When someone uses the term “Timeless beauty”, two historic style icons come to my mind. Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn are both known for being classic beauties in every sense of the word.

One, a former First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, was known for her pillbox hats, bouffant hair, and elegant gowns designed specifically for her. Her choice of hats even helped launch the career of the Fashion Designer, Halston. Jackie O, as she was called later in life, was also known for her love of oversized sunglasses.

Even her understated, casual everyday clothing choices had women of this time searching for pieces to match her style and grace. Once she became the President’s wife, designers fought over who get to dress her. If she chose your styles then you could rest assured that you were about to become a household name for decades to come.

If you simply type the name, Audrey Hepburn, in your phone you will quickly see that she was inducted to the Best Dress Hall of Fame. She was known for her simple elegance even while she was performing one of her many humanitarian acts. The little black dress she wore as Holly Golightly in the box office hit, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, is still a staple in today’s world of fashion.

She single handedly brought headscarves, trench coats and ballet flats to the forefront of the ever changing landscape of fashion. Even in Hepburn’s later years as she focused her attention more on her humanitarian efforts, she was still credited for her dazzling and simplistic attire.

Even though these ladies were born way before my time, I can still see photographs of them and think that their style would still be appreciated and celebrated today.

But, there is one thing even more timeless than beauty and style. There is something more eternal than making good clothing choices and having the masses rave about how well you wear your clothes.

When I hold the Bible in my bare hands and flip through the delicately thin pages that contain pitfalls and parables, I am in constant awe of the timelessness and relevance of this good book. Its beauty and splendor never fade and even grow more interesting with every passing year of my life.

Could you stop for a moment and truly take in the magnificence and beauty of a simple book? It intricately details the beginning of creation, God creating man from dirt, the fall of man, a man building a boat and loading it with two of each species, a sheep herder becoming a king, a queen saving her people from genocide, a man who lost all of his family and worldly possessions, the virgin birth of a savior, the meticulous selection of disciples who were not perfect people, the ministry and crucifixion of the savior, a resurrection and ending with a complete prophetic book that holds many mysteries and truths about what is to come.

This pages of this book is full of redemption stories and if you read it long enough you will see some of yourself within these pages. The most unfathomable thing is to consider that this book is thousands of years old and according to Wikipedia, it has been translated in 704 languages as of September 2020.

How beautiful it is to think that the Bible was written with you and me in mind before we were ever born? Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that before he formed us in the womb, he knew us. Before we were born he set us apart. The Bible was written to give us hope, peace, wisdom, comfort, and to show us our need of a Savior. Is there anything on this earth that is more timeless, beautiful, and eternal than this? There is no love story sweeter than what is contained on the pages of the Bible.

“Your word, Lord, is eternal, and it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations, you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.”
Psalm 119:89-91

The St. Mary’s football team kicks off a highly-anticipated 2021 campaign at home tonight when the Class 1A Tigers play host to the 3A Abbeville Wildcats in a 7 p.m. contest at NSU’s Turpin Stadium.

Abbeville, the hometown of the late, great Natchitoches and Northwestern legendary football player and coach Walter Ledet, is also very excited about having a big year this fall.

“They’ve been down the last couple of years, but this is supposed to be their best team in 15 years,” said Tigers coach Aaron York. “They’re a good bunch. They’re athletic, and they’re big.”

While the Wildcats will outnumber their hosts, it remains to be seen if they can outplay the Tigers. Both teams did not play in jamboree competition last Friday due to COVID quarantine issues. Abbeville had been idled for two weeks before getting back to practice Tuesday.

St. Mary’s is back near full strength, said York.

“We have our kids back, everybody but one young man. We finally have had 11 on offense, 11 on defense (on scout teams) to get a look during the week, which really helps us prepare.”

That preparation is no substitute for what happens once the opening whistle sounds tonight, and York is eager to see it unfold.

“I’m interested in seeing how our guys play four quarters of live football. We played in a scrimmage and that’s it. Everything’s been simulated in practice. This is game time.

“I’m confident in all of them. I feel the kids are prepped. They know what to do. I want to see if they can execute what they’ve practiced,” said York.

“If we don’t turn the ball over, I believe we’ll be a really good offensive team, and if we can make the fundamental tackles on defense, we’re going to be a really good defensive team.

“Our skill guys are really good. Our linemen, offensive and defensive, they understand what we’re trying to teach. Now it’s time to play somebody else for four quarters, and let’s see how we perform,” York said.

The opening game is a landmark, but also step one in a season-long journey York believes will lead to a chance for a playoff run. There’s a key to getting in prime position for that opportunity, and it’s developing younger Tigers into contributors.

“Our concern is building depth. We’ve got to develop more kids into players so we can get guys over on the sideline getting some rest at times, so we are not getting tired as the game goes on,” he said.

SMHS is taking on five stout, upper-class non-district opponents with a playoff strategy in mind.

“We’re playing up. Going into the offseason working on the schedule, we needed to upgrade our non-district games to build (playoff) power points. We were 6-2 last year and district champs, and we were in danger of not making the playoffs. So we are stepping up and playing 2A and 3A schools, and counting on the power points to help us out when it’s time,” said York.

Now, it’s time to kick off the 2021 season, against a much-bigger school.

“I’m excited to see what our kids can do,” said York. “There will only be 22 at a time on the field, 11 of theirs and 11 of ours, and I know our guys are going to play extremely hard and I believe we will play very well.”

A drive up I-49 to Shreveport will kick off the 2021 high school football season for Natchitoches Central, as the Chiefs play in north Louisiana’s biggest stadium hoping for a non-district Class 5A victory.

MATCHUP: Natchitoches Central High School Chiefs vs. Woodlawn High School Knights

WHERE/WHEN: Tonight, 7 p.m., Independence Stadium, Shreveport

RADIO BROADCAST: 95.9 Kix Classic Country

LISTEN ONLINE: 959 KIX COUNTRY

RECORDS: NCHS Chiefs (0-0), Woodlawn Knights (0-0)

LAST GAME: Season opener for both teams

NOTES: Chiefs will be led by quarterback BJ Young and running back Caylin Demars …. the NCHS defensive pacesetters are linebacker Logan Saucier and defensive back Justin Aaron … Woodlawn’s defense is a 3-3 stack led by Anthony Bryan … offensively, the Knights run the spread, triggered by quarterback Isaiah Kennedy …the Chiefs sat out last Friday’s jamborees due to COVID quarantine issues and are not close to being back to full strength … they posted a solid 20-7 scrimmage win at Pineville on Aug. 20, with the only touchdown by the Rebels coming against the NCHS junior varsity late in the scrimmage … the Chiefs have made significant offseason progress with their strength and conditioning program, which has bolstered their ability to match up physically, especially up front on both sides of the ball.

NCHS second-year head coach James Wilkerson spent most of his career as an assistant coach in Shreveport at C.E. Byrd High, a historical rival of Woodlawn … Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and Fox Sports NFL host Terry Bradshaw is a Woodlawn graduate, along with Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Ferguson … the modern-day Knights made the Class 5A playoffs last year but had to forfeit their first-round game due to COVID issues …NCHS’s Demars and Dylan Foster of Woodlawn are on the Shreveport Times’ list of top 40 preseason player of the year ballot.

NCHS COACH JAMES WILKERSON SAYS: “We are playing a very athletic team with lots of speed. They have a quarterback who can hurt you with his feet. We will need to play disciplined football in all areas of the game. We have lot of guys playing out of position this week to help the team in areas where we have lost players. It will take a team effort to start this season successfully.”

NEXT UP: The Chiefs host Peabody next Thursday night at Turpin Stadium.

By Tommy Rush

Last week I drove a good friend to the hospital in Shreveport for a scheduled surgery. After checking in and being admitted, he learned the hospital was filled to capacity and it would be later in the day before he could be assigned to a room. As I sat in the lobby of the hospital watching his bags, I noticed people coming in and out of the hospital and I thought about the baggage many were having to bear.

There’s an abundance of hurting people today. Many are carrying the weight of grief, others are carrying an overload of stress. Some are bearing the burden of a serious medical condition while others are lugging the weight of a heavy financial problem. In recent days, my good friend heard his doctor say a word that no one wants to hear their doctor say, “Cancer.” It’s a word that he’s heard before in his life, so he’s very much aware of the weight of the burden.

As I sat in the hospital lobby watching the bags last week, I realized how much we need each other when life gets heavy. Everyone has some baggage that’s too heavy to bear alone. On the way to Shreveport I was blessed to see my friend’s peace and faith on display as he listened to praise music and talked about his love for the scripture. When I shared with him that he has grace and peace that few people seem to have, he said, “They must be trying to handle life without a Savior.”

Boy, was he right! We were never meant to carry pain and burdens alone. God’s Word makes it very clear that Jesus is the burden bearer. He came into this world and experienced everything from loneliness, loss, hunger, even suffering and death in order to make eternal life possible for all who would believe. And the day you tell Him that you’re trusting Him to be your Savior, that’s the last day you will ever carry your burdens alone. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We are told in I Peter 5, ”Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” The strong arms of Jesus are reaching out to all who are bearing a heavy burden and He says, “Let me help you with your baggage. I can handle it. I already bore the weight of all your sins on the cross. The rest is easy.”

By Joe Darby

Our modern society is a ship at sea. Without lifeboats.

Our electronic devices and conveniences have become so essential to us that when we don’t have them, we’re in real trouble.

Almost 2 million people are without electric power because of Hurricane Ida’s trek through Louisiana and Mississippi. Officials are predicting some areas will remain in that condition for six weeks — which means it will probably be eight weeks or more.

How can a modern society function without power. No electricity to pump gas into your vehicles. If cell towers are down, you can’t use your phones. I wonder if you will be able to buy groceries if the stores don’t have their computers up and running. The same goes for restaurants and other retail outlets. Your food refrigeration ability ends. You can’t cook anything anyway, if you have an electric range. Of course your house will be stultifyingly hot unless you live in a very old house that was built with cross ventilation in mind. Because even if you have a generator it’s likely you will run out of fuel for it before too much longer.

And even if we had the most efficient disaster-relief organization ever, the sheer logistical problems of getting food and water to every house and home for weeks would seem to be insurmountable.

We are most vulnerable because of our reliance on computers, which I alluded to above in talking about retail stores. Can we even do basic banking, without power. No business relies more on computers than banks, I imagine. And our society, not just in the U.S., but all over the world, has blindly put ourselves in this position, that when we have catastrophic failure of power, there is no back-up.

I’d like to see bankers keep back-up ledgers written in paper, with a supply of old fashioned adding machines available for the tellers. Stores and restaurants should perhaps keep some old cash registers on hand. If you younger folks don’t know what that is, go down to the Kaffie-Frederick hardware store in Natchitoches. It seems to work fine for them.

But being the pessimist that I am, I can see how society could break down into chaos without our usual electrical systems functioning, particularly in larger cities. I pray it doesn’t come to that, and that the repairs will be made quickly, clever folks — particularly store owners — will improvise ways to make to until normality returns and, most of all, that people behave themselves and don’t revert to our more primitive impulses, which seem never to be too far below the surface these days.

We in northern Louisiana are very lucky this time. But our friends, families and fellow Louisianians down south may be in deep peril. I really hope I’m wrong.

CITY OF NATCHITOCHES JOB OPPORTUNITY: BEAUTIFICATION WORKER

POSITION: Public Works – Beautification Worker

DESCRIPTION: Responsible for operating various types of equipment such as lawn mower, tractor, weed eater and other equipment required to maintain the City’s grounds, streets and right of ways. Must also be willing to perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have the ability to read and write; understand and follow instructions. Must have a valid Driver’s license.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department Located at 1400 Sabine St., or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second Street or may be downloaded at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through: September 16, 2021.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Northwestern State University’s Office of Recruiting has organized a donation drive to assist residents of Thibodaux, Cutoff and surrounding areas affected by the devastation of Hurricane Ida. Donations can be dropped off at the Recruiting Office in the Student Services Center, 306 Sam Sibley Drive. Office hours are 8 am.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Items suggested are as follows.

• Tarps
• Roofing nails/hammers
• Water
• Non-perishable food (protein bars, snacks, canned meals)
• Garbage bags
• Baby formula
• Diapers/wipes
• Toilet paper
• First Aid kits
• Hygiene products
• Paper towels
• Bug spray
• Buckets/rags
• Cleaning supplies
• Work gloves
• Plastic containers

For more details, contact Van Erikson at eriksonv@nsula.edu.

OXFORD, Miss. – A challenging trio awaits Northwestern State as it enters the second weekend of tournament play in the Ole Miss Invitational.

The Lady Demons begin the affair with their first meeting against Coastal Carolina at 10 a.m. on Friday and finish the doubleheader day with a 4 p.m. start against former Southland foe UTSA. The weekend ends with the host on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

Saturday’s match against the Rebels will be broadcast on ESPN+. Live stat links for Friday’s contests are available at http://www.nsudemons.com.

With a tough weekend ahead the Lady Demons are looking to build on the positives from the 3-1 midweek loss to ULM, as the still young team continues to gel on the court.

“In the big picture there were a lot of good things that happened, but we struggled in some moments that were important,” head coach Sean Kiracofe said. “The most being those last five points of the fourth where we had a lead through the majority of that set that we needed to put away.”

In the closest set of the night, NSU took a 21-20 lead on a Kate Idrogo kill, but three straight points from the Warhawks, two coming on NSU errors, saw the lead and set begin to slip away. The match ended somewhat unceremoniously with a joust at the net between Jaylibeth Garcia-Rosa and ULM’s Mariana Volponi e Giordan that trickled off the net and onto the home side.

After a night of big swings and massive blocks from both sides, the less than emphatic end to the match left something to be desired. The big swings and take-no-prisoner kills the Lady Demons have produced so far this season have been a welcome change from a year ago.

“You can be smart with what you’re doing and still take a big swing,” Kiracofe said. “We’re seeing a lot more of that this year and that’s good to see. It’s going to keep paying off as we go through the season.”

Thus far it’s been the NSU middles, Garcia-Rosa and Audrey Quesnel, that have produced the most at the most efficient pace. The two combined for 23 kills on 38 swings against ULM, a .474 hitting percentage. Through three sets Quesnel had nine kills on 12 error-free swings, a picture of the consistency she has shown this year and in her young career.

“As a middle when you get set it’s usually when the pass is perfect, so you usually get the best sets,” she said. “When you get that opportunity, you have to make the most of it and get those swing in.”

The duo in the middle have been a key part of the spread attack NSU has had with the crop of pin hitters that create a dynamic offense. NSU has four players with 20 or more kills on the season, and seven with 10 or more in just four matches, led by Symone Wesley’s 38. Garcia-Rosa and Quesnel are second and third on the team with 25 and 24 respectively.

All will be asked to continue to take steps forward in a weekend filled with quality opposition.

“We did a lot of good things against ULM we just couldn’t put it together for the entire match or when it mattered the most, but we’re on the doorstep,” Kiracofe said. “This weekend we’re going to be against teams that aren’t going to have big swings up and down, a high error thing, it’s going to be a consistent and sustained attack.

“It’s going to be a great test of tying together those moments where we’re good point after point and stress our own consistency. That will pay off in the next two weekends where we see some good teams, some teams with some ups and downs and how consistent can we be whether that team on the other side is doing really well or making errors.”

Photo Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

JOB OPPORTUNITY: GROUNDMAN LABORER

POSITION: Electrical Department – Groundman Laborer

QUALIFICATIONS: Work requirements will be to trim trees and branches, the ability to operate a chainsaw safely, heavy lifting  will be required at times. Must have a valid driver’s license and work towards obtaining a CDL license.

Overtime, standby and dependability is required. 

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or Equivalent.

CONTACT:
City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department 
1400 Sabine St.
P.O. Box 37
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. 

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at  700 Second St., or you may download an application on line at  www.natchitochesla.gov 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  Applications will be accepted through September 14, 2021 

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches was pleased to have Juanita Murphy talk to the club about the Natchitoches Humane Society at the Kiwanis weekly luncheon. Murphy gave a history of how the organization got started in the community and grew into what it is today.

Murphy also mentioned how important community donations were to their operation. The Natchitoches Humane Society has two fundraisers coming up in September.  On the 11th, the group will be doing dog washing, nail clipping, microchipping, and other pet services at Tractor Supply on South Drive. On the 12th, mention their name at Raisin’ Canes when you order.

Photo:  left to right: Juanita Murphy, Club President Craig Caskey

The City of Natchitoches will host a public hearing Wednesday, Spet. 8 at 5:30 pm at the MLK Recreation Center to discuss the Louisiana Office of Community Development CDBG Funds for COVID relief. The Love Louisiana Outdoors grant was released for the development or rehabilitation of outdoor fitness and recreational parks to provide suitable space for activities to encourage physical distancing and support social distancing guidance.

The City is seeking public comments on the project, which will serve to rehabilitate Richardson Park. The City will add ADA-compliant park benches, new trash receptacles, pedestal-mount barbecue grills, inclusive play equipment, and a half-court basketball court for the youth. In addition, the project aims to add approximately 25 parking spaces to add in traffic congestion on the streets surrounding the park and upgraded bathroom facilities. Further, the City of Natchitoches would like to add a walking trail that provides people of all ages with an attractive, safe, accessible and low- or no-cost place to cycle, walk, hike, jog or skate. The total cost of the project is approximately $250,000.

Residents will be given the opportunity to provide oral and written comments on the project at the public hearing. All interested residents are encouraged to attend. If you are unable to attend, residents can watch the Public Hearing via the City’s YouTube Channel (CityofNatchitoches LA).

For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at (318) 352-2772.

For the third time in the school’s history, the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is reopening admission mid-semester to assist families and schools in southern Louisiana who have been impacted by a natural disaster. High-achieving, academically motivated students in affected areas and their parents may apply for immediate enrollment at LSMSA by visiting LSMSA.edu/apply or by calling 318.357.2503.

“From hurricanes to floods, helping our neighbors is such a natural part of Louisiana life,” said Dr. Kristi Pope Key, LSMSA Director of Academic Services. “That’s why we’re grateful we are able to open our doors to students in need and help them stay on track for graduation and TOPS requirements while continuing to ensure class sizes meet social distancing expectations.”

LSMSA’s Expedited Eagle Enrollment application process will be open to high-achieving, highly-motivated students until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, allowing students to move onto campus by Sunday, September 12 and be in class by Monday, September 13 at the latest.

Donations to the LSMSA Foundation are being used to assist current and incoming families who have been affected by the storm.

“We want to encourage families to apply regardless of any cost concerns,” said Dr. Steve Horton, LSMSA Executive Director. “We are fortunate to have generous donors who know the value of a Louisiana School education and who prioritize helping families — most recently, those affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. We can’t rebuild houses, but we can offer students the best education possible, and we can offer their families the peace of mind in knowing their children have a safe and secure residence and a strong foundation for academic success.”

For more information about LSMSA, please visit LSMSA.edu, email admissions@lsmsa.edu, or call 318.357.2503 / 318.471.6890.

Here is a look at the week of September 5 – 11 at Northwestern State University.

September 5 – Soccer vs. UL-Monroe, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 6 p.m.

September 6 – University closed for Labor Day

September 7 – University reopens after Labor Day holiday

September 7 – After School Art Camp, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Fine Arts Annex, Room 205

September 8 – Part-time Job Fair, Friedman Student Union Ballroom, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

September 10 – Soccer vs. Southeastern Louisiana, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 6 p.m.

September 11 – ACT Testing, Kyser Hall, check in at 7:45 a.m. Testing begins at 8 a.m.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting runners and walkers for Light the Way 5k and Fun Run, a nighttime race under the Christmas lights of historic downtown Natchitoches. The race will take place on Sunday, December 12, at 7:05 pm, beginning and ending in front of the riverbank stage. Registration and packet pick-up will begin at 4:00 PM. In addition to the 5k, there will be a one-mile fun run for those who just wish to walk and enjoy the lights with their friends that will take place at 6:45 PM. Awards will be given to winners in each age bracket and to those with the most Christmas spirit. Race participants are encouraged to wear Christmas themed attire, costumes, or ugly Christmas sweaters. Attendees will receive swag bags and race t-shirts with their registration. To register for this event visit NatchitochesChamber.com/Run.

Proceeds from this race will benefit the A+ Coalition, an education initiative of the Chamber dedicated to advancing education in Natchitoches Parish. Visit apluscoalition.com to learn more about this important cause.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to making the Natchitoches area a thriving business community by promoting commerce, strengthening people, and improving life.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your child will be participating in two assessments in the month of September, the iSTEEP and ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP). The iSTEEP is used for baseline data to determine academic growth. Your child will be assessed by Sept. 7.

The ASVAB CEP is a test best known for students who are interested in the military and would like to enlist in a specific branch such as the Reserves or National Guard. Even if your child is not interested in the military, this test can also assist in career exploration. This is a great opportunity for your child to explore different career and post-secondary options that best fits their interests. If your child is in the 12th grade he/she will test on Sept. 15, 11th grade will test Sept. 16, and 10th grade will test Sept. 17. Testing will begin promptly at 8 AM. If your child does not arrive at school on time, he/she will not be allowed to take the test.

It is vital that your child do their very best on both assessments. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school and speak with myself or Mr. Benjamin.

Thank you,

Bobby Benjamin, NPTCC Principal

Chelsea Calhoun, NPTCC School Counselor

The Northwestern State Athletic Department and Elite Radio Group have extended their partnership, keeping Elite as the home for NSU sports for the 2021-22 athletic year.

Demon football will continue to air on 94.9 FM The River, the flagship of the Demon Sports Network, as will men’s basketball and baseball. Women’s basketball and softball games can be heard on 95.9 FM Kix Country. All games broadcast on the network also can be heard on http://www.NSUDemons.com and through the Northwestern State mobile app, which can be downloaded free from the Apple Store or through Google Play.

The Demon Sports Network has partnered with Elite Radio Group since the 2019-20 athletic year.

“The partnership over the past two years with Elite Broadcasting and Bill Vance have been very positive in terms of working together to enable our fans who cannot attend games in-person to have access to a quality broadcast. We look forward to more of the same in the coming year,” said NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke.

Added Vance, the market manager for Elite Radio Group and the Natchitoches Parish Journal: “It’s with great pleasure we extend our agreement with NSU sports. With 95.9 Kix Classic Country, 94.9 The River and the Natchitoches Parish Journal, we can continue to deliver NSU sports to every listener no matter where they are. Elite Radio Group and NSU sports have just one goal together – to deliver sports programming to one location – yours.”

Demon fans will hear a new voice alongside longtime play-by-play announcer Patrick Netherton this season as Tyler Moody joins the broadcast team. Moody previously was the assistant athletic director for media relations at LSU-Shreveport, where he expanded the broadcast offerings of Pilot sports.

Moody also has experience calling football games alongside Netherton on the Varsity Sports Network in northwest Louisiana and has worked in sports talk radio in the Shreveport and Eugene, Oregon, markets. Moody also broadcasts on UFC Fight Pass, a subscription service dedicated to mixed martial arts.

Moody will make his Demon Sports Network debut Saturday when Northwestern State faces North Texas. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. in Denton, Texas, with the pregame show beginning at 6 p.m.

NATCHITOCHES:
Shirley Ann Currier
September 17, 1952 – August 31, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 4 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Joseph Bush, Sr.
October 16, 1945 – August 31, 2021
Service: Saturday September 4 at 10am at Kingdom Life Center in Campti

John Davis
September 01, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Jefferey “Jeff” Lamar Grimes
December 06, 1974 – August 30, 2021
A time to reflect and remember the life of Jefferey Lamar Grimes will be held from 5 pm until 9 pm on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Military honors will be performed at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel.

Carita Mitchell
February 18, 1944 – August 20, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 4 at 11 am at Rocky Mount CMC

Effie Benjamin
August 30, 2021
There will be a walk-through visitation Saturday, September 4 from 8-10 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches. The visitation will be followed by a graveside service in Lawrence Serenity Sanctum at 10:30 am.
COVID19 REGULATIONS WILL BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY. ALL ATTENDEES MUST WEAR MASKS IN THE FUNERAL HOME AND AT THE GRAVESIDE.

Issac “Zeke” Green
November 18, 1968 – August 28, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Adrian Bryan Chreene
October 19, 1986 – August 28, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 4 at 2 PM at Antioch Baptist Church

WINN:
Dorothy DuBois
October 20, 1943 – September 01, 2021
Service: Sunday, September 5 at 2 pm at Montgomery Church of Christ

Rev. Huey Pierce White
May 05, 1928 – August 31, 2021
Service: Saturday, September 4 at 10 am at Christian Fellowship Church

Robert William Howell
August 10, 1932 – August 30, 2021
Service: Sunday, September 5 at 1 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winnfield

Jeffery Dale Blake
November 15, 1955 – August 26, 2021
Service: Friday, September 10 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

For the third time in the school’s history, the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is reopening admission mid-semester to assist families and schools in southern Louisiana who have been impacted by a natural disaster. High-achieving, academically motivated students in affected areas and their parents may apply for immediate enrollment at LSMSA by visiting LSMSA.edu/apply or by calling 318.357.2503.

“From hurricanes to floods, helping our neighbors is such a natural part of Louisiana life,” said Dr. Kristi Pope Key, LSMSA Director of Academic Services. “That’s why we’re grateful we are able to open our doors to students in need and help them stay on track for graduation and TOPS requirements while continuing to ensure class sizes meet social distancing expectations.”

LSMSA’s Expedited Eagle Enrollment application process will be open to high-achieving, highly-motivated students until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, allowing students to move onto campus by Sunday, September 12 and be in class by Monday, September 13 at the latest.

Donations to the LSMSA Foundation are being used to assist current and incoming families who have been affected by the storm.

“We want to encourage families to apply regardless of any cost concerns,” said Dr. Steve Horton, LSMSA Executive Director. “We are fortunate to have generous donors who know the value of a Louisiana School education and who prioritize helping families — most recently, those affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. We can’t rebuild houses, but we can offer students the best education possible, and we can offer their families the peace of mind in knowing their children have a safe and secure residence and a strong foundation for academic success.”

For more information about LSMSA call 318.357.2503 / 318.471.6890.

Nikeo Collins was sworn in as the Natchitoches Police Department’s new Chief of Police at a ceremony on Sept. 1.

Speakers included Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright, former Sheriff Victor Jones, DA Billy Joe Harrington, Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., and Interim Police Chief Officer Harman Winters. Senator Louie Bernard served as Master of Ceremony. Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Dunn led the invocation after the presentation of colors. Nikeo Collins II led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Speakers made note of Collins’ admirable characteristics: detail oriented, honest, determined, committed, and many more as he’s served the Natchitoches community over the past 27 years in various roles in law enforcement.

The change of guard was held with Mayor Williams leading the Charge to the Chief. Collins’ wife LaQuita came to the stage to perform the rank pinning. Then Clerk of Court David Stamey led Collins through the Chief’s Oath of Office.

Collins spoke of serving the community, of speaking to each individual stakeholder, and of improving safety for all residents as he works to move the department forward.

With a beautiful voice, Akilah Isaac sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony and Rise Up to close it out. Pastor Altorio Holden gave the benediction.

In the past, the City of Natchitoches has been fortunate enough to receive aid from other cities during its time of need. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida in south Louisiana, the City is urging its citizens to do the same for their fellow Louisiana residents.

The Bank of Montgomery and its partners have begun accepting donations to be sent to our southernmost family. At this time, we ask that anyone who is able to, contribute donations that will be sent to those most affected. Supplies can be dropped off at any BOM bank, Rhodes Realty, and Rhodes Property & Development locations.

This is a time to band together and to show not only our compassion as a city, but our resilience as a whole. We encourage residents who wish to contribute to bring items of necessity such as those listed on the flyer to the designated locations from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. up until Thursday, Sept. 2.

Please continue to lend a helping hand to our affected neighbors and to stay safe during this season.

Louisiana has long held a reputation for colorful politicians. While that reputation does not always benefit our state, there is no denying that elections, and the people running in them, are seldom boring. The Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield, home of perhaps our state’s most famous political dynasty, the Long family, is devoted to chronicling the history of our state’s politicians.

The museum, opened in 1993 on Huey Long’s 100th birthday, is housed in the former Winnfield train station, a 1908 building with its original wooden floor, in itself an interesting artifact. The museum commemorates 191 persons who were either politicians or connected to state politics. From the state’s first colonial governor, Zachary Taylor, to officeholders on every level of state and local government, there are exhibits from every era of Louisiana’s history.

Two of the more noteworthy exhibits are of Earl and Huey Long, both former governors of our state. They are commemorated with life size wax figures. Huey is featured in a replica of one of his offices, complete with furniture from the Long family from when Huey lived in New Orleans. Earl Long is shown giving a speech in front of “Uncle Earl’s Sound Truck” a 1951 Chevrolet with speakers mounted on the roof. The car was once owned by Governor Long and was donated to the museum in 1998. The car was also featured in the movie “Blaze” starring Paul Newman as Earl Long. In a fitting, if unintentional commentary on a most noteworthy era of our history, the Earl Long figure is wearing an “I ‘aint crazy. Vote for Uncle Earl” button from the campaign.

The museum will also host a Smithsonian travelling program “Voices and Votes” from July through September 2022. This is the second Smithsonian exhibit hosted by the museum, a singular honor for a facility its size.

The Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame also continues a trend I have noticed in my travels. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. In fact, after my tour from the museum head, the young man who serves as the building’s custodian saw me looking at a display and offered to show me “some cool stuff”. I then got another tour, including a side room that featured a campaign poster from Country singer Sammy Kershaw’s run for office. The young man studied the museum’s displays while doing his duties. Our state is blessed with a lot of industrious people. I am sure I was not the only visitor to the museum who was impressed by that young man.

The museum hosts 8,000 to 10,000 visitors each year. They come from 48 states and over 11 foreign countries. The museum is located at 499 East Main St. in Winnfield. The phone is 318-628-5928. Its hours are Monday-Friday from 9-5. Admission is free.