By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

The national search for Northwestern State’s new athletic director could culminate as soon as today with an announcement of a hire to replace departing AD Greg Burke.

A field of about dozen semifinalists was pared to three finalists at the end of last week. On campus visits began Monday and the last one should happen this morning, the Journal has learned.

The search has been managed by an outside search firm, Bowlsby Sports Advisors. The process involved an alumni-based advisory committee, steered by search firm owner Kyle Bowlsby, which finished its work by helping trim the contenders to three last Friday. After their visits, new Northwestern president Marcus Jones will consider his choices and make a job offer.

None of the three unnamed remaining candidates have ties to Natchitoches or NSU.

Changing NSU’s approach for athletics became a priority for Jones, largely because the Demons have not had a winning football season since 2008 (7-5), coming close in 2013 and 2014 (6-6 both seasons). But in that span Northwestern suffered its first-ever winless campaign (0-11 in 2009 under first-year coach Bradley Dale Peveto) and Jay Thomas’ third NSU squad went 1-10 (0-9 in the Southland Conference) in 2016. The program’s last FCS playoff berth, along with the most recent conference championship, came in 2004.

NSU announced in mid-November that Burke would shift out of the AD’s office and into a university fundraising role. He is believed to be the longest-tenured Division I director of athletics in state history, having taken the post in late August 1996, and has a long list of accomplishments.

The announcement also cited a 6-8 week target for naming Burke’s successor. Assuming the search comes to fruition, that timeline will have been met. It’s anticipated that the new AD will need 3-6 weeks to relocate to Natchitoches and take over. It’s expected Burke will run the daily operations of the department until the new hire arrives.

While football has dipped, other sports at Northwestern have enjoyed high points and low ebbs over the last decade-plus.

Men’s basketball reached the NCAA Tournament for the third time under venerable coach Mike McConathy in 2013, played in postseason again a year later and won 19 games in 2014-15 before struggling in league play until the last two years.

Lady Demon basketball had NCAA Tournament trips in 2014 and 2015, and played in the WNIT in 2016, but hasn’t had a winning season since.

Baseball (2018) and softball (2014, 2015) have made NCAA appearances and the baseball team owns two recent wins at LSU. Track and field and Lady Demon tennis have been consistently strong over the last 12-14 years with NCAA success. Women’s soccer won the 2021 Southland crown and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2005, and the fifth in the 24-year history of the program.

Volleyball, which had never experienced a successful season in its first three decades, reached the 2014 NCAA Tournament and has been respectable since in the Southland.

Away from competition, NSU Athletics has maintained a sparkling record in NCAA academic performance, graduation rates, NCAA compliance, and community service. There have been no significant state legislative audit issues under Burke’s watch.

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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 on Friday, Jan. 21. The day will begin at 10 am with a Pre-Rally concert by the Josh Blakesley Band, followed by a Pro Life Rally with guest speakers at 11 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.” (See www.marchforlife.org).

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 Jessica Spear (jspear@smstigers.org), Lisa Guillet (lisaguillet@yahoo.com) or Jennifer Luna (wrcnatladirector@gmail.com).

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The Martin Luther King Day weekend in Natchitoches saw a flurry of activities throughout the community to celebrate and continue the legacy of Dr. King. Saturday, January 15, kicked off the commemorations with a “Day of Service” in which NSU athletes, Greek and student organizations were joined by NSU President Marcus Jones, Mayor & Mrs. Williams in making our community a little better.

NSU athletes played games with children at the MLK Recreation Center. Students in NSU’s Helping Hands and African American Caucus cleaned up the city’s Highland Park. Other students packed warm coats and clothing and gift baskets for senior citizens.

The Ben D. Johnson Center’s community garden was also a center of activity and service Saturday. A large contingent of NSU student organizations ranging from sports teams to Greek organizations from every part of the university came together to work in the Legacy Garden and clean up the surrounding area.

What was all the more impressive about the day’s events was that the students led and planned the projects themselves. It was a joy to see young people of every race and background coming together to improve their, and our, community. Well done ladies and gentlemen!

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Natchitoches’ second Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration March for Justice and Peace was held Monday, January 17. The march began at the Ben D. Johnson Center and extended to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle Park. The marchers were led by members of NSU’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter. Dr. King was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, joining as a graduate student in 1952 at Boston College. The Alphas were joined by members of NSU Greek organizations. The NSU Chapters of the NAACP and African American Caucus also marched as did NSU head football Coach Brad Laird and the NSU football team. They were joined by fellow athletes from NSU volleyball and other sports teams. Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams marched for the second year. The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts brought a large contingent of students to the march and celebration. The march ended at the Dr. Martin Luther King Triangle Park where the brothers of NSU’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter placed a wreath at Dr. King’s memorial. For the second year in a row, NSU’s Lifted Voices Gospel Choir gave a truly impressive vocal performance. Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams spoke of Dr. King’s legacy and accomplishments as did several local spiritual leaders. The main speaker was Darin Nixon, NSU NAACP President and NSU NPHC President. The event was organized by the City of Natchitoches, NSU and the Northwestern State University Center for Inclusion & Diversity.

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Join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum for the opening of “Carrying on the Dream”. The exhibition opens with a free reception on Friday, Jan. 21 from 5-7 pm. Libations and appetizers will be provided by FLASH and Raising Cane’s.

The University of Louisiana System’s Reginald F. Lewis scholars in partnership with Raising Cane’s are presenting a statewide tour of the exhibit “Carrying on the Dream” which features a rare display of the hearse that carried the body of prominent civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after his assassination in Memphis on April 4, 1968.
Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s, led the preservation of the hearse and, through its exhibit, wants to remind Louisianians what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. contributed to society.

Speakers for the opening include Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Derrick Varnado and Ebenezer Aggrey, NSU Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member William Roberson, and Dr. Michael T. Snowden Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity at NSU.

The exhibition will be on display from Jan. 20-Feb. 5, 2022.

State regulations require masks in all state museums.
Please visit our website or call (318) 357-2492 for more information.

Free and open to the public.

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With the cancellation of the 2021 parade the Krewe of Dionysos is excited to prepare for its upcoming Mardi Gras parade, which will roll through Natchitoches on Saturday, Feb. 26.

Anyone who would like to enter the parade can submit a participation form online at kreweofdionysos.com.

Questions can be emailed to KreweOfDionysos@gmail.com.

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SALEM, Virginia – Northwestern State receivers Gavin Landry and Kendrick Price should have spent Sunday afternoon getting ready for the final football game of their college careers.

Instead, Winter Storm Izzy had other plans and accelerated the timetable for the pair of sixth-year seniors who were set to participate in Dream Bowl X, which was set for Monday at 11 a.m. CST.

“The game got moved up because of the snowstorm that was coming, and we ended up playing (Saturday) night,” Landry said.

Landry and Price were teammates again on the Crusaders squad, which fell 20-10 to the Patriots in a game that featured players from the FCS, NCAA Division II and III and NAIA levels.

The Demon pass-catching duo were the first NSU players to participate in the event since JeMarcus Marshall and Tuff McClain in 2017.

Landry and his family found out about the schedule as they were driving from Louisiana to Salem for the weekend, which originally was supposed to conclude with the noon kickoff on Martin Luther King Day. Mother Nature changed that and brought a slightly earlier end to Landry’s and Price’s time as collegiate competitors.

“It was a unique experience, and it was more challenging since the game was pushed up,” said Landry, who caught a team-leading three passes. “We had to adapt and overcome, which has been similar to my career. It was a fun experience, and I met a lot of great people. It was weird being so rushed, but I enjoyed it and made the most of it.”

Price was unable to play in the game after tweaking a knee during a practice, but he remained positive about his experience, especially being able to reconnect with Landry and former Demon teammates Stadford Anderson and Ricky Chatman.

“Me and Show (Anderson) had a moment on the sideline where I was cheering on the guys, and he looked at me and said, ‘Hearing your voice is crazy. We’re on the same team again,’” Price said. “Ricky had an interception. It was cool to share those moments with Gavin and Show and Ricky.

“It was good to be back in a competitive environment. I’d never been to Virginia before. I wish I could have played in the game, but I made the most of my opportunities in practice. We had scouts and coaches looking at us. Everything was cool, and I really enjoyed it.”

Photo:  Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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BOM is proud to sponsor the new LSMSA basketball scoreboard project. Pictured: Haley Flynn, Abigail Huddleston, Kat Leblanc, Jordan Hoffman, Tum Tum Adeleye, Diamond Smith, Ashley Green, Aroma Chanda, Brandon Turner, Cami Wainwright, Samantha Dugan, Landry Tucker, Ali Mitchell, Joshua Gillett, BOM’s Claire Mayeaux and Lyn Christophe.

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POSITION: Natchitoches Regional Airport – Part Time

DESCRIPTION: Assist the Airport Manager in the day to day operations including maintaining the Airport terminal and grounds, handle fuel drops and fuel sampling, trouble shoot mechanical problems on vehicles, lawn equipment, fuel pumps and other related equipment, fueling aircraft, moving aircraft in and out of hangars as needed, accurately keep fuel sales records and be able to handle other airport related activity. Must be able to work at least one weekend per month and early morning or late evening hours as needed.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent. Must be a licensed driver.

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

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Darian Pye
Nov 19, 1978 – Jan 14, 2022
Arrangements TBA

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
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

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This past weekend, over 1,000 people attended Natchitoches’ first gun show, held Jan 15-16 at the Natchitoches Events Center. The attendees had over 80 tables featuring a range of knife and firearms vendors. While firearms were clearly the main focus of the event, there was also a popular craft vendor accompanying her husband who was selling ammunition and firearm accessories as well as a company selling rain gutter guards.

From antique military rifles such as a 1903 Springfield, M-1 Garand and M-14 to modern rifles and pistols, there was something for every taste and need. Whether you were shopping for personal protection or a scope to increase your chances next deer season, something was there for you at the Natchitoches Gun Show. There were also ample opportunities to learn and try out new equipment from the friendly and knowledgeable vendors.

The next Natchitoches Gun Show will be held at the Natchitoches Events Center May 7 & 8, 2022.

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By Kevin Shannahan/Op-Ed

Say what you will about Dr. Eloi, he does not think small. Were I in my first year as superintendent of the Natchitoches School System, I would have chosen a less ambitious undertaking than a new high school in the parish, say achieving peace in the Middle East or cold fusion. That would have proven a far less daunting project by comparison.

While the prospective new high school seems to be on indefinite hold, one disturbing aspect of the controversy surrounding the proposal I have found unjust, underserved, and just plain wrong was the constant denigration of Natchitoches Central High School by the consolidation opponents. “I’ll never send my kids there!” proclaimed one rather overwrought parent at a school board meeting. That line drew murmurs of approval from the crowd. Her next statement, in which she flat out stated that her family would send their children out of district if consolidation passed garnered actual applause. She is far from the only parent I have heard express such an opinion. Notice she did not say she would move out of the parish, just that she would send her children to a public high school in a neighboring parish, one “…right down the road…”

Let me be absolutely clear. It is well within a parent’s rights to homeschool their children or send them to a private school. I am a kindergarten through high school alumni of the Catholic schools of the Syracuse, NY diocese. My parents made that decision for my brother and me at a considerable sacrifice of money and time. You are free to move to a district with what you believe are better schools. What you are not, or should not be, free to do, the district’s passivity on the subject notwithstanding, is send your child to a school outside of the parish while still a resident here. That is neither legal nor moral. You are also costing the district, and the taxpayers, a considerable amount of money.

This opprobrium directed towards NCHS, often tinged with barely concealed racism, is quite simply unwarranted. I have no ties to the public school system beyond that of a citizen and a taxpayer. What I am writing comes from over ten years of observation as a photographer and writer. It is also based upon years of observation of friends and acquaintances, all solidly members of the middle to upper middle classes, who have sent their children to NCHS.

Natchitoches Central High School is much better than its critics assume. From National Merit semifinalists to an award-winning orchestra, there is much about NCHS that regretfully escapes the notice of the wider public.

Over the 28 years I have lived in Natchitoches since leaving the Air Force, NCHS has produced each of the parish’s several National Merit Finalists or semi-finalists. Consistently placing students in the National Merit Scholarship competition is a nationwide standard of excellence. Our parish is nowhere near that standard, While there is considerable room for improvement, it should be noted that over the past 25 years, NCHS is where the parish’s National Merit Semi-Finalists and Finalists have come from.

Our community has a true gem in the NCHS Orchestra. This talented group of young men and women have toured Europe and have repeatedly performed in Carnegie Hall. The orchestra’s young musicians routinely win all-state honors. One of its alumni went on to earn a degree in music at NSU, is teaching at NCHS and helping with his former orchestra. Other orchestra alumni are succeeding in careers as varied as teaching, engineering, and the military. Music education, and the discipline of mastering an instrument, are valuable preparations for any endeavor.

Natchitoches Central High School’s reputation in certain areas of the parish as a crime ridden repository of ignorance is simply not borne out by even a cursory examination of the facts. NCHS students routinely score each year in the upper reaches of the ACT score distribution with several scoring in the 30’s. The school offers calculus and physics as well as a full range of gifted and talented services. NCHS alumni are succeeding in the military, workforce and in demanding majors in colleges across that state. The school is neither zoo nor Blackboard Jungle.

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This year’s MLK Day Celebration will be hosted Monday, Jan. 17 and will feature a prayer breakfast, March for Justice and Peace, and Monument Dedication Ceremony. The prayer breakfast will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the MLK Recreation Center where Pastor John Williams of Antioch Baptist Church #2 will lead as guest speaker. The March for Justice and Peace will lineup beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Ben Johnson parking lot. The march will start at 11:00 a.m. leading to the triangle of Texas Street. The MLK Monument Ceremony will commence from there and will feature presentations from the Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and NSU Lifted Voices Gospel Choir as well as guest speaker Darin Nixon, NSU NAACP President and NSU NPHC President.

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Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, head of the Department of Health and Human Performance and professor of health and kinesiology at Northwestern State University, has been named a Fellow of the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education. Tietjen-Smith received the honor at the association’s recent annual meeting in Phoenix. She is one of only 49 individuals in the field to receive the honor.

A NAKHE Fellow is one of the acknowledged leaders in the field of kinesiology who has the added distinction of providing outstanding service to NAKHE through a variety of contributions. Selections for new Fellows are made by a committee composed of current NAKHE Fellows. All nominations recommended by the NAKHE Fellows Committee are approved by the NAKHE Board of Directors.

Those selected must have made significant contributions to NAKHE, including but not limited to sustained and active membership of 10 years or more, leadership on NAKHE committees, editing NAKHE publications, holding senior NAKHE leadership positions (secretary, vice president, president or other posts) or other significant contributions. Fellows should have made significant contributions to the field, including but not limited to scholarly productivity, leadership in the field of kinesiology or one’s home institution or other contributions listed in the nomination and award process and earned the academic rank of associate or full professor.

Tietjen-Smith is the outgoing president of the NAKHE and has served the organization in a number of capacities in recent years, including vice president, national conference chair and co-chair and co-creator of the Department Head Certification Program. Tietjen-Smith delivered the 54th annual Amy Morris Homans Lecture at the 2020 National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE) conference in Palm Springs, California. This invited lecture is one of the highest honors accorded to a professional in the field of kinesiology.

Tietjen-Smith joined Northwestern State’s faculty last August after serving as a full professor and head of the Department Health and Human Performance in the School of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas A&M University at Commerce for six years. She was co-founder of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, which included securing funding for and participation in planning of a $54 million building for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences which opened in January 2020, and the Academy for Health Potential, an entrepreneurial non-profit working in the East Texas community. Tietjen-Smith also served as a member of the Planning Council, Healthy Hunt County, for Hunt Regional Medical Center, chair of the university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) and president of the Council of Academic Department Heads.

Tietjen-Smith is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). She earned a Doctor of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a Master of Arts in Health Promotion and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northwestern State University.

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Director Christopher Wray/Op-Ed
Federal Bureau of Investigation

While many Americans celebrated the holidays with their families in the final week of 2021, law enforcement kept working. And, tragically, four officers didn’t make it home to their loved ones that week. They were murdered while doing their job keeping others safe. 

Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley, ambushed while alone in her car, died on Christmas Eve. Five days later in Illinois, Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Riley was killed during a call for assistance. On Dec. 30, also in Illinois, Bradley Police Department Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic was shot while attempting to locate the owner of dogs left in a car. And on New Year’s Eve, Cleveland Police Officer Shane Bartek was killed in an attempted carjacking.

These four murders brought the total number of officers feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2021 to 73, the highest annual number since the 9/11 attacks. That’s the equivalent of one officer murdered every five days. In a year when homicides and violent crime reached distressing levels, this 20-year high hasn’t received the attention it deserves.

Especially troubling is that a record number of officers killed—nearly half—had no engagement with their assailant before the attack. Each story is heartbreaking: A 30-year Florida deputy murdered one shift shy of retirement; an officer ambushed on his first day on the job, leaving behind a wife and 6-month-old son; a combat veteran and his police dog killed while serving together. 

At the Federal Bureau of Investigation, we experienced loss in 2021, too. Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger and Daniel Alfin were murdered while doing the difficult job investigating crimes against children. FBI Task Force Officer Greg Ferency of the Terre Haute, Ind., Police Department was ambushed and killed outside an FBI office. 

When I started as FBI director, I made it my practice to call the chief or sheriff of every officer intentionally killed in the line of duty. I have now made more than 200 such calls. Each conversation reminds me that behind the uniform, the badge, and, yes, sometimes the flashing lights in your rearview mirror, there are real people. With each call, I think about the families and friends who lost someone they loved, the children who will grow up without a parent, and the communities deprived of a public servant. 

We owe it to them to redouble our efforts to take the most violent offenders off the streets and to make sure officers have the resources, equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely. Even more, we need to ensure the brave men and women know that the communities they serve have their backs.

Every day, officers willingly put themselves at risk not knowing what dangerous situation or traumatic event they might encounter. I won’t pretend every person who carries a badge is beyond reproach, but the overwhelming majority do the job with the professionalism and commitment to equal justice citizens rightly expect. 

I meet frequently with chiefs and sheriffs across the country, and they are concerned about morale and the challenges of recruiting the next generation of officers. They understand that trust and transparency are vital to safety, and they are committed to finding ways to improve interactions. And while respect must be earned, if we are going to recruit and retain the kind of people willing to put their lives on the line to protect others, we have to show that we value their sacrifices.

Civic and business leaders, government officials and responsible citizens need to consider how we talk about engaging with law enforcement. When police are miscast as lacking humanity—devoid of empathy and compassion—everyone suffers. Departments lose good officers who are hard to replace, and communities are less safe. 

As we reflect on 2021, let’s honor the memories of those who lost their lives protecting others. Let’s commit to making communities safer, finding ways to improve interactions between law enforcement and those they serve, holding everyone to the high standards befitting men and women in uniform, and valuing those who do their jobs with honor. 

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Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members from Northwestern State University are returning to campus with a road map for success in the new year. Over the weekend of January 7-9, 2022, members of the Beta Omicron Chapter joined more than 160 fellow Pi Kapps from 27 chapters to take part in Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers in Dallas, Texas.

The Fraternity’s officer training institute prepares newly elected and re-elected officers and key committee chairmen for their roles as leaders of their chapter. In January, nearly one thousand undergraduates will have received training at six regional locations — also including Charlotte, NC; Springfield, MA; Columbus, OH; Atlanta, GA; and Los Angeles, CA.

The conference marks the return of in-person national student events since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers featured a hybrid format with training conducted through a series of online modules and in-person education sessions.

NSU students attending the conference included: Trace Anthon, Colby Grayson, Schuyler Mason, and Travis Jimenez.
These newly elected officers were challenged to think about how they will demonstrate the courage to make positive choices, act on their values, and develop a commitment to excellence.

Sessions are designed to review components of each officer role, dive deeper into vital responsibilities, and provide opportunities to engage with real-life scenarios.

Beta Omicron Chapter alumni also participated in support roles, volunteering as facilitators. In Dallas, Lane Luckie and Thomas Marlbrough delivered the Chaplain and Vice Archon tracks, respectively. Alumnus Zack Cockerham served on the headquarters staff at each weekend of the conference.

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – While laying the first pieces of the foundation of the indoor season was the goal for the Northwestern State track and field teams Saturday, the Demons and Lady Demons had their share of moments at the Texas A&M Ted Nelson Invitational.

And no one had more of a memorable moment than Djimon Gumbs.

In his first meet as a Demon, Gumbs gave Northwestern State its first individual win of the 2022 indoor season, posting an indoor school record mark of 57-10.25 in the shot put. Gumbs’ mark was more than four feet farther than runner-up Kevin Steward of Stephen F. Austin.

Gumbs and his twin brother, Diamate, each had top-two finishes as Diamate Gumbs took second in the men’s weight throw (56-8).

“Being a greedy coach, I was joking with them,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “I gave them both Bs. They had some fouls, but it was a good day. I was very happy with everybody. We could have executed better in each event, but that’s what we’re learning. We learned what we need to work on and get better.”

The twins’ efforts led a strong performance in the field events for the Demons, who also got a podium finish from Nikaoli Williams in the long jump. Williams, who made his indoor debut in an NSU uniform, turned in a leap of 23-8.25, finishing behind UTSA’s Sam Healy, who jumped 24-6.5 on his first attempt and saw that mark stand up throughout the competition.

Andrew Gilreath, an Arkansas transfer, gave the Demons another top-seven finisher, leaping 22-8.5 in his Northwestern State debut.

The Demons picked up a third-place finish from Ebenezer Aggrey in the 400 meters, clocking a 49.15. NSU saw defending champion Kie’Ave Harry win his 60-meter preliminary heat before finishing fourth with a time of 6.81 in both the preliminaries and the finals.

Payten Vidourek clocked an indoor personal-best 1:57.29 in the 800.

The Lady Demons enjoyed a similar type of day at the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium.

Kristin McDuffie finished second in the weight throw with a mark of 55-11.75. McDuffie was the defending champion in the event but saw UTSA’s Acasia Atwood increase her throws in four of the final five rounds, topping out at 59-9.75 on her final throw to earn the gold.

McDuffie’s performance led a strong field effort from the Lady Demons, who produced three of the top seven pole vault efforts.

Annemarie Broussard led the trio, finishing third with a 12-8.25 mark. Parish Kitto (11-8.5) tied for fifth while Karlyn Trahan (11-8.5) finished in a tie for seventh.

“I was very happy with the shot put and the men’s and women’s weight throw,” Heimerman said. “Vault had another great day. Those girls are really, really jumping some big bars. It hasn’t been really ideal temperatures for us to practice outside, so it was good to see where we’re at.”

On the track, sprinter Lynell Washington matched Harry’s performance on the men’s side, finishing in fourth place in the women’s 60 meters, clocking a 7.54 in the finals.

“Lynell hasn’t been able to practice very much,” Heimerman said. “In light of that, her performance was really a bright spot.”

The Lady Demon quartet of Taylor Shaw, Maygan Shaw, Erin Wilson and Janiel Moore turned in a fifth-place finish in the 4×400 relay with a time of 3:53.49.

Aliyah Carswell gave Northwestern State a seventh-place finish in the women’s 60-meter hurdles, running an 8.86 in the finals.

Competing unattached, former NSU All-American and national champion Jasmyn Steels finished fourth in the long jump, leaping 19-9.5.

Northwestern State returns to action Jan. 22 back in College Station in the Texas Aggie Invite.

Photo: Kristin McDuffie finished second in the weight throw at the Texas A&M Ted Nelson Invitational on Saturday.

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BOM Vice President & Commercial Lender, Katrice Below and BOMFS Agency Manager, Reba Phelps volunteered as judges for the Natchitoches Parish School Board Student of the Year Competition for the 21-22 School Year. They spent the day interviewing some of Natchitoches Parishes finest students. This is an annual event in which we always look forward to participating. Good luck to the winners as they move on to Regionals.

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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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Anna Kate Jackson, a senior at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Natchitoches, has been selected Student of the Year by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria in the 12th grade division. Finalists in the diocesan competition recently competed in the District Competition. She will continue to the Regional Competition to be held in February in Baton Rouge.

Anna Kathleen Jackson is the daughter of Tandy E. “Andy” Jackson, IV and Barbara Reppen Jackson. At St. Mary’s, she is the Varsity Cheer Captain and has received UCA All-American Cheerleader honors for two years. She serves as President of the St. Mary’s Beta Club and also serves concurrently as National Beta Club President and Louisiana State Beta Club President. Anna Kate is the Vice-President of Student Council and a member of Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Pro Life Club, LEO Club of Natchitoches and Calico Belles.

Anna Kate maintains a 4.0 grade point average, while taking honors and dual enrollment courses. She also participates with the St. Mary’s Cross Country, Track and Field, and Powerlifting teams. She is a member of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church. Anna Kate plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in Pre-Law.

Winners of the St. Mary’s Student of the Year competition included Jackson, Jenna Sklar (8th grade) and Amelia Picou (5th grade). The non-public school competition included Student of the Year winners in the 5th, 8th and 12th grades from several Catholic, Christian and private schools in Central Louisiana.

Pictured from left are Fr. Craig Scott, Anna Kate Jackson and Tommy Roque, Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria.

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It is with great sadness that the family of Marlene Rome announces her passing in Bossier City on Thursday, January 5th, at the age of 79. Marlene was born July 19, 1942 in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, to Frank Sylvester Noel Sr. and Constance Jackson Noel.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Anthony Nicholas Rome Sr.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Anthony (Tag) Nicholas Rome Jr., Todd Michael Rome and wife Tammy, and Christopher Noel Rome; her grandchildren Victoria Noel Rome, Anthony Nicholas Rome III and his wife Katie, Michael Anthony Rome, Sophia Arlene Rome, Camille Alice Rome; and great grandchildren Gabriella Oliva Rome, Anthony Nicholas Rome IV, along with additional family, and countless friends.

She was laid to rest with the love of her life, Tony Rome, at the St. Lucy’s Catholic Church cemetery in Hodge, Louisiana on January 10th. The Romes, although both south Louisiana natives, settled in Jonesboro and joyfully raised their family there.

Memorial donations in the couple’s honor (Tony & Marlene Rome) may be made to the American Heart Association.

Marlene may be gone, but never forgotten.

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By Joe Darby

Do you ever think about something that happened years ago that you wished you had handled differently? I’m not talking about really important events, nothing of life changing importance. But of little incidents that you regret for having taken a certain action, or perhaps not taking an action that you should have.

There is one particular event that happened more than 60 years ago that still kind of sticks in my craw. If I had handled it differently, I might have ended up in trouble, but at least I would have had the satisfaction of standing up for myself.

So, I was about 17 and I was driving home from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, with two buddies in my car, a 1951 Mercury. I was on Acadian Thruway, a fast-moving three lane street and was in the middle lane. A middle aged guy was driving in the left lane and, apparently not seeing me, he tried to make a lane change and side swiped me. We called the police and, to my surprise, neither of us was given a ticket. So I was eagerly looking forward to the court appearance, so I and my buddies would explain to the judge what happened.

Well, the other guy, who was apparently in on the Baton Rouge Good Ole Boy network, shows up with a lawyer! When our case was called, the lawyer and his client went up to the bench and began whispering with the judge. This was clearly irregular, but of course I didn’t know that at the time. Later, in my career as a reporter with the New Orleans Times-Picayune, I covered the court system for many years and got to know quite a bit about the law.

What the judge was doing was holding what’s called an ex parte conference with my legal opponent and his lawyer, that is, conferring with one side only while excluding the other side, namely me. That’s against the rules. Anyway, the guy who hit me then testified that it was me who changed lanes and hit him, a downright lie. My friends and I testified as to what really happened but the judge paid no attention to our claims and he found me at fault for the accident.

What I wish I had done would, of course, have required knowledge that I didn’t have at the time. But I like to fantasize that, as soon as the guy and his attorney went up and started talking to the judge, I rose up and said, “May it please the court. I am representing myself and I would like to approach the bench. This is plainly an ex parte conference, which I should be allowed to take part in, and hear what my opponents are saying.”

Well, the way the odds were stacked against me, the judge would probably have found me in contempt and given me an extra fine. But I would have had the satisfaction of seeing the looks on their faces as I made my plea, and that might have been worth the fine.

Another thing that bothers me after many, many years, was an incident in which I hurt a good friend’s feelings. I really hate to hurt someone’s feelings and this was a lesson to me to be careful what you say. In this situation, I was a teenager also, just like in the above story. We had just finished playing a CYO basketball game and lost, partially due to the inept play of one of our guys, who made a lot of turnovers.

A bunch of us players were standing around in the parking lot after the game. It was dark and I didn’t think my friend was in the group at the time. “We could have won this game if ——– hadn’t messed up so much,” I said. Then I hear this voice from the far end of our little group say, “Gee, Joe, I did the best I could.” Well, as you can imagine, I could have dropped through the ground. I was so embarrassed. I mumbled something like, “Well, that’s okay, man, don’t worry about it.” But it was too late. I had hurt a good buddy and we’re still in occasional contact today.

A third regret involves an incident that, to be truthful, is just plain silly. But again, for some goofy reason, I remember it after all these years. Once again, it involves something that happened when I was a teenager, actually in my early teens. I was probably about 13.

I accompanied my sister and her husband to visit a friend of theirs, a very friendly, bubbly lady who liked to talk. I was sitting by silently listening to the conversations when, trying to get me involved in the talk, she asked me how old I was. “Thirteen, ma’am.”

“Ah, you’re at that awkward age. Boys your age do things like bump into doors and such.” Well, I thought to myself that was a lot of male cattle feces, but not in those exact words. I had never bumped into a door in my life!

You may see the end of this story coming. When we were leaving, would you believe it, I bumped into her front door jamb with my right shoulder. I didn’t look back and just kept going but I could imagine the lady grinning and thinking, “See, I told ya.” So my regret was that I didn’t take a little more care when walking through that doggoned door.

Of course, there are lots of other things I wished I’d done differently, but I picked these that have stuck with me for many decades. I hope you were amused and perhaps you’ve been reminded of a couple of things you would wish to change also!

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