From motorcycles, a fiercely contested cornhole tournament, superb music and of course, the iconic Natchitoches delicacy, the Natchitoches Meatpie Festival held September 13 and 14 at the downtown riverbank, offered something for everyone.
The Natchitoches Meatpie Festival, in its twenty-third year, has long been a staple of the fall season in our community, offering family fun to one and all with no admission charge. The event featured concerts, an eclectic variety of food trucks, craft booths, inflatable structures for children to play in, the event’s first cornhole tournament, and of course lots of meatpies for all to enjoy.
Thousands of festivalgoers packed the downtown riverbank to listen to a wide range of musical entertainment. Saturday’s festivities began with over 40 motorcyclists thundering down Front Street enjoying the twenty-fifth Cane River Run, a three-hour ride throughout our picturesque parish. The day featured almost 12 solid hours of entertainment culminating with a fun filled performance by Double Trouble Zydeco Twins and an ear popping fireworks show.. In a special treat, a pair of hot air balloons made an encore appearance at the festival lending a touch of color to the evening.
The Meatpie Festival, in addition to being terrific fun, has a serious purpose. The festival’s proceeds assist organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and other charitable endeavors serving our community.
To those that received a summons for Monday, September 16, 2024
To All Natchitoches Parish Citizens that received a summons for Jury service to appear at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse on Monday September 16th at 9:00 AM.
There has been a slight change so please note the following:
Call 318-352-2034 after 11:00 AM on Monday September 16. There will be a recording telling you to either come to the Courtroom at 1:00 for Jury Service or that you are dismissed from duty.
Thanks for your service to the 10th Judicial District Court of Natchitoches Parish.
David Stamey Clerk of Court Natchitoches Parish 318-352-8152
Complementary football describes a game in which a team’s offense and defense work in tandem to overwhelm an opponent.
That’s the best way to describe Evangel Christian’s 45-7 win against Natchitoches Central on Friday in Turpin Stadium in both squads’ District 1-5A opener.
Evangel’s (1-1, 1-0 District 1-5A) defense suffocated Natchitoches Central’s (1-1, 0-1 District 1-5A) offense, creating short fields early for the Eagles’ offense.
With a number of drives starting in or near NCHS territory, Evangel scored the game’s first 31 points and led 31-7 at the half.
“There were some field position issues early, but it didn’t come down to that,” said NCHS coach Brad Laird, who was coaching in his first game at Northwestern State’s Turpin Stadium in Chiefs’ maroon after serving as the Demons’ head coach for the past six seasons. “We didn’t prepare well all week on offense, defense or special teams, and it showed in the way we played.
“Both coaches and players, and it starts with me, have to understand what it’s going to take this week to be prepared to play.”
The Chiefs defense made it as tough as they could early on Evangel, forcing a Kaegan Kent field goal on Evangel’s first possession.
But the Eagles stacked up the touchdowns after that, although a combination of the NCHS defense and Evangel penalties meant the Eagles had to convert lengthy first downs to keep drives going.
“There are things we can take away in all three phases,” Laird said. “Defensively, I thought we were competitive on first and second down for the most part.
“We have to learn how to get off the field on third and fourth down, make stops, and give ourselves a chance to change the momentum.”
Evangel quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston and the offense were more than up to the challenge as the Eagles’ offensive line gave Houston time to operate.
Houston used his legs and his arm to march the Eagles up and down the field, having time to find receivers streaking down the field or openings to scramble.
The sophomore finished the night with six touchdown passes.
“It was a great team effort, especially with how well we played defensively,” said Evangel coach Denny Duron. “Our offense was very resilient in the fact that we overcame a ton of penalties to finish drives.”
Natchitoches Central counterpart Owen Smith didn’t have much time to throw most of the night, and the Chiefs’ early attempts to get their screen game going were swarmed by Evangel.
NCHS scored its first touchdown against Breaux Bridge in the opener on a 77-yard screen to Dillon Braxton, but the Eagles didn’t allow the Chiefs those chances.
With a nine-team District 1-5A, the Chiefs face district opponents for all but one game the rest of the season.
The district slate continues with a trip to Captain Shreve (1-1) on Friday. The Gators lost a tough one to Huntington this past week.
The one non-district game is against reigning Division II Non-Select champions Opelousas when the Tigers visit NCHS in Week 6.
St. Mary’s football coach Kedrin Seastrunk was not in the mood for company over the weekend.
Yes, he had made a deal with several players from the Red River football team, many of whom he mentors as part of his church ministry. that they could come hang out at his house as they usually do – if they won. But after Red River rallied late to hand St. Mary’s a 26-13 loss that came with some questionable calls Friday night, Seastrunk was in no mood for company.
“I wasn’t in the mood for talking,” Seastrunk said. “I didn’t want to see anybody. But they let me have it (Sunday) at church. Luckily, we got a little Jesus in us and it didn’t get too bad.”
Seastrunk’s mood stemmed from a night in which lots of things went wrong for his Tigers. There were numerous issues with the scoreboard clock, which caused lots of problems as time was kept by the referees.
“It really messes up your strategy,” he said.
Seastrunk said he also had issues with the short-handed four-man referee crew and some of the calls they made, especially on a couple of touchdowns that were nullified by penalty, along with two controversial calls on fourth downs.
“I’m not one to complain, but I’ll even tell you it was mutually agreed upon that the referees were, let’s just say, not as efficient as they should be,” Seastrunk said. “I can say it because they had about 500 people that saw it. Those two calls went against us and just kind of broke our backs. It’s one thing to play the team; it’s another thing to play the refs. But all in all, the goal is to make sure we don’t leave it in their hands.”
The Tigers had a lead thanks to an 85-yard touchdown strike from sophomore quarterback Preston Tilley to Braylon Norman and a 25-yard touchdown pass from Tilley to John Paul Thibodaux.
But Red River rallied late in the game to take the win and hand St. Mary’s its second loss of the season.
“I saw some improvement,” Seastrunk said. “I saw some good things. I’m proud of the way they fought. But at times we just exhausted all we could do for the time being.”
The Tigers will try to get their first win against nearby rival Holy Savior Menard next Friday night at Turpin Stadium.
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 2024 TIME: 9 AM WHERE: 7675 Hwy 167S, Winnfield, LA 71483
Selling for: City of Winnfield, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Dept, City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches & Caldwell Fire Districts, Local Contractors and Farmers Construction Equipment, Tractors, Trucks, Trailers, Farm Equipment, 100+ Vehicles, Tools & Much More!
Notice: Sale starts at 9AM, we will be selling 2 Rings starting at 11AM. Ring 1 (starts at 9): Golf Carts, 4-Wheelers, Lawnmowers, Boats, Construction Equipment, Tractors, Trucks, Cars, Containers, Trailers, Attachments, & Salvage
Ring 2 (starts at 11): Hay & Farm Equipment, Cattle Equipment, Tools & Misc.
For more information, call Rex at 318-648-8509 or 318-471-0962 or visit us online at: www.proxibid.com/lasyone
There’s something for everyone!! We hope to see you there!! Rex Lasyone, LA lic#:1549, TX lic#: 16267
Partial Listing: ∙ John Deere 160C LC Excavator, nice ∙ Komatsu PC45MR Excavator ∙ Komatsu WA250 Rubber Tired Loader ∙ Case 480F Loader Landscape Tractor w/grapple ∙ IH 806 Tractor, restored from an estate, barn kept, Very Nice! ∙ JLG 10054 Telescopic Forklift ∙ John Deere 450J LT dozer ∙ Komatsu D31P Dozer ∙ (2) Taylor 16K Forklifts ∙ Case 1150G Dozer ∙ Kubota L3300 Tractor, 4×4, Hydrostat, 200 hours, w/Implements: Bush Hog, Box Blade, Post Hole Digger ∙ (2) New Mini Excavators, rubber tracks ∙ 2007 Peterbilt 386 Day Cab Truck & Tanker Water Trailer from Fire Dept ∙ 2010 Mack Sleeper Truck ∙ 2008 Freightliner Single Axle Truck ∙ Army Truck ∙ Dump Trucks & More!
Absolute!! – 30 Parish Vehicles – (2) 2018 Dodge Durangos ∙ 2010 Ford Explorer ∙ (3) 2009 Chevy Impalas ∙ 2016 Ford Taurus ∙ 2015 Ford Taurus ∙ (2) 2013 Ford Taurus ∙ (2) 2016 Dodge Chargers ∙ 2008 Lincoln MKZ ∙ 2013 Chevy Tahoe ∙ 2001 Dodge Dakota ∙2011 Chevy Tahoe ∙ 2008 Ford F-450 Truck, Cummings Engine, 78k mis ∙ 2004 Ford F-250 Truck ∙ 2005 Dodge 2500, 4×4 ∙ (2) 2006 Chevy 1500 Trucks & Lots More!
2008 Mate Tri-Axle Dump Trailer ∙ 2024 Performance GN Flatbed Trailer, dual tandem ∙ (3) 2001 Dragon Oilfield Trailers ∙ Stock Trailers ∙ Bumper Trailers ∙ Vermeer 605XL Round Baler ∙ Hay Grapple ∙ Great Plains Pasture Drill ∙ King Kutter Tiller ∙ (2) Kuhn Hay Cutters ∙ (2) Hydraulic Disks ∙ Bush Hogs ∙ Box Blades ∙ Semi Load of New Tires ∙ Attachments ∙ Feed Troughs ∙ Hay Rings ∙ Panels & Gates ∙ Welders ∙ Air Compressors ∙ Pipe ∙ Tools ∙ Golf Carts ∙ 6×6 Marsh Buggy ∙ Four Wheelers ∙ Lawnmowers ∙ Western Furniture ∙ Tools & Lots More!
With AmeriCorps Seniors and Save the Children Head Start in Ville Plate, Natchitoches, Eunice, Grand Coteau, and Opelousas
• Are you 55+? • Could you use a TAX-FREE hourly stipend, paid holidays & mileage reimbursement? * • Does your income qualify?
Single – (less than) $2,023.30 per month Married- (less than) $2,743.30 per month
Attend our upcoming Registration Fair:
Date: September 19, 2024 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm Location: Save the Children Administration 319 North Street Natchitoches, LA 71457
Call: To get started today, 318-663-6566 – Only a few opportunities available!
*Payments are not considered taxable income. Payments do not affect eligibility for benefits such as SSI, AFDC, public housing, unemployment, disability, retirement, or veteran’s benefits.
To those that received a summons for Monday, September 16, 2024
To All Natchitoches Parish Citizens that received a summons for Jury service to appear at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse on Monday September 16th at 9:00 AM.
There has been a slight change so please note the following:
Call 318-352-2034 after 11:00 AM on Monday September 16. There will be a recording telling you to either come to the Courtroom at 1:00 for Jury Service or that you are dismissed from duty.
Thanks for your service to the 10th Judicial District Court of Natchitoches Parish.
David Stamey Clerk of Court Natchitoches Parish 318-352-8152
When I pulled into the driveway my heart was skipping every other beat and my nerves were completely getting the best of me. I was rehearsing my introduction.
“Hello, my name is Reba Procell.” That seemed a little too formal. “Hey, I’m Reba.” That sounded a little too down-home. Why was I so nervous? He was just a preacher and from all accounts, a kind preacher. And I lived with a preacher! My own daddy is a preacher. Why was I making such a big deal about this?
While I was wrapping up my rehearsal and gaining my composure, I was startled by a loud tap on my window. Jumping out of my skin and rolling down my window at the same time, I was met with a wide gracious smile, and a deep voice that sounded like James Earl Jones saying, “Hi Reba, I’m Calvin, Benjie’s daddy, do you mind running to the E-Z Mart and grabbing me a beer before you come in?”
Of all the greetings that were on my long list of potentials from my overthinking eighteen-year-old mind, this was not one of them.
I cautiously paused and waited for a chuckle. A sly smile. An admission that he was joking. Something other than the solemn face that was staring straight into my eyes. Quickly deciding I would play along I sheepishly asked if had a bad day and what kind of beer is he requesting. I was not one to judge. If the kind preacher needs a beer, there must be a good reason.
He went on to tell me that he was having a wonderful day but needed a large canned beer in a brown paper bag. His son, Benjie, just stood there as if this was a normal thing. Not wanting to belabor the request, I put my white 1992 Ford Probe into reverse and headed one block over to the local E-Z Mart in Winnfield, Louisiana.
The whole way there I kept thinking this was a joke. Was I contributing to the delinquency of a preacher? I knew Baptist preachers were not supposed to consume alcohol but I really should not question a man of the cloth. Maybe he just had one on the weekends and liked the taste.
Once the brew was secured and neatly tucked into a brown paper bag, I headed back the preacher’s house just as instructed. When I pulled into the driveway, there stood the preacher waiting on his beer with an even bigger grin. As soon as I exited my car the loud, deep voice said, “Oh thank you so much, I have been trying to kill these snails in my flower bed and someone told a beer should do the trick, then I can put the dead snails in that brown paper bag!”
At this point I did not have the heart to let him know I was questioning his beer decision the whole way to the gas station and back to his house.
This was the beginning of a thirty-one-year friendship with many hills and a few valleys. The valleys came along when my parenting skills were put on trial. Papaw Phelps took great pride in allowing his grandchildren to consume seconds and thirds of ice-cream, staying up past a curfew, and even riding in an old mail jeep with no brakes and no seat belts. He took extra measures in the memory making department. If it made the children smile, he was more than happy to indulge them.
This past week my daughters said goodbye to the paternal grandfather. It was one of the hardest things they have had to endure during their lives but they both handled it with so much strength and confidence in their faith…knowing that he is celebrating in heaven on the streets of gold. They know they will see him again. I am so grateful and blessed to have had thirty-one years with the preacher who one time needed a beer.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Mathew 5:4
ROUGH NIGHT: The Northwestern State offense heads off the field Thursday night after being forced to punt at South Alabama, in a blowout defeat. (Photo by JASON PUGH, Northwestern State)
By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Sports Information
MOBILE, Alabama – For the first time this season, the Northwestern State football team did not score first.
Instead, South Alabama was the team who started quickly inside Hancock Whitney Stadium, and the Jaguars maintained that edge throughout, delivering an 87-10 victory against the Demons in the first meeting between the teams.
“Those games are tough,” first-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said about facing Football Bowl Subdivision teams. “We played two of them in 14 days – two good ones. At the end of the day, I have to take the blame for that. I didn’t have my guys ready to go. Lesson learned on my part. Way back, I agreed – and it was my decision – to play them on a Thursday. It’s probably not the best decision to play an FBS team on a five-day week. Lesson learned by me.
“As our team grows through this thing and our team is growing and learning through it, I have to learn, too. There’s nothing good about tonight except you lose or you learn. Hopefully there are more things we’ve learned about our staff and our program and how our players are going to learn from adversity.”
The Jaguars’ 87 points set a Sun Belt Conference record and were the most allowed by the Demons in program history.
Northwestern (0-3) went three and out on its first possession, snapping a two-game streak of scoring with a 70-yard-plus play on an opening drive. Jamaal Pritchett returned the ensuing punt 66 yards for a touchdown, setting the tone for the Jaguars (1-2).
After the Demons strung together a pair of first downs on their next drive, an interception gave the Jaguars the ball at the Demon 39-yard line. Again, it took one play for South Alabama one play to find the end zone as Gio Lopez found Jeremiah Webb at the goal line for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
Although the Demons failed to extend their streak of first-drive scores, they did keep alive a run of big-play touchdowns.
Down 24-3 with 3 seconds to play in the first quarter, the Demons reignited as JT Fayard found a streaking Myles Kitt-Denton free up the seam for a 75-yard, catch-and-run touchdown.
It marked the second straight week for the pair to connect on a touchdown of at least 70 yards, following a 71-yard, first-play score against Prairie View A&M last week. The score was the Demons’ third offensive touchdown of at least 70 yards this season and fourth overall, joining Kennieth Lacy’s 75-yard run and Antonio Hall’s 74-yard blocked field goal return at Tulsa on Aug. 29.
“Myles is doing great,” McCorkle said. “Early in the game, there were a few flashes where we started to get some things going offensively. Our defense really struggled tonight, and when you see that, you have to be able to play complementary football. We changed the way we called the game in order to try to do that.”
From there, the Jaguars – Northwestern’s second FBS opponent in the first three games – opened things up with consecutive 28-point second and third quarters.
The Demons, who had won the turnover battle in each of their first two games, lost the battle 4-0 Thursday night. The Jaguars turned those four turnovers into 28 points.
The Demons return to action in nine days when they host Weber State. Kickoff is set for 6:02 p.m. Sept. 21 in Turpin Stadium.
With AmeriCorps Seniors and Save the Children Head Start in Ville Plate, Natchitoches, Eunice, Grand Coteau, and Opelousas
• Are you 55+? • Could you use a TAX-FREE hourly stipend, paid holidays & mileage reimbursement? * • Does your income qualify?
Single – (less than) $2,023.30 per month Married- (less than) $2,743.30 per month
Attend our upcoming Registration Fair:
Date: September 19, 2024 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm Location: Save the Children Administration 319 North Street Natchitoches, LA 71457
Call: To get started today, 318-663-6566 – Only a few opportunities available!
*Payments are not considered taxable income. Payments do not affect eligibility for benefits such as SSI, AFDC, public housing, unemployment, disability, retirement, or veteran’s benefits.
Join the LEMOINE team as a construction craftworker and contribute to a vital project on the City’s Infrastructure improvements at the Natchitoches Water Treatment Plant, 200 Mill Street! We’re looking for skilled individuals with experience in concrete forming & water treatment plant work. As a member of our workforce, you’ll handle tasks such as formwork, concrete placement/finish, misc steel & pipe erection, and process equipment installation while collaborating with our project foreman and team members.
Responsibilities may include:
Reading blueprints and construction plans
Measuring and cutting materials
Installing precast conc structures, erection of metals & piping
Constructing forms and pouring concrete
Operating hand and power tools
Qualifications:
Must lift/carry up to 55 lbs.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including kneeling, bending, and working on uneven surfaces.
Experience in general construction activities is a plus.
All NPSB schools and offices will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Our area has fortunately been less affected by the recent storm. Our thoughts are with those who have experienced more significant impacts.
If you are unable to bring your child to school tomorrow due to impassable road conditions or flooding, please reach out to your school and they will work with families to excuse weather releated absences.
Weather related school closures are never an easy decision and we would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
St. Mary’s and Lakeview played to a scoreless tie two weeks ago in the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Jamboree. Friday night both aim for their first wins, with Lakeview playing at home and SMHS going to Coushatta. (Journal photo by KEVIN SHANNAHAN
By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports
Now that the newbie football coaches at St. Mary’s and Lakeview have their first games behind them, the two men can focus on getting their first wins of the 2024 football season.
St. Mary’s, under first-year coach Kedrin Seastrunk, dropped its season opener last week, 39-6, to a Bunkie team that was ranked No. 8 in the preseason Class 3A poll and climbed to No. 6 after the win. This week the Tigers travel to Red River to take on the Class 2A Bulldogs, who lost 26-6 to Catholic of Pointe Coupee.
For Seastrunk, this week is personal.
Many of the Red River players attend church with the former Northwestern State tight end, who also serves as a mentor to many of the young players. A bunch of the Bulldogs also are regular visitors to the Seastrunk home.
“The kids told me at church, if they win they’re all coming to stay at my house,” Seastrunk said. “And I said, if I win, they have to stand on the middle of the field with me, smiling real big and take a selfie. I’m excited about it. The entire church will get a chance to come watch. Players from both teams are in my ministry so that’s probably what I’m most excited about.”
The Tigers went into their season-opener young and inexperienced. Senior running back Chance Rushing scored the lone touchdown for St. Mary’s late in the fourth quarter to avoid the shutout. Seastrunk is hoping last week’s game taught his young players some lessons to take into the future.
“Now that they have the experience they don’t want to feel that feeling again,” Seastrunk said. “Now they know how to prepare a little harder and a little better. I told them, if I have to lose again, it better not be this one.”
Lakeview coach Lawrence Seawood, who spent 13 seasons as a Gators assistant, got a rude welcome to head coaching, losing his first game to Booker T. Washington of Shreveport, 52-0.
This week the Lakeview Gators will play host to the Delhi Charter School Gators, who also have a new assistant coach on the sideline – former Louisiana-Monroe head coach Terry Bowden, who is also a former head coach at Auburn and whose father is the legendary Florida State coach, Bobby Bowden.
Delhi Charter is coming off a 40-0 victory over Cedar Creek.
“Our biggest thing this year is to compete,” Seawood said. “Sticking to the game plan and playing hard. We kind of deviated from our plan a little bit last Friday because of the way things went. We need to stick to our plan.”
My message box last week contained a note advertising a Beginners Squirrel Hunt Seminar to be held in Minden September 21 at the office of Wildlife and Fisheries at 9961, Highway 80 in Minden. Those interested should call 337-735-8685 to pre-register as space will be limited.
The memo outlined the subjects to be covered during the session. It includes such things as equipment needed, firearm selection, rules and regulations, proper squirrel hunting techniques and cleaning squirrels.
There were no seminars available to learn how to hunt squirrels when I was growing up in rural Natchitoches Parish. Our learning was at the feet of our dads, older brothers or maybe uncles who took youngsters like myself under their wings to teach them the ropes.
It was my dad who was my tutor in the squirrel woods and he started me and my brother out when we were just little mop-haired kids. When Tom and I learned that daddy was going squirrel hunting and invited us to go with him, it was like Christmas in October. I remember the excitement of actually getting to go to the woods with dad and watch him as he did battle with wild squirrels. When we started going with him, he carried the only gun; we weren’t allowed to even take our BB guns.
The weather in early October was usually cool and our jackets felt cozy and good as we followed him step by step as he gingerly eased through the woods.
“Watch out for that stick….you step on it and it cracks and it’ll scare every squirrel in the woods,” he’d whisper.
We would finally make our way to a fallen log that lay beneath a grove of oaks or hickories where squirrels were likely to be hanging out. I remember how much fun it was just to be sitting there on a log, my brother and me, next to our dad. If Tom or I said anything, we’d get a “shush” from him. “Just stay quiet and keep your eyes on the trees and look for movement.”
A branch would jiggle and Tom and I would get excited. Dad would whisper for us to watch the jiggling branch and how it moved and he’d ask if we saw what was shaking the branch. Thinking I was looking at a squirrel, a blue jay fluttered away.
“A bird moves a branch differently than a squirrel does. If it’s a squirrel, it will likely be on the end of the branch getting an acorn or hickory nut and if you looked closely, you could see it move to a larger branch and begin eating. A bird just bounces around there and then flies away,” he whispered.
Momentarily, we would hear a sound for which our young ears were not trained. It sounded like something scratching. Dad would point to the source of the sound as a squirrel scurried up the trunk.
“Y’all sit still and watch,” he’d say as he eased up from the log, his shotgun at port arms and he’d ease along, using other trees and saplings as a shield until he stopped, raised the gun and fired. A fat fox squirrel would tumble to the ground to the delight of two little guys.
As we grew older, we were allowed to take our .22 rifles and under dad’s watchful eye, we tried to mimic what we had learned until finally with practice, both Tom and I learned to successfully hunt squirrels and we owe it all to a dad who took the time to teach us.
Announced closings related to projected weather condition.
Check this Article for continuing Updates
If your Business, School, Event or Non-profit group will be closed due to projected weather condition on Wednesday and/or Thursday, please send the information to: NPJNatLa@gmail.com
Natchitoches Parish Government:
Parish Government offices, except for the Highway Department, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, September 11th and 12th due to the impending landfall of Tropical Storm Francine (Hurricane Francine). Natchitoches Parish could experience high winds, heavy rains, flooding, tornadoes and power outages due to this tropical system. The Highway Department will be working normal business hours.
If you have any parish roadway issues, please call the Highway Department 318-357-2200 during regular business hours or call President Salter directly at 318-554-8909. If you have an emergency, please call the Sheriff’s office directly at 318-352-6432 or 911.
For any questions about Parish closures, contact the Parish Government offices at 318.352.2714 Ext 0.
Clerk of Court: Closed Wednesday & Thursday
District Attorney’s Office: Closed Wednesday & Thursday
Tax Assessor: Closed Wednesday & Thursday
Registrar of Voters: Closed Wednesday & Thursday
Judges of the 10th Judicial District Court: Closed Wednesday & Thursday (See Attachment)
City Court: Court will be held Wednesday at 9am, the Court shall close after the hearings have been held. The Court will be closed all day Thursday.
Northwester State University: Due to the anticipated impacts of Tropical Storm Francine, all campuses of Northwestern State University will close on Wednesday, September 11. Normal operations are expected to resume on Thursday, September 12.
Residence halls will remain open, and dining services will continue with a modified schedule. Additional details about dining services will be communicated directly to residential students.
“We understand that many of our students come from regions in South and Central Louisiana that may be directly impacted by the storm. Please know that the safety of our students is our top priority,” said NSU President James Genovese
Essential personnel will be on campus as needed to ensure the safety and security of the community. All scheduled events for Wednesday will be rescheduled, with further updates to follow.
Northwestern State University Police: Due To The Potential Of Severe Weather Expected With The Landfall Of Tropical Storm Francine, Northwestern State University Will Be Closed Tomorrow, Wednesday September 10th.
All University Gates Will Remain Closed For The Day. All Traffic Entering Or Exiting The Nsu Campus Must Go Through The Caspari Entrance.
The University Police Will Be Monitoring All Potential Hazardous Weather Conditions, And Will Remain On Campus Through The Closure. Dial 911 To Report Any Emergencies, Or Hazardous Conditions.
City of Natchitoches: The City of Natchitoches is urging all residents to stay informed and take precautions as weather forecasts predict possible thunderstorms and wind gusts over 48 mph in the coming days associated with Tropical Storm Francine. According to the National Weather Service, the city may experience heavy rainfall and high winds beginning on Wednesday, September 11th, and continuing through Thursday, September 12th until the evening.
City officials are working closely with local emergency management teams to monitor the weather to ensure that essential services remain operational. The City of Natchitoches is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Francine and have made arrangements to be prepared for anticipated landfall.
Residents are advised to report any issues related to downed power lines, flooding, or infrastructure damage at 318.357.3850. Sandbags will be available today from 1 PM to 4 PM at 110 Mill Street (Old Public Works Building).
CLECO: has need finalizing their plans ahead of Tropical Storm Francine’s expected landfall. cleco.com
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum: Closed on Wednesday, September 1, 2024.
Cane River Creole National Historical Park: Closed at Noon on Tuesday until storm safely passes.
Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries: Closure Beginning at Noon today, September 10: All Wildlife Management Areas, Refuges, and Conservation Areas, Grand Isle Research Lab, All LDWF – offices Office Closures for Tomorrow, September 11
Knights of Columbus: Wednesday evening bingo for September 11, 2024 as been cancelled.
Thanks to the largest one-time gift in Northwestern State athletics’ history, sizeable improvements are coming to NSU’s baseball and softball facilities.
A $1.9 million donation from the Thornton family announced Tuesday will provide new artificial turf at both Brown-Stroud Field and the Lady Demon Diamond, giving the university the first two no-fill turf fields in the United States. Both Dr. Jennifer and David Thornton are Northwestern State alumni, giving added significance to the gift.
In addition to turfing the fields, the donation will pad baseball’s outfield wall and overhaul the current lighting system at the softball complex.
“As a department, we are overwhelmingly grateful for the support of the Thornton family,” NSU Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “The Thorntons have been tremendous stewards for Northwestern State, and this is another example of their generosity. This gift is a game changer for two of our programs, each of whom will have one of the best facilities in the Southland Conference in their respective sports with these additions.”
The Thorntons long have been passionate supporters of Northwestern, creating scholarships to support students in computer information systems, nursing, business, fine arts, accounting and criminal justice in the past decade.
Both Jennifer and David Thornton are NSU graduates with David earning a degree in computer information systems in 2007 while Jennifer has an associate’s degree in nursing (2010), a bachelor’s degree in nursing (2013) and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (2022). They are the parents of Tenley (14), Taylen (12) and Cooper (3).
The partnership with GeoSurfaces will bring the Baton Rouge-based company’s PIVOT no infill turf to a U.S. sports facility for the first time.
“We want to express our sincerest thanks and appreciation to the Thornton family for this incredible display of generosity,” NSU head baseball coach Chris Bertrand said. “The impact that this project will have on Demon Baseball is immeasurable. Demons of the present and future will have a first-class facility and experience like no other. As we continue to build Demon baseball in the new landscape of college baseball, our facility becoming what it is will be a focal point in bringing student-athletes to our university. We have the Thorntons to thank for this incredible addition to us attracting people to Demonland. Our staff, our players, and our fans are chomping at the bit to see the new B-Stro.”
Both Bertrand and first-year softball head coach Jenny Fuller will serve as spokespeople for the GeoSurfaces brand.
Fuller will begin her first year as Northwestern State’s coach with a new-look facility.
“There’s a new look coming to the NSU softball stadium, and we couldn’t be more excited,” she said. “Going to a full turf field in our facility is a game changer in so many ways. We’re adding to the experience of what a Demon softball game looks and feels like for our fans and players. And it goes without saying that this is going to give us a significant boost in recruiting and bringing high-caliber athletes to the program. We are so thankful to GeoSurfaces for helping make this happen and could not have asked for a better way to start this journey at NSU.”
The projects are set to start later this month and both facilities will be ready for the 2025 seasons, which begin in February.
