DISTRICT ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES SENTENCING IN RECENT CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced the sentencing in a recent criminal case in the 10th Judicial District Court.

Jeremie D. Aldy, 44, of Saline, was sentenced to 19 years of incarceration for aggravated arson. Aldy’s sentencing was subsequent to pleading guilty to the charge, which was committed in January 2021. Aldy admitted to setting fire to a home with two occupants, who were injured as a result. Aldy has two previous felony criminal convictions. Judge Lala Sylvester was the presiding judge in this case.

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Corkern, Crews, Guillet and Johnson, LLC recently made a donation to support the upcoming March for Life in Natchitoches. St. Mary’s Catholic School and the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church, in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center, will host a March for Life this Friday, Jan. 21. The day will begin at 10:30 am with a Pre-Rally concert by the Josh Blakesley Band, followed by a Pro Life Rally with guest speakers at 11:30 am, and finish with the March at 1 pm. The March shall begin at the riverbank and continue to the rectory lawn of Immaculate Conception.

The Natchitoches March for Life will mirror and take place at the same time as the national March for Life in Washington, D.C. The national March for Life began in January of 1974. Every year, tens of thousands of pro life supporters march in support of life. This has become the largest human rights demonstration in the world. The national March for Life “is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country.”  Together, they “gather to celebrate life, from the moment of conception, to the moment of natural death, and every moment in between.” 

Local marches began to occur in cities throughout our nation to further expand this celebration of life into our communities. In Louisiana, rallies occur in major cities during the month of January. This will be the first year for Natchitoches to host a rally and march. The public is invited to attend. If you are interested in becoming involved, please reach out to Lisa Guillet (lisaguillet@yahoo.com)

Pictured: Chris Guillet, Lisa Johnson, Lisa Guillet, Steve Crews and Jessica Spear.

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Northwestern State University announces the names of 841 students named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. Students on the Dean’s List earned a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99. For questions about the honor lists, contact the University Registrar at (318) 357-6171, toll-free at (800) 807-8849 or registrar@nsula.edu.

Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown (in Natchitoches and other Journal parishes) are as follows.

Atlanta – Jackson Teal;

Belmont – Jayce Gentry;

Benton – Evan Bryant, Savannah Elliott, Amber Hershberger, Victoria Jeter, Dbreona Johnson, Diana Mccabe, Cameron Parikh, Dana Wainwright;

Bienville – Whitney Blewer, Destiny Holland;

Bossier City – Maddison Cathey, Jacob Cavell, Mckenzie Cockrell, Elizabeth Davis, Kenneith Durden, Rachel Elmore, Megan Evans, Taylor Fuller, Scarlet Garland, Hannah Gates, Zoie Gillespie, Mark Green, Peyton Harville, Caleb Helms, Miranda Keller, Abigail Kent, John Lewis, Taylor Maust, Johan Mckay, Trisella Bryn Mendones, Megan Messett, Joel Mithcell, Victoria Morris, Adriana Patton, Dara Pressley, Darius Ramsour, Litzy Rivera, Anwaar Shihadeh, Bonnie Singletary, Natalie Stephenson, Terrence Steward, Zoie Swint, Kirk Weaver, Claudette Wilbert-Patton, Katherine Woods;

Boyce – Kaitlyn Miller, Julie Nelson, Austin Parker, Kelsey Robinson, Chelsea Ryder, Lauren Salard, Kionna Mitchell;

Campti – Alyssa Breaud, Kristen Breedlove, Mary Gill, Madelynne Greer, Jordan Hoppock, Allyson Roberts, Hannah Walker;

Castor – Madison Mccarthy;

Converse – Taylor Hill, Chance McDonald, Justin Rushing;

Cotton Valley – Taylor O’Rear;

Coushatta – Kori Allen, William Almond, Kaylee Antilley, Savanah Caldwell, Madison Castello, Ethan Cole-Morgan, Maria Stanley, Taylor Wiggins, Abby Williams, Carmie Williams;

Cullen – D’Agurelle Epps;

Dodson – Faithe Williams;

Dubach – Dannie Bitker, Olivia Hancock, Kassie Mills;

Florien – Terry Foshee, Laila Garner, Racheal Lester, James Miller, Shellie Miller, Magon Pickett, Taylor Richardson, Nicholas Slaydon, Annetra Gordon;

Forest Hill – Isabela Rose Musgrove, Solmayra Sierra;

Grand Cane – Arnijah Bradley, Hannah Melton;

Haughton – Emily Acevedo, Jacob Dupree, Aya Ghannam, Ashlyn Gilmore, Lauren Harlan, Kaylen Harris, Camry Heath, Kobe Jackson, Jillian Kerneen, Nicklaus Lowery, Morgan Mcvey, Maci Presley, Meagan Ray, Kaylee Sarvis;

Heflin – Kyle Smith;

Jamestown – Kami Bumgardner, Kerrigan Zachry;

Jonesboro – Destineé Mills;

Keatchie – Antonio Dukes, Sarah Gentry, Tara Foster;

Lena – Weslee Pickering;

Logansport – Dillon Binning;

Mansfield – Trevor Whatley, Amber Youngblood, Tremeon Allen;

Many – Alexis Bush, Chikuita CArhee, Presley Corley, Hope Curtis, Moses Gonzales, Lanan Laroux, Joseph Laughlin, Chloe Lealch, Lesli Leach, Jada Lee, Shelbie Martinez, Raelynn McPherson, Brianna Miller, Kasey Moore, Lora Peace, Mayci Self, Caroline Settle, Khia Holland;

Marthaville – Gabrielle Dyes, Madison Pleasant, Katelyn Jordan;

Minden – Joy Davis, Layla Easley, Keyon Elkins, Jada Franklin, Lauryn Gaddy, ,Tatyana Gill, Heather White, Savannah Wilson;

Natchez – Corey Bennett, Walker Roe Jackson;

Natchitoches – Taylor Arrendondo, Samantha Austin, Jordan Bevels, Alaidrian Bolton, Stephani Bradley, Hannah Branam, Maelana Braxton, Shenita Braxton, Stephen Bryan, Abbie Butler, Laura Cabarcas Vargas, Cory Campbell, Elainna Casson, Nubia Charleston, Cody Coleman, Melissa Collier, Bess DeFord, Hannah Deranger, Kylie Dornbush, Ashley Duffus, Akilah Farris, Blake Fowler, Abbie Gandy, Ruth Garcia Rodriguez, Taylor Garland, Kali Hall, Lynda Hammett, Madeline Harper, Cayman Howell, John Howell, Taylor Johnson, William Jordan, Madeline Joubert, Samoa Baylee Laroux, Jamauri Lee, Grace Lemoine, Maya Levo, Chloe Longlois, Hailey Martin, Elizabeth Maynard, Lamarr McGaskey, Janiel Moore, Flynt Nelson, Jace Nobles, Weston Noe, Kevin Nutt, Isabella Peluso, Grace Penrod, Shawn Perry, Brandy Poole, Kira Raymond, Chandler Sarpy, Triniti Sarpy, Ashton Smith, Erin Smith, Kerrie Spillman, James Stanfield, Heather Steward, Caroline Stokes, Kasey Strother-Leone, Hayleigh Todd, Aaron Trichel, Maeli Usleton, Lauren Vienne, Alex Wade, Raegan Washington, Courtany Jackson, Meredith Matt, Mallory Nugent, Ellen Wells;

Noble – Averie Meshell, Nickolas Tramel;

Oak Grove – Victoria Spann;

Pleasant Hill – Ethan Johnson;

Provencal – Heather Davis, Morgan Grace;

Ringgold – Jack Stanley;

Robeline – Cody Hamous, Caleb Martinez, John Martinez, Morgan Neugent;

Ruston – Chirstan Bates, Ashlynne Schales, Natalie Sims, Emily Willis;

Saline – Alexandra Taylor;

Sarepta – Zoe Loyd;

Shreveport – German Abundiz Pedroza, DeAndre Ashley, Shenika Bel, Alyssa Belle, Ashley Benson, Hallie Bloxom, Caylin Bozeman, Hannah Branch, Wendi Bray, Jamarcia Broadway, Josephine Brock, Leta Broome, Makenzie Cain, Chelsea Calup, Eric Clark, Jewel Coleman, Lilllie Daniel, Cade Davis, Kevin Denks, Taylor Dixon, Jillian Duggan, Chanler Everage, Isabelle Foisy, Peyton Gamble, Carlos Garcia, Samantha Graham, Austin Green, Ross Hansen, Eric Harperd, Alexus harris, Megan hausmann, Jackson Holoubek, Olivia Horrell, Deaveon Jones, Emily Juarez, Samantha Martinez, Wendy Martinezo-Ortego, Ashley Mason, John Medlin, Lauren Miller, Eden Millican, Chandler Milligan, Kendall Murray, Annabele Parker, Cristina Peterson, Mikayla Phillips, Jessica Poe, Jessica Rowell, Sarah Sauseda, Sarah Sims, Shakari Taylor, Trevor VanEaton, Haley Wiggins, Kacy Young, Dionte Dean;

Sikes – Tonya LeBaron;

Simmesport – Emily Bowman, Gavin Marsh;

Sorrento – Savannah Struppeck, Megan Melancon;

Stonewall – Amy Burton, Taylor Christian, Sarah Edelen, Carson Ward, Cara Wineinger;

Walker – Jessie Cochran;

Winnfield – Kimberly Bedgood, Victoria Hubbard, Elizabeth Parker, Jordan Patterson, Aarn Stroud, Avonna Wilson, Taylor Womack, Alecia Zimmerman;

Zwolle – Zachariah Carroll, Olivia Crittenden, Melissa Guin, Mckenzie Leone, Hana Lewis, Emerald Terrell, Khristian Parrie;

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Northwestern State University students announces the names of 739 students who were named to the Honor List for the Spring 2021 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor List, please contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171, toll free at (800) 807-8849 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown (in Natchitoches and other Journal parishes) are as follows.

Arcadia – Denisha Davis, Terrell Davis;

Benton – Micah Ballard, Bryanna Cooper, Stacy Ebarb, Grayson Gates, Nicolette Hendrix, Jackson Mathews, Daniel Scott, Ted Scott, Megan Russell, Olivia Turner;

Bernice – Khyra Hart;

Bossier City – Jacquelyn Atteridge, Katlyn Aycock, Amanda Billue, Carly Blondin, Zachary Burleson, April Deffalia, Nicholas Cooksey, Anyah Cowan, McKenzie Davidson, Tamia Ferguson, Khairiq Frost, Jordan Garner, Nawal Gazawaneh, A’Reonna Gilbert, Lisa Hamilton, Emily Hammons, D’Tashawua Harrison, Taylor Heacock, Jacob Hill, Jodi Hill, Payton Hudson, Da’Shaun Jamerson, Shytrinity Jett, Jonatan Jiminez, Christiana Johnson, Kristen Johnson, Abigail Lawrence, Mia Lucas, Jordan Markle, John McLain, Anna Mcmillon, Destiny Michel, Michael Mosura, Yamila Gabrielle Nardo, Sylan Nash-Browder, Sami Rahman, Kobi Rasouliyan, Abigail Redd, Shelby Rhodes, Andrew Robinson, Thomas Schneider, Brianna Smith, Leah Teutsch, Destiny Wilson;

Boyce – Bailee Aslin, Eli Maffioli, Kelsey Miller, Wyatt Miller;

Campti – Joshua Graham, Alexis Keith, Jaylee Riggs, Alexis Smith;

Clarence – Zenobia Poydras, Jalicia Small, Daviion Telsee;

Cloutierville – Alexis Coutee;

Converse – Evan David, Allison Jagneaux, Skyler Laroux, Haleigh Sharrow, Ashley Sims, Logan Spillyards;

Coushatta – Johnny Cox, Briannah Holman, Dillon Longino, James Lowring, Waylon Washington;

Dodson – Brina Broomfield, Callie Chandler, Brendan Thomas, Heather Wehunt;

Doyline – Megan Kidwell;

Dubach – Lattamore Buckner;

Evergreen – Wlater Armand, Erica Jenkins;

Florien – Sidnequia Abbott, Diego Almanza, Heaven Bozeman, Kawliga Forehand, Mckenzie Procella, Clayton Rushing, Eric Rutherford, London Vidrine;

Gloster – Kylee Causey;

Grand Cane – Raeanne Ivy;

Haughton – Deitric Alexander, Brayden Bierwirth, Alli Cain, Andrea Daigle, Dana Deyo, James Grooms, Jennifer Josey, Nicholas Knotts, Gabriella Kopf, Alana Lewis, Taryn Lindsey, Jillian Lloyd, Julia Morgan, April Pamintuan, Abigail Pruett, Alyssa Queen, Bailee Rattanachai, Jalin Riser, Marissa Rowsey, Kaylee Sanford, Cassidy Smith, Lomia Watkins, Amanda Whatley;

Heflin – Rebecca Reno;

Jonesboro – Skyla Davis-Houston, Xavier Stringer;

Keatchie – Skylar Boyd, Katelyn Hicks;

Lena – McKenzlea Wise;

Logansport – Kelsey Holloway, Trenton Timmons;

Mansfield – Reina Gillyard, Canessia Johnson, Madison Ruston, Ashlynn Sanders, Shatyra Sanders, Madylin Sullivan;

Many – Andie Gilcreast, Savannah Lee, Sarah Lewing, Levi Miller, Anna Porterfield, Tanner Rains, Carly Settle, Alexandra Sims, Tobias Williams, Amber Wooley;

Marthaville – Samantha Nettles, Madeline Procell, Amelia Strahan;

Minden – Melinda Boyce, Kelleigh Edwards, Lamonica Smith;

Natchez – Joseph Bayonne, Reagan Davis;

Natchez, Mississippi Adrian Ramos Diaz, Aylin Rivera, Taylor Moak;

Natchitoches – Sharvel Addison, Annalaura Axsom, Lauren Bartels, Da’Keayah Bell, Ian Belsha, Kacy Bonds, Dania Briceno Vasquez, Zoe Brock, Adrianna Brown, Tam Bui, Ambrosia Burton, Ladiamond Burrell, Kierra Charles, Joshua Clarke, Sedrick Cole, Ana Corrales Santos, Christian Coutee, Aaliyah Creekmore, Jeffrey Elkins, Stephen Eversull, LaKisha Fields, Ashley Flounnory, Randi Galyean, James Gillyard, Nina Griffin, Hannah Haigh, Jasmine Howard, Katherine Hughes, Omari Irchirl, Austin Jordan, Damien Joseph, Alexis Kitishian, aisha Latchie, Madison Lester, Caitlyn Matthews, Kristin McQuillin, Diana Marcela Mercado Garcia, Joseph Mesa, Melanie Nation, Tristan Neitte, Emily Nobles, Sydney Normand, Alyssa Price, Katherine Rachal, Ariana Rambin-Rachal, Zachary Robinson, Uriel Rodriguez, Daniela Salas Ricardo, Jasmine Richardson, Mary Scruggs, Alaysia Smith, Mary Smith, Jarquiese Solomon, April Stephens, Tori Thomas, Madison Thompson, Destiny Tyler;

Noble – Emma Craig, Tanner Funderburk;

Oak Grove – Heather Allen;

Plain Dealing – Anniya’ Platt;

Pleasant Hill — Skylie Harris;

Provencal – Madison Grace, Morgan Maley;

Robeline – Abbie Baker, Georgia Dowdwn, Abby Flynn, Tyler French, Stevie Lane, Reagan Moore, Kilee Pickett;

Ruston – Victoria Bell, Reagan Lee, Sha’Neque Roane, Ceinna Washington;

Saline – Haeven Durbin;

Spring Hill – Landon Stephens;

Stonewall – Cloe Bolanos, Raeann Carpenter, John Keith, Laken Martin, Valerie Smith;

Winnfield – Keaton Burnum, Emalee Dill, Lauren Layton, Kelli Leeper, Tenisha Phillips, Kaitlyn Turner, Maggie Womack;

Zwolle – Stone Adair, Elizabeth Ezernack, Gage Ledford, Julia Malmay, Kaylyn Sepulvado;

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By Katie Bedgood

A dairy cow is a type of cattle that is bred for their ability to produce large amounts of milk. There are 7 different breeds of dairy cow which are Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn, and red and white Holstein. The dairy industry has been a part of agriculture for thousands of years.

Throughout the years of dairy farming, we have evolved in the ways we produce milk. We have figured out ways for cows to produce more milk to keep up with the growing population. Cows are like humans; they only produce milk after they give birth so farmers have the cows have a calf once a year so they will keep producing milk.

Many people believe that there are antibiotics in the cows which travel to the milk but that is not true. A farmer only gives cows antibiotics when the cow is sick and the milk from the cow is discarded until the milk is tested and tested negative for antibiotics. Milk also does not have any added hormones. But milk contains a natural hormone that comes from the cows called Bovine Somatotropin (bST). Cows make this hormone to help young cattle grow and help adult cows produce milk. You can also get (rbST) which is recombinant somatotropin. Farmers use this as a farm management tool to boost a herd’s milk production.

The food and drug administration (FDA) have declared the (rbST) safe and nutritious. Also, if milk does have (rbST) it should be labeled as such.

People often think dairy cows are mistreated but the cows are a dairy farmers first priority. Dairy farmers make sure the cows have vet visits, a healthy diet, and a comfortable place to stay.

Lastly farmers participate in a program called FARM which stands for farmers assuring responsible management program. The FARM program works with farmers, cooperatives, and processors to show consumers that the dairy industry is taking good care of the cows, environment, and providing the best quality milk.

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Kirk Soileau joins Billy West Live with a January 19, 2022 COVID Update

Kirk Soileau from the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center provides updated statistical data regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic and the present hospital bed capacity at the Hospital. Kirk also confirms that home testing kits will be available at the Walk In Clinic on Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches.

Mr. Soileau also provides his projections based on statistical data he has been monitoring from the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas of the State. The Northwest Louisiana region of Louisiana lags behind those regions by about a 10 day average.

Mr. Soileau continues to recommend masking in crowds and encourages vaccination.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Theresa Primm
September 27, 1937 – January 18, 2022
Service: Monday, January 24 at 12 pm at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Nicholas Flakes
Dec 5, 2000 – Jan 10, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Carl J. Taylor, Jr.
Nov 17, 1998 – Jan 10, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Bessie Kay Winn
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 11 am at the North Star Baptist Church in Powhatan

Darian Pye
Nov 19, 1978 – Jan 14, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Pamela Revels Johnikin
Apr 8, 1954 – Jan 15, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Cornell Robinson
Jul 27, 1962 – Jan 15, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Anthony Alex
Jan 18, 1968 – Jan 17, 2022
Service: Friday, January 21 at 5 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Mildred Louise Eckhardt McTyre
March 26, 1935 – January 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 29 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

WINN:
Robin Scott Parker
March 27, 1963 – January 18, 2022
Service: Friday, January 21 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

Barbara Jean Hall
June 23, 1940 – January 18, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 10 am in the Chapel of the Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home of Jena

Cheri Lynn Smith
August 15, 1958 – January 17, 2022
Service: Thursday, January 20 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

Anakin Luke Bricker
November 09, 2021 – January 18, 2022
Service: Friday, January 21 at 2 pm at Bethlehem Cemetery

RED RIVER:
John “Jack” Alvin Davis
September 24, 1956 – January 17, 2022
Service: Thursday, January 20 at 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Northwestern State’s two-month search for its new athletics director landed 43-year-old North Carolina State graduate Kevin Bostian, a highly-accomplished fundraiser with senior-level administrative experience at several prominent Division I athletics programs, the Demons announced Tuesday afternoon.

Bostian will be introduced Thursday morning in Natchitoches at 11 a.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom on the NSU campus, in an event open to the public. He will take over for longtime Demons’ AD Greg Burke effective Monday, Feb. 7.

Bostian has spent the last two years at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as the executive associate athletic director for development. He previously worked at NC State’s athletic department as a major gifts officer, after revenue generation and management positions at Georgia Southern, Tennessee Tech, East Tennessee State and South Alabama.

Bostian becomes just the third NSU AD since 1983, succeeding Burke, who is taking a position as a university fundraiser after 25 1/2 years in charge of the NSU Athletics. Tynes Hildebrand was AD from 1983-96.

A 2000 magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State in business management, Bostian earned his master’s of business administration and master’s of sports administration from Ohio University in 2002. He and his wife, Megan, have three young daughters, Ayla, Zoe and Piper.

“We are elated that Kevin will be joining the university as athletic director,” Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones said. “He has impressive credentials and extensive experience in college athletics that will assist him in re-energizing NSU’s intercollegiate sports program and guiding it to new levels of success.

“He has a steadfast commitment to student-athletes and their accomplishments on and off the field, and Northwestern alumni, faculty and staff, and other stakeholders will appreciate his genuineness, enthusiasm, and spirit of collaboration. Kevin and his family will be a valuable addition to the university and community.”

The hire culminated a two-month national search spearheaded by Kyle Bowlsby, founder of Bowlsby Sports Advisors, the search firm that coordinated the process. An alumni-based advisory committee helped hone the candidate pool down to roughly 12 semifinalists and three finalists, who were interviewed on campus Monday and Tuesday morning.

“Northwestern State University has hired an exceptional person in Kevin Bostian,” said Bowlsby, the 34-year-old son of Bob Bowlsby, one of college athletics’ most powerful leaders as commissioner of the Big XII Conference. “He is a transformational leader who will maximize the student-athlete experience and position the athletic department for long-term success. Kevin rose quickly on our list of potential candidates as someone who is passionate and driven to make his mark on the intercollegiate athletics landscape.”

Bostian, who interviewed on campus Monday and returned home to North Carolina, emerged as a clear choice for Jones. The hiring was announced less than three hours following the final candidate’s interview concluded before lunch Tuesday.

Based on a press release from Northwestern State Athletics

Photo/Graphic: by Northwestern State Athletics

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We’ve all been there, up Mildew Creek without a paddle.

Such is life when your clothes-washing machine goes 10 toes up.

It didn’t really die as much as it went on strike or was just terrible at its job. If my old clothes-washing machine were a football team, it would be the Dallas Cowboys, a mind-numbing imposter.

We inherited a “water and energy efficient” washing machine; it came with the house, same as the den and kitchen sink. And it looked like a washing machine, a little white cube with knobs and buttons and a big bin.

True to its branding, it was very efficient with water — but only because it hardly used any. And if you really think about it, water is one of the main things you need to wash clothes properly. So, the trouble was, this “pretend washer” wasn’t efficient at all in getting clothes clean. You know you’re in trouble when the clothes smell worse after they’re washed than before.

You know how a wet dog smells? There’s a charm to that smell if it’s on your dog from time to time. The smell loses its sentimentality if it’s coming from your blouse or blue jeans.

Ode to a Dried-up Washer

When your washing machine
Is all washed up,
It’s a dirty shame.
You’re out of luck
And in deep poo.
(You smell bad too.)

Even your friends and family want little to do with you if it’s 9 a.m., you’re working a desk job, and you smell like old eggs or last week’s trash.

“Honey, something stinks in here.”

“Yeah, sorry; I just washed a load of clothes.”

Something’s rotten in Denmark. Not optimal.

People could never have had this type of problem before the invention of clothes. You wore leaves. They got dirty or smelly, you threw them in the compost pile and picked yourself some new leaves, either in the yard or off the rack at The Leaves Store — “Got something in a Fig or a Palm? Size 16? Petite?”

But then some nitwit invented the snap brim hat, which led to cottage industries of neckties, pants, dresses, ascots, two-tone shoes and, eventually, the clothes-washing machine.

Sigh … It was a simpler time.

It’s been a while since I’ve bought an appliance. Maybe a toaster 10 years ago. This was different. This was Big Game Hunting, a safari.

Yet it proved as easy as studying online, then showing the nice man at the store a picture. He hit F4 and maybe a Shift, typed in the model number, looked up and said, “There’s one on the truck that just pulled up outside.”

If you ain’t got timing, you ain’t got nothin’.

Quick as he could say “Twelve months same as cash,” the deal was done. The delivery guys showed up two days later, unhooked the old and hooked up the new, did it all in maybe eight minutes, could not have been nicer, and hauled my old “washer that wasn’t really a washer” away for just $30.

“You’ll take this heavy piece of junk away from my house for just 30 bucks? When otherwise I’d have to borrow a friend and a truck and lift it and haul it myself? Glory!”

Would have paid twice that. Even three times, and I’m broke as that machine was.

For another $10, he said I could buy a “nice” plot in the Appliance Cemetery, between a busted coffee pot and a Frigidaire, and he’d bury her there. I told him I was good, to dump it in a ditch if he wanted. I’m a sentimental softie, but not in this case.

We are so spoiled, all of us. Used to, clothes-washing machines never broke down. Back then they were called “our grandmothers,” have a wash tub and washboard will travel.

Laundromats took off after World War II — talk about a lot of laundry to do — and in-house washing machines became less bulky and more affordable and, thankfully, ran on electricity and not on steam. Now they’re common as a ketchup or coffee stain.

Thank goodness for that. Especially when they actually work. I don’t look any better since getting a new washer, but I smell fresh as $736.06, plus tax.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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There will be a regularly scheduled meeting of the Natchitoches Parish Council on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. – Tonight.

See agenda here:

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The 16th Annual Cloutierville Mardi Gras Parade will be held on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 2 pm. Come early and check out the vendors and food trucks.

The Grand Marshal is Cloutierville’s very own hometown hero Patrick “Petey” Hicks.

All elected officials, bands, dance and drill teams, old cars, churches, motorcycles, horses, pageant queens, side by sides, golf carts, etc…are welcome.

ABSOLUTELY NO FOUR WHEELERS.

Everything must be decorated and participants must have something to throw.

For more information contact one of the following parade organizers:

Rhonda Sanders (318) 332-7116
Rhonda Carter (318) 332-2523
Michael Sanders (318) 609-3004

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One of the walls of Natchitoches’ Ben D, Johnson Center will be transformed into our city’s first full color community mural. The mural’s design was unveiled at a ceremony and community celebration on Martin Luther King Day January 17 at the Center’s Legacy Garden.

The mural will be on a wall facing the Ben D. Johnson Center’s Legacy Garden. The mural was designed by Natchitoches artist Edgar Cano, a prominent local artist and product of the master’s degree program in art at NSU. The mural incorporates elements of life in the city as well as an agricultural theme. There will be several “Paint Days” coming up in which community members will be invited to come to the center to help complete the mural. This will be a wonderful opportunity to help create what will become a lasting contribution to our city.

The Legacy Garden is an essential part of the Ben D. Johnson Center’s mission. It serves as a community garden. Produce grown there is distributed to the community and is also used in the center’s renowned Legacy Café. In addition to being a superb restaurant and catering service, the café is used in the center’s workforce development program. Ben D. Johnson Center board members Ronald Helaire and NSU President Marcus Jones both spoke at the mural’s unveiling. The Sisters of Natchitoches’ chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority donated $500.00 to the center to further its mission. A large contingent of NSU students came to the unveiling and worked in the garden afterwards.

The Ben D. Johnson Center is a force for good in our city. The center embodies the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam or “Repair of the world”. The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to the Ben D. Johnson Center and is looking forward to upcoming “Paint Days”!

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Childcare Site: Tiny Tots Daycare and Preschool School/Site Performance Rating: 5 stars 6.46 excellent

100% of teachers using a Tier 1 Curriculum

100% of Teachers certified (CDA, BA, or higher)

Vision: To help prepare our children for the many encounters in life.

Mission: To offer a well rounded program that promotes growth in educational, social, emotional, cognitive and physical areas. We will do this by offering tools that are developmentally appropriate for each individual child.

What is unique/special about this site?

With seeing our parents on a daily basis we get to know them as well as the children. We try to always keep them informed of their child’s growth, and needs. Sometimes sharing something unique their child has said or done will brighten up what might have been a hard day at work.

Why should parents enroll their children into your facility?

A parent who enrolls their child will get a piece of mind knowing their child’s needs are being met in a loving environment. We believe each child should be offered a great foundation to help them succeed.

What is a major accomplishment your site has done?

“To maintain our 5 star rating is an accomplishment that my teachers and I are proud of,” said Clara Delacerda, Tiny Tots Owner and Director. “Watching the change child care has taken since starting up in 1974 and keeping up with the changes has also been quite an accomplishment.”

The Natchitoches Parish Early Childhood Network serves children ages birth-4.

Start the process of educating your child TODAY by going online to teachingtomorrownow.com and filling out an application!

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St. Mary’s Catholic School will host an Open House on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 6-7:30 pm in the school gymnasium.

Prospective new families, of students in preschool through twelfth grade, will be able to tour the school campus and receive enrollment information. Faculty members, as well as club and athletic representatives, will be available for questions. RSVP is preferred but not required. Interested families may contact Debbie Norman at 352-8394 or dnorman@smstigers.org for more information.

St. Mary’s is a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school that educates students from preschool through twelfth grade. It is a ministry of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church.

St. Mary’s Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in: (i) the admission of students; (ii) the offerings of rights, privileges, programs, or activities generally made available to their students; or (iii) the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, loan programs, athletic programs, employment practices or policies, or other school-administered programs

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Rotarian with the Program Lance Lopez introduced Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS) Head Football Coach James Wilkerson at the Rotary Club of Natchitoches luncheon. Coach Wilkerson discussed the new NCHS football facilities and the present and future goals of the program. Pictured from left are Lopez, Wilkerson, and Aaron Johnson (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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The belief in guardian angels goes back thousands of years. The Bible mentions several instances in which God sent angels to protect or deliver people from danger. Guardian angels are believed to be able to take on any form and can embody any person at any time. Believers contend that guardian angels are all around us although they are usually unaware that they are guardian angels.

On December 9, 2021, Muskogee, Oklahoma had at least two known cases where a guardian angel stepped in to help. It happened first at an elementary school. A seventh-grade boy was standing by a water fountain holding a water bottle. Wishing to refill his bottle, the boy pushed the button to turn the water on while he held the bottle in his other hand. Rather than releasing the button to remove the lid, he removed the cap with his teeth. When he inhaled, the bottle cap slid down and lodged in his throat. In a panic, he stumbled into the nearest classroom and mouthed the words, “I’m choking. I’m choking.”

It could have been his last breath, but his guardian angel was waiting. The guardian angel sprang into action as if he were placed in the moment for that very purpose. He got behind the seventh-grader and performed the Heimlich Maneuver in a manner that would have impressed most doctors. His only experience with the life-saving technique was what he had seen on YouTube. With a couple of thrusts, the bottle cap shot out of the panic-stricken boy’s mouth. The boy took several deep breaths and thanked his guardian angel. Rather than glorifying the fact that he had saved someone’s life, he humbly returned to what he had been doing before the choking boy staggered into his classroom.

Later that day, a fire broke out in the back of a house in Muskogee. As if by divine providence, a guardian angel was on his way to church with a family member when he noticed smoke and flames coming from the house. He ran from the car toward the home. He knocked on the door and yelled to those inside that the house was on fire. Several people ran from the home while the guardian angel ran into the house. A disabled woman who required a walker to get around, slowly made her way toward the front of the house. Unfortunately, the fire was spreading more quickly than she could move. She was gasping for breath and struggling to walk. The guardian ran to her, put his arms around her, and quickly helped her escape from the flames. The guardian angel remained completely calm through the whole ordeal, which could have claimed his life as well. Had he been a few seconds later, the woman probably would have been consumed by the flames. Once he made sure the woman was safe, he returned to his car and continued on to church.

On a single December day in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the same guardian angel saved the lives of a choking boy and a disabled woman from a house fire. People referred to him as a hero, but he just replied that “it was the right thing to do.” For his life-saving deeds, the Muskogee Police Department and Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office named him an honorary member of their forces. He was also recognized by the Muskogee Public Schools Board of Education during their December board meeting. ‘I don’t want everyone to pay attention to me,” he said. “I kind of did what I was supposed to do.” This guardian angel was Davyon Johnson, an 11-year-old boy.

1. Medina, Eduardo. “A 6th Grader Saves the Lives of Two People On the Same Day.” The New York Times. December 26, 2021. nytimes.com/2021/12/26/us/davyon-johnson-student-saves-classmate-fire.html.

2. Crane, Emily. “11-year-old Boy Saves Choking Classmate, Woman from Burning Home — All in One Day.” New York Post. December 23, 2021. nypost.com/2021/12/23/oklahoma-boy-saves-choking-classmate-woman-from-burning-home/.

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Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer “Cookie Decorating with Royal Icing for Beginners” starting Tuesday, Feb. 1.

The class will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. through Feb. 22 in the Culinary Arts Building near the Friedman Student Union. The fee is $75.

“Cookie Decorating with Royal Icing” is a beginning class to learn some basic decorating techniques. This course will teach students how to make an amazing sugar cookie dough suited for shaped cookies and then explore different royal icing techniques such as dip tie-dye, outlining and flooding with single and multiple colors, and painting on royal icing. Students will be encouraged to express themselves creatively.

There is a $25 fee due at the first-class meeting (cash or check only made payable to the instructor). This fee will cover all ingredients needed in the course including cookies prebaked for some class dates, food coloring, paintbrushes, cookie cutters to be shared in the class and a set of three piping tips, a coupler, and a reusable piping bag for each student to keep.

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

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POSITION: Finance Director – Finance Department

DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of complex supervisory, professional, administrative and technical accounting and finance functions in maintaining the fiscal records and systems of the City. Will serve as chief financial advisor to the Mayor and prepare and maintain financial reports and records. Oversees payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, Utility Service Center, Information Technologies and Programming and Promotions Department.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant shall have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or business related field. A working knowledge in Governmental Financial Accounting and GASB rules and regulations are required. An MBA or Certified Public Accountant is preferred.

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

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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The Goldonna Elementary-Junior High School is very proud to announce that they have graduated another class in the DARE Program. Deputy Hobley with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office was on hand to congratulate the students and present them with a shirt for their success.

The Village of Goldonna is very proud to report that Killingsworth Road and Godwin Road are the beneficiaries of road resurfacing with the newly collected sales tax funds. Sales Tax collections began July 1, 2021 and all of the money is dedicated to road repairs. They have collected a little over $11,000 and it is being reinvested.

Mayor Jennifer Smith would like to thank the Natchitoches Parish Government for their efforts in assisting with the road repairs. “Crew members, Dustin Hightower and Marty Cheatwood have been really instrumental in coordinating the recent work.”

This past Sunday was one of the quietest Sundays in Goldonna history. All of the churches were closed, without live services, due to the rising cases of COVID. All three churches had a high number of illness and absences.

Pastor Timmy Harris from Goldonna Assembly of God wanted to share a few words of encouragement with the community.

“It saddens me to say the least, that no live services were held in the town of Goldonna due to seasonal illness and COVID. Please know, the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. Jesus is the one who declared it so and his promises are yes and Amen. My prayers are with all who are sick and or affected by COVID, this too shall pass.”

Goldonna Assembly of God will be having outdoor drive up church this Sunday January 23, starting at 11:00, all are welcome.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced plans to release a program that will dedicate $26.5 billion to states for investments in bridge repairs and infrastructure. The Bridge Formula Program, made possible through the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allocate federal funds over five years to rural and urban bridges that are in need of repair or rehabilitation.

Under this new program, Louisiana will receive approximately $1 billion over five years, with $202.6 million allocated this fiscal year. This funding is available to improve approximately 400 bridges in need of repair or replacement throughout the state.

“Louisiana will be well served by this program, as our funding needs for infrastructure projects are immense,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “I applaud the Biden administration for seeing the transportation needs of our nation, and state, by launching this investment program that will greatly aid our communities. Bridge closures or weight restrictions severely hinder our agriculture, manufacturing and service industries, as well a public transit, commuter travel and school bus routes. Limiting closures will provide a better overall quality of life to our residents, motorists and businesses.”

“This new federal investment comes at the right time as many of our bridges, including those on the interstate system, are 45 to 65 years old,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “The number of bridges falling into poor condition is expected to increase greatly in the coming years and this funding will allow us to make necessary improvements before these bridges deteriorate to the point of closure. Having shared bridge closures with the public for some time, no parish is exempt and problems exist on state and local bridges alike. I am looking forward to using more than the minimum established by USDOT to help locals address their needs as well. This bipartisan bill will allow the state to address many infrastructure needs in the coming years and I am grateful for the work that Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Troy Carter put in to get this bill passed and for their vision of infrastructure improvement in Louisiana. “

Louisiana has the third largest bridge infrastructure in the nation when the number of bridges and bridge size is accounted for. Currently, there are 7,846 state owned bridges, with 795 needing major rehabilitation or replacement, and 4,736 locally owned bridges, with 793 in need of rehabilitation or replacement.

Some of the bridges projects that will advance this year due to this funding include:

· LA 485 Bridges near Allen Louisiana (Natchitoches Parish)

· LA 1226 over Bayou Chevreuille in Natchitoches Parish

Nationwide, the Bridge Formula Program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 bridges. In addition to providing funds to states to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct highway bridges, the Bridge Formula Program has dedicated funding for Tribal transportation facility bridges as well as “off-system” bridges, locally owned facilities which are those not on the federal-aid highway system.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, which will grow the economy, enhance U.S. competitiveness in the world, create good jobs, and make our transportation system more sustainable and equitable.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Bessie Kay Winn
Nov 19, 1978 – Jan 14, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 11 am at the North Star Baptist Church in Powhatan

Darian Pye
Apr 8, 1954 – Jan 15, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Pamela Revels Johnikin
Arrangements TBA

Cornell Robinson
Jul 27, 1962 – Jan 15, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Anthony Alex
Jan 18, 1968 – Jan 17, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Mildred Louise Eckhardt McTyre
March 26, 1935 – January 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 29 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

WINN:
Melda McKay Pace
August 20, 1934 – January 10, 2022
No services are planned at this time.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Northwestern State’s search for its new athletics director has wrapped up with North Carolina State graduate Kevin Bostian, a highly-accomplished fundraiser with senior-level administrative experience at several prominent Division I athletics programs, hired to take over for longtime AD Greg Burke, effective Feb. 7.

Bostian, 43, has spent the last two years at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as the executive associate athletic director for development. He previously worked at his alma mater’s athletic department as a major gifts officer, after revenue generation and management positions at Georgia Southern Tennessee Tech, East Tennessee State and South Alabama.

Bostian will be introduced in Natchitoches at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom on the NSU campus. Bostian’s hire, announced Tuesday afternoon, is subject to approval of the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System, which governs Northwestern State University.

Bostian becomes just the second NSU AD since 1983, succeeding Burke, who is taking a position as a university fund raiser after 25 1/2 years in charge of the NSU Athletic Department.

A 2000 magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State in business management, Bostian earned his master’s of business administration and master’s of sports administration from Ohio University in 2002.

He and his wife, Megan, have three children, Ayla, Zoe and Piper.

“We are elated that Kevin will be joining the university as athletic director,” Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones said. “He has impressive credentials and extensive experience in college athletics that will assist him in re-energizing NSU’s intercollegiate sports program and guiding it to new levels of success.

“He has a steadfast commitment to student-athletes and their accomplishments on and off the field, and Northwestern alumni, faculty and staff, and other stakeholders will appreciate his genuineness, enthusiasm, and spirit of collaboration. Kevin and his family will be a valuable addition to the university and community.”

The hire culminated a two-month national search spearheaded by Kyle Bowlsby, founder of Bowlsby Sports Advisors, the search firm that coordinated the process. An alumni-based advisory committee helped hone the candidate pool down to roughly 12 semifinalists and three finalists, who were interviewed on campus in the last 36 hours.

“Northwestern State University has hired an exceptional person in Kevin Bostian,” said Bowlsby, the 34-year-old son of Bob Bowlsby, one of college athletics’ most powerful leaders as commissioner of the Big XII Conference. “He is a transformational leader who will maximize the student-athlete experience and position the athletic department for long-term success. Kevin rose quickly on our list of potential candidates as someone who is passionate and driven to make his mark on the intercollegiate athletics landscape.”

Based on a press release from Northwestern State Athletics

Photo: Graphic by Northwestern State Athletics

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