The faculty and staff of Lakeview Jr Sr High School would like to ensure that each student continues to have access to high-quality curriculum and assignments. We plan to deliver instruction through a hybrid and virtual learning environment and we need your support to ensure the success of our efforts! Please take a moment to review our plan below and talk with your child about the importance of continuing their education during this time.

OPEN HOUSE

We will have our Virtual Open House Monday, Aug. 24 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. I look forward to answering questions you may have and introducing our amazing staff. Information on viewing the virtual open house will be posted to our Facebook page.

100% VIRTUAL

JH & High School Virtual Parents will pick up electronic devices Aug. 27 according to the schedule listed below. Students must have a registration packet on file AND parents must sign a consent form for the student to receive their electronic device. Plan to be on campus at least 30 minutes, as the teacher will walk you through the Google Classroom login process. This is how teachers will send out the signup link to get materials. Parents may escort their students to class during this time, as long as they have their temperature taken and wear a mask. Devices will be issued based on the following schedule:

HYBRID STUDENTS

High School hybrid students will begin the school year with a soft start the week of Aug. 31 – Sept. 4. This means only a small number of students will come each day to learn our new safety protocols and meet their teachers. The soft start schedule will be based on last names. Students will receive their schedule, student progress center login and find out if they are assigned “A Day” or “B” Day during this time.

All office communication will occur through our Facebook page and the Student Progress Center.

All teacher communication will occur through Google Classroom and the Remind App. Your student’s teacher will provide them with log in information during our soft start. With our ever- changing lives, this will be the best way to ensure you are informed of all the latest school news.

A DAY/B DAY

We will start fully back to school Tuesday, Sept. 8. High school students will return to school on a A/B alternating schedule. Students assigned “A” day will attend Tuesday & Thursday. Students assigned “B” day will attend Wednesday & Friday. Mondays, all high school students will stay home and assignments will be given online.

We are so excited about the year ahead and seeing our Gator’s again.

WILLIAM HYMES
Principal
Lakeview High School
Natchitoches, Parish

Back To Your Roots 2020, a Sustainable Agriculture Conference, hosted by Campti Field of Dreams has been extended to six full days, from Tuesday, September 8 to Sunday, September 13, 2020. To meet the governor’s guidelines for events, participation has been capped at 50 and a virtual interactive option powered by ZOOM has been added. The conference features four internationally renowned speakers instructing three 2-day Master Classes. The outdoor conference will feature:

Jim Riddle: Organic Fruit and Vegetable Production (9/8 – 9/9) Virtual Only
Jim Gerrish: Management Intensive Grazing (9/10 – 9/11) In-Person/Virtual, Sample Farm
Joel Salatin and Sheri Salatin: Direct Marketing (9/12 – 9/13) In-Person/Virtual, Mahaffey Farm Organic food sales hit $50 billion in 2019, according to the 2020 Organic Industry Survey. If you are ready to tap into the growing organic food industry then this series of technical sessions is for you. Laura Batcha, CEO and executive director of the Organic Trade Association points out that, “The pandemic has only increased our desire for clean, healthy food.”

Campti Field of Dreams greatly appreciates the support of Slow Food North Louisiana. Executive director, Angie White said, “Slow Food North Louisiana is thrilled to support the Back to Your Roots 2020 Conference, as its purpose to empower the next generation of farmers, ranchers and value-added producers with environmentally friendly practices that produce more income aligns perfectly with Slow Food’s mission to support foodways that are good, clean, and fair. The North Louisiana Chapter of Slow Food has a primary goal of connecting local farmers and food producers growing for a local market to their potential customers here. We would love to see more local farms, and appreciate that this conference is trying to make our existing farms more sustainable, both environmentally as well as financially.”

BTYR 2020 is brought to you by Campti Field of Dreams, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural communities, in partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ross Lynn Charitable Foundation and Bossier Parish Community College. Conference registration is required, and participation is limited to 50 to facilitate social distancing. 

After earning her degree in social work, Jennifer Burch had a big decision to make. The Northwestern State University graduate knew she wanted to work with people and needed to find a way to best utilize her talent. After a lot of thought, she decided to earn a Master’s in Social Work and Burch is now the Director of Graduate Medical Education at Baton Rouge General Medical Center.

“My desire to promote social justice was the main reason I became interested in the field of Social Work,” said Burch. “I briefly considered a law degree, but I believed that social work would give me the opportunity to make a bigger impact. Also, the ability to work in such a large variety of settings was a huge plus for me.”

Burch, a 2001 social work graduate, says her work is largely managerial. She directs and administers the graduate and undergraduate medical education programs at Baton Rouge General. Her primary goal is to ensure compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements for residency training. She is responsible for over 85 employees, including administrative staff, physician faculty and residents and oversees the management of a residency primary care practice.

“There is a large physician and student well-being component to my work,” said Burch. “Among resident physicians, rates of suicides, depression, and burnout are higher than the rest of the population. I spend a lot of time working to prioritize resident wellness and ensure that patient care is not compromised by residents or students who are unable to cope with the inevitable stress that comes with training programs.”

Burch says she works closely with residents to foster resilience through various methods, including mindfulness training, retreats and protected time off. Burch is available around-the-clock for crisis intervention or referrals to mental health practitioners.

Burch says the social work faculty at Northwestern “pushed us out of our comfort zones” in classes and training.

“My professors brought different perspectives and experiences to our discussions and studies,” she said. “The additional training I received through the Title IV-E Child Welfare program and field placement really prepared me for direct practice.”

Central Louisiana Technical Community College continues to monitor Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. CLTCC plans to be open tomorrow, Monday, August 24th for regular instruction and operations at all eight campuses. We will however provide updates throughout tomorrow regarding our plans for the remainder of the week. CLTCC encourages everyone to remain safe and monitor weather alerts and guidance from the state and Central Louisiana authorities.

Cane River Lake is currently at 97.5 MSL.
Pool Stage is 98.0 MSL

Flood Stage is 99.0 MSL

The lake and public landings are open

There are two systems (Marco & Laura) 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.

For more information contact Betty @ 318-617-3235.

Thanks,

Betty Fuller
Commission Administrator

NATCHITOCHES:
Jimmy Herman Sheffield
April 01, 1940 – August 16, 2020
Service: A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10am, at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches, La.

Melvin Shane Hall
February 26, 1964 – August 17, 2020
Service: A Mass of Christian burial on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:00 A.M.
The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 8 pm on Monday, August 24th at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. There will be a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Interment: Zion Rest Cemetery 5367 Wallace Rd., Wallace, Louisiana.

SABINE:
Theodore Brassard
April 27, 1948 – August 20, 2020
Service: Saturday, August 29 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

James Hollace “Buster” Mary
January 16, 1949 – August 21, 2020
Service: Monday, August 24 at 2 pm at Old Pisgah Baptist Church in
Marthaville

WINN:
Mark Allen Hattaway
November 12, 1965 – August 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Dorethea Bolton Smith
July 27, 1928 – August 21, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Robert Louis Franklin
August 29, 1950 – August 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Upon being notified Wednesday night that he’d been exposed to an individual with coronavirus, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) was tested Thursday for COVID-19. That test was positive. Cassidy contacted his physician and is strictly adhering to all CDC recommendations, including quarantining for 14 days and notifying those with whom he may have come into contact.

“I am strictly following the direction of our medical experts and strongly encourage others to do the same,” said Dr. Cassidy.

Defend Against COVID-19

Defend Against COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Recognize the symptoms. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Stay home especially if you are sick.

Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft. Social distancing means keeping 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others. This helps to prevent the spread of illness.

Benefit Battle Royal United We Stand/Together We Fight on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the Black Lake Crawfish Shack on HWY 9.

As most of you know Randy Desadier, a hard working provider and father of 3 amazing children, recently was faced with great adversity. A few months ago, America was struck by a COVID-19 pandemic which put a lot of folks out of work, including Randy.

After already experiencing a lack of funds due to limited employment opportunities, Randy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Color Cancer. After two weeks of treatment, the cancer has started to spread all over his body.

With prayer, love and support from his Family and friends, may GOD walk tall with Randy and his children in their time of need.

In an effort to draw the community to help, we will be selling BBQ plates to raise money to help Randy and his family.

BBQ Plate Lunch
$10.00 per Plate
Leg Quarter, Sausage Link, Baked Beans, Dirty Rice, Bread and a Drink.
• Deliver Order available for large orders (10 or more)
• “Split-the-Pot” $2.00 Tick – Drawing on Saturday, September 19, 2020 (Need not be present to win)
• For Pre-Ordes contact Katie Litton (318)508-1297

Donations Accepted or Questions contact:
David Flack (318)663-1970
Matt Flack (318)652-1532
Robert Watson (318)771-2737

 

By Pastor Tommy Rush, First Baptist Church

Two of my grandchildren are preparing for their first year of public school this year. After being homeschooled by their mom and dad since birth, I’m not sure who has more back-to-school butterflies – the kids, their mom and dad or their grandparents. I’m really excited for them, but I think we all know there’s a few more reasons for back-to-school jitters this year than in previous years.

Last Saturday, my eight year-old granddaughter was excited to show me her new backpack and school uniforms. As I watched her organize her pencils and notebooks in the backpack, I was encouraged by her excitement and enthusiasm for going to school. It was good to see how excited an eight year-old little girl can get over organizing a backpack and showing off her new school shoes.

I pray that every parent and grandparent sees that our children are a gift from God. It is an awesome privilege to be given the blessing of helping them grow up and become all that God has created them to be. The challenge of rearing children in this generation is no easy thing, no walk in the park, but it’s without a doubt the highest calling any parent has ever been given.

Lately I’ve thought a lot about our children. They’re no doubt seeing and hearing things that most of us adults have never seen or experienced. I was blessed last Saturday by my granddaughters excitement and enthusiasm. I really pray for my grandchildren to see goodness and grace on a regular basis in me! The truth is that we are always influencing them either for good or bad. May the Lord help each of us to be a good influence!

 

The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC) held a brief Zoom meeting on Aug. 20. The commission is still in holding patterns as far as their financials are concerned because it’s still waiting on the state government to approve a budget. The commission doesn’t know what cuts may look like if they’re made, so it will have to look at what it’s able to fund for next year once members have a better idea of their budget.

Mayor Posey logged onto the meeting for a moment to thank the commission because, “Ya’ll are one of the collaborative partners in this community that makes it so special.” He went on to introduce Mayor Elect Ronnie Williams who logged on to meet commission members, and learn a little bit about the NHDDC and what it does.

Williams commended Posey for making his transition into office as smooth as possible.

“I really appreciate that,” he said.

Updates included the following:

NSU

It’s been a week to say the least with Covid protocols and seeing all the students, but Northwestern State University’s enrollment numbers are looking good.

Classes were transitioned to high-flex classes so students switch days of the week for going to class face-to-face versus listening in online. This helps cut the number of students in a classroom at any given time in half. It’s working well.

HDBA – Main Street Office

September 11-12: Lady Bass Anglers Association will hold its Tournament in Natchitoches. In conjunction, on Sept. 5 from 2-3:30 pm the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum will hold a “Get Hooked” event that’s free and open to the community.

Oct. 2-3: Classic Car Show

Oct. 9: Crows on the Cane Scarecrow Contest

Oct. 10-14: Fall Dates for Natchitoches Farmers Market

Oct. 23-24: NSU Rowing Regatta

At this point the Historic District Business Association (HDBA) doesn’t know what Christmas Fest will look like but it’ll still turn on the lights starting on Nov. 21.

NPS

Hot Yoga class for Sept. 12 was cancelled

Find Your Park Harvest Festival in October was cancelled

The Cane River Creole National Historic Parks (Oakland and Magnolia Plantations) are entering Phase 2 on Aug. 28 so visitor restrooms will be reopened. There will also be an outdoor visitor services tent and limited guided ground tours with NPS staff.

The NPS is participating with the City on a “Forward the Light” Campaign, which is a nationwide event to to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote by illuminating the historic Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot on the evening of Wednesday, August 26. The structure, located at 607 Trudeau St/Depot St, will be lit from 8 pm to 10 pm.

The NPS also has a youth hiring opportunity to work at the parks from September to March where the employee will get to experience preserving historic buildings and grounds.

Tourist Commission

July was a pretty decent month as far as visitors to Natchitoches go, but that’s thanks in large part to the travel ball tournaments in town. The Tourist Office is still seeing visitors despite Covid. Natchitoches makes it easy to social distance.

CRNHA

The Cane River National Heritage Area (CRNHA) is installing signs at the Grady Erwin Trails, along with other auto directional signs on roadways.

The Natchitoches App is doing well. A significant uptick in usage has been noticed, thanks in part to travel ball. People are downloading the app, shopping and eating at restaurants while they’re in town.

Walking tours will begin again toward the end of October

NHF

Oct. 9: American Cemetery Tours

The Natchitoches Historic Foundation (NHF) is trying to think outside the box for activities or event for the Christmas season, particularly the Christmas Tour of Homes.

APHN

Fall Tour of Homes is cancelled

Oct. 10-11: Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival

St. Augustine Church Fair was cancelled

The Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) is thinking about expanding tours at Melrose because they’ve been very popular.

By Reba Phelps

The Hallmark Channel and I have a complete love-hate relationship. If you have even seen one of their movies then you are acutely aware of the plots for which they are famous. As cringeworthy as they can be I have seen every single one of them at least three times and literally count the days until their Christmas marathons.

Depending on the type of mood I am in that day or how I am feeling about my personal singleness… I am either watching with loving and hopeful eyes or rolling my eyes and feeling slight disgust. Or, envy? I cannot pinpoint which. Regardless, these movies can be a bit overwhelming if you are not in the right mental space.

One particular Sunday a few weeks ago I was knee deep in a Hallmark slump when I suddenly remembered that I needed to make a trip to Lowe’s in Alexandria to return an item. My youngest daughter was with her father so it was going to be a solo trip. Once I arrived there was a huge thunderstorm that kept me circling the parking lot until it passed or I found a parking spot closer to the door.

The thunderstorm appeared as though it was going to stay a while so I found a spot that should have caused minimal exposure to the storm. An umbrella was nowhere to be found so I braved the elements and ran inside. Once inside the store, I made my return and found a few more items that I needed around the house. It was nice to just stroll and look without being rushed or having to hurry back for any particular reason.

The storm had passed so it was time to checkout and leave.

As luck would have it, when I was exiting the store, it began to rain again. I started walking a little faster in hopes of not becoming completely drenched. Just as I was picking up speed a wheel got stuck in a tiny pothole in the parking lot and I lost control of my buggy thus losing my new outdoor cushions that I had just purchased. As I bent down to retrieve them I had to keep one foot on the buggy as it was starting to roll away with the wind.

It was the clumsiest sight you have ever seen and I was so grateful no one witnessed my embarrassment. Or so I thought.

When I was heave-hoeing the contents back into my buggy I noticed a man walking in my direction. He obviously worked at the store and you could tell he was caught in the rain as well. He looked to be around my youthful age and he also had a really nice deep tan, a few masculine type tattoos and a very handsome face. Mind you, this was all noted within a few seconds and it was raining at the time.

While you could tell he was headed back to the store he was clearly making eye contact with me and I just imagined he was on his way to assist me with my current situation. He must be a complete gentleman. I was getting closer to my vehicle and he was still smiling and approaching me. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was going to be a, “Hallmark Moment.”

Sweet and handsome home improvement store worker rescues beautiful lady in the rainy parking lot who is in distress. What a precious story we would have to tell all of our friends. I had this whole movie plot playing in mind as I have watched way too many of these cheesy movies on lonely weekends.

The closer he got the more curious I became. He was smiling, I was smiling. But…….Once he opened his mouth and spoke it was as if the world momentarily quit turning….and not in a good way.

He very bluntly said, “Ma’am, you are parked in the curbside parking spot and you will need to move your vehicle as soon as possible.”

The parking lot policeman was not as handsome as originally thought and he was actually a little rude as he took too much pleasure in telling me to move my car. I was feeling slight embarrassment at the ridiculous scenario but it did not steal my hope.

It was also a stark reminder that more than likely my Hallmark moment will not be found anywhere outside of the love story that God has written for me. God is still working on me in countless areas of my life and he is still healing wounds that took many years to accumulate.

Right now, he is the only thing I can put my trust in. His words always stand true. His true love never fails. I do believe that as long as I keep my eyes fixed on him then the rest will fall into place in his timing and not my own. What he has in store for his children is something way more amazing than any Hallmark moment.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” – Mathew 6:33

Start Banking “ANYWHERE YOU ARE” with City Bank & Trust Company Mobile Banking App! Available to all City Bank & Trust Company online banking customers, your City Bank Mobile App allows you to check account balances, research transactions, transfer funds, and pay bills. City Bank has recently added two new functions to our mobile banking experience, (1) Zelle, our P2P solution and (2) Card Controls – giving you the power to control your City Bank Debit Card.

Zelle is a fast, safe and easy way to send money in minutes right from your City Bank Mobile App. Zelle makes it easy to send money to, or receive money from, people you know and trust with a bank account in the U.S. using just an email address or mobile phone number. Find Zelle in your City Bank Mobile App

Card Controls is a simple and secure way to control and protect your City Bank Debit Card right from your City Bank Mobile App. Features include being able to turn on/off your debit card in real time, set geographical locations to where only your card can be used and receive alerts just seconds after your card is used. The power to protect your card is now in your hands.

The fun does not stop here, be on the look out in the near future for our newest feature to our Mobile Banking experience, Mobile Deposit, allowing you to deposit checks within your City Bank Mobile App.

Rhodes Realty is excited to introduce you to their newest agents.

“Expanding is in our DNA at Rhodes Realty, and we always look forward to bringing in new team members,” said Rhodes Realty CEO Rodrick McIntosh. “Our agents really help make Rhodes Realty successful! They’re members of our real estate family and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Stephanie Robertson- Pineville
Stephanie is originally from Rockford, IL and moved to Alexandria, LA in 1994. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches with a major in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice. Between them both, Stephanie and her husband, Allen, have 4 children. Stephanie loves spending time supporting her children in their many sports and activities and volunteers regularly at each of their schools. Stephanie is an active member of Calvary Baptist Church where she is also a Sunday School Teacher.

Stephanie has been working for several years in the design business specializing in the decorating, lighting, hardware and furniture fields. In 2020 she achieved her goal of becoming a Real Estate Agent and is extremely excited to be a part of the Rhodes Realty Team in Alexandria. She looks forward to using her decorating skills to help clients stage their homes to sell quickly and assist in making their new house to be the home of their dreams.

Philecia Walker- Natchitoches
Philecia was born and raised in our beautiful State of Louisiana. After graduating from Converse High School in 1999, she enlisted into the Army and started her law career. She is employed at the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office as the Executive Assistant to the District Attorney and recently obtained her Real Estate License in 2020. She has worked in the legal field for many years, and with that experience, brings a great deal of knowledge in the Real Estate Industry.

She is happily married with three wonderful children and currently purchased property here in Natchitoches so she could not be happier to be a part of a great community.

If you are looking to sell or purchase a home or property, Philecia would be honored to “help you find” your dream home!

Wayne Knapp- Natchitoches
Wayne is a native of Catahoula Parish and a long-time resident of Natchitoches. After a long and successful career as a Safety Professional in the Oil and Gas industry, Wayne has decided to pursue a career in real estate. Over his many years as a Safety Professional he has developed a strong work ethic and a passion for assisting people. Wayne has a vast knowledge of the Natchitoches area and looks forward to helping his new clients with all their real estate needs.

DeAnderea Sanders- Natchitoches
DeAnderea is originally from East Feliciana, Louisiana. After graduating from Zachary High School she obtained a Bachelors of Arts in English from Northwestern State University. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Education from Louisiana College. She is currently a teacher at Natchitoches Junior High School. After working as a Youth Program Coordinator for the City of Natchitoches she founded the Coach De Foundation. DeAnderea enjoys doing community service, gardening and learning new skills. The interest in real estate came from wanting to help families acquire adequate yet affordable housing.

Nicki Wilson- Lafayette
Clients often remark that Nikki Wilson always seems prepared. Prepared to meet. Prepared to see the next property. Most of all, prepared to act.

That philosophy has been the core of Nikki’s success and it continues to drive her to help more clients as a real estate professional. Nikki cut her teeth in real estate as a transaction coordinator. In that role her quick, attentive style maintained orderly transactions for an entire team of agent. She was the coach, the record keeper, and the cheerleader rolled into one.

Today, Nikki turns that drive and experience toward her own successful real estate career…and her quick thinking continues to make a difference for her clients. Not content to wait for the day to unfold, waking each morning determined to drive the events that lie ahead. Nikki prides herself in streamlining communication and creating a stress free transaction. We know you’ll enjoy knowing she’s on your side.

Sarah Cater- Pineville
Sarah recently started her career with Rhodes Realty in June of 2020. She was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, but she has lived throughout Rapides and Grant Parish. She chose real estate as a career because she has a passion for people. Buying or selling a home is a huge event in your life, having someone you can trust to support you and guide you through the process is crucial, that is the agent that Sarah strives to be. She has a one year old son who is her favorite little work partner when it comes to meeting with clients. If you are looking for someone to be with you on your journey, Sarah is your girl!

Tony Johnson- Natchitoches
Tony is a seasoned real estate professional with dozens of sold homes to his credit. A Sabine Parish native who has been living in Natchitoches for more than two decades. He is passionate about his clients’ needs and goals. He recognizes and values the trust that they place in him. His history of striving every day to exceed their expectations is proof of that. Tony is self-motivated and loves interacting with home buyers and sellers. He is straightforward, honest, and works with integrity to meet your needs.

He keeps up to date with our changing real estate market and works closely with some of the top brokers and agents in the area. He is also committed to improving his real estate education each year through continuing education training.

He has been married for over 29 years with four wonderful kids. He is a deacon at his local church. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family when he is not working or showing homes.

He is a member of the Greater Central Louisiana Association of Realtors, Louisiana Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. He will work evenings and weekends to assist you with the home buying or selling process. Please call Tony anytime without obligation.

He is ready to go to work for you today.

For more information call 318-238-3733. Rhodes Realty has locations in Natchitoches, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Pineville, Monroe and Ruston.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board held its new teacher orientation event on Aug. 20 at the central office. There were over 34 teachers in attendance. Superintendent Grant Eloi and Director of Personnel Linda Page gave the new teachers motivational insights on what to expect for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.

Many organizations stopped by to speak to the teachers and showcase their services, including:

Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A-PEL)
A+ Coalition
Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE)
Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT)

Dr. Keith Courville, Executive Director of A-PEL, gave away $100 to six lucky teachers. The Louisiana Federation of Teachers also gave away gift cards.

Pictured below: Gift card winners Matt Danna, Nicole Mitchell, Allie Ebarb, LeRon Massey and LFT representatives Charlotte Crawley and Carletta Jones.

It’s not often that I agree with “Crazy Bernie” Sanders, the radical leftist Senator from Vermont, but I am in complete agreement with his recent comments at the 2020 Democratic National Convention that the “2020 presidential contest is the most important election in modern American history”. Perhaps no issue more clearly illustrates the stark contrast between the Democratic and Republican platforms than the parties’ official stances on the constitutional right of the American people to keep and bear arms. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has clearly documented his intent, if elected, to wage war against the Second Amendment. Mr. Biden’s full plan to eviscerate the Second Amendment can be found on his website – https://joebiden.com/gunsafety/.

Highlights of the former vice-president’s plan include banning the manufacture and sale of so-called “assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines”, restrictive licensing and registration measures, intrusive and repressive background checks, ending online sales of firearms and ammunition, and legislation requiring mandatory safe storage of guns inside private homes. Biden’s plan makes it clear that he intends to wage this war against the Second Amendment by wielding the power of governmental agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations(FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms(ATF), Centers for Disease Control(CDC), and the National Institutes of Health(NIH). He also states that he would use executive authority to ban firearms, and there is no question that he would also appoint federal judges and Supreme Court justices who agree with his totalitarian anti-gun agenda.

Make no mistake about it – Joe Biden means what he says about taking our guns. In his nearly 50 years of crawling through the swamp of Washington D.C. politics he has proven that he has no regard for the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights. There is little doubt that he will be even more brazen in waging his personal war against guns now that he and the Democratic Party have completely sold out to the demands of left-wing extremists who hate America such as Sanders, AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Ayanna Pressley. Biden frequently brags about his role in passing a 1994 bill that banned commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, an infringement on our rights that thankfully expired in 2004 under Republican leadership in the White House. Recent statements by Mr. Biden indicate that he would like to ban “military style weapons” including pistols with 9mm bullets that can hold 10 or more rounds”(Seattle Times).

If you currently own what Biden would define as an “assault weapon” or “high capacity magazine” you would be forced to sell your weapons to the government at a price they mandate, or forced to register them under the National Firearms Act. The number of firearms free citizens can purchase would be limited under the Biden plan, and state and local governments would be given grants from the federal government to establish processes requiring the licensing of all individuals prior to purchasing a gun. One of the most radical components of the Biden plan calls for 100% of firearms to be “smart guns” that require sophisticated technology that would only allow a firearm to be used by someone authorized to do so by the government.

Perhaps the most disturbing piece of the Biden/Harris gun control plan involves passing legislation that would hold adults criminally and civilly liable for allowing minors access to a firearm, regardless of whether or not the minor actually gained possession of the weapon. Biden’s legislation would likely seek to impose criminal penalties on gun owners who did not store their weapons inside their private homes in accordance with government-imposed restrictions. Let me be clear, it is my unequivocal belief that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms extends to my minor children who have been properly trained to handle and operate firearms. My 12 year old son knows where every gun in our home is located, he has access to them, and I pray that he will use them if necessary to protect his life, his family, and our private property if forced to do so.

What you will not find in the Democratic platform is protection for the most vulnerable in our society, those who cannot fight to defend themselves – the unborn. It is quite ironic that the political party that claims to advocate for the poor and downtrodden amongst us cannot find the moral courage to stop the evil practice of abortion that disproportionally targets the unborn children of minorities. Just as puzzling is the ridiculous assertion of many prominent Democratic leaders that we should defund law enforcement AND inhibit the right of law-abiding citizens to possess weapons to defend themselves.

There is one statement on the Biden/Harris website that I can agree with – the 2020 Presidential election is described as a “Battle for the Soul of the Nation”. Nothing illustrates this more clearly than the war Joe Biden and the Democratic Party have declared against our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. This war against guns strikes at the heart of our most basic constitutional and God-given rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With less than 3 months to go until the Presidential election I pray that the citizens of Louisiana and our great nation will listen to the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson, the man who famously authored the Declaration – “Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.”

Thank you and God Bless.

Gabe Firment
State Representative
District 22
(318)765-9606 – office
gfirment@legis.la.gov

Cane River Creole National Historical Park will partner with the City of Natchitoches to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote by illuminating the historic Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 26. The structure, located at 607 Trudeau St/Depot St, will be lit from 8-10 pm.

The depot is just one of several buildings and landmarks across the country that will light up in purple and gold on Wednesday as part of the Forward Into Light Campaign, named in honor of the historic suffrage slogan, “Forward through the Darkness, Forward into Light.” Hundreds of organizations nationwide will participate in this once-in-a-lifetime campaign. The City of Natchitoches and the National Park Service are excited to be joining forces to participate.

“This historic building is particularly significant to Natchitoches, not only as a train depot, but also as one of the last physical vestiges of segregation and the Jim Crow era within the State of Louisiana. said park Superintendent Carrie Mardorf. “Illuminating it in purple and gold honors the struggle for equality that not only occurred in the past, but also that continues today.”

Women’s right to vote was won through struggles and protests in the streets, in courtrooms, and in Congress. While America remembers this celebratory moment in history, unfortunately law and practice continued to exclude women of color the right to vote for decades more. The right to vote is fundamental to democracy.

Since 2019, the City of Natchitoches and the National Park Service have worked together to preserve the depot. The building is the future home of the administrative offices of Cane River Creole National Historical Park and will also house an interpretative center and combination theater and community room space dedicated to telling the African American story of Cane River.

The City of Natchitoches and National Park Service encourage residents to drive by and visit 607 Trudeau St/Depot St. from 8 pm to 10 pm on August 26 to view the historic Depot illuminated in the official suffrage colors.

More information about the Forward into Light campaign can be found at: https://www.womensvote100.org/forwardintolight

The Mu Kappa Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) International Fraternity at Northwestern State University was awarded the Harvey T. Newell Award, which recognizes the chapter that has made the most significant improvement in a 12-month time period. The chapter was recognized during fraternity’s virtual awards program earlier in August.

The chapter was recognized for its emphasis on programs that have been lacking, specifically athletics and recruitment, and its 40 percent increase in community service hours and a nearly 300 percent increase in philanthropic donations.

“We are so excited to receive an International Award and for it to be in our first six years on campus at NSU,” said Chapter President Kyler Burns. “Our chapter is proud of the efforts made in New Member Education, Health and Safety and most importantly, philanthropic endeavors. Seeing our efforts culminate with this award has truly been a great experience and I am proud of our chapter and its members.”

In addition to the Harvey T. Newell Award, Mu Kappa Chapter was a finalist for the Most Improved Health & Safety Award and received the New Member Education Award.

NATCHITOCHES:
Delores Below
August 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Leroy Wafer
August 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Jerry Postell
August 15, 2020 – August 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Ruth Smith James
August 17, 1932 – August 16, 2020
Service: Saturday, August 22 at 1:30 pm in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel

H. L. Hamm
August 13, 2020
Arrangements TBA

RED RIVER:
Wayne Wren Bamburg
August 13, 1926 – August 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA