By Reba Phelps

When I undesignedly became a single mom I was so consumed with anxiety and fear over how my girls and I would survive on one income. As a married adult with two children at home it took all of our incomes just to make ends even come close to meeting. It seemed like when we were just getting ahead something in the house would break down or some emergency would befall our household. This is nothing that most American’s don’t face on a daily basis.

During the divorce, my oldest child was headed to college, not on a full ride, and my little one just wasn’t cheap. They both prefer to have groceries available at all times and the other basics that they had grown accustom to living as a family of four.

Before the official parting of ways I brought all of my financial information to my close friend and she did what she does best. She had me cut everything out that needed cutting. She trimmed and scaled back all that was deemed frivolous. But, it was still workable and we could even stay in our house.

We were very blessed that we had an amicable divorce and had no issues with child support.

I spent many hours each pay period just studying where every single penny went. I was meticulous with every purchase. As time went on it just felt like something was missing and I knew I could be doing better. I knew deep in my heart exactly what it was.

My parents had always raised us to tithers and givers. They were so faithful and always gave ten percent of their meager incomes back to the church. There would be times where we literally had one meal left in the cabinets and someone would randomly bring us bags of groceries. God always showed up for my parents in a timely fashion and this didn’t go unnoticed by the kids being raised in their house.

I had witnessed first hand the blessing that comes along with being a giver.

While making peace within myself to do what I knew needed to be done I realized that ten percent is a lot of money to a single mom with a child in college and another child that wasn’t cheap. I began to bargain with God and look for scriptures that may give me an out. Just a small window of opportunity to hang onto to my little cash. Surely you cannot give ten percent if you don’t have ten percent left over.

The very first scripture I found basically said that each must decide to give in his own heart and not under reluctancy and that God loved a cheerful giver. I would have been way more cheerful had I not had a child in college and another one that wasn’t cheap. Aside from that, there just wasn’t ten percent left over after I had paid all of my bills.

God, having the ultimate sense of humor, then lead me to a scripture that said we should honor him with the first fruits of our income. I am no Theologian but that appears to say that we should pay our tithe first. This was a scary endeavor for me even though I knew in my spirit that God would always provide.

As you can imagine the more I read and studied about tithing and giving it just became more evident that I didn’t have a good case for hoarding my own money. Everything just kept leading back to stepping out on faith and relying on God’s promises in his word.

Every time I wrestled with finding scriptures or excuses I just couldn’t quit thinking about how blessed my mom and dad were while raising three children. We never went without electricity, transportation or food. God completely took care of us.

When I finally found peace with tithing I just couldn’t take the full plunge. I started small with only giving five percent and if I was feeling super charitable I would give seven percent. The strange thing was that I didn’t even notice the money was gone. It wasn’t long before I started committing to the full ten percent as often as I could.

Even though I wasn’t a perfect tither and giver I could see where God made provisions for me and my daughters. An extra scholarship would appear for my oldest daughter in college. A part-time and enjoyable job for my youngest who isn’t cheap. Winning a random contest for gift cards. Just recently a free oil change and tire rotation. Increased sales on my job.

The list grows every single day. My biggest blessings come when I am able to give to others. That is truly something I never thought I would be able to do as a single mom with a kid in college and another kid who isn’t cheap.

By no means, am I suggesting to tithe or give just to receive in return. I am merely testifying that when you trust God he will take care of the rest in his timing. You cannot out give God.

“Give and it shall be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38

BATON ROUGE (June 1, 2020) – The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins today and we are off to a very active start. The third named storm of the season will likely develop later this week, as the National Weather Service gives Invest 93L, currently over the Yucatan Peninsula, a high chance to strengthen. Governor John Bel Edwards and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) urge everyone to get a game plan. Now is the time to make sure you have an emergency plan in place for you, your family, your pets and your business. Consider any potential changes needed due to the ongoing COVID-19 threat and adjust your personal plans and emergency supplies. GOHSEP is working with our state, federal and local partners on evacuation and shelter adjustments for those who need assistance with those steps.

“This time of year, we always stress the importance of checking emergency plans and supplies,” said Gov. Edwards. “This is extremely important this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 conditions. Forecasters have predicted an above average year in terms of tropical activity. We must remain vigilant. We have vastly improved the way we prepare for a storm, but we also need the public to understand their role in preparedness. That includes being aware of the risks you face and knowing what steps to take before, during and after a tropical threat.”

GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom said, “We are working with our local partners in developing plans based on the unique conditions we face this year. If you do need assistance with issues like assistance, contact your local emergency managers to connect with resources they have available. Also, review your insurance policies to determine what exactly is covered when it comes to hurricanes, wind damage and flooding. As we have seen with past storms, each event is different and includes different challenges. Being prepared means planning now, and not waiting for an emergency.”

During a tropical event, the state could be impacted by tidal surge, flooding and wind damage. It is important that you listen for crucial information from GOHSEP, other state agencies, local officials and your local weather experts.

A list of hurricane supplies, evacuation information and other critical information can be found on the www.getagameplan.org website. Here are some examples of what you and your family may need in the event you must evacuate or shelter in place:

A three to five day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil

A supply of face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes due to COVID-19 concerns

One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person

A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications
Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries

An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler’s checks
Sanitation supplies

Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members

An extra pair of glasses

Important family documents in a portable, waterproof container

Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food and extra water

Find more tips on weather and preparedness listen to conversations on all aspects of emergency management by downloading GOHSEP’s The Get A Game Plan Podcast. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. The Get A Game Plan App is another resource available to help you and your family prepare for any type of emergency. 

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) along with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) have identified sites in Natchitoches Parish to conduct COVID-19 testing start June 15th – July 10th.

COVID-19 tests are free to the public and will be administered at the testing sites listed below from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. each day. The only criteria to be tested is the participant must be 18 years of age or older and be able to present a valid ID.

On June 3, 2020 at approximately 10:00 a.m. Officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were contacted in reference to vandalism at PARC Natchitoches.

Officers made contact with the parks and recreation director reporting damage to freshly poured sections of concrete.

Video surveillance was reviewed and the suspects were identified through social media.

Katelyn Marchand, 24 White female and Rebecca Marchand, 23 white female, both of Natchitoches turned themselves in to the Natchitoches Police Department. They were arrested and charged with criminal damage to property.

NPD is investigating a separate vandalism on the soccer field, also at PARC Natchitoches. Video surveillance is being reviewed. If you have any information in reference to this incident please contact Lt. Jeff Townson at (318)357-3852.

Anne Lucas has joined the LSMSA staff as administrative assistant to the Executive Director’s Office. Mrs. Lucas and her husband have moved back to Cane River from Houston where they both enjoyed successful careers in that high-paced environment. She has more than 30 years of experience in administrative support positions and holds a degree in communication from Texas A&M University.

“I’m excited to be at LSMSA,” she said. “I am looking forward to the energy once the semester starts and to meeting all the students and faculty. I hope I’m able to have a positive impact on LSMSA.”

As administrative assistant, Mrs. Lucas will manage the front desk of the school and serve as the first point of contact for guests and inquiries. She will also offer assistance to the LSMSA Board of Directors and serve as keeper of the board meetings’ official records.

The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years. Unfortunately, the completion of the 2020 Census seems to be stalling out with only slight increases in Response Rates overall.

Here’s the current situation as of June 2:

National Response Rate: 60.5%
Louisiana Response Rate: 54.8%

Natchitoches Parish Response Rate: 45.1%

Ashland: 15.2%
Campti: 34.6%
Clarence: 23.7%
Natchez: 17.6%
Natchitoches: 45.8%
Powhatan: 10.3%
Provencal: 10.2%
Robeline: 17%

The 2020 Census is underway and the most important thing you can do is respond online, by phone, or by mail when you receive your invitation. Responding now will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up. Please check this page for regular updates.

Go online to https://2020census.gov to fill out yours today!

Johnathan Harmon’s impressive fall earned him a spot in the Northwestern State baseball weekend rotation.

His four starts in the shortened 2020 season made him a Freshman All-American. Harmon was selected as such by Collegiate Baseball magazine, which announced its selections Tuesday morning.

Harmon, a right-hander from Leesville High School, went 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in his four starts, picking up wins against North Alabama, Eastern Illinois and Abilene Christian. He worked six innings of one-run ball, taking a no-decision, in his NSU debut against Wichita State on Feb. 16.

“Johnny came in with a willingness to learn and work from day one,” fourth-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “He competes extremely hard for his team and is very deserving of this recognition. I am very proud of him.”

Harmon ranked second on the Demon staff in ERA, innings pitched (25.0) and stood third in strikeouts (14).

Harmon is the second member of the Demon weekend rotation to earn All-American honors, joining junior right-hander Logan Hofmann, who was a second-team All-American pick by Collegiate Baseball this past month.

Northwestern State was 4-0 in Harmon’s four starts, and Harmon’s three victories placed him in a tie for 23rd nationally. He ranked 88th nationally in hits allowed per nine innings (5.04).

Harmon is the fourth Freshman All-American in program history, joining fellow right-handed pitchers Adam Oller (2014), Kyle Broughton (2005) and Dereck Cloeren (2005).

Photo: Johnathan Harmon delivers a pitch against North Alabama on Feb. 23. Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

NATCHITOCHES:
Jennifer Ann Crye Nichols
January 2, 1948 – June 2, 2020
Visitation: Saturday, June 13 from 12-2 pm at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with a service to follow immediately

Len McCain
February 22, 1949 – June 01, 2020
Visitation:  Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Services:  Friday, June 5, at 3:00 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home and followed by interment at Memory Lawn Cemetery. Officiating will be the Reverend Tommy Rush.

William Ronald (Ron) Mayfield
October 13, 1948 – May 31, 2020
Service: Burial at Sea by the US Navy. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

SABINE:
K.C. Sepulvado
June 23, 1932 – June 2, 2020
Service: at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Joseph Ampatt officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

WINN:
Jimmy Pennywell
May 27, 2020
Visitation: Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Winnfield Funeral Home in Winnfield with a graveside service to follow at the New Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Atlanta

Brenda Folden Wright
June 11, 1961 – May 29, 2020
Service: Friday, June 5 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral HomeMay 27, 2020
Visitation: Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Winnfield Funeral Home in Winnfield with a graveside service to follow at the New Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Atlanta

Brenda Folden Wright
June 11, 1961 – May 29, 2020
Service: Friday, June 5 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home

I want to wholeheartedly commend the hundreds of people who peacefully protested in Natchitoches yesterday evening. Individuals from virtually all races in our community came together peacefully, respectfully, and prayerfully to not only speak out about the horrible atrocity which befell George Floyd, but to speak out against all violence again people based on race. I am proud of the citizens of the City of Natchitoches for showing the nation what a safe, effective, and meaningful assembly means.

As the leaders of the City of Natchitoches, it is our responsibility to make sure our community is safe, inclusive, and caring of everyone, especially in these trying times. Racism has no place in our community or in our country at any time. The City of Natchitoches will continue to strive to make sure ALL citizens in our community feel safe and protected. I am humbled to serve a diverse community and am truly thankful for the opportunity to have participated in these events.

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February 22, 1949 – June 01, 2020

Len McCain, age 71, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family friends. “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the course; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Visitation will be at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 5, at 3:00 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home and followed by interment at Memory Lawn Cemetery. Officiating will be the Reverend Tommy Rush.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Leon McCain, Sr and Marguerite Graham McCain, and his niece, Shelly Elizabeth McCain.

He is survived by his only child, Heather, and son-in-law, Elton Danos, and his three grandchildren: Colin Lowry, Bryce and Ella Danos. His grandchildren were the delight of his life.

Also, Len is survived by two sisters and a brother: Sandra Hines (Lewis), Carla Papa (Tony), and Steve McCain (Melanie), and his “special” aunt, Sue McCain.

He was a graduate of Natchitoches High School and Northwestern State University. His career started at the NSU Student Union where he and his family owned the school’s food service for the university. They were very well known for the best “stuffed potato” in the world! He took his food service experiences to the public sector and built the Captain’s Galley on Sibley Lake which became The Mariner. Then he purchased the Natchitoches Meat Pie Company from his longtime family friend, Buddy Austin. This is where he thrived and poured his passion into the love of a quality product that was so instilled from his family’s love of the food industry. His tremendous work ethic was the cornerstone to building his successful company. He was well-respected by his employees as he gave them much respect. He remained involved with the company, the employees, and their families well after retirement.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Colin Lowry, Stevie McCain, Brandon Papa, Peter Papa, John Godfrey, Aaron Adams, Ray Mabile, Lamone Speed. Honorary pallbearers are: John LaCaze, Dee Fulton, Buddy Hall, Johnny Muckleroy, and James Machowski.

The family is very grateful for the support and outpouring of love that Len received as his health became challenged. A special thanks to Dr. Wyche Coleman, Jr, Dr. Martin Carter, and Dr. Sean Troxclair who remained ever present in Len’s daily health needs. Additionally, Ray and Connie Mabile, were life-savers beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emerald Coast Autism Center, 80 College Drive, Niceville, Florida 32578.

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Natchitoches Central High School’s graduating seniors can pick up their diplomas on Thursday, June 4. Cars are asked to enter the school campus at the North end gate, only gate unlocked, by the end of the softball field/track. Once you enter the campus you will proceed to the square and turn left and you will be routed around the football field house and back up the side of the gym. At this point you will drive across the front of the parking lot and head toward the main office. Prior to turning toward the office, you will be asked if you have a photo ID. If you DO, you will proceed up to the office area and go to the table with your corresponding last name letter. You will be asked to show your ID and upon showing it, you will receive your senior packet with your diploma inside. You will then drive toward the end gate by the Central Louisiana Technical Community College and exit the NCHS campus. If you DO NOT have your ID, you will be redirected to the CLTCC gate and exit the campus. THE STUDENT IS THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN PICK UP THE SENIOR PACKET ALONG WITH THE DIPLOMA.

High School filmmakers will create one of Nation’s largest online high school film festivals

Film Prize Junior, the high school version of the award-winning Louisiana Film Prize, is proud to announce the launch of their first ever online festival for high school filmmakers. From June 8 through June 22, 2020 the public is invited to visit the festival website, FilmPrizeJr.com, view the films and vote for the winner of Film Prize Junior 2020. The festival was scheduled to take place during Artbreak, a large student art festival, but the COVID-19 health crisis canceled the event. Film Prize Foundation organizers quickly created a plan to take the festival online, and they will kick off Film Prize Junior 2020 with a live Facebook and Youtube event on June 8 at 12pm Central Time.

“I’m so proud of the Prize Foundation team for quickly embracing the new normal and creating a robust online festival experience,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director of Prize Foundation. “These high school students worked so hard on these projects, they all deserve for their work to be seen by as many people as possible.”

A record breaking total of 25 films were submitted this year from 14 schools across the state of Louisiana. This achievement is particularly impressive, as the majority of the films were produced while engaging in an online learning environment. The Film Prize Junior and Caddo Career and Technology Center staff provided online educational opportunities and assisted the students and teachers in producing and editing their Film Prize Junior projects.

“The teachers are the real heroes here,” said Steven Knight, one of the Film Prize Junior organizers. “In the middle of a health crisis, the teachers kept these students focused on their filmmaking and got the job done. Now, we invite everyone to be a part of celebrating the work of these students and their teachers.”

This year’s virtual festival will be one of the largest high school film festivals and conferences in the country, and the festival organizers will award $10,000 in scholarships and media grants to the winning schools. This year, Film Prize Junior 2020 will feature more than just shorts from the next generation of filmmakers. The Film Prize staff of professional filmmakers will offer online workshops on pre-production, post-production, and editing for students. There will also be panels and roundtable discussions available for the teacher-sponsors. A full schedule of events can be found on the festival website, FilmPrizeJr.com.

Additional awards are available for the winners of the Public Service Announcement competition for Caddo and Bossier students. Students created 30-60 second PSAs for either SWEPCO (energy efficiency) or Shreveport Green (litter reduction). These PSAs will be located at the Film Prize Jr. YouTube channel. The PSA with the most likes in each category will win a $500 scholarship for the student. Each organization will also choose a winner to receive a $500 scholarship. Additionally, the Harry V. Booth-Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court will award $500 scholarships to the writer and director of the film they select based on the topics of student social media use and free speech.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) has announced its college-wide enrollment for summer semester is 471 students, which is up from 414 students at the start of the 2019 summer term. The total is an increase of 13.7% overall.

“We are very pleased so many students are making the investment to enter high demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers across Central Louisiana,” said Jimmy Sawtelle, Chancellor of CLTCC. “This is a testimony to the resiliency of our students, partners, and our team who are devoted to student success.”

While a majority of CLTCC’s classes are being delivered online, many classes are held on-campus following safety measures, including health screens, wearing of personal protective equipment, and social distancing. With Governor John Bel Edwards’ announcement of ‘Phase Two’ the college is preparing for expanded online, hybrid (online and face-to-face), and traditional instruction and training. The college will also open additional sections of welding and general education courses over the course of the summer semester.

Enrollment growth has also been significant at rural campuses, such as the Sabine Valley Campus in Many, Louisiana. “High school students in the parish are utilizing their time wisely this summer by dual enrolling in transferrable general education courses through their local community college. CLTCC is a viable and affordable option to earn college credit more efficiently,” says Gwen Fontenot, Sabine Valley Campus Dean. Her campus saw an increase of 92 students over last year. Natchitoches campus
is also up significantly with an increase of 54 students.

According to pre-enrollment projections, fall semester appears to show increase as well. “We are excited to see this positive enrollment growth. It reinforces the fact that our students are eager to find a sense of normalcy in these challenging times,” stated Dr. Heather Poole, Executive Vice Chancellor of Student Services.

CLTCC says students took advantage of reduced tuition price points, allowing for enrollment at a fraction of traditional costs. The college plans on employing similar reductions in tuition for specific populations of students for the fall semester. Enrollment for the Summer and Fall sessions is ongoing. To enroll and register, visit http://www.CLTCC.edu/apply. For more information, contact the school via email at info@cltcc.edu, or call 800-278-9855.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than 20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for high-demand and high-wage careers. CLTCC serves 12 parishes in Central Louisiana through its eight campuses and provides instruction in one state prison and one federal correctional institution. 

NATCHITOCHES:
Len McCain
February 22, 1949 – June 01, 2020
Visitation:  Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Services:  Friday, June 5, at 3:00 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home and followed by interment at Memory Lawn Cemetery. Officiating will be the Reverend Tommy Rush.

William Ronald (Ron) Mayfield
October 13, 1948 – May 31, 2020
Service: Burial at Sea by the US Navy. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

By Kevin Shannahan

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
– The First Amendment of the United States’ Constitution

Natchitoches city park and the downtown riverbank were the scenes of peaceful and determined protest Tuesday, June 2 as a racially diverse group of several hundred people of every age and background gathered to protest the deaths of George Floyd and other African-Americans killed in encounters with police. There were initially two protests, one at City Park and one at the downtown riverbank. The participants in the City Park rally marched to the riverbank with a police escort to join the protest being held there. A drummer led chants and the crowd said the names of the deceased in order to hold them in memory. Several men and women made impassioned speeches to the crowd.

The protest was entirely peaceful from start to finish. It was more than that. The participants ca rried themselves with dignity, determination and courtesy. Young people handed out water. There was no litter remaining at the conclusion of the protest, a marked contrast to every other event I have covered there. The few pieces I saw were picked up and thrown away. The protest was ordinary people from every walk of life coming together to exercise “…the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances…” We saw Natchitoches, and America, at its finest tonight.

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A lot of the operating procedures have changed for the Natchitoches Parish Registrar of Voters Office to deal with the coronavirus and the state’s reopening guidelines. What what does it all mean and what does it actually look like for judges and their staff members?

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wanted to provide readers with a window into the world of the Registrar’s office and how operations have adapted. The Courthouse as a whole is requiring citizens to wear masks upon entering the building. Temperatures are also being checked at the main entrance.

The Registrar’s office has three employees who have been coming in every day through the pandemic to keep the office operations running smoothly. Registrar of Voters Katherin Holden, Chief Deputy Shaneka Turner and Confidential Assistant Riley Deen were prohibited from working from home as many people did because the Registrar of Voters is a state office.

The biggest way they’ve been affected is that the election was pushed back. The office has been on a constant roller coaster trying to get information out as things change and answering calls from residents who are asking questions about their ballot.

Voters who received a ballot for the April 4 election will need to keep that ballot and use it for the new July date. Even though it has the April 4 date printed on the ballot, it is still good.

As a way of adjusting to the changing times the state issues a mass bailout to all registered voters who are over 65 years old so they can fill out a form for absentee voting.

One worry s that voter turnout will be affected because people Amy be afraid to go to the polls when the time comes. There are Covid-19 applications for voting if someone under the age of 65 is an at risk individual or lives with someone who is. These forms must be requested and are only valid for this election cycle.

The Registrar’s office is already planning ahead for early voting. They normal run five machines in the courthouse hallway outside of their office, but in July they will only have three operating to achieve the 6 foot social distancing requirement. They will also only allow eight voters into the building to stand in line at any point during early voting.

“We still want everyone to come out and vote,” said Holden. We want people to feel safe. If you don’t, request a ballot or give our office a call for more information.”

By Kris James/Opinion

In February, two white men chased and confronted Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed Black man, while he was jogging. He was killed during the encounter. In March, police officers crashed into the apartment of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman, and shot her multiple times. And in May, three police officers pinned George Floyd, a Black man, to the ground, with one kneeling on his neck until he could not breathe. Floyd died.

First of all, it wasn’t until MAY, 2 months later when the video footage of Ahmaud Arbery being murdered was released. I was wracked by a feeling of intense sadness at the senseless loss of this man’s life. Then outraged, because there were people who thought this was okay. A few weeks later, George Floyd. I couldn’t stomach the sight of watching the last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of another black man losing his life. All I can think to my self is how can you no have empathy for another human life? That is my question.

As a Black gay man, I cannot escape the sense that it doesn’t matter what you’ve achieved, or what you’ve contributed to society, Racism is alive in the south. As a black person, you learn from a very young age that you need to have your wits about you. Children are born without prejudice, but racism is learned. Growing up I realized that no matter how nice or cool I tried to be at school those white kids weren’t inviting you to no birthday party. In my teens, I learned that the color of my skin would get me into trouble for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. My mother made sure I had extra manners, that I was always respectful, and that I wasn’t a problem. She knew that black men don’t get too many chances in this world. My grandma also told me to be good when I left the house. My mom still makes me check in with her. I used to not understand it but I get it now. It’s the thought that one day I might be a name on a shirt.

We have to keep educating ourselves and our friends, or the problem won’t stop. Racism is an ugly southern trait that needs to be thrown out. People of color didn’t create racism, so it’s not only OUR burden but it’s everyone’s burden. I’m not condoning the violence or the harm of police offers. I support free speech, and the rights of people to protest, though I would caution that people make safe arrangements in the light of the pandemic. Racism needs to be called out and we need to do it together.

We can’t make any more excuses. This is 2020. There is a new generation rising and they deserve better. Get to know people from other races. Read books that challenge your preconceptions. Watch documentaries that inform your values. Be curious. And do not turn a blind eye when you come across a racist act, big or small. The time to act is now.

By Royal Alexander/Opinion

There are few more venerable practices in our Constitutional traditional than picketing and protesting—peaceably assembling—and speaking out, seeking a redress of grievances; demanding that attention be brought to public issues. In our history, there are numerous examples of vocal, persistent, peaceable protest that resulted in permanent, beneficial changes to society. These fundamental rights allowing us to be heard are not only cherished by Americans but are rights not allowed citizens in many other parts of the world. That genuine response is what we first witnessed on the heels of the tragic and inexcusable death of George Floyd. The large majority of America is sickened and outraged by the video we witnessed of the last few minutes of his life. However, that sincere, heartfelt sentiment and the demand to address the issue of police brutality has now been overshadowed and displaced by a lawlessness that threatens our national security. There are reports that much of the looting and destruction we are witnessing nationally is not local and did not spring up organically but is being covertly organized for reasons that have nothing to do with police conduct or George Floyd. There are indications that ANTIFA, the violent group that often emerges in times of unrest, is likely involved in inflaming this uprising. For these reasons, I think President Trump is correct in designating that organization a “domestic terror” organization.

The long and short of it is that our country is founded upon a rule of law and no person or organization is justified in bringing violence, death, and destruction to our society. (Most insurance liability policies carry exclusions for property destroyed during rioting and civil unrest. So, many small businesses, often minority-owned, and their families are simply ruined if their business burns. This, of course, does not address the loss of life). No person or organization has the right to kill, and destroy property, based upon some perverse notion they are “seeking social change.” No one has the right to become a law unto themselves. What we are witnessing are the very same actions that constitute invasion and war. It is the definition of insurrection. We address critical issues in this country by persistently speaking out, voting, organizing, marching, and striking. We address them by building a grassroots movement from the ground up and persuading elected officials to address our demands for needed change in our law and policy—or voting them out and choosing different elected officials. We also may address them by seeking relief in the courts. Not this way. This is anarchy. What we are seeing is a rebuke to our American system of law and self-government. The great sadness is that the focus should be on the death of George Floyd and not on how we are going to keep American cities from going up in flames and how many people may be killed and how much property and livelihood destroyed before this ends. The president has authority to do so, including under the Insurrection Act, and he must move quickly and decisively to end this.

By Brad Dison

For more than 160 years, baseball has been considered our national pastime. When we think of baseball, we think of players who had memorable careers such as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, and many others. Richie Ashburn’s name may not be as instantly recognizable as those mentioned above, but he had a claim to fame which no other baseball player in history can make.

On August 17, 1957, Mrs. Alice Roth, wife of the sports editor of the Philadelphia Bulletin Earl Roth, took her two grandsons, Preston and Tom, to Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia to watch the Philadelphia Phillies play the New York Giants. Alice and her grandsons sat in the bleachers near third base and watched the game.

The young boys were enjoying the game, and Alice was enjoying spending time with her grandsons. During one inning, the New York Giants pitcher threw a fast ball to Phillies outfielder Richie Ashburn. Eight-year-old Preston recalled, “Richie [Ashburn] was fouling off a lot of balls.” Richie struck the ball a millisecond earlier than he should have. At that very moment, Alice looked away from the game and adjusted young Preston’s baseball cap. The baseball cracked against the bat and flew into the bleachers near third base. The umpire yelled “foul ball!” Alice never saw the ball coming. It slammed into her face with such force that it broke her nose. Alice, dazed by the hard hit, struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Blood flowed from her nose. Baseballs hit into the stands have always been a most prized souvenir, and, with the bragging rights that the ball had struck his grandmother, Preston desperately wanted the baseball. The man who sat directly in front of Preston had the ball in his hand. Preston asked the man if he could have the baseball as sweet as any eight-year-old boy could ask. The man instantly replied, “Go to hell, kid.”

The umpire paused the baseball game when he realized someone in the bleachers had been injured. Everyone’s attention was on Alice. Medical personnel rushed through the crowded bleachers to get to the injured woman. They inspected Alice’s injured face and, after a few minutes, loaded her onto a stretcher. The umpire restarted the game when he saw the medics carrying Alice out on a stretcher.

Richie was still up at bat. The Giants pitcher threw the ball. Richie swung and made contact with the ball. As before, he hit the ball earlier than expected. The ball, again, flew into the stands near third base. Just as his first foul ball had done, it, too, struck someone in the bleachers. The umpire paused the game again. Everyone was shocked to learn that the ball had not struck another baseball fan, it struck Alice as she was being carried away on the stretcher. The first foul ball had broken her nose, and the second foul ball broke a bone in one of her knees. After a while, the umpire resumed the game, but only after he was certain Alice was safely out of the bleachers and on her way to the hospital.

Richie later said about the event, “I didn’t mean to do it. When I saw what happened, I felt terrible.” Richie visited Alice often during her stay at the hospital. Each time he visited, he brought her a bouquet of flowers. The Phillies showered Alice and her grandsons with gifts. They gave Preston and Tom a baseball signed by all of the players on the team, along with free tickets to future games. In addition, the team gave the young boys a tour of their clubhouse and spent the afternoon talking baseball with them. The boys could hardly contain their excitement. Preston and Tom visited Alice in the hospital after the Phillies gave them the “star treatment.” One of the boys innocently asked, “Grandma, do you think you could go to an Eagles game and get hit in the face with a football?” Richie Ashburn has the distinction of being the only major league baseball player in history to hit the same person twice in the same at-bat.

Sources:
The New York Times, September 17, 1867, p.2.
Nash, Bruce, and Allan Zullo. Baseball Hall of Shame 3. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1988.
Seideman, David. “Lady Struck Twice by Foul Balls Hit by Phillies’ Richie Ashburn in the Same at Bat.” http://www.Forbes.com. Accessed May 6, 2020. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidseideman/2017/09/21/richie-ashburn-once-struck-a-fan-twice-in-the-same-at-bat/#420790a73b72.

The responses that the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce received from the candidates running for City office seats, including Mayor and City Council Members, are now live on the Chamber site at VIEW RESPONSES HERE. Questionnaires were sent by certified mail to the address each candidate listed as their mailing address with the Clerk of Court’s office. Responses are posted in the format they were received in, and it is noted that the response was received by the deadline. If a candidate did not respond by the deadline, they may still submit a response.

Candidate responses are being released now in preparation for the Thursday, June 18th candidate forum from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.

The election has been rescheduled for July 11. Early voting begins June 20th and will end July 4th.

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