Deer season 2021-22 is in the books and for me, it was an outstanding one. I got a thrill when big bucks, some of them with eye-popping stats, appeared in front of the stand. I was there when a trophy buck was stopped by an arrow or bullet. It was a genuine rush for me, but truth to tell, I never sat down in a deer stand this season, not the first time.

My experiences were vicarious, the type Webster defines as “experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.” I was there, vicariously, when 38 hunters enjoyed success, hunters who shared their experiences with me allowing me to write about their conquest of big bucks for Louisiana Sportsman magazine and web site.

I felt the chill of excitement when 21 big bucks were downed by conventional firearms; when a dozen more fell to conventional bows and arrows with three succumbing to bolts propelled by crossbows and another pair giving up the ghost to primitive firearms.

I was there on December 12 when Tangipahoa Parish deputy sheriff Daniel Sharkey, nailed the biggest of the bunch, a 20-point buck with a rocking-chair set of antlers that measured 193 5/8 inches.

Hunter Brown got his bow season started on October 2 when he arrowed a 140 inch, 12-point buck in Bienville Parish. Louisiana Sportsman requires the minimum measurement to be featured in the magazine to be 140 inches and Brown got in just under the wire and he was excited to make the cut. I know; I was right there with him.

I was there with Jacques Dugas hunting in Avoyelles Parish on October 3 when a little six-point buck stepped out. We were excited because every time that little fellow appeared, a big buster of a buck always followed him. Sure enough that afternoon, the trophy 13-point followed along and Dugas got him with an arrow, a buck measuring over 182 inches of antler.

On November 14, I was looking over Ross Wigginton’s shoulder as he sat on his back porch that morning in Concordia Parish when an outstanding 17-point buck stepped into his back yard and his crossbow did the trick on the buck with antlers measuring almost 190 inches.

I was with Chad Allison on November 8 when he crawled into the boughs of a fallen cedar near Shongaloo and the buck stuck his head out at 10 feet. Scared us both to death. Thankfully the big 14-point stepped out again at 100 yards and Allison got him. He scored 174 2/8 inches of antler.

The vast majority of the hunters enjoying success were adults with ages from early twenties to seniors growing a bit long in the tooth. At least two, though, were teenagers, a young lady, Kaitlyn Bolton, age 15 and an eighth-grader, Tommy Suggs, also 15.

Kaitlyn had to good fortune of being drawn for a youth lottery hunt on Floy McElroy wildlife management area, the state’s most unusual management area in that only youth and physically challenged individuals are allowed to hunt. I was there on December 11 with Kaitlyn and her dad when she managed to drop the biggest buck ever taken on the area, an 11-point with antler measurements of 159 inches.

Then there is Suggs, hunting with his dad, Tommy, on one stand and his dad on another in Catahoula Parish. Hunting alone, except of course with me in a manner of speaking there looking over his shoulder, Tommy got the crosshairs of his scope on the shoulder of a big 10-point buck that measured 151 inches.

Now that the books are closed on deer season 2021-22, I can finally get some rest. All that typing can wear a body out.

I, Monique Hamilton-Sarpy, am seeking re-election for the Village of Natchez Alderman seat. I am married and have one child. I graduated from Northwestern State University with a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Information System. I also have a degree in General Studies with a background in Criminal Justice. I am a member of Sigma Gamma Sorority, Inc. I have obtained certification from Southern University in Small Business Development, certification in Entrepreneurship training from NSU Small Business Program, and Hospitality certification from Louisiana Technical College.

It is my belief that public service is a responsibility that we all share. We should all be willing to contribute our time and best effort toward the well-being of the community in which we live, work, and play. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it well, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”

I have lived in the Village of Natchez for all my life and am currently raising a child on the street I grew up on. I have been employed by Pilgrims for over 18 years, I am aware of the needs of the community, the resources available and concerns of the public that face our community.

My service to our community began when I was in my teens and has continued as I’ve worked with the Village of Natchez Heritage Festival Committee. During that time I have volunteered to work in our community park and volunteered to pick up litter along the roadways in our community. I have secured community grants for our Community Park, grants for our Annual Heritage Festival and funding from Keep Louisiana Beautiful for our community. I have provided CPR training to residents as we partner with the Red Cross.

As a Village of Natchez Alderman I have secured an energy efficient lighting grant that provided new lighting in our town hall building and parking lot. I have secured a recreation grant for our community park that also provided lighting, new benches, and signage in our community. I have worked with DOTD to secure pedestrian signs along Hwy 1 and Hwy 119 to provide public safety in our community. I was instrumental in getting an EPA study done on our Town Hall building in 2020 so that we can focus on improving and renovating the building.

I have served on the Natchitoches District 5 fire department board. I have worked with several people throughout my community and other surrounding areas which has taught me patience, cooperation, the importance of work and the benefit of compromise.

My commitment is to serve the citizens of our great community and contribute to its growth and prosperity; I will support public safety, encourage the continued improvements of infrastructure, provide transparency and accountability, encourage new economic development while supporting our local businesses. I will continue to focus on the need for broadband services for our community. I would like to work on improving communication between city administration and the citizens of the Village of Natchez.

With Respect, grace and humility I pledge to help the citizens of The Village of Natchez by committing to work wherever and whenever possible to keep The Village of Natchez the best place in Natchitoches Parish to live, work, learn, and play. I look forward to serving my community. So please remember to vote on March 26, 2022.

Humbly Submitted

Monique Hamilton-Sarpy

By Tommy Rush

The past two years have been a reminder for most of us that we were made for personal contact. God created human beings to be relational. I’ve always struggled with communicating through text messages or social media, because I’m more of a face to face, personal visit kind of person. When I feel the need to “meet” with someone, that usually means more to me than giving them a call or sending them a message. To meet with someone requires more effort, intentionality and in most cases a greater commitment on my part. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the ability to FaceTime and text my grandchildren who live in Virginia, but I would much prefer visiting with them on a porch swing or taking a walk with them in person.

Every parent who loves their family understands the struggle of keeping a good balance between responsibilities and relationships. I’ve heard it said that love is best spelled, “TIME.” There’s been many days when I’ve felt a sense of burden for neglecting my family or giving them my leftover time because I was too “busy” with ministry responsibilities or other things that I felt the need to take care of. It’s so easy to allow responsibilities to squeeze out relationships. Maybe you have had a similar experience or you’re feeling that squeeze today. I would encourage you to “meet” with the people in your life who love you. Be a blessing to your family!

The Bible tells us that Jesus often pulled away from the crowds in order to spend time in prayer with His Father. Yes, there was unfinished work to do, there were people to respond to, there were needs to meet, but Jesus refused to sacrifice the relationship for the responsibilities. Jesus taught clearly that one relationship is simply too valuable to neglect. Your relationship with God is not only the most important relationship of all, it is the source of real life and peace. Frankly, for some who consider themselves Christians, your life is so full of activities and busyness that meeting with God has been missing in your daily schedule for way too long. The result, you well know, is an unexplainable sense of aloneness, and a growing sense of distance and coldness between you and the One who loves you more than anyone else in the world.

Have you “met” with the people you love today? Have you “met” with God today? If you had to cancel everything on your to-do lists today but one thing, would the one thing left be spending time with God and the people you love? If not, I encourage you to make it a priority. I truly believe it will make a major difference!

The City of Natchitoches’ Distribution System would like to notify the public the Boil Advisory issued for the areas on 504 between Ponderosa Rd. and Sibley lake Bridge including areas of Hicks Rd., 8 Mile Loop, Fox Run, Bennet Loop, Sandra St, Dogwood Trail, and etc., on Feb. 25 has been lifted. The Louisiana Department of Health collected a sample of water from the area on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 and notified the City of Natchitoches on March 3 the water was safe for human consumption and use.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time.

Here is a look at the week of March 6-12 at Northwestern State University.

March 6 – Tennis vs Alcorn, Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, 12 p.m.

March 7 – Screening of documentaries “Stories I Didn’t Know” and “Welcome to Chechnya,” Varnado Hall Ballroom, 5:30 p.m.

March 8 – Celebration of Diversity Recital Series: “Shattering the Glass Ceiling,” Varnado Hall Ballroom, 7:30 p.m.

March 9 – Baseball vs. UL-Monroe, Brown-Stroud Field, 6 p.m.

March 9 – Louisiana Poet Laureate Mona Lisa Saloy reading, Q&A, Varnado Hall Ballroom, 7 p.m.

March 10 – Louisiana Piano Series International presents Tamani Honma, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #

March 10-11 — University of Louisiana System’s For Our Future Conference, Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street

March 11 – Christopher Lowery, viola, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #

March 11-13 – Baseball vs. Alcorn, Brown-Stroud Field

March 12 – CAPA on the Cane, Natchitoches Riverfront, noon – 6 p.m.

When it comes to bass fishing, having the right lure is of the utmost importance. What you throw is often dictated by the time of year. Let me make one thing clear…there are no magical lures like the Banjo Minnow or the Helicopter lure that will catch bigger and better fish all the time. Since the late 1960’s, anglers have created what I call “TV lures,” baits that are promoted by companies like RONCO guaranteeing that “this” new bait is the greatest fishing lure of all time. Don’t be fooled, there are no guarantees when it comes to bass fishing. But today we’ll look at a few lures that have made a name for themselves by catching not only a lot of bass, but quality as well.

Let’s first look at one of the legendary lures of all time….the spinnerbait. The safety pin or overhead arm spinnerbait was invented in 1951 and manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri. It was designed to catch all species of fish like bass, northern pike, and red fish to name a few. It’s one of those lures we call “chunk and wind” baits which means all you have to do is cast the bait out and start reeling it in. It comes in an array of colors, sizes, and styles with several blade combinations for different water conditions from muddy to clear. It’s one of the most versatile baits you can fish with. You can completely cover the entire water column with a spinnerbait and it’s a great bait for a beginning angler to learn how to throw a bait caster reel.

Next let’s look at the famous, but very reliable, Rat-L-Trap bait. Built and designed in Alexandria, Louisiana, by Bill Lewis in 1971, this bait is known worldwide and has an unbelievable reputation for catching bass. Another one of those “chunk and wind” baits in which the bait does the work for you with its tight vibrating action mimicking bait fish. Bait fish are one of the top forages for bass and the Rat-L-Trap is simply the best lure ever made to imitate bait fish. The Rat-L-Trap series of baits just might be one of the most popular fishing lures of all time. This bait will catch fish in all conditions on any body of water you want to fish.

Now I’ll reveal a bait that has come to the forefront over the last decade and is now one of the most popular baits ever……the Chatter Bait! I got the opportunity to experience the introduction of this bait at Lake Okeechobee Florida in the early 2000’s. I was fishing the FLW Tour as a co-angler in 2004 when this bait made its first appearance. Anglers that had this bait for this event had a distinct advantage and most finished at the top of the standings. Anglers were literally putting their wives up for auction in order to get their hands on a few of these baits. The concept of this bait is simple…a lead head jig with a silicone skirt and a unique designed blade attached to the head creating a high intensity vibration like no other bait can do. Fish will hit this bait when other baits will not work. There’s something unique about its appearance and ability to not only catch bass, but BIG BASS! Beware, it’s also a bait that can be difficult to keep fish hooked up on. It will break your heart when you lose a big one from time to time, but it’s always better to at least have a chance at a big fish than to never hook one at all. Another problem with this bait is that it does not come through heavy cover very well. The Chatter Bait can’t pass a brush top or stick up without hanging up. Sometimes I feel like it has a mind of its own and will hang up on purpose just to show you who’s boss.

I really enjoy talking about the history of bass fishing. I’ve learned so many things over the years talking with some of the greatest of the bass fishing world and some older local guys that I have come to respect. I want to encourage you to take the time to talk with the older generation of anglers in their 70’s and 80’s and hear what they have to say. You’ll be amazed at their stories, their experiences, and what they have learned over their years of angling. These guys have seen bass fishing grow from the days of fun fishing to major multi-million-dollar events. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Ranger/Daiwa Pro Staffer

Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission is currently seeking a Marketing & Event Coordinator: Full Time

Required Education and Experience:

·      Bachelor’s degree from an academic institution in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications, or hospitality management

·      Excellent organizational and writing skills

·      Strong attention to detail and proofreading

·      Strong computer knowledge mandatory

·      At least three years’ experience in marketing or public relations and practical experience in the Hospitality industry preferred

·      Experience in using video and photography equipment helpful

To view complete job description and employment application, please visit www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/about

All applicants must submit a completed application and resume to be considered for this position. Deadline to apply is March 8, 2022.

EOE

Title: Director of Children’s Ministry and Special Events Coordinator

Position Status: Full-time Salaried

Salary Range: $38,000 – $42,000

Summary Purpose: Responsible for developing and directing the Christian Education Program for Children to include Sunday School and small group study programs, creating environments and processes that foster discipleship to Christ. In addition, responsible for creating and implementing church-wide events that promote community-building and missional outreach.

Qualifications: Undergraduate degree or background in education; spiritual and scriptural maturity; love of children; good organizational, teaching and communication skills; ability to relate to children and parents; self-motivational; proficient with computers and social media.

Email resume’ to office@fumcnla.org or mail to 220 Amulet St., Natchitoches, LA 71547. Phone inquiries: 318-357-8296.

JOB OPPORTUNITY RONNIE’S COLLISION CENTER

POSITION: OFFICE MANAGER

REQUIREMENTS: AT LEAST 2 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN MANAGEMENT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. INSURANCE AUTO SERVICE AND VEHICLE KNOWLEDGE IS A PLUS.

DAYS AND TIMES: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8AM -5PM

PAY RATE: $12.00-$15.00 PER HOUR DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE

WE ARE A VERY BUSY COMPANY AND NEED AN APPLICANT THAT CAN WORK IN A FAST-PACED ENVIROMENT AND HAVE EXCELLENCE CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS.

PLEASE EMAIL RESUMES TO KPOCHE2@GMAIL.COM OR CALL 318-352-5959 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

EOE

• Current student in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications or equivalent degree 
• Demonstrated experience with social media platforms and relevant marketing software 
• Ability to think creatively and translate ideas into digital content pieces 
• Knowledge of Google Analytics and keyword research 
• Strong writing, grammar, and proofreading skills 
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivated 

Northwestern State University is accepting nominations for the 2022 class of inductees into the Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line.

Nominations will be closed April 28. The nomination form is available at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/lpl/.

According to Associate Director of Alumni Affairs Danielle Antoon Cobb, the Long Purple Line is the highest recognition an alumnus of NSU can receive. Induction is based upon past or continuing achievements in the individual’s career, exemplary and extraordinary service to community, state, and nation or both career accomplishments and service to mankind including service to their alma mater. A total of 143 individuals have been inducted out of more than 78,000 alumni.

These individuals will be formally inducted into the Long Purple Line on October 21 as part of homecoming festivities.

NATCHITOCHES:
Alvis “Kent” Waldrep, Jr.
March 2, 1954 – February 27, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 26 at 1:30 pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Kemp Texas

SABINE:
Dottie Faye Thaxton
October 15, 1933 – March 2, 2022
Service: Sunday, March 6 at 2 pm at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

WINN:
Donna Tettleton Miller
March 17, 1953 – March 01, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 5 at 2 pm in the First Baptist Church of Marion

Charles Denver Fox
July 23, 1947 – February 27, 2022
Service: Friday, March 4 at 10 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church

RED RIVER:
Robert Wayne Ward, Sr
October 2, 1958 – March 1, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 5 at 1 pm at Holley Springs Cemetery

On behalf of David and Jennifer Thornton, the Central Louisiana Community Foundation (CLCF) recently presented a check to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation for
$450,000. This generous donation was made in support of the Foundation’s Moms & Babies Campaign and will help fund the purchase of new fetal monitors for NRMC’s Labor and Delivery Department. A portion of the gift also benefitted the NRMC Laboratory which will use the funds for new equipment.

“We are so very grateful to the Thorntons for their tremendous support facilitated by the Central Louisiana Community Foundation,” noted Kirk Soileau, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “This extraordinary gift will further enhance the level of care we provide moms and babies, and it will benefit so many families.”

“What’s so special about this gift is that Jennifer Thornton began her career at NRMC in the OB Department. She cares deeply about the safety and wellbeing of each mom and baby. This gift will fund fetal monitors which will allow our nursing team to measure the baby’s heart rate as well as the mother’s contractions, blood pressure and heart rate before and during childbirth,” explained Anne Mahloch, NRMC Labor & Delivery Nursing Unit Manager.

“Today, Jennifer fills shifts as a Nurse Practitioner at our rural health clinics as well as the NRMC OB/GYN Associates clinic, but she saw a need in Labor and Delivery, and she and David generously provided resources to make this level of monitoring available,” shared Sarah LaCour, NRMC Chief Nursing Officer. “We greatly appreciate their family’s support, CLCF, and the NRMC Foundation.”

About the NRMC Foundation
The Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation is a 501(c)3, nonprofit fundraising foundation, which exists to ensure that Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is equipped to excel in delivering healthcare excellence for every member of our community. The NRMC Foundation achieves its mission through the philanthropic support of NRMC associates and board members; individuals, families, and businesses; and grant making organizations. Special fundraising events include the area’s premier Steel Magnolia Run, Annual Gala, TappedTober Craft Beer & Wine Festival, and Halloween Golf Classic. 

About the Central Louisiana Community Foundation
The Central Louisiana Community Foundation (CLCF) is a nonprofit organization that encourages effective giving from people who care about Central Louisiana. CLCF administers charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations. Uniting the regions’ citizens, financial advisors, and nonprofit agencies, CLCF seeks to stimulate charitable giving to improve the quality of life in Central Louisiana. The Foundation invests these funds to increase the philanthropic capacity across the region.

CONTACT: Halie Errington, Foundation Development Officer 318.238.5107

Natchitoches and Northwestern State University will host the fifth annual University of Louisiana System’s For Our Future Conference March 10-11. The conference will be held at the Natchitoches Events Center with break-out sessions at Chateau St. Denis.

The conference will draw about 450 participants from the faculty and staff of all nine UL System member institutions, which include Northwestern State, Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana Monroe and the University of New Orleans.

“We are very excited to introduce our colleagues to the beautiful city of Natchitoches,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones. “The For Our Future conference is an excellent opportunity for sharing research, developing collaborations, networking and professional development.”

The conference’s priority themes include diversity and inclusion, modernization and technology. Keynote speaker will be Carol Geary Schneider, president emerita of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and a Fellow with Lumina Foundation where she is working on initiatives related to equitable access to high quality learning.

Participants will select breakout sessions with topics that include students health, mental health, study abroad, issues of poverty, adult learners, scholarship and research, mentorship, online and hybrid course delivery, financial practices, marketing and communications, public/private partnerships, enrollment management, athletics, leadership development and a variety of other topics that support the UL System’s mission, which is teaching, research and community service to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana citizens.

Dr. Jim Henderson, UL System president and CEO, will keynote the closing lunch and present System awards to the Outstanding Staff Member, Outstanding Faculty Member and Champion of Diversity and Inclusion.

The Universities of Louisiana, one of the nation’s largest higher education systems, serves more than 91,500 students and awards more than 16,500 degrees annually.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office issued the following information on March 2 for wanted probation and parole suspect CHARLES SCOTT GOLDEN, white male, 45 y.o.a. of the Logansport area. Golden is a parolee in the State of Louisiana who was paroled on Jan. 14. Golden has violated the conditions of his parole. The Natchitoches District of Probation & Parole has ordered that he be retaken into custody with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The DPSO office was asked to share this information on behalf of Probation & Parole in an attempt to notify the public. If you should have any information regarding the whereabouts of Scott Golden, you may contact our office at 318-872-3956 and ask to speak with a dispatcher.

Louisiana’s first female African American Poet Laureate Mona Lisa Saloy will visit Northwestern State University on Wednesday, March 9. Dr. Saloy will present a selection of her poetry at a reading to be held at 7 p.m. in the Varnado Hall Ballroom, 541 University Parkway, Natchitoches. Saloy will be introduced by members of the NSU Creative Writing faculty Dr. Andy Briseño and Dr. Rebecca Macijeski, who will also act as moderators for the Q&A following the reading.

In addition to her reading, Saloy will visit with the students in two of Macijeski’s creative writing courses. Students in English 4080, a class about the practice and profession of being a writer, will have a chance to join with Saloy for an informal conversation about her own experience as a writer. Students in Macijeski’s Advanced Poetry class will benefit from the opportunity to share their work with another working poet writing and living in the region.

“I am so excited that our students and the larger NSU and local community will get a chance to hear Saloy share her poems and herself,” Macijeski said. “Saloy is a poet that celebrates where and who she comes from. This celebration is evident in her work when you read it to yourself on a page, but it takes on a new life when you hear her words in her voice. Saloy is a generous poet, a musical poet, a poet who lives and breathes the places and people and memories she writes about. She writes not only to record and remember, but to sing.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards named Saloy Poet Laureate of Louisiana in 2021.

“Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy beautifully captures the culture and essence of Louisiana in her mesmerizing poetry,” Edwards said in a press release. “She understands the importance of using art to preserve our stories and pass them down for generations. As Louisiana’s poet laureate, she will continue to promote the art of poetry and inspire more people to pick up their pen and capture the world around them through verse.”

A native New Orleanian as well as a poet and folklorist, Saloy is the Conrad N. Hilton Endowed Professor of English at Dillard University in New Orleans. Her first collection of poetry, “Red Beans & Ricely Yours: Poems” (Truman State University Press) won the 2005 T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry as well as the Pen Oakland-Josephine Miles 16th Annual National Literary Award in 2006. Her second published collection, “Second Line Home: New Orleans Poems,” was published by Truman State University Press in 2014.

“Guided by the goal of the national Poet Laureate, I will seek to raise the consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry,” Saloy said. “I want to encourage folks to tell their unique Louisiana stories in verse, to honor ancestors, and look with hope into tomorrow.”

The program is sponsored by NSU’s Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Cultural Studies, the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. For more information, contact Dr. Shane Rasmussen at (318) 357-4332.

The program is funded under a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Local tennis standouts placed first at the USTA Natchitoches Level 6 Junior Tournament on Feb. 26-27 at the Natchitoches Tennis Center. In boys 16 singles, Andrew Kautz defeated Casey Money from Bossier City 6-1, 6-0 to take the championship title. In girls 18 singles, Baylea Johnson defeated Mallory Hill from West Monroe.

by Hunter Bower, GeauxPreps.com

LAKE CHARLES – Natchitoches Central’s Catherine Stokes has won this week’s GeauxPreps.com state Softball Player of the Week poll presented by Visit Lake Charles for games played February 21-26.

The weekly poll determined by the general public garnered over 11,600 votes. Stokes collected 6,603 votes while University’s Addison Harvey finished second with over 2,500 tallies.

Stokes, a Centenary College commit, led the Lady Chiefs to a 3-0 mark on the week with multi-hit efforts in each game. “Cat” totaled seven hits, five of which were extra-base hits, driving in seven runs and scoring eight of her own. She finished with a .778 batting average and a .833 on-base percentage.

The GeauxPreps.com Softball Player of the Week is announced each Wednesday following the collection of nominations from head coaches and a voting process over a two-day period.

LAFAYETTE – The Northwestern State baseball team had its opportunities again Wednesday night against UL Lafayette.

For the second straight night, the Demons were unable to convert on those chances, falling 6-3 to the Ragin’ Cajuns at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field.

“We have to continue to get better,” sixth-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “They did a great job capitalizing on our mistakes. We have to learn from them and continue to improve.”

A four-run third inning by the Cajuns (5-4) highlighted by Carson Roccaforte’s two-run single put the Demons (3-5) behind, and a cavalcade of ULL relievers made the early advantage stand up.

After Peyton Havard (1-1) worked three scoreless innings, the Cajuns rolled out six relievers to bridge their second straight win against NSU.

The Demons were able to put together a three-run fifth inning against Cooper Rawls, cutting the lead to one.

For the second straight game, it was Bo Willis who came up with the key hit.

After the Demons loaded the bases and scratched out their first run on a hit by pitch drawn by Gray Rowlett, Willis lined a two-run single to left field, slicing the lead to one and giving Willis nine RBIs in the two-game series.

Rawls wiggled out of further trouble by getting a groundout to second.

The Cajuns answered with a run in their half of the fifth, and from there, the Demons were unable to capitalize on a couple of late-inning chances.

NSU put its first two runners on in the seventh inning on a Cam Sibley walk and a Larson Fontenot bunt single. However, reliever Chipper Menard struck out the next three Demons.

Bryce Holmes led off the eighth inning with an opposite-field double but never advanced past second base. In all, the Demons put their leadoff man on four times, scoring only after Miguel Vega’s leadoff double in the fifth.

Roccaforte took away the Demons’ last best chance in the ninth as he robbed Sibley of a home run on the first pitch the Demon shortstop saw from reliever Jacob Schultz. Roccaforte leaped at the right-field fence and took Sibley’s potential solo home run away, allowing Schultz to work a 1-2-3 inning for his second save in as many days.

The Demons return to action Friday when they face Nebraska at 11 a.m. in Arlington, Texas. NSU will play the Huskers twice before finishing the weekend with a 1 p.m. matchup against UT Arlington.

UL Lafayette 6, Northwestern State 3
NSU 000 030 000 – 3 6 2
ULL 004 010 01x – 6 7 3
W – Peyton Havard (1-1). L – Donovan Ohnoutka (1-1). S – Jacob Schultz (2). 2B – NSU, Bryce Holmes, Miguel Vega. ULL, Bobby Lada. Highlights: ULL, Carson Roccaforte 2-3, 2 RBIs; Tyler Robertson 2-3, RBI.

Records: Northwestern State 3-5; UL Lafayette 5-4.

At close of business on Friday, March 4, Kisatchie Bayou recreation area in Natchitoches Parish, Kisatchie Ranger District, will be closed for construction. The District does not know at this time how long it will be closed, but once the work on stabilizing the bank begins, rangers will have a better idea on how long it may take and will update the public. If you have any questions, please call the Kisatchie Ranger District at 318-472-1840.

The Black Alumni Alliance Scholarship fund at Northwestern State University has been fulfilled thanks to support from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a Giving Tuesday pledge. The Fall 1999 Line, the Elusive 18, of Delta Sigma Theta presented a donation to the BAA that fulfilled the BAA’s endowed scholarship at the $10,000 level. The BAA Scholarship was created to benefit minority students in need.

Shondale Coleman and Sherice Forté represented Delta Sigma Theta to present the funds to the NSU Foundation in person while several of their sorority sisters joined the meeting via Zoom. BAA President Chena Johnson and BAA Founder Nicole Gray thanked them for their support.

“Delta Sigma Theta is a service organization and our focus is in bettering the Black community,” Forté said. “We’ve been trying to figure out what we can do to stay connected and when this opportunity came, we were able to issue the challenge and are looking forward to doing more.”

The BAA was established in 2008 with goals of promoting recruitment and retention of minority students, faculty and staff; facilitating financial assistance for currently-enrolled minority students and providing support for the culturally diverse student organizations. The group also seeks to link with the Natchitoches community and alumni-at-large to organize networking opportunities and forge relationships that support the educational and financial goals of NSU students. Delta Sigma Theta’s contribution of $1,300 pushed the scholarship to $10,874.18.

Drake Owens, executive director of the NSU Foundation, said the BAA’s involvement with the Foundation has helped propel diversity awareness on campus and with alumni and the presentation was especially appropriate during Black History Month.

Anyone interested in contributing to the BAA Foundation Account and /or the scholarship can do so online at http://northwesternalumni.com/donations/givetobaa or by contacting the NSU Foundation Office at (318) 357-4435. Those interested can get dual membership in both the NSU Alumni Association and the Black Alumni Association for one price. Any individual who gives directly to both the NSU Foundation account and/or the Scholarship will receive tax credit from the NSU Foundation.

Pictured: Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Fall 1999 Line, the Elusive 18, presented a donation to NSU’s Black Alumni Alliance that pushed the BAA Scholarship past the fully endowed $10,000 mark. From left are Drake Owens, BAA President Chena Johnson, Jill Bankston, BAA Founder Nicole Gray, and Delta Sigma Theta alumni Shondale Coleman and Sherice Forté with others present via Zoom.

The Natchitoches Soil & Water Conservation Tree and Shrub Sale will be March 9-11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the vacant lot at the corner of St. Clair Ave and Williams Ave in Natchitoches.

There will be a variety of bare root and potted trees and shrubs, including River Birch, Red Maple, Live Oak, Sawtooth Oak, Strawberry Bush, Chinquapin, Chinese Chestnut, White, and Pink Dogwood, Crape Myrtle, Fern, Azalea, Native Azalea, Gardenia, Hydrangea Red, Magnolia Jane, Indian Hawthorne, Sweet Olive, Sago Palm, Mayhaw, Apple, Peach, Pear, Plum, Blueberry, Fig, Native Sweet Pecans, Satsumas, Lemon, Avocado, Pomegranate, Paw-Paw, Crabapple and many others.

The tree sale is the NSWCD’s largest fund-raiser of the year. All proceeds benefit the community through sponsoring area projects including: conservation essay, and soil and water stewardship week, conservation education programs, forestry awareness and feral hog control.

For more information call Benny Dobson at 352-7100 ext.3.  Website: www.nswcd.org to PRE-ORDER by clicking the shop tab under tree sale and find us on Facebook.

There are a limited number of seedlings available, so for best selections come early.