NATCHITOCHES:
Lynette Cole
January 20, 1953 – January 14, 2022
Service: Monday, January 17 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Thelma LaCaze Coutee
April 18, 1927 – January 12, 2022
Service: Monday, January 17 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

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

SABINE:
Glen Dale Knippers
February 7, 1952 – January 14, 2022
Service: Monday, January 17 at 2 pm at Friendship Church of the Nazarene

WINN:
Alma Irene Elliott
May 18, 1932 – January 15, 2022
Service: Monday, January 17 at 1 pm in Chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home

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Natchitoches Parish School Board members voted to elect Reba Phelps as Board President and Beverly Broadway as Vice President for the 2022 year at its meeting Thursday evening, Jan. 13.

“It is an incredible honor to be elected as Natchitoches Parish School Board President,” said Phelps. “I am so proud of all of the hard work that we all have accomplished as a team.”

Phelps explained that not many boards have faced the challenges the Natchitoches Parish School Board has faced together including electing a new Superintendent, keeping all the little scholars safe during a worldwide pandemic, fighting tooth and nail to solve connectivity problems in the parish that affects student achievement, and updating facilities while building transparency and public trust.

“This is only the beginning of the great things that we will continue as a team,” she added. “I would like to thank President Steven Harris for his tireless work and dedication this past year and I’m super excited to work with Mrs. Beverly Broadway. It’s going to be a great year!”

Over the past three years Broadway has had the pleasure of serving alongside fellow board members whose compassion and concern for the children in the district is unparalleled.

“I am incredibly honored to serve in the capacity of Vice President of the Natchitoches Parish School Board,” she said. “I am looking forward to an amazing year of continued growth and positive movement forward throughout our entire district. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our previous Board leadership for helping to pave the way and lay the foundation for the unity and cohesiveness we now enjoy.”

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The City of Natchitoches, Cane River National Heritage Area, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, and DSW Construction hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot Rehabilitation Project on Jan. 13.

The Texas and Pacific Railway Depot was constructed in 1927 and closed its doors to passenger rail transportation in the 1960s, incapsulating its segregated entrances and waiting rooms. Today, the structure remains one of the last segregated train stations within Louisiana and has a deep connection to the City’s African American community.

“For nearly four decades the community of Natchitoches has tried to preserve and rehabilitate the Depot into a museum that depicts the stories of African Americans in Natchitoches,” remarked Rebecca Blankenbaker, Executive Director of Cane River National Heritage Area. “Today is a celebration of all those individuals and partner organizations who shared their energy and passion to see this project through,” continued Blankenbaker. Early efforts by the Cane River National Heritage Area in 2001, 2007, and 2015 stabilized the structure until a future use could be determined.

The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the rehabilitation of the Depot to house new park offices, a visitor center, and a community lecture hall/theater for the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. “We are honored to be able to tell the difficult story of slavery to segregation to Civil Rights with the walls of the Depot, where we can tell all the stories of all people of Natchitoches,” commented Carrie Mardorf, Superintendent of Cane River Creole National Historical Park. “Since the Depot’s construction in 1927, 95 years ago, the building withstood decades of use, followed by long periods of neglect, and limited repairs. We are incredibly grateful to be a partner in this project and are excited to be the building’s new stewards and tenants for the next 95 years,” continued Mardorf.

In 2019, the City of Natchitoches, who owns the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot signed a lease with the National Park Service, Cane River Creole National Historical Park granting the park use of the building as a visitor center and headquarters. “On behalf of the City of Natchitoches, we are excited to embark on this project with the National Park Service, DSW Construction, and Cane River National Heritage Area” remarked Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. He continued his remarks stating, “Not only will this rehabilitation project serve to spark more community revitalization efforts in the surrounding area, but also encourage economic development in West Natchitoches.”

Additional speakers included Claire Prymus with the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center, Edward Ward, Jr. with the Natchitoches Black Heritage Committee, Randy LaCaze with the City of Natchitoches Office of Community Development, and David Mains, Owner of DSW Construction.

Pictured: Randy LaCaze (City of Natchitoches), Bob Kempkes (Taylor-Kempkes Architect), Edward Ward, Jr. (Natchitoches Black Heritage Committee), Claire Prymus (Ben D. Johnson Educational Center), Carrie Mardorf (Cane River Creole National Historical Park), Rebecca Blankenbaker (Cane River National Heritage Area), Rosemary Washington-Eli (City of Natchitoches Councilwoman), Betty Sawyer Smith (Councilwoman at Large), Ronnie Williams, Jr. (Mayor of the City of Natchitoches), Chris Petite (City of Natchitoches Councilman), David Mains (DSW Construction), Dale Nielsen (City of Natchitoches Councilman), George Gaharan (DSW Construction), and Edd Lee (City of Natchitoches).

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board held a brief meeting on Jan. 13. Finance Director Lee Waskom said the Tax Commission report shows that the district has sustained a cumulative growth of 16.3% growth, which he’s very happy about. This is a $1.5 million increase over last year’s collections at this time and only a 10% increase was budgeted so Waskom said he’ll most likely be bringing an update before the board at a future date.

Agenda items:

Approve permission to advertise for bids for the asbestos removal and demolition of Cloutierville Elementary School and declare any and all content as surplus (Needs at least $300,000 to occupy it).

Approve permission to advertise for bid for NCHS culinary/commercial kitchen equipment.

Adopt the Resolution to canvass the returns of the December 11, 2021 for Consolidated Districts 8 and 10 millage renewal

Adopt the Resolution calling for the Election for April 30, 2022

Approve adoption of LSBA as NPSB’s policy service. This is something that would start in the next few months and culminate in July of 2023.

Approve Compensation Guideline/Overtime Policy (GBAA) according to Legislative updates.

Approve Retirement Policy according to Legislative updates.

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Author and LSU Doctoral student Tori Bush was joined by fellow academic Dr. Sarah McFarland, Professor of English at NSU, in a discussion of environmental themes in writings Thursday, January 13. Ms. Bush is the editor of an anthology titled “The Gulf South: An Anthology of Environmental Writing”. The book is a collection of writings by a variety of writers dating from 1890 to the 2000’s centered on the US Gulf Coast. The pieces in the collection look at the relationship between the environment and the people who inhabit it from several different perspectives over the period of a century. The book is the first of its type to focus on the Gulf Coast of the United States.

Ms. Bush completed the anthology while teaching English at LSU and working towards her PhD in English, a demanding schedule that shows the passion for her subject evident throughout her talk. This evening was a wonderful way to close out the programs of the Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street (MoMS) Water/Ways tour’s stop at Natchitoches’ Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to Ms. Bush as she completes her doctorate in English and pursues a career in academia.

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Members and friends of the Krewe of Dionysos met on Jan. 7 at Cane River Brewing to usher in the 2022 Mardi Gras season. Attendees came wearing Mardi Gras attire in keeping with this year’s theme of “Take Me to the Mardi Gras.” Music was provided by the LaCour Trio.

With the cancellation of the 2021 year due to Covid the krewe is excited to prepare for its Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 12 and the annual parade 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.

Due to the cancellation of last year’s events; the krewe introduced junior court for 2021 and 2022.

Photos by Melissa Stewart

2021 Junior Court

Christian Hennigan Carter:  is the son of Jessica Hennigan and Dale Carter.  He is the grandson of Captain Jerry McElwee and Queen XX and Duchess of Destiny X, Darlene McElwee.  Jerry was our King XI, Duke of Dance X, and Captain for eight years and Darlene serves as a Board Member.  Christian is escorted by his grandmother, Darlene McElwee.  Christian is a graduate of Natchitoches Central High School and now attends Central Louisiana Technical Community College.

Hannah Elizabeth Cockrell:  is the daughter of Jennifer and Brian Cockrell.  She is the granddaughter of Charter Member Brenda Poynter Rinehart, Queen XIV, Duchess of Dance IV and XI, and a past Board Member and of Charter Member Mike Poynter, King IV, Duke of Desire II,  and Paul Rinehart, King XVIII.   She is escorted by her grandfather, Paul Rinehart.  Hannah graduated from Byrd High School and now attends The University of New Orleans and plans to be a Clinical Psychologist with a focus on children and families.

Baylee Kathleen Laroux: is the daughter of members Brandi and David McManus.  Brandi is Dionysos Event Chair and was Duchess of Desire XV.  Baylee graduated from Natchitoches Central High School and now attends Northwestern State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  Baylee is escorted by Rick Calvert, King IX and Duke of Destiny VI.

Jacob Miller:  is the son of Dionysos Duke of Desire XXII and this year’s Duke and Duchess of Dance, Jeremy and Amanda Miller.  Jacob graduated from Natchitoches Central High School and attends Louisiana Tech in Ruston.  Jacob was escorted by his mother, Amanda Miller.

Kinley Parish Nugent:  is the daughter of Krewe members Lori and William Nugent.  Kinley graduated from Natchitoches Central High School.  She is now attending Central Louisiana Technical Community College in the nursing program.  Kinley was escorted by her father, William Nugent.

Jonah Daniel Stagg:  is the son of members Edwin and Rebecca Stagg.  Jonah graduated from Catholic High of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He is attending Louisiana State University majoring in Engineering.  Jonah is escorted by his mother, Rebecca Stagg.

Not Pictured:  

Logan Miller:  is the son of Dionysos Duke of Desire XXII and this year’s Duke and Duchess of Dance, Jeremy and Amanda Miller.  Logan graduated from Natchitoches Central High School.  

Mary Grace Long:  is the daughter of Charter Members Jimmy and Mary Ingram Long, Jr.  She is the granddaughter of Charter Member Ralph and Lucille Ingram.  Mary Grace graduated from Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts.  She is attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe majoring in Biology and Pre Dentistry.  

2022 Junior Court

Hunter Broadway:  is the grandson of Duke of Decadence, Shelby Borders and the nephew of Duchess of Destiny Brittany Borders.  Hunter attends Natchitoches Central High School.  After graduation he plans to attend Northwestern State University and will study to become a nurse anesthetist.  Hunter was escorted by Duchess of Destiny, his aunt, Brittany Borders.

Gracie Claire Chasteen:  is the daughter of member Holly Stroud.  Gracie attends St Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in International Trade.  Gracie was escorted by her mother, Holly Stroud.

Emily Elizabeth Horton:  is the daughter of members Leland Gray and Cherry Ingram Horton.  Her grandparents are Charter Member Ralph and Lucille Ingram and Charter Members Donald and Pat Horton, Queen XII and Royalty Chair.  Emily will graduate from Loyola College Prep and then attend the University of Monroe majoring in Biology.  Emily was escorted by her father, Leland Gray Horton.

Anna Kathleen Jackson:  is the daughter of Charter Members Dionysos King I, Tandy Eaton Jackson, and founding member Dionysos Captain III and IV, Barbara Jackson.  She is the granddaughter of Tandy and Eileen Jackson III.  Anna Kate will graduate from St Mary’s and attend Louisiana State University majoring in Mass Communications before attending Law School.  Anna was escorted by her father, Tandy Eaton Jackson, IV.

William Ingram Mayeux: is the son of members Chris and Michelle Mayeux.  His grandparents are Charter Member Ralph and Lucille Ingram.  William attends St Mary’s and will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in Chemistry.   William was escorted by his mother, Michelle Ingram Mayeux.

Abigail Nicole Hennigan: is the daughter of Alanna Nelson, Duchess of Destiny XV.  She is the granddaughter of Captain Jerry McElwee who has served as Captain 14-17 and Captain 21-24 and Darlene McElwee, Queen XX, Duchess of Destiny X, and serves on the Board. Abbi attends Red River High School and in the fall will attend Bossier Parish Community College pursuing a Physical Therapy Assistant degree. She was escorted by her grandfather, Captain Jerry McElwee who was King XI and Duke of Dance X.

Caylyn Somere (Summer) Peddy:  is the daughter of members David and Kirby Peddy.  Caylyn attends Natchitoches Central High School and plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in Biology. She was escorted by her father, David Peddy.

Sheridan Colleen Pesnell:  is the daughter of members Doug and Angela Pesnell, Duke and Duchess of Destiny XXI.  Sheridan will graduate from St Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana State University majoring in Marine Biology.   Sheridan was escorted by her father, Doug Pesnell.

Abigail Michelle Ramian: is the daughter of members Chad and Leslie Ramian.  Abigail is a senior at St. Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana State University majoring in Business Finance with a focus in financial trading.   Abigail was escorted by her father, Chad Ramian.

Madelyn Claire Spillman:  is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Yancy Spillman and Misty Dalme. She is the granddaughter of members Billy and Carolyn Benefield, Duke and Duchess of Destiny XXII.   Madelyn is a senior at Natchitoches Central High School and plans to attend Northwestern State University.   Madelyn was escorted by her grandfather, Billy Benefield.

Hunter Dale Willis:  is the son of member Jodi Howell.  Hunter attends St Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana Tech in the fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Hunter was escorted by his mother, Jodi Howell.

Not Pictured: 

Kylie Mae Bennett: is the daughter of members, Jeremy and Hillary Bennett.  Kylie will graduate from St. Mary’s and plans to attend an out of state University. She will study Psychology and then attend Law School.   

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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is currently hiring Registered Nurses in the following departments:

• Emergency Department: Full Time
• Insights (Behavioral Health): Full Time
• MedSurg: Full Time
• Urology Clinic: Full Time
• House Supervisor: Part Time (Weekends)
• OB/Perinatal: Full Time
• Quality Management: Full Time
• Surgery: Full Time

Required Education and Experience

1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
2. Current state Registered Nurse Licensure within state of Louisiana.
3. Current BCLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment. 
4. Current ACLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment. 
5. Current PALS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
6. Successful completion of arrhythmia course must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment. 

Offering Sign-On Bonuses • Great Salaries & Benefits

To view and apply to these openings, please visit: www.nrmchospital.org/jobs/.

If you have questions or would like to speak to our Recruiter, please contact Larissa Cameron at 318-214-5819 or at larissa.cameron@nrmchospital.org

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By Tommy Rush

Recently my grandson received a metal detector as a gift for his 12th birthday. I enjoyed watching him and one of his sisters searching for treasures in the pasture behind our old barn. They were both convinced the new metal detector was all they needed to find their fortune. Our dog, “Buddy” enjoyed the treasure hunt as much as the kids even though finding a bone or old shoe would have satisfied him for life. It was funny every time the metal detector started beeping to see the dirt start flying. I’m not sure who could dig faster, a seven year old with a shovel convinced she had found a treasure or the dog that find his greatest joy digging in the dirt!

The idea of buried treasure has captivated people’s attention from the beginning of time. I suppose the idea of finding something that could immediately change your life is the main motivator for most treasure hunters. A few years ago I watched a documentary about Mel Fisher a man known as the world’s greatest treasure hunter. His most famous treasure find was the Spanish ship, “The Atocha” that sank in1622. In1973 after 15 long years of searching, Fisher found the ship and all the gold, silver and valuable cargo sitting undisturbed at the bottom of the ocean where it had been sitting for over 300 years. The estimated value of the treasure he found that day was $450 million.

Some people like Mel Fisher devote their entire lives to searching for treasure. Others like a farmer in England stumbled by accident upon their great treasure. In 1992 this English farmer borrowed a neighbor’s metal detector to search for a lost hammer head that had flown off the handle. While searching in frustration for his old rusty hammer head, he found a wooden box with old metal hinges and a lock buried in the ground. When he opened the box he found it filled with gold coins and old jewelry estimated to be worth over $3.8 million. I’m thinking he probably bought a new hammer that afternoon!

Deep down inside of everyone is a treasure hunting heart. However most people simply don’t realize that the greatest treasure they really long for is not the silver and gold of this world, but a personal relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In Matthew 13:44, Jesus describes the blessing of salvation by telling the story of a man who found a hidden treasure in a field one day and after finding the treasure he hid it, went home and sold all that he owned in order to purchase the field where the treasure was located. Jesus said the man was filled with joy over the great treasure he had found. He also knew that nothing he possessed in this world could ever compare or be of greater value. He was willing to let go of everything to gain the one thing that mattered the most.

Today is a good day to consider the treasures of your heart. What are you searching for and what are you willing to let go of in order to have it? The things of this world will never compare to the great treasure of knowing God! And Jesus said, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds…” Matthew 7:7

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May 7, 1948 – January 12, 2022

Ronnie Russell Monroe passed away in Hammond, Louisiana, during the early morning hours of January 12, 2022, of complications arising from a series of chronic medical conditions. He was 73 years of age.

Ronnie was born on May 7, 1948 in Shreveport Louisiana, and raised for most of his youth near Montgomery Louisiana. He graduated in 1966 from Montgomery High School, where he excelled in athletics including basketball and baseball. He was an active member of Hargis Baptist Church during his youth, and participated in summer Bible school regularly, accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior through the church and was baptized at an early age.

He graduated with a BA in history and a minor in mathematics from Louisiana Tech University in 1971, and in 1985, obtained a Masters Degree + 30 hours in Education.

Ronnie was married to Paula Monroe on August 30, 1969, with whom he had his only child Russell Clayton “Clay” Monroe, in 1970. Although divorced in 1992, Ronnie and Paula spent much time together during the last 13 years of his life, living in Hammond, Louisiana, and helping to raise their two grandchildren, Wendy Paulina Monroe, age 13, and Tiberius Clayton Monroe, age 11. Prior to his death, he and Paula had cooperated very successfully in home schooling their grandchildren for four years.

Over his 35 year career as a high school math teacher, basketball coach, high school vice-principal, principal and athletic director, he touched the lives of hundreds of children by helping them establish a solid foundation in math, and teaching them the many virtues of competitive athletics. One of his most cherished memories was when, during his tenure as Athletic Director for Lakeview High School in Campti, Louisiana, the school basketball team went undefeated to win the Louisiana State Championship for their division. During his career he worked at Shady Grove High School, Hall Summit High School, Ashland High School, Martin High School, Center ISD in Center, Texas, and Lakeview Junior High and High School, retiring in 2007.

After leaving his high school basketball playing days behind, he excelled at his other true love of sports, the game of golf. He won the Coushatta Country Club Championship on two occasions in the 1980’s, and competed in many golf tournaments around the state, often with his good friend and brother in law, Rudolph V. “Red” Smith. He played into his early 60s until his medical conditions prevented him from continuing to do so, but followed the game enthusiastically on television for his entire adult life. He often talked of the enjoyment of playing golf with his brother Bill Monroe in Florida, and his excitement the year that Bill arranged for him and his son to attend a round of the Tournament Player’s Championship PGA event in Florida.

Ronnie’s other sports avocation was being avid hunter and fisherman during most of his life. He was also very proud of the experience he had gained in various jobs working his way through school and in his off time, including that of being a mechanic’s assistant for his father-in-law, Olyan Streeter, summer work as a carpenter, and also many years working as a part-time hay and cattle farmer in Red River Parish. After the birth of his second grandchild, he even came out of retirement for two years to assist his son as a receptionist in his law office, allowing the former receptionist, his daughter-in-law, Wanda Monroe, to enjoy a maternity leave and more easily care for his two grandchildren.

Ronnie was survived by his son, Russell Clayton “Clay” Monroe, husband of Wanda Lynn Wilson Monroe; his grandchildren Wendy Paulina Monroe and Tiberius Clayton Monroe; his former wife, Paula Streeter Monroe; his brother William H. “Bill” Monroe, his wife Carol Monroe, and their children Jason Monroe and Amy Monroe; his sisters Winnie Fern Land, widow of Bob D. Land, and their children Damon Land, Nathan Land, and Laura Land Broomfield; Phyllis Elizabeth Diffey, her husband Huey Diffey, and their children Eric Diffey and Layne Diffey (also parents of Jennifer Ann Diffey who predeceased them); and Kathleen “Kathy” Werntz, her husband David Werntz, and their children Myles Werntz, Sarah Werntz Crum and Evan Werntz. He was also survived by his brother-in-law, Rudolph V. “Red” Smith, widower of June Smith, and their children John David Smith and Kenneth Smith. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents William Columbus Fletcher and Laura Kelly Fletcher; and his paternal grandparents, Louis E. “Cowboy” Monroe and Katherine Dowden Monroe; his parents E.H. Monroe and Lorna Dale Monroe; his brother-in-law, Bob D. Land, his niece, Jennifer Ann Diffey, his sister-in-law, June Smith, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, other relatives and close friends.

Services will be conducted at Hargis Baptist Church in Montgomery, Louisiana, 1313 La. Hwy. 122, on Saturday January 15, 2022, visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., funeral at 1 p.m., with interment at the Hargis Cemetery to follow. Pall bearers are nephews John David Smith, Damon Land, Nathan Land, Layne Diffey, brother in law David Werntz, and friend Jimmy Dyson. Honorary pall bearers are Rudolph V. “Red” Smith, and Ronnie’s remaining nephews, Jason Monroe, Eric Diffey, Myles Werntz, Evan Werntz, and Kenneth Smith.

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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is currently hiring Certified Nursing Assistants in the following departments:

• Courtyard of Natchitoches: Full Time, Part Time, & PRN
• MedSurg: Full Time

Required Education and Experience

1. High School graduate or equivalent.
2. Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the State of Louisiana.
3. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification or must obtain within three (3) months of hire date.

Offering Sign-On Bonuses • Great Salaries & Benefits

To view and apply to these openings, please visit: www.nrmchospital.org/jobs/.

If you have questions or would like to speak to our Recruiter, please contact Larissa Cameron at 318-214-5819 or at larissa.cameron@nrmchospital.org

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Here is a look at the week of Jan. 16-22 at Northwestern State University.

Jan. 16-19 – Late registration for Spring 2022 semester

Jan. 17 – University closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Jan. 17 – MLK Day of Service

Jan. 18 – University reopens after Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Jan. 20 – Feb. 5 – “Carrying the Dream” exhibit, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, 800 Front St.

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Family Doctors of Natchitoches has an immediate opening

Position: Medical Receptionist

Status: Full Time

Qualifications: Excellent communication & customer service skills are required.  Positive & cheerful attitude a must. Experience with Electronic Medical Records is preferred.

Duties: Answering multiple phone lines, scheduling patient appointments, handling patient check in/outs and processing patient payments.

Send your resume
eMail: JFairClinic@aol.com
In-person: drop it off at 615 Bienville Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana

Family Doctors of Natchitoches is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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If there’s one thing that’s becoming apparent, it’s the impact the FLW (Forest L. Wood, founder of Ranger Boats) organization had on the bass fishing landscape. Today we’ll look at what made FLW so special and helped lay the ground swelling that occurred during the 1990’s up till now. FLW made bass fishing more popular than ever before with their approach and commitment to sponsors who were not really associated with the outdoors. Let’s first start with what it was like to fish tournaments in the 1990’s.

Tournaments back then were events, or usually benefits, for someone or something. Most of these were annual events that drew anywhere from 40 to 60 boats. There were only a couple of high-level fishing circuits like B.A.S.S. and the Red Man Tournament Trail (which was one step below B.A.S.S.). Available too, were Fishers of Men, and a few American Bass Angler (ABA) events. Another pro/am circuit, known as Angler’s Choice, was also a popular tour and even had a team trail you could follow. Then there was the FLW tournament trail that was making headway and growing in popularity at a rapid rate.

Of all these organizations I’ve mentioned, FLW was the one that changed the landscape in the late 90’s and has led us to where we are today. For years, B.A.S.S. (The Bassmaster Elite Series) was, and still is, THE place and the goal of every angler in America. They set the standard that all tournament organizations wanted to be and FLW opened the door and gave anglers another option to pursue their dreams of fishing professionally. FLW took sponsors to a whole other level with boat and truck wraps of major sponsors like Wal-Mart, Land of Lakes, Castrol Oil, Tide, M&M’s, Kellogg’s Cereal, and Folgers Coffee, to name a few. They brought in sponsors that were not necessarily associated with the outdoors and promoted them the same way NASCAR did it.

This was probably the best thing that ever happened for professional bass fishing! FLW decided to attack and establish a grass roots following by setting up a progression of tournament trails. That ladder started with the BFL’s (Bass Fishing League), a series of one-day events all across the country, designed as pro/am events for the working man or weekend warrior. If you did well on that level, you could then advance to fish a multi-day tournament trail called the Everstart Series which was similar to the B.A.S.S. Open Series. Then after this, if you were really good, there was the FLW Series, which was one step below fishing as a full-time pro. Success in that series would lead anglers to the pinnacle of the organization…. the FLW Tour.

With their approach, FLW had created an avenue for amateur anglers to pursue their dreams of fishing as a professional. The awesome boat and truck wraps drew visual attention and made it cool to be a bass angler. It invigorated young boys and girls to want to be a pro angler. FLW then started the College Series that caught fire nationwide as colleges and universities created fishing teams and some even offered scholarships. Then they went even further and started high school bass fishing which has gone viral and insured that there will be future generations to pursue a career as a professional bass fisherman.

The sad part of all of this is that FLW no longer exists, as Major League Fishing (MLF) purchased FLW in 2020. This was sad to see, as I personally had fished several levels with FLW and enjoyed all of them. The downfall of FLW was poor financial management. Anglers also started to figure out the payback for their events was not up to par with other organizations. Entry fees went up and the payback for certain tournaments was less than 60 percent. MLF is trying to re-establish these tours once again, but the payback is still an issue, especially for the BFL tour which has the lowest payback of any tournament trail of this level. Hopefully, the powers that be at MLF will recognize this and correct it because we will always need at least two major fishing organizations that give anglers an option. Remember, competition between organizations makes everything better for all anglers. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!!!

Steve Graf

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An MLK Day of Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 15. In honor of Dr. King’s service to humanity, please join us for one of the service activities we’ve coordinated for the MLK Day of Service. Select the activity of your choice by visiting the Signup Link.

The group with the most participants will earn lunch with Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr.

A team leader will reach out to you to provide a time and location of service activity prior to Service Day. For more details contact one of the organizers listed below:

Darrin Nixon: dnixon244917@nsula.edu
Brittany Broussard Blackwell: blackwellb@nsula.edu
Nicole Gray: nsgray@sbcglobal.net

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Rotary Student of the Month Lakeview Senior Zoie Britt was introduced by CMSgt. John Thomas and Lakeview Principal William Hymes at the Rotary luncheon on January 11. Britt was awarded a Rotary Scholarship sponsored by John Luster. Pictured from left are Rotarian Aaron Rogers, Thomas, Cheryl Britt (mother of Zoie), Britt, Thomas, and Rotarian Jessica McGrath (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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NATCHITOCHES:
Thelma LaCaze Coutee
April 18, 1927 – January 12, 2022
Service: Monday, January 17 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Ronnie Russell Monroe
May 7, 1948 – January 12, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 15 at 1 pm at Hargis Baptist Church, located at 1313 La. Hwy. 122 in Montgomery

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

SABINE:
Louis L. “PoPo” Crooks
August 25, 1935 – January 11, 2022
Service: Friday, January 14 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

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Student of the Year winners for the Natchitoches Parish School District for the 2021-2022 school year were chosen on Jan. 12. They are Peyton Helaire (5th grade-Natchitoches Magnet), Bryan Chen (8th grade-Natchitoches Magnet), and Anna Catherine Coleman (12th grade-Natchitoches Central High School).

Nominees for 5th grade included:
Genesis Conday- East Natchitoches
Connor Franks- Fairview Alpha
Grace Day- Goldonna
Kyleigh Greer- Marthaville
Caleb Bynog- NSU E-Lab
Eli Walker- Provencal

Nominees for 8th grade included:
Matthew Cherry- Goldonna
Traylyn Lofton- Lakeview Jr. High
Blaine Mitchell- Marthaville
She’Kinya Pipkin- Natchitoches Jr. High
Christian Frazier- NSU Middle Lab
Kendall Presson- Provencal

Nominees for 12th grade included:
Zoie Britt- Lakeview High School

Fifth grade winner Peyton Helaire is the daughter of Milton and Sonja Helaire. She has two brothers, Devin and Reese. Peyton is involved at her school, church, and in the community like participating in programs at the Campti Community Development Center.

Eighth grade winner Bryan Chen is the son of Ninja Chen and Lianzhi Feng. He has a brother, Albert Chen, and a sister, Andrea Chen. Bryan is a member of his school’s Mathcounts Club and has participated in several others.

Twelfth grade winner Anna Catherine Coleman is the daughter of Micah and Caron Coleman. She has one sister, Molly and one brother, Jude.  Anna Catherine balances her academics with work life with a job at Natchitoches Family Eye Care, her love for art, and various sports at NCHS.

The Student of the Year Interview Committee included Juanita Fowler, Dennis Breeland, Carmella McCart, Linda Page, Katrice Below, Reba Phelps, Sarah Dyson Mallette, and Corey Poole.

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Louisiana State Representative for District 22 Gabe Firment, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, and Louisiana State Senator for District 31 Louie Bernard enjoyed a tour of the North Louisiana Crime Lab with several District Attorneys from around North Louisiana. This state of the art facility handles over 14,000 cases per year and is critical to law enforcement and the judicial system for the 29 parishes it serves.

The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory provides forensic science services in the areas of Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence, DNA Analysis, Firearms Examination, Latent Print Examination, Physical Evidence Examination, and Forensic Toxicology.

Find more info here:
http://www.nlcl.org/about-us

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January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the FBI is asking media partners to help us share information to #EndTrafficking.

Combating human trafficking requires teamwork! Please help by sharing the attached graphic on your news outlet and/or social media with the hashtag #EndTrafficking.

The FBI investigates all forms of human trafficking, regardless of the victim’s age or nationality. Please visit fbi.gov/humantrafficking to learn how the #FBI works with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to recover victims and stop traffickers.

If you have a tip about a potential trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888.

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Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Natchitoches Parish Technical and Career Center will hold Parent Teacher Conferences on Friday, Jan. 14 from 8 AM – 3 PM. Students will not come to school on this day. Report cards will be given out on this day, as well. Along with report cards, your child’s Leap 2025 test scores will be attached with it.

Your child’s Leap 2025 test scores fall within four achievement levels: unsatisfactory, approaching basic, basic, and mastery. If your child made an approaching basic or higher on a Leap 2025 course, then he/she passed that test. If your child made unsatisfactory, he/she failed and will have to retake the test in the Spring.

Also, Leap 2025 is 15% of your child’s final grade. Depending on your child’s test scores, it either increased or decreased your child’s final grade for his/her Fall classes. Please remember that Leap 2025 does affect your child’s possibility of graduation.

If you are not able to attend Parent Teacher Conference, your child will receive their report card on Tuesday, January 18th. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call to the school to speak with myself or Mr. Benjamin.

Bobby Benjamin
NPTCC Principal

Chelsea Calhoun
NPTCC School Counselor

 

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St. Mary’s Catholic School will host an Open House on Wednesday, February 9th from 6:00-7:30pm 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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NATCHITOCHES – After a one-year hiatus, the annual Northwestern State Baseball Auction presented by Maison Louisiane returns Feb. 5.

The annual fund-raising event for the Demon baseball program will take place that Saturday inside the Student Union ballroom on the NSU campus.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for a social hour before the program begins at 7:15 p.m. Dinner will be served starting around 6:30 with the social hour continuing until 7:15.

In accordance with university regulations, guests will be asked to wear a mask when not eating or drinking.

The 2022 Demon baseball team will be introduced to the guests, who will enjoy a catered meal and will have an opportunity to bid on numerous auction items, including travel packages, sports memorabilia and more. Additionally, several former Demon players are expected to be in attendance and participate in a roundtable discussion about their post-NSU playing careers.

Corporate sponsorships are available for $500 and include a reserved table with eight seats, a mention of the sponsor in the program insert, a verbal thank you during the event, an exclusive gift from the NSU baseball team and premium event seating.

Individual seats are available for $25. Proceeds from the event benefit all areas of the Northwestern State baseball program, including the improvements at Brown-Stroud Field.

For more information on becoming a corporate sponsor, contact assistant coach Chris Bertrand at 318-357-4716.

Photo:  Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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