NATCHITOCHES:
Ms. Sylvia Morrow
Former City Councilwoman
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Shirley Carpenter
August 15, 2021
Service: Saturday, August 21 at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church, located at 1116 Amulet Street in Natchitoches

Melvin Walker
August 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Alice Williams
August 16, 2021

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The south end of Fish Hatchery Road between Highway 494 and the entrance to Beau Riviera Subdivision will be closed to traffic tonight through Friday morning due to heavy rainfall delaying work in this part of the resurfacing project.
Traffic should detour around the closed roadway section via Lateral Lane or the north end of Fish Hatchery Road.
Regional Construction is working to address isolated areas of the detour in order to make it more passable.
Weather permitting, the closed section of Fish Hatchery Road will be re-opened to traffic on Friday afternoon.

Natchitoches Parish Government Press Release

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MATCHUP: St. Mary’s Tigers vs. Westminster Academy (Opelousas) Crusaders

The 47th Annual St. Mary’s Catholic School Steak Supper fundraiser offers $50 tickets for a steak dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Tickets are available at the school’s front office today during school hours.

WHERE/WHEN: Friday, 6 p.m., St. Mary’s practice field, behind the school

RECORDS: Preseason scrimmage.

LAST GAME: Last game was in the 2020 season for both teams

NOTES: The Tigers have 30 players on the varsity squad, and are looking to build depth … not playing junior high football last fall has hampered development of young Tigers … St. Mary’s junior quarterback Adam Parker was honorable mention All-State and earned All-District in 2020 after throwing for over 1,500 yards once he became the starter going into the third game … SMHS has two outstanding receivers, senior Graeme Fidelak and sophomore Ethan Busby … Gavin LaGrange, a senior, anchors the offensive lineman, while Jaydyn Jackson is the featured running back … end Drake Griffin, linebacker Ben Bienvenu, and safety Mixon Bankston will lead the Tigers on the defensive side … sophomore Payne Williams could be as good a kicker as there is in Class A. He will also handle punting duties.

TIGERS COACH AARON YORK SAYS: “The work ethic of our kids has been outstanding. We push them pretty good and they work. We have 30 kids, and every day all 30 show up, and they have all summer. Our quarterback is going to be the guy this year. He’s our playmaker. He makes us go. Our biggest things are staying healthy and building depth. We have some really good freshmen, and a really good group of kids who are new to football. If we can get 4-5 of them to give us meaningful minutes, we’re going to be a tough out. We have 13 players who play offense, then they turn around around and play defense, and they play special teams. It’s Iron Man football.”

NEXT UP: The Tigers line up in jamboree competition against parish rival Lakeview at 6 o’clock next Friday night at Northwestern’s Turpin Stadium. St. Mary’s stays home to kick off the regular season, hosting Abbeville Sept. 3 at Turpin.

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By Tommy Rush

Recently my wife and I were shopping at Home Depot for a thermostat for our new heating and air-conditioning system. I know I’m about 20 years behind times, but I was dumbfounded by all the choices. We looked at “Smart Thermostats,” “Wi-Fi Thermostats,” “Programmable Thermostats,” “TouchScreen Thermostats,” and “Voice Activated Thermostats.” As the young man explained to my wife all the features of the “Smart Thermostat,” I was searching the isle for the little round one that you set with a dial. I’m sure they still exists somewhere, but I can already hear my electrician say, “Old thermostats will not work with new HVAC systems.”

Thermostats have changed a lot over the years, but the purpose is still the same. Thermostats are designed to set the temperature and maintain temperature. Thermostats are very different from thermometers. A thermometer is an instrument used to tell the temperature. They don’t set the temperature. Thermometers don’t change anything,

Today, I believe God is calling his people to be thermostats. We have enough thermometers. It seems every new’s report is a report of a world on fire. If we’re not careful our own conversations are all about the problems and how bad things are around us. I would rather be a thermostat than a thermometer. I honestly believe God’s people are called to be people who set the temperature more than complain about it. Nothing changes the temperature more than bringing the peace and presence of Jesus into our conversations and situations each day.

Two weeks ago I was encouraged by participating in our Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Few things can change situations faster than prayer. Prayer changes things! The next week, churches throughout our city and parish came together to pray for our local schools and the start of a new school year. I deeply appreciate Pastor Ail Harris, Jr. for organizing and calling pastors and churches in our community together for prayer. In the Throne Room of God, there are no politics or labels, only grace and peace. Prayer, better than anything I know controls the temperature of a home, a church, and a community.

We also control the temperature when we make the choice to demonstrate God’s love. God’s love is not like the world’s love. The world says love is a feeling. God says love is an action, a choice, it’s what we do. God’s love is patient, kind, not jealous, it does not brag or act unbecomingly, it does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, does not take into account wrongs suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with truth, a love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us. God’s love is a choice, not a feeling. We set the temperature when we choose to love others in Christ.

I would really like to be a better thermostat in my home and community. And if I could choose what kind of thermostat I would like to be, I would want to be “Voice Activated.” Activated every moment, in every situation by God’s voice!

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MATCHUP: Lakeview Gators vs. Lakeside Warriors

WHERE/WHEN: Friday, 6 p.m., Lakeside HS, Sibley

RECORDS: Preseason scrimmage

LAST GAME: Last game was in the 2020 season for both teams

NOTES: Both teams have small rosters (Lakeview has 37 players) so the scrimmage will be more of a practice format. The teams will start with an inside run session, then a 7-on-7 session, then a couple series of offensive and defensive plays in a full team format, hoping to keep both teams healthy …not playing junior high football last season, to help develop depth, was a setback for all high school programs and particularly at smaller schools …the Gators are looking for playmakers on the outside who can catch the 50-50 ball. The coaches feel good about their inside running game and quarterback play … Lakeview is having competition to find a kicker that may continue into the season.

LAKEVIEW COACH BRANDON HELMS SAYS: “I’ve been pleased with our young offensive linemen. We’ve got all juniors and one sophomore up front and they have really done a good job coming together. I’m really excited about Dillon Pikes at quarterback. He has some work to do in the passing game, but as far as being a leader, and being willing to stick it in there and get a tough couple yards, I’ve been impressed. I’m excited about our linebackers. We have three solid kids (Matt Howard, Kaleb Collins and Raymond Connell) who have a knack of finding the ball and they love to tackle. That’s the kind of aggression you don’t see nearly as much as you’d like these days, and we’ve got three of those guys.”

NEXT UP: The Gators square off against parish rival St. Mary’s at 6 o’clock next Friday night at Northwestern’s Turpin Stadium. Lakeview kicks off the regular season on Sept. 3 at Tensas Parish. The Gators were slated to open against Ringgold, but staff changes at that school led to cancellation of that game.

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This week, we continue our series on “My Unforgettable Co-Anglers” with another one of my worst nightmares. The thing I enjoy the most about fishing Pro/Am events is the amount of diversity among anglers. I’ve fished with guys from our region like Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and from as far away as New York, Florida, Georgia and Alabama, to name a few. Each of them had their own little quirks and different ways of doing things, but I’ve learned something from just about every angler that’s ever gotten into my boat. Just because they are fishing the co-angler side does not mean they don’t know how to fish. Some are really good anglers that fish as a co-angler simply because they can’t or won’t take the time off to scout for a tournament. Some don’t want to pay the higher entry fees to fish the Pro/boater side.

Let me set the stage for this event. It was the FLW BFL Regional Tournament with a full field of 200 boats on my home body of water…the mighty Red River. This particular event went out of the Red River South Marina just south of Bossier City… an absolutely awesome facility that has hosted several national events including the Bassmaster Classic twice. It was a two-day event with the top 5 earning a trip to the prestigious FLW All-American, the pinnacle of BFL anglers all across the country.

Now after day one I was sitting in 3rd place with a golden opportunity to make it to the All- American until I drew “Crack Head Joe” who was strung out so bad that he bit his tongue four times because he was talking faster than his mouth could move. “Joe” was an angler in his mid 50’s from the great state of Tennessee. This guy was a real treat who ran all over my boat like a rat on crack during an eight-hour period. Hyper does not even begin to describe his demeanor. He literally got into my boat shaking before takeoff that morning. I think he must have had twenty cups of coffee with a pound of sugar to boost his energy level past extreme! Now as I have noted, I like an angler or someone in my boat that I can carry on a good conversation with…an angler I can get to know on a personal level. Some have even become good friends of mine over the years. But this man from the Volunteer State has, nor will ever be on my Christmas card list.

As “Joe” and I headed out on day 2, I had a particular spot that I could catch a couple of good fish really early on my way to my main starting spot. On my first flip, I caught a 3 ½ pounder and as I was boating this fish, Joe decided to flip into the same spot in front of the boat (which is against the rules). Co-anglers are not supposed to cast past the boater/pro in front of the boat. Needless to say, I was not a happy angler and I made sure I reiterated the rule of not throwing past the front of the boat. But he was very apologetic as he hooked up and boated a 4 pounder out of the same hole where I just caught my 3 ½ pounder! So already frustrated, I pulled the trolling motor up and headed to another area I had further down the river. On my next stop and about four casts later, I set the hook on another 3 pounder. Well as I was reeling this fish in, I called for him to get the net for me, as he made another cast to the same spot! Once again, I scolded him and promptly reminded him about the rule of casting past the front of the boat. But I could tell that he was not hearing a word I said as he once again apologized and dropped another 2 pound in the live well. Now Joe was also a dancer of some kind because after every fish he boated, he would break out into some sort of Tennessee dance to the tune of “Rocky Top” on the back deck of my boat.

Now that “Joe” has my full attention and I’m so mad I could eat a fried shoe sole, I proceeded down a rock jetty flipping old pilings with a worm. Just a short time later (30 minutes) I set the hook on another good fish and once again ask for him to get the net. While I was fighting this fish, he threw a spinnerbait right by my ear and directly in front of the boat. Now I’m mad and so after I boated another keeper fish, I reach up and grabbed his fishing line and bit it into. He was shocked and the look on his face was priceless. He could not believe I just bit his line into! I told him that he had two choices the rest of the day. Either follow the rules and fish where he was supposed to or continue to break the rules and then I would make sure not to sign his weigh slip at the weigh-in which would have disqualified him from the competition. I WAS NO LONGER GOING TO BE A NICE GUY THE REST OF THIS DAY. FOLLOW THE RULES OR GET OUT OF MY BOAT! Needless to say, Joe straightened up with little to say the rest of the day, much to my pleasure. Now I’m not sure if me biting his line was the reason for his change in demeanor, or if the caffeine just finally wore off. But whatever the reason, he was a lot calmer.

To wrap up, I finished in 7th place and just missed the All-American by less than a pound. While it was still a great tournament and I was proud of how I fished, sometimes things just don’t always go as planned. Even with all the distractions of “Crack Head Joe” I maintained my composure and kept my head down and fished hard. In pro/am style events, you have no control over the co-angler you’ll be paired with. It’s simply the luck of the draw and sometimes you get a really good co-angler and sometimes you get one that you wish you could have left at the ramp. But it’s all good and it’s what makes pro/am tournaments so interesting. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live

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The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches learned about the Krewe of Dionysos today from their guest speaker, Jerry McElwee, krewe captain. McElwee discussed the upcoming Mardi Gras events, such as the coronation happening Saturday, August 21st.

Pictured from left are Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright, Club President Craig Caskey, and Krewe of Dionysos Captain Jerry McElwee.

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MATCHUP: NCHS Chiefs vs. Pineville Rebels

WHERE/WHEN: Friday, 6 p.m., Bates Stadium, Pineville

RECORDS: Preseason scrimmage

LAST GAME: Last game was in the 2020 season for both teams

NOTES: The Chiefs will get their first outside competition in the second year for coach James Wilkerson … the scrimmage’s first round will be scripted – 1s vs. 1s, junior varsity vs. junior varsity, freshmen vs. freshmen, then two live quarters of varsity matchups with some JV players sprinkled in … Caylin Demars has been the Chiefs’ best running back. He had a really good camp, starting to figure it out and looks explosive …. Linebacker Jason Jackson has been a leader throughout the offseason. Chiefs coaches are really looking forward to see what he’s going to do … Defensive end/linebacker Calvin Willis is playing a new position for him, and has really shown up in practice … Defensive end Corey Jefferson had a strong preseason camp as well … BJ Young is back at quarterback after starting eight games last year as a sophomore

NCHS COACH JAMES WILKERSON SAYS: “Looking forward to playing another opponent. We are eager to see if we can execute, do the little things right play-wise and technique-wise. We want to see our guys apply our rules on plays and line up correctly. This is when we want to make sure we have the basics down.”

NEXT UP: The Chiefs host their own Jamboree next Friday night at Turpin Stadium. NCHS kicks off the regular season on Sept. 3 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport against Woodlawn.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board is partnering with the LSU Health and Science Center to offer a voluntary weekly COVID-19 testing program in Natchitoches Parish Schools. Through this program, NPSB will offer the highest quality PCR testing available at no cost to teachers, staff, students, and families.

Keeping school buildings open depends on our ability to identify and take immediate action to address COVID-19 concerns on our campuses. By identifying infections early, weekly testing will help keep transmission low and students in school for in-person learning, sports, and extracurricular activities.

This voluntary program will allow NPSB to test both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and reduce the risk to our school community. Each week a trained healthcare team from LSUHS will visit each school to conduct the testing program using a short nasal swab. The samples will be couriered to the CLIA-certified laboratory and tested using PCR technology. Results will be delivered by text or email by the end of the following day and any individuals with positive tests will be contacted by LSUHS about next steps.

Every additional person tested reduces the chance of the virus spreading in our community. “As we begin this new school year, the health and safety of all students and staff remains our top concern,” says NPSB Superintendent, Dr. Grant Eloi. “We deeply appreciate your partnership and your commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy.”

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to LSUHS at 318-675-7588.

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Here is a look at the week of August 22-28 at Northwestern State University.

July 1 – August 27 — Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition, Orville Hanchey Art Gallery

August 22 – 24 – Late registration for fall semester

August 24 – NSU Presidential Search Committee Meeting, Magale Recital Hall, 1 p.m.

August 24 – Faculty recital featuring the music of composer Mark Mellits, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. *

August 26 – NSU ROTC Activation Ceremony, Student Union Ballroom, 3:30 p.m.

August 27 – Closing reception for Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition, Orville Hanchey Art Gallery, 5 p.m.

* Livestream available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream

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Northwestern State center Larry Owens will be a focal point as the only five-year player in the Demons’ program, and Owens got to test out his leadership skills on a recent basketball trip to Belize.

Owens entrenched himself as a leader on a 10-man basketball roster through Sports Reach, a Christian group that put together athletics trips across the globe.

He posted double-doubles in four of his five games in Belize this month against area competition which included one professional basketball player and one professional volleyball player.

“It was my first time outside of the United States, and the experience was wonderful getting to know the other nine guys,” said Owens, who added that players came from all three NCAA levels as well as NAIA. “We still keep in touch with each other.

“It was tough at our first practice in Elite Camp because nobody was talking. I said we’ve got to talk. And after two days of me telling them to talk, talk, talk, we started gelling and connecting. That carried into the games in Belize, and everybody started having fun and playing better.”

Sports Reach won all five of its games, but the benefit reaches far beyond victories on the court.

Aside from seeing competition outside of the NSU program, Owens morphed into a guidepost for the group.

“Larry spent basically three weeks at the training camp and in Belize, and it’s a great benefit for him to meet other people and take on that leadership role,” said NSU coach Mike McConathy. “I think it’s helped him grow, and hopefully it will carry over to his own team.

“Anytime you can experience success, it’s breeds more success. Some might ask if the competition was up to this level, but if a young man or young lady goes out and scores and rebounds and plays well, the confidence factor is enormous.”

Owens has already established himself as a leader on a roster with six newcomers, including four transferring from other colleges.

NSU athletics trainer Zachery Standiford served as the team’s daily medical presence, and he said Owens ramped up his leadership abilities starting in July with the newcomers’ arrival.

“I’ve seen him grow so much as a leader, and he’s more willing to take guys under his wing,” Standiford said. “People want to hear a different voice, and he’s a good voice to listen to.

“He’s been through it all in five years of Division I basketball, and he was one of the better in Belize, so he was a good leader for the group and the team.”

Owens thrust himself into a full-time starting role this past season, averaging seven points and four rebounds as the 6-foot-7, 300-pound center solidified his role on the team.

The Monroe native said he already can sense the new NSU group forming tighter bonds than past teams, which garnered consecutive No. 4 seeds and won a game in each of the past two Southland Conference Tournaments.

“We feel like we’ve been doing a pretty good job of getting the new guys involved, and we’ve got to connect more and be more of a team,” Owens said. “We were a team last year and did pretty good, but off the court, we weren’t as much of a team.

“It takes somebody stepping up and being a leader. Myself and other seniors like LaTerrance Reed and Brian White are doing that.”

Basketball wasn’t the only activity in Belize.

The group visited Mayan ruins and ziplined through the jungle in between practices and games.

“It was fun,” Owens said. “We also had team time where we talked about the Lord and told our own stories.

“I got to know the guys well, and I got to know (Standiford) a lot better, too. That was my favorite part. You open your eyes over there because the people don’t have much. All they have is basketball and volleyball, and you see their struggle. Once they finish high school, they have to find a way. It made me realize, ‘Man, we’ve got it easy where we’re from.’ When they do find jobs, they’re usually working for three dollars an hour, and we might make 12 or 13 dollars over here. It’s something that sticks with you.”

Owens and the Demons open the season Nov. 6 at Oklahoma and Nov. 7 at Tulsa before opening at home with Champion Christian on Nov. 13.

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Music, food, friends, in a beautiful, big-air conditioned venue, and it’s free? That’s how the upcoming 2021 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration begins its three-day party next Thursday, Aug. 26.

The La Capitol Federal Credit Union Welcome Reception is free and open to all from 5-7 p.m. inside the world-class Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, located at the Front Street traffic circle.

The Welcome Reception offers a casual vibe with tasty hors d’ouevres, refreshing drinks, lively music and the chance to meet and mingle with the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 inductees and their family members as they arrive to begin the three-day Induction Celebration next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

La Capitol FCU is the longest-standing corporate partner for the Hall of Fame’s annual festivities, hosting the welcome reception every year since the inductions returned to Natchitoches in 2003. Since the Hall of Fame museum’s grand opening in 2013, the party’s started in the two-story, 27,500-square foot facility whose design has drawn worldwide architectural acclaim.

The Aug. 26 evening reception provides guests the chance to see the new display items honoring the 2021 inductees, while meeting the sports heroes and socializing. There’s no need to dress to impress – this is not a coat-and-tie evening.

It’s the first of seven events. There’s also a free Rockin’ River Fest concert Friday night, Aug. 27, featuring one of Louisiana’s top country rock bands, Parish County Line. Also free of charge for kids – the LSHOF Junior Training Camp on Saturday morning, Aug. 28.

For information on all the events and registration (required for the camp), visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255. State COVID-19 protocols will be observed during each indoor event during the weekend.

The 2021 LSHOF inductees are headlined by New Orleans Saints star receiver Marques Colston, Major League Baseball All-Star Rickie Weeks from Southern University, and three of LSU’s greatest competitors – basketball’s Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, football stalwart Glenn Dorsey and national-champion track coach Pat Henry.

The LSHOF Class of 2021 also showcases Natchitoches native and 1980 Bassmaster Classic champion Villis “Bo” Dowden, chosen as one of the 35 greatest pro anglers of all-time in a joint ESPN Outdoors/BASS package in 2004.

Baton Rouge native Courtney Blades Rogers, considered one of college softball’s best pitchers of all time at Nicholls and Southern Mississippi, is the second player from her sport to be inducted. Another inductee is Terry McAulay, a Hammond native who in a 20-year NFL officiating career refereed three Super Bowls, and is now the NBC Sports officiating analyst for Sunday Night Football and Notre Dame football. McAuley is the 2021 winner of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

Inducted as winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism will be trailblazing New Orleans television sports anchor Ro Brown, former Northwestern State sports information director and longtime Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland. and Baton Rouge Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles.

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The St. Augustine Catholic Church will present a Jazz Concert with Cane River roots featuring The Bridge Trio on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 pm. For more information call 318-379-2521. Please park on the South lawn. No parking on the riverbank.

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Two Northwestern State University art professors are bonded for life after Matt DeFord donated a kidney to his long-time friend and mentor Michael Yankowski, an act that both agreed was sanctioned by divine intervention.

The two have been friends since DeFord joined the faculty at NSU in 2005. The surgeries took place at the John C. McDonald Transplant Center at Willis Knighton North in Shreveport July 16. With the procedure a month behind them, DeFord and Yankowski were recovering at home in different ways. DeFord is on medical leave until Aug. 30. Yankowski will be on medical leave the entire semester and is checking up with his doctors twice a week. Both were following orders from their physicians and from their wives, Julie DeFord and Joanne Yankowski.

Speaking via Zoom, the two discussed healing, maintaining a sense of humor in the face of pain and how this act of generosity affected them and their families. The discussion has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Yankowski: Matt, you look comfortable. Are you lying in bed?

DeFord: I’m in bed. I still can’t sit up for very long.

Yankowski: Well, it is exhausting. My appetite is still a little wonky. There are certain things I can eat and can’t eat. Of course, by the time I’m done taking 30 pills, I’m full. I’ve got to stretch them out over about 12-hour or 24-hour period and I’ve got to drink so much water, I’m always full. Full of pills and water.

DeFord: When I walk and sit down for a little while, I’ll just start sweating because of the pressure going on. It’s my ab muscles because they went right through my abs. Since I came home, I’ve lost about 25 pounds and I think a lot of it is muscle. I think about where I was four weeks ago and I’m so thankful for healing.

Yankowski: My worry is all about whether the kidney survives. These anti rejection drugs, that’s what most of the pills are, because I can’t be exposed to anything or it could reject. But they said I got this Mercedes Benz kidney from you. I told them, “Man, he’s a Mormon. He doesn’t drink. He doesn’t drink coffee. He eats healthy. He’s perfect. A 48-year-old guy.’ I traded up.

DeFord: I wasn’t sure if they would do it, but I have pictures, if you want. I don’t know if I told you, Yanko, but I put on Facebook, ‘I have a picture of my kidney, which is a beautiful kidney apparently, and I will Message it to you if you want.’ And there were about 30 people —

Yankowski: That wanted to see it? They are — what do you call it — gawkers at an accident. They took a picture of it going into me.

DeFord: That’s the best picture. It’s got your open cavity. That’s the gross part, but it kind of shows the shape better. He said it was a beautiful kidney.

Yankowski: I didn’t know I had a kidney problem until about two years ago. I went up to the Northwest Nephrology Clinic. They looked at the biopsy reports and said ‘We’re putting you on the list today. You’re going to need a kidney, if not now, soon.’ It takes six years to get a normal kidney by the time you go through the wait. You’re waiting for a cadaver. That’s when I started to think this was pretty serious. I never really talked about it to anybody because I felt great. I never felt ill. But I talked to a few people that might be concerned and I figured, ‘Matt’s department head. He should know what’s up.’ So, I just casually mentioned it in the hallway. I said ‘By the way, it looks like I’m going to need a new kidney.’ As I recall, Matt said, ‘Wow, that’s pretty interesting.’ And he came back the next day and said, ‘Well, I’ve been thinking about it. I’ll do it.’ Just like that. Then he asked me my blood type.

DeFord: They had the LifeShare bus on campus and I went to donate blood and get my blood type and it turns out I’m a universal donor.

Yankowski: Then we both had to go through a bunch of tests [for tissue compatibility] so we both had that done over the next several months. Finally, they said, ‘Well, you’re a good one, and, holy smokes, Matt came to bat. He’s a superhero.

DeFord: I had to go through a lot of prayer, too, because I’ve got a lot of kids. I guess I’ve learned different ways to talk to the Lord and I just said ‘Look, if I’m not supposed to do this, don’t make me a match.’ I felt like if I was a match, I had a responsibility because my health is good and his health is good except for the kidney, so I knew that it would be a success both ways because he would take care of my kidney and I would take care of myself afterwards. I thought ‘Why not? Let’s just do this.’ I’d hate to see Michael on dialysis. When he went in for the procedure, Michael had 13 percent kidney function.

Yankowski: I’m on the way out the door right then. And they left those old ones in. They’re still there. They’re still doing a little bit of something but not much and I’m sure eventually they will break down completely. I’m now at 53 percent. It’s all positive.

DeFord: That’s so good. You make me cry, Michael. I’m so glad.

Yankowski: My wife Joanne is my coach and my warden. You can’t do it if you don’t have a significant helper and she tracks everything. We go to the doctors and she takes notes and keeps the charts and then comes home and reviews the charts and tells me where I stand.

My family didn’t know [about the diagnosis] because I don’t usually talk about myself that much. I think I mentioned it to my brothers, and they said ‘Well, you probably don’t want mine.’ They are older and they just didn’t have the healthy kidney like Matt. But they are so grateful. Everybody’s so grateful for Matt. Now, we’re brothers. My brother says now you’re his brother, too, because of this addition to my family. Little Matt is what I call it.

DeFord: Is it the Frank Sinatra song ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin?’ I’ve been under his skin for years. It made me feel really good when I got interviewed by the dietician. She came out of the room and yelled into the hallway, ‘This is the best candidate we’ve ever had!”

Yankowski: They said that to me, too! It was good timing and it just all worked out perfectly.

DeFord: I’ve heard from his whole family. I’ve received cards and flowers and all sorts of things. It’s been really humbling. When I came home, I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t realize how hard. The first few days were really difficult. I came home and this big bouquet of flowers came, a huge, beautiful bouquet, and it was from Michael’s two daughters and I just busted out crying. I thought, ‘He’s a dad and a grandpa. I’m so glad I did this.’ Hearing from his brother and his sister was humbling.

Yankowski: I broke down when I saw the picture of the kidney. Holy smokes. I just couldn’t take it. Quite the blessing. Anybody who does this is a hero, but to know the friend — a personal friend — and have it just work out? All these coincidences were divine intervention. Everything seemed to fall right into place. The timing, health-wise, the markers, everything. There is a certain virus that about 60 percent of the population has in their system and we both have it. Because we both have this virus is another way to be a match. And it’s ecumenical.

DeFord: I was hoping you would say this. Explain why it’s ecumenical.

Yankowski: Well, my nephrologist is a Hindu. He said I’ve got great karma, because I have all these friends. He said, ‘Whatever you did well is coming back to you.’ Matt is a Mormon. I’m a Catholic. My surgeon was Egyptian and his surgeon was a Kurd and I think they both must be Muslim, so it’s like ‘Let’s all get together.’

DeFord: Bring the world together. I love that. I have to bring up Julie because I was really emotional afterwards, too, because it’s a really hard thing and I was so amazed at how everything went. One day when we were still in the hospital and I was like ‘I could not have done this without you.’ She stayed with me the whole time at the hospital. She took good care of me. She made sure I was getting up and walking when I didn’t want to. She makes sure I don’t overdo it. I kind of went over her head a little bit. I said, ‘Hey, Michael needs a kidney and I’m going to go get my blood tested.’ Once it was a match she said, ‘Are you going to do this?’ and I said ‘Let’s give it a try. I hope it’s OK with you. I don’t have any history of problems in my family like that and you don’t either and our kids probably don’t, so it should be OK.’ The doctor told me I just can’t get stabbed or shot in that area anymore. I have to watch out for muggings.

Yankowski: There is a backup. If you donate an organ, you go to the top of the list if you need one. So there’s that — but who wants to go through that?

DeFord: I didn’t tell my kids until it was for sure and we were going to go for it. I didn’t want them to worry. I’ve had little kids in the house for a long time but now is the perfect time because I don’t have any that are going to run and jump in my lap. The timing was perfect also because I just stepped down as head of the department.

Yankowski: Joanne is really super. She’s right there and she makes it happen. She takes me twice a week to the doctor. If I need something she goes and gets it and puts up with me when I’m a little grumpy – well, little is an understatement. Joanne is a positive person. I wake up and she’s smiling and says, ‘What do you need?’ and takes care of me and nags me if I don’t drink enough water and nags me about remembering my vitamin. She’s right there. Apparently, as grumpy as I am, it’s better than me not being here.

DeFord: We’d rather have you grumpy than not here. Michael takes new faculty under his wing and has been my mentor this whole time. Even when I was head of the department, he would come in and mentor me. He’s been a part of my kids’ lives, too. They know him, my parents know him.

Yankowski: What goes around comes around. You’re a good friend and you’ve paid me back.

DeFord: He was probably head of my tenure committee, too.

Yankowski: I certainly was. I was on the committee to hire you and knew we had a winner. I didn’t hire you just for your kidney, honestly. I didn’t know about it back then. We’ve been good friends and we work well together. It’s a very tight department, too. All of us are supportive of each other and the university was very helpful. Matt’s got the tougher end because, even though I go to the doctor twice a week, he can’t do sit ups. He won’t be hiking the Appalachian Trail anytime soon. But everything aligned. It was God’s intervention, step by step. I never really had any worries about it. I just thought it was going to work.

DeFord: I didn’t have any worries either. I just went forward. People asked, ‘Are you nervous?’ I got nervous when they put the IV in me and rolled me into the operating room.

Yankowski: Me, too. That was the only time I got nervous. It’s all such a blessing when you think about what happened to me with Matt’s help. It’s a miracle. I’ve got everybody in the community praying for me, through my church, through the Knights of Columbus, through acquaintances and at Northwestern. Holy smokes, I can’t go wrong with all this support.

DeFord/Yankowski post-op: NSU Professors of Art Matt DeFord, left, and Michael Yankowski ran into each other at a follow-up doctors appointment two weeks after DeFord gave a kidney to Yankowski, his long-time friend and mentor.

Two illustrations are by Matt DeFord, pre- and post-op

2,139 Words!  

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WINN:
Cory Ray Austin
March 01, 1984 – August 16, 2021
Service: Friday, August 20 at 10 am in the Garden of Memories Cemetery

Mary Fuller Rowlan
August 27, 1946 – August 16, 2021
Service: Friday, August 20 at 2 pm at Hasley Cemetery

Shirley Carpenter
August 15, 2021
Service: Saturday, August 21 at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church, located at 1116 Amulet Street in Natchitoches

Melvin Walker
August 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Alice Williams
August 16, 2021
Arrangements TBA

RED RIVER:
Louise Cox Glover
February 13, 1927 – August 18, 2021
Service: Friday August 20 at 11 am at Springville Cemetery

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Northwestern State University’s College of Business and Technology hosted a remembrance ceremony Aug. 13 for four members of the faculty who passed away in the past year. Fred Clark, William “Phil” Habig, Dr. Ted Jones and Dr. John G. Williams were honored through personal tributes and the dedication of four trees outside Russell Hall.

NSU Interim President Dr. Marcus Jones said the occasion paid tribute “to colleagues who are no longer with us but whose vast contributions to Northwestern and the College of Business will positively impact the university for generations to come.”

Provost Dr. Greg Handel, Dr. Danny Upshaw, associate professor of business; and past presidents Dr. Chris Maggio and Dr. Jim Henderson offered remarks, which began with an invocation by Student Government Association President Tja’h Edwards. Each talked about their personal and professional relationships with the four honorees who were teachers, mentors, advisors, colleagues, friends, men of inspiration and representatives of Northwestern.

Clark (1931-2021) was a native of Coushatta who graduated from NSU at age 18 and served during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Germany, his assignment included teaching fellow soldiers, most of them older and more senior in rank. After being honorably discharged, he earned a graduate degree in education and began his corporate career with Agriculture Chemicals of Dallas. He and his young family relocated a couple of times before settling in Baton Rouge where he served as director and treasurer for American Republic/Fidelity National Corporation. While there, he sat for and passed his CPA exam on the first attempt.

In 1968, he began a long career in the sugar cane business. He served as director and treasurer of Cinclare Sugar Plantation in Brusly and president and CEO of Sterling Sugars in Franklin. At Sterling, he directed significant expansions in the farming and milling operations, processing record cane tonnage on a near annual basis, while keeping order among a diverse and colorful board of directors. Following his retirement from Sterling Sugars, he was tapped by Gov. M.J. “Mike” Foster to chair the Louisiana Parole Board for eight years.

Clark returned to his alma mater as executive in residence for the College of Business, a full faculty member and fund raiser. He was inducted into the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction. During his long career, he served as director of Commercial Bank in Franklin, president of the American Sugar Cane League and held ownership in finance companies, fencing establishments and rental properties.

Habig (1945-2020) was born and raised in Long Beach, California, and lived most of his life in Belmont Shore. He was an alumnus of Pepperdine University, Navy Reserve Seaman and held an MBA. He retired from IBM after a 30-year career in sales and marketing, after which he and his wife Kym had a successful gift retail store. He was about to begin a second career at California State University in Long Beach when his wife talked him into selling everything and moving into a motorhome and traveling throughout the country on a full-time basis. They moved to Natchitoches in 2005 just in time for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Habig was an instructor of marketing and salesmanship for 15 years, where he loved teaching and engaging with his students, and with his wife opened Cane River Kitchenware.

Habig enjoyed crossword puzzles, adventure novels, grabbing a beer with family and friends, morning coffee with the newspaper, telling corny jokes, sitting on the porch with a martini in a homemade glass watching Cane River and puttering around the house. He loved to go on family trips and include as many of his children as possible. He was an amazing teacher and father and his wacky dance moves could light up any room. Throughout his life enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, boating, woodworking, motorcycling through Baja, Mexico, working on cars and going to the gym with his workout buddies. He served as president of Rotary Club of Natchitoches and president of the Long Beach Ski Club, dubbed “Phast Phil.”

Favorite memories of his children include walking as a family to get sushi on 2nd Street, learning to ski at Big Bear and Mammoth, road trips in the blue 80s minivan, knowing he was always there for them and getting in trouble for driving his sacred Mustang. He loved and doted on his wife and was always chuckling. His family compared him to salmon, because no matter what or how hard the current, he just kept swimming.

Jones (1934-2019) was a prominent attorney and lobbyist. He was born in Tifton, Georgia, and raised by his grandparents. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed for most of his service at England Air Force Base in Alexandria. Thereafter he funded the entirety of his own education, culminating with a Master of Law (LL.M.) in taxation from Georgetown University Law Center and embarked on an illustrious 50+ year career in law and politics that would see him play music on the campaign trail for Earl K. Long and play with and represent some famous musicians such as Gov. Jimmie Davis and Merle Haggard, having twice also backed Elvin Presley on the Louisiana Hayride before he became a star.

Over the course of his career, Jones held a number of public sector legal and policy positions with the state and the federal government. He also represented several U.S. congressmen and senators, U.S. presidential and state gubernatorial candidates, Louisiana governors and a multitude of public authorities. He also represented the State of Louisiana and City of Baton Rouge for several years in Washington, D.C., and secured significant federal appropriations on behalf of each. He once successfully lobbied federal legislation enabling LSU football season ticketholders to deduct at least some portion of their ticket payments to the Tiger Athletic Foundation each year. Jones got involved with the Washington, D.C., Mardi Gras Ball in the early 1960s and became a Senior Lieutenant in the Mystic Krewe of Louisianians in 1980. He was also a member of the Sugar Bowl Committee from 1984-2011, inducted into the Thumbpickers (music) Hall of Fame in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, in 1999 inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2007. He was honored as a Louisiana Legend by LPB in 2018.

Jones was an adjunct professor of tax law at Southern University from 1983-1989 and, at death, held the Charles D. Ragus Endowed Chair in the School of Business at NSU as a full-time member of the faculty. He was dearly loved by his family and by countless others whose lives he impacted in meaningful and lasting ways. He had more friends than any of his family members could count. He was a true patron of Louisiana whose kindness, positive influence and important work will continue to be felt from the Gulf Coast to the nation’s capital.

Williams (1944-2020) was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up on Cane River in Natchitoches. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School where he played baseball and basketball. He studied agriculture at LSU before entering Tulane Law School. In 1968, he graduated from law school, passed the bar exam, got married and entered the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Judge Advocate General. He returned to Natchitoches in 1973 to practice law, served as assistant district attorney and taught in the College of Business at NSU. He was a member of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and served as lector for many years. He was also a founding member of the Dirty Dozen Social Club.

Williams was a great husband, father, friend and storyteller. He cheered for LSU, NSU and the Saints and never got tired of watching John Wayne movies. He was proud of his military service and his hometown. He greatly enjoyed teaching over the course of 47 years, sometimes teaching the children and grandchildren of former students. He loved travelling across the country as well as abroad with his family.

The NSU Brass Quintet and Professor of Music Michael Rorex contributed to remembrance program, which also included a poetry reading by Annabelle Parker, president of the Student Advisory and Outreach Board. Dr. Carmella Parker was principal organizer of the event.

The four magnolia trees planted in memorial of Clark, Habig, Jones and Williams border the Barry Smiley Memorial Plaza, also named in honor of a former business dean and professor.

Pictured:  Annabell Parker, president of NSU’s College of Business Student Advisory and Outreach Board, read a poem during a remembrance program honoring deceased business faculty Fred Clark, Phil Habig, Ted Jones and John G. Williams. In the background are four magnolias planted in their memory adjacent to Russell Hall.

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International Paper Foundation, through the Mansfield Mill, has donated $9,000 to the Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) Natchitoches and $9,000 to the Sabine Valley Campus.

Thanks to the generous ongoing support of the International Paper Foundation, students enrolled in CLTCC’s Industrial Manufacturing Technology and Electrician Technology programs will have access to state-of-the-art precision tools and trainers, which will very closely simulate that used in local business and industry. These new tools and trainers will provide for hands-on, practical learning experiences.

“The collaboration with IP is vital to the success of the programs offered at CLTCC. IP serves an integral role in helping to develop courses that are relevant to today’s jobs. With machinery rapidly evolving, this type of deeper engagement with industry partners is critical to address workforce needs and opportunities,” said CLTCC Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle.

“We are extremely grateful to receive such a generous donation from IP,” said Natchitoches Campus Dean Laurie Morrow. “IP is a strong partner and friend to technical education and continues to support our students with their finances, time, and business expertise.”

Sabine Valley Campus Dean Gwen Fontenot added, “With the help of IP, we are able to purchase highly programmed electronic equipment for the training lab that resembles what is seen in many industrial firms in the region. Students practice troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining various parts needed to keep the machine running smoothly and effectively, as well as enhance their communication and writing skills. We are proud to provide IP with a talent pool of graduates who are ready to succeed in the workforce.”

According to Morrow, IP has hired CLTCC Manufacturing and Electrician Technology students, served on the advisory committee for various campus programs, and conducted mock interviews to help prepare students for real job interviews.

“Our hope is that these precision tools will enhance the overall learning experience for CLTCC students,” said Michael Stewart, Supervisor, Balance of the Plant, Mansfield. “We

understand the importance of providing students workplace-based learning to prepare them to enter the workforce.”

CLTCC offers the Advanced Manufacturing Technician program at its Natchitoches Campus along with support programs such as Air Conditioning/Refrigeration and Welding. CLTCC Sabine Valley offers Electrician Technology and Welding.

For information about enrollment at CLTCC, visit http://www.CLTCC.edu/apply. For more information, contact the school via email at info@cltcc.edu or call 800-278-9855.

Pictured: CLTCC Chancellor, Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle, Natchitoches Campus Dean Laurie Morrow, International Paper Balance of Plant Supervisor Mike Stewart

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Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA), a regional non-profit organization focused on heritage conservation and economic development, announced on Aug. 18 its acquisition of the former Hancock-Whitney Bank building located at 4115 University Parkway. The property will serve as the new headquarters for the organization and future home of the Cane River Discovery Center.

Currently located at 1115 Washington Street, the Cane River NHA team will relocate to the new headquarters by the end of 2021. “Since its creation in 1994, this organization has focused on creating partnerships and programs that leverage preservation, enhance education and drive economic development primarily through heritage tourism in the Cane River region,” remarked Board Chairman David Dollar. “In more than just a symbolic way, we’re returning to the pre-colonial route of the El Camino Real corridor which connected the Spanish, French, Native Americans, and Africans to Natchitoches, and in doing so, we will become part of the recent and future tourism developments along the Hwy. 6 corridor,” continued Dollar.

Positioned near the newly developed Parc Natchitoches recreation complex, the Grady Erwin Nature Preserve, and the Dark Woods Adventure Park, the new headquarters location will strengthen visibility for the Cane River National Heritage Area and its projects. “The opportunity for CRNHA to acquire, renovate and repurpose this property comes at a strategic time for us. As we look to the future of the heritage tourism industry in the Natchitoches area, it’s important that we identify new markets and potential products we can help develop to expand tourism in the region as well as enable our organization’s growth,” remarked Rebecca Blankenbaker, CRNHA Executive Director. “Public history, cultural conservation, and historic preservation will always be cornerstones of our work, and with this new facility, we will be able to showcase that work better as well as execute our vision of expanding outdoor recreation and conservation in the region.”

“We are delighted that this new space will also allow us to design and introduce a unique and authentic- to-Cane-River, Discovery Center — a “go-to” destination where people living in or visiting Natchitoches — can spark their imaginations about our rich history, unique cultures, and outdoor recreation,” said Blankenbaker. “With this new property, we are even better positioned to work with partners to develop and offer new options, including an even more textured, enjoyable, and memorable experience of the Cane River region.”

Plans for the Discovery Center are in the beginning stages, with projected completion by Winter 2023. “This is legacy work that we’re doing,” said Dollar, “and the Cane River Discovery Center is a legacy project that the people of Natchitoches will be able to enjoy and take pride in for generations to come.”

Congress created the Cane River National Heritage Area in 1994 to recognize and protect the region’s diverse and nationally significant heritage. Since that time, the Heritage Area team has used a grassroots, community-driven approach to further heritage conservation and economic development in the Natchitoches area. By cultivating public-private partnerships, the Cane River National Heritage Area has invested more than $5.9 million in funding to support 375 projects in the region in critical areas, including Historic Preservation, Cultural Conservation, Outdoor Recreation & Conservation, Capacity Building, and Heritage Tourism.

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BOMFS was excited to donate pencils to the Pre-K students at NSU’s Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center. Pictured here is BOMFS’ Jennifer Campbell and CDC Director/4 year old teacher Faith Stanfield.

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POSITION: Natchitoches Regional Airport Laborer – 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, troubleshoot 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. One year of related experience is preferred.

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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