The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that on Saturday, Dec. 7 the following areas will be barricaded with various street closures:

The Church Street Bridge will close to vehicular traffic at 5:00am.

Jefferson Street from Amulet Street to Touline will close to vehicular traffic at 6:00am.

Washington Street from Texas Street to Lafayette Street will close to vehiclular traffic at 6:00am

Second Street from University Parkway to Lafayette Street will close to vehicular traffic at 11:00am.

University Parkway from Jefferson Street to Second Street will close for parade line up at 11:00am.

Pine Street/Keyser Avenue Bridge will close to vehicular traffic at 11:00am. At this time, all parade route barricades from University Parkway north to Lafayette Street will go up for the parade which begins at 1:00pm.

Eastbound traffic on University Parkway will be stopped at Boyd Street and westbound traffic on Mill Street will be stopped at Airport Road beginning at 11:00am.

The Church Street Bridge will close to foot traffic at 4:30pm in preparation for the fireworks.

Williams Avenue north of Henry Avenue to St. Maurice Lane and the intersections of East Second Street with Stephens Avenue, St. Clair Avenue, Whitfield Drive, Sirod Street, and Adelaide Street will close at 5:00pm.

Please Note: No public parking is allowed on the streets mentioned above beginning at 10:00am on Festival Day.

The following roads will be one way:
Third Street – from Church Street northbound to Texas Street
Church Street – from Third Street westbound to Fifth Street
Fourth Street – from Texas Street southbound to Church Street
Fairgrounds Road – from Rapides Drive westbound to Hwy 1 Bypass

After the parade has ended and foot traffic allows, Jefferson Street and Second Street will open from Amulet Street south to University Parkway.

Miss Merry Christmas and the Christmas Belles visited L.P. Vaughn students to promote the upcoming Christmas festival on Saturday, Dec. 7. Safety rules to follow while at the parade were discussed along with a performance of the Christmas Jingle.

Pictured are Emily Robertson, Carlee Scott, Mali Simmons, Abigail Thompson and Mallory Lee. Come visit Santa, Miss Merry Christmas and her Belles beginning Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Santa Claus House. Hours are Sunday-Friday from 6-8:30 pm and each Saturday from 5-8:30 pm.

Special time with loved ones is often what makes the holidays so memorable. But what do you do when those loved ones are too far away to pop over for a big meal and a heartwarming gift exchange? Well, with a strong internet connection from CP-TEL an EPICTOUCH Company there are lots of ways to stay connected.

Read on to discover seven creative ways to video call, swap photos, send gifts and simply stay connected with long-distance family this holiday season.

#1: Skype

Let’s start with the obvious choice. With its long-time history of quality audio and video calls, Skype has long been the go-to choice for connecting with loved ones all over the world. But did you know its features also include low-cost texts and calls to mobiles and landlines, easy group video calling and file sharing and messaging between devices? It’s also easily accessible on a wide range of devices, including your smartphone, computer, smart TV, Playstation and more.

#2: Google Hangouts

If you’re hoping to have a video call with your cousin Jason, Aunt Lisa, niece Jenna and family friend Marc at the same time during your upcoming family gathering, Google Hangouts is the platform for you. You can talk to up to 10 people at a time, do live-streaming video, file share, text message and, of course, make audio and video calls. You can even take photos during your hangout to easily capture the special memories you’ll be making together-yet-apart.

#3: Facebook Messenger

If your family members are skeptical about downloading a new service just to video call you on Christmas, check to see if they’re already on Facebook. The Facebook Messenger app works for text communication, sure, but it also has a voice and video call feature. Simply tap the person in your Messenger contact list, then tap the video icon to begin a video call. It’s easy and free, and no new apps or accounts are needed!

#4: Cluster

Looking to share photos and videos with loved ones without posting them for the entire world to see? No need to start an annoying group text. Instead, meet Cluster. This app features an Instagram-like feed, but only for the people you invite into the group. Create a group for all the family members that want to see baby’s first Christmas or all the friends attending your Friendsgiving feast. And everyone can share their photos in one simple place. Plus, the ability to “like” and comment on photos will keep the spirit of community alive no matter how far apart you may be!

#5: Nixplay

If you’re looking for an easy way to share photos with your not-so-internet-savvy family members, look no further than a Wi-Fi cloud frame from Nixplay. This digital photo frame creates a slideshow of the photos you add, and you can easily use your phone to add more at any time — even if the photo frame is on the other side of the world. This makes this frame a gift that keeps on giving for family members near and far.

#6: Giftster

Picking just the right present for that distant (and possibly picky!) family member can be tricky, so let Giftster do the thinking for you. This free app allows you to create a wish list and add any items you’d love to receive. Then, you can invite family and friends to create lists of their own. Shop from each other’s lists to bypass that anxiety over gifting just the right thing. (Plus, your family members will love how easy it is to find the perfect gift to send you, too!)

#7: Artifact Uprising

We all know how much Grandma loves getting updated pictures of the grands, but creating a photo album can be time-consuming. Help her feel remembered and included this holiday season by using Artifact Uprising to quickly create quality prints, photo books, calendars, gallery frames and so much more. Simply upload photos straight from your Instagram or camera roll, and click to buy. You can even use the gift option to send the photos straight to Grandma!

Each of these tools and apps makes it easy to stay connected with family all over the world throughout the holiday season and beyond. Contact CP-TEL an EPICTOUCH Company today at 318-352-0006 to make sure you have the high-speed internet connection you need to power each and every one!

While we were pleased to have received several excellent applications, we are not quite at the number of applications we had hoped to receive. Therefore, we have extended the deadline another two weeks. If you considered applying, but time did not allow you to fill out the application or if you want to make a difference in Natchitoches, we hope you will use this extension to apply this important program.

Leadership Natchitoches is an immersive learning program for proven leaders in our community that will engage and activate these individuals to effect change in Natchitoches Parish. This diverse group of professionals will become one class and one voice through the course of the eight-month program, which will focus on these key areas:

Education • Workforce Development • Cultural Diversity • Historical Relevance • Tourism • Government & Governance • Healthcare • Poverty • Economic Development • Business & Industry • Art & Culture • Criminal Justice System • Law Enforcement • Infrastructure • Natural Resources

Leadership Natchitoches will give graduates first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our region and the potential for a positive community impact through volunteerism and civic engagement. The eight-month program will begin with a two-day kick-off retreat followed by six one-and-a-half day sessions that include an evening team-building social and a full-day of experiential learning. Leadership Natchitoches will conclude with a two-day closing retreat and graduation ceremony.

Tuition for Leadership Natchitoches is $600. Limited scholarship funds are available upon request.

Program Dates

February 13-14: Opening Class Retreat
March 12-13: Natchitoches History, Culture, and Tourism
April 23-24: Natural Resources
May 14-15: Business and Industry
June 25-26: Education and Workforce
July 16-17: Healthcare and Public Safety
August 20-21: Local Government
September 17-18: Closing Retreat

SELECTION PROCESS

Nominees are accepted from public and private agencies, corporations, civic and other organizations, and individual nominators. Applicants are accepted on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability through career or community achievements, concern for the future of the Natchitoches Area and commitment to the program. Applications will be solicited from October 1 – November 30. Then, a selection committee of Community and Chamber leaders will recommend 12 to 15 candidates, based on a diverse cross-section of the community in terms of occupation, gender, race, age and affiliations.

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

Leadership Natchitoches begins with a two-day opening retreat in February. From March to August, the class devotes one Thursday evening and one full Friday per month to hear presentations from subject matter experts and participate in discussions, field trips and practical exercises pertinent to six key community issues: history, culture & tourism, natural resources, business & industry, education & workforce, healthcare & public safety, and government & governance. Leadership Natchitoches will conclude with a two-day closing retreat held in September.

Participants must agree and adhere to Leadership Natchitoches Policies and Procedures in order to apply to and graduate from the program and be recognized at the Annual Chamber Awards Banquet. The two-day February kick-off retreat and two-day September closing retreat are mandatory. No more than one absence is allowed from March-August for the six one-and-a-half day general sessions.

CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the Natchitoches Area Leadership Institute is designed to use a variety of resources and learning techniques. The topics are chosen based on key components inherent in the daily lives of the people of the Natchitoches area. To learn more about Leadership Natchitoches Curriculum, click “The Sessions” below.

Working to help enhance the Natchitoches Parish community at- large through service, the 2020 Krewe of Excellence Torchbearers are busy at work with their service project, “Ugly Sweater” Toy Drive-designed to collect and package toys (not sweaters) for many underprivileged children in the Parish.

Partnering with the Natchitoches Area Jaycees organization and the Ben Johnson Educational Center, the drive will end on Dec. 8. Unwrapped toys for children ages 3 to 11, can be taken to Ben Johnson’s Educational Center-Legacy Cafe’, 400 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (North Street entrance). The Torchbearers are senior-year students in the krewe’s leadership program that are chosen from Lakeview, Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts, Natchitoches Central and St. Mary’s High Schools.

Pictured on front row from left are CEO at Ben Johnson Educational Center Claire Prymus, Carlos Moses, Amber Swayzer (co-captains) Ka’Brian Bonier, Isuss Paige, Tony Arnold, Jaquan Bobb and Derrick “DJ” Anderson, II. On back row are Princess Ratliff, Olufunke Adeleye, Alexia Roque, Dr. Chris Lyles, President-Natchitoches Area Jaycees, Chancellor Davis, Jaylin White, William Brew and Naji Helaire. Several torchbearers not pictured.

Three Northwestern State University online graduate programs have been ranked as the best in the country by intelligent.com. The website ranked NSU’s Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development, the Master of Science in Nursing nurse practitioner program and the Master of Science in Homeland Security in the top spot.

The 2020 rankings were calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third-party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed schools with comparable programs on a scale of 0 to 100. The methodology uses an algorithm that collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university’s degree program. The student-focused comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,604 accredited colleges and universities. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation and post-graduate employment.

The Adult Learning and Leadership Program offers a Doctor of Education degree for students who intend to pursue or advance their careers in the professional practice of adult learning, professional development or post-secondary leadership at the community college level. The comprehensive, 63 semester hour, cohort-based program provides foundation courses in adult learning and organizational leadership, along with coursework targeting each of the two concentration areas: Community College Leadership and Adult Learning and Workforce Development. Within the concentration areas, students may pursue specialized areas of interest and study through elective courses and gain practical experience within their own organization or area of interest through an individualized practicum experience.

“The number one ranking as the Intelligent Pick among the top Doctor of Education programs is a reflection of our course and instructor quality, cost and flexibility of career paths available to graduates,” said Associate Professor of Adult Learning and Development Dr. William Morrison, who coordinates the doctoral program. “The program has a broad appeal in that it emphasizes rigorous, practice-based learning for those who wish to pursue advanced practice careers and leadership roles in the many different venues where adults learn, including community colleges, universities, adult education programs, workforce development programs and corporate training programs.”

The MSN nurse practitioner program prepares the advanced practice registered nurse in the following NP concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PCPNP), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan (PMHNP). According to Dr. Pamela S. Simmons, senior director and professor of nursing in the College of Nursing, nurse practitioners can help fill the void of access to primary care, especially in rural communities and underserved areas. The program is among the producers the largest number of nurse practitioners in the state.

“It takes a team of knowledgeable and creative faculty and staff with a variety of skills working together to provide an environment that supports student learning,” said Simmons. Our team believes in and tries daily to promote our College of Nursing and School of Allied Health values of excellence, respect, caring, teamwork and professionalism. We want excellent clinicians who can provide excellent care to the citizens of Louisiana and beyond.”

The Master of Science in Homeland Security degree is designed to provide graduates with the capabilities to analyze and understand the emerging challenges of evolving security conditions on the domestic and international stage. From the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to the current National Security Strategy, students gain a distinct appreciation for the complexities of homeland security organizations, leadership, policies, ethics and challenges, through the review of pertinent literature, critical thinking, research and reflective analysis and evaluation. The Master’s Degree in Homeland Security is unique in that it pushes students to develop plausible solutions to the inexorable national, international and transnational, threats currently challenging global security through the innovative delivery of transformative student learning experiences which prepare graduates for life and career success in this ever-growing occupational field.

“It is always a pleasure to see the dedication and hard work of the faculty in our homeland security and criminal justice programs acknowledged,” said Dr. Mark Melder, head of the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences. “The availability of a superior education coupled with an online format at an affordable price ensures that we continue to accomplish our mission of providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their chosen fields.”

In a new report released by Capital Link and sponsored by the Louisiana Primary Care Association, 35 Federally Qualified Health Centers (commonly referred to as Community Health Centers), are responsible for an annual $772 million economic impact on Louisiana’s economy. By servicing Medicaid patients at a 24% lower cost than private providers, managing chronic conditions, keeping patients out of the emergency room, and emphasizing the importance of preventive care, Community Health Centers saved the healthcare system $868 million.

Among the report’s additional findings:

In 2018, Louisiana’s Community Health Centers saved Louisiana’s Medicaid program $645 million.
Health centers reinvested in their communities by engaging in $416 million in direct health center spending, resulting in an additional $356 million in indirect and induced community spending.
Louisiana’s Community Health Centers employed 3,149 individuals and spurred the creation of 2,635 additional jobs in their surrounding communities.

Last year, Louisiana’s Community Health Centers provided primary care, oral health, and behavioral health services to over 444,000 patients across the state. Health centers continue to serve as the providers of choice for those who have recently gained access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion. As this report demonstrates, while Community Health Centers are known for providing high quality preventive and primary health care to patients, they also work to stimulate economic growth and generate cost savings for both urban and rural communities across Louisiana.

Aside from money saved, Community Health Centers spur economic growth by creating jobs. From employees with advanced clinical and administrative expertise to those just beginning their career path, health centers offer opportunities for all candidates who are passionate about serving their community.

“Year after year, health centers continue to demonstrate that they are critical components of Louisiana’s healthcare safety-net,” said Gerrelda Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Primary Care Association. “This report confirms that health centers are proven leaders in meeting the needs of patients at an affordable cost to taxpayers. The federal government has no program with a better return on investment than it does with the Health Center Program.”

Thirty-five Community Health Centers were included in this analysis. Economic numbers were derived using health center audited financial statements and statistics as reported on the 2018 Uniform Data System. An integrated economic modeling software called IMPLAN was used which applies the “multiplier effect” to capture the direct, indirect, and induced economic effects of health center business operations. IMPLAN generates multipliers by geographic region and by industry combined with a county/state database. It is widely used by economists, state and city planners, universities, and others to estimate the impact of projects and expenditures on the local economy.

The report was created by Capital Link and funded by the Louisiana Primary Care Association for the use of its members.

The Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will present the 31st annual Christmas Gala at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and are available at BUY TICKETS HERE

More than 300 Northwestern State students, faculty and staff in the School of Creative and Performing Arts combine their talents to present the Gala as a kickoff to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Large crowds attend the Gala each year which is based on the long-running Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.

“The Christmas Gala is something both our students and the community look forward to each year,” said Gala Artistic Director Michael Rorex. “We prepare for the Gala throughout the year and enjoy presenting an event that has become a tradition for many area families. The overall experience is something our students never forget.”

According to Rorex, the program will incorporate popular pieces from years past along with several new elements such as a newly choreographed “Hip Hop” group by Theatre and Dance faculty member Jared Doster and a new Nativity this accompanied by the NSU Men’s chorus singing an arrangement of “O Holy Night.” Musical theatre students will perform a very entertaining rendition of “Mele Kalikimaka” from the popular Christmas show “White Christmas.” The Toy Soldiers and the Rockettes will appear, performing to new numbers.

The Grand opening of the Gala is a new arrangement of “Carol of the Bells” using lots of singers, the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra and handbells from the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches.

This is the third time the Gala has gone on the road to the Strand. In previous years, the cast and crew of the Christmas Gala wowed audiences in sold out performances at the historic theatre that drew viewers from throughout north Louisiana and east Texas.

The Northwestern State University Chamber Choir will present a candlelight service of “Lessons and Carols” Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at 145 Church St. in Natchitoches. Admission is free and open to the public. Dr. Nicholaus B. Cummins will conduct the Chamber Choir. This is the 29th consecutive year the NSU Chamber Choir has presented this service.

The “Lessons and Carols” is a service based upon a century-old tradition established at Kings College, Cambridge, in England, where it is performed every Christmas Eve to standing room only crowds and broadcast worldwide on the BBC. “Lessons and Carols” consists of nine lessons, readings for both the Old and New Testament of the Bible, all related to the Advent and birth of Christ. Following each lesson, the choir singing a text that relates to each of the readings. During the carols, altar servers light a variety of candles, which remain lit throughout the service. Gradually, the church is transformed from darkness into light as the Service concludes in a festive recessional.

The premier vocal ensemble at NSU, the 36-member Chamber Choir is comprised of the top vocalists at Northwestern State. Each December, the Chamber Choir performs their “Lessons and Carols” service at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which has become a Natchitoches tradition.

Last month, the Chamber Choir will one of 12 ensembles from the United States invited to perform at the National Collegiate Choral Organization Conference at the University of Maryland for college/university and choral professionals from around the country. This was the first national invitation for a choir at Northwestern State.

This past summer, the Chamber Choir earned third prize in the Ave Verum International Choral Competition in Baden, Austria. The ensemble also performed in three European capitals at Saint Martin’s Basilica in Prague, Czech Republic, Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vienna, Austria, and Saint Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, Slovakia.

In 2018, the Northwestern State Lyric Choir won a Gold Medal in the Female Choirs category at the 3rd Budapest International Choral Celebration and Laurea Mundi International Open Competition and Grand Prix of Choral Music. The Chamber Choir received a Laurea Summa Cum Laude diploma in the Mixed Choir category and a Laurea Cum Laude diploma in the Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) category.

District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today the disposition of 7 criminal cases that were recently prosecuted in the 10th Judicial District Court, Division B. In each of the cases, the defendants pleaded guilty to felony charges.

The felony charges included kidnapping, burglary, home invasion, drug distribution, and escape.

“The cases are serious matters. In prosecuting these cases, we were able to seek justice for the victims of the crimes and seek appropriate and fair punishment for the offenders,” said District Attorney Harrington.

Christian Payton, 29, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to 2nd degree kidnapping as a resulting from a 2015 arrest. Payton and was sentenced to 14 years at hard labor.

Kendrick Price, 25, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to home invasion and false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon as result of a 2018 arrest. Price was sentenced to 10 years at hard labor.

Cedric Washington, 39, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances, methamphetamine, as a result of a 2018 arrest. Washington was sentenced to six years at hard labor.

Quinton Zeno, 25, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to simple burglary as a result of a February 2019 arrest. Zeno was sentenced to five years at hard labor.

Broadus Davis, 39, of Homer, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances, methamphetamine, as result of a March 2019 arrest. Davis was sentenced to four years at hard labor.

Jale Hopwood, 34, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty to simple escape as a result of a February 2019 arrest. Hopwood was sentenced to the maximum sentence for a work release inmate, one year in addition to the sentence he is currently serving.

Andrew Moore, 43, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to possession Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances as a result of a March 2019 arrest. Moore was sentenced to 20 months at hard labor.

Roderick Rachal, 40, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to battery of a correctional facility employee as a result of an October 2018 arrest. Rachal was sentenced to serve one year and two months at hard labor. Rachal also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery as a result of an September 2018 arrest. Rachal was sentenced to the maximum of six months in jail, which sentence is to run consecutive to the one year and two-month sentence.

Jeremy Armstrong, 35, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to principal to possession of Schedule I (Marijuana) with intent to distribute as a result of an April 2019 arrest. Armstrong was sentenced to two years at hard labor.

Gregory R. Lewis, 29, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery as a result of a May 2019 arrest. Lewis was sentenced to three years at hard labor.

The above cases were prosecuted in Division “B” by Assistant District Attorneys Chris Guillet, Shantel Wempren, and the late Charles Seaman. Judge Lala Sylvester presided over the cases.

NATCHITOCHES:
Jeff Guilliams
December 15, 1936 – December 02, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, December 5th from 12pm until 2pm at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches
Service: Thursday, December 5, 2019, at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches with Rev. Tommy Rush officiating.
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

Mark Allen Kent
January 29, 1969 – November 30, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, December 5 from 5-10 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, December 6 at 10 am in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Cloutierville Baptist Cemetery

Stanley J. Roque
September 09, 1948 – December 02, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Sandra Sue Allen
December 01, 1961 – December 03, 2019
Visitation: Sunday, December 8 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches and Monday, December 9 from 12-2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Montgomery
Service: Monday, December 9 at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Montgomery
Interment: Union Grove Cemetery in Montgomery

Orastine J. Roberson
November 11, 1917 – December 2, 2019
Service: Sunday, December 8 at 11 am at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, located at 241 Dunn Road in Montgomery

Ella Moss
November 28, 2019
Service: Saturday, December 7 at 11 am at the Green Grove Baptist Church near Saline
Interment: Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery of Creston

Melba Rivers
November 29, 2019
Service: Saturday, December 7 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches

Ora Coutee
November 26, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Tarza Ray Nelson
November 17, 1955 – November 28, 2019
Service: Thursday, December 5 at 10 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Kenneth Wyatt
November 24, 2019
Service: Saturday, December 7 at 11 am at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Montgomery
Interment: Montgomery Cemetery on Duffy Road

RAPIDES:
Ira Wayne Noland
July 6, 1936 – October 19, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, December 7 from 10-11 am at Kramer Funeral Home

By Kevin Shannahan/Opinion

Last Saturday, Mississippi State and Ole Miss played in the Egg Bowl, an annual contest played between the two schools since 1901. Huge sports fan that I am not, I was blissfully unaware of the storied rivalry between the two schools until an incident from this year’s game appeared on an internet news aggregation site I follow.

In the closing seconds of the game, Ole Miss Wide Receiver, Elijah Moore, caught a pass and scored, setting up the opportunity for his team to tie the game against Mississippi State and go into overtime. What happened next was not the best example of good judgment in the history of college sports. Elijah Moore crawled several feet on his hands and knees, lifted his leg, and pretended, let us be grateful that it was pretended, to pee on the Mississippi State endzone. The moment, in all it craptastic glory, was captured by a number of photographers. A 15 yard penalty was assessed and what would have been an easy extra point became a 34 yard attempt-which the kicker missed. Ole Miss lost by 1 point. When the kicker missed, a sportscaster on a Russian sports show broke into laughter, lending an international flavor to the news coverage.

The incident had all the makings of an internet sensation, and indeed that is what happened. In the space of a few hours, Elijah Moore, his upraised leg and the Egg Bowl were infamous. The internet is indeed forever, a harsh lesson delivered to a, let us not forget, 19 year old college sophomore. The photograph of him on all fours in the endzone, leg lifted high, will haunt him for the rest of his life.

But of course that could not be the end if it, not in our overwrought popular culture in which virtually every action is fraught with overtones of race, class and a range of other “…isms”, facts on the ground notwithstanding. The comments section of all too many of the various news stories quickly degenerated into overt racism as readers projected their prejudices on the situation. I have no idea if Elijah Moore was raised by wolves, a single mother, the Knights of Malta or a modern day version of the family on Leave it to Beaver – and neither do any of the commentators so blithely speculating on his upbringing. His endzone celebration was rather tasteless, but that is all it was. Elijah Moore did not commit a crime. He did not engage in any unfair play, fight, or otherwise have a history of violence on, or off the field. It is manifestly unfair to refer to him as a “thug” engaging in “thuggish behavior.” Elijah Moore is a 19 year old college sophomore who made an ill considered decision and is paying for it in spades. That’s all he is. I find it truly disturbing that so many people are hiding behind their keyboards and projecting so much hateful bile on this young man. Worse, the hate and prejudice quickly spread from Elijah Moore to Black players-and people- in general.

Yes, Moore’s stunt was tasteless and cost his team a chance at winning a long running rivalry. Nonetheless, I hope Ole Miss’ coach does not remove him from the team. I looked at Moore’s page on Ole Miss Athletics. He is only 19. He has plenty of time to turn his situation around. Can anyone seriously believe he will do anything other than quietly hand the ball to the referee should he have a chance to play again? The internet commandos calling for his ouster from the team, gleefully speculating on the ruination of his NFL prospects and his imminent “return to the ghetto” sans degree need to step back and take a hard look in the mirror. Young men occasionally do stupid stuff. If there ever was a case that called for grace and a shot at redemption, this is it.

As for all those commentators who are so firmly convinced that Elijah Moore is a poster child for all that is wrong with college sports, the NFL and society in general, well, that is a pretty big conclusion to draw from one 19 year old kid’s admittedly boneheaded action. You might want to think about that.

Former Northwestern State forward Ishmael Lane had one of his most impressive performances of this past season as the Demons hung around at SMU in an 11-point loss.

NSU (2-4) will visit the Mustangs (7-0) for the third straight season Tuesday in a 7 p.m. contest – this time without Lane.

LISTEN LIVE – CLICK HERE TONIGHT

The Demons have employed a post-by-committee tactic this season to help replace Lane, a Southland Conference first-teamer who was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

One key piece of that puzzle, junior transfer Jamaure Gregg, had his most complete game of the season this past week with 15 points on 7-of-7 shooting and six rebounds.

Gregg, a 6-foot-7 forward who even looks like Lane as both sport goggles, has reached double figures in two of his last four games and had his highest rebounding outputs in those contests.

“I feel more comfortable (after six games), and I’m adjusting to the Division I game,” said Gregg, who shot nearly 71 percent from the field as a sophomore at Cochise College (Ariz.). “The speed and aggression of the game are a little different, and I’m learning what to do and what not to do.

“Rebounding and making shots will be key against SMU. It’s a miss or make game. You miss shots, you lose. You make shots, you win.”

Gregg is shooting 59 percent from the floor this season, including flashing a healthy mid-range game from both elbows. He’s increased his production to seven points and four rebounds per game with eight blocks.

NSU coach Mike McConathy said Gregg is a prime example of using his strengths to impact the game.

“He developed a lot in junior college, and he understood what he could do and what he doesn’t need to do,” McConathy said. “When each of us figures out who we are and do the things we can do, we can be successful, and I’m excited about that.

“Jamaure brings a component of athleticism with a larger body that we haven’t had. I’m hopeful for better things to come.”

Gregg and junior Chudier Bile (nine rebounds) were part of a Demon front line that helped NSU outrebound ULM 42-36, despite the Warhawks having six players standing at least 6-foot-8.

NSU has been outrebounded just twice in six games this season, including matching Texas A&M in an area that the Demons haven’t typically been successful.

Bile is the second-leading rebounder in the Southland Conference at 9.3 per game, and his athleticism at 6-foot-6 has allowed him to maneuver around larger opponents and grab rebounds. With 11 points per game, Bile leads the team.

“(Bile) has been our most consistent rebounder, and he’s elusive and slick when he goes and gets the ball,” McConathy said. “We had second-chance points in the second half against ULM, and he has the skill to put it back it up on the offensive glass.

“Guards rebounding help our total numbers, and (sophomore Brian White) had five against ULM, which is a big number.”

White and Gregg went on a 14-4 run at ULM to cut the Warhawks lead to five in an eventual eight-point loss.

“We never give up at the end of games – that’s where we play our hardest,” said Gregg, who also contributed 11 points and eight rebounds against Rice. “If we can do that from the beginning, we’d be tremendous.

“We still have stuff to work on, but we’ll get there. Being more comfortable with the guys around you allows you to play harder. We’re a lot more comfortable with each other than we were the first couple weeks of the season.”

The Demons are mixing in eight newcomers with seven returners, and 12 players are averaging double-digit minutes this season.

McConathy said the SMU matchup will be similar to ULM in that the Mustangs are tough defensively (61 points allowed per game) with a precisely functioning offense.

“They are very well coached, and I like playing them because their basketball is an art form,” McConathy said. “They pass and cut and move, it’s free flowing.

“It’s kind of like ULM’s motion offense in that they move the ball and get good shots. We’ll see how the game progresses, and their size and strength will be a challenge.”

McConathy and the staff will be wearing green ties, lapel pins and wristbands as part of a Fight For Literacy Game hosted by SMU in partnership with Coaching For Literacy.

For every $10 donated, Coaching For Literacy will provide two books to local kids in the Dallas area. To learn more, text “MUSTANGS4LIT” to 71-777.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

The community supported the Cane River Food Pantry greatly during the Thanksgiving holidays. The food pantry received lots of donations from collections around town and several groups helped organize the food pantry.

The Cane River Food Pantry would like to thank the following groups:

St. Mary’s school did a school wide food drive and donated a van full of food.

The Girls Scout troops of 546, 1209, 462, 765, and 1512 collected food and spent a Saturday morning in the food pantry organizing the donations. Also scouts Piper Foshee and Molly Morris collected over $100 to donate to the food pantry.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College had a food drive on campus.

NSU African American Caucus collected food during an event and donated it to the food pantry.

Asbury United Methodist Church donated food as well.

A group of children from first to sixth grade and parents from First Baptist Church brought food and worked on a Saturday morning sorting it.

Also, the Cub Scouts Troop #60 collected food for the pantry.

The Cane River Food Pantry would like to thank these groups and the continuous support the pantry receives from the community.

By Brad Dison

For many of us, Christmas trees covered with meaningful ornaments and lit by the warm glow of Christmas lights are at the center of our Christmas celebration. In the sixteenth century, Protestant Christian reformer Martin Luther began using candles to decorate his Christmas trees and the practice quickly spread. As you can imagine, open-flame candles on dead trees with drying needles was a constant fire hazard. Regardless of the danger, people kept up the tradition. Fires from these festive holiday decorations destroyed houses and took many lives.

Thomas Edison is largely remembered as the father of the electric light, although nearly two dozen inventors developed working light bulbs before Edison. The Wizard of Menlo Park, as Edison is often called, bought several of these inventors’ patents. He and his engineers began trials to create a better, longer-lasting, light bulb. Edison and his team tried hundreds of filaments and kept improving the electric light bulb. The eureka moment came when they tried a carbon filament. While other filaments they tried only lasted a few seconds, the carbon filament lasted for days. In 1879, Edison filed a patent for his electric light made with a carbon filament and searched for ways to market his light bulb. The following year, Edison’s engineers wired several bulbs on a strand of wire and strung them on the façade of the Edison Illuminating Company as an advertisement for electric lighting. At the time, lights were not yet used as Christmas decorations.

Two years later, in 1882, Edward H. Johnson, vice president of the Edison Illuminating Company, searched for ways to expand the product line for the electric light bulb. Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white, and blue light bulbs on a single strand of wire. He carefully placed the bulbs onto his freshly-cut Christmas tree. Johnson’s Christmas tree also rotated, an aspect of Christmas trees which has recently become popular again. People marveled at Johnson’s electrified Christmas tree.

Electric Christmas tree lights did not catch on at first. Many people who had access to electricity feared it. In 1891, Edison’s company installed electric lighting in the White House. President Benjamin Harrison was so fearful of being electrocuted that he refused to touch the light switches. The job of turning the lights on and off in the White House fell to domestic staff.

Fast-forward 35 years. In 1917, teenager Albert Sadacca suggested that his family’s novelty lighting company add strands of brightly-colored Christmas lights to their product line. It took a few years, but in the 1920s, decorating with Christmas lights became all the rage. Sadly, Edward Johnson, the first person to put electric lights on a Christmas tree, did not live to see the Christmas light boom. In September, 1917, the same year Sadacca suggested that his family sell Christmas lights, Johnson died in an electrical accident.

Although safer than candles, electric Christmas lights still posed a fire hazard. The bulbs got extremely hot and the dried needles of the evergreen Christmas trees regularly caught fire, but at a much lower rate than open-flamed candles. The danger of fire was one prohibitive factor that prevented the Christmas lights from catching on, but there was another, more prominent reason why people were reluctant to purchase them.

Until 1917, families wanting to decorate their Christmas trees with electric lights had to have electricity available in their homes. In 1920, only about 35% of homes had electricity. They had to purchase the pre-packaged lighting kit from the Edison Lighting Company. Finally, they had to hire electricians to wire and install the lights on the Christmas tree.

These days, Christmas lights are inexpensive. Back then, as with any new technology, the cost to be among the first to enjoy the cutting edge of technology was expensive. If you lived during the turn of the century, you, too, could enjoy a Christmas tree lit by electric Christmas lights… if you had what in today’s money would be about $2,000.00.

Cancer is defined as an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Anyone who has dealt with cancer can agree that “uncontrolled” is exactly how it makes you feel. It throws your whole life for a loop, whether you’re battling it, or have a love one that is.

In a show of solidarity against this uncontrollable enemy, All Tangled Up’s Owner Tracee LeBlanc, Stylist Ramona Pizzolato, and Ramona’s daughter Tiffany all shaved their hair off.

“Yesterday was such an emotional day for me,” said Ramona. “Fourteen years ago I beat cancer, never realizing how much it affected my kids. By the grace of God I am here to fight again. I want to thank everyone personally for being there for me. I love each and everyone of you. In your darkest hour, God will carry you. Be kind to everyone you meet. We never know what kind of cross they have to bear in life.”

December 6 is Ramona’s last treatment. “We stand united with Ramona and we’re ready to support our family member as she kicks Cancer’s butt,” said Tracee.

The 93rd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival will take place Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown Natchitoches. This year, there will be NO reservations for tarps on the riverbank. Spots will be available on the north and south end of the riverbank on a first-come, first -serve basis. Tarps CANNOT be placed until 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. Tarps or blankets placed before 5:30 a.m. will be removed.

Individuals must provide their own tarp or blanket with an 8×10 maximum tarp size allowed. Tarps, blankets, and chairs will be prohibited from blocking the area between the curb of the promenade and the seawall. Due to irrigation lines, stakes are not permitted to secure tarps and must be secured using weights or personal belongings.

Seating will be available in the amphitheater, but no tarps or chairs will be allowed on the steps or green space. Standing on the steps will also be prohibited.

The City thanks everyone for their cooperation in securing a spot on the riverbank to enjoy the best fireworks show of the Christmas season.

For more information on the 93rd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival, please visit www.NatchitochesChristmas.com.

For the first time since 2014, Northwestern State volleyball is heading to the postseason.

The Lady Demons (20-12) have been selected to participate in the 2019 National Invitational Volleyball Championship tournament.

The NIVC got its start in 1989 before morphing into the current version of the postseason contest it is today in December of 2016.

NSU was one of the 20 at-large qualifiers for the 32-team field that included 10 automatic bids to the best conference finishers not playing in the NCAA tournament.

“I’m happy for this team,” fifth-year head coach Sean Kiracofe said. “It didn’t feel right for the season to be over for this group. I’m happy that the girls get to experience postseason play and it’s great for the growth of the program.”

The Lady Demons play in the Laramie Regional and take on the host of the four-team region, Wyoming on Thursday, December 5 at 5 p.m. CST. The winner plays either Weber State or Boise State in the second round on Friday evening.

NSU recorded its fifth 20-win season in program history and its best overall and conference mark under Kiracofe. Hannah Brister was named the first Southland Conference Player of the Year in school history with her record-breaking individual performance serving as the tip of the spear on a record-breaking team hitting percentage.

Stay connected to NSU volleyball by following @NSUDemonsVB on Twitter and Instagram of by liking Northwesten State volleyball on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Bradley Widding

Resting in the hands of our local community members is the future of our valuable natural resources and the decisions that are made to conserve, enhance and sustain the integrity of soil, water and air quality in Natchitoches Parish and throughout Louisiana. Conservation of our resources can not be achieved by one group, government agency or the individual – it takes cooperative conservation.

Cooperative conservation starts first with the active involvement of the individual community member who helps to identify the resource needs of the community. Community involvement helps local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assess and prioritize resource concerns on a community level. Local natural resource priorities help direct technical and financial assistance decisions that NRCS and SWCD make throughout the year.

Locally led conservation efforts are successful with the help from our residents. Please, become involved in locally led conservation. A Locally Led Conservation Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the USDA Service Center, 6949 Hwy 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and the purpose of the meeting will be to identify resource concerns for your local SWCD. Your involvement is significantly important to the locally led conservation process and all partners involved in conservation. At the Locally Led Conservation Meeting you will be able to voice concerns, provide comments and help to identify conservation issues. Save the date, and help our community make sound conservation decisions – become an active part of locally led conservation and cooperative conservation efforts.

For more information on the Locally Led Conservation Meeting, contact your local NRCS office at 318-357-8366, ext. 3

Author Diny Landen will be featured guest at a book signing at Northwestern State University on Thursday, Dec. 12. Landen will sign copies of the new book “Cherokee Plantation on the Cane River” from 4-6 p.m. in the Louisiana Room on the third floor of Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library. Books will be available for purchase for $35.

The event will include a short program and remarks by the author and any guests who have stories of Cherokee Plantation to share.

The public is invited and refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact University Archivist Mary Linn Wernet at 318) 357-4585 or wernet@nsula.edu.