Someone took a rock and smashed the sink at Longleaf Vista in Kisatchie National Forest, and the other bathroom has been closed due to other plumbing issues. Longleaf Vista Trail and day-use area remain open at this time, but be forewarned there are no restrooms available. If you have any information regarding this latest act of vandalism, please contact the Kisatchie National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 318-473-7160.

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For Northwestern State basketball fans looking to attend this week’s Southland Conference Basketball Tournament, there is a one-stop shop for tickets.

All tickets, which will be digital, for the event are available through Ticketmaster (www.Ticketmaster.com). Tickets are $20 and the cost does not include fees. There will be no walk-up sales at the Merrell Center.

Northwestern State tips off its run in the 2021 Southland Conference Tournament at 5 p.m. Thursday. The fourth-seeded Demons will face either No. 5 New Orleans, No. 8 Southeastern Louisiana or No. 9 McNeese.

Tickets purchased for Thursday’s session will be good for all games that day. Should the Demons advance, another ticket will be required for Friday’s semifinals. The same holds true should NSU reach Saturday night’s tournament championship game.

Photo: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the launch of a new program that will provide financial assistance to Louisiana renters and landlords experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133). This relief package includes $25 billion for emergency rental assistance, of which $161 million has been allocated to the state to provide assistance in 57 Louisiana parishes.

The Louisiana Housing Corporation, in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Community Development, will administer the state program. In addition, the law allowed local jurisdictions with populations over 200,000 to apply for and receive direct allocations from the U.S. Treasury. In Louisiana, seven jurisdictions—Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes—did so and will administer their own programs.

“We know many Louisiana renters are in jeopardy of eviction due to financial circumstances as a result of the current pandemic, and we want to prevent that,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “At the same time, we know many rental property owners are also being impacted. This program is designed to help provide much needed relief to both landlords and renters during this challenging time.”

The state-administered program will focus on paying rental arrears, or past-due rent, and up to three months of future rent for eligible applicants. Priority will be given to households where at least one member has been unemployed for more than 90 days due to COVID-19, and to households earning less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income, as required by the law.

Louisiana renters may be eligible for assistance from the state-administered program if they meet all of the following criteria:

They qualify or previously qualified for unemployment benefits, or experienced an income reduction or other financial hardship due to COVID-19.
They are not current on rent payments or at risk of eviction.
Their total household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income.
Information on AMI income levels by parish can be found at www.LAStateRent.com.

Louisiana landlords may apply on their tenant’s behalf. To participate in the program, landlords must not evict a tenant for at least 60 days after the assistance ends and must forgive late fees, penalties, interest and court costs.

“We are excited to launch this program with our partners throughout the state as this assistance is critical and much needed,” said LHC Executive Director E. Keith Cunningham, Jr. “The goals of this program are to keep people housed during the pandemic by preventing evictions for failure to pay rent, to serve the maximum number of households as quickly as possible while prioritizing those in greatest need, to ensure equitable geographic distribution of assistance and to compensate landlords for unpaid rent during eviction moratoria.”

“This new program provides additional resources for Louisiana in helping renters avoid homelessness and landlords regain some degree of financial stability, as we continue to cope with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” said OCD Executive Director Pat Forbes. “We know that this federal allocation will not be enough to meet the entire need, but it provides Louisiana with additional resources to help our people be more secure in their housing situations.”

To learn more or to apply for the state program, tenants and landlords can visit www.LAStateRent.com. For questions about the program or assistance with the application process, renters or landlords can call 877-459-6555. Renters in the 57 designated parishes affected by business shutdowns, closures, layoffs and reduced work hours as well as those receiving enhanced unemployment benefits are strongly encouraged to apply.

Programs administered by Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes, may vary in terms of eligibility, prioritization, benefits and application process. Renters and landlords in those parishes should contact their local representatives or may visit www.LAStateRent.com to learn more.

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Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University will hold its annual golf tournament at Northwestern Hills Golf Course on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

The 2020 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety restrictions in place at the time.

This year, all applicable state and local considerations will remain in place.

Alumni of the fraternity, community members, and friends and family are invited to enter two-person amateur teams.

Cash and prizes will be awarded to the winning team, 2nd place, the ‘Longest Drive’ winner, and to the winner of ‘Closest to Pin.’

The tournament’s popular ‘fun’ format, a scramble featuring gimmick holes such as speed putt, girls putt, and pick-a-club, will return for the event’s 14th iteration.

Registration fees are $50.00 per player, which includes: green fees, team golf cart, drinks and lunch. Players may register online at http://www.pikappNSU.org/golftournament or at the clubhouse on the day of the event.

Area businesses, organizations, and individuals are also invited to support the students leaders of Pi Kappa Phi through hole sponsorships. Sponsor logos and custom messages will be placed on a sign at each hole, as well as on the fraternity’s website and social media.

For more information, please contact Tournament Chairman James Prock at (701) 721-4855.

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NATCHITOCHES – For the fourth straight season, the Northwestern State men’s basketball team has an All-Southland Conference player.

And for the second straight season, it is a first-timer who earned the honor.

Junior guard Trenton Massner was chosen to the All-SLC second team Monday as part of one of the three five-man teams voted on by league coaches and sports information directors.

“Trenton does a great job,” 22^nd-year head coach Mike McConathy said. “When Trenton gets seven to 10 rebounds per game, we’re really, really good. For the most part this year, his rebounds have come on the defensive end, which result in buckets because he pushes the ball so well. He does a lot of good things, is a quality young man, is a quality student and represents Northwestern State in a quality manner.”

Massner, a Wapello, Iowa, product, led the Demons to a fifth-place finish in conference play and the No. 4 seed in this week’s Southland Conference Tournament. He follows Chudier Bile (second team, 2020) in the Demons’ first-time all-conference streak. Ishmael Lane was a back-to-back, first-team All-Southland selection in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

A 6-foot-2 combo guard, Massner leads Northwestern State in scoring (13 ppg) and steals (32) and stands second on the team in assists (61) and third in blocks (11) and rebounding (4.7 per game).

Massner was even better in conference play.

In the Demons’ 16 Southland games, Massner shot 53.5 percent from the floor (fifth best in the league) and 37.7 percent from 3-point range, averaging 14.4 points per game. He paced the Demons in assists (45) and ranked second on the team in rebounding in conference play, grabbing an average of 5.2 rebounds per game.

He ranked in the top 21 in the conference in shooting percentage, rebounding, steals per game and assists per game. He produced his lone double-double of the season in an 86-80 win against Houston Baptist on Feb. 22, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Massner earned Southland Conference Player of the Week honors Feb. 1 after averaging 19.5 points, five rebounds and three assists in wins against New Orleans and Central Arkansas.

Massner and the Demons open their second straight Southland Conference Tournament run Thursday at 5 p.m. They will face the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 5 seed New Orleans and the winner of Tuesday’s Southeastern Louisiana-McNeese matchup. 

2020-21 All-Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Teams

Player of the Year: Zach Nutall, Sam Houston
Defensive Player of the Year: David Muoka, Lamar
Freshman of the Year: Bryce Monroe, Sam Houston
Newcomer of the Year: Ty Gordon, Nicholls
Coach of the Year: Austin Claunch, Nicholls

Photo:  Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

 ² indicates two-time all-conference selection

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The Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will present CAPA on the Cane on Saturday, March 13 from 11:30 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. on the Downtown Riverbank Stage in Natchitoches. Admission is free.

Several different musical ensembles will present full performances. NSU art students and faculty will have work on display. CAPA on the Cane is in conjunction with the City of Natchitoches’ annual Bloomin’ on the Bricks program.

“We are excited to be back on the riverbank for our second CAPA on the Cane,” said Scott Burrell, director of the School of Creative and Performing Arts. “Especially now that we have not had the opportunity to have community audiences to attend at our on-campus concerts and productions. We are especially grateful to Jill Leo and the city of Natchitoches for giving us this opportunity to reconnect with our community during the annual Bloomin’ on the Bricks event.”

CAPA on the Cane will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a performance by the NSU Dance Company followed by the NSU Steel Band at 12:30 p.m. NSU Choirs and Opera Theatre present a concert at 1:30 p.m. with NSU Musical Theatre getting underway at 2:30 p.m.

Performances continue with the Natchitoches-NSU Symphony Orchestra Ensemble at 3:30 p.m. and the NSU Jazz Orchestra at 4:30 p.m.

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The Boys to Men Club is back to work after the state has been moved to Phase 3. The club is a youth service organization for 7th/8th males housed at NJH.

Jermaine Thomas, club director and 7th math teacher, says that everything has been at a standstill due to COVID.

On Monday, Thomas took the club members to their annual college tour at Grambling State University. The students spent about an hour walking the campus, visiting the Eddie G. Robinson Museum, eating lunch in McCall Dining Hall, visiting the stadium, and finally touring some shopping areas on campus.

Mr. Thomas says that he is anxious to “get back to work” on leading the guys in the right direction for this club that he founded 3 years ago.

Pictured on the student yard at GSU on front row from left are Jaylen Walter, Jayden Russell, Jermaine Thomas, Jarvis Epps, and Club Director J. Thomas. On back row are Marquez Demery, DeReginald Perrow, Edward LaCour, Tylan Walker, and Aiden Cryer.

Mr. Thomas states that he has a variety of community service activities planned for the club members within the next couple of weeks.

The Boys to Men Club is a youth male organization housed at NJH. If you would like to donate or contribute to the success of this club, please contact Club Director Jermaine Thomas at (318) 238-0066 during school hours or email jermaine.thomas@nat.k12.la.us.

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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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