The Natchitoches Parish Council’s May 16 meeting was brief. The following items were addressed:

• Patsy Ward Hoover will no longer serve on the Parish Council, effective June 23, as she won the election for mayor of the village of Natchez.
• OCS will not participate in the Summer Feeding Program because they will not be able to participate in the “grab and go” style food distribution because they don’t have the facilities to package the food correctly since Head Start is no longer under their supervision.
• At the April 19 meeting, the Council authorized the Parish President to hire an attorney to help close an IRS matter from the non-filing of the 1095C for the year ended 12/31/2017. The current penalty is $142,000 and growing. The Parish is looking to hire a tax attorney to help mitigate the fine. The findings are failure to file timely and failure to file correct forms. Each finding has about a $70,000 penalty with interest accruing. The Parish is not in active collections while it’s given a bit of leeway to file an appeal. A firm was retained in Lafayette. An appeal has been written and submitted so at this point the Parish is waiting to hear something back from the IRS.
• The Parish is planning to remove two overgrown Magnolia trees in front of the Courthouse as they’ve been a contributing factor to the deterioration of the building’s facade. A smaller tree species will be planted in their place that will allow a full view of the stonework at the entry doors. Replacement stone was ordered and is expected to be delivered and installed within the coming weeks to complete the rehab project.
• Confirm reappointment of Dustin Paul Dauzat and Bayli Quick to the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Confirm reappointment of Johnny Possoit to the Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6 Board
• Confirm reappointment of Winfred Lonadier to the Northwest (Black Lake) Fish and Game Preserve Commission
• Confirm the appointment of Patrick D. Masson to replace Clyde Masson on the Waterworks District 2 Board
• Confirm appointment appointment of Rodney Baker, Sammy Leone, and Christopher Leone to the Natchitoches Parish Fire District 10 Board
• First introduction of proposed ordinance 010-2022 to affect a zoning change from an Industrial-Agriculture (I-A) District to an Industry-2 (I-2) District for a compressor station on a 10-acre tract set back from Hwy. 1 that is being divided from a 485-acre parent tract owned by Melrose Plantation. Another first introduction includes ordinance 011-2022 to change zoning from an Industrial-Agriculture (I-A) District to an Industry-Agriculture (I-A) District special exception for an interconnecting pipeline servitude between the existing pipeline and the proposed compressor station. An application was submitted by Acadian Gas Pipeline System in order to fulfill plans of a pipeline system expansion. Site prep will begin next week.
• Approve levying the same millage or roll forward for the 2022 tax year. A motion was made to leave everything the same as the previous year.
• Appoint Natchitoches Times as journal for the Parish
• Chairman John Salter informed the Council of the Parish President’s veto on the adoption of ordinance 009-2022 to remove section 1.11 The Recording Policy from the Parish Personnel Manual. The Council will vote on this at next month’s meeting.

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It’s come before the Natchitoches Parish School Board at multiple meetings, but the vacant Cloutierville Elementary facility came up on the agenda again at a May 16 special called meeting. The board voted to reject the current RFP for the sale of the property based on a lack of appraisal.

Instead the board voted to declare Cloutierville building, content and property surplus and to award the winning bid to Bayou Rapids Construction with a base bid of $374,965 for the demolition of Cloutierville school which includes abatement and removal.

Board member Harris made a motion to amend the scope of the demolition to include all of the buildings except for the gym and the external buildings and abate all buildings. The motion passed with the following members voting against it: Metoyer, Bennefield, Garner, Guidroz.

With the change in the scope of the demolition, Finance Director Lee Waskom will go back to the construction company to negotiate and ask for another change order to be presented to the board at the next meeting.

The School Board will be able to sell the 17 acres the facility sits on once the buildings are demolished. The School Board budgeted $400,000 for this process. It cost the School Board $38,000 to hire a consultant to make sure the bidding was done correctly. This consultant will be on site observing the demolition, costing the School Board another $6,000.

Not for the first time, a representative from Kingsom Earth LLC, a third party interested in purchasing the school, came before the board, to “fight” for the school building. She was not in agreement with Waskom’s report that the second floor of the school would have to be removed to rid the building completely of the asbestos. She said her group would like to get a second opinion for abatement alternatives.

“We’ve done a bit of research our own selves. It seems like every time we make an effort, something is a battle or a fight against us,” said Matthis. “I don’t understand why it’s so important to demolish the school when it could be such an asset for my community, for an underserved community. If this building was in another area it might be looked at a little bit differently. Maybe more things would be done or looked at or more possibilities searched to save it, not just tear it down.”

Waskom said he was concerned about the financials included in the group’s proposal. He didn’t see an adequate amount of financing to do what the group’s vision is for the property. The asbestos abatement itself will cost $100,000.

The issue the School Board is concerned with is future liability regarding the asbestos. While abatement will mitigate the risk of liability, the most sure fire way is to demolish and not sell, thus not involving a third party. No one knows the “what ifs” of the legal system or the “what ifs” of 30 or 40 years from now. Hold harmless or “as is” sales do not apply to buildings that contain asbestos.

A legal opinion on the possible sale of the property stated, “Although school boards routinely sell unneeded properties containing asbestos and other hazardous materials “as is,” arguments can be made that the sellers of such buildings remain liable for any injuries later sustained by others due to the presence of the hazardous substances in the buildings. In other words, arguments can be made that, if the School Board sells the building with asbestos, the School Board will retain some liability for individuals who claim they were exposed to asbestos in the building, even after the liability for individuals who claim they were exposed to asbestos in the building, even after the sale.”

Board members expressed their disappointment that the electricity was turned off to the school and that the building was allowed to deteriorate to its current condition without any plan being created through the years to salvage it. Board member McGaskey made a motion to table the vote until the board’s June meeting, letting the current bid expire. If forced to rebid, prices will significantly increase for the next bid due to rising diesel costs. The vote was tied 5-5 since Board member Danzy was absent from the meeting, so the motion failed.

In other business, the board also approved the millage levee for 2022.

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Natchitoches Central High School JROTC cadets recently briefed the Natchitoches Parish School Board regarding their accreditation results.

Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi took part in the inspection of the ROTC unit two weeks ago under Lt. Col. Malt and First Sgt. Selby.

Cadet Lt. Col. Shemaria Harris is the Battalion Commander of the NCHS Chiefs Battalion. With her was Battalion Executive Officer, Cadet Major Shakeria Metoyer; Battalion Personnel Officer, Cadet Captain Janna Garrett; Battalion Security Officer, Cadet Captain Reshaun Bayonne; Battalion Logistics Officer, Cadet Captain Preston Parker; and Battalion Public Affairs Officer, Cadet First Lt. Arianna Smith. Absent from the presentation was Cadet Command Sgt. Major Kenneth Brickhouse and Operations Officer, Cadet Major Brenden Cooper. 

To receive accreditation, the JROTC program is broken down into seven different categories in which the program receives a number of points based on the battalion’s execution. 

In the Battalion Staff Continuous Improvement Briefing and Interview Category, the NCHS JROTC Battalion received 35/35 points. In the Service Learning Briefing Category, the Battalion received 20/20 points. In the Cadet Portfolio and Interview Category, the Battalion received 20/20 points. In the Unit Report Category, the Battalion received 35/35 points. In the Drill/In Ranks Category, the Battalion received 15/15 points. In the Color Guard Category, the Battalion received 15/15 points. 

Lt. Col. Malt and First Sgt. Selby’s portfolios were also reviewed for a total of 60 points. This means that the Battalion received 200/200 points for its overall JROTC accreditation. This also means the Battalion will continue to be an Honor Unit of Distinction, displayed by a gold star cadets get to wear on their uniforms.

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BATON ROUGE – With the Southland Conference Tournament just days away, the Northwestern State baseball team will have one final tune-up Tuesday night.

It comes in the form of state rival LSU, which hosts the Demons in NSU’s final mid-week game of the 2022 season at 6:30 p.m. at Alex Box Stadium. The game will stream live on SEC Network Plus and can be heard on www.NSUDemons.com and through the Northwestern State Athletics mobile app, which can be downloaded free for Apple and Android devices.

“It’s always a good trip,” sixth-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “It’s a good trip to get better. It’s a good trip to play against a really good team. When you play those really good teams, the ball moves a little bit faster whether it’s on the ground or from the mound. It’s an opportunity to do that and, hopefully, get better going into the tournament.”

The Demons (25-26) have won their past two games against LSU (33-18) for the first time since taking two straight April 2-3, 1996.

In addition to facing a Power Five opponent for the first time since playing Nebraska on March 5, Tuesday’s game serves as a homecoming of sorts for several Demons, including senior center fielder Larson Fontenot and senior shortstop Cam Sibley.

Fontenot has been part of the back-to-back wins against the Tigers and was a member of the 2018 Demon team that was within two outs of eliminating the Tigers from the Corvallis Regional.

A season ago, Fontenot went 4-for-5 with a stolen base and an RBI as the Demons built a six-run lead in an eventual 7-3 win that came 28 miles from Fontenot’s hometown of St. Amant.

“It’s really nice going over there and playing at Alex Box, where you grew up watching them play,” Fontenot said. “It’s a good feeling to go play against them.”

Fontenot is not the only Demon from the Baton Rouge area who will play a short distance from home. Fellow senior shortstop Cam Sibley played his high school career at Dutchtown High School in suburban Geismar while outfielder Reese Lipoma is another St. Amant product. Pitcher Thomas Sotile (University High, Baton Rouge) and freshman infielder AJ Bailey (Zachary) also hail from greater Baton Rouge.

Sibley had to wait almost two years into his NSU career to face LSU after the Panola College transfer saw his first Demon season cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. He made his debut in the series a year ago more than a year after he planned to. The Demons’ 2020 date against LSU was set for April 28 before the pandemic shuttered the season 16 games into it.

“It’s fun to go down and play them,” said Sibley, one of eight seniors and nine Demons who will play their final regular-season game Tuesday. “They have such a great facility. The atmosphere is unmatched. It’s fun to go down there and show our skills against those guys. We just have to go down and play our game. Things will work out for us and keep going.”

Northwestern State will send right-hander Dawson Flowers (0-2, 4.88) to the mound while LSU has yet to name its starting pitcher.

Photo: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that on Thursday, May 26, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, weather permitting, Bridge # 083500530414631 on LA 1-X over Cane River will be closed to all traffic for routine bridge inspections. The bridge is on LA 1-X and is located 0.01 miles South of the LA 1224 Intersection.

Permit/Detour section
The road will be closed to all traffic while the inspection is being performed by LA DOTD personnel.
The City of Natchitoches is providing traffic control and detours.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, weather permitting, Bridge# 083500000039082 on LA 490 over CANE RIVER will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 1.0 MI. SW OF LA 1.

Permit/Detour section
No detour will be needed as one lane will be open at all times.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, weather permitting, Bridge# 083501150206081 on LA 485 over BAYOU PIERRE will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 5.30 MILES OF INTERSECTION LA 485 & I-49.

Permit/Detour section
No detour will be needed as one lane will be open at all times.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that on Monday, May 23 from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, weather permitting, Bridge# 083500090500001 on US 71 over SALINE BAYOU will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 0.7 MI. N OF LA 477.

Permit/Detour section
No detour will be needed as one lane will be open at all times.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution around the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).

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The Virtue of the Month for April was Perseverance. Students from St. Mary’s Catholic School chosen, on front row from left, are Juhee Han, Sutton Vandersteen, James Streete, Remington Poole, Ava Harper, Ansley Dranguet and Anniston Clark. On back row are Father Blake Deshautelle, Addison Ivy, Summer Rushing, Carter Burks, Atlas Hicks, Landri Ezernack, Emme Errington, Abbie Rodriguez and Kevin Albert.  Congratulations to these students!

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NATCHITOCHES:
Linda LaCaze McCain
April 17, 1942 – May 12, 2022
A Memorial Mass will be announced at a later date.

Benedict “Bubba” LaCour, Jr.
December 1, 1945 – May 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, May 21 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle

Sadie Theresa Llorens Metoyer
September 20, 1944 – May 11, 2022
Service: Tuesday, May 17 at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches

SABINE:
Adell Sills
April 13, 1938 – May 15, 2022
Service: Tuesday, May 17 at 11 AM at Little Flock Baptist Church

RED RIVER:
Terry Lynn Fields
December 31, 1951 – May 14, 2022
Service: Wednesday, May 18 at 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

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A Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Roque House Rehabilitation Project was held on May 12 on the downtown riverbank. The Natchitoches Historic Foundation and the Cane River Waterway Commission have partnered on the project to preserve and renovate one of the state’s most iconic buildings.

The Ceremony marks the beginning of the construction phase of the project, which is estimated to take 9 months. The goal is to reopen the area, which will be closed to the public during construction, for the Christmas Festival. Additional work, including landscaping, will be finished in the spring of 2023, which is when the NHF plans to hold a ReOpening Ceremony.

Cane River National heritage Area Executive Director Rebecca Blakenbaker introduced the speakers for the event. The CRNHA works in partnership with many entities in the community to preserve and promote the historic resources of the region.

NHF President Terri Cunningham, Roque House Steering Committee Chairman Ben Barron, DSW Construction, Tipton Associates, Jim Rhodes with the Cane River Waterway Commission, and Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. offered their remarks.

The Roque House was relocated in 1967 to downtown Natchitoches from its original location in the Isle Brevelle community down Cane River Lake. It was originally built in 1803 by Yves Pacale, a freed man of color. It is a circa 1790s French Creole post on sill house with three rooms. The house is a remarkable example of the Creole style of French architecture along Cane River. Constructed in typical French colonial fashion with hand-hewn cypress and a bousillage fill (a mixture of mud, Spanish moss and animal hair), the structure was topped with an oversize roof of durable shingles. A close inspection of the house reveals the craftsmanship of Pacale in the jointing. It contained no nails.

The Roque House is among the oldest surviving examples of Creole architecture in Natchitoches Parish, home of the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches was founded in 1714. The structure may be the only remaining circa 1790s French Creole post on sill house built by a freed man of color.

The Roque House Rehabilitation Project has been in the works for over two years. As one of the few remaining bousillage structures left standing in the US, its need for preservation reached a critical peak after the flood of 2016. The structure took on about 2 feet of water that caused significant damage to its structure.

One of the challenges of putting humpty dumpty back together so to speak, was a greater more long-term concern of preserving this historic building, located in a flood-prone area, and making it more resilient to flooding hazards. The NHF and its partners share a common love and appreciation for the story the Roque House has to tell.

The mission of Natchitoches Historic Foundation is to support and promote the preservation of history in Natchitoches Parish through education and advocacy. This jewel sits prominently in historic Natchitoches, and we are excited to share its unique history.

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There will be a regularly scheduled meeting of the Natchitoches Parish Council tonight at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Council Board Room, #211 on the 2nd Floor of the Courthouse.

Watch LIVE:

https://www.facebook.com/NPJNatLa

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There was no shortage of family fun to be had in Natchitoches Saturday, May 14. The Natchitoches Farmer’s Market hosted the Hope for Paws “Who Let the Dogs Out?” The event was intended to raise funds for the organization’s mission as well as show off some dogs who are looking for a home.

As market goers shopped and enjoyed entertainment from the riverbank stage, local public officials were participating in some watery fun for a very worthy cause. The Farmer’s Market sponsored a dunking booth in which local officials, politicians and civic leaders could be dunked by softball wielding citizens with proceeds going to help this worthy group with its mission. Mayor and First Lady Williams, Sheriff Capt Jesse Taitano, Councilwoman Rosemary Washington Elie, Police Chief Nikeo Collins, NSU’s Van Erikson, and City Marshal Randy Williams were joined by several city officials and civic leaders in taking turns in the booth. Noted local musician Johnny Earthquake, otherwise known as Rodney Harrington in his day job, took a turn, luckily not affecting his playing and singing abilities. Mayor Williams led the watery lineup, experiencing his first of many dunks at the hands of Wayne Halm. Natchitoches’ youth sports programs are producing some serious talent and it was on display as young men and women gave the dunking booth a workout.

The prospect of dunking one’s beloved proved to be an irresistible temptation for several spouses. Mayor Williams may have to find a spare bunk in the fire house after dunking his wife. Jesse Taitano fell victim to former NSU athlete Haley Taitano who showed she has not lost a step. Police Chief Collins fell victim to both his wife and son. Mrs. Jan Harrington quickly sent her husband to a damp fate and then gave Hope for Paws a generous donation so that others could keep the softballs flying and her husband soaking.

Westin Key sent the most people into the tank, while Capt Taitano was the most dunked with the soggy Johnny Earthquake a close second.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal would like to commend the men and women who were such good sports by taking a turn in the booth. The fundraiser garnered well over $1,100 which will be put to good use through the Hope for Paws organization by helping animals throughout the parish find a good home.

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On April 26, at the Louisiana Chapters APCO/NENA Symposium in Marksville, Deputy Tehseae Batiste with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Communications Division was announced as the recipient of the Telecommunicator of the Year award for Louisiana Chapters APCO/NENA. This award is presented to the Telecommunicator who has contributed significantly to the profession of public safety dispatching and call taking through the prior calendar year. A candidate for Telecommunicator of the year is more than a single incident; he or she is a continual example of excellence, exemplary performance on a consistent basis, substantial efforts made to better the profession through training or innovation, continual mentoring and teamwork that betters the organization.

Deputy Tehseae Batiste has shown herself to have all of these qualifications and many more.
NPSO Director of Communications LaQuita Collins and Supervisor Deputy Kimberly Green stated that Deputy Batiste is very engaging and personable; she is a genuine and skilled communicator. She has been an outstanding advocate for improvements to communication protocols between Deputy’s and Dispatch and is always looking for ways to improve her performance as well as the performance of her partners, shift Deputy’s and trainees. She clearly maintains a positive outlook no matter what the challenge of the shift is, and is dedicated to the service of the parish residents, and building a supportive work environment for her co-workers and Deputy’s she is tasked with helping to get home safely on a daily basis.

Along with being a 911 Dispatch Communicator for Natchitoches Parish, Deputy Batiste is also a wife and the mother of a very active 6 year old. She is able to balance her demanding career removing her from her home 12 hours a shift at times nightly, and then return home at 5 am where she maintains a well rounded, smart and loving child teaching him his value and worth as a young man in a not so always loving and accepting society; then returning back to her chair to do her part in the safety of the residents so they can do the same for their children. She is always motivated by her ability to help provide safety and enhancement to her community.

Deputy Batiste always goes above and beyond to make her co workers feel appreciated, and loved. She makes sure her Deputy’s know she is engaged in their life at work as well as outside of work.
There is nothing unusual in Deputy Batiste surprising someone with a baked goodie or treat, either bought or homemade, sharing her customs of her home in Belize. She has solidified her reputation among her colleagues in the agency for being highly competent in her role.

The public is most probably not thinking of a 911 Communicator when they see a deputy or firefighter at the scene of a tragic event in their life, but we are represented. The badge worn by a deputy is generally a symbol of their authority, but if you look closely it is supported by a circle around the star or shield. That is 911, that is Deputy Batiste. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is lucky to have Deputy Batiste helping to keep them safe and out of harm’s way.

On behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office we want to CONGRATULATE DEPUTY BATISTE on receiving TELECOMMUNICATOR of the YEAR!!!

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Northwestern State University awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities to Lela Mae Wilkes, seated, during spring commencement ceremonies May 11. NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones presided over the honors. Wilkes was honored along with graduates of the School of Business and Technology. Wilkes, a 1968 graduate of NSU, is owner and chief executive officer of Brown Eagle, a Baton Rouge company with more than 500 employees which serves chemical companies and other businesses across the mid-South. Wilkes has been a long-time supporter of Northwestern State. She was inducted into the NSU Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line in 2005. Wilkes served on the NSU Foundation Board of Directors. She has served on the School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and has been recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the School of Business. Brown Eagle is one of the largest companies of its kind in the nation and is the only woman-owned organization that provides material handling, on-site assembly, packaging, warehousing, shipping and other services to numerous chemical companies and other industries.

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The Lady Tigers will host a Softball Camp from May 30 through June 1st from 9 am – 12 pm. Campers will learn offensive and defensive skills and have both individual and group instruction in a fun and friendly atmosphere. A pizza lunch will be provided on Wednesday and concessions will be available daily. Campers need softball attire, cleats/tennis shoes, glove, bat, helmet and water.

The camp is open to students in 1st through 8th grade for the 2022-23 school year. The cost to attend is $75. The camp is located at the St. Mary’s Catholic School softball field (Dixie Youth Complex). For more information, please contact head softball coach, Stephen Wren at swren@smstigers.org.

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Following spring commencement ceremonies, seven cadets of  Northwestern State University’s 72^nd Demon Battalion were commissioned Thursday, May 12 as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. The cadets completed additional military training as well as their academic requirements to graduate and commission.

The seven took the Oath of Office during Northwestern’s final graduation ceremony at 2 p.m. May 12 and were commissioned in a separate ceremony that followed, joined by family and friends. LTC Joshua R. Drake, professor of Military Science, administered the oath on the commencement stage.

The new officers are 2LT Colby Hennigan, 2LT Anthony Cantrell, 2LT Kayla Graham, 2LT Tyler Iverson, 2LT Caleb Krikorian, 2LT Joseph Orchi and 2LT Seth Ozsoy.

2LT Hennigan earned a Master of Science in Homeland Security. He has been selected for service in the U.S. Army Reserve. After completion of the Transportation Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Lee, Virginia, he will serve as a Mobility Officer with the 342^nd Movement Control Detachment Team in Baton Rouge.

2LT Cantrell commanded the Demon Battalion this past year and, having scored within the top 20 percent of cadets nationwide, was named a Distinguished Military Graduate. He earned a Master of Science in Homeland Security. He has been selected for active duty in the Military Intelligence Corps with a branch detail to Infantry. 2LT Cantrell’s first assignment will be determined during his Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, Georgia, later this summer.

2LT Graham graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Military Leadership. After completion of the Quartermaster Basic Officer Leader Course, Fort Lee, Virginia, she will serve in the Louisiana Army National Guard with Company A, 199^th Brigade Support Battalion in Jonesboro.

2LT Iverson earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Biomedical and a Minor in Military Leadership. He has been selected to serve on active duty. After completion of the Ordnance Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Lee, his initial duty station will be Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska.

2LT Krikorian graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies with a Concentration in Computer and Natural Science and a Minor in Military Leadership. After completion of the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, he will continue to serve in the Louisiana Army National Guard. His initial assignment is Scout Platoon Leader with A Troop, 2^nd Squadron, 108^th Cavalry, in Natchitoches.

2LT Orchi graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2021 with a Bachelor of General Studies and a Minor in Social Science. He has been selected to serve on active duty and will attend the Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leader Course at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, this June. His initial duty station will be Fort Hood, Texas.     

2LT Ozsoy graduated Cum Laude and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. He will serve in the Louisiana Army National Guard. After completion of the Military Police Basic Officer Leader Course at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he will serve as a Platoon Leader with the 773^rd Military Police Battalion in Lake Charles.

COL Aristotle Vaseliades, Commander, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, Fort Polk, offered remarks and encouragement to the new officers. COL Vaseliades is a 1997 graduate of Florida Southern College where he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps.

During the ceremony, LTC Drake noted, “Today marks the beginning of a new way of life for you all. Commissioning as an officer in the United States Army is not only an honor, but a privilege. You will soon be entrusted with the lives of Soldiers who have volunteered to serve their country and fight for the freedoms of our nation.”  He added, “This responsibility may seem daunting now, but rest assured that the Army has – and will continue – to train you to be ready.”

Pictured: Seven graduates of Northwestern State University’s ROTC program took the oath of office to serve as officers in the U.S. Army during spring commencement exercises May 12.  From left are 2LT Kayla Graham, 2LT Tyler Iverson, 2LT Caleb Krikorian, 2LT Joseph Orchi, 2LT Colby Hennigan, 2LT Seth Ozsoy and 2LT Anthony Cantrell. 

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Northwestern State University awarded 1,025 degrees to 991 graduates during spring commencement May 11-12.  Graduates collected diplomas for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates and post-master’s degrees.  An honorary doctor of humanities was awarded to Baton Rouge businesswoman and 1968 NSU alumna Lela Mae Wilkes.

Graduates listed by hometown (In Natchitoches Parish) are as follows.

Campti – Alyssa Breaud, Bachelor of General Studies; Kristen Breedlove, Jaylee Riggs, Bachelor of Science;

Clarence – Jalicia Small, Bachelor of Science;

Marthaville – Madison Pleasant, Associate of General Studies; Bachelor of Science; Frank Lester, Bachelor of Science;                                                                                                                                   

Natchez – Tanner Delphin, Bachelor of General Studies; Walker Roe Jackson, Bachelor of Science; Megan Sauce, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Natchitoches – Lacy Byles, Taylor Presson, Tiffany Willis, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jaronda Griffin, Associate Degree; Sarah Cross, Alicia Davis, Brittany Elliott, Keri Layssard, Zacharie Lemley, Bridget Mitchell, Ontrez Shyne, Ronneicia Terrell, Charity Wamber, Associate of General Studies; Tiresa Maxie, Bachelor of Applied Science; Chloe Blank, Richard Brumbelow, Junior Charles, Cody Coleman, Abby Guillory, Bailey Perrilloux, Alexandra Robichaux, Kirsten Sonnier, Jaci Templet, Savannah Thompson, Alexus Young, Bachelor of Arts; Jose Arrieta Cuesta, Roshane Brown, Myjoycia Cezar, Victoria Gardner, Hannah Knoff, Dominic Luke, Natalia Zapata Yonoff, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Sidonia Hall, Kimberly LaCaze, Ember O’Bannon, Katelyn Steelman, Bachelor of General Studies; Dania Briceno Vasquez, Elias Castro Caballero, Julio Galvan, Ruth Garcia Rodriguez, Joshua Monaghan, Natalia Zapata Yonoff, Bachelor of Music; Natalie Aguirre, Sarah Aviles, Thomas Balthazar, Jayla Barfield, Brock Barrios, Lauren Bartels, Amanda Barter, Cassidy Blanchard, Janieya Bobb, Annemarie Broussard, Damon Carter, Elainna Casson, Kyle Courville, Jeffrey Elkins, Lucas Ellis, Corey Gallion, Joshua Garner, James Gillyard, Jaronda Griffin, Jennifer Hitt, Courtany Jackson, Travon Jones, Austin Jordan, Maya Levo, Tommi Long, Gilda Malloy, LiZhang Matuschka, Robert Mccandlish, Marshall Merritt, Joseph Mesa, Arianna Mulligan, Rochanee Myles, Matthew Nelson, Abby Nichols, Myles Nolley, Kevin Nutt, Brittany Passi, Katherine Rachal, Devin Reyes, Jacard Russell, Christopher Sanders, Emily Scott, Elizabeth Shuler, Ashton Smith, John Starks, Jamie Stewart, Jordon Thomas, Aaron Trichel, Vivian Vallery, Lauren Vienne, Thomas Wiggins, Raina Woods, Miranda Worthan, Bachelor of Science; Reagan Lee, Jaci Templet, Bachelor of Social Work; John Allen, Neeru Deep, Doctor of Education; Alexa Bernard, Educational Specialist; Trevor O’Bannon, Master of Arts; Lauren Stephens, Master of Arts in Teaching; Shalondria Rainey, Danielle Williams, Master of Education; John Floyd, Aura Hernandez Canedo, Jorge Ojeda Munoz, Juan Paternina-Paez. Master of Music; Judit Castillo Gargallo, Tyler Daigneault, Adrian Galdeano Valadez, Kenneth Henry, Natashia Jackson, Staci Maddox, Kristin McDuffie, Kevin Price, Destiny Simon, Keng Soo, Quindarrius Thompson, Master of Science; Amy Ables, Taylor Francis, Master of Science in Nursing;

Oak Grove – Victoria Spann, Bachelor of Science; Karin Bennett, Master of Arts in Teaching;

Provencal – Heather Davis, Bachelor of Science;                                                                                             

Robeline— Caleb Martinez, Bachelor of General Studies; Jeffrey Watley, Bachelor of Music; Jonathan Comeaux, Kelsy Elkins, Katelyn Miley, Bachelor of Science.                                                                                                       

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Anne Fruge of Kinder, 67, left college at 18 to marry her husband of 48 years, but returned to earn a degree in general studies with a minor in social sciences to fulfill a promise she made to her father that she would finish her degree. Fruge also has Parkinson’s disease, but she said, “I have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t have me!”

Fruge received a standing ovation as she crossed the stage to collect her diploma during spring commencement at Northwestern State University Thursday.  She said she was happy to share her story if it inspired one person to not quit.

“There were a lot of hard times, but it was worth going back to school, earning my degree and fulfilling my promise to my dad,” she said. 

Fruge was one of nearly 1,000 graduates to receive degrees during two days of commencement ceremonies honoring a class that overcame many challenges due to COVID and related factors that affected their academic journey. Many students excelled despite disruptions and were recognized for their impact at the university.

Two staff members of the University of Louisiana System, Erica Calais and Sandra Green, earned doctorates in Adult Leadership and Development and were hooded by ULS Board of Supervisors members Lola Dunahoe and Joe Salter.

Sarah Sargent of Lake Charles and Jessica Mullican of De Ridder, who are second cousins, were both awarded graduate fellowships from Alpha Lambda Delta honor society for the 2022-23 academic year.  They were both in the President’s Leadership Program their first year, joined Alpha Lambda Delta together and were contributing and participating members from day one.

Track and field student-athlete Natashia Jackson of Natchitoches won 19 career gold medals at the Southland Conference championships, ranking second in conference history.  Jackson ran a leg of the 4×400 relay in a preliminary race at the World Indoor Championships as Team USA ultimately finished fourth.  She owns four NSU records (400 meters indoor and outdoor, 4×100, 4×200 relays) and one SLC record (400 meters indoors). She earned a graduate degree in Homeland Security.

Nicole Lala of Kenner was lauded for her research in incorporating 3D printing into costume design, learning software to design and create realistic crowns and chainmail costume pieces tailored to each actor for an NSU theatre production. Her research and willingness to collaborate in another discipline inspired her to continue study 3D printing and its use in theatre.  After working this summer in the costume department at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, she will attend San Diego State where she received a full tuition waiver and a $10,000 scholarship in pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design.

Seven cadets in NSU’s 72^nd Demon Battalion were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, taking the Oath of Office during NSU’s final commencement ceremony Thursday.  They are 2LT Anthony Cantrell of Leesville, 2LT Kayla Graham of Shreveport, 2LT Colby Hennigan of Alexandria, 2LT Tyler Iverson of Fort Polk, 2LT Caleb Krikorian of Shreveport, 2LT Joseph Orchi of Leesville and 2LT Seth Ozsoy of Many.

Some students overcame personal hardships in pursuit of their degrees.

Marilyn Brooks of Gretna, a single mom of three young children, not only completed her degree in Fine and Graphic Art, but is already working in her field of study, teaching art to children.  Brooks began her degree face-to-face at NSU after transferring to the Natchitoches campus as she and her family moved from one military base to another.  A series of life changes led her and her children to relocate to the New Orleans area to be closer to family.  Like many students, she also dealt with temporary displacement from hurricanes and COVID. 

Brooks’ faculty said, “We believe that Marilyn has helped pave the way for utilizing the best of our COVID pandemic teaching experiences.  Her graduation will certainly serve as proof of what tenacity and hard work can allow a person to achieve in spite of life’s tumult.”

Makayla Feibel of Elm Grove graduated with an associate degree in nursing.  During a tornado in April, Feibel’s home was severely damaged and she was rescued and evacuated after a 911 call.  Despite that, Feibel was in class at 8 a.m. the next morning prepared to work. 

“She made no excuses why could not give 100 percent of herself to the rest of the semester and it pushed her to do even better than she might have imagined,” according to her professor.

Kaylon Willoughby of Hammond earned a degree in performance and directing. After losing her father to COVID, she helped write the script for this past year’s Christmas Gala and dedicated it to him. This year for her senior thesis, she wrote another new play dedicated to her father.  

International student Natalia Carolina Zapata-Yonoff a double major in art and music, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  Zapata-Yonoff spent the last four years over 2,000 miles away from her home country of Colombia. While at Northwestern, Zapata-Yonoff worked as a student worker, represented the university at ULS conferences, created graphic design work for NSU and the Natchitoches community as an intern with the Design Center, served as visual editor for The Current Sauce and lead designer of The Potpourri, was lab monitor in the departmental computer lab and taught at Summer Art Camp.  

“Natalia has worked very hard to make the most of her NSU experience, part of which has included embracing a new culture,” according to the Art faculty. “For these reasons and more, Natalia has become a very beloved member of the Art Department family.”

“It is important to note that some of our graduates faced difficult circumstances throughout their academic pursuits,” NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones said. “With courage, tenacity and perseverance, these individuals earned their respective degrees, with many receiving honors distinction.”

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The Northwestern State baseball team fell down early Saturday afternoon in its 2022 home finale before one swing from a senior brought the Demons to life.

Unfortunately for NSU, its mid-game push was answered by New Orleans’ late-game power surge as the Privateers pulled away for an 11-4 Southland Conference victory at Brown-Stroud Field.

Northwestern State (25-26, 12-12) will be the No. 5 seed in next weekend’s Southland Conference Tournament while New Orleans (27-21, 13-11) earned a split of the six-game season series and will be the No. 3 seed.

The Demons will travel to McNeese for their half of the two-bracket tournament and will face No. 4 seed Nicholls in Thursday’s 1 p.m. first-round game.

New Orleans touched up NSU starter Drayton Brown (5-6) for two runs in the first inning, extending Brown to 31 pitches in the opening frame. That allowed NSU head coach Bobby Barbier to take Brown out early in the second inning.

“We were going to keep Drayton short anyway,” Barbier said. “We had made the decision to either close him for a game or keep him short. It worked out the way it did.”

Brown left after facing eight batters before fellow sophomore right-hander Alex Makarewich entered and turned in his best outing of the season.

Makarewich spun four shutout innings of relief, allowing just two hits while striking out three.

“Alex was fantastic, which is what he’s capable of and what he has done a few times this year for us,” Barbier said. “Hopefully, that’s something we can build on moving forward. Alex works really, really hard at what he does.”

With Makarewich quieting the Privateers, the door was open for the Demons to try to rally for the second straight game.

Senior catcher Austin Kirkpatrick did his part, drilling Khachadourian’s first pitch of the fifth inning over the left-field wall for his second home run of the season – both coming in the past 13 days.

Kirkpatrick was one of nine Demons who were honored during Senior Day ceremonies ahead of Saturday’s game.

“It was good to see Austin get that one,” Barbier said. “You always pull for those seniors to have good days on their last one here.”

Kirkpatrick’s home run was all the Demons mustered in the fifth, but NSU answered a three-run New Orleans sixth with a pair of runs in their half, cutting the lead back to three.

After senior left-hander Will Hine stranded two of three inherited runners in the eighth, designated hitter Bo Willis drilled a solo home run to left off Caleb Seroski to cap a 4-for-4 day for the sophomore.

During his career-long, seven-game hitting streak, Willis is hitting .500 (14-for-28) with four home runs and 14 RBIs.

“He’s been really good, especially the back half of the year,” Barbier said. “He’s a threat to leave the yard any time. He’s just been a really tough out later in the year. He’s worked hard at his craft and done a good job.”

The Demons return to action Tuesday when they play their final mid-week game of the season at LSU. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge.

New Orleans 11, Northwestern State 4
UNO      210 003 014 – 11 13 1
NSU       000 012 010 – 4 7 1
W – Kyle Khachadourian (5-2). L – Drayton Brown (5-6). S – Caleb Seroski (3). 2B – UNO, Tyler Bischke, Andrew Guidry. NSU, Bo Willis, Larson Fontenot. HR – UNO, Kasten Furr (3), Amani Larry (6). NSU, Bo Willis (11), Austin Kirkpatrick (2). Highlights: UNO, Furr 3-5, HR, 2 RBIs; Larry 2-4, HR, 4 RBIs; Andrew Guidry 2-5, 2B; Isaac Williams 3-5. NSU, Willis 4-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBIs.

Records: New Orleans 27-21, 13-11; Northwestern State 25-26, 12-12.

Photo: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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Northwestern State hurdler Janiel Moore started Sunday on outside looking in on the NCAA East Preliminaries 400 hurdles field, but after NSU’s Last Chance meet, Moore is in – way in. 

The senior obliterated her personal record by more than a second as she clocked a 58.59, which moves her to around 26^th in the East Regionals. 

Moore started the day in the 50s with her personal best of 59.81 as she needed to crack the top 48. 

Her landmark PR is the second-fastest time in NSU history and makes her a threat to push through to the national championships. 

“It’s been a long time coming because she’s been right there,” said NSU coach Mike Heimerman. “Janiel still didn’t execute the race as well she wanted to, and she found out she still has some energy left at the end. 

“Hopefully she and (NSU sprints/hurdles coach Adam Pennington) can go back and work on a few things and run even faster. But an amazing race, and I’m really glad for Janiel because she has worked so hard for it.” 

NSU thrower Diamante Gumbs posted two personal bests that solidified his East Prelims spot in two different events while Tarajh Hudson climbed the ladder in the discus. 

Hudson bested his old mark discus by two feet, hurling 186-6.25 to close in on the top 30 in the East. 

Gumbs pushed back his old record by three feet, slinging 182-7.25 to move into the top 40. 

All three NSU discus throwers (including Demon record holder Djimon Gumbs with 193-3) have surpassed NSU’s previous program record entering this season (180-8). 

In the shot put, Diamante Gumbs saved his best for last, chunking a personal best 58-0.75. Entering the weekend, that mark would sit 47^th, and the extra eight centimeters have all but assured Gumbs a spot. 

“I said before the season that we’d have three guys break the old (NSU discus) record, and now they have,” Heimerman said. “They were already in at (East Prelims) but they love throwing at home and both improved their standing. 

“Diamante was bouncing between 47^th and 49^th in the shot put, and he might have still got in without today based on a few scratches (hurt or ineligible throwers). But those eight centimeters will make a difference, moving him up into the mid-40s.” 

Sunday was the last day for times/marks to be recorded for East Prelims consideration, and the final list of qualifiers will be published Tuesday. 

Pole vaulter Hayden Barrios just missed a personal best, school record and a NCAA East Preliminary spot after his third attempt at 16-10 clipped the bar. Barrios hoisted himself over the obstacle but knocked the bar off on his way down. 

“Hayden has had a phenomenal year as a conference champion, and he learned a lot about himself,” Heimerman said of the sophomore. “The sky is the limit, and he’ll be an 18-foot vaulter by the time he’s through.” 

Other events like the 4×100 women’s relay, men’s javelin, and men’s and women’s 100 meters didn’t produce any additional NCAA East qualifiers. 

The NCAA East Prelims take place May 26-28 at the University of Indiana for a chance to qualify for the NCAA national championships. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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