Northwestern State University recognized Col. Jeffrey C. Mathews for his military service during Saturday’s football game. Known on campus as Dr. Mathews, he is NSU’s director of bands and associate professor of music in the School of Creative and Performing Arts.

Mathews has over 36 years of service in the Army and Air National Guard. He is the former commander and conductor of the Band of the Gulf Coast, Texas Air National Guard and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan. He is currently the chief of Air National Guard Bands for the National Guard Bureau.

Mathews military schooling includes the Academy of Military Science, Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. His awards include Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Mathews is a native of Bossier City and a 1990 graduate of Northwestern State where he was drum major for the Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band and a member of Phi Mu Alpha and Sinfonia. He holds a Master of Music Education from the University of North Texas. In 2006, he was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mathews and his wife Kristine Coreil, a professor of music at NSU, have two daughters, Devon and Lauren.

Pictured: Col. Jeffrey Mathews, right, was honored by NSU and congratulated by NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio at the March 6 football game.

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POSITION: Full time parts desk clerk

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be willing to work full time, pass a drug test, have reliable transportation, and basic computer knowledge.

EDUCATION: N/A

CONTACT: Weeks Tractor, 1790 Hwy 3175 Bypass, Natchitoches, La.; 318-238-9882

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2021

WEEKS TRACTOR IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Pick Up Your Brush painting class on Thursday, March 11 and 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The fee is $45 per session. Each date is a separate session.

In the class, participants will learn the art of painting using step-by-step instructions to create a masterpiece. Students will take home a completed painting at the end of every class. Participants will paint a spring daisy on March 11 and a spring nest on March 25. No special or prior skills are required. Children ages 7 – 12 years old are allowed to enroll, but a parent must accompany the child the entire class. The parent does not have to enroll unless they participate. All supplies are included.

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

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NATCHITOCHES:
Lola Moses Anderson
March 13, 1948 – March 8, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Sharlyne Brown
September 8, 1970 – March 7, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Stephen “Bumpy” Hudson
May 5, 1996 – March 6, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Douglas Wright Curtis
October 31, 1926 – February 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 13 at 2 pm at Zion Hill Cemetery in Negreet

WINN:
Andrew Buron White, Jr.
July 18, 1936 – March 6, 2021
Service: Wednesday, March 10 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home Winnfield

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The Natchitoches Central High School Boys’ Basketball team is ranked #1 in the state this year. Our #1 ranked Chiefs advanced to the State Semifinals with a 41-39 victory over the Captain Shreveport Gators on March 5.

The Chiefs will now play the #4 ranked Hahnville Tigers at the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles on Wednesday, March 10 at 5 pm.

“We are so proud of our Chiefs and can’t wait to see everyone at the Burton Coliseum on Wednesday,” says Coach Micah Coleman.

All tickets are $13 and can only be purchased through the www.lhsaa.org website. For more information on how to purchase tickets for the Boys’ March Madness, visit https://npsb.la/news/public-notice-nchs-chiefs-advance-state-semi-finals.

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CAMPTI-A traffic stop by an observant Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputy near Campti on Thursday evening near Campti has led to the recovery of a stolen all-terrain vehicle and arrest of a Red River Parish man according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Thursday evening March 4 at approximately 11:30pm, Deputy Kelvin Samuel assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division was patrolling on US-71 near Campti when he stopped a black 2014 GMC Sierra pulling a trailer loaded with an all-terrain vehicle for a traffic violation.

During the traffic stop, deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as 21-year-old John Benjamin Hickman IV of Coushatta, La.

Deputies say while speaking with Hickman, he gave conflicting statements concerning the all-terrain vehicle and he could not provide ownership documentation.

Deputies ran the ATV vehicle identification number through the National Crime Information Center learning the 2021 Honda Ranger TRX420 with a winch and other accessories valued at $9000 had been reported stolen to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office on February 4, 2021 in a theft in the 1200 block of La. Hwy 494 south of Natchitoches according to Sheriff Wright.

The owner had recently purchased the ATV just days prior to the theft.

As a result, deputies arrested:

John Benjamin Hickman IV, 21, of Coushatta was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things valued over $5000.

Hickman remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

Deputies sent a truck and trailer to the scene to recover and transported the stolen ATV to a holding area at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center until the owner could make arrangements to pick it up.

The investigation into the stolen ATV and other reported stolen ATV’s in Natchitoches Parish is active an ongoing according to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division.

We have seen an increase in stolen ATV’s and dirt bikes in recent months according to NPSO Criminal Investigations Major Reginald Turner.

We ask the public to secure ATV’s, dirt bikes and lawn mowers at their homes/camps and not leave them in plain view to criminals that are targeting them in the late night hours not just in Natchitoches Parish but all over central and northwest Louisiana parishes.

NPSO Detectives ask that you document serial numbers to all of your valuable items. As in this case, the serial number ran through the National Crime Information Center after it was provided by the complainant during the initial theft report and entered by NATCOM 911 Operators led to the recovery of the stolen ATV.

Sheriff Wright commends Deputy Kelvin Samuel for an outstanding job during the past month, his ability to be alert, observant and recognizing that something was just not right has led to the recovery of three all-terrain vehicles and arrests of three theft suspects.

If you see something out of the ordinary or just not right, say something contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or your local law enforcement agency. It’s always a good practice to give the descriptions of suspicious persons/or vehicles to law enforcement it aids responding units in what to look for.

Stay Alert to Suspicious Activity in your communities.

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Kevin’s Gallery – N Side View:  CLICK HERE
Kevin’s Gallery – Football:  CLICK HERE

This Saturday, March 6, saw Northwestern State University hosting approximately 500 students and their families who visited our university for a day of fun and learning about the many opportunities afforded by NSU. The 500 visitors had a busy day featuring tours of living facilities, presentations on financial aid, a browse in which the visiting students and their families met with representatives of the various student organizations at NSU and learned of the myriad opportunities they offer. Representatives from the university’s academic departments were on hand to answer questions concerning their areas of study.
Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as the baseball team played throughout the day with all three emerging victorious. The N-Side View event ended with NSU treating the future Demons to the evening’s football game against Nicholls State University.

Northwestern State University consists of 4 academic colleges and a graduate school. Between them, they offer around 100 programs and concentrations ranging from certificates to doctorates. Two NSU alumni, Gary Fields and Jim Mustien, have won Pulitzer Prizes, one of the premier awards in Journalism. Within the past several years, NSU pre-meds have achieved a notable 50-60% acceptance rate into medical school. A number of NSU College of Creative and Performing Arts alumni are performing in Broadway shows in New York City. The Louisiana Scholars’ College features a great books based curriculum that offers a quality liberal arts education at a fraction of the price of a private college. The university’s athletes boast a phenomenal 82% graduation rate. Northwestern State University has compiled a solid record of preparing its graduates for success in their chosen fields.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to congratulate the young men and women who visited our campus on their upcoming high school graduation. We are looking forward to seeing this new generation of students come to NSU and do great things with their lives!

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Louisiana Eye and Laser Center
New Location in Natchitoches

Louisiana Eye and Laser Center is proud to announce the opening of our new location in Natchitoches at 118 South Drive. The new building is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility, and officially opened this week, Monday, February 1, 2021.
The local chamber is supporting Louisiana Eye and Laser Center, a proud chamber member and supporter, by performing a ribbon cutting at their grand opening, slated for the end of this month.

Doctors working out of the new office will include: Dr. Michael Redmond, M.D., Dr. Karen Laird, M.D., Dr. Cheryl Stoker, O.D., Dr. Silva Hamade, O.D. and Dr. Richard Walters, O.D. and Director of O.D. Services.

STATE-OF-THE-ART OPHTHALMOLOGY SPECIALTY CLINIC

Louisiana Eye and Laser Center is the largest Ophthalmology/ optometry practice in Central Louisiana, and with 14 locations and state-of-the-art testing and technology, they are dedicated to bringing the best eye care possible to each family they are honored to serve.

“At Louisiana Eye and laser Center, our main goal is for our patients to receive state-of-the-art eye care in a warm and caring environment for the whole family,” states Dr. Michael Redmond. Our skilled physicians, and nationally recognized surgeons, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and various eye surgeries including advanced laser-assisted cataract removal and premium lens implants, LASIK laser vision correction, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)and much more! “Our staff and doctors take time with our patients to decide on which surgery option is right for them, so that they get the best possible visual outcome,” emphasizes Dr. Redmond, state, and nationally recognized surgeon.

“Our practice has grown to 14 sites across central Louisiana making LELC the largest integrated eye care health system serving central Louisiana, and we are here to serve the needs of this community by providing the best possible care to its families”, declares Dr. Redmond.

This benefits all patients by having your total eye care team in one place for all
your eye care needs.

Chief Executive Officer of LELC, Carl I. Walters II states,” LELC will bring state-of-the-art eyecare services to our valued Natchitoches (and surrounding) parish families.”

LELC offers an array of other services to assist our patients with almost any eye problem they may be experiencing. In addition to performing comprehensive diagnostic testing and specialized surgical procedures in our pristine Eye Care Center, we provide routine eye exams and contact lens fittings.

Louisiana Eye and Laser Center takes it one step further by providing our patients with fashionable, quality eyewear through our Optical Center, as well as offering related products and services. LELC is also known for their strong and respectful MD/ OD relationships. This benefits all patients by having your total eye care team in one place for all your eye care needs.

We are your total eye care team – regular eye exams, diabetic exams, contact lenses and glasses, cataract surgery, dry eye treatment, low vision care, treatment of eye diseases, glaucoma care and much more!
Louisiana Eye and Laser Center welcomes the opportunity to become your family’s eye care provider

POSITION: Electrical Department – Groundman Laborer

QUALIFICATIONS: A working knowledge of principles and practices in overhead and underground electrical power line installation, maintenance procedures and operating/maintenance of substations including low voltage service work is desirable, trim trees and branches and assist the Right of Way Crew. Must work towards obtaining a CDL license. Overtime, standby and dependability is required.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent.

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 may download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2021

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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Many High School senior Cooper Miller signed a scholarship commitment to join the Northwestern State University Fishing Team Thursday and will attend the university this fall. He was joined by his mother Avery Garcie and stepfather Darrin Dyess for the signing, along with administrators, staff and students from MHS and representatives from Northwestern.

“We’ve got a lot of good students from Many High School, academically and athletically,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “NSU’s bass fishing team has had national qualifiers. This is a growing team with scholarships available.”

“We’re glad to have Cooper be a part of our program,” said Juddy Hamous, NSU Fishing Team sponsor. “We’re building a program of national champions.”

Dyess said he first put Miller in a boat when he was in diapers and over the years has watched him develop into a fisherman motivated by competition. MHS Acting Principal Moses Curtis described Miller as a good student, a good person and a good ambassador for Many High School. Miller will major in engineering technology and will work in the NSU Recruiting Office as a student ambassador, greeting prospective students and their families and helping with recruiting events.

The NSU Fishing Team has about 14 members, according to Hamous, and is open to all NSU students. The club sport taps into the popularity of organized competitive bass fishing and competes in FLW, B.A.S.S. and Collegiate Bass circuits. The NSU team appeals to anglers because of the attractive waterways in the area, including Toledo Bend, Red River, Cane River and Black Lake.

The scholarship was made possible and funded by the Dylan Poche Memorial Scholarship fund. The Poche family of Natchitoches annually sponsors the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Fishing Tournament on Toledo Bend, set this year for March 27. Funds raised from the tournament go towards the scholarship and support of the NSU Fishing Team.

For more information on the NSU Fishing Team, email Hamous at juddyh@nsula.edu or call (318) 332-0565. Information on the upcoming Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament is available at https://dylankylepoche.com/2021-dylan-kyle-poche-memorial-bass-tournament/.

Pictured: Many High School senior Cooper Miller signed a commitment to join the NSU Fishing Team, from left are NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Miller, Director of Recruiting Van Erikson and Fishing Team Sponsor Juddy Hamous.

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The Lakeview FFA Chapter celebrated National FFA Week, March 2-5. This National FFA Week embraces more than 93 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future. More than 760,000 members participated in National FFA Week activities at local, state and national levels. These members have a passion for agriculture. Designated a national week in 1947, the week of George Washington’s birthday, National FFA Week gives FFA members an opportunity to educate the public about agriculture.

During the week, chapters conducted a variety of activities to help others in their schools and communities learn about FFA and agricultural education. Lakeview celebrated National FFA Week by participating in the following activities: FFA member breakfast, teacher appreciation, community service, and FFA T-shirt Day. Today, FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. As the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the nation, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by developing their unique talents and exploring their interests in a broad range of career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, our future food suppliers, our future innovators and more! Whether it is through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the role the National FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture’s future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

Pictured: FFA members Christian Coker, Naeer Barker, and Meagan Corley volunteered to plant in front of the Town of Campti building.

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On a day where Central Arkansas dominated the offensive glass, to the tune of 30 offensive rebounds, it was an offensive rebound from Northwestern State’s Erin Harris that was the biggest of the day.

After taking a late 46-43 lead with a chance to extend it with a minute to go, Harris tracked down the long rebound with less than a minute remaining helping the Lady Demons (1-19, 1-14) secure the first win of the season.

“I don’t think any kid or any staff has worked so hard for one win, but I also don’t know that one win has ever felt so good,” first-year head coach Anna Nima said. “My heart is happy for the girls. I’m so happy for them. Players made plays led by our senior Kalen Green. They played with some heart today that’s for sure.”

Down by four entering the fourth quarter, the Lady Demons put in the first five points of the quarter to take the lead. That lead changed hands a few more times until a critical and-1 chance from senior Kalen Green put the Lady Demons up 46-43 with 90 second remaining.

UCA (11-13, 9-7) answered the three-point play on the other end but Harris’ rebound after an NSU miss took the clock under a minute and forced the Sugar Bear into fouls to extend the game. The Lady Demons went 3-for-4 in the final minute to lock in the victory.

Anessa Dussette drew an offensive foul with 20 seconds left that all but sealed the long-awaited win.

“They believed in themselves,” Nimz said. “We talked about it before the game and I reiterated it at half time. Told them we believed in them and went over all the different keys to the game, but words are words and they put all those words into action. That was 100 percent a win for the players, by the players. They showed what they’re made of and knocked off a good team.”

The earlier-than-normal start had an effect on both offenses through the first several minutes. The team combined to go 2-for-10 from the field through the first five minutes – both field goals going to UCA – while NSU had three turnovers and two offensive fouls in its first six possessions.

JaMiya Braxton finally broke through for the Lady Demons with a 3-pointer that made it a 4-3 affair with 5:29 left in the opening quarter. She made another with a minute to go to move NSU within striking distance at the end of the first at 12-8.

UCA finished the quarter going 5-for-12 from the field but missed six of its eight free throws, a trend that continued through the rest of half allowing NSU to keep the game close.

Tristen Washington knocked in her opening shot of the second quarter and Alexia Marsh did what she did so well against New Orleans to tie the game. A steal and acrobatic bucket evened the game at 12, and forced an early timeout just 75 seconds into the second quarter.

The Sugar Bears pushed their lead to seven with the ensuing 7-0 run, until Washington dropped in a moonshot 3 to end the stretch. The NSU defense held and Kalen Green drew a foul on a 3-point shot, making all three from the line, making it a one-point game with 2:11 left.

After UCA scored the next six points the final big shot of the half came from Claudia Vidal, making her third 3 of the season with 10 second left to make it a 25-21 game going into the break.

The Lady Demons continued to stay close through the third quarter, showing much more presence on the glass in the second half. Braxton knocked in another 3 early in the quarter to tying the game at 29 then the first of two game-changing three-point plays from Green knotted it a 32 minutes later.

Green finished the game with a team-high 12 points, going 8-for-9 from the free throw line, as the only Lady Demon in double figures. Dussette finished with eight points and seven rebounds off the bench.

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POSITION: Full time shop hand – Small engines and  Diesel

QUALIFICATIONS:  Duties consist of keeping the shop clean, servicing equipment out as we sell them, small service jobs.  Deliveries on behalf of the company – valid driver’s license required.  Must be able to pass a drug test.  Requires mechanical knowledge and your own tools.

EDUCATION: N/A

CONTACT: Weeks Tractor, 1790 Hwy 3175 Bypass, Natchitoches, La.; 318-238-9882

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2021

WEEKS TRACTOR IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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When Cynthia Hillhouse assigned an interview project for her second grade students at St. Mary’s Catholic School, she had no idea the impact it would have on them as well as herself.

The VIP project was created to help reinforce the second grade language arts objectives, especially with regards to the writing process. Some of these goals included learning to gather information from sources, writing for different purposes, and creating written drafts that would be revised and edited. Students were given instructions to choose a Very Important Person to interview, such as a grandparent, neighbor, friend of the family or someone that was important to them. They were encouraged to choose a person that was much older than them to make the project more interesting.

Students pretended to be a newspaper reporter and set up interviews with their VIP via a phone call, Facetime call or in person. Student interviews ranged from a phone call to a grandmother in Florida, to an aunt that lived down the street. Another student visited a great grandfather living in Texas, while another invited their great grandmother over for dinner. “My second graders love to read non-fiction, especially biographies, so this was right up their alley”, said Hillhouse.

Students had a list of assigned interview questions, as well as questions that they created on their own. Some of the questions involved communication and technology. Students discussed the differences in technology with their chosen person and found the drastic changes quite comical. Writing letters and paying for long distance phone calls was quite different than the instant communication and social media connections that are common place today. Another interview question was “What was a big event that took place when you were young?” Answers ranged from World War II, The Vietnam War, the first landing on the moon, breaking the sound barrier, and the shooting of John F. Kennedy, just to name a few.

“It was amazing. It gives me chills to think about it. What they took away from this project was way more than the writing process and learning to edit a paper using correct capitalization and punctuation.” Hillhouse enthuses. “One family reached out to me to thank me because this project allowed them to learn more details and stories about their VIP. Isn’t that cool?”

Another family learned more about a grandparent, who had polio as a child. He had spent most of his second grade year in a hospital away from his family. Stories like this drew on the parallels of what is currently happening now with the pandemic. “When you think of the way the pandemic has separated families and isolated grandparents from their families, this project reminded me, and them, how important the human connection is,” says Hillhouse.

To finish the project, students drew an illustration or portrait to go with their story of their chosen person. In addition, they wrote thank you notes to their special person and presented their completed projects to the rest of their class. The students received such a positive response from their VIP’s. They asked the kids to think of new questions for the next time they communicated and thanked the kids for thinking of them.

Mrs. Cynthia Hillhouse’s second grade students at St. Mary’s Catholic School: (front row, left to right) Sam Dean, Lillian Wilkerson, Lyric Manotas and Mackenzie Harper. Second row: Oliver Picou, Hadley Mayeaux, Annabeth Thornton, Aubree Rachal and Addison Albert. Third row: Waylon Nelson, Branch Smith, Patrick Lemoine, Sutton Vandersteen, Heath Methvin and Colie Mathews. Back row: Peyton Vascocu, Camille Lindsey, Hudson Harrington and Mya Hernandez.

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Cody Ruiz, a senior at Holy Savior Menard High School in Alexandria, is Northwestern State University’s first scholarship signee for the university’s new competitive esports team. Ruiz signed March 3 and will play on NSU’s varsity Call of Duty team. He is the son of Jennifer Atwood and Chad Ruiz.

“I want to thank everybody who always pushed me to be the best and do the best I can. Without them I would not be where I am,” said Ruiz, who scored a 27 on the ACT and plans to major in psychology. He is believed to be the first student in Louisiana to be awarded a scholarship to play for a university esports team.

“We are proud that our first signee comes from Menard High School right here in Cenla,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “Cody is earning an esports scholarship on top of academic scholarships. It’s important to have a high GPA and ACT score and also be involved in extracurricular activities.”

Esports is competitive, organized video gaming with national and international competitions supported by a growing fan base and sponsors. Chance Creppel is coordinator of NSU Esports and heads up the competitive side of the program, organizing competitions for the NSU teams and the tournaments that will be held on campus in the future.

Northwestern State is affiliated with the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the governing body for college esports. Scholarship students on NSU’s Esports Team must maintain a 2.5 grade point average.

NSU has taken the lead in esports in the Louisiana, recently opening a new state-of-the-art facility. The NSU Esports arena is home to one of the largest gaming experiences in the state. The space is designed for both competitive and recreational gaming and is free to all NSU students.

Maggio said NSU’s School of Business is currently developing a concentration in esports, as esports and gaming have burst into the mainstream in recent years and are fast becoming a central form of entertainment around the world. The industry expected to grow exponentially over the next decade as competitive video games continue to integrate into popular culture.

Creppel said he plans to host a combine for high school juniors and seniors to play games and learn more about esports at NSU. Students interested in joining a team should visit http://www.nsula.edu/esports or contact Creppel at creppelc@nsula.edu.

Pictured: Cody Ruiz, a senior at Menard High School, signed a scholarship commitment to play competition esports at Northwestern. From left are NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Ruiz, NSU Esports Coordinator Chance Creppel and Director of Recruiting Van Erikson.

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Building on his experiences in business and life, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity alumnus Will Harris has launched ‘The Hustle,’ a new podcast to inspire and motivate.

The 2009 graduate of Northwestern State University aims to use this platform to help others achieve success.

“This will be a raw, transparent, inside view of current entrepreneurs discussing their failures, successes, and future plans along with any and all advice they can give.”

He hopes the podcast will become a sounding board for anyone chasing success.

As the director of business development for a supplier in the oil and gas industry, Harris has made a name for himself leading several businesses to success.

He says the show will appeal to anyone from the boardroom to the classroom.

“For small business owners, entrepreneurs, people stuck in their 9-to-5 jobs, and clueless students in or have recently graduated from college.”

In his first episode, Harris welcomes guest Eric Warfield, a former pro football player with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots.

Warfield’s interview provides a raw look at his rise to success, personal struggles after a DUI arrest, his post-NFL career, and his work to mentor young people.

‘The Hustle’ is available on Spotify by clicking this link: https://open.spotify.com/show/3tMdrsz4FXcqGI97dZ37Ax

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NATCHITOCHES:
Sharlyne Brown
September 8, 1970 – March 7, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Stephen “Bumpy” Hudson
May 5, 1996 – March 6, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Douglas Wright Curtis
October 31, 1926 – February 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 13 at 2 pm at Zion Hill Cemetery in Negreet

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NCHS is on to the Semi-Finals!  They are trying to get a student ONLY bus for the game on Wednesday. Interested students must come by the front office on Monday to pick up a permission form. The permission form must be signed by student, parent and administrator and returned to Mrs. Calhoun.

At this time the cost for the bus is $13.00 and will not include the cost of the ticket to the game.

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Business Affairs Supervisor Lee Waskom addressed the School Board at its March 4 regarding the need he has seen for a grant writer and a grant administrator and a property manager so the district can identify what land it actually owns.

The board currently has an employee that could assist with grant writing for an additional stipend, but an administrator would still be needed.

The hope is that the grant positions would hope that this would always be self-funded. The property manager will only get paid when they make money for the school district.

There’s 13 acres in Lena that’s inside Natchitoches Parish that has timber on it that Waskom said he didn’t even know existed. Joe Cooper manages timber property for the district, but there’s actually a lot of other property that the district owns that could be leased out or in some way rented out to a farmer.

Waskom could extend duties to Cooper for hunting leases at $7 an acre. He would only require $1 from that and the school board will get the rest. They also discovered through talking that someone is harvesting timber off the land the School Board owns in Lena. The board also owns land in Black Lake and 640 acres of Clear Lake. There’s also acreage owned by the School Board in Grant, DeSoto, Rapides Parishes.

“We’re going to want to have a complete understanding of what’s going on in our parish with our property,” said Waskom. “I just need to have somebody other than myself driving around the parish and observing what’s going on with our property and even knowing where it all is.”

Waskom said he is aware of 16 property tracts currently owned by the School Board, but he’s working with Clerk of Court David Stamey to find all the land that the board owns.

Taking stock of what the district owns and seeing what could be leased for hunting tracts, farming and other uses would all be new found money that would help the budget. Waskom said he will present some options at the board’s April meeting.

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” said Waskom, who said this comprehensive list of properties is something Board Vice President Reba Phelps has been asking him for.

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