JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — By any measure, Northwestern State long jumper Roy Morris should have been simply happy to be there at the NCAA East Preliminary Round.

The true freshman from Shreveport’s Evangel Christian Academy entered the competition ranked 35^th out of 48 qualifiers. He finished it in ninth place, earning one of 12 East slots for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore., in a couple of weeks.

Morris soared 24-8.25, his second-best jump of the season. He led the early group of 24 athletes, generally comprised of the lower ranked entries. But he had to wait a little longer to celebrate, as before the second group began their attempts, pouring rain caused a four-hour weather delay as he sat and waited to see if he’d punch his ticket to Eugene.

He recorded his 24-8.25 jump on his third attempt, which took him from just outside the top five to the top spot and set him up for success as eight of the 24 from the final group surpassed Morris, but he settled in at ninth place.

Morris is one of three freshmen to advance to nationals from the East First Round as well as one of four non-power conference athletes to be headed to Eugene.

Thursday, in the first day of women’s competition, Maygan Shaw, the queen of NSU sprints, sparkled against top-flight runners. The Pineville senior made a comeback in her heat in the 400-meter dash to win and earn an automatic berth in the quarterfinals Saturday with the opportunity to make it to Eugene in her signature event.

In fourth place about midway through the race, Shaw made a move to race into second place, fighting with Virginia Tech’s Caitlyn Bobb down the stretch before leaning in and taking the top spot at 51.52 while Bobb finished at 51.53.

As the winner of her heat, the final of six Thursday, she automatically earned a spot to Saturday’s racing to see who heads to Oregon. The top three in all six heats advanced to Saturday, as well as the next six best times.

“Any time you win a heat at a D1 championship, you had a great day,” associate head coach Adam Pennington said. “It’s one of the most quality meets in the world. Maygan didn’t just edge out Caitlyn Bobb, she edged out the Bermuda national record holder and the ACC champion.

“These rounds will continue to get tougher, but for now we will get some rest and get ready for Saturday. I was very pleased with our effort and determination today. She has yet to lose a 400 race this outdoor. We want to keep that thing. That’s our goal.”

In addition to Shakera Williams in the rain-delayed women’s shot put, NSU’s Randy Kelly competes today in the men’s high jump at 1:30 p.m., while the men’s 4×100 relay kicks off the running events at 4. Along with Shaw In the open 400, the Lady Demons will be represented Saturday in the final evet, the 4×400 relay.

Join Marvin as he talks about the Natchitoches Parish Water System and the report cards they recently received.

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Two hundred and five new NSU students moved towards a brighter future and got a headstart on their collegiate careers at NSU’s freshman orientation May 28-29. The orientation, the second of several to be held on NSU’s main campus as well as Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville, is a fun filled two day event. From dorm rooms to registration to financial aid, incoming freshmen get everything they need to arrive on campus in the fall and be successful. Future members of the Spirit of Northwestern Band were able to audition as were future theater and art majors.

Northwestern State is like a family and that is reflected in freshman orientation. While the future students completed their program, parents were invited to Parent Connection at which they attend talks on topics such as student safety, financial aid and what to expect during a young person’s first year away from college. Perhaps the most fun is being had by the students’ younger siblings in Kid Connection. The youngsters received a special NSU ID and had a fun filled day of arts and crafts, tours and activities.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to these young men and women as they start their life’s journey at NSU. From watching the Demon sports teams to superb theater and musical productions, the NSU student body makes our community a better, and enriched place in which to live. Welcome to Demonland and Natchitoches!

Certified Phlebotomist(MUST HAVE)/Medical Assistant

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Certified Medical Assistant/ Certified Phlebotomist to join our healthcare team. In this role, you will play a vital part in providing high-quality patient care and supporting our medical staff in various clinical tasks. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, knowledge of medical terminology, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist healthcare providers with patient examinations and procedures, ensuring comfort and safety.
• Perform patient intake, including taking vital signs and documenting medical histories.
• Execute aseptic techniques during procedures to prevent infection.
• Collect and process specimens for laboratory testing, ensuring proper handling and labeling.
• Conduct basic laboratory procedures and assist with clinical laboratory tasks as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the clinical area, adhering to health regulations.
• Utilize knowledge of anatomy and physiology to support accurate patient assessments.
• Communicate effectively with patients regarding their care plans and laboratory results.
• Document all patient interactions accurately in electronic health records (EHR).

Experience
Candidates should have the following qualifications:

• Certification as a Medical Assistant from an accredited program.
• Proficiency in specimen collection processing, including phlebotomy skills.
• Familiarity with clinical laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Strong understanding of medical terminology related to anatomy and physiology.
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting is preferred but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on patient care and communication.

Join us in making a difference in our patients’ lives by providing exceptional care through your expertise as a Certified Medical Assistant.

Benefits

Health insurance                  Paid time off          Vision insurance

Dental insurance                  401(k)                     Disability insurance 

Submission: Job applicants should send their resume to

Email to:  Manager@deanderm.com

EOE

Receptionist

Responsibilities:
– Greet and welcome patients and visitors in a friendly and professional manner
– Answer phone calls, take messages, and transfer calls to appropriate staff members
– Schedule appointments and manage the office calendar
– Provide administrative support such as proofreading documents, filing, and organizing paperwork
– Assist with customer support inquiries and provide excellent customer service
– Coordinate projects and ensure timely completion of tasks
– Perform general clerical duties such as photocopying, scanning, and faxing
– Act as a personal assistant to the office manager or other staff members as required

Skills:
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills
– Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
– Proficient in using computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
– Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively
– Friendly and professional demeanor with excellent customer service skills

Benefits

Health insurance                  Paid time off          Vision insurance

Dental insurance                  401(k)                     Disability insurance        

Submission: Job applicants should send their resume to

Email to:  Manager@deanderm.com

EOE

Natchitoches Parish School Board is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all eligible children without charge. Acceptance and participating requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)   MAIL:   U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)   FAX: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)   EMAIL: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

05/22, 05/24, 05/29, 05/31

Natchitoches Parish School Board is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all eligible children without charge. Acceptance and participating requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)   MAIL:   U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)   FAX: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)   EMAIL: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

05/22, 05/24, 05/29, 05/31

“…the Rangers didn’t see a wall. They saw a mission. They saw the faces of those who would suffer if they failed. And so, they climbed.…That spirit – that quiet, resolute courage – is what Memorial Day is all about.…”

From Mark Kerry’s remarks at Natchitoches’ Memorial Day Ceremony

The Natchitoches’ VFW and American Legion Hall was filled with veterans, families, and citizens on Monday, May 26 as our community held its annual Memorial Day Program.

Jeremy Miller, NSU Army ROTC alumni, former Army officer and combat veteran, served as the Master of Ceremonies. The sharp young men and women of the NCHS Junior Army ROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Sara Puryear Dunn performed a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem. After the Anthem, Jack, Sophia and Katie Dunn led the Pledge of Allegiance. A group of community members took turns reading the names of deceased area veterans from WWI to the present day after which Janet and Geo Darfus and the band performed “Some Gave All”.

The new memorial bricks placed in the Veterans’ Memorial Park were then dedicated. One of the more notable names honored by a brick was that of the late Edith Marie Winberly-Patient, a Lieutenant Colonel and nurse in the Army Air Corps. She was one of the famous “Angels of Bataan”, held as a prisoner of war from 1942-1945 during which time she and her fellow nurses continued to care for ill prisoners. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landy signed a proclamation in her honor which was accepted by former U.S., Army Nurse Janet Darfus.

The Cane River Quilters honored two WWII veterans, Raymond Cedars and Urson Bacle with handmade quilts. Mark Kerry, the day’s keynote speaker, was also presented with a quilt

The Memorial Day address was superbly delivered by retired Army colonel and parish council member, Mark Kerry.

Community members took turns reading the names of veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day after which Dr. John Dunn played Taps.

In what has become a traditional ending for the Natchitoches Memorial Day ceremony, the audience joined the band in in singing the classic “God Bless America.”

This ceremony, and others like it across the country, bind us together as a nation. In the increasingly fractious country we find ourselves in, things like Memorial Day and its remembrances remind us of what is important. As Colonel Mark Kerry so aptly put it in his address: “… May we always honor the fallen by living lives worthy of their legacy… May God bless the fallen. May He comfort those who mourn. And may He continue to bless this nation they died defending…

Natchitoches Parish School Board is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all eligible children without charge. Acceptance and participating requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)   MAIL:   U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)   FAX: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)   EMAIL: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

05/22, 05/24, 05/29, 05/31

A good friend called me two days ago and asked if I could meet on the riverbank the next day at 5:15 to say a few words about Victor Jones. I said “absolutely!” So, the next day, I arrived at the stage downtown 30 minutes early, just in case. I sat there in my truck for 20 minutes, craning my neck both north and south along the riverbank in search of any gathering. Finally, I called my friend to see if they had maybe changed the location. It was then he informed me that the group had met at 5:15 that MORNING! I’ll forego the details of how badly I felt to have missed an opportunity to speak about the good friend Victor Jones has been to me. Here is what I would have wanted to tell Rick Rowe:

Our former Sheriff is one of the most unpretentious persons I know. If you met him on the street, you would never know he was the Sheriff. He is humble, dependable, and forever in search of someone to help. I would rather have Victor’s “word”, than his signature on a contract. What he says on Monday, is always still good on Friday. His parents raised him that way, and it is ingrained in his DNA.

He is the classic example of working your way up the ladder of success. He started out a patrolman, then a detective, and was finally elected Sheriff of Natchitoches Parish. He will tell you that he is prouder of the kids he helped keep OUT of jail, than the ones he had to put IN. He employed many programs that sought to “teach” and “guide” our children, pointing them in a better direction.

He was our most visible elected official. He never wanted any citizen to say, “We only see you at election time.” And so, he went to every festival, every parade, every fundraiser, every barbeque, every ball game, and every celebration of our Veterans. His first year of speechmaking at these events was a little awkward. But when a friend told him to throw away his notes and talk from his heart, he became comfortable and totally at home speaking to the folks.

When the Sheriff’s Department needed a tax passed to provide needed services to the people, it was Sheriff Jones himself who went the length and breadth of Natchitoches Parish to talk about the need. But more importantly, Victor went to all those places to “listen” to the concerns of his constituents. As a result, the proposition passed easily, no small accomplishment.

Today, you can still find the former Sheriff at his grandchildren’s baseball games, basketball games, and football games. He continues to be committed to countless church and community endeavors. And if you pulled up a chair and began a conversation, you STILL would never know he was the Sheriff for twenty years!

I have always thought it was important to people, to know that they made a difference in the lives of other people. As Victor goes to the hayfield in his retirement, and rides his horses in the Arkansas mountains, he can be assured that he DID make a difference in so many people’s lives. We are all better individuals . . . we are a better Parish . . . for Victor Jones having come our way!

Louie Bernard

Two hundred and thirty new NSU Demons moved towards a brighter future and got a headstart on their collegiate careers at NSU’s freshman orientation May 21-22. The orientation, one of several to be held on NSU’s main campus as well as Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville, is a fun filled two day event. From dorm rooms to registration to financial aid, incoming freshmen get everything they need to arrive on campus in the fall and be successful. Future members of the Spirit of Northwestern Band were able to audition as were future theater and art majors.

Northwestern State is like a family and that is reflected in freshman orientation. While the future students completed their program, parents were invited to Parent Connection at which they attend talks on topics such as student safety, financial aid and what to expect during a young person’s first year away from college. Perhaps the most fun is being had by the students’ younger siblings in Kid Connection. The youngsters received a special NSU ID and had a fun filled day of arts and crafts, tours and activities.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to these young men and women as they start their life’s journey at NSU. From watching the Demon sports teams to superb theater and musical productions, the NSU student body makes our community a better, and enriched place in which to live. Welcome to Demonland and Natchitoches!

A dominant performance at the Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships last week had its perks for the Northwestern State women’s team.

After claiming back-to-back SLC outdoor crowns,  winning last Saturday by a huge 63-point margin, NSU swept the Southland’s superlative awards, the league announced Thursday.

Head coach Mike Heimerman was already announced as the women’s track and field coach of the year, an honor chosen at the conclusion of the conference meet.

In voting by coaches this week, NSU competitors Samari Finney (athlete of the year), Maygan Shaw (track performer of the year) and Raven-Symone Jarrett (field events performer of the year) swept the women’s superlative awards.

Finney, a junior from Detroit, transferred to Northwestern prior to the 2024 season and including indoor action has been a part of four conference team championships in four appearances.

Last week she made the podium five times, including three gold medals. Overall, she secured 27 total points during the SLC Championships. Finney started her meet winning the long jump, with a season-best 20-9.25 on her final jump, which also earned her a trip to Jacksonville for next week’s NCAA East Prelims.

Finney won as a member of both the 4×100 and 4×400 relay teams, which earned her 2.5 points each. She started the running events on the final day of competition as part of a 44.88 time in the 4×100 and wrapped it up with a leg on the  4×400 foursome that finished in 3:35.91.

She added bronze medals in both the 200 and 400, accounting for six points each to push her scoring total to 27. In the 400, she ran a personal-best 54.05 to finish third, while she also finished third with a 23.98 in the 200.

Finney wasn’t the only Lady Demon to score at least 20 points at the conference meet. Star sprinter Maygan Shaw posted four victories to collect 25 points.

Shaw joined Finney on both relay teams to collect five points. Shaw added individual 10-point wins in both the 200 and 400, being pushed to the end in both events.

In her signature event, the 400, she clocked a blistering 52.10, holding off Southeastern Louisiana’s Onyah Onyinye Favour, to claim her second outdoor 400 gold in three seasons. In her four years, Shaw never finished lower than second in the outdoor 400.

Shaw added a 200 triumph, clocking a 23.47. She anchored the 4×400 relay, and was second in both the 100 and 4×100 relay.

Jarrett earned the SLC Women’s Field Athlete of the Year after she shattered the school record in the heptathlon to earn the gold.

The senior from New Britain, Connecticut, finished in the top five in five of the seven events, including two first-place finishes in the 100-meter hurdles (13.76) and a personal best in the 800-meter run (2:20.13).

Jarrett also reached the podium in the 100 hurdles, running a 13.81 to claim the bronze, as well as making the finals in the 400-meter hurdles.

Eight Northwestern State individual track and field competitors as well as a pair of relay teams have qualified for the NCAA East regionals next week on the campus of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Individuals who posted one of the East region’s 48 best marks this spring advance to what amounts to the NCAA quarterfinals. In relay events, the top 24 times earn spots. At the regional championship, the top 12 in each event move on to the NCAA Outdoors in early June in Eugene, Ore., coupled with the top dozen in each event advancing from the NCAA West Preliminary Round in College Station.

The NCAA East region includes athletes from Division I programs competing in conferences headquartered in general, east of the Mississippi River, with some exceptions including the Louisiana members of the Southland Conference and SWAC. Major leagues include the SEC, Big Ten and ACC sending standouts to Jacksonville.

The four-day meet begins Wednesday, with the men competing on Wednesday and Friday and the women on Thursday and Saturday.

The recently crowned Southland champion NSU women will be represented at the NCAA East Preliminary Round by  Maygan Shaw (400-meter dash), Samari Finney (long jump), Jaslyn Smith (triple jump), Shakera Williams (shot put), Shakera Kirk (discus) and Teodora Samac (javelin). The Demons have two male qualifiers, Randy Kelly (high jump) and Roy Morris (long jump).

Both genders are sending a relay team. The NSU men’s 4×100 team is going, as is the women’s 4×400 team.

Shaw and Kelly are each headed to the East regional for the third consecutive season.

As a part of the 4×400 relay team last season, Shaw ran to a second team All-American spot. All three seasons, Shaw has made regionals in both the 400 and 4×400.

She is coming off a 25-point performance at the Southland Conference Championships, earning four gold medals.

For an extended breakdown of the Northwestern qualifiers, visit NSUDemons.com.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal staff will take off an extra day this weekend as America marks the annual Memorial Day observance with nearly all governmental and financial agencies closed Monday along with a large segment of businesses.

There will be no Monday edition this week. If a major breaking news story warrants coverage, however, count on the NPJ to provide it. We will resume publication Tuesday morning with our weekday edition landing in your e-mail at 6:55 shortly after it is posted on our website and Facebook page.

Memorial Day honors the members of the United States military who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in the line of duty serving America to uphold our democracy.

While the long weekend provides many opportunities for fun activities and gatherings, your friends at the Journal urge you to reflect on the purpose of Memorial Day and the military heroes lost while serving our country.

Smoothie King of Natchitoches has been sold and will temporarily close today at 6:00p.m. while the ownership is transferred.  The closing of the storefront will allow for an updated remodel of the facility.

Should you have any questions, please contact Jacob Boney at 318-792-6863.

Smoothie King
810 University Pkwy A
Natchitoches, LA 71457
smoothieking.com