Dear Friends,

As most of you know, the Senate and the House met today for about three hours. March 31st was the deadline to read bills into the record that were not “pre-filed.” Upon completing this, and in an effort to comply with Governor Edwards’ emergency proclamation, both bodies adjourned until further notice by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. In the last election, 19 new members to the Senate were elected and 55 new members to the House of Representatives. EVERY ONE of these men and women thought that, by now, we would have been knee deep in discussions of the important issues facing Louisiana.

Who would ever have dreamed that something called “Covid 19” would have so shattered that routine? It has drastically altered the schedule of both House and Senate. But far more importantly, it has caused anguish and economic uncertainty to countless friends and neighbors who, despite long odds, are trying their best to cope. Both small and large businesses have been impacted, not to mention our entire education community. The people of Louisiana have weathered storms before, but fighting an unseen enemy is one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced.

We are working day and night to monitor this unprecedented health crisis in our state and respond in a positive way. We will work hard to accomplish those items mandated by our Constitution, and we will do everything in our power to be a partner with you through this unparalleled disaster.

In the meantime, I strongly urge you to observe the directives of social distancing. Wash your hands frequently during the day and avoid leaving your home for anything that is not absolutely necessary. WE ALL SALUTE THE HEALTH CARE HEROES who get up each day and show such compassion and professionalism on our behalf. Please pray for these angels on our shoulders.

If I can help you, please call my office and speak with me or my Legislative Assistant, Mrs. Connie Melder, at 318-357-3116.

If God brings us TO it..God will bring us THROUGH it!

Louie Bernard,
Senator-District 31

PHOENIX, HOUSTON, BATON ROUGE, DALLAS – They should be together in Scottsdale, Surprise and Peoria, Arizona, or in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, learning where they would begin the 2020 Minor League Baseball season.

Instead, seven former Northwestern State baseball players are like the rest of us – coming to terms with a new normal brought on by the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

A relatively abrupt stop to spring training brought on a wave of emotions and questions for a group that featured three players – Nathan Jones, Austin Reich and Caleb Ricca — who were in their first spring trainings and another (Adam Oller) who was in his first with a new team.

“It will be one everyone remembers for sure,” said Jones, who spent most of his offseason at the New York Mets’ spring training complex.

Jones’ NSU classmate, Austin Reich, spent a few days at the San Francisco Giants spring training complex before things changed. He echoed and enhanced Jones’ comments on the unexpected halt to the national pastime.

“This is something they make movies about,” Reich said. “I get to tell my kids I was at the spring training where they shut baseball down.”

At least Jones and Reich were able to say they were at spring training.

Ricca never made it out to Arizona for his first spring training with the Seattle Mariners. A 23rd-round draft pick in June, Ricca had boarded a plane bound for Arizona when he got word spring training activities were canceled.

“I was with my friend who plays for the Padres (Robbie Podorsky’s) parents,” Ricca said. “Reeves Martin, who played at UNO, texts me and said, ‘They’re sending us home.’ I said, ‘I’m getting off this plane.’ My luggage was actually sent to Arizona. I got off the plane and told (Podorsky’s parents), ‘We aren’t going.’”

After the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers met at American Family Fields of Phoenix on Feb. 27, Royals outfielder Nick Heath and Milwaukee catcher David Fry were able to catch up in person and posed for a photo behind home plate.

Fifteen days later, neither Heath nor Fry had another spring training game to play. Fifteen days before Major League Baseball’s opening day, baseball joined the ever-growing list of American sports to shut down among the growing spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.

It made the rain that fell in Arizona the second-oddest occurrence of that day.

“It was raining, and we were catching pens in the indoor cages,” Fry said. “We looked over and a bunch of our video guys were back there running the Trackman and video stuff. They all looked at their phones, and all the pitching coaches took off inside. It was the day after (Utah Jazz center) Rudy Gobert found out he tested positive and the NBA shut down.

“Guys had been talking about it being a thing for us. We all looked around and said, ‘Oh shoot, are we done?’ They weren’t allowed to tell us anything, but we knew something was up. We had a meeting three days from then. My family and friends just got into town that Thursday, so I figured I’ll just hang out with them. We got a text the next day, and they told us we were flying home. It was extremely weird.”

While Heath and Fry came across each other in game action, Reich and outfielder Kwan Adkins shared the same camp as part of the San Francisco Giants organization, checking in on each other when time and schedules permitted.

Both Giants prospects are back in the Baton Rouge area and have been able to stay in touch and keep each other focused and ready for whenever baseball resumes.

“It’s helping both of us,” Reich said. “I’m throwing against him, letting him see live pitching. It’s helping me face him. I’m not having to face high school guys or just someone who can stand in the box for me. I have someone to train with. It’s easier to train with somebody than by yourself, because you’re pushing yourself off what they’re doing.”

Jones and Adam Oller keenly are aware of that importance as well.

Rejoined as organization mates after the New York Mets drafted Oller in the Triple-A phase of December’s Rule V Draft, the right-handers have resumed a friendship that began in their one season together as Demons in 2016. That year, Oller was a second-team All-American and Jones was a freshman closer, who saved Oller’s win at eventual College World Series runner-up Arizona that season.

Once the Mets informed their players of the cancelation, it was Oller’s turn to offer relief to Jones.

“When this was going down, he asked, ‘Do you mind if I live with you?’” Oller said. “I told him absolutely. It makes the best of the situation for both of us. The best part is I always have someone to throw with. I have someone to talk to, someone who wants to do the same thing.”

That built-in camaraderie and support looms ever larger as the break from baseball extends to an unknown date, which poses another conundrum for the seven former Demons.

Every February like clockwork, spring training arrives, allowing professional baseball players to plan their offseason workouts to the most minute detail. Now comes a break of an undetermined length of time.

“The best thing we can do is keep our same routine,” Adkins said. “If you work out in the morning and throw in the afternoon, keep doing that. We’re just making sure we can come back in the same shape we left in. It’s impossible to come back in 100 percent the same shape we were in, but it’s what we’re working toward.”

While each former NSU standout had plenty to gain during spring training, none stood to benefit more than Heath, a member of Kansas City’s 40-man roster who was projected to make his Major League Baseball debut at some point in the 2020 season.

A 2016 Royals draftee, Heath played winter ball in the Dominican Republic and was building on that momentum when baseball came to a halt less than three weeks ago.

Heath said his biggest challenge has been maintaining his routine.

“I would probably say the mental side (has been the biggest challenge),” he said. “During the season, you’re in a solidified routine from when you wake up in the morning to when you come to the ballpark to the music you listen to. The toughest part was getting out of my routine. That really helps me during the season, so now I’m building a different routine so when we get back rolling, I’ll be as prepared as I can be.”

Photo: Former NSU baseball players Nick Heath (left) and David Fry pose for a photo after Heath’s Royals and Fry’s Brewers met in a spring training game in Phoenix on Feb. 27. Credit: Jason Hanna/Kansas City Royals

Please note that the State Law limits number of people during the visitation period and attendance at the service to ten (10) or less and that social distancing be observed! This must be strictly enforced! Thank you in advance for your cooperation. It is designed for the safety of the family, our staff and the general public.

NATCHITOCHES:
Dr. Archie F. Breazeale, MD
October 3, 1925 – March 26, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Mary Isaac
March 31, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Lula B. Scott
March 26, 2020
Visitation: Saturday, April 4 from 9:30-11 am at the First Baptist Church, located at 1116 Amulet Street in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, April 4 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church with limited attendance
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Florida Mae Brown
September 2, 1944 – March 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Ivory Butler
July 30, 1958 – March 19, 2020
Service: Friday, April 3 at 11 am at New Zion Baptist Church in Winnfield

Mildred Thaxton
December 16, 1919 – March 29, 2020
Service: Thursday, April 2 at 2 pm in the Belah Cemetery of the Belah Community

If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!

The Magnolia Minute
Natchitoches Parish Journal
magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com
318-354-4000 #6

According to the World Health Organization and the CDC, social distancing is currently the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19. A company called Unacast created an interactive Scoreboard, updated daily, to empower organizations to measure and understand the efficacy of social distancing initiatives at the local level.

Unacast is building a future where precise and verified human mobility data helps organizations do well and do good. From driving business strategies to tracking infectious diseases, the company aligns itself to the goals of its clients for the shared benefit of the global community.

The Scoreboard grades states and parishes within in each state with letter grades from A-F based on data collected by tracking cellphone GPS data. This shows in residents are truly sheltering in place, or if they’re travel patterns indicate otherwise.

SOME OF THE BEST FOR COMPLIANCE:
St. Bernard Parish
East Baton Rouge Parish
Jefferson Parish
Sabine Parish

SOME OF THE WORST FOR COMPLIANCE:
Natchitoches Parish
St. Martin Parish
Winn Parish
Claiborne Parish

Northwestern State University recruiters are finding innovative ways to stay in touch with prospective students despite social distancing.

“The recruiters are still working their territories reaching out to each student providing virtual tours, Zoom sessions and, as always, being their primary resource at NSU,” said Ashlee Hewitt, director of recruiting. “Their communication efforts are email, texts, phone calls, Zoom and social media.”

Earlier in March, Hewitt recorded a video message to reassure next year’s freshmen that she and her staff are always available to answer questions and offer assistance.

“We are continuing to explore opportunities to engage with interested students and will roll those out as they become available. We know your high schools and current institutions are not fully operational. Don’t stress about final transcripts. We are going to work with you on this,” she said.

Students who have not applied for admission are encouraged to do so. Students who completed the admissions process can apply for housing and register for Freshman Connection. Paperwork can be sent electronically, and staff can be reached easily by phone or email. Names, photos and contact information for the recruiting staff is available at www.nsula.edu/futurestudents where prospective students can also take a virtual tour of campus,

Staff who are working remotely will continue to answer emails and take phone calls during business hours and are planning to participate in Louisiana’s first-ever virtual college fair in April.

Hewitt said that because of the coronavirus pandemic, June ACT scores can qualify a student for TOPS funds for the fall.

Registration for the fall semester is underway and will continue though Aug. 16. Fall classes will begin Aug. 17.

“All of our staff are continuing to make sure your transition to attend Northwestern State is a smooth one,” Hewitt said. “We are continuing to work hard for you.”

Engage Federal Credit Union (EFCU) is offering its members a new hassle-free way to buy a car without the burdensome task of searching dealerships for the right car at the best price. EFCU has partnered with Auto Link™, powered by TrueCar® to offer this exclusive benefit that takes care of all of the legwork that comes with searching for a new car.

How does it work?

Simply call us at 318-238-7762, visit our branch, or go to Engage online http://www.engagefcu.org to complete an auto loan preapproval application. Once pre-approved, you will know how much car you can afford. Select options online including make, model, and details for your next car. TrueCar® will find you the lowest price for the car you want with the options you selected. TrueCar® even allows you to research vehicles, find local dealers, take virtual test drives and more.

“Purchasing a new car has never been easier,” says Kathy Deloney, CEO of EFCU. “Not only can we help you find your car and take care of all the paperwork – we can finance your new or used vehicle purchase at a great low rate”, adds Kathy.

In addition to the convenient and money-saving Auto Buying Service, those who finance auto loans through the credit union will receive the added value of a three-year membership to myEZCarCare® which includes the following member benefits:

Auto Maintenance and Travel Discounts

Auto discounts on repair, service, and maintenance at over 10,000 locations nationwide
Travel discounts at over 75,000 premium hotels and resorts
Discounts on Avis and Budget rental cars
Discounts on Six Flags and Sea World
TripBeat discounted vacation resorts — over 2,000 resorts in 90 countries
Electronic Glovebox® and Mobile App

Service and payment reminders via email/mobile app
Updating of service records by some service providers
Digital tools to view and print service history
Recall notices and safety information at your fingertips

Not an EFCU member?

That’s easy to remedy. Become a member for $5 and when you apply for a loan or open a new checking account and ask us about our Auto Buying Service! Sign up today to start reaping the rewards of membership.

Call us at 318-238-7762 or visit us at 256 HWY 3175 or, go to Engage Online, at www.engagefcu.org for more information.

Baton Rouge, La. (March 31, 2020) — The Louisiana Department of Health has updated its website to reflect the latest number of positives and will continue to update its website at noon each day.

As of noon on March 31, the Department reported 1,212 additional cases since yesterday, bringing the total to 5,237 positive cases. This is a 30% increase since yesterday.

Hospitalization
A total of 1,355 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized; of those, 438 patients require ventilation.

Deaths
The Department reports an additional 54 deaths since yesterday, bringing the total to 239 deaths. This is a 29% increase since yesterday. Deaths are listed on the LDH dashboard by parish under the by parish tab and information by age can be found on the by age group tab. The ages of all deaths can be found here.

Below is what we know about the underlying conditions among COVID-19 deaths to date, as of March 29:

Pulmonary (12%)
Cardiac (21%)
Diabetes (40%)
Chronic Kidney Disease (23%)
Chronic Liver Disease (2%)
Immunocompromised (4%)
Neurological (6%)
Obesity (25%)
No Underlying Conditions (3%)
Long-term care facilities
The Department of Health has identified COVID-19 clusters in 40 long-term care facilities in the state. For context, there are a total of 436 nursing homes and adult residential care facilities in Louisiana.

Below is the current list of confirmed clusters. These facilities have been notified by the Department of Health.

Region 1
Bayside Health
Chateau de Notre Dame
Good Samaritan Rehab and Nursing Center
Inspired Living Kenner
Jefferson Healthcare
Jo Ellen Smith Living Center
John Berchmans
Lambeth House
Marrero Health Care Center
Nouveau Marc
Poydras Home
River Palm Nursing and Rehab
Riverbend Nursing and Rehab
St. Jude’s Nursing Home
St. Martin’s Manor
St. Anthony’s Nursing Home
St. Francis Villa Assisted Living
St. Joseph of Harahan
The Suites at Algiers Point
Vista Shores Assisted Living

Region 2
Chateau D’Ville Rehab and Retirement
Flannery Oaks Guest House
Lakeview Manor Nursing Home
Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Port Allen
Ollie Steele Burden Manor Nursing Home
St. James Place – Highland Court Nursing Home

Region 3
Chateau Saint James
Luling Living Center
Ormond Nursing and Care Center
South East Louisiana Veterans Home

Region 6
Colonial Nursing Home

Region 7
Brookdale Shreveport Assisted Living
Montclair Park Assisted Living Center
Vivian Healthcare Center

Region 9
Belle Maison
Forest Manor
Green Briar Community Care
Guesthouse of Slidell Nursing Home
Pontchartrain Health Care
St. Anthony’s Gardens

A cluster is identified as two or more cases that appear to be connected.

Because of the sheer volume of cases, we will be sharing the updated number of clusters every day at noon. We will rely on facilities for reporting on the most up-to-date information. The Department continues to work with facilities to minimize the spread of the illness and protect residents and staff.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. The Louisiana Department of Health includes the Office of Public Health, Office of Aging & Adult Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid). 

By Kris James

Birthdays are special. Not only do they mark the passing of another fabulous trip around the sun, but they’re also one of the best ways to gather your friends and family for all the festive desserts, cute cocktails, and whimsical decor your heart desires. The thought of sitting at home by yourself instead of having a bash with all your best friends probably wouldn’t have sounded ideal just a few weeks ago. This year will be different. During this time of social distancing, as a result of COVID-19, get-togethers both small and large have been called off, leaving many spring babies like myself to celebrate at home.

April is a big month for me, not only is it my birth month but next week According to Kris turns one. Of course, canceling plans had me feeling defeated but it was a conversation with a friend of mine whose birthday is just a few days ahead of mine that gave me hope. As I sat there listing to my friend tell me how he wasn’t going to let this situation get the best of him I got inspired. He told me, “Since I’m a photographer, this year I had the big idea to have my party in a huge photo studio, have a DJ, games, and a fun photo set going on.” Despite canceling his original party, my friend is moving forward with a digital gathering for all his friends, and he’s not alone.

While you may not be able to throw the party you had planned, there’s no reason to skip the celebration altogether. If you or someone you love has a birthday coming up, plan one of these virtual birthday party ideas you can do at home. From sending your friend a delivery of champagne to hosting a party via video chat, there are plenty of ways to make the birthday girl or boy feel loved on their special day. And when this pandemic ends, and it will end, you’ll have every excuse to throw the biggest, baddest birthday party of all time.

Host a virtual birthday party on Zoom. If you’re not able to get out of your house and your friends are not able to come over either, you can still have a virtual birthday celebration, all thanks to technology. Call up some of your close ones while you cut your cake and have a different kind of birthday party.

Host a Netflix party. For all those introverts who hate going out even on their birthdays, now you can binge-watch your favorite shows. Sit at home, hoard your favorite snacks and relax as you watch your favorite movies and shows

Do a group workout. Instead of a virtual party, a group work-out would be a great stress reliever or maybe meditate.

Get glammed up. Even though you cannot get out of the house, you can still dress up and enjoy your day. Dress up in your favorite outfit and celebrate your birthday at home with your family and friends.

Decorate the house the night before. After everyone has gone to bed the night before their birthday, put up some birthday decorations that they get to wake to!

Treat yourself with a feast. Since it’s your day, you deserve a feast. Cook some of your favorite dishes from scratch at home. From appetizers to desserts, treat yourself with a scrumptious meal and drinks made at home. This can also be a way to bond with your family members and enjoy a meal together.

On Monday, March 30, Natchitoches SWAT Team answered a different kind of call. There were a few sandwich trays donated by Subway that had to make their way to their chosen homes in the Campti area.

A local group called, “Feeding our Heroes”, has been utilizing every resource possible to bring warm meals to the essential workers who are still have to report everyday to ensure the health and well being of our Parish. When Assistant SWAT Commander, Jonathan Roberts read about the volunteer group he wanted to help and knew the team would want to help as well.

“After seeing the Facebook group pop up through my feed, I felt led to contribute to my community. I figured some of the SWAT guys would to help with whatever the group FOH needed,’ said Roberts.

At this time he reached out to one of the founders and developed a plan that would reach the North part of the Parish.

Roberts went on to say, “I think it’s really important in times of crisis that people do something positive, it makes you feel a bit calmer and more in control. I believe the act of giving just makes us feel better, it’s human nature.”

Feeding our Heroes has fed warm meals or desserts to seventeen locals groups that include; Firemen, City Police, Sheriff’s Department, Pharmacies, and various departments at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
“It feels as though we are a part of a collective effort, we are all in this together. In a profession where we often get thanks for being heroes, it’s nice to acknowledge other heroes, that sometimes get overlooked,” – Jonathan Roberts.

Feeding our Heroes is one hundred percent funded by donations. You can actually feed someone for as little as a ten dollar donation. The group is using local restaurants and businesses. For more information please visit their Facebook page or contact Reba Phelps at 318-581-0427.

The Staff Parish committee of The First United Methodist Church – Natchitoches met with the District Superintendent on Sunday afternoon and accepted the appointment of Rev. Gary Willis as the new pastor of First United Methodist Church effective July 1, 2020.

Gary is the middle son of a Methodist minister (Terry) and his older brother (Ricky) is also a United Methodist minister.

He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University in Mathematics (1986) and the Saint Paul’s School of Theology (1989). He is married to Amy and they have two children, Amanda who is 24 and Jason who is 16. Amanda is a graduate of Centenary College and sang in the choir. Jason is a sophomore at Ruston High School.

Gary is currently the District Superintendent of the Monroe District.

I know you will join me in praying for Gary, Amy, Amanda and Jason in this time of transition. 

God bless,

Doug de Graffenried
Senior Minister

The Natchitoches Regional Medical Center tested 37 residents on its drive through testing health service’s first day in operation, March 31. Testing and screenings will be available from 10 am – 12 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the parking lot of Central Louisiana Technical College (CLTCC) at 6587 Highway 1 in Natchitoches.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 also known as the Coronavirus, please stop by. Remain in your car as you receive screening. If after the screening, the professionals recommend testing, the NRMC Associates will do so at a testing station as part of the drive through process and test results will be available in approximately 4 days.

All participants must bring a valid photo ID and their insurance card. All insurances including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance are accepted.

In a video response to students, Dr. Steve Horton, Executive Director of LSMSA, unveiled, and explained in detail, the following changes to the school’s academic plans and current virtual instruction calendar:
Classes will continue online the week of March 30

The school will observe Spring Break, April 4-12, and classes will resume online on Monday, April 13 and continue through Friday, April 17.
April 17 represents the last day of instruction and the last due date for assignments.

Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24 will be a grace period for students to catch up on any missing/late assignments.
There will be no Final Exam session/period.

All Spring semester grades are due on Monday, April 27. This will give Academic Services the proper time to verify postings, clear degree candidates for graduation, verify transcript postings and provide grades to NSU for dual enrollment classes.

The school will transcript either the Midterm or Final grade, whichever is the higher of the two.

In partnership with Northwestern State University, NSU will allow LSMSA to enter Dual Enrollment grades on this amended schedule. Students will have an opportunity to drop Dual Enrollment after final grades are submitted, should they wish to. In that case, there will be no permanent record on the student’s collegiate transcript.

Textbooks will be due back to the school when students return to campus to check-out for the year, at a later date to be determined.

The school plans to have face-to-face Commencement, Senior Recognition, and Junior Ring Ceremonies when cleared by government officials to do so.

Summer programs including Summer School, EXCEL, STEMrichment, and the popular Summer @LSMSA camp is currently planned to continue as scheduled.

For on-going updates and details of LSMSA’s response to the Coronavirus, visit www.LSMSA.edu/COVID-19.

For the four Northwestern State head coaches who were impacted by Monday’s NCAA Division I Council vote to reinstate eligibility, the finality was almost as welcomed as the result.

When the membership voted to reinstate eligibility for all student-athletes in spring sports, it was a double victory for Northwestern State’s baseball, softball, tennis and track and field programs.

“It is good news that a vote passed that will grant spring sports student-athletes another season of eligibility following cancelation of their 2020 seasons,” Director of Athletics Greg Burke said.

“While I respected all perspectives regarding this topic, I think the Division I membership got it right with this vote. For the seniors, this provides and opportunity to finish their careers on their own terms after having been dedicated to NSU throughout their careers and for the upperclassmen, who like all student-athletes have a finite amount of time to play the sport they love, they will have the opportunity for four years.”

The novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic led the Southland Conference to cancel the remainder of its spring competitions March 14.

At that point, the Northwestern State tennis team had competed in 14 matches, the Lady Demons softball squad had played 22 games and the NSU baseball team had played 16.

The 2020 outdoor track and field season never got started.

As such, student-athletes in those sports were granted relief for their 2020 seasons.

“When I heard the news we officially got our eligibility back, I was overwhelmed with excitement,” said baseball’s Lenni Kunert. “I’ve been playing baseball for a very long time, and I’m glad I get to finish it out the right way. There were players ho were about to have the game taken away from them forever, and I’m really glad the council made the right decision to give us our year back. I’m now a sixth-year senior and feel old, but at least I get one more go around with my brothers on the diamond before I hang it up and I’m extremely grateful for that.”

The student-athletes’ relief was balanced with that of the coaches, who after a couple of weeks of indecision finally could tell their charges something concrete.

“That’s the one thing I can assure them of now,” track and field coach Mike Heimerman said. “That’s the only thing I can assure them. It’s nice to have some certainty. That’s what they wanted – certainty, some normalcy. There has been no normalcy to anything. It’s nice to know they can come back one more year.”

Each student-athlete who competed in 2020 receives what amounts to a redshirt year. However, after more than two weeks of uncertainty and innuendo, Monday’s vote brought some closure.

“When I received the news, I felt butterflies in my stomach, knowing we have the chance to represent Northwestern State and the athletic and tennis programs,” said tennis senior Judit Castillo Gargallo. “The chance to continue hearing everyone cheering us on at home games and also away games – that is something special about NSU – because no matter where we are, there are always family, friends or former student-athletes, students, faculty or staff cheering for their alma mater. Knowing we still have the chance to continue living this experience is something words cannot describe.”

While Castillo Gargallo and Kunert are expected back for their senior seasons, others are faced with decisions weighing an immediate return to competition with longer-term educational options.

Softball senior outfielder Kaitlyn St. Clair has been accepted into occupational therapy school at Abilene Christian. She is “95 percent” leaning toward playing a fifth year at Northwestern State, looking to build on a squad that was off to a 15-7 start and swept Sam Houston State in its lone Southland Conference series March 6-7.

“This season, we were confident we were going to win the tournament,” she said. “We had the right team and talent, the right group of girls. If we all come back next year, this team can be an even harder team to beat. As a senior, I want to take that fifth year. I was so ready for this season, and I didn’t want the season to end like this. The opportunity to play again, to go full out all the time, we can be really good next year.”

Heimerman’s track and field squads find themselves in a unique situation.

The indoor track and field season ended with the national meet being canceled despite student-athletes already in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Student-athletes will not be allowed an extra indoor season but will be able to compete in outdoor track and field.

“It’s great to get a fifth year,” said 2019 NCAA Indoor long jump national champion Jasmyn Steels, who was preparing to defend her title when the cancelation hit. “I didn’t know if we’d get another season once it was canceled, but I’ll take it. Not a lot of people get an opportunity to finish graduate school while still competing, and I’m grateful for that.”

The reactions were the same across the four affected sports.

“We had some texts going back and forth, especially with the older guys,” baseball coach Bobby Barbier said. “They’re very excited. You can imagine what that feeling is like, not knowing if you’ll be able to play again. They’re really excited, but now, it’s what do you do when you get an opportunity like this? What you do with your time when you’re given something like this is equally as important.”

Said softball coach Donald Pickett: “They really wanted to know something. Right now, everything we do, everything that’s going on has so many questions around it. For something to finally be concrete, for us as coaches to be able to tell them something that will happen, they can latch onto it and look forward.”

The council’s decision affects Division I schools’ bottom lines in different ways than the votes cast at the Division II and III levels, but in Burke’s mind, that was of secondary to the student-athletes’ welfare.

“Noteworthy is the fact we are in the midst of a time when unprecedented financial challenges are impacting intercollegiate athletics,” he said. “With that said, there will be financial ramifications to athletic department budgets as a result of providing these one-year additional scholarships, but again, it was the right decision. To be more precise, it’s a one-year decision that I would never want to look back years later and regret voting a different way.”

Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

NATCHITOCHES:
Dr. Archie F. Breazeale, MD
October 3, 1925 – March 26, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Clida Cora Martinez Ellison
March 26, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Lula B. Scott
March 26, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Florida Mae Brown
September 2, 1944 – March 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Sam Braden
December 20, 1941 – March 02, 2020
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Richard Daniel Dartez
April 3, 1955 – March 29, 2020

WINN:
Barbara Louise Miller
March 24, 1961 – March 30, 2020
Service: Wednesday, April 1 at 2 pm at the Jena Cemetery

Ivory Butler
July 30, 1958 – March 19, 2020
Service: Friday, April 3 at 11 am at New Zion Baptist Church in Winnfield

Mildred Thaxton
December 16, 1919 – March 29, 2020
Service: Thursday, April 2 at 2 pm in the Belah Cemetery of the Belah Community

March 30, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health has updated its website to reflect the latest number of positives and will continue to update its website at noon each day.

As of noon on March 30, the Department reported 485 additional cases since yesterday, bringing the total to 4,025 positive cases.

Hospitalization
A total of 1,158 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized; of those, 385 patients require ventilation.

Long-term care facilities
The Department of Health has identified COVID-19 clusters in 28 long-term care facilities in the state. For context, there are a total of 436 nursing homes and adult residential care facilities in Louisiana.

Below is the current list of confirmed clusters, meaning the facilities the Department has had time to properly notify:

Bayside Health
Chateau De Notre Dame
Chateau D’Ville
Chateau St. James
Colonial Nursing Home
Good Samaritan, New Orleans
Guesthouse of Slidell Nursing Home
Inspired Living Kenner
Jo Ellen Smith Living Center
Lakeview Manor Nursing Home
Lambeth House
Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Port Allen
Luling Living Center
Marrero Health Care Center
Montclair Park Assisted Living Shreveport
Nouveau Marc
Ollie Steele Burden Manor Nursing Home
Poydras Home
River Palms Nursing and Rehab
Riverbend Nursing and Rehab
Saint Anthony’s Nursing Home
Saint James Place
Saint Joseph of Harahan
Saint Jude’s Nursing Home
Saint Martin’s Manor
South East Louisiana Veterans Home
The Suites at Algiers Point
Vista Shores
A cluster is identified as two or more cases that appear to be connected.

Because of the sheer volume of cases, we will be sharing the updated number of clusters every day at noon. We will rely on facilities for reporting on the most up-to-date information. The Department continues to work with facilities to minimize the spread of the illness and protect residents and staff.

Deaths
The Department reports an additional 34 deaths since yesterday, bringing the total to 185 deaths. Deaths are listed on the LDH dashboard by parish under the by parish tab and information by age can be found on the by age group tab. A list of the ages of the reported deaths can be found here.

Below is what we know about the underlying conditions among COVID-19 deaths to date, as of March 29:

Pulmonary (12%)
Cardiac (21%)
Diabetes (40%)
Chronic Kidney Disease (23%)
Chronic Liver Disease (2%)
Immunocompromised (4%)
Neurological (6%)
Obesity (25%)
No Underlying Conditions (3%)

Volunteers
Medical volunteers interested in volunteering should register with Louisiana Volunteers in Action at http://www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov. Medical and non-medical volunteers 18 years of age and older are welcome.

By Gary McCollum/Opinion

The Pandemic that is the Corona Virus Disease 19 is affecting our local communities as well as our nation. Quarantine to stop the spread of the disease is a challenge that not all are sure they can meet.

Thousands of people in our community are out of work. Hundreds of businesses are closed. This affects many downstream. Hotels, restaurants, grocers, automakers, home builders, tourist attractions and the banking industry.

Many employees are working reduced hours or not working at all. Layoffs are prevalent. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits is forecast to set a record for the second straight week following 3.28 million last week. It is believed that these numbers are underrepresented due to the difficulty navigating overloaded websites and phone lines.

We’ve all heard about the Covid-19 relief fund that was passed by Congress and stimulus payments are on the way. Unfortunately, April’s bills are coming and the funds, albeit generous, probably won’t make it before the due dates. What can you do?

Communication is the key here to protect your credit rating and your bank account. Many lending institutions are extending payment deferments. Some may only grant you 1 month while others are granting up to 4 months deferment. If you have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, (loss of income) you may be able get some relief while the country takes a pause and quarantines to prevent any further spread of infection.

Contact your mortgage lender, credit card companies, automobile finance companies and explain your situation. We may not be able to cure a disease with a telephone call or an email, but with communication we can possibly save our credit and protect our bank accounts during this trying time.

Remember to self-quarantine and practice social distancing. Stay at home. Don’t panic buy, don’t touch your face, wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.

How are you making it through this ‘forced new way of living?’ I would love to document it and bring our community a little bit closer together – from a safe distance.

Hi, I’m a Freelance Graphic Designer here in Natchitoches and would love to invite you to be a part of my journaling process of this unique time in our lives. I believe it will allow us to truly see we are ALL in this together and we can ALL get through it together, even if we are forced to be apart.

If you are interested in joining in on the fun, here is the 411:

THIS IS A PROJECT OF LOVE. There is no charge for this photoshoot.

Scroll to the top of the page and ‘Book Now’. Sign up for a date and time.

Be creative. Feel free to be serious, be silly, be emotional. Promote a cause, support a hero.

Prepare an area OUTSIDE of your home.

RULES:
I will shoot from 6-8 feet AWAY from your family.
This is not a social event.
I will NOT enter your home.
I will NOT enter any closed areas.
I will not handle props.
I will make suggestions on lighting, expressions and artistic ideas.
All photos must be outside and include ONLY the loved ones living with you during quarantine.
Booking an appointment with Summer Designs provides us with the rights to use your image on social media and various media outlets. All rights reserved by Summer Designs.

I look forward to meeting you and your family.

CheriE
Summer Designs Visual Communications

We are beginning our second week of the ‘Stay-at-Home’ order issued by Governor John Bel Edwards (Proclamation JBE-33-2020). The order limits the operations of most businesses and the movement of citizens in Louisiana.

These measures have been implemented to mitigate spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Louisiana. In Natchitoches Parish, we are pleased to see so many people doing their part to help this effort. However, we have noticed some limited instances in which people are not following the guidelines.

We urge all citizens to adhere to the order and be reminded of the limitations in effect:

–Social Distance from others. Stay 6 feet away from all persons.

–Do not gather in any location, public or private, in groups of 10 or more. This includes indoor and outdoor locations.

–Only leave your home for legitimate purposes listed as acceptable exceptions in the order:

*To obtain groceries, supplies, medications, or take-out food. We encourage only one person from a household to visit the stores or restaurants to pick up food. Do not bring your entire family to the store, except if they are too young to stay at home.
*To care for a family member at their home.
*To take a walk, bike ride, or exercise — just keep at least six feet between you and others.

These measure are necessary to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and lives of all citizens in Natchitoches Parish, and to help avoid any potential overwhelming of our local healthcare capacity.

For businesses not considered essential critical infrastructure by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must temporarily close their operations. For businesses that are allowed to remain open during the order, we encourage them to implement strict practices to ensure social distancing for customers.

In the city of Natchitoches, all juveniles under the age of 17 are under a curfew provision in the Code of Ordinances (Sec. 20-39). Juveniles are prohibited from being on any public roadway or public property from 12:00 am – 5:00 am unless accompanied by a parent or authorized adult.

As law enforcement agencies, our primary duty is to protect citizens from harm; this includes utilizing our resources and training to help mitigate the coronavirus in Natchitoches Parish. As such, we must enforce these lawful rules listed in the ‘Stay-at-Home’ order.

Violations of the order constitute an imminent threat to public health and are a violation of the criminal statutes, subject to prosecution.

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and helping all of us defeat COVID-19.

Sheriff Victor Jones, NPSO
Sheriff-elect Stuart Wright,
NPSO Chief Micky Dove,
NPD District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, NPDA

October 03, 1925 – March 26, 2020

Dr. Breazeale is survived by his wife, Mrs. Fay Breazeale; son, Mr. David Breazeale of Natchitoches; and daughters, Mrs. Lisa Breazeale Wells and husband Jim, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Mrs. Julie Breazeale Weikel and husband Mik, of Arlington, TX; grandchildren, Lauren Wells Strickland and husband William, Melissa Wells, Drew Wells, Rebekah Webb; great-grandchildren, Grace Strickland, and twins, Archie James Strickland and William Joseph Strickland; and sister, Jayne Breazeale Latiolais.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie F. Breazeale, Sr. and Cynthia Walker Breazeale; and daughters Kathlyn Anne Breazeale and Alison Breazeale Webb.

Due to recent health restrictions, funeral services for Dr. Breazeale will be scheduled and announced at a later time.

The next time Jasmyn Steels was supposed to set foot in her native College Station, Texas, would have been for the Texas A&M Invitational on May 1, just a week before the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships.

Instead, Steels is a full-time resident of College Station now, continuing her second semester of graduate school in sports administration in online classes.

Steels, like countless other winter and spring sport student-athletes, had their competitive seasons ended in the second week of March as the country started its methodical quarantine to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

But a silver lining exists for Steels and a handful of current and former Northwestern State athletes.

The 2020 Olympics were postponed this past week, which includes various Olympic Trials.

At least three NSU athletes were expected to qualify for their countries’ respective Olympic Trials – Steels in the long jump, senior Natashia Jackson (in the 200 and 400 meters) and Grenada native Junior Charles, who had all but solidified a spot on Grenada’s 4X400 relay team.

Former NSU sprinters Amir James (200 meters) and Micah Larkins (100 meters) were possible Olympic Trials candidates in their respective events.

Larkins, a Haughton native with Korean heritage from his maternal grandmother, could possibly compete for South Korea in the 2020 Olympics, which will be held in 2021 in Japan.

“The delay in the Olympics and Olympic Trials could benefit our athletes,” said NSU associate head coach Adam Pennington, who directly coaches sprinters. “For Junior Charles, he was overcoming a hamstring injury that affected him all indoor season. Junior also gets more face time with Grenada sprinter Kirani James (won gold in the 400 in 2012 Olympics and silver in 2016 Olympics)

“With Micah and Amir training on their own, they get more time to adjust to the different coaching styles and programs. They get an extra year to compete and reach their peak at the next trials. For Jasmyn and Speedy, they were in great rhythm in their competitive seasons, and I would have loved to see what they would have done at the Olympic Trials this year. But they are young and eager, and I think they’ll keep training and be ready for the trials next year, too.”

Steels had already traveled to New Mexico to defend her NCAA Indoor national championship when sports were canceled.

Steels, who soared past the 22-foot mark (22-0.25) to win silver at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships and had already cleared 21 feet multiple times in the 2020 indoor season, was firing on all cylinders.

“I felt like I was in a really, really good place,” Steels said. “I figured out my run and had gotten everything mostly perfect.

“I was ready to peak. I actually had a few practice jumps at (NCAA Indoors) and cleared 21 feet, so I felt really good. I don’t know if the postponement for the Olympics was good or bad right now, but I’m a positive person, so this gives me an extra year to prepare and an extra year to compete at NSU (should the NCAA pass a measure to award student-athletes an extra season).”

Another question ricocheting in the mind of Steels, who’s accustomed to professional-level conditioning and training while achieving in the classroom?

“After a week or so of the season being canceled, it’s hit me that it’s over – what am I supposed to do, just be a student?” asked Steels, who won the Southland Conference Field Events Performer of the Year for the indoor season. “But it’s given me more time to work on the little things.

“With the gyms and tracks closed, I’m doing what I can to stay in shape like running outside in parks, doing some body weight exercises. I’m running wherever I can, doing sprints on the road. I’ve also learned to play the piano – I’ve always wanted to do that. I’m watching more TV shows in my spare time and playing basketball. I recommend ‘Locke and Key’ and ‘Private Practice.’”

NSU teammate Jackson was near her peak as well, taking home the SLC Women’s Track Athlete of the Year after capturing her third high-point scorer distinction and setting the conference’s indoor record in the 400 meters (53.25).

“Speedy was in a good rhythm, too, and getting better with each meet,” Pennington said. “With what she was running, she was probably making it to the Olympic Trials in the 200 and 400 meters.

“But the more competitions she can participate in, the better. She believes in herself more than ever, and she gets an extra year of maturity. Her and Jasmyn can carry that momentum from indoor into next season.”

Larkins is training in Biloxi, Miss., under former Ole Miss head coach Brian O’Neal.

With tracks closed, he’s doing what he can with abdominal work, dumbbells and lunges.

“With a new program, sometimes it takes a year to get adjusted, and that’s what was happening for me,” said Larkins, who competed for the Demons from 2016-2019, including competing on two All-American 4X100 relays and earning two All-American honorable mentions as an individual sprinter. “I would like to think the Olympics postponement does help me.

“I’m sticking with my program, and I can start to feel the changes. I won’t know for sure until competition come back, but I get one more year to buy into this system.”

Larkins’ career-best wind-legal time of 10.12 would be the top mark of any current South Korean sprinter.

James is in similar circumstances after a career (2015-18) in which he was part of those two All-American 4X100 relays and was an honorable mention All-American in the 100 meters as an individual sprinter.

For Junior Charles, chasing his Olympics dreams will be delayed one year.

But after struggling through a hamstring injury in the indoor season, Charles will get more than a year to return to a form which placed him in the mix on Grenada’s 4X400 Olympic relay team.

“Junior will definitely benefit, and he’s had the best training year he’s ever had,” Pennington said. “The hamstring injury lingered the whole season, and he ran an open race, but he felt it.

“His career best in the 400 is 46.57 (at South Plains Junior College, which included bronze medals at the NJCAA national championships in the 400 and 4X400 relay). We think he could have been in the 44s by the end of this outdoor season. He might have won NCAA national championships in the 200 and 400 meters had this season continued.”

Photo Credit:
Larkins photo is Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services
Steels photo is Mike Wade Photography

By Brad Dison

In 1958, Joseph Yule, Jr. married his fifth wife, Barbara Ann Thomason, in Mexico. Unsure of the legality of their Mexican marriage, they renewed their vows in Los Angeles two years later. By 1966, Joseph and Barbara had four children, but their marriage was falling apart. Barbara began having an affair with a soon-to-be-divorced Yugoslavian actor, stunt double, and bodyguard named Milos Milosevic. Joseph also worked in movies and was away from home for long periods of time. When he returned home from the Philippines in December, 1965, he was shocked to learn that Milos had been living in their home for a significant period of time. Milos even went so far as to claim that Joseph’s and Barbara’s home was his legal residence on official documents. On January 28, 1966, Joseph filed for divorce and petitioned the Superior Court of California for custody of their four minor children.

Since his return to the United States, Joseph had been a patient at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, and was receiving treatment for a gastrointestinal tract infection. Joseph really did not want to divorce Barbara and tried to convince her to give their marriage another chance. On Sunday night, January 30, 1966, two days after Joseph filed for divorce, Barbara visited him in the hospital. Joseph and Barbara discussed their marriage, and Joseph told friends that they were close to reconciliation. Joseph was unaware that Barbara had hired a private detective to help her record their conversation. Barbara succumbed to his persuasive reasoning and agreed to stop seeing Milos.

Barbara and the private detective returned home and were met by Milos, Wilma Catania, who was staying at Barbara’s house, another female friend, and her attorney. Barbara explained to Milos that their friendship could not continue and played the tape recording of her conversation with Joseph. Milos sat quietly as he listened to the recording. Once the recording ended, Milos asked to speak with her privately. At about 8:30 p.m., Barbara and Milos entered the master bedroom and locked the door. Wilma decided to go to dinner an hour later. She knocked on the bedroom door, got no answer, and left for dinner. The other guests left as well. Wilma returned at about 2:30 a.m. to find the home exactly as she had left it. The lights were still on, the master bedroom door was still locked. Not wanting to disturb what she suspected was a touchy conversation, Wilma turned the lights off in the rest of the house and went to bed.

Wilma awoke around noon and found that the master bedroom door was still locked. The maid had not seen Barbara all morning. They unlocked the master bedroom and found that the bed was still made. Wilma then opened the bathroom door. Barbara’s lifeless body lay face up on the bathroom floor. She was still wearing the same tan capris and flowered blouse from the day before. A single .38 caliber bullet had entered her jaw. Milos’s lifeless body was sprawled over Barbara. He was still wearing the same black pants and white shirt that he wore the day before. A single .38 caliber bullet had entered his temple. The pistol, which belonged to Joseph, lay on the floor next to the bodies.

Police theorized that Milos, distraught that their affair was ending, murdered Barbara then committed suicide shortly after they left their guests and entered the master bedroom. None of Barbara’s guests heard the gunshots because the thick walls and doors muffled the sound.

You may not recognize the names Milos Milosevic, Barbara Ann Thomason, and Joseph Yule, Jr. The three of them adopted stage names? Milos Milosevic went by a shortened version of his name, Milos Milos, and appeared in just two films. Barbara Ann Thomason, better known as Carolyn Mitchell, was a beauty queen who was crowned “Miss Venus,” “Queen of the Championships of Southern California,” “Miss Muscle Beach,” “Miss Surf Festival,” and many, many more. She became a model where she met Joseph. She appeared in just three films. Joseph’s movie career, however, spanned nine decades. He appeared in just over 340 productions including notable movies such as “Babes in Arms” (1939), “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963), and more recently in “Night at the Museum” (2006), and “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” (2014). Joseph Yule, Jr. is better known by his stage name, Mickey Rooney.

Sources:
Long Beach Independent, January 29, 1966, p. 6.
San Rafael Daily Independent Journal, February 1, 1966, P. 13.
Long Beach Independent, January 29, 1966, p. 6.
San Rafael Daily Independent Journal, February 1, 1966, P. 13.
San Bernardino County Sun, September 11, 1966. P. 3.
San Rafael Daily Independent Journal, December 24, 1966, P. 7.