Happy New Year Stylers, Oh how I missed our weekly convo but don’t worry, Bill took away all my vacation time, so I’m here for a while…well until I take that spring vacation he doesn’t know about yet. oops! Not only is it a new year but its a new decade. Of course, we begin every year with a clean slate, but something about 2020 feels refreshing. It perfect time to hit the reset button and define your goals and that goes for style, too. You spent the last two months focusing on others needs, Now it’s January its time to give that love and energy back to yourself.

I’m corny so I do make Resolutions that I always forgot before January is even out. This year I thought about it as I reflected on my style from the last ten year, from who I was and what I wore. All I could see was a 20 something-year-old trying to make it work. I guess it’s true what they say “you get better with time”.My style resolution is to be my adventurous. In 2019 I turned 30, lost 50 pounds, and I fell in love with myself. This version of me is more confident and sexy. I no longer follow the rules of whats tradition or “normal” in men’s fashion. I’m a man and I wear what I want. New Year doesn’t mean totally new you. It simply is a reminder that you have all it takes to be the star version of yourself, all you have to do it to put a little work into it.

I created a vision board to help me get an idea of how I wanted my style to look. I filled my board with images that inspire the mood that I’m going for. Take the time to think about your image and ask yourself these questions, How do I want to be perceived? What image do I want to portray? Who am I? Then, figure out the steps that you need to take to get there. Open your closet. Who do you see? If you turn your style up a notch, it will take you places. The goal is to help you celebrate yourself through style, and I believe that going for a slightly aspirational wardrobe will push you to another level

While we all want to toss clothing we haven’t worn in a while, and infuse a little more life into our current wardrobes, don’t worry, those are still on the list! these resolutions go way beyond the traditional go-to’s. Read them all below and pick out a few you want to tackle yourself!

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Wear the clothes You own
NOT!! playing it too safe
Wear more pants that are not jeans
Detox your wardrobe
Invest in staple items
Shop local
Only Shop when needed

Rotarian with the Program John Luster introduced former State Senator, author, attorney, and political commentator Jim Brown at the January 7 meeting of Rotary Club of Natchitoches. Brown shared many interesting and enjoyable stories about his life and about each Louisiana Governor. Pictured from left are Rotary President David Guillet, Brown, and Luster.

NSU– It’s usually about how you finish and less so about how you start. Northwestern State had a great start and finish to its game Sunday against Houston Baptist, resulting in the first conference win of the season.

The Lady Demons (4-9, 1-3 SLC) have their sight set on another win Wednesday night looking to build on the Sunday’s successes. NSU hosts Incarnate Word (5-6, 1-1 SLC) at 6:30 p.m. inside Prather Coliseum, wrapping up a three-game homestand to start January.

TONIGHT LISTEN LIVE starting at 6:30pm.  Just CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

NSU’s 69-60 defeat of Houston Baptist, topped with a 32-point effort from senior Kira Bonner.

“Any time somebody has a game like that it’s a combination of a lot of different people and their effort,” fourth-year head coach Jordan Dupuy said. “Kira has put in a lot of extra work though as well.

“She shot 50 percent from the field, 67 percent from 3 and 80 percent from the free throw line. Those are really good numbers and we need that to continue to make sure that we take care of home court on Wednesday.”

Bonner’s effort was the second most points scored in a game this season by a Southland Conference player. It came exactly one year from the NSU’s most recent 30-point scorer Nautica Grant, who netted 34 in an 82-63 win against McNeese.

While the individual performance was impressive, Dupuy was even more pleased with the way the team finished the game, something that has not happened to his expectation through much of the season.

“The biggest thing was finally finishing a game the way we needed to finish,” Dupuy said. “We felt like if we pressured the entire game hopefully in the fourth quarter, we could take control. That’s what happened.

“We only gave up eight points in the fourth quarter and four of those were from the free throw line. We got some good opportunities off the break there and executed the way we needed to.”

Eyeing a second straight conference win, the Lady Demons have their hands full with a UIW team that boasts one of the stingiest defenses in the SLC.

The Cardinals allow just 58.5 points per game, fourth best in the conference, despite seeing opponents shoot 42 percent from the field against them. They are currently the only team in the SLC allowing less than 60 points per game that has an overall losing record.

Offensively UIW ranks at the bottom of the conference in scoring putting in 54.6 points a night, led by senior Imani Robinson’s 12.2 per game. The Cardinals have been held below 50 points in five of their six losses this season, including a 47-37 defeat in their SLC opener against Central Arkansas.

“They’re a team that’s playing extremely hard and confident,” Dupuy said. “They can grind you out and win in the 40s or 50s or they can put up 70. They can do some different things defensively that can kind of confuse you too. It’s going to be a tough game on Wednesday.”

Stay connected to NSU women’s basketball by following @NSUDemonsWBB on Twitter, @nsuladydemons on Instagram or by liking Northwestern State women’s basketball on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

BOM made a donation for the Cajun Christmas at the Ronald McDonald House Memphis, for the Children of St. Jude. This collection was spearheaded by the Rollo family. In the picture from left to right: Natalie Johnson, Sonya Rollo, Michelle Longlois, Jarrod Abraham.

By Brad Dison

At about 9 O’Clock, on April 10, 1963, retired Army General Edwin Walker sat at his desk and worked on his income taxes in his home in Dallas, Texas. Most of the lights were on in the house and the window shades were up. Had he looked out the window he may have seen someone watching him. Outside, a sharpshooter pulled his 6.5 mm caliber Carcano rifle to his shoulder and rested the barrel on a slat in the lattice fence beside his house. He lined up the shot just as he had learned while inthe Marine Corps. He went over the plan in his head one last time. He knew that once he pulled the trigger there was no turning back. He had but one chance to complete his horrible, self-imposed, task.

He had left nothing to chance. On previous days, he had spent hours watching General Walker and had learned his daily routine. He had dug a shallow hole near the lattice fence just big enough to hide the rifle once the deed was done. He watched the buses and learned precisely how often and at what times the busses stopped at the nearest bust stop. In his pocket he had the exact amount of change needed for his escape. He would lose precious seconds, you see, if the bus driver had to take the time to make change. He carefully planned his escape route so it would be difficult for anyone to follow him. Everything was set.

Staring patiently at his target, the sharpshooter took slow, deep breathes to slow his heart rate. General Walker was just 100 feet away. He only had a small window of opportunity to take the shot and walk to the preselected bus stop to meet the bus which would arrive in less than two minutes. He took careful aim and waited. He felt his pulse slowing and waited to squeeze the trigger until he was in between the beats of his heart.

Bu bump, bu bump, bu bump, POW!!! The sharpshooter fired a single shot, only one shot would be necessary at this short distance, and turned away. Qualified as an expert marksman while in the Marine Corps, he had no doubt that he had hit his mark. He quickly buried the rifle in the hole he had previously dug. Thinking only of remaining calm while escaping, he turned and walked coolly to the bus stop. He boarded the bus thinking he had killed General Walker. But General Walker was not dead, not even seriously injured. The bullet left the sharpshooters rifle, hit the window screen, then the window frame and part of the window and ricocheted. The bullet splintered. The largest fragment hit the wall just above General Walker’s head. Small slivers of the bullet went into General Walker’s arm. At first General Walker thought some kids had taken the screen off the window and had thrown a firecracker into the room with him. Once he realized the severity of the situation, he grabbed a pistol and headed out into the alley where the sharpshooter had been just seconds before. He found no one there. No one was ever charged for the shooting of General Walker.

The sharpshooter returned to his home late that night in a euphoric state. He was pleased with his work and even bragged about it to his wife. His mood went from euphoria to devastation when he learned that his assassination attempt had failed. He went over every detail in his head to try to figure out how he had failed. He may have failed at his attempt to killGeneral Edwin Walker but he would not fail on his next attempt. Just seven months later, three and a half miles away, on November 22, 1963, the sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, fired three shots and assassinated President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – “I hope we didn’t use it all up in one game.”

TONIGHT:  LISTEN LIVE this evening at 7PM.  Just CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

That’s the sentiment NSU coach Mike McConathy has as his Demons prepare for a trip to Incarnate Word on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

NSU (5-8, 2-2 Southland Conference) showcased its most impressive offensive display in an SLC game since 2015 when the Demons shot 60 percent from the floor and beat Houston Baptist, 106-79, on Sunday.

The Demons flashed their offensive potential at times in the first half of the season, but it all came together Sunday as sophomore Trenton Massner led five players in double figures with a career-high 20 points.

NSU is one of the most balanced offensive teams in the nation as two of its top four leading scorers this season (Chudier Bile and Brian White) weren’t among the five double-digit scorers against HBU.

“It’s a great offensive performance, and we made shots that we hadn’t been making,” said NSU coach Mike McConathy, who recorded his 300th win as a Demon and added to his Louisiana collegiate career record of 652 wins. “(Owens) scored with two seconds left on the shot clock in which the ball bounced a couple of times, and (Jones) and John Norvel made 3-pointers against the clock,

“It’s not that we can’t make those shots, we just haven’t been. We had great ball movement, particularly in the first half, and we have to carry that consistently through the entire game.”

Junior Jairus Roberson contributed a career-high 19 points, freshman Jovan Zelenbaba had a career-high eight points and juniors Larry Owens and C.J. Jones each had season highs of 14 and eight points respectively.

Freshman Nikos Chougkaz and junior Jamaure Gregg had two of their better efforts with 12 and 14 points, respectively.

Seven different Demons average at least six points per game led by Bile (12) and Roberson (10).

“It’s great to be able to score like that even without (Bile and White) playing as many minutes as they are used to,” McConathy said. “(Jones) is a very good player, and it’s great to see him have positive body language because he felt good about his contribution.

“C.J. worked extra after practice this week, and that’s when guys get better. We have guys who are paying attention in film sessions, even if it’s not what they want to hear, and applying that in practice.”

Massner has set his personal career highs in each of the last three games as he’s solidified his role in the starting lineup.

The Wapello, Iowa, native is shooting 14-of-20 in those three games as NSU has made at least 45 percent of its shots in four of the last five games.

“We’re as confident as we’ve been all year after (Sunday), which was our best all-around game,” Massner said. “We had a tough loss at (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) and won the game against Lamar before that, so we’re confident and we want to get a big win at UIW.

“We’re moving the ball well and guys are making shots.”

Bile (16-26), Roberson (16-26) and Chougkaz (19-37) are the primary engines behind NSU’s improved shooting in the last four games after the Demons struggled most of the early season.

UIW (3-10, 0-2 SLC) also has a relatively balanced offense with seven players averaging five points per game and 12 players logging multiple starts this season. The Cardinals are averaging 65.5 points per game and are one of the slower-paced teams in the league.

Freshman Keaston Willis leads the Cardinals with 12 points per game and is averaging 14 points in his last 10 contests.

NSU counters with an improving defense that’s allowing opponents to shoot just 41 percent from the floor, third-best in the conference.

A win Wednesday would push the Demons’ league record to 3-2, which would be its best start since 2014-15.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

NATCHITOCHES:
Ledgeress Bryan
March 23, 1967 – January 05, 2020
Service: Wednesday, January 8 at 10 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

Elizabeth Metoyer
January 5, 2020
Service: Thursday, January 9 at 10 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 911 5th Street in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle

Gloria McGaskey Caruthers
January 02, 2020
Service: Saturday, January 11 at 1:30 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Rosa Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in the Marthaville community

Kanick Lewis, Sr.
November 19, 1918 – December 29, 2019
Service: Saturday, January 11 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

SABINE:
Nina Sandel Harris
November 4, 1952 – January 6, 2020
Visitation: Friday, January 10 at 12:30 pm at Prospect United Methodist Church in Florien
Service: Friday, January 10 at 2 pm at Prospect United Methodist Church
Interment: Prospect Cemetery

Alvin “Jack” Brandon
September 4, 1931 – January 6, 2020
Service: Thursday, January 9 at 11:30 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Interment: Zwolle Cemetery

WINN:
Emmy Elizabeth Bostick
July 19, 2018 – January 04, 2020
Service: Thursday, January 9 at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Winnfield

Marvin Cal Bain, Jr.
April 22, 1953 – January 06, 2020
Service: Thursday, January 9 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a homicide that took place Tuesday night on Berry Avenue.

On December 17, 2019 around 10:17 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded to the 1100 block of Berry Avenue in reference to gunshots in the area. Upon officers arrival they located La’Terrian Mitchell (B/M, 27 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) and Shiunte Hicks (B/F, 24 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) suffering from gunshot wounds. La’Terrian Mitchell was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries. Shiunte Hicks was transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with non life threatening injuries.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal has partnered with the Natchitoches Police Department and is offering a $2,500.00 reward for information that will result in an arrest and grand jury indictment of all people involved with this shooting.

The Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or an emergency please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective John Wynn at (318) 357-3811. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

Anonymous Tips by Smartphone:

You may also provide tips that will be anonymous via our Tipsoft Product. Simply send the tip by using your smartphones (download the free application) or by texting (Text-A-Tip) to CRIMES (274637). Use NPDTIPS before typing your message. You can also submit a Web Tip from our Police Protection page.

Check it out: http://www.smscrimetips.com/

Officer John Greely
Natchitoches Police Department

Release Date: December 18, 2019, January 6, 2020

The Northwestern State Athletic Department wants to hear from you.

The department released a survey Monday seeking feedback on the Northwestern State football gameday experience.

The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NSUfootball2019.

The survey is live now and will remain open through Sunday, Jan. 19, and the information gleaned will assist Northwestern State athletic administrators in continuing to improve the gameday experience in and around Turpin Stadium.

“For a number of years now, we have conducted an annual survey for our football season-ticket holders, and the data we have received has been invaluable,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Ticketing Operations and Special Events Mike Jacklich. “We also felt like we should listen to some other voices and get their feedback, too. This year, we want to hear from our single-ticket buyers, people who live in town but haven’t attended a game in a while or folks who haven’t had the chance to attend an NSU football game. It’s 2020; we want to hear from everybody.”

Season tickets for Northwestern State’s five-game 2020 home schedule go on sale Feb. 5.

A cohort of students from central Louisiana graduated Dec. 18 from the fall phlebotomy technician training course held at Northwestern State University’s Cenla Campus in Alexandria.

Graduates were Tiffany Pinckard and Valedictorian Haley Sylvester of Natchitoches, Taylor Jackson, Jasmyne Jakson and Sharesse Hood of Pineville, Salutatorian DjQuala Blue of Alexandria and Rochelle Austin of Marksville.

The seven-week course was broken down into two parts. The first five weeks of classroom instruction included 30 of the required 100 venipuncture sticks. Two weeks of clinical time allowed students to obtain the remaining 70 venipuncture sticks and could be completed in as little as three or four days.

The course is designed to teach entry level phlebotomy skills to students interested in pursuing a career in phlebotomy. Students are required to complete classroom instruction and 100 venipunctures before they are allowed to take the board exam. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students are eligible to take the National Board Certification Exam on site through the American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals. This course also includes Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through the American Heart Association.

The next session will begin March 16 with classes held from 6-9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on NSU’s main campus in South Hall Room 100. Sherry Hinton of Stick It Phlebotomy will be the course instructor. Clinical labs can be completed April 20-May 1.

To participate, students must provide proof of high school diploma, GED or official transcript and must pay $150 National Board Certification and material fee to the instructor the first night of class and must purchase. There is a possibility of random drug screenings at the student’s expense at clinical sites.

Student may purchase required textbook, “Phlebotomy Essentials, 6th edition” (Wolters Kluwer), and will need it prior to the first night of class. This book is not available through the NSU bookstore but can be purchased through a variety of locations. The book may also be checked out from the instructor at no cost. However, if it is returned damaged or not returned at all there will be a $60 fee that must be paid before being allowed to sit for the National Board Examination.

Students must purchase a set of solid scrubs in any color for clinical days. These will not be needed until clinical begins.

The total cost of the class is $950 plus the $150 paid to the instructor the first night of the class for the National Board Certification and material fee. Students must provide a minimum payment of $475 with registration. Remaining balance must be paid through https://checkout.nsula.edu/ prior to Monday, April 13. There are additional requirements and costs associated with the Louisiana Licensure (mandatory for employment) that will be discussed by the instructor. These fees are not associated with NSU or Stick It Phlebotomy.

To register for classes, go to https://checkout.nsula.edu/.

For more information on our Non-Credit programs call (800)376-2422 or (318)357-6355.

Fall Phlebotomy Graduates:

Graduates of the fall phlebotomy technician class at NSU’s Cenla Campus were, from left, Tiffany Pinckard, Haley Sylvester, valedictorian; Taylor Jackson, Instructor Sherry Hinton, Jasmyne Jackson, Sharesse Hood, DjQuala Blue, salutatorian, and Rochelle Austin of Marksville.

The wet, cold, and dreary weather that we experience in January is not the type weather that typically tempts you to get out and work in the garden or yard. However, January is a great time for some yard maintenance and to get the garden ready for spring planting. Additionally, there are some garden plants that need to get in the ground this time of year.

Garden Prep

If you are going to use a new area for your garden, or if your old garden is overgrown with cool season weeds, the first step to getting it ready is to do a “burndown”. This term means using a non-selective herbicide (usually one containing glyphosate) to kill everything in the area. After the first application, new weeds will start to pop up. These can be killed with a second application a few weeks later. Once you feel you’ve gotten a good hold on the weeds, you may till the garden area when the ground is dry enough to be worked.

The key to keeping the weed burden from becoming overwhelming is to prevent them throughout the year. The best way to do this is by using pre-emerge herbicides in combination with a good thick mulch. Using pre-emerge herbicides throughout the year prevent germinating seeds from emerging and making seed. The mulch also helps keep the weeds in check, but also retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and adds organic matter.

Now is also the time to send off soil samples. Without a soil sample, you are blindly applying products that may not even be needed. Your soil sample results will tell you the pH of your soil (VERY important) and how to adjust it if needed, nutrient levels in the soil, and it will give a recommendation for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applications.

Lastly, go ahead and order your spring garden seeds to ensure you get your preferred varieties. Seed can be stored safely in the refrigerator.

Current Garden Chores

If you currently have an active garden, there are several things that you can do in January. Greens and cabbage need to be checked daily for insect damage from worms, snails, and slugs, and aphids. Worms, snails, and slugs cause chewing damage to the leaves, while aphids pierce the leaves and suck juices from the leaves, causing discoloration. Products containing bifenthrin work very well on aphids, as do insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils. Worms such as loopers are controlled with a natural product called Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). There are baits available for slug and snail control. Carefully read the label on all pesticides before applying.

Planting

1). Potatoes- As the weather permits, go ahead and get your rows ready for potato planting in late January and February. Don’t cut your seed potato pieces until a few days before planting.

2). Onions- Onion sets can be planted in January

3). Transplants- Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, kale, and lettuce can be transplanted into the garden. Leave room for later plantings to extend your harvest season.

4). Start Seedlings- Tomato, peppers, and eggplant seedlings can be started in late January for transplant in the spring. It will take 8-10 weeks to get a good-sized seedling.

Yard

You are likely seeing some cool season weeds popping up in your yard. Henbit and lawn burweed are common complaints this time of year that can be controlled with a product containing atrazine. Plants that have seeded already will still germinate next year, however atrazine can also be used as a pre-emerge against these weeds in fall or early winter. Read the label carefully.

Yard trees shed a lot of leaves in the fall. These can be raked up and used as an effective mulch around fruit trees or in the garden. Leaves can also be shredded and added to your compost pile. Whole leaves also work in compost but will take longer to break down.

Now is the time to prune your trees. Incorrectly pruning trees can lead to serious problems down the road. Never cut limbs off in the middle. Limbs should always be cut back to their origin. This allows the tree to seal the wound correctly.

Crape myrtles are the most mistreated plant that I know of in our area. These trees are commonly “topped” or “crape murdered”. The result is a barren looking stalk of a dormant tree that wildly grows spindly limbs in the spring. Over time, repeating this practice causes a swollen scarred area called a pollard. This practice leads to weak and unhealthy growth. Crape myrtles are a flowering tree and therefore should have a tree shape, not a shrub (unless you have the dwarf variety). To correctly prune crape myrtles, remove suckers, branches that rub each other, dead and diseased material, and limbs that do not contribute to the desired shape. You will be rewarded with a healthy tree with plenty of blooms. If you are looking to plant crape myrtles, research the varieties that are available because there are vast differences in the sizes of these varieties.

Dormant fruit trees, shade trees, and shrubs can be transplanted into the landscape while they are dormant prior to spring growth. When purchasing fruit trees, be sure that you are getting a variety that is intended for this area. Also be aware that some types of fruit trees require more than one tree or variety.

For more information contact Randall Mallette, County Agent, at the local LSU AgCenter Extension Office 318-357-2224.  You can also visit us at 624 Second St, Natchitoches.

Northwestern State basketball fans will have plenty of chances to re-watch Sunday’s historic sweep of Houston Baptist.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, NSU’s two victories against the Huskies will air on NSU TV through Wednesday, taking fans up to the Lady Demons’ home matchup against Incarnate Word.

Replays of the Lady Demons’ 69-60 win against Houston Baptist will air at 8 p.m. Sunday, starting the replays. Senior guard Kira Bonner had a career-high 32 points to lead Northwestern State to its first Southland Conference win of the season.

In the nightcap, the Demons cruised past Houston Baptist, 106-79, earning Mike McConathy his 300th win as the Demons head coach. Replays of that game will air at

The games will air beginning at midnight, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday in back-to-back blocks, beginning with the women’s game. Wednesday’s blocks begin at midnight and 8 a.m., leading into the 6:30 p.m. home women’s game against UIW.

NSU TV is available in the Natchitoches area on SuddenLink Channel 22, CP-Tel Channel 55 and on campus in University Place 1 and 2 on Channel 8.

The replay is produced by NSU TV General Manager Davey Antilley and features the call of the games by Demon Sports Network announcers Patrick Netherton and Brad Welborn.

NATCHITOCHES:
Elizabeth Metoyer
January 5, 2020
Service: Thursday, January 9 at 10 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 911 5th Street in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle

Gloria McGaskey Caruthers
January 02, 2020
Service: Saturday, January 11 at 1:30 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Rosa Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in the Marthaville community

Kanick Lewis, Sr.
November 19, 1918 – December 29, 2019
Service: Saturday, January 11 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

WINN:
Anita Coleman
July 23, 1951 – January 04, 2020
Service: Tuesday, January 7 at 2 pm at Gloryway Church
Interment: Antioch Community Cemetery in Brewton’s Mill

The following is important information for the April 4, 2020 Presidential Preference Primary Election:

The qualifying period is January 8 – 10. Local and municipal candidates qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote.  Qualifying fees must be paid in the form of cash; certified or cashier’s check on a state or national bank or credit union; U.S. postal money order; or money order issued by a state or national bank or credit union and must be accompanied by the qualifying form.

The following offices will be up for election during the April 4, 2020 Election:
Mayor – City of Natchitoches
City Council District 1 – Natchitoches
City Council District 2 – Natchitoches
City Council District 3 – Natchitoches
City Council District 4 – Natchitoches
City Council District At Large – Natchitoches

Mayor – Clarence
Chief of Police – Clarence
Aldermen ALL – Clarence

Mayor – Powhatan
Chief of Police – Powhatan
Aldermen ALL – Pwohatan

Democratic State Central Committee Members – ALL
Republican State Central Committee Members – ALL
Democratic Parish Executive Committee Member
Republican Parish Executive Committee Member 

For Qualifying Fee Schedule, please see document attached below:

December 3, 1954 – January 3, 2020

Jesse Andrew Poole, known as Andy to his friends and family, passed away on January 3, 2020. Visitation will be held Monday, Jan. 6 from 5-8 pm at the Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Jena. A service will follow on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 10 am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, with a short service at the Randall Family Cemetery to follow and a gathering of family, friends and food after that at the house in Aimwell.

Andy was one of the most decent, honest, conservative, God fearing, family men that our Lord has ever put on the face of his earth. Andy moved to Natchitoches from Aimwell, Louisiana in the late 70’s to go to the Natchitoches Technical College. He graduated with a degree in Business Accounting. After working in a CPA firm for several years he broke away in 1993 and opened J.A. Poole Inc., Professional Accounting and Tax Service.

Andy the son of the late Moses and Lois Poole of Aimwell. He is survived by his sons Jesse, Jacob and Joseph Poole, his siblings Glenn Poole, Sherwood Poole, Betty Miller and Marjorie Taylor, and two grandchildren, Jessica and Jaydon Poole. Pallbearers will be his closest friends Mark Holloway, Keith Stewart, Tony Teer, Bill Little, Ben Little and Kenny Cay, Richard Alford (honorary), Willie Harrison (honorary), and Morgan Holloway (honorary).

Five Northwestern State scorers reached double figures as the Demons topped the 100-point mark in Southland Conference for the first time in five years Sunday in a 106-79 win against Houston Baptist.

The Demons (5-8, 2-2 SLC) made 60 percent from the field and 10-of-20 from the 3-point line in an offensive showcase that totaled the most points since netting 110 against Central Arkansas on Feb. 3, 2015.

The 27-point conference win against HBU (1-11, 1-2 SLC) is NSU’s largest margin since topping Nicholls by 29 points on Jan. 26, 2015.

“It was awesome – 60 percent from the floor, and I hope we have some left for Wednesday night (at Incarnate Word),” said NSU coach Mike McConathy, who was honored at half court postgame for his 300th win as a Demon in his 21st season. “I thought the guys did a great job of moving the ball and attacking.

“Great effort on our kids’ part of competing and finishing the game.”

Four Demons set or tied career highs in points with sophomore Trenton Massner leading the way with 20 points. He shot 6-of-9 from the floor with two 3-pointers and six rebounds.

Junior Jairus Roberson added a career-high 19 points, Larry Owens tied his career best with 14 points and Jovan Zelebaba tied his career-high eight points.

Massner set his career-high in points for the second straight game after scoring 10 points at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday.

“We’re getting out in transition, and that’s when our offense is best,” Massner said. “We also moved the ball way better in the half court instead of trying just to take people 1-on-1, and that’s what the best teams do.

“We got better looks, and it makes your shooters more confident. (Roberson) started to make shots, then I hit some shots and (Jovan Zelenbaba) shot well, so it was a team effort and a good night.”

Roberson scored 11 of his career-high 19 points in a pivotal first-half run in which NSU built a lead that Houston Baptist (1-11, 1-2 SLC) never threatened.

Trailing 9-8, NSU pieced together a 19-5 run with two of Roberson’s three 3-pointers and five free throws.

NSU led 27-14 with nine minutes remaining in the first half, and the Huskies never got closer than 11 points early in the second half.

Two other Demons in double figures included Jamaure Gregg (14 points on 5-of-8 shooting with eight rebounds) and Nikos Chougkaz (12 points on 4-of-7 shooting with seven rebounds).

“We finally got rolling, and it’s nice to see teammates make the shots they are certainly capable of making,” Gregg said. “I had a bad couple of games since coming back from my injury (concussion), and the coaches kept talking to me, slowing me down and encouraging me to be more aggressive.

“We stuck together after the technical fouls and our two guys (Gatdoar Kueth and Chudier Bile) getting ejected, and we bonded and said we had to do it for them.”

The Demons got plenty of help off the bench besides Roberson.

Junior point guard C.J. Jones scored a season-high eight points as he and junior John Norvel combined for a quality 28 minutes to spell starter Brian White.

Zelenbaba made both of his 3-pointers in the second half to keep Demons’ offense on track.

“Jamaure Gregg played with purpose and passion,” McConathy said. “The play of Jones and Norvel was extremely critical along with Zelenbaba.

“Zelenbaba fouled out for the second straight game, but I’d rather him be aggressive and foul out than not be aggressive. Massner knows the game so well, and he’s sneaky athletic. He makes an impact whether he’s getting stats or not.”

NSU’s 10 3-pointers tied for the second highest this season (11 vs. Centenary).

After the game, McConathy was surrounded by a coaching staff that’s been with him for most of his 21 NSU seasons to celebrate No. 300.

The staff has been with McConathy for its ninth total season (not consecutively), which is the third-longest tenured staff in the nation.

Assistant coaches Jeff Moore (14th season) and Jacob Spielbauer (13th season) have been by McConathy’s side each of those seasons, while assistant Dave Simmons is in second season back in Natchitoches after serving with McConathy from 1999-2006, McConathy’s first seasons as a Demon.

Simmons was the head coach at McNeese from 2006-2018.

“It’s awesome to be there with your team and have the ones that have been there with me as coaches,” said McConathy, who is already Louisiana’s winningest collegiate basketball coach with 652 wins (352 at Bossier Parish Community College). “(Simmons) started with me, Moore’s done a remarkable job in his 14 years and Spielbauer’s been with me a long time – and it’s great to be a part of that.

“It’s longevity, and I would have liked to have won a lot more, but I’m thankful for the ones we got and we’ll try to add on to those. I’m thankful for the players and the administration. I told (NSU director of athletics) Greg Burke that we’ve had some great years and some tough years, and I’m grateful to him for hiring me and grateful for him sticking with me.”

Listen LIVE to the Mike McConathy Coaches Show this morning at 8:30am on 959 Kix Country or you can CLICK HERE

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

By Melanie Wilson

I hate to admit I have limitations because I think I can do anything and everything.

If I don’t know how to do something I will YouTube and Google anything… and the guy at Stines in the plumbing section thinks I’m crazy because I can make anything out of pvc pipe.

But I have learned a lot being a mom….

I HAVE limitations. You heard it here first… I HAVE limitations.

Each child has taught me something different.

The first baby taught me what unconditional, full-hearted, overwhelming love is.

The second baby taught me how watching someone crawl, pull up, and walk for the first time is so special and memories I will never forget.

The twins taught me about myself. Let me first start off by saying I love them with my entire heart. I am an infant one baby at a time momma.

Toddler twins are so much fun but they are nonstop AND there are two of them and only one of me. Lesson learned don’t be out numbered by toddlers!

It was hard but I’m thankful and blessed by those two cute little toddlers.

I’m thankful I learned this lesson because I thought I would always say yes if they called me for a placement but now I know that if I know I can’t be helpful to a child they call me about I have to say no and do what is best for that child.

I had to say no the weekend before Christmas. There was a group of siblings – 2 teenagers and 2 toddlers. As hard as it was I knew I had to say no.

I have limitations and I have to listen to them to be able to help the children that come into my life.

I am an infant and a one baby at a time momma and that is ok!

Jannie LaCour retired from BOM Bank on Dec 31. Mrs. Jannie had been in banking 28 years and 20 years at BOM Bank. Jannie was the Branch Manager and Customer Service Representative at the Branch in Cloutierville. The bank hosted a retirement party for Mrs. Jannie on Dec. 19. Jannie’s family, friends, customers and the community were in attendance.

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Kira Bonner’s career-high 32 points lifted Northwestern State to its first conference win Sunday afternoon 69-60 against Houston Baptist.

Bonner’s 32 points are the most by a Northwestern State player since Nautica Grant poured in 34 exactly one year ago in a win over McNeese.

“I have to thank my teammates and coaches for believing in me and getting me the ball and believing I could do the job for them,” Bonner said.

The Lady Demons (4-8, 1-3) outscored HBU 19-8 in the final quarter to turn a two-point deficit into a nine-point victory. HBU (4-8, 0-4) lost its fifth consecutive contest after starting the season 4-3.

“The last three conference games were close losses and we didn’t get the little things done,” Bonner said. “Today, we made layups, we made plays and everyone stepped up. It feels good to get the first conference win.”

NSU was stingy on defense, forcing 25 HBU turnovers and converting them to 19 points. They also allowed the Huskies to shoot just 37.5 percent from the field, including 2-of-12 in the final period.

“There’s a lot of times the press actually hurts us and we give up easy buckets, but when we do that, it keeps some form of pressure on them for an entire game,” head coach Jordan Dupuy said.

“What that did was it caused a bit of fatigue and the shots that were going in the first three quarters were more difficult to make in the fourth. Any time we are playing at our best, it’s because of our defense and turning our defense into offense.”

The day began just the way Dupuy wanted, as Bonner drained two triples and Jasmynn Johnson added another from the left wing on three consecutive possessions and the Lady Demons jumped out to a 9-0 lead.

However, the Lady Demons went nearly eight minutes without points and the Huskies took advantage, going on an extended 20-2 run, spanning two quarters, to vault out to a 20-11 lead, their largest of the contest.

But in a half of runs, NSU fought back with 13 consecutive points to climb back in front, and the Lady Demons went to the break in front 34-33. The 13-0 run began with a triple by Bonner from the right corner, and the senior had nine of the 13 points during that run.

“Our coach always tells us it’s a game of runs,” Victoria Miller said. “In practice, we can put up 10-15 points in 30 seconds if we really go for it. He reminded us of that. He said that we needed to hit a run and we met the challenge. We had a lot of people step up to the plate and make some good plays.”

The third quarter was kind to the Huskies, as it shot 47 percent in the quarter to take a two-point lead. In the second frame, HBU took five 3-pointers and only made one. In the third, the Huskies made a concerted effort to get the ball inside and had success. HBU shot 46.7 percent in the quarter and made five free throws.

For the game, the Huskies had 32 points in the paint, compared to 20 for the Lady Demons.

NSU shot 5-of-11 in the final quarter and made eight of 10 free throws to seal the game.

“The biggest thing was finishing,” Dupuy said. “We’ve had a lot of games where we didn’t finish the job. We did that, out-rebounding them in the fourth.”

With HBU in front 56-54, Bonner scored six consecutive points to jumpstart another 13-0 run to take a two-point deficit and turn the game into an NSU victory.

The Lady Demons won the game at the free throw line, making 22 of 28 attempts. The Huskies went to the line 29 times, but only converted on 17.

Bonner was the only Lady Demon in double figures, but Johnson and Jocelyn Scott each snared seven rebounds and Lacee Savage grabbed six. Freshman Tristen Washington led NSU with four assists.

Megan Valdez-Crader played all 40 minutes and scored 23 points to lead HBU, but only scored three in the final quarter and did not make a field goal. Timia Jefferson was the other Husky in double figures with 13 and she dished out four assists, but also turned the ball over eight times.

NSU returns to the court Wednesday when it welcomes UIW to Prather Coliseum for a 6:30 tip.

Stay connected to NSU women’s basketball by following @NSUDemonsWBB on Twitter, @nsuladydemons on Instagram, or by liking Northwestern State women’s basketball on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

BOM continued our Gold sponsorship of the Lakeview High School Basketball Program. Pictured from left are LHS Principal, William Hymes, BOM Branch Manager and Lender, Tiffany Woods, and LHS Head Basketball Coach, Brian Williams.

The Homesman is Hoopla Digital’s “Movie of the Month” for January. When three women are driven mad by harsh pioneer life, pious, independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy (Hillary Swank) must take the women to Iowa by covered wagon. Cuddy enlists the help of a low-life drifter, George Briggs (Tommy Lee Jones), to help her take the women east, where a minister and his wife (Meryl Streep) offered to take the women in. Can they make it through the brutal, unforgiving Nebraska Territories?

Hoopla is an app that offers Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) users digital downloads of comics, music, books, audiobooks, TV shows, and movies, you only need your free NPL card. Even without a card, parish residents may create an account and check out up to two items to test out the service. After getting a card, you will gain full access! Each account/library card gets 15 checkouts through Hoopla each month, with the count resetting on the 1st of each month (unused checkouts do not carry over).

If you already have a library card and would like to create an account, you can visit hoopladigital.com or download the Hoopla Digital app for iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon fireTV, Apple TV or Chromecast. From there click “Sign Up” and select “Natchitoches Parish Library” from the “Nearby” list, or search for it if it does not appear. Then create an account by entering an email address and password. You will also be asked to enter your library card number and PIN. If you do not remember your PIN, you may call the NPL (318-357-3280) to reset it.

If you need help setting up an account, or accessing this any NPL database, you may visit any circulation desk at either branch location. You may also phone for assistance at 318-357-3280.