The Rotary Club of Natchitoches honored Student of the Month Funke Adeleye, a Senior at the Louisiana School for Math Sciences and the Arts (LSMSA) at its Jan. 14 meeting. LSMSA Coordinator of Athletics Dale Clingerman introduced Adeleye and described her many accomplishments.
Natchitoches Parish President John Richmond was the guest speaker at the January 14 meeting of Rotary Club of Natchitoches. Pictured from left are Rotarian with the Program Paul Rinehart and Richmond
Pictured from left are LSMSA Assistant Director of Enrollment Michael Sumner, Northwestern State University Recruiter Forest Middlebrook, Rotarian Tommy Melder, Adeleye, and Clingerman. (Photos by Dr. Ron McBride).
One week of indoor track and field season, one award for the Northwestern State program.
Sophomore shot putter Marco Arevalo was named the Southland Conference Indoor Field Athlete of the Week on Wednesday for his victorious performance at the season-opening LSU Purple Tiger.
Arevalo unleashed the longest throw by a Southland competitor, a 50-7.5 mark that gave him his first career victory.
A sophomore from Falfurrias, Texas, Arevalo’s final four throws of the meet all would have won the event. The award is the first of Arevalo’s career.
The Demons return to action Friday when they travel to College Station, Texas, for the Texas A&M Ted Nelson Invitational.
BOM was proud to help the SMS Seniors with their Senior Service Project. They collected canned goods and kitchen supplies for the NSU Food Pantry. We are very proud of the SMS Seniors for their efforts with this fundraiser. Pictured are Blaise LaCour, Denise Bailey (LMSW – NSU Social Work faculty), Claire Mayeaux, Ragan Hale, Thomas Howell, Jordan White, and Tate Nelson.
NATCHITOCHES: Annaley Cecile Ratliff October 14, 2017 – January 1, 2020 Private service held Jan. 15
Fredia Williams Trichel February 13, 1948 – January 10, 2020 Visitation: Friday, January 17 from 5-8 pm and Saturday, January 18 from 8-11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Service: Saturday, January 18 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Interment: Clearlake Cemetery near Goldonna
Ida Mae Roy January 11, 2020 Arrangements TBA
Louis Fair Hyams III October 2, 1955 – November 30, 2019 Service: Saturday, January 18 at 1 pm at Immaculate Conception Basilica with reception immediately following the service at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant
Claudia Moore Triche July 27, 1949 – January 09, 2020 Visitation: Friday, January 17 from 9-10:30 am in the Crossroads Worship Center of the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches Service: Friday, January 17 at 11 am at The First United Methodist Church Interment: American Cemetery in Natchitoches
Audrey Ann Ravard April 15, 1947 – January 8, 2020 Visitation: Friday , January 17 from 8-9:30 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle Service: Friday, January 17 at 10 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Sherman O. Gilbert January 9, 2020 Arrangements TBA
WINN: Robert Wilmer Simmons October 1, 1917 – December 31, 2019 Service: Saturday, Januray 18 at 11 am in the Verda Baptist Church, located at 2688 Highway 122 in Verda
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
The Parish Council for Natchitoches Parish held a Special Called meeting Jan. 14 to address a few agenda items left over from the previous Council year. Due to the failure of several outgoing Council members to attend the last meeting of the year, and a subsequent Special Called meeting, this Special Called meeting was necessary. Changes for the meeting date needed to be approved for January (Jan. 27). The item to change the meeting date for February to Feb. 18 was tabled so members could check their availability.
People matter more than projects. Relationships matter more than results. Names matter more than numbers. The team at Rhodes Realty understands this now more than ever as they continue to grow and expand. The company went from $23 million in total sales volume its first year to over $81 million in 2019.
“The people are the reason we’re seeing this growth,” said Chief Operations Officer Mario Fox. “My position has really put my feet to the fire to be better every day. It’s taught me how to be a better Mario.”
Owners Justin and James Rhodes have developed a culture around a simple phrase:
NO PROBLEMS…ONLY SOLUTIONS
This philosophy permeates every aspect of the work they do. From marketing to admin and team leader meetings, Rhodes Realty finds solutions. Their commitment is why clients choose them and why agents come to work for them.
“We put our blood, sweat and tears into giving our agents the tools they need to be the best in the industry. This in turn provides our clients with the best possible experience when they’re building or buying their first home or the next home for their life’s journey,” said Owner Justin Rhodes.
Real estate has transformed into a technology based industry, so staying on the cutting edge as things evolve is vital. It starts with continuously updating the website for better utilization by agents and clients and continues with developing software and creating resources to make the buying/selling process as easy as possible for everyone who comes to sit at the table.
“We want to better our team members and our clients,” said CEO Rodrick McIntosh. “We try to take a lot of the stress away. We have a diverse group of agents that can handle high end real estate, first time home buyers, investors, and so much more. We’re a multi-national multi-cultural group and it all comes together and we have a great time.”
One of the most important things is that Rhodes Realty does everything in house to make the buying/selling process seamless between its offices when clients are moving from one end of the state to another.
But this vision for offering an all-in-one experience means new office locations are needed. Already established in Natchitoches, Shreveport and Ruston, new locations will soon open in Lafayette and Pineville. The Rhodes Realty team itself has grown to 43 agents in the past two years and they’re looking to add 20-30 more by the end of 2020.
“We put a lot of time and energy into opening these new offices because we understand what it means to have a comfortable environment for our clients and agents,” said James. “It also serves as a way to teach our agents how to service new construction clients, which is a huge skill they get to learn through our expansion process.”
For those agents that have taken the leap of faith to join the team, the Rhodes Realty admins enjoy seeing first year agents become #1 agents, have millions in sales, and grow into team leaders and bosses.
“We want to better the business and the people,” said Mario. “What we implement affects our agents, our clients and all of their families.”
Justin and James agree wholeheartedly. “Our growth can be contributed to the culture we’ve created and the commitment we instill,” said Justin. “We’re doubling down for 2020 and we’re excited to see what lies ahead!”
Lafayette Office: 101 Rue Fontaine, Building 3 Pineville Office: 3316 Military Highway Natchitoches Office: 404 Rapides Drive Ruston: 2304 Commons Court, Unit 2 Shreveport: 9105 Ellerbee Road
A Colorado theatre director had high praise for Northwestern State University’s Theatre and Dance program, telling an interviewer NSU was one of his best sources for talent.
Tim Moore, producing artistic director of the Thingamajig Theatre Company at the Pagosa Springs (Colorado) Center for the Arts has used numerous theatre students, directors and choreographers in his summer productions over the past several years.
“I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how professional the NSU students, graduates and teachers are,” Moore told the Pagosa Daily Post. “They are serious, prepared and tireless in their execution of performance art – certainly some of the most passionate, well-trained artists in today’s market.”
Over the years, 16 NSU actors, directors and choreographers have worked at Thingamajig including Ryan Hazelbaker, Taylor Marrs, Alisha Munds, Marion Bienvenu, Pia Wyatt, Tyler Price Robinson, Samantha Rohr, Asher Van Meter, Emily Ricalde, Trevor Brown, Rayshaughn Armant, Rosa Campbell, Jessi Miller, Jesse McFarland, Cassidy Giddens and Andrew Lewis.
Moore will travel to NSU early this semester to recruit for the theatre’s summer musical schedule, which will include “Sweeney Todd,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adoption of “The Wizard of Oz,” “Godspell,” and “Bright Star,” a drama featuring bluegrass music composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.
He will also have auditions at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and other spots in the New York area and at the Unified Performing Theatre Auditions in Memphis.
Nearly three dozen Thingamajig alumni are working professionally in New York.
The Thingamajig Company performs throughout the year, drawing performers from throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information on the Thingamajig Theatre, go to thingamajigtheatre.org.
The Young at Heart met Jan. 8 at First Methodist Bostic Hall for celebration of Birthdays and Anniversaries. Anniversaries celebrated were Jamie and Terry Steadman and Sophie and Hyland Packard. Birthdays for the month were Waldean Shaw, Jamie Steadman, Terry Steadman, Carolyn Stothart and Hyland Packard.
The program was presented by Rev. Doug deGraffenried regarding ideas for new year: breathe deep, embrace night wisdom (ie dreams when god speaks), dance freely, release unnecessary stuff (ie junk drawers or rooms), and ask for the wisdom of our ancestors who are a great cloud of witnesses described in the Bible.
Decorations for theme “Let It Snow” were provided by the Dethloff Circle of Women. Young at Heart group meets on the first Wednesday of each month and is open to the public for $3 for lunch or just bring a covered dish to share.
Happy Wednesday my stylers, while I know skinny jeans will never actually go out of style, but there’s a new range of fresh silhouettes that continue to rise in popularity. Yes, I’m talking about styles like flared denim but also another recent favorite among the fashion world, full-length denim. This cut is in a straight fit, typically comes in a lighter wash, and bunches just slightly on top of the shoes.
The everyday essential had a huge presence on the runways last September with big designer from Givenchy to Gucci and Celine showcasing the much-loved fabric in a variety of range of ways, including cropped culottes and ’70s flares. Yes! Boot-cut jeans are back. If you follow me on my social media you know I’m obsessed with everything flare. The leg-lengthening flared denim silhouette is predicted to be huge this year. Go for a high-waisted pair cinched at the waist with a narrow belt
I know this style is a far cry from the cropped skinny and straight jeans that we’ve been wearing over the last decade, but this is one denim style that will be that can put a spin to any outfit in the 2020s. I can bet the chicest people out there will give these jeans a try with pointed ankle boots or high-heel strappy sandals when the temperatures start to warm up. Keeping in mind that this is Louisiana and hot days comes randomly Bermuda-style long shorts, culottes, or cropped wide-leg styles were also all over the runways. Wearing them with knee-high boots, or booties will give you that pre-spring look without looking too cold.
STYLE TIPS A pair of pointed stilettos pared unexpected with light-wash jeans, a graphic tee, and a moto jacket.
Into darker jeans? Try a full-length style with a leather jacket and black boots for a cool vibe.
Bring instant polish to light-wash jeans with a blazer and sleek turtleneck.
The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the Legacy Café with the 2nd Annual Legacy Lunch on January 20th from 11pm to 3pm.
The Legacy Café is a component of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center and acts as the hands-on training environment for participants in the Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program. The Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program serves young adults ages 17-24 who are out of work and school. Participants learn food service skills by participating in rotations at the Legacy Café, gaining the ability to enter and remain in the workforce.
The Legacy Café, located at 400 MLK Drive, Suite J, offers a made from scratch menu with locally sourced ingredients when available.
The Legacy Lunch is an annual fundraising event on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The set menu of BBQ chicken, baked beans, potato salad, a roll and chocolate chip cookie, is available to purchase for $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Legacy Café. All funds raised from the lunch as well as at the Café support the programs of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center.
Claire Prymus, founder and Board Chair, “We are pleased to support young people in Natchitoches as they pursue sustainable employment and life skills.”
Founded by Claire Prymus in honor of her late uncle, the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success for all of its residents.
Northwestern State has finally reached the end of the road – at the least the end of its extended road trip.
The Demons (6-9, 3-3 Southland Conference) wrap up a three-game road swing Wednesday at Nicholls (11-6, 5-1 SLC), finishing a stretch of five of their first seven league games on the road.
Fans can listen to the 7 p.m. game on the Demons Sports Network – 95.9 FM Kix Country in Natchitoches or CLICK HERE.
Despite the long and winding road, NSU has an opportunity to move above .500 in league play with a win, setting itself up for a stretch run that includes eight of its last 13 games in Prather Coliseum.
“You’ve got to go win at home or on the road, but getting a win Wednesday would certainly help because I do feel like our guys have played with more confidence at home than in previous years,” said NSU coach Mike McConathy. “This team believes they can win in any game they go out and play.
“We need to go take care of business against a Nicholls team that is very formidable.”
NSU enters Wednesday game in a tie for sixth place with Lamar (9-8, 3-3 SLC), whom the Demons beat in Natchitoches in the opening weekend.
That formidable Colonels squad technically leads the SLC at 5-1, having more wins than Stephen F. Austin (4-1 SLC, 13-3 overall) and Abilene Christian (4-1 SLC, 9-7 overall).
Nicholls is on a four-game winning streak which included three road wins at Southeastern, Lamar and Sam Houston State.
While NSU has owned the all-time series (71-45) and in McConathy’s overall tenure (26-13), the Colonels have won the last four meetings between the programs.
Both squads feature a balanced offense attack in which seven Demons are averaging at least six points per game and six Colonels average at least eight points.
NSU junior Chudier Bile has consecutive double-doubles with a career-high 22 points and 12 rebounds in a win at UIW and 15 points and a career-high 13 rebounds in a loss at McNeese.
“(At UIW), I was just playing to my strength, getting downhill and playing as physical as possible to get to the foul line,” said Bile, who made 12 free throws including NSU’s final five points to hold off the Cardinals this past week. “When we rebound and crash the glass hard, our team is pretty good.
“We have a lot of guys stepping up when we’ve had injuries to (LaTerrance Reed, Brian White and Nikos Chougkaz), and (C.J. Jones and Trent Massner) have been our floor generals right now. We’re seeing the floor and getting people open, and a guy like Jovan Zelenbaba is coming on and making shots and playing defense.”
Nicholls senior Dexter McClanahan leads three Colonels in double figures with 15 points per game after redshirting this past season with a transfer from Savannah State.
Twelve Colonels transferred into Nicholls at some point in their careers.
One key aspect will be the discrepancy in turnovers.
Nicholls leads the nation with 188 steals this season and is fourth nationally with nearly 20 turnovers forced per game.
NSU doesn’t give up many steals, but the Demons do commit 17 turnovers per game.
“Nicholls has done an outstanding job, and they’ve been very successful at creating a lot of turnovers,” McConathy said. “They are very long and athletic.
“I’m thankful that our turnovers haven’t led to a lot of fast breaks for our opponents, but the reality is that we’re shooting about (seven fewer shots) per conference game than our opponents. When you don’t take as many shots, you’ll have less of a chance to win. So we’re working on footwork, passing and jump stopping to reduce the turnovers we’re making.”
McConathy added contesting shots and rebounding to the must-do list.
Wednesday will be NSU’s third game in seven days and fifth since Jan. 2, but the Demons won’t play Saturday and will be preparing for a visit from Stephen F. Austin on Jan. 22.
Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services
During the months of November and December, the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) held its “Fine ForGIVING” program for the second year. The NPL waived most types of fines from patron accounts to honor the patrons that gave so much back to the community. Donations of all sorts were accepted for distribution: canned goods, dog and cat food, toys, coats, and costumes. Donated items were then distributed with partner organizations within the parish.
“If you missed this past years Fine ForGIVING program it will be back again this year.” says Alan Niette, NPL Outreach Coordinator “Besides, our checkout services can still be accessed as long as your fines total less than $5! All of our programming and digital checkout is always available no matter the fine amount on an account!”
For more information regarding NPL programming and services, you may contact Alan Niette, Community Outreach Coordinator, at alan@natlib.org or 318-238-9236.
BOM is proud to sponsor the NCHS Fishing team! Good luck this season guys!
Pictured from left are Jacob Murchison, BOM Credit Analyst, Asen Kay, Kaden Elkins, Taylor Jordan, Slade Sanders, Tanner Walker, Luke Lucky, BOM Credit Analyst, Lyn Christophe, BOM Senior Vice President.
Northwestern State returns to its home floor on Wednesday night for the 10th home game of the season hosting Nicholls in a key Southland Conference matchup.
A third of the way through the conference schedule, the Lady Demons and Colonels enter the contest with identical 4-11 overall and 1-5 marks in league play, creating a near must-win game for both as far as the conference tournament is concerned.
Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. inside Prather Coliseum. Live coverage is available locally on 92.3 FM The Fox or CLICK HERE and the Northwestern State Athletics mobile app, which is available to download on either the Apple Store or Google Play.
Although the Lady Demons were not able to pull out the road victory this past Saturday at McNeese, the team showed more and more signs of what coach Jordan Dupuy has been looking for all season – physical play.
NSU held its ground against a very physical Cowgirl team, taking a lead into the half and only trailing by one in the rebounding category. McNeese found a hot shooting hand and took control around the glass in the second half however, leading to the 10-point victory.
No one in that game personified the type of play the Lady Demons have been looking for better than Leilani Moncrease. The junior transfer came off the bench supplying nine points and nine rebounds, including matching a career high with five boards in the first half alone.
“I think she’s really figured out her role, but we still need more consistency from her, just like every one of us,” Dupuy said. “We have to have her. She’s very physical and doesn’t mind throwing her body around.
“She can score, shoot from 15-feet in and can get to the rim. I don’t mind some of the fouls and illegal screens that she gets because her aggression is good or she’s trying to find a defender to get a teammate open. But again, it all starts in practice. You’re not going to do anything in a game that you’re not doing in practice whether it’s positive or negative.”
After a stretch of three games in less than seven days, Dupuy hopes the physical play will continue into the contest with Nicholls, the only game over the next seven days for the Lady Demons.
The Colonels have taken a step back from consecutive 19-win or better seasons, due in part to the departure of all-Southland player Cassidy Barrios who averaged nearly a double-double for her career at 16.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
“Losing Cassidy is huge,” Dupuy said. “Any team would take a dip when you lose one of best players in the conference. But they will always play hard and physical, and their matchup zone can be difficult to figure out.”
For the second time in a week the Lady Demons face a team coming off a nail-biting victory. Airi Hamilton’s game-winning layup came with 12 seconds on the clock in Nicholls’ 67-65 defeat of rival Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday afternoon. It was their first conference win of the season and snapped a season-long five-game losing streak.
During the losing skid opponents have shot better than 44 percent from the field against the Colonels in four of the past five games, giving Nicholls the second highest field goal defense in the conference.
Even with the success opponents have had against the Colonels of late and combined with the documented NSU shooting woes so far this year, it is no surprise what the key to a win is for Dupuy.
“It’s going to be about defending and rebounding for us,” Dupuy said. “Can we turn our defense turn into offense, because we’re not a half court executing team. When their defense is set it’s very difficult to attack, so we’ve got to turn defense into offense to win.
“I’m not saying we have to win the rebounding battle by five or ten, but we’ve got to be neck-and-neck. It can’t be an eight to 10 differential the other way. So, if we’re attacking the glass and close in the rebounding battle, I’ll know we’re playing good in every area. Because that’ll mean we’re playing physical and doing what it takes to win.”
Stay connected to NSU women’s basketball by following @NSUDemonsWBB on Twitter, @nsuladydemons on Instagram or by liking Northwestern State Lady Demons on Facebook.
The St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches Virtue of the Month for December was Joy. Students from St. Mary’s chosen are (front row, l-r) Chance Walsh, Jon Barton Streete, Annabeth Thornton, Aaron Blanchard, and Gavin Key. Middle row: Lilly Ann Boyd, Sophia Hogg, Addison Poskey, Cooper Gardner, and Georgia Kate Philen. Back row: Kelsey Bienvenu, Russ Hillhouse, and Dagan Watson. Congratulations to these students!
NATCHITOCHES: Audrey Ann Ravard April 15, 1947 – January 08, 2020 Visitation: Friday, January 17 from 8-9:30 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevellle Service: Friday, January 17 at 10 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevellle Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum
Fredia Williams Trichel February 13, 1948 – January 10, 2020 Visitation: Friday, January 17 from 5-8 pm and Saturday, January 18 from 8-11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Service: Saturday, January 18 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Interment: Clearlake Cemetery near Goldonna
Ida Mae Roy January 11, 2020 Arrangements TBA
Louis Fair Hyams III October 2, 1955 – November 30, 2019 Service: Saturday, January 18 at 1 pm at Immaculate Conception Basilica with reception immediately following the service at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant
Claudia Moore Triche July 27, 1949 – January 09, 2020 Visitation: Friday, January 17 from 9-10:30 am in the Crossroads Worship Center of the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches Service: Friday, January 17 at 11 am at The First United Methodist Church Interment: American Cemetery in Natchitoches
Audrey Ann Ravard April 15, 1947 – January 8, 2020 Visitation: Friday , January 17 from 8-9:30 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle Service: Friday, January 17 at 10 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Sherman O. Gilbert January 9, 2020 Arrangements TBA
WINN: John “Pete” P. Wise August 24, 1923 – January 13, 2020 Service: Wednesday, January 15 at 11 am at Mars Hill Baptist Church Interment: Mars Hill Cemetery
Robert Wilmer Simmons October 1, 1917 – December 31, 2019 Service: Saturday, Januray 18 at 11 am in the Verda Baptist Church, located at 2688 Highway 122 in Verda
RAPIDES: Larry Eugene Doiron February 7, 1947 – January 9, 2020 Service: Wednesday, January 15 at 11 am at St. Martin Catholic Church
Several residents in the Monroe Drive area attended Monday night’s City Council meeting, Jan. 13, to discuss an agenda item regarding the extension of the City Limits of the City of Natchitoches. The City is looking to annex 275 Acres. This agenda item came before the Council at its Oct. 15 meeting. The item was tabled and was then reintroduced at Monday’s meeting with some amendments (SEE DIFFERENCES IN MAPS). Several residents had requested to stay with the Parish and a few in attendance at the meeting asked the same. Mayor Lee Posey assured those residents that wished to remain in the Parish that they could do so. The Council will make its final vote on this item at its next meeting.
PROCLAMATIONS:
Declare Jan. 20, 2020 as Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.
PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:
Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing
Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows:
Lot Containing 1.132 Acres – Described As Situated In Block 10 Of Jacob Lieber Subdivision, No. 6 As Shown On Plat Recorded In Conveyance Book 614, Page 671, from R-3 Residence Multiple Family to R-3 Residence Multiple Family, Special Exception to operate Save the Children Head Start. (1504 Gold St.)
Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing
Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows:
Lot East Side Williams Avenue, 75 Feet Front By 371 Feet – 4 Inches, North By Corley And Thomas, West By Street, South By Lilly, from R-1 Residential to R-1 Residential, Special Exception to operate a Bed & Breakfast. (219 Williams Ave.)
2019 – ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Approve The Acquisition Of A Tract Of Land Situated In Section 81, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, From Bruce Family Holdings, L.L.C., For The Consideration Of Eight Thousand Dollars, Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Cash Sale Deed On Behalf Of The City For The Acquisition Of The Tract And To Execute Any And All Other Related Documents That Might Be Necessary And Proper, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.
Approve The Acquisition Of A Tract Of Land Situated In Section 81, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, From Waymon W. Ham, Jr. And Rose Ham, For The Consideration Of Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars, Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Cash Sale Deed On Behalf Of The City For The Acquisition Of The Tract And To Execute Any And All Other Related Documents That Might Be Necessary And Proper, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.
Restate The Policy Of The City Of Natchitoches Regarding Sick Leave And To Amend And Reenact The Personnel Policies Manual Of The City Of Natchitoches To Amend The Section Entitled “Sick Leave”, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.
Award The Bid For Caustic Soda For The Water Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0622)
Approve The Exercise Of An Option To Repurchase Or In The Alternative An Extension Of The Option To Repurchase In Favor Of The City Of Natchitoches To Repurchase A 15.0 Acre Tract Of Land In Section 74, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, From Ledet’s Louisiana Seafood, L.L.C., And Authorizing The Mayor, Lee Posey, To Exercise The Option To Repurchase And Repurchase The Property, Or In The Alternative Execute An Extension Of Option And Any Other Documents That May Be Necessary, And To Provide For Advertising.
Approve The Acquisition Of A Tract Of Land Situated In Section 138, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, From Chester Corley, For The Total Consideration Of Three Hundred Thousand Seven Hundred Three Dollars, Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Cash Sale Deed On Behalf Of The City For The Acquisition Of The Tract And To Execute Any And All Other Related Documents That Might Be Necessary And Proper, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
Approve The Acquisition Of The Hanger Located On Lot 3 Of The Natchitoches Regional Airport From Harold G. Foster And Laurie M. Berry, For The Consideration Of Thirteen Thousand Dollars, Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Cash Sale Deed On Behalf Of The City For The Acquisition Of The Hanger And To Execute Any And All Other Related Documents That Might Be Necessary And Proper, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.
Amend Ordinance Number 042 Of 2019 Which Said Ordinance Approved The Acquisition Of A Tract Of Land Situated On The Western Right Of Way Of Sixth Street In The City Of Natchitoches, From Eagle Distributing Of Shreveport, Inc., For The Total Consideration Of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars, And Further Authorized The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Cash Sale Deed On Behalf Of The City For The Acquisition Of The Tract And To Execute Any And All Other Related Documents That Might Be Necessary And Proper, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.
Amending 2019-2020 Budget to Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.
RESOLUTIONS:
Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Delta Specialty Contractors, LLC For The New Perimeter Fence And Repair The Existing Fence At The Natchitoches Regional Airport LA DOTD Project Nos.H.014026
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The City of Natchitoches offices will be closed Monday, January 20, 2020 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, January 27, 2020.
Natchitoches’ incoming parish president, John Richmond, was sworn in by Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey Monday, January 13, before a capacity crowd in the president’s room of the NSU student union. President Richmond was joined in being sworn in by new Parish Council member Jim Kilcoyne and returning member Chris Paige.
Retired NSU professor, Ben Barron, acted as the evening’s emcee while D’Nissa Hester sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Rev. Steven Harris offered the opening prayer. Outgoing parish president Rick Nowlin gave a few remarks about his tenure in office and thanked his wife and supporters. He was followed by Rev. Thomas Rush who offered a heartfelt prayer for our community.
After Rev. Rush’s prayer, council members Paige and Kilcoyne were sworn in followed by the swearing in of Parish President Richmond. Richmond then addressed the audience and thanked them for their support. Rev. Elbert Demery closed the evening’s events with a benediction.
Newly elected Council members Salter and Cheatwood along with returning member Ward-Hoover were sworn in at an earlier time.
In February, 1933, the world was in the midst of a severe economic downturn we refer to as the Great Depression. Millions of Americans struggled to find any sort of work. One out of work bricklayer, Giuseppe Zangara, an Italian immigrant and naturalized American citizen, was angry and frustrated. As with many Americans, Zangara blamed President Herbert Hoover for the depression. Throughout the country, hordes of unemployed people lived in slum towns in shacks they built from little more than discarded trash. These slum towns were nicknamed after the man they blamed for the depression and called them Hoovervilles.
Zangara was an unstable, disturbed man bent on assassination. While living in Italy, he had planned to kill Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel III. Through all of his careful planning, Zangara was unable to get close enough to the king to take action. Zangara had failed. Now in Miami, Florida, Zangara made plans to kill President Hoover.
On February 12, Zangara went to a Miami pawn shop and bought an old .32 caliber pistol for less than $8.00, which, adjusted for inflation, would be about $160.00 today. Zangara scanned newspaper articles in search of the perfect opportunity to assassinate Hoover. He came across a newspaper article which described the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. He cut out the newspaper article and stuffed it into his pocket. Zangara found no information on President Hoover’s upcoming events, but read about a political speech which would be held in Miami’s Bay Front Park in three days. President Hoover would not be present. Zangara settled on a different target.
On February 15, a large crowd gathered at Bay Front Park. Mrs. W.F. Cross of Miami struggled to see the speaker over the throng of people although she was only 25 feet away. She stood on a bench to get a better view. Another man stood up on the bench next to her. Mrs. Cross casually looked over at the man and saw that he held a pistol in his hand. It was Zangara. He raised the pistol and fired toward the speaker. POW! POW! POW! POW! POW!
As he began to fire, Mrs. Cross grabbed the hand which held the pistol, pushed it up toward the sky, and screamed. Another bystander, Tom Armour, took action immediately. He helped Mrs. Cross hold Zangara’s pistol hand in the air. Other men grabbed Zangara by the neck and began choking him. Police arrested Zangara and transported him to jail.
Five bullets from Zangara’s pistol struck five different people. The wounded lay on the ground, some conscious, some unconscious. Chicago’s Mayor Anton Cermak was shaking hands with another politician when the shooting began. He was shot in the abdomen. Mrs. Joe Gill of Miami, shot in the abdomen. Miss Margaret Kruis of Newark, New Jersey, shot in the hand. New York Policeman William Sinnott, shot in the head. Russell Caldwell of Miami, shot in the head. The wounded were quickly transported to the local hospital for treatment.
Secret Service officers and Miami investigators interrogated Zangara. He spoke of his hatred for America’s capitalistic society, and proclaimed that he “would kill all presidents and all officers,” if given the opportunity. In his pockets, investigators found the newspaper clipping which described President McKinley’s assassination, along with newspaper articles which detailed the political event in Bay Front Park.
Five days after the shooting in Bay Front Park, Zangara appeared in court. He was uncontrollable at times and made frequent outbursts. He was infuriated when several physicians claimed that he had “a psychopathic personality.” Zangara shouted that he was not insane. When the judge read the verdict, an 80-year sentence, Zangara shouted, “Don’t be stingy, Judge, make it a hundred years!”
As the days passed, four of the five gunshot victims gradually improved. Chicago’s Mayor Anton Cermak’s condition steadily declined. Cermak fought hard but he encountered one complication after another. Nineteen days after the shooting, March 6, Chicago’s Mayor Anton Cermak died. A grand jury met the same day and indicted Zangara for the first degree murder of Mayor Cermak, to which Zangara plead guilty. The judge sentence Zangara to death by the electric chair. Zangara called the judge a “crook man,” and shouted, “I no ‘fraid that chair.”
Zangara was defiant till the end. As prison guards held and escorted Zangara to the electric chair, Zangara ordered, “Don’t hold me, I no ‘fraid of chair.” When Zangara saw that no photographers had come to photograph the electrocution, he yelled, “No pictures?! Capitalists, all capitalists, lousy bunch, crooks!” The prison’s chaplain arrived in the death chamber and made a short prayer. Zangara spouted, “What’s your business?” When the prison chaplain explained that he was a minister Zangara yelled, “Get out of here—get to—out of here. I no want no minister.” When asked if he was sorry for killing Chicago’s Mayor, Zangara simply said, “no.” When asked if he was sorry he wounded Mrs. Joe Gill, Zangara replied, “No. She had no business getting in the way of the bullet.” At 9:15 a.m., March 20, 1933, the switch was thrown and Zangara’s defiance ended.
Zangara, the failure, had not failed this time. Or had he? Chicago’s Mayor was not Zangara’s target. His target was not President Hoover. His target would be president, the longest-serving president in United States history. Zangara’s intended target was the man who was shaking Chicago’s Mayor Cermak’s hand when Zangara began shooting, president-elect Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Entries are being accepted for the annual Battle For The Paddle Chili Cook-Off, set for Feb. 1 during Northwestern State’s Southland Conference basketball doubleheader against Central Arkansas.
There are two team packages available for interested cooks.
The $20 package includes a team entry into the cook-off and four general admission tickets to both games against Central Arkansas, beginning with the 1 p.m. women’s game.
The $100 package includes a spot in the cook-off and 25 general admission tickets to the doubleheader.
Every person who attends the doubleheader is invited to sample free chili from all entered teams and will receive a ticket to vote for their favorite cook. Additional tickets for voting will be sold with portions of the proceeds – as well as contest entry fees — going to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
For more information or to enter a team, contact Tori Thompson at thompsonda@nsula.edu or Mike Jacklich at 318-357-4268.
The public is invited to attend the opening reception and program for our latest exhibit “Lunkers and Specklebellies: Bass Fishing and Waterfowl Hunting in Louisiana” on Saturday, January 25 from 10 am – 12 pm. The reception, hosted by FLASH, will feature refreshments and a panel discussion with 2018 Louisiana Hall of Fame inductee and 1975 Bassmaster Classic winner Jack Hains, 1983 Bassmaster Classic winner Tommy Martin, and 2018 Lady Bass Classic Champion Penny McCurdy, along with several other notable anglers. The panel will be moderated by Steve Graf, avid angler and host of the Hook’n Up and Track’n Down radio show on Tiger Radio 1130 (KWKH-AM), starting at 10:30 a.m.
The public is invited to this free opening reception.
Fans can listen to the 7 p.m. game on the Demons Sports Network – 95.9 FM Kix Country in Natchitoches or 
Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. inside Prather Coliseum. Live coverage is available locally on 92.3 FM The Fox or 
