The Natchitoches City Council approved a one-time salary supplement payment to City of Natchitoches employees. This includes $500 for Full-time actively working employees and $250 for Part-time actively working, non seasonal employees.  These payments for personnel employed as of Nov. 1, 2020 and will be pro-rated based on length of service for the previous 12 months. The source for these payments is an accumulated surplus in the Worker’s Compensation Fund.

Another item included a resolution to authorize the City to proceed with the issuance of, not to exceed, $4 million of Utilities Revenue Refunding Bonds on a tax-exempt or taxable basis, making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said bonds. Interest rates have decreased tremendously over the last 6 months. With the state of the market the goal is to lower interest rates and save the City money. They’re considering trying to shorten payments on the City’s debt as well, some of which goes out to 2035. After the application to the State Bond Commission is approved this item will come back up before the Council for introduction as an ordinance.

Speaking of taxes, City Treasurer Debbie Miley summed up her financial report, stating that tax collections were up June through September, up $134,000 over last year at this time. The calendar year is down some but the fiscal year is up, so there are no issues at this time. The TIFF money was down some for June, July, and August, but came up some in September. This being down is somewhat understandable with Covid going on.

Other agenda items included:

PLANNING & ZONING – FINAL:

Change Zoning Classification Of Property (1011 Keyser Ave., Parkway Cinema) From B-3 Commercial To Additional B-A Zoning To Sell Beverages Of Low Alcoholic Content For Consumption On Premise.

Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing

Zoning Classification Of Property (Highway 1 South By-pass) from R-1 Residential to I-2 Industrial for the purpose of sale. Claire W. Decker

Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing

Zoning Classification Of Property (105 Isadore St) from R-1 Residential to B-1 Commercial for Elizabeth Grace Sylvia to operate a retail business. Elizabeth Grace Sylvia (105 Isadore St)

Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing

Zoning Classification Of Property (229 Broadmoor Shopping Center, Keyser Ave.) from: B-3 Commercial to additional B-A zoning for K-Five Inc. DBA Save-A-Lot to sell beverages of low alcoholic content.

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Execute A 10-Year Lease In Favor Of Marc Millican, Of That 21,785.76 Square Foot Area (Lot 4) Of The Natchitoches Regional Airport

Enter Into An Agreement With The Louisiana Department Of Wildlife And Fisheries – Extension, Which Said Agreement Provides For Services To Be Provided By The Louisiana Department Of Wildlife And Fisheries – Extension Providing For A One Year Term, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Award The Bid For Liquid Chlorine For The Water Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0632)

Approve City Of Natchitoches Employment Contract With The City Attorney And Further Authorizing The Mayor, Ronnie Williams Jr., To Execute The Employment Contract On Behalf Of The City Of Natchitoches.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be November 9, 2020.

The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in observance of Veterans Day.

By Reba Phelps

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Highway 156 and Highway 479 you will find the picturesque Village of Goldonna and they are preparing for a busy Fall and Holiday Season. On November 8th the village will host their First Annual Blood Drive, Veteran’s Day Program and Fish Fry Fundraiser. All of these festivities will take place at the City Hall located on Main Street beginning at 11:30 am.

Local resident, Cesa Day, is the coordinator of this much needed Blood Drive. “This year we will have Life Share Blood Center on site being that they are having a critical shortage due to COVID19 and two hurricanes. Our town has a lot of people that want to help and this is the perfect time,” says Day. For each blood donation you will be given two Split the Pot tickets that will be given away in December.

The Veteran’s Day program is being coordinated by Mr. Larry Magee and the presentation will begin at 1:30 pm with a special donation being unveiled at the same time. The community is looking forward to celebrating their Veterans.

The Fish plates will be sold at the Town Hall as well. Plates will be $9 and will include fish, slaw, french fries, hushpuppies, dessert and a soda. Delivery options are available for eight or more plates. All of the proceeds will be used for the Christmas in the Park Celebration to be held December 12th. I am hearing that the chefs are looking forward to offering more of their super tasty fish this year. The official chefs for the event are: Eugene Garner, Terry Garner, Roger Garner, Norvel Garner, and TBoy Sampey. For more information about the fish plate or to pre-purchase you can reach out to Mayor Smith (318-413-7761), Eugene Garner (318-663-1148), Norvel/Fonda Garner (318-727-9146) or Reed Franklin (318-727-8310).

The Christmas in the Park Committee 2020 has been hard at work for months in preparation for the banner event that continues to grow every single year. The official committee this year is comprised of: Mayor Jennifer Garner, Cesa Day, Diane Paul, Sheri Tyler, Amy Clark, Fonda Garner, Shannon Garner, Victoria Walker and Reba Phelps. Fundraisers are underway to help with all of the expenses associated with the Christmas Festival. This year will boast fireworks, a house decorating contest, funnel cakes by Goldonna Baptist Church Youth, a Split the Pot drawing as well as other prizes. And what Christmas festivity would be complete without a visit from Old Saint Nick himself? Please be looking for more information about Christmas in the Park.

If you have Goldonna area news to submit,  please email Reba Phelps at jenbenmer@hotmail.com

Early Voting for the November 3, 2020 Election as of the Close-Of-Business on Monday,  October 26, 2020. 

• Full Reports from the SOS 

NSULA– Northwestern State University students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program volunteered at the 2020 Drive Thru Flu Clinic earlier this month. The clinic took place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Rapides Parish Health Unit where students assisted with more then 450 flu injections.

On the front row from left are Morgan Gradney, Professor Rebecca Harrell MSN RNBC; Christian Jeansonne, Jordan Paul and Breanna Bryan. On the back row are Kayla Busby, Marlayna Fontenot, Emily Litton and Sailor Reed.

Cane River Lake is currently at 98.2 MSL.
Flood Stage is 99.0 MSL

The lake and public landings are open

There is a system (Tropical Storm ZETA) forecasted to have potential impacts to Louisiana. These types of system tracks can be unpredictable; therefore, it is recommended that Cane River Lake property owners be prepared. Please secure loose items, check ropes securing boats and other things. Monitor your property and remain diligent in observing water levels and weather conditions for personal safety and property protection as Cane River Lake historically can rise very quickly. Making decisions should be based on information from the National Weather Service, Governmental Agencies, and your knowledge. Lake Levels will be available on the Commissions web site at http://www.caneriverwaterway.com (click at the top on NEWS, in the drop-down box click PRESS RELEASES, scroll down, and click on LAKE STATUS. For more information contact Betty Fuller @ 318-617-3235.

Curving Crohn’s is a benefit for Emily Corley, an 18-year-old who was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. She is the daughter of Crystal and the late Scott Long, as well as Kevin Corley.

The benefit will be held Saturday, Oct. 31 starting at 10:30 am at the Natchitoches Parish Fairgrounds. There will be bounce house slides for $5 all-day-play for the kiddos. Door prize tickets will be given to attendees on entry for a chance to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Also added is a silent auction with some awesome items. Don’t forget the live auction with some great items. The $8 spaghetti plates are gonna be delicious. The kegs are gonna be cold and ready for those $3 donations. A corn hole tournament starting at 12 pm will be fun with a $10 entry fee for a 2 man team. Don’t forget the in house poker run at $10 a hand. There will also be a DJ and some live music.

“It’s gonna be a fun day for the whole family,” said Crystal. “I hope to see everyone there. To all of you that have donated items of any kind I thank you so much it’s so appreciated.”

Emily’s disease is not curable. She will be going to Shreveport 3-4 times a week for several months, slowly progressing to 1-2 times a week, then from twice a month to once a month over a period of a year. She will get infusions to slow the progression and keep all the side effects to a minimum. She will have to tale these infusions for the rest of her life. The infusions will lower her immune system and she will have to stay inside her home except for her doctor appointments. She will not be able to work, and with the frequent trips to Shreveport, the gas will begin to be expensive on top of the bills piling up, food costs, etc.

The Kisatchie Ranger District has worked hard to remove as many hazardous conditions as possible which were left behind by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The following campgrounds are now open: Oak, Corral, Coyote, Custis, Red Bluff, Dogwood, Cane, and Lotus. Camping only – no trail access as the Sandstone OHV Trail remains closed due to hazards. Longleaf Vista and Kisatchie Bayou remain closed (although we are hoping to have them open within a few weeks.) Please use caution when visiting the Forest as there are more hazard trees than normal as a result of the strong winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

By Reagan Brown (’21)
(Industry, TX)

I sat down with Janie Welborn and she gave me the insight on protecting animals too big to be put in a car during floods.

Hurricanes impact not just human lives, but animal lives as well. For most, packing up indoor animals into a car and going to safety is common practice, but what about animals too big to take with you? Janie Welborn, an Associate of Veterinary Science and certified in equine anesthesia, is the owner of Welborn Farms, where she boards 26 horses and is responsible for their safety.

When flooding occurs, it’s vital that the right procedures are followed to ensure the well-being of these horses. The first step is to take all horse related equipment and secure it tightly in the tack room to clear the aisle ways of the barn. Next she completely turns off the water to avoid pipes bursting, which could cause more flooding, along with opening all barn doors and windows. The change in barometric pressure due to tornadoes can cause a vacuum, blowing the barn roof off.

Her barns are also equipped with hurricane straps to secure the buildings during wind storms. If flooding becomes too much of a threat, the horses are pleased from their stalls. They can survive in about 6ft of water, and their natural instinct makes them look for higher elevations. The most important step, however, is that each horse wears a halter with a name and phone number to ensure that if they’re found, the person who finds them can call and return them back to their owners.

When family and friends gathered this past Saturday at the Collins Pavilion, they did so to honor the life of Demons Unlimited Foundation board member Craig Ryan.

Because of their financial generosity, Ryan’s memory will live on within the Northwestern State baseball program.

Just shy of 18 months after the creation of the Ryan Family Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a Demon baseball student-athlete, the grant-in-aid became the 67th permanently endowed Northwestern State athletic scholarship, reaching the benchmark $10,000 level this past weekend.

Even as he battled cancer, Ryan remained a devoted DUF board member and a proud NSU alumnus.

“Craig continued his monthly contribution to his scholarship even through being displaced from Hurricane Laura and as he underwent chemotherapy over the last year,” said NSU Deputy Athletic Director Dr. Haley Taitano. “His unwavering commitment to service is just one of the many special qualities that he blessed us with. “

Twenty-five different individuals made contributions to the Ryan Family Scholarship in Craig’s memory, because those individuals understood the importance of seeing his scholarship become permanently endowed. Contributions were made by fellow board members, fraternity brothers, members of the Black Alumni Alliance, family and friends, and that number does not include the number of individuals who purchased “Craig Ryan Day T-shirts,” made by fellow Demons Unlimited Foundation Board member Nicole Gray, to help raise money for the scholarship.

Said Taitano: “I especially want to acknowledge Nicole, who organized the Celebration of Life to honor Craig and encouraged others to donate to his scholarship. It is clear Craig touched so many people through the various organizations he was involved in, all of which had a service-oriented focus.”

Ryan’s legacy of service was honored by his friends and family, who helped make his Demon dream come true.

“On behalf of Craig, his family and friends, we are grateful for each and every contribution that helped to achieve full endowment of the Ryan Family scholarship,” said Gray, a close friend and DUF board member. “Craig’s life of service is demonstrated through his commitment to giving back to his community, alma mater, and those in need. He was so proud and humbled his NSU family and everyone who supported him.”

Ryan established the scholarship in May 2019 despite never playing for the Demons because of a career-ending knee injury that happened two days into his first practices at Northwestern State.

Despite the injury, Ryan remained active in the university community and in baseball, spending 12 years as a scout for the Houston Astros.

Ryan’s scholarship was established through the “Perpetually Purple” program, which is managed by the Demons Unlimited Foundation. Its goal is to grow the endowment, through outright donations or deferred gifts, to more than $5 million.

Earnings from the 67 permanent funds which comprise the current $2.05 million endowment total are utilized to balance the Athletic Department’s annual scholarship budget.

According to Director of Athletics Greg Burke, “Current endowment funding ensures that all 14 NSU sports can continue offering the maximum number of scholarships permitted by NCAA guidelines. Being able to do so is paramount to sustaining a high level of competitiveness but more importantly, continues to provide opportunities for young people to receive a scholarship which can lead to earning a college degree. Based on the fact the five-year NCAA Graduation Success Rate of NSU Athletics is at an all-time high of 82 percent over the past five years, endowment funds are a worthwhile investment.”

A fundamental goal of the initial push is to reach the $5 million milestone, allowing the endowment to completely underwrite book scholarships for all NSU student-athletes, an expense currently paid by annual gifts to the DUF, he said. Annual gift revenues will then be redirected to more significantly enhance facilities, bolster recruiting budgets, retain or hire outstanding coaches, and offset ever-increasing scholarship costs.

A minimum commitment of $10,000 is required to create an endowment fund. It can be established with an outright gift such as cash, a stock transfer or property sale, a life insurance policy, or can be included as a provision in a will or bequest. Arrangements can be made to fund an endowment over an extended period of time.

The endowment principle remains intact for perpetuity with a maximum of five percent interest income used for the intent designated by the donor who establishes the fund.

For more information on the Perpetually Purple program, contact Burke or Taitano at 318-357-5251.

Photo: (Left to right) NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke, Deputy Athletic Director Dr. Haley Taitano, Craig Ryan and NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio pose after Ryan announced the creation of the Craig Ryan Baseball Scholarship in the spring of 2019. Ryan’s scholarship reached the permanently endowed level after donations from family and friends following Ryan’s death after a battle with cancer.

Credit: Submitted photo

Natchitoches Junior High School JAG held its election of officers on Oct. 16 to its Student Development Association.

Congratulations to JAG’s newly elected officers of 2020-21: President Kelsee Berryman, Vice President Sabrina Price, Secretary Zion Prelow, Treasurer Are’Iuanna Kirts, Historian Mariah Golston and Representative Imari Morrow.

NATCHITOCHES:
Marjorie Remo
October 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Nickolas Charles Parrie
September 28, 2001 – October 25, 2020
Service: Thursday, October 29 at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

WINN:
Gary Higgs
September 28, 1941 – October 25, 2020
Service: Wednesday, October 28 at 11 am in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel

By Kevin Shannahan

The men and women of Natchitoches’ Kiwanis chapter joined together in doing our community’s part of the Kiwanis One Day of Service on Oct. 24. On the yearly Kiwanis One Day of Service, Kiwanians from all over the world take that day to do service projects in their local communities. The volunteers cleared litter from 4 parks in the City of Natchitoches. In past years, the Kiwanians have spruced up parks and worked on the then new NSU Grady Erwin Nature Study Area. The civic minded group also has sponsored uniform drives for our school system.

The 30 members of Natchitoches’ Kiwanis chapter are part of over 600,000 Kiwanians in over 80 countries who band together to serve their fellow men and women at the local and worldwide level.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Drumline from the NSU Spirit of Northwestern Band was joined by the NSU Steel Drum Band in a concert before a delighted audience on the downtown riverbank stage Friday, October 23. Many of the audience members were community members and visitors who found a bit of serendipity on a Friday night. The drumline played a variety of pieces that they normally perform at Demon football games, while the Steel Drum Band played several songs with a Caribbean theme.

The COVID pandemic has affected every aspect of life at NSU and the band is, unfortunately, no exception. The student musicians all wore masks, and the drumline was divided into two parts to keep the numbers within the rules. None of the restrictions has any effect on the quality of the concert’s music.

The concert was the inaugural one for the NSU Steel Drum Band. They were formed less than a year ago after an Dr. Oliver Molina landed a grant from the State Board of Regents to fund the purchase of the instruments. The new band was quite a hit with the audience as they brought a carefree island atmosphere to a year that has been anything but carefree. One of the unique aspects of the Steel Drum Band is that one does not have to be a member of the Spirit of Northwestern Band or even a music major, to join., Any student willing to learn and put in the work is welcome.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to thank the NSU Drumline and Steel Drum Band for a delightful evening. We would also like to commend you for your hard work and refusal to let the COVID epidemic stop over 100 years of tradition and superb music. We all look forward to the day when the band will once again add fun to NSU football games. Until then, Fork ‘em Demons!

Ronald D. Kennedy, Sr. September 20, 1972 – October 9, 2020

A large group of friends and family gathered at the Natchitoches riverbank Friday, October 23 for a balloon release to honor the memory of Natchitoches resident Ronald D. Kennedy, Sr. Mr. Kennedy served our city for 27 years in the Public Works Department. He was a long-term member of Restoration Apostolic Ministries where he served his fellow Christians as a singer and musician. Mr. Ronald D. Kennedy, Sr. leaves a wife, five children and many friends and church members to cherish his memory. He was taken from us all too soon.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to extend its condolences to the Kennedy family at their time of sorrow.

Early Voting for the November 3, 2020 Election as of the Close-Of-Business on Saturday,  October 24, 2020. 

• Full Reports from the SOS 

Early Voting for the November 3, 2020 Election as of the Close-Of-Business on Friday,  October 23, 2020. 

• Full Reports from the SOS 

Provencal Christian Academy will hold its Second Annual Classic Car & Truck Show on Saturday, Nov. 7. Registration is from 8-9 am in the parking lot of the Provencal Pentecostal Church, located at 1851 LA-117. There is a $20 entry fee/donation, which will go to the school’s PTA Fundraising Group. The car show itself will be held from 9 am – 1 pm. Awards will be announced at 12:45 pm.

This is a family friendly event and is FREE to the public. There will be food concessions available for purchase and there will be door prizes for car show participants and goodie bags to the first 25 cars registered.

Provencal Christian Academy is a small private school. The car show was held last year in conjunction with the Provencal Fall Fest, but the festival was canceled for 2020 due to Covid-19. The school chose to go forward with the show and hopes it will grow bigger every year. For more information call Chris at (318) 471-0849.

The last item listed on the agenda for the Natchitoches Parish Communications District Commission meeting on Oct. 20, was a letter which was read by Chairman John Wynn in which Executive Director Willis Carter announced his intent to terminate his professional services contract with the Communications District effective January 1 2012. This announcement leads to the end of Carter’s ten-year span of service to Natchitoches parish 9-1-1 which began on Nov. 1, 2010. In his letter to the Commission, Carter summarized some of the District’s successes during his tenure in Natchitoches Parish and stressed how teamwork and collaboration had resulted in positive impacts on each. He closed the letter by saying “much has been accomplished in the past ten years, and it has been an extraordinary experience for me. I humbly offer my most personal “thank you” and my sincere appreciation for allowing me the opportunity to work on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Communications District, and most importantly to work on behalf of the citizens of Natchitoches Parish. Best wishes and Godspeed for your continued success”.

When asked for a reaction to Carters decision, Commission Chairman Wynn responded “Willis brought almost four decades of practical public safety communications experience to Natchitoches Parish. He has shared practical advice and helped bring clarity and focus to many of our goals. There is still much work to be done, and it is our job as Commissioners to continue to make fact based, non-biased decisions which will ensure positive growth and expanded services as we continue to shape the 9-1-1 system for Natchitoches Parish.”

Commissioners present thanked Carter for his service, after which they voted in support of his decision. Carter agreed to extend the effective date of his departure until July 1, 2021 to assist the District in recruiting potential candidates for the Executive Director position.

December 11, 1938 – October 22, 2020

James Webster Smith Jr., 81, of Natchitoches departed this life Thursday, Oct. 22, after an extended illness. He retired in January of 2015 after serving as Manager and Vice-President of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home for 58 years.

Visitation will be held at Blanchard-St. Denis Sunday, Oct. 25, from 5-9 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis with burial following at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

He was born Dec. 11, 1938 to James W. Smith Sr. and Florentine Spillman Smith in Cloutierville. He graduated from high school in 1957. He was employed by Blanchard Funeral Home that year where he served his apprenticeship and received his Funeral Director’s license in 1962.

Mr. Smith was very engaged in professional activities for many years and was named Funeral Director of the Year by the North Louisiana Funeral Directors’ Association in 1981-81 and again in1988. He was also a past President of the organization and served on various committees. He held membership in several professional organizations including the National Funeral Directors’ Association.

He was highly respected and had many friends throughout the area. He was well known throughout the community and was admired for his generous heart and his willingness to help those in need.

At an early age he developed a passion for Country Music and loved to play the fiddle. He placed second in the State Fiddling Contest in 1976. He was often called on to play at local nursing homes and for charitable events.

Mr. Smith was active in civic organizations including the Golden Rule Lodge, Loyal Order of the Moose, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus Council 1957 and he was on the Grievance Committee for the City of Natchitoches Police Department. He and Charles Mitchell Dalme founded the Tuesday Night Bourre’ Players Group more than 50 years ago. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

His hobbies other than music included playing cards and cooking. As long as he was able, he repaired many lawnmowers for friends and family and never charged anyone.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Callie Faye Owens Smith; one daughter Janet Marie Smith Guidry of Natchitoches; one grandson, Byron J. Guidry Jr. of Covington; two sisters, Glenda Marie Merrill of Cloutierville and Patricia Nell Carter and husband Tommy of Shreveport; one brother, Roger Dale Smith and wife Nancy of Shreveport; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also Eleanor Ann Young Cooks and husband Corbin of Houston and Lori O’Bannon Savell and husband Kelby of Bellwood. He looked upon these two ladies as daughters. Also surviving is his special fur baby, Sallie Mae.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Earl Smith of Natchitoches. They worked together at the funeral home for many years.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Brossette, Terry Brossette, Timmy Carter, Tommy Carter, Byron J. Guidry Jr. and Leslie Wayne Bennett.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Monday Night Bourre’ Players group.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Kidney Association or St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis.

Rotary Club of Natchitoches on Tuesday, October 21st met outdoors at the Prudhomme-Rouquier House with Clerk of Court David Stamey as guest speaker and Girline’s serving lunch to those in attendance. Stamey discussed the upcoming 2020 election and early voting participation.

Pictured from left are Rotary President Paul Rinehart, President-elect Tommy Caldwell, and Clerk of Courts David Stamey (Photos by Dr. Ron McBride).

BOM was a Gold sponsor of the Celebration of Life Virtual Gala for the Natchitoches Women’s Resource Center. Pictured from left are Kristen Carpenter, Jennifer Luna (WRC Executive Director), and Katrice Below.