The Louisiana Legislative Auditor has estimated the impact on Louisiana local government revenues from sales taxes, ad valorem taxes, severance taxes, and mineral royalties due to social distancing and falling energy prices stemming from COVID-19. This work was performed to enable federal, state, and local officials to anticipate budget adjustments that local governments will need to make and to develop plans to balance local budgets by spending cuts, tax increases, loans, and disaster grants.

It’s estimated that parish governing authorities, municipalities, school boards, and sheriffs will collectively experience revenue losses in sales, ad valorem, and severance taxes and mineral royalties ranging from $404.7 million to $1.1 billion (2.3% to 6.9%) during fiscal years 2020 and 2021, with an average total loss of $787.5 million (4.6%).

These losses would be between 1.0% to 2.8% of total local government revenues from all sources, or 1.4% to 4.0% of general revenues (which excludes grants and charges for services). These estimates are based on assumptions that the number of people employed in Louisiana will decrease by 197,000 to 317,000 (as distinguished from unemployment claims) and will take two to five years to recover, along with other specific assumptions about different sectors of the state’s economy, as explained in Appendix A of the report.

Exhibit 1 shows our forecast for tax collections under the baseline scenario, as well as our forecast under the average, pessimistic, and optimistic scenarios. Exhibit 2 shows the impact in percentage terms by parish for fiscal year 2021, and Appendices B and C to the report show the effects for all scenarios by parish and local government entity type.

View the full report at www.lla.la.gov.

After careful consideration and deliberation we at Natchitoches Recreation & Parks Department alongside the City of Natchitoches have decided that in the best interest of our youth to cancel the 2020 City League season of Baseball and Softball. All registrations will be returned and mailed in the form of a check. We apologize for the cancellation of the season and hope to have our numbers bigger and stronger than ever for the 2021 season. We would like to thank the many volunteers that make these seasons possible, and we would like to thank all parents and guardians for their patience in order to allow us to do our due diligence properly. Have a great summer and stay safe! NRPD!!

(The following letter from former Natchitoches Outpatient Medical Center CEO Carl I. Walters II. was sent to Natchitoches Times General Manager Steve Colwell in response to an article published on the front page of the May 14, 2020 issue of The Times which claimed (according to an anonymous source) that CEO Walters was “ousted” from Outpatient Medical for funding and spending issues.

May 15, 2020

Mr. Colwell,
As discussed with you this morning, the following information is being submitted in reference to the article your newspaper ran about my recent transition from Outpatient Medical Center Inc. 

The facts surrounding my transition are succinctly:

• I fully satisfied my three year contractual agreement
• Because of my sustained commitment to the company and community, I worked for several months absent a new contract 
• I did not leave the company on bad terms and I did not leave due to any fiscal mis-management of the company; which your article erroneously implied/inferred was the case by some “unknown source who desired to remain anonymous.” Such allegations made are materially and factually inaccurate and if I knew the person rendering such false accusations, I would personally sue them for liable and an attempt to disparage my public community service record. 

I was specifically recruited by the Board of Directors; because of my respected service record of stabilizing, turning around and growing over 9 multi-million dollar integrated health systems to date; to: 

• Get the health system back into HRSA regulatory compliance (accomplished)
• Reposition the health system for growth (accomplished) 
• Grow the health system (accomplished)
• Identify/obtain new health system funding sources (accomplished)
• Strengthen/grow our health system community stakeholder relationships (accomplished)
• Design/implement a health system rebranding strategy designed to improve community confidence/utilization of the health system (plan implemented/remains a work in progress) 
• Diversify our health system services offered (accomplished)
• Strengthen/stabilize and grow our health system clinician staffing (accomplished)
• Strengthen/stabilize our health system mid-grade leadership infrastructure (accomplished)
• Strengthen/stabilize our health system MIS/IT staffing infrastructure (accomplished)
• Strengthen our health system Nurse Group staffing infrastructure (accomplished)
• Strengthen/grow our Dental Service-Line staffing infrastructure (accomplished)
• Strengthen/grow our Behavioral Health Services staffing infrastructure (accomplished) 

Some of the heath system notable accomplishments that transpired under my Administration include:

• Earning the confidence, love and support of numerous community stakeholders and leaders 
• Strengthening/growing our health system clinician staffing across all of our company service-lines 
• Successfully leading the health system through two annual independent Federal fiscal audits with no major audit findings
• Successfully leading the health system through one focused The Joint Commission audit and our recertification The Joint Commission audit 
• Successfully leading the health system through a focused Federal compliance audit 
• Successfully leading the health system through numerous Health Plan medical record audits 
• Increasing our health system patient census by over 50% where it historically tracked prior to my arrival 
• Successfully leading the health system through an unplanned electronic health record conversion last year 
• Grew the health system general operating budget by over $1 million dollars year over year; each year I was there (when I took over the health system operated 3 health centers, in three parishes and had a general operating budget of $5.5 million. The health system now operates 8 health centers, in four parishes with a general operating budget of $8.5 million) 
• Successfully brought up a multi-million dollar school based health center service line which has grown from OMC Inc. operating one school based health center to now operating four

Successfully brought up:

• Internal Medicine Services
• Dermatology Services 
• Podiatry Services 
• Physical Therapy Services 
• Telephone Preventative Care Services and;
• Positioned the health system to start growing their Pediatric patient market, most of which was lost prior to my arrival 
• And positioned the health system to bring up:
• CDL Services 
• ECG Services 
• Spirometry Services 
• Outpatient Psychiatric Services (via telehealth)
• Onsite Preventative Care Services to be offered at some local prisons and;
• Expanded school-based health services with two local but different school systems 

Additionally; our Administration:

• Was awarded over $1M in new Federal funding during the last part of 2019
• Was recently awarded close to $3M in new Federal and PPP Program funding 
• Successfully acquired a multi-million dollar rural health clinic in Mansfield last year which expanded our health system footprint into DeSoto parish 
• Brought up in-house Behavioral Health Services in our Tallulah Health Center 
• Brought up in-house Behavioral Health Services in our Mansfield Health Center 
• Brought up the offering of Black Women’s Health Change Your Lifestyle Services in all of our health centers 
• More than tripled the number of colorectal screenings we perform 
• Was the only FQHC in Louisiana awarded 5 year $500,000 CDC-sponsored Black Women’s Health Initiative grant funding 
• Is the only FQHC in the state of Louisiana that has brought up a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention quality program 
• Successfully negotiated a new 3 year Federal contract; which was in jeopardy of not being renewed prior to my arrival; which played a pivotal role in continued Federal health system funding over the past three years 
• Has received numerous company awards for our elevated community outreach efforts that transpired under my Administration (including picking up the Natchitoches parish Non-Profit Company of the Year award last year)
• Aligned the health system to support elevated staff diversity; which is in keeping with a FQHCs social equity community duty. The company is more diverse today than it has ever been and I am very proud of this as the face of the community health system should mirror the face of the diverse patient populations it serves 
• Has received increased Federal Quality Program funding year over year I served as their CEO for sustained continually-elevated Quality Program performance attained 
• Has supported increased community enhancement sponsorships throughout my tenure as CEO of the health system 

I received the prestigious Eric B. Taylor award last year for being recognized as one of the top FQHC CEOs in the state of Louisiana 
I am in line to receive an award from former Superintendent Skinner for leadership exhibited in helping to bring up integrated school-based health services in Natchitoches parish and; I left the system profitable and poised for elevated profitability.

These are just some of the numerous highlights of my Administration’s accomplishments attained over the past 3 years. FQHC Boards have the right to hire a new CEO if they desire and when/where they do, I/we must respect their decision. This said, my family and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to help ensure the continued viability of a 43 year old institution that represents so much more than access to high-quality, cost-effective, culturally-sensitive integrated primary care services. And while the complex/difficult work of a “change agent” is rarely recognized and appreciated in the moment, it is transformational work that I love; as I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of others; even when they cannot sometimes see the good of what is being done for them. So on behalf of my wife and family, I close:

• Thanking the OMC Inc. Board for the opportunity to serve them;
• Thanking the OMC Inc. staff for the opportunity to lead them and serve with them;
• Thanking the community for welcoming our family and supporting our family while I did the difficult change agent work I was sent here to do and;
• Letting you all know that we love, appreciate each of you, thoroughly enjoyed serving you and wishing your families the very best as we all move forward with our lives. 

Warmly,

Carl I. Walters II.
Healthcare Executive 
Former U.S. Naval Officer
Medical Service Corp officer (Hospital Administration trained)

Possibly the largest construction project in Natchitoches, the new residence hall project for the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) has entered its second year of construction.

Planned as a 24-month project, the 110,000-square-foot residence hall will house a total of 360 male and female students. The building consists of three towers and four floors and will be separated into 10 residential neighborhoods comprised of double occupancy two-bedroom suites, a common room, study room, and card-operated laundry facilities. An on-site health clinic with full-time registered nurse and assistant will be available to students. In addition, residents will be able to enjoy several activity areas including a student lounge, craft room, demonstration kitchen and outdoor firepit.

“Progress on the new residence hall continues, and despite persistent rainfall and social distancing measures, we are on schedule to move in Fall 2021,” said Dr. Steve Horton, LSMSA executive director. “It is the largest structure on campus, and the size and magnitude can now be seen from University Parkway.”

The school’s current residence halls, Caddo and Prudhomme, were generously loaned to LSMSA in the 1980s by Northwestern State University. While it was originally planned that the buildings would be in use for only five years, state budget restraints delayed requests for a new residence hall until 2005, well past the buildings’ intended use. Both buildings will return to NSU after construction of the new residence hall is completed.

The facility was designed by Ashe, Broussard, and Weinzettle Architects after extensive planning with LSMSA personnel and students. Ratcliff Construction was awarded the construction contract in spring 2019 and broke ground on the project the following May. Both companies are based in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Often ranked as one of the top schools in the nation, LSMSA is the state’s premier choice for academically advanced students. As a public high school, there is no tuition to attend and enrollment is open to any qualified sophomore, junior, or senior in Louisiana. The school is currently accepting applications for enrollment in 2020-2021. 

Do you have old files laying around that you need to properly dispose of? Or confidential information that you do not want to toss in the trash?

The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is hosting a four-hour shredding event, Wednesday, May 27, from 10 AM to 2 PM. An industrial-strength mobile shredding truck will be available for public use at the NPL Main Branch (450 Second St.) for no cost.

Only paper documents may be disposed, and staples and paperclips DO NOT need to be removed. Everyone is welcome, businesses included! Anyone may drop off their documents with no fuss and no fee!

Northwestern State University has been ranked as the third most affordable online college in the United States, according to the website Study.com

“The recent COVID-19 pandemic underscores students’ needs for alternative ways to continue their education,” the website said. “We congratulate you on not only being a leader in quality online education but also ensuring a seamless transition to students who need to switch to an online learning environment during these difficult times.”

During the recently completed spring semester, NSU was able to transition all of its courses to online delivery in less than a week due to the COVID-19 virus.

The university offers more than 40 associate, bachelor’s, certificate and graduate degree programs online in field including allied health, business, computer information systems, criminal justice, education, nursing, psychology and more. A complete list is available at https://www.nsula.edu/ensu/online-programs/.

“It is an honor to be recognized by this organization as a leader in online education,” said Dr. Darlene Williams, NSU’s vice president for technology, innovation and economic development. “The effort to transition all of our classes to the online environment can only be attributed to the faculty and staff and their desire to provide a quality online academic experience for our students during this difficult time.”

Out-of-state students do not pay additional fees to take online classes. A flat-rate tuition is available for all online classes.

Louisiana students who started their college education, but did not complete their degree may be able to take classes at a 45 percent discount through the Compete LA program.

Compete LA, powered by the Universities of Louisiana, which includes Northwestern State, is designed to re-engage the 653,000 Louisiana adults with some college credit but no degree. To qualify for Compete LA and the discounted rate, students must be Louisiana residents, have some college credit but no degree and have been out of school for at least two years.

Northwestern State has 12 online degree programs that are a part of the Compete LA initiative. They include bachelor’s degrees in accounting, addiction studies, allied health, business administration, computer information systems, criminal justice, general studies and psychology, as well as an associate degree in general studies, Nursing RN to BSN, radiologic technologist to bachelor’s in radiologic sciences and unified public safety administration.

Compete LA features adult-friendly degree paths throughout the System’s nine member institutions. Each Compete LA student is matched with a free coach to assist in identifying the best path to degree completion, re-enrollment, and academic success.

Northwestern State University’s Eta Mu chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the honor society for international scholars, is the 2020 recipient of the Eileen M. Evans Outstanding Chapter Award. The award is for outstanding service to Phi Beta Delta, significant chapter growth and development and exemplar programming to promote international education.

The announcement was made at the conclusion of the organization’s virtual conference that took place May 14-15 and included presentations by several NSU faculty.

Dr. Sharon Joy, NSU’s chapter coordinator, was installed as Phi Beta Delta president-elect.

NSU faculty presenters were Dr. Jason Powell, Dr. Sarah Wright and Dr. Begoña Perez-Mira, who discussed “A Micro-Study Abroad Experiential Learning Activity in Spain,” Dr. Benjamin Forkner on “Building Cross-Cultural Awareness in an Immersion Setting,” Joy on “The Impact of the Current Coronavirus Pandemic on International Education,” Dr. Weiwen Liao, Dr. Elizabeth Prejean and Dr. Carmella Parker on “Highlighting an Agile Process in Developing an International Exchange and Dual Defree Program” and Dr. Marcia Hardy on “Innovative International Parnerships: Eramus + Grant for Teaching.” Joy also moderated one session on study-abroad.

NSU’s Eta Mu chapter will host next year’s 35th annual Phi Beta Delta international conference in Natchitoches May 21-22, 2021.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will conduct alligator lottery harvests on 19 LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), 28 public lakes and one U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) property Aug. 26-Oct. 1, 2020. Applications are now available and are due by June 30.

All lottery applications are now only available on the LDWF website at https://la-web.s3licensing.com/ . Those wanting to apply should click on the Lottery Applications tab, update or create their customer record similar to purchasing a license, and then submit an application. There is a $5 application fee and a $2 transaction fee. Only one alligator lottery application may be submitted per customer. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

Applicants must be legal Louisiana residents and 16 years of age or older. If selected, you will be required to purchase an alligator hunting license ($25) and to submit payment of $40 for each alligator tag allocated to the chosen location.

To assist applicants in selecting specific WMAs/public lakes, LDWF has posted the percentage of lottery alligator harvest applicants selected in 2019 by WMA or public lake as well as a map showing the general location of each area and the appropriate area manager’s contact information on its website at ttps://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Hunting/Alligator/Files/lottery_choices.pdf.

For more information concerning lottery alligator harvests on LDWF WMAs or public lakes, contact the appropriate LDWF Field Office or email LAalligatorprogram@wlf.la.gov.

The Lakeview AFJROTC Cadet Group was recently notified by Headquarters, Air Force JROTC, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, that they received the Distinguished Unit Award, “With Merit”. There are 886 Air Force JROTC units in high schools across the United States and at selected schools in Europe, in the Pacific, and in Puerto Rico. Lakeview is one of only 79 units achieving this recognition, placing their program in the top 10% for school year 2019-2020. The award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have performed well above and beyond normal expectations and have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community, while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizenship development mission for America.

The objectives of the Air Force JROTC program are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline through character education, and to provide instruction in air and space fundamentals. Enrollment is open to high school students who are in the 9th to 12th grades. The Lakeview unit’s selection was also based on its’ achievement of yearly goals in three specific areas, Cadet Growth, School Involvement/Improvement, and Community Involvement/Improvement.

During the 2019-2020 school year, Lakeview’s Cadet Corps garnered an “Exceeds Standards” rating during their annual Unit Evaluation. Cadets also improved their physical fitness, discipline, and confidence by completing pre/post physical fitness/wellness assessments (Presidential Physical Fitness Program), and providing 1,776 community/school service hours (over 26 hours per cadet).

The Lakeview High School Air Force JROTC program is directed by Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, Major (Ret) Bob Kellogg and Aerospace Science Instructor, Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) John Thomas. The Cadet Corps is led by Cadet Group Commander, Cadet Major Zack Favela. Key cadet staff members include: Cadet Captains Anna Smith and Nicholas Wiggins, Cadet First Lieutenants Ethan Smith, Blake Smith, Olivia Litton, and Ethan Nelson, and Cadet Second Lieutenants Kain Custis, Tierra Stacks, Taylor Coutee, Zack Gorham, Destinee Britt, and James Earp.

Lakeview Cadet Corps received an “Exceeds Standard” Unit Evaluation during their annual unit evaluation, school year 2019-2020, that helped the cadet corps earn the Distinguished Unit Award “With Merit.” Pictured are Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) John Thomas (Lakeview’s Aerospace Science Instructor), Cadet Major Zack Favela, Cadet Captain Anna Smith, Cadet First Lieutenant Ethan Smith, Major (Ret) Bob Kellogg (Lakeview Senior Aerospace Science Instructor), and Major (Ret) Don Bailey (HQ Air Force JROTC, Regional Director -6).

Lakeview High School Cadets Zack Favela, Ke’ira Thomas, and Anna Smith helped distribute food boxes as part of a monthly community service project. Overall, Lakeview cadets performed 1,776 hours of service during school year 2019-2020.

Lakeview’s Air Force JROTC Color Guard performed 43 color guard events during school year 2019-2020. Cadets Cami Faircloth, Olivia Litton, Shakayla Browder, Hannah Walsworth, and Micah Martin presented colors prior to Lakeview’s Football Game against Northwood.

Lakeview’s Air Force JROTC Cadet Corp’s mission is to “Develop Citizens of Character, Dedicated to Serving Their Nation and Community”. Select members of Lakeview’s Cadet Corps march annually in the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade. In addition to community service, Lakeview Cadets are also leaders in Lakeview academics and extracurricular activities; cadet GPA’s are 17% above the school average, with 82% of cadets participating in 1 additional school activity, and 57% in at least 2 additional school activities.

Please note that the State Law limits number of people during the visitation period and attendance at the service to ten (10) or less and that social distancing be observed! This must be strictly enforced! Thank you in advance for your cooperation. It is designed for the safety of the family, our staff and the general public.

NATCHITOCHES:
Rosetta Brooks
May 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Nursing homes are required to report positive COVID-19 cases to the Department of Health. The Department is working with each individual facility to increase testing of residents with and without symptoms; to minimize infection; and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The greatest risk for nursing homes is COVID-19 spreading within facilities and among vulnerable residents. A nursing home with residents who have tested positive for the illness is not a threat to the general public.

The Department is following recent CMS requirements and only certified adult care facilities are required to report the information in this report.

This information is as complete and accurate as possible. It will be reported weekly on Mondays. In addition, the Department is sharing aggregate totals for other adult residential facilities, which are not certified. This information will be shared on Mondays through a Department news release.

NOTE: Pay closed attention to the number of cases and deaths reported in Natchitoches Parish this morning.  Then look closely at the total number of cases and deaths from just ONE of the nursing homes!

Defend Against COVID-19

Stay home. Follow the Governor’s Stay at Home Order. Only leave your home if it is necessary for essential work or for essential items.

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.

Per the Governor’s order, District administration, school administration, secretarial staff, custodial staff, food service staff, and maintenance staff will report back to work on Monday May 18, 2020. All staff will be screened and will be required to wear proper PPE and follow social distancing guidelines.

All visitors, including teachers and other instructional staff will be required to provide their own PPE or not be granted entry. Visitors must contact school offices prior to admittance to make an appointment. Schools will be open but all doors will be locked.

This will continue until further updates from the Governor in regards to transitioning to Phase II.

The Natchitoches Farmers’ Market, a much loved feature of life in our area since 1999, held its first market since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Saturday, May 16 at the Downtown Riverbank. Ten vendors sold homegrown fruits, vegetables and homemade arts and crafts to a steady stream of visitors.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal was delighted to see Ms. Avery Austin of Dallas and Ms. Melissa and Megan Estopinal of Slidell who dropped by the Farmers’ Market while visiting their grandparents in Natchitoches.

The market will be open from 8:00 to 1:00 each Saturday on the Riverbank. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks must be worn in the market area. As our state opens back up for business, get out of the house, come by the market and help support our local farmers and artisans!

As a result of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress passed and the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27. It includes funding allocations made to colleges and universities across the country. On April 9, the Department of Education issued the first guidance on CARES Act funding which instructed us how to apply for our funding. Later, on April 21, the Department of Education held an informational call and provided additional information, further guidance on the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

Below is the guidance provided by the Department of Education:

CARES Act funds are available to all currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students both full- and part-time who meet the following criteria as set forth by federal guidelines:

Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965
Students who have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus that have affected their cost of attendance (COA) and Students who are currently enrolled in the Spring semester at Northwestern State University and were not enrolled exclusively in all online programs prior to the COVID-19 emergency.

In other words, recipients must be eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs and must have expenses related to the disruption of campus operations because of COVID-19. The funds are designed to help students continue their academic progress and alleviate financial hardships that may have incurred during this crisis. Some of the hardships many of our students have incurred include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child-care.

Funds will be allocated to all eligible students based on the number of hours enrolled and need as determined by federal Pell grant eligibility. Non-Pell grant eligible student award amounts range from $118.00 for students enrolled in 1-credit hour to $534.00 for those enrolled in 21 credit hours or more. Pell Grant eligible student award amounts range from $130.00 for students enrolled in 1-credit hour to a maximum of $786.00 for those enrolled in 21 credit hours or more.

Process for receiving CARES Act funds:

You must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the NSU CARES Act webpage, www.nsula.edu/caresact.

You must have a completed 2019-20 FAFSA on file with NSU. ***

You must complete the Certification form on your MyNSU account. Only students who meet the eligibility requirements to receive CARES Act funding and have a completed 2019-20 FAFSA on file will receive a link to a certification form on their MyNSU account. These students must complete the certification by May 25. Agreeing to the certification on MyNSU, certifies that you incurred school related expenses related to coronavirus. Your certification allows NSU to automatically make awards to eligible students based on existing information on file at the University.

Once you complete the self-certification process on your MyNSU account, your funds will be posted on your student account and paid in the form of a direct deposit (if set up) or a paper check by US mail to your student address on file with the university. NSU plans to process payments beginning May 14 and continue every Thursday until May 28.

Students who have not completed a 2019-20 FAFSA and are eligible to complete one must do so by June 1, 2020 to meet this requirement. Beginning June 15, eligibility for funding will be evaluated and students who meet criteria will be notified for additional processes that must be completed.

We have created a CARES Act webpage, www.nsula.edu/caresact, with information, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions. Please send any questions about the NSU Cares Act student grants to caresact@nsula.edu.

We have worked to ensure that we are following federal guidelines and to make the process as quick and simple as possible to our students.

Sincerely,

Chris Maggio
President

The same value-packed Northwestern State football season-ticket packages fans have become accustomed to are on sale now along two new options.

For the first time, the Northwestern State Athletics Ticket Office is offering a flex pack that can be used across the five home games on the 2020 schedule.

The flex pack contains six vouchers to be used in any combination across our home schedule – Sept. 3 vs. Incarnate Word, Sept. 12 vs. Nicholls, Sept. 26 vs. Houston Baptist, Oct. 17 vs. Sam Houston State and Nov. 14 vs. McNeese – for $99. These vouchers, which include a season parking pass, can be exchanged for tickets the week of each game at the NSU Athletics Ticket Office, located in the NSU Athletic Fieldhouse, or at the east/southwest ticket booth the day of the game.

Another new option for the 2020 season is the introduction of the Demon Family Four Pack. For $200, families receive four season chairback tickets in Sections D or I as well as a season parking pass. Additional tickets in this plan are available for $50 apiece.

Memberships into Vic’s Kids Club sponsored by Super 1 Foods also are available for children in eighth grade or younger. Vic’s Kids Club members receive a free T-shirt, a swag pack of additional NSU and Super 1 giveaways and free admission to all home NSU athletics events. Membership is $35 for the first child and $30 each for any additional children.

The new ticketing offerings are joined by the traditional season-ticket packages: $115 for chairback seating ($105 with a military or senior citizen discount); $75 Young Alum chairbacks and $60 general admission.

VIP Suite tickets are available in all three boxes: Demon Den, Hell’s Hollow, and Devil’s Delight, and are $630 per seat (includes a donation to the Demons Unlimited Foundation). Each air-conditioned suite purchase comes with improved parking at Turpin Stadium, free food and drink and elevator access.

A single $5,000 private suite is also available on the sixth level of Turpin Stadium, and comes with the aforementioned benefits, along with parking in the VIP parking lot of your choice. For more information on gameday suites, contact Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Dr. Haley Taitano at 318-357-4278.

Additionally, NSU faculty and staff members have the option to purchase chairback season tickets for $75, excluding seats in Sections F and G. NSU students still will be admitted to games free with a valid student ID.

“Our goal has always been to get the most fans possible into Turpin Stadium to wildly cheer on our Demons,” said Assistant Athletic Director of Ticket Operations and Special Events Mike Jacklich. “These new packages offer many different ways to catch the action this year. From large families to the single-seat season-ticket holder, we want to offer the price point that works for any fan who wishes to yell and scream for our Purple Swarm.”

Beginning Monday, the NSU Athletics Ticket Office will resume in-person hours from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until further notice with operations taking place mainly from the window that opens to the exterior of the NSU Fieldhouse.  For additional information, call 318-357-4268.

The 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration slated June 25-27 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 17.

LSHOF Foundation CEO/President Ronnie Rantz, Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland and Louisiana Sports Writers Association president Lenny Vangilder made the announcement Friday morning. The LSWA founded the Hall in 1958 and has been its parent organization since.

The move follows the rescheduling of the LSHOF Foundation’s annual Golf Classic presented by Relief Windows to Oct. 4-5 at the Golden Nugget casino and golf course in Lake Charles. That event was initially slated for April, but consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay.

“Due to the uncertain times we are facing, it’s in the best interest of the 2020 inductees and all of their supporters to move the events until late this year,” said Rantz. “Although we are disappointed in having to delay celebrating this fantastic class during the normal summer weekend, we are very excited about hosting the three days of festivities in the middle of December, when Natchitoches truly shines brightest as the City of Lights.”

Rantz and Ireland expressed appreciation to city and parish officials, Louisiana State Museum personnel, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, and leadership and staff at Northwestern State University, along with other local partners and volunteers who make the induction events possible each year.

“Thanks to those who are vital to making our Induction Celebration so spectacular every summer, we’re captivated by the unprecedented chance to bring the Christmas beauty and charm of Natchitoches into our celebration,” said Ireland. “We forsee that the holiday joy that our guests will encounter can more than compensate for the disappointment of having to postpone our traditional dates on the last weekend of June.”

The 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be celebrated with the usual three-day slate of events culminating in the annual Induction Dinner and Ceremonies presented by State Farm Agents of Louisiana on Thursday evening, Dec. 17, at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The 2020 Induction Celebration begins Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15, with a nationally-televised (Cox Sports Television) afternoon press conference.

The press conference and a free public reception from 5-7 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, located at 800 Front Street, are presented by La Capitol Federal Credit Union.

Wednesday’s schedule begins around lunchtime with the Hall’s Bowling Bash pairing 2020 inductees and more sports celebrities, including past inductees, with patrons at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.

Wednesday evening, the third annual Rockin’ River Fest presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center will feature bands and fireworks over Cane River Lake in historic downtown Natchitoches in a free concert. The 2020 induction class will be introduced just before the fireworks show.

Thursday morning, Dec. 17, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Junior Training Camp, presented by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, will be held on the Northwestern State campus with 300 youth participating at no charge. Hall of Fame inductees will be the featured instructors for drills in football and basketball while healthy living initiatives and other positive lifestyle messaging will be presented to boys and girls.

Outdoorsman Phil Robertson, recognized internationally as the Duck Commander, and former LSU football coach Nick Saban, who won 75 percent of his games and the 2003 national championship in five seasons with the Tigers, join eight-time Mr. Olympia world bodybuilding champion Ronnie Coleman and another global sports figure, Sweet Lou Dunbar of the Harlem Globetrotters, among a star-studded group of competitive ballot inductees.

The LSHOF Class of 2020 also includes Pro Bowl football standout Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman, a star at UL Lafayette, along with two extraordinary basketball players: New Orleans native Kerry Kittles, a two-time All-America guard at Villanova who averaged 14 points in an eight-year NBA career, and Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball legend Angela Turner, a Bienville Parish native who helped her teams to four straight national championship game appearances including wins in 1981 and 1982.

Inducted as winners of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism will be LSU sports publicist Kent Lowe and Baton Rouge Advocate prep sportswriter Robin Fambrough.

Opelousas native Joan Cronan, one of college sports’ most influential administrators in her career as athletics director at the University of Tennessee, will be inducted as the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award winner.

Enshrined as the first recipient of the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award will be Shreveport-based broadcaster Tim Brando, whose pride in his home state has been evident throughout his four decades among the best in his business around the country.

The 2020 Induction Class will be showcased in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum, operated by the Louisiana State Museum system in a partnership with the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. The striking $23 million, two-story, 27,500-square foot structure faces Cane River Lake in the National Historic Landmark District of Natchitoches and has garnered worldwide architectural acclaim and rave reviews for its contents since its grand opening during the 2013 Hall of Fame induction weekend.

The museum reopens Saturday after closure during this spring’s shelter-in-place phase concluding Friday. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with admission prices $6 and under.

Adding to the 350 sports competitors currently enshrined, 19 winners of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership award and 64 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism, there are 433 current members of the Hall of Fame before this year’s inductions.

The 2020 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division will be participating in “Safe Boating Week” from May 16-22, which signifies the beginning of the spring and summer boating season.

LDWF will again be reminding all boaters to be safe, responsible and knowledgeable while on the water during this safe boating week. Safe Boating Week is a time for all boaters to inspect their vessels to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and that vessels are in good working condition.

LDWF agents will be out in full force as always during the week to perform boating safety checks, making sure boaters are practicing social distancing, and driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) patrols.

Each vessel should have enough personal flotation devices (PFD) on board for all occupants and a sober operator. LDWF regulations also state that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26-foot long. 

According to Governor John Bel Edwards’ Phase 1 order, outdoor activity including boating, all individuals should avoid groups of any size that do not allow for strict social distancing.

Alcohol use is one of the leading causes of boating crash incidents and fatalities on the water. Alcohol consumption impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. The penalties for DWI on the water are the same as on the road. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case.

LDWF also wants to remind anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 that they are required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower.

LDWF offers these classes free of charge statewide www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses. Since the safe boating course’s inception in 2003, over 118,000 boaters have been certified in Louisiana.

In 2019, Louisiana reported 20 boating fatalities. So far, in 2020 Louisiana has reported seven fatalities.

Beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, the Office of Motor Vehicles will begin providing limited office services at eleven locations across the state. The limited services include the issuance/renewal of driver licenses and/or identification cards, ordering a duplicate title, renewing vehicle registrations, and title transfers.

Customers are urged to continue utilizing the OMV website at www.expresslane.org for available online services such as driver license renewals, identification card renewals, official driving records, and duplicate registrations.

Customers are also encouraged to check their driver license status by visiting http://www.expresslane.org regarding flags, blocks, suspensions or disqualifications. If a customer has flags on their record, they must clear those flags prior to obtaining any OMV services.

These limited services will begin in a phased approach at the following locations:

Alexandria
Baton Rouge – Independence Blvd
Harvey
Houma
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Livingston
Mandeville
Monroe
New Orleans – Veterans Hwy
Shreveport

Please be aware that Facial Coverings (customers must bring their own) and Social Distancing are strongly encouraged at all locations for all OMV customers. In addition, offices will be complying with the 25% occupancy capacity during Phase One of Louisiana Re-opening.

If customers are seeking reinstatements, these will only be provided via phone, mail or a Public Tag Agency. Those customers seeking reinstatements must use one of the following options, with no exceptions.

OMV Call Center:
225-925-6146 – Option #3 (Call Center is already open to provide assistance)

OMV Mail Center:
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, La. 70896

Story by Matt Vines, NSU Assistant Sports Information Director

The Northwestern State women’s jumpers led a coalition of 10 individuals and one relay that were selected to the first-ever Louisiana Sports Writers Association Indoor Track and Field awards announced Saturday evening.

Graduate transfer LaTyria Jefferson shared Newcomer of the Year honors with LSU’s Symone Mason. Jefferson, who transferred from Kansas, was the only non-LSU student-athlete or coach to win one of the 10 superlative awards on the all-state collegiate track and field team.

The senior ranked third in the state in the high jump (5-10.5) and just missed the top three in the long jump (19-7.5). Student-athletes are recognized on the collegiate all-state team by posting a top-three mark in the state in an event.

NSU’s most recent Newcomer of the Year came in 2018 as sophomore Kie’ave Harry took the honor.

“She’s a big-time performer,” head coach Mike Heimerman said of Jefferson. “She came in and did exactly what we thought she would. We’re looking forward to seeing what she can do for us next year as well.”

With the outdoor season being canceled because of the novel coronavirus, this year’s Indoor team is the first of its kind in LSWA history.

NSU jumpers Jasmyn Steels and Lauren Clarke each had Louisiana’s best leaps in their specialty events.

Steels long jumped 21-2, the seventh-best mark nationally, before the 2020 NCAA Indoor Championships were canceled after Steels won the long jump national title in 2019.

Steels, who claimed the Louisiana Field Athlete of the Year, is making her second appearance on the all-state team.

Clarke is also making her second appearance on the all-state squad after making the state’s top triple jump mark (42-11.75).

Both Clarke and Steels won Southland Conference titles in those respective events.

Sophomore Annemarie Broussard caps the women’s field all-staters with the second-best pole vault in the state (13-9.25).

Senior sprinter Natashia Jackson is the only Lady Demon that appears in multiple events. Jackson’s Indoor Southland Conference records of 53.25 (400 meters) and 23.50 (200 meters) rank second and third in the state, respectively.

Jackson also was part of the Lady Demon 4×400 relay squad who clocked a 3:41.29 time that ranked second in the state. Joining her on that relay squad were Jayla Fields, Janiel Moore and Erin Wilson.

“I don’t know what else you can say about those ladies,” Heimerman said. “They are truly students of the game and really work to perfect their craft. They are phenomenal competitors, and these awards are more fruits of their labor.”

On the men’s side, sophomore Slavoski Wright makes two appearances on the All-Louisiana team.

Wright ranks third in the 800 meters at 1:54.22 and was a member of NSU’s 4X400 relay team, which stands third in the state (3:12.60).

“He has big things ahead of him,” Heimerman said of Wright. “He has room to improve and toughen up, but he’s going in the right direction. I’m very happy for him, and hopefully this helps him in that process.”

Junior Charles, a junior transfer from South Plains College, and freshmen Kennedy Harrison and Dejon Blake joined Wright on the relay.

Senior triple jumper Quindarrius Thompson ranked second in Louisiana with a jump of 51-3.

Sophomore shot putter Marco Arevalo is a second-teamer after a throw of 53-10.5.

The 14 overall representatives on the All-Louisiana team matched NSU’s 2019 total.

Natchitoches, LA, May 14, 2020 – The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is happy to announce mobile library services have begun! First, the Schoolmobile’s annual “Traveling Tales” has returned. Children will be able to pick up books at different locations around the parish Tuesday through Friday. Stops will include Creston Baptist Church in Creston, Ross Williams Park in Natchitoches, Provencal Elementary/Jr. High, Cloutierville School, First Baptist Church in Marthaville, and Dollar General in Natchez, among others. For a full schedule of stop dates and times please visit natlib.org.

The NPL’s Bookmobile will also be offering a modified schedule this summer to keep patrons safe from COVID-19. People in rural parts of the parish who are registered Bookmobile patrons may now call to request delivery of items to their door at 318-238-9231. The Bookmobile will not be at its regular stops but will instead be offering this red-carpet service to parish residents.

Also, anyone who is homebound may request Library Express services from the Bookmobile. Library Express offers bi-weekly delivery and return of items to those unable to travel to their local branch. Whether you are recovering from surgery, unable to drive, or cannot leave your home, you may call 318-238-9231 to request information on this library service.

These mobile services will allow for more patrons to take part in the NPL’s summer reading programs that will be beginning in a few weeks. 

New Orleans – The Louisiana Supreme Court issued two new orders dated May 15. Acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 and 5 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards’ renewal of state of emergency for COVID-19 and extension and modification of emergency provisions in Proclamation Numbers 58 JBE 2020 and 59 JBE 2020, President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Orders of this Court dated April 6, April 22 and April 29, 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued the following two orders.

The first Order addresses statewide court operations and reads as follows: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

Prior Orders: This Order shall repeal and replace the Orders of this Court dated April 6, April 22 and April 29, 2020.

Jury Trials: No civil or criminal jury trial shall commence in any Louisiana state court before June 30, 2020.

In-person proceedings: The prohibition on conducting in person proceedings is hereby lifted, and courts are authorized to conduct in-person proceedings on all matters. This authority does not extend to any matters suspended by executive action by the Governor, including but not limited to evictions. Courts must continue to take measures to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces, with minimum physical contact, to practice social distancing and limit in-person court capacity to 25% of the total capacity, as determined by the State Fire Marshall, counting both the number of employees and members of the public present in the building at one time. As this situation is constantly changing, courts are further instructed to follow all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control, the President and the Governor, and to further limit access to courtroom and other spaces to the maximum number of people set forth in any future guideline or official proclamation that may be issued. All matters should continue to be conducted with the use of video and telephone conferencing whenever possible.

Speedy Trial Computations: Given the public health concerns and the necessity of taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children’s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.

The second Order extends filing deadlines for the Louisiana Supreme Court and reads as follows:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

All filings which were or are due to this Court between Thursday, March 12, 2020 through Friday, June 5, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, June 8, 2020. Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.

“The Louisiana Supreme Court perseveres in committed jurisprudence as it works to keep the safety and wellbeing of Louisiana’s citizens a priority.” said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.