the ability to target bass in schools or suspended over a brush top. Ok, yes…it’s like playing a video game, and the anglers that can do this well have a distinct advantage over those that can’t.

But the one thing that separates the great anglers from the average ones is decision making. THIS is the key ingredient that not all anglers possess. Knowing when to stay in an area and knowing when to leave can be the difference between making a top 10 or finishing out of the money. Knowing what time of day fish will bite in certain areas is huge. There’s a saying among anglers, “Somewhere on any given body of water, fish are biting.” That’s why scouting is so important! If you caught fish in a specific area at 10:00 AM the day before, you need to be back in that same area the next day around that same time or a little after.

As you can see, bass fishing is like any other sport. It requires skill, determination, effort, and the ability to make good decisions. But the advancements in electronics have also helped speed up the learning curve for today’s young anglers.

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down
Show & Tackle Talk Live

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AS A PRODUCTION ENGINEER, YOU WILL: 

• Conceptualize, develop, and initiate process improvements and cost reductions 
• Use Lean principles to reduce cycle times and reduce waste  
• Manage problem solving teams from inception to corrective actions.  Will often involve leading a team through the process. 
• Self-initiate improvement and / or corrective actions for safety, quality, cost and productivity concerns using formal six sigma problem solving tools 
• Develop documentation for operators and maintenance on proper equipment operation and care 
• Effectively communicate changes to all levels of the organization and at all stages of implementation 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• BS degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent engineering technology degree 
• Excellent interpersonal skills  
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Excel and Word) 
• Self-starter able to work independently 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

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Here is a look at the week of July 31 – August 6 at Northwestern State University.

July 31 – August 6 – Registration for fall semester
July 31 – Sept. 2 — Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition, Hanchey Gallery. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Daniel (Dan) William Poole, Jr.
February 24, 1931 – July 21, 2022
Service: Sunday, July 31 at 4 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches

Diannia Lynn Coleman
May 19, 1967 – July 25, 2022
Service: Saturday, July 30 at 10 am at Fairview Baptist Church in Coushatta

Richard Gerald Martin
March 8, 1949 – July 25, 2022
Service: Friday, July 29 at 10 am in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

SABINE:
Codi Renee Petit
September 30, 1989 – July 27, 2022
Service: Saturday, July 30 at 4 pm at Beulah Baptist Church

Nellie Hopkins Cook
May 18, 1931 – July 27, 2022
Service: Saturday, July 30 at 11 am at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Florien

WINN:
Jo Ann Chatelain
September 16, 1943 – July 20, 2022
Service: Saturday, July 30 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home, 202 E. Lafayette Street in Winnfield

Charles Price Tomlinson
February 27, 1933 – July 25, 2022
Service: Saturday, July 30 at 2 pm at the Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge.  You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com)

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The waivers that allowed all schools in Natchitoches Parish to provide free breakfast and lunch during the Covid-19 pandemic have been lifted. NSU Elementary Lab School and NSU Middle Lab School will revert to their NON-CEP status because of this change. Beginning in August, students who attend these schools will be charged for their meals.

All other Natchitoches Parish Schools will keep their CEP status for the 2022-2023 school year.

Applications for free or reduced-price meals are available on the district website. If interested in applying for free or reduced-price meals, please visit https://www.npsb.la/page/child- nutrition-program.

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Westside Baptist Church will host Duck Dynasty’s John Godwin on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Admission is free and all are invited!

After placing 3rd in his first duck calling contest as a teenager after Phil Robertson “tuned up” his call to make it ready for competition, John Godwin has been captivated by waterfowl and duck calling. As an adult, he was also captivated by hard living and didn’t see much need for religion.

But one Sunday he halfheartedly attended Phil Robertson’s church in hopes of getting work in the Robertson family’s Duck Commander duck call business. That visit set in motion a life change for Godwin.

Come hear Godwin’s story of life change and how that change impacts his life on a daily basis as a man, as a husband to Paula, as a hunter and a crappie fisherman. Please join us!

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Dreams Foundation Inc. presented a check in support of the Back to School Fair, which is being sponsored by the City of Natchitoches and the Governors Office. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 30 from 10 am – 12 pm at City Park. It will provide fun, entertainment and school supplies to local students. Pictured from left are Cloyd Benjamin, Sylvia Madison-Davenport, Mayor Ronnie Williams, and Katrice Below.

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Natchitoches Parish Fire District 5 was dispatched to a structure fire on Johnson Loop in Natchez on Tuesday, July 26. On arrival, members found that the homeowner had extinguished the stovetop fire by bringing in a garden hose. The fire damaged a large portion of the kitchen. NPFD 5 members ventilated the structure and used the thermal imager to check for fire extension in the walls and ceiling.

Engines 1 and 5 responded, along with BR5 and 10 NPFD 5 members.

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POSITION: INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST

LOCATION: Weaver Elementary School

QUALIFICATION:
● Valid Teaching Certificate
● Master’s Degree in Education (preferred)
● Certification in Science or Math (preferred)
● Minimum of five years of teaching experience with evidence of successfully impacting student achievement, particularly those who have the greatest needs.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Instructional Specialist is a critical lever in improving student achievement. The role of the Instructional Specialist is to build teacher capacity and deepen teachers’ understanding of instructional practices as related to Louisiana Student Standards and Data-Driven Instruction.

SALARY: Salary based on teacher pay scale with applicant’s years of experience and the addition of a substantial Instructional Specialist stipend.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 9 Months

DEADLINE: Thursday, August 4, 2022; 4:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
Phone: (318) 352-2358
Fax: (318) 352-8138

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of the following:
● Resume’
● Evidence of successful teaching experience (for example, VAM, Student Performance Data, COMPASS, CLASS, etc.)
● Original transcripts from institution(s) awarding degree
● Three professional letters of recommendation, one of which is from your immediate supervisor

Submit a ten-to-fifteen-minute video clip of a model lesson involving students or professional  development session involving teachers where the applicant is leading the event (share link via Google Drive to lpage@npsb.la).

EOE

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Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6 responded on July 25 at 11:50 am to a vehicle fire located on Fish Hatchery Rd. The vehicle was fully involved when members arrived on scene. The fire was extinguished while protecting an exposed shed located close to the fire. Engines 1 and 4 responded, along with Rescue 1 and 8 NPFD6 members.

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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is proud to be the first healthcare facility in the nation to partner with the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME). NRMC joined the local chapter GeauxFAME to help drive workforce development initiatives in Natchitoches Parish. GeauxFAME delivers the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, in partnership with Northwestern State University (NSU) and Bossier Parish Community College Natchitoches Campus (BPCC Natchitoches), to develop and grow a skilled pipeline of workers through collaboration with industry in the community.

NRMC will be sponsoring students in the hospital’s Maintenance Department. Each AMT student will have a mentor to provide highly regimented, hands-on training to gain a practical set of valuable skills that can be carried with them through their careers. “With the addition of NRMC to the GeauxFAME partnership, it’s an exciting expansion opportunity that is unique within Skilled Labor,” says Tommy Peek, GeauxFAME Chairman and HR Director at Boise Cascade. “Although not a manufacturing organization, skilled labor and technical expertise is required to keep our community healthy and strong. GeauxFAME looks forward to the leadership and technical insight NMRC brings to our community leadership table.”

Participants in the GeauxFAME program attend classes at NSU and BPCC Natchitoches while also working for local employers and being paid a competitive wage. Graduates complete the program with an Associate Degree from NSU, Certificate of Technical Studies from BPCC Natchitoches, 80 college hours and two years of work experience – all with no school debt.

Kirk Soileau, NRMC CEO stated “NRMC is a strong advocate for Economic Development opportunities in the area and having a skilled workforce is a big factor in attracting industry to the community. Our driving passion for innovation made participation in the GeauxFAME program a unique way to model outside the box thinking. We are excited for the opportunity to be a part of this initiative and join forces with other industries in the area like Alliance Compressors, Roy O Martin, Modern Electronics and Equipment, International Paper, and Boise Cascade.”

For additional information about the AMT GeauxFAME program, please contact Gwen Fontenot, BPCC Natchitoches Interim Campus Dean, at 318-357-3162.

Photo L to R:
Kirk Soileau, NRMC CEO; Gene Cain, Bio-Med Director; Dr. Nabin Sapkota, AMT Instructor; Gwen Fontenot, Natchitoches Campus Dean; Aidan Weeks, AMT Intern; Randy Caskey, AMT Instructor; Phil Rider, NRMC Director of Engineering; Tom Matuschka, NRMC VP of Business Development & Philanthropy.

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POSITION: Electrical Department – Groundman Laborer

QUALIFICATIONS: A working knowledge of principles and practices in overhead and underground electrical power line installation, maintenance procedures and operating/maintenance of substations including low voltage service work is desirable, trim trees and branches and assist the Right of Way Crew. Must work towards obtaining a CDL license. Overtime, standby and dependability is required.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St., 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 through August 8, 2022

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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Bids/Proposals will be accepted until August 15, 2022 2:15 p.m. and will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time in the School Board’s Central Office, 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana,
71457-5709.

Please find bid-related documents at WWW.CENTRALBJDDING.COM or with the Natchitoches Parish Journal (Attached below).

Bids/Proposals received after the date and time of opening will not be considered. Facsimile transmissions will not be considered. Additional information may be obtained upon request by contacting Michelle Demery, Purchasing Coordinator:

Michelle.Demery@npsb.la or calling 318-352-2358, Ext. 1155, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Bids may be mailed in or dropped off at 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, La.

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Other terms and conditions:

1) Bidder must acknowledge their acceptance of the template lease and its terms which is attached herein on their bid offer.

2) All parcels of land up for bid have a minimum bid per acre of $7 except parcel #8040076300, which has a minimum bid of $4 per acre.

3) Each lease is for three years and the bidder must state their bid for each year separately. An example is “Year 1 -$7, Year 2 -$8 and Year 3 -$9”

4) Bidder must bid for each parcel separately in a separately sealed envelope with the parcel number identified on the outside of the envelop.

5) Bidder must provide proof of easement to the parcel being bided.  Example is “Using Water Well Road as Easement”

/s/
Lee Waskom
Director of Business Affairs

/s/
Grant Eloi, ED. D. Secretary-Treasurer
Natchitoches Parish School Board

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The Northwestern State naval fleet sails again Friday, continuing a growing summer tradition.

Demon athletics staff members will take to Cane River Lake and Sibley Lake at 2 p.m. Friday to deliver the 2022 football yard signs. A pair of boats will traverse Cane River while a separate boat will deliver signs on Sibley Lake.

If you are an NSU season-ticket holder who lives on Cane River or Sibley Lake and would like a yard sign placed in your yard, please contact Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Ryan Hall via email at hallr@nsula.edu. Please be sure to include your address in the email.

Demon fans who live along the river and lake and would like a sign in their yard are encouraged to flag down the boaters they see Friday.

Football season tickets are on sale now, and fans can either purchase online at NSUTickets.com or in person at the ticket office in the athletic fieldhouse.

The annual boat rides are a summer tradition that unofficially signals the start of the run-up to the Sept. 3 football season opener at Montana and to the Sept. 24 home and Southland Conference opener against Lamar.

In addition to the matchup with the Cardinals, the Demons have home games against Nicholls (Oct. 1), Southeast Missouri (Homecoming, Oct. 22) and the regular-season finale against UIW (Nov. 19). NSU also will face state rival Grambling in Shreveport on Sept. 10.

Photo: NSU Athletics

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