I write this on Ash Wednesday. It is a beautiful day. The sun is shining brightly. The temperature is coolish. The wind is howling.

On Ash Wednesday, many churches impose ashes on the foreheads of members. There are two phrases we use while imposing the ashes. “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The other one is “Repent and believe in the gospel.” You should take both phrases seriously, ashes or not!

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are mortal. It is a call to observe a Holy Lent as we prepare to celebrate Easter. That explains the people you saw on Wednesday who had crosses on their foreheads. Some people had smudges. We are reminding ourselves that we will all end up as dust. That is why the resurrection of Jesus brings such hope. Dust will rise again!

I don’t “doctor” my ashes. There is a recipe for ashes that involves making them darker and more prominent on the forehead. It creates an “ash paste.” I take the ashes from the place where the palm fronds were burned and apply those to the foreheads. In most cases, my cross looks like a smudge.

We did “drive by” ashes this morning from seven until eight. I made a discovery this morning.

One couple from the church stopped by to have ashes imposed. I placed the ashes on their foreheads, speaking the proper words. I, of course, noticed their dog in their back seat. I walked out of the church to go pet the dog. I petted her on the head, and we had a moment.

I thanked the couple for coming and then walked back into the church.

I had carried the ashes to the car with me. I had them on a very flat plate.

Shall we review. Ashes on a flat plate in howling wind. When I got back in the church I looked down at my empty plate. The weather has never been an Ash Wednesday problem. It was a glorious day to impose ashes today. However, Lake Advisory wind and ashes don’t mix. My first load of Ash Wednesday ashes are blowing in the wind.

Luckily, I am so antsy about ashes, I have enough to impose ashes on the entire population of the parish. I reloaded my plate and continued with the Imposition of Ashes. I was circumspect with the ashes and avoided getting too close to the opened doors.

We are disciples of Jesus Christ. As a disciple we are always learning, always growing in our faith as we follow Him.

If you are not growing into and learning of Christ, you are like those ashes, blowing in the wind.

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NSU– Here is a look at the week of March 1-7 at Northwestern State University.

March 1 – Baseball vs. Eastern Illinois, Brown-Stroud Field

March 3 – New Media Showcase Reception, Varnado Hall Ballroom, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

March 3 – Guest artist Lindsay Strand-Polyak with Dennette McDermott and Doug Bakenhus, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

March 4 – Men’s basketball vs. New Orleans, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m.

March 4 –NSU Wind Ensemble, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

March 5 –Fredericks and Magale Concert Bands, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

March 6 – Softball vs. Sam Houston, Lady Demon Diamond

March 6 – Baseball vs. Eastern Abilene Christian, Brown-Stroud Field

March 7 – Softball vs. Sam Houston, Lady Demon Diamond

March 7 – Baseball vs. Eastern Abilene Christian, Brown-Stroud Field

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Northwestern State University’s Dance Organization of Students will host a swing dance workshop from 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

Admission is $5 per person. Proceeds will support NSU dance students who plan to attend the American College Dance Association’s annual conference at Florida State University.

For more information, contact Sarah Talbot at stalbot206924@nsula.edu.

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POSITION: Information Systems Technician

DESCRIPTION: Assists the Information Services Manager for all computer support, software, hardware, and networking City wide.

SKILLS: Have the knowledge of proper operation, use, and application of a variety of client computer systems and technologies such as MS Windows and AS400; Understand the principles of computer technology, hardware operating systems, client-server technologies and local area networks; Have the skill to back-up and restore, participate and apply PC security, antivirus, client imaging, and performance monitoring applications. CompTIA A+ or MCTS desirable.

CONTACT: Human Resources Department at 1400 Sabine Street or Post Office Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA, or may be downloaded at www.natchitochesla.gov

Applications will be accepted through March 12, 2020.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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BOMFS is continuing our sponsorship of the Natchitoches Recreation and Parks 2020 Baseball & Softball Season. In the photo from left to right: Jennifer Campbell, Gina Banks, Kevin Warner (Recreation Director), and Brian Ohnoutka.

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The energy and enthusiasm the Northwestern State football team brought to the opening workout of spring practice impressed head coach Brad Laird.

The Demons went through a 22-period workout Thursday afternoon, the first of 15 spring practices and scrimmages that will culminate with the 31st annual Joe Delaney Bowl on March 21.

“It was good to be out here,” said Laird, whose third season at the helm of his alma mater begins Sept. 3 at home against Incarnate Word. “Being able to get out here and put a helmet on and put a football in their hands is what it’s about. The guys had a lot of good enthusiasm for the first day. It’s about being consistent through 22 periods.”

Northwestern State’s first workout of the spring lasted a little more than an hour and a half as it turns its attention to the 2020 season.

The Demons worked out in helmets and shorts as they will Friday before entering the first workout in pads Saturday morning.

After the workout, Laird reiterated the importance of consistency to his squad.

“That’s the thing we want to see as a staff,” he said. “We want to identify the starters, identify the depth in all three phases. We need to be consistent with what we do. When we look at the film, we’ll not only look at the Xs and Os, we’ll look to make sure the effort is there through 22 periods.

“As we look at the things we did well and we look at the mistakes we made, we’ll move forward to continue to correct those mistakes, because install two will be here (Friday), and we don’t want to be left behind.”

Northwestern State returns to practice at 2:45 p.m. Friday before a 10 a.m. Saturday workout completes the first week of spring practice.

Photo Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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Students in grades PreK-K at L.P. Vaughn received Terrific Kid certificates from the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club for the month of February recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance.

Pictured on front row from left are Lyndell Brumfield, Zoe Edwards, Alyssa Haskett, Mackenzie Bernstine, Madison Pier, Brian Powell, A’mari Evans, Elkys Arriola, Terianna Moses, Zy’Marreon Willis, Brandon Chelette, Selena Durousseau, Gracyi Llorance, Tristian Law, Ke’zyiah King, Morgan Johnson, Honestie Williams, Kennedy Morrisette, and Bailee Meziere. Not pictured are Cadence Finley and Kayden Calvin. Pictured with them are Kiwanian Heather Martin and Clarissa Davis.

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The inaugural Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) Fishing Team recently made its debut by competing in the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Series challenge at Lake Sam Rayburn in Jasper, Texas.

A total of 202 anglers competed in the event, with the three participating CLTCC members finishing in 25 , 40 and 55 place.

Michelle Ducote, team coordinator, said the team was created after several students with fishing team experience in high school or other schools asked if a team could be created. “CLTCC does not offer sports, but we wanted to give students who want that true college experience another option,” Ducote said. “We have our SkillsUSA competitions and the Student Government Association, and now we have a fishing team as a club sport option for students.”

Membership on the team is open to students at all eight CLTCC campuses. To date, six students have signed up to compete, four from the Alexandria campus, one from the Natchitoches campus and one from Leesville. The ages of team members range from 19 to 41, with most members being in their 20s.

Matthew Guillory, an electrical program student and the youngest member, is also the team captain. Guillory was a member of a fishing team in high school at Holy Savior Menard Central High School. “I have a love for it and fish whenever I get the chance,” he said.

The team is coached by Brad Moyers, a retired Army veteran and instructor in the Outdoor Power Equipment program at the Lamar Salter Campus in Leesville. When asked how he was selected to be the coach, Moyers noted, “I have a bass boat and a love for fishing.” But it was much more than that for Moyers. “I have a love for teaching students how to fish and how to work on motors – I have a love for teaching young people anything.”

As a start-up program, the team is seeking sponsors and donations. They team has already received local support, with Holloway Outdoors donating some equipment and Bill Lewis Lures offering to donate lures for the students to use.

Moyers said the team’s next scheduled competition will be March 7 at Indian Creek. That will not be a collegiate competition, yet rather the event is a fundraiser for a Pitkin young lady with medical concerns. “We will compete in as many events as possible,” Moyers said.

Ultimately, Moyers would like to see enough competitors from each of the system’s eight campuses that they could have a tournament pitting each campus against the others to determine an overall CLTCC championship campus.

And, in a nod to the Trace Adkins country music song “She Thinks We’re Just Fishin’,” Moyers noted there is much more to the fishing team than learning how to fish. “I spent 21 years and three months in the military, and I saw a lot of 19 and 20-year-olds in the unit,” Moyers said. “These young people are way ahead of their peers in terms of morals, work ethic, and values. Developing a hobby like fishing and hunting keeps them out of trouble getting into something else.”

Caption for attached photo: The Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) Fishing Team recently competed in its first Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Fishing Series event at Lake Sam Rayburn in Jasper, Texas. Inaugural team members include (from left) team captain Matthew Guillory, Ethan Price, coach Brad Moyers and Nathan Orlando.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than 20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for good-paying jobs. CLTCC serves 10 parishes in Central Louisiana through its eight campuses and provides instruction in three state prisons and two federal correctional institutions. For more information, visit http://www.cltcc.edu.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Lorraine Martin Dorris
December 28, 1948 – February 24, 2020
Visitation: Saturday, February 29 from 10-11 am at Summerfield Baptist Church located at 171 Summerfield Road, Summerfield Community
Service: Saturday, February 29 at 2 pm at Summerfield Baptist Church near Colfax

Jerry Larpenter
August 13, 1930 – February 21, 2020
Service: Tuesday, March 3 at 2 pm at Friendship Church of the Nazarene in Robeline

Will Smith
March 26, 1951 – February 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Crawford Ficklin, Jr.
February 23, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 29 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church, located at 411 Second Street in Natchitoches

Mary Jane Jackson Parker
February 22, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 29 at 9 am at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches

Anna Lou Evans Beasley
February 7, 1918 – February 18, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 29 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Flora

Cleveland Lewis
February 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN PARISH:
Robert Glen Taylor
June 28, 1964 – February 23, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Dr. William “Bill” Robertson
November 13, 1952 – February 24, 2020
Service: Friday, February 28, 2020 at 10:00AM at the church under direction of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home

James Cecil “Gabby” Freeman Sr.
August 13, 1930 – February 24, 2020
Visitation: Friday, February 28 from 10-11 am at Northside Baptist Church in Montgomery
Service: Friday, February 28 at 11 am at Northside Baptist Church

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The Northwestern State football team has to replace a productive senior class of 2019, one that included a record-setting quarterback and four-year starters along the offensive line and in the defensive backfield.

That process kicks into gear Thursday at 3:45 p.m. when the Demons hold the first of 15 spring practices inside Turpin Stadium.

“When you start back in January, you’re gearing yourself up for the 2020 season, but there are phases you go through,” said Brad Laird, whose third season at the helm of his alma mater begins Sept. 3 when Northwestern State hosts Incarnate Word.

“The phase we start Thursday, spring practice, is always an exciting time. You’ve been through the offseason, and now you get to get out there and play some football and see what this team is all about. That is what excites us as a coaching staff and players. The players work so hard during the offseason to go out and put a football in their hands and play and practice for the next 15 days.”

The Demons’ spring schedule starts with a 22-period practice Thursday and runs through the 31st annual Joe Delaney Bowl at 12 p.m. March 21. The Demons will hold two spring scrimmages – at 10 a.m. March 7 and 14.

Among the 22 seniors who must be replaced are quarterback Shelton Eppler, who rewrote most of Northwestern State’s single-season and career passing records in his two seasons as a Demon, 100-catch receiver Quan Shorts, standout offensive linemen Dustin Burns, Jonathan Hubbard and Chris Zirkle and defensive backfield staples Nick Forde and Ryan Reed.

“It’s always exciting when you have competition,” Laird said. “One of our goals as a coaching staff is to identify who the starters are, identify the depth, identify the guys we can count on to play significant snaps. I’m excited about the three (quarterbacks) who will battle for that spot. Will we get everything answered in those 15 practices? That’s yet to be determined. We’ll see where we are after Day 1 going into Day 2 just like we’ll see where we are after practice 15 going into the summer.”

Thursday marks the first time Laird and his staff will see several of their 2020 signees in action as mid-year junior college signees have been on campus since classes resumed in January.

“It’s a combination of some of those older guys we brought in after we identified our needs combined with guys who may have been waiting in the background for a couple of years who will get that opportunity to showcase what they can do,” Laird said. “They should have the opportunity to play. That’s what we look forward to, guys who will step up in all three phases.

“We’ve talked offensively, and we’ve talked defensively, but who are the guys who will step up on special teams? We’ve got to find 11 guys for each special teams unit that will win football games for us. We’ll look at that very hard this spring. After reflecting on the 2019 season, we have to be better on special teams. We are going to be the most physical team. We have to be physical on both sides of the ball and on special teams. We need to find who will be physical when it’s fourth-and-1 or third-and-2. Who can we count on to make plays?”

2020 Spring Football Schedule – Date Time

Feb. 27 3:45 p.m.
Feb. 28 2:45 p.m.
Feb. 29 10 a.m.
March 3 3:45 p.m.
March 5 3:45 p.m.
March 6 2:45 p.m.
March 7 10 a.m. (Scrimmage 1)
March 10 3:45 p.m.
March 12 3:45 p.m.
March 13 2:45 p.m.
March 14 10 a.m. (Scrimmage 2)
March 17 3:45 p.m.
March 19 3:45 p.m.
March 20 2:45 p.m.
March 21 12 p.m. (31st annual Joe Delaney Bowl)

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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Students at Natchitoches Magnet School received Terrific Kid certificates from the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club for the month of February recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance.

Pictured are Adrienne Duruisseau, Xane Jones, Jaylei Babers, Tra’Miyaa Jones, Gracie Anable, Lydia Mogridge, Levi Aton, Dalton Conant, Dylan Torres, Charity Marshall, Austin Carter, Wesley Johnson, Morgan Robinson, Hunter Goings, Wyatt Laning and Jamal Barnes.

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Natashia Jackson stands alone atop the Southland Conference indoor 400 meter record book.

When it comes to Southland Conference Indoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week, she has company.

Jackson and teammate Lauren Clarke swept the final weekly honors ahead of the conference championships awarded by the conference Wednesday.

Jackson, Northwestern State’s do-it-all senior, rewrote the conference’s indoor 400 meter record for the second straight week, clocking a 53.43 at the Texas Tech Matador Qualifier to earn her second consecutive and third overall weekly honor of the 2020 season. Jackson’s mark stands 31st nationally after being converted for altitude to a 53.54.

Clarke, a sophomore from Houston, established a pair of personal bests at the Texas A&M Invitational to nab her first SLC Indoor Field Athlete of the Week award.

She delivered the 20th-longest triple jump in the nation and the longest by an SLC competitor this season (42-11.75) to win the event and finished second in the high jump with a mark of 5-8.75 that sits fourth in the conference and 47th nationally.

The Lady Demons and Demons will compete in the Southland Conference Indoor Championships March 1-2 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Photo Credit: Jameria Smith/NSU Photographic Services

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The East Natchitoches School of Fine Arts is in full swing. Students are busy taking private and group classes in art, keyboard, piano, voice, flute, viola, guitar, drama, dance, and drums. The largest group class is the art class of eleven students taught by Natchitoches Parish School district art teacher, Erin Parrish. Nine private drum lessons are taught by Northwestern State upper classman, Mr. Chris Ball. All other classes are taught by Northwestern State including: Jonathon Andino (viola), David Paz (piano & keyboard), Sarah Holoubek (dance), Sidney Gilder (drama), Herbie Brewton (guitar), and MiKayla Richarsdson (voice and flute).

Director and Natchitoches Parish music teacher, Danny R. Von Kanel says, “I am so excited about this years talent. With a number returning students, we are seeing an uptick in the quality of talent compared to past years. With well over $11,000.00 raised to fund the school, the financial resources are there to fund the year. In addition, I can’t say enough about the Natchitoches business community for believing in us and making it possible for students across the district to experience the arts. Thank you!”

Principal of the East Natchitoches Elementary School is Chrystal Davis. Superintendent of the Natchitoches Parish public school district is Mr. Dale Skinner.

Picture are Drama teacher Sidney Gilder, Daryl Walker, Jacob Hypes, Anna Taylor, Blakely Ridley, Belcy Lopez, Journey Ashlock, Kylon Payton, LaGordian Brown, Lathan Johnson, Barbara Clark, Mary Harvey, Allysa Sibley, Ella Fuitt, Gennaya Gibson, Jayden Harp, Jayda Russell, Cameron McDaniel, Journey Arthor, Drums teacher Chris Ball, Jake Broadway, Flute Teacher MiKayla Richardson, Desiree Edwards, Voice teacher MiKayla, Katie Rodriguez, Keyboard teacher David Paz, and Se’Niya Thomas.

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The Ho Minti Society, Inc., a nonprofit that encourages the vitality of traditional Choctaw-Apache Community of Ebarb arts and heritage, is launching its 2020 Indigenous Arts and Crafts Series with a workshop on brick stitch beading. The event is co-sponsored by Northwestern State University Anthropology and American Indian Programs, and hosted by the Williamson Museum. The workshop will be Feb. 29 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Williamson Museum, Kyser Hall 208.

“Native American arts and crafts are living arts,” Ho Minti President Rhonda Gauthier explained. “Working with beads, leather, wood, fabric, animal parts and other natural or synthetic materials, Native artists use traditional skills and techniques to create works of incredible beauty. Each Native American community has its own family traditions reflected in decorative details which are transmitted and used with respect.”

The technique for this first workshop is called brick stitch and requires weaving together tiny seed beads in a staggered pattern. It can be used to create diamond- or triangle-shaped objects. Dr. Rebecca Riall, an anthropologist and attorney on the NSU faculty, will teach the workshop.

“For Native people, learning traditional techniques from our elders is a time not just to learn about art, but to learn life lessons, laugh and think about our community,” Riall said.

“The greatest art is learned by listening to your elders,” said Jason “Big Jake” Rivers, a founding Ho Minti board member and Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb council member.

Future workshops will include traditional basket making, leather bags and more.

“We need to keep our cultures alive,” said Ho Minti Treasurer Pam Cartinez.

“Ho Minti Society is using workshops to share Native American living arts with Native and non-Native peoples,” Gauthier added.

Registration is required by emailing Gauthier at gauthier@nsula.edu. Children over 12 are permitted if accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Materials are provided at no cost. However, those with nickel allergies may wish to bring one pair of hypoallergenic earwires.

“Ho Minti” means “y’all come” in Choctaw and reflects the nonprofit’s commitment to coming together to share and support American Indian ways of knowing and doing.

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Rotarian with the Program Mike Newton introduced Warren Morris, former member of the LSU 1996 College World Series Championship team and MLB baseball player at the Feb. 25 Rotary Club of Natchitoches meeting. Warren shared many inspirational stories about his experiences as a college and major league baseball player and is proud to be from Alexandria, LA.

Pictured from left are President David Guillet, Morris, and Newton (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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Recently, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center received a national spotlight for its rural health programs and services. Kirk Soileau, Chief Executive Officer, was asked to present the hospital’s many successes at the 33rd Annual American Hospital Association Rural Healthcare Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

“It is always a pleasure to share our success with other hospitals,” Soileau noted. “We’ve found so many innovative ways to improve care in our community. For example, we created a Primary Care Clinic that is open seven-days-a-week, year-round that accepts Medicaid. We are seeing on average a 20 percent increase in patient volume at our Primary Care Clinic each month. So instead of waiting until someone is seriously ill and in need of emergency care, our goal is to get folks to come to the clinic when illnesses first start. This means treating upper respiratory illnesses before the condition worsens and possibly turns into pneumonia, or getting folks immunizations and flu shots, or helping those with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure better control their numbers. We are seeing such a great response. Our model can work in other communities across the nation and have the same positive impact on health that we are seeing in Natchitoches,” Soileau said.

Soileau also shared other innovative programs such as how NRMC is growing its specialist network, reaching out into the community to address population health issues, addressing reimbursement challenges, and growing services that the local community wants and needs like Wound Care, access to specialty care and more.

After presenting at the AHA national rural health meeting, NRMC’s innovation work was highlighted at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. Soileau also participated in a podcast about rural health which can be heard on www.nrmchospital.org/tv-radio-spots/

About Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center began as a community hospital in 1955 and has grown into a 216-bed healthcare system with 750 Associates and more than 100 active and consulting physicians on its medical staff. The system is comprised of the 96-bed acute care facility, a skilled nursing home, assisted living complex, and an extensive network of clinics throughout the parish. NRMC is an affiliate of Christus Health.

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The body of a Northwestern State University student was found in a campus residence hall Tuesday, Feb. 26. James Evans, 22, a theatre major from Chalmette, died as the result of a medical condition.

Information on funeral services is incomplete. NSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Student Government Association plan to hold a memorial service next week.

The Northwestern State family extends condolences to Evans’ family and friends.

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Chee Chee Bay Water System in North Natchitoches Parish has issued a Boil Advisory until further notice. This is due to a water mail break which is resulting in low pressure system wide. For more information, customers may call 318-663-1148.

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POSITION: Information Systems Technician

DESCRIPTION: Assists the Information Services Manager for all computer support, software, hardware, and networking City wide.

SKILLS: Have the knowledge of proper operation, use, and application of a variety of client computer systems and technologies such as MS Windows and AS400; Understand the principles of computer technology, hardware operating systems, client-server technologies and local area networks; Have the skill to back-up and restore, participate and apply PC security, antivirus, client imaging, and performance monitoring applications. CompTIA A+ or MCTS desirable.

CONTACT: Human Resources Department at 1400 Sabine Street or Post Office Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA, or may be downloaded at www.natchitochesla.gov

Applications will be accepted through March 12, 2020.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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