After over a decade as a Board of Director of the St. Augustine Historical Society (SAHS) – preserving the history and heritage of Isle Brevelle – Dianne Moran has passed the torch to the next generation. As she reminiscences on years past, she is thankful to God for the peaks and valleys of her life’s journey and for the many experiences that are so unique to the community of her beloved Cane River. “To members of the St. Augustine Historical Society,” she says, “Thank you for the privilege of serving on the Board. It has truly been an honor.”

Her last preservation effort as a Board of Director supports the recent SAHS campaign to “Save the Badin Roque Covent.” She encourages everyone to keep this one-of-a-kind cultural icon alive for future generations by donating to GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/SAVE-CANE-RIVERs-1857-CONVENT.

Dianne is a native Houstonian, where she met and married Michael (Mickey) Moran in 1974. She, Mickey and their six-week old baby moved to Cane River after the passing of Mickey’s father in 1982. Dianne says she quickly felt welcomed by the Cane River community and embraced life on the River. Here, they raised their two sons, Michael and Matthew.

In the late 80’s, Mickey opened a “Mom and Pop” store on the River, called Mickey’s Place. To be sure, it was a family enterprise including the boys, with Dianne making and selling her featured meat pies. She credits mother-in-law, Carrie Moran and Aunt Fatty (Catherine LaCour) for lovingly sharing their secret meat pie making tips.

Born and raised a Catholic, faith and St. Augustine Parish family are very much a part of the appeal and her love of Cane River. From the very first, she has been involved in parish activities. Like many parents with young children attending CCD, the Moran’s were active in helping, especially during summer bible school. In the late 80’s, Dianne and Mickey were called to operate the parish monthly food pantry which at that time, served about 12 family recipients. Additionally, she has promoted church events through published public service announcements and articles.

Dianne is currently a member of the parish council and served previously in years 1995-1997. She has been a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers since 1983, and currently serves as secretary (2017-2019). In previous terms she served as secretary (2009-2010 and 2015-2016). Additionally, she is a member of the Providence Mission here at St. Augustine, serving the less fortunate. On the Radio Maria prayer team, she shared morning prayers on broadcast radio (from our home) once a month on first Thursday of every month, 7:00 am to 7:45 a.m.

Dianne became a member of the St. Augustine Historical Society (SAHS) in 1998. Then, in the revitalization of SAHS in 2013, Dianne was selected to serve as a Board of Director, filling the vacancy left by her husband who died in 2006.

“Dianne has been an excellent director on the board. Her knowledge, writing expertise, and public relations skills earned her the title of ‘Press Secretary,” says Dr. Mark Guidry, SAHS President. “Our consolation is in knowing that Dianne will still be there for us when needed. She is well loved and most appreciated.”

In 2005 Dianne applied to the National Park Service to fill a part-time, two-year term at the Cane River National Historical Park. During her term, she served as a park interpreter and volunteer coordinator. Dianne went to work for the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury’s Office of Community Services in 1991. During her work career, she was a secretary for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), then became Director of RSVP, and later Program Director for Senior Companions (SCP). The awarding of Senior Companions Program was a result of Dianne’s writing and submitting a grant proposal. The premise of this program is to match healthy and able seniors to other seniors who can benefit from companionship and light home assistance in order to stay in their own homes. The return benefit for those healthy seniors is a small bi-monthly, tax-free stipend and staying healthy by staying active. As a result, Natchitoches Parish was awarded a $250,000 grant for the Senior Companions, and today the senior population of the parish continues to benefit from the Program. Moran has always enjoyed working with the senior population and learning from their shared experience and wisdom.

Though retired, she continues part-time work as a receptionist at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center where she recently completed 5 years as an associate.

 

LaCap Senior Spotlight recognizes Aaliyah Edmonson, a senior at Natchitoches Central High School, as an outstanding high school senior.

Aaliyah is an Honor Roll student. She is a member of the JROTC Program, the JROTC Drill Team, and JROTC Color Guard. She has also participated in the Upward Bound Program and other community service projects like Christmas caroling at local nursing homes.

Aaliyah is active in her school, serving on prom committee, as class secretary, and participating in Relay for Life.

Her senior year she served as Cadet Battalion Commander in JROTC, as well as Color Guard Commander (Captain), Drill Team, VA Stand Down, Captain of the Sound System Team, Relay for Life Team and Cannon detail.

She also serves on the youth committee at the New Direction of Life Ministries. She also participates in a praise dance team, Girl Scouts, volunteers at the nursing home, and leads her youth group.

When she’s not serving her community or being active at her school, Aaliyah works as a sandwich artist at Subway.

LaCap believes it takes good grades, community involvement, and hard work to make a successful leader. Aaliyah Edmonson is being recognized for these qualities.

LaCap is committed to improving our community’s well-being by offering financial and volunteer support to organizations that enhance the quality of life through programs for youth, education, and financial literacy.

La Capitol Federal Credit Union has two locations in Natchitoches: 311 Keyser Avenue and 926 University Pkwy. Call 318-357-3200 or go online to lacapfcu.org for more information.

Natchitoches Central High School Senior Albert AJ Gillie Jr. signed papers for a $125,000 scholarship to play football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A crowd of varsity, jr. varsity, and freshmen football players and trainers cheered him on as he unzipped his jacket to reveal his red Ragin’ Cajuns shirt.

Coach Byron Keller said that AJ, a 4-year starter and honor roll student, has been hard working from day one. He’s a team leader who gives his best in the classroom and on the field. AJ’s parents, Bridget and Albert Gillie Sr., sat beside him as he signed and his family surrounded to pose for a group photo.

“One of our own has worked hard and today he has earned the right to continue to pursue his academics and athletic career,” said Coach Keller.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Connie Ruth Burton-Lincoln
February 8, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Dwayne Weaver
January 30, 1971 – February 6, 2019
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Natchitoches

Frances Armstrong McKenzie
February 7, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Robert L Miller
October 22, 1931 – February 5, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 9 from 9-11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Maxine Conn Boyce
March 2, 1950 – January 26, 2019
Service: Saturday, February 9 starting at 2 pm at Clint and Marjories house at 409 Pardee Road in Campti

SABINE PARISH:

Daniel Bryan DuBose
Visitation: Saturday, February 9 at 1 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Antioch Cemetery

Jackie Monroe Hardy
July 23, 1970 – January 30, 2019
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 12 pm at The Life Church

RAPIDES PARISH:

Marie Eva Betts
August 28, 1931 – February 6, 2019
Visitation: Sunday, February 10 from 4-8 pm and Monday, February 11 from 9 am – 1 pm at theJohn Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Monday, February 11 at 1 pm in the Chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville

Dr. Warren Dale Joubert
February 27, 1955 – February 5, 2019
Service: Monday, February 11 at 10 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Ville Platte
Visitation: Sunday, February 10 from 1-4 pm and Monday from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home

WINN PARISH:

Carl Lee Paul
April 26, 1947 – February 7, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 9 from 5-8 pm and Sunday, February 10 from 10 am – 2 pm at River of Life Church in Goldonna
Service: Sunday, February 10 at 2 pm at River of Life Church
Interment: Goldonna Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funertal Home of Winnfield.

Michael Evan Austin
June 21, 1963 – February 6, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 9 from 9-11 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 11 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church
Interment: Zion Hill Cemetery in Tannehill

UPDATE

A joint effort by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office, multiple Central Louisiana law enforcement agencies and the Louisiana State Police has led to the conclusion of an all-day search for a suspect wanted in connection with the death of a Natchitoches woman according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones.

Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office confirms Michael Paul Medina, 49, of Hessmer is dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At this time, no further information will be released as the scene in Avoyelles Parish is being processed.

Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Louisiana State Police were acting on warrant from Natchitoches Parish signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge on Medina for 2nd Degree Murder in connection with the shooting death of Vicky M. Sanders on Friday morning.

Chief Investigator Greg Dunn said NPSO detectives are traveling to Avoyelles Parish at this time to assist them in the case.

——————————————————————————————————

NPSO DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING HOMICIDE NEAR NATCHITOCHES; ACTIVE SEARCH ON FOR PERSON OF INTEREST

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are currently investigating a homicide just south of Natchitoches and actively searching for a person of interest with assistance from multiple Central Louisiana law enforcement agencies according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones.

This morning at approximately 11:24am, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to a welfare concern call in the 200 block of Patrick Road in Point Place south of Natchitoches.

When deputies arrived at the residence, they located one person deceased inside the residence.

One person has been pronounced dead at the scene by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office.

The name of the victim is currently being withheld.

Detectives are currently looking for the following person of interest in this investigation:

Michael Paul Medina, W/M, Age: 49, Hgt/601, Wgt/215, of 550 Babineaux Road, Hessmer, La. who has ties to Alexandria, Pineville and California is reportedly operating what is believed to be a dark green 2018 Toyota pickup truck bearing La. License# Y284301.

Medina is believed to be armed and considered dangerous.

If you come in contact with this vehicle and subject please notify your nearest law enforcement agency or call 911.

If you have any information contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board held a brief meeting Thursday night, Feb. 7.

The board tabled an agenda item to approve a drug test plan for all new employees until the March meetings. Until then, information will be gathered on feasibility and pricing. A policy will need to be set in place and a committee will be formed to examine the data once it’s gathered. Superintendent Dale Skinner will reach out to other districts to see what policies and procedures they have in place for drug testing.

The board did authorize the initiation of a study on pricing and feasibility to randomly drug screen all current NPSB employees. Currently the NPSB has 1,013 paid workers (tutors, day-to-day subs, etc.) and 680 full-time employees (teachers, principals, cafeteria workers, etc.).

Skinner addressed some negative reactions from parents regarding his decision to close schools on Jan. 29 due to a severe winter weather forecast. Once Skinner is apprised of the situation by the weather authorities and the Sheriff’s Office, the School District would be in trouble if Skinner allowed school to go on and something happened to students.

Board members agreed that they’d rather Skinner err on the side of safety.

The Tax Commission Report from Tuesday night’s committee meeting showed sales tax collections down 5.58 percent from December 2017 to December 2018. Director of Finances Richard Foshee said that year over year they’re still ahead of the previous year, but that it just won’t continue this way.

Other items included:

Approve contract between First Choice Therapy Inc. and the Natchitoches Parish School Board

By Reba Phelps

My mother was polite to a fault. Everyone who met her immediately felt a genuine warmth that radiated from within. She was so soft spoken and well liked. Being her daughter, I often heard people say, “Your mother is so sweet, I cannot imagine her ever getting mad or yelling.” I took great pride in correcting people every single time I was faced with this mistruth.

The lady was from Zwolle. She knew how to get her point across. Even though she was a preacher’s wife she had an arsenal of four letters words that she was not afraid to use. Legend has it these words were handed down from her Granny Crnkovic who mainly raised her when her mother died at the age of eight.

Sometimes four-letter words are habit. Sometimes they are handed down to us in our DNA.

When my oldest daughter was three years old I was dropping her off at Sunday School. As soon as she walked in the doors of this holy place of worship she expressed her displeasure by saying a four letter word that rhymes with “sit.”

Being mortified but quick on my feet I said, “That’s right, pick a chair and sit.” She wasn’t having it though. She repeated her four letter version 10 more times so every Sunday School worker within earshot could hear her. The more she said it the more plain it became that she was using profanity. My face turned a few shades of red as I exited the room with my tail tucked between my legs. I am surprised they let the little cussing spawn of Satan stay in the room.

I guess they saw that she clearly needed Jesus and let her stay.

When I picked my apple up after church the Sunday School teachers were still laughing while I politely lied and said, “I have no idea where she heard that.”

I was well aware where she heard it. I was well aware where I had heard it for the first time and my mother was well aware of who taught her the fine skill of trash talk. The passing down of expletives to our children may be deemed one of the most minor infractions when we consider all of what could have been passed down. It is an absolutely scary thought when we notice that our children mirror our behavior.

There is nothing more embarrassing than when our apples act like the tree they fell from.

When you consider all of the truths that lie behind the old saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” I thank God that there is still time to make sure that my tree is in optimal mental and spiritual health. Though one of my apples have been picked and with lots of prayer and parenting she has control over her potty mouth. So far she seems to be a good apple. I have one apple left who is still in the growing phase and I pray daily that she becomes a shiny and healthy apple.

There is nothing that we can do to change the tree we are picked from. However, once we fall from that tree we are ultimately responsible for ourselves and our own actions. We can use our bad tree as a crutch for our bad behavior or we can learn from the past and move ahead towards the perfect plan God has for us. We can hopefully provide a better tree for our apple’s future. I have heard from many of my mother’s friends, relatives and church members that I resemble her, act like her and now write like her. To the public, the legacy my mother left behind was a legacy of poise, grace, professionalism, and directness when needed and how to run a household in plenty and in want. The legacy she left behind for her children and grandchildren was a life full of love for Christ, knowledge of the Bible, hard work, and dedication to making sure her apples behaved.

I am very proud of my tree and very blessed because of its root system.

“So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”

Mathew 7:17-18

By: Jason Pugh, Assistant Sports Information Director

A year after proving the preseason pollsters incorrect, the Northwestern State baseball team has been slotted in a familiar position in the annual Southland Conference Preseason Baseball Poll.

The survey of the league’s coaches and sports information directors found the Demons picked to finish in third place, the same place they ended the 2018 season. A year ago, Northwestern State was tabbed for an 11th-place finish before ultimately winning the conference tournament and reaching the NCAA Regionals.

“We proved last year those things really don’t matter,” third-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “We were picked to finish 11th. It’s something for people to talk about other than in the locker room. We didn’t talk about 11th a whole lot. We’re really concentrating on practice today. Anything that deviates from that is not good for us.”

The Demons picked up 250 total points, eight points behind second-place Southeastern Louisiana and 34 behind defending regular-season champion and preseason favorite Sam Houston State.

The Bearkats collected 22 of the possible 26 first-place votes while the Lions had three and the Demons nabbed the remaining nod for the league’s top spot. Coaches and SIDs were not allowed to vote for their own teams in the poll.

“It’s nice to get recognized by your peers as having improved,” said Barbier, who steered the Demons to an 18-win overall improvement and an eight-game bump in conference play from 2017 to 2018. “That’s them seeing us improve as a team.”

Central Arkansas (200 points), McNeese (187), Houston Baptist (169), New Orleans (130) and Lamar (128) round out the rest of the top eight spots in the poll. Eight teams qualify for the conference tournament, which is scheduled for May 22-25 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas.

Northwestern State begins its 2019 season Feb. 15 at Houston in the opener of a three-game series. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

2019 Southland Conference Preseason Baseball Poll*

Team Points
1. Sam Houston State (22) 284
2. Southeastern Louisiana (3) 258
3. Northwestern State (1) 250
4. Central Arkansas 200
5. McNeese 187
6. Houston Baptist 169
7. New Orleans 130
8. Lamar 128
9. Nicholls 120
10. Incarnate Word 104
11. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 97
12. Stephen F. Austin 63
13. Abilene Christian 38

*  first-place votes in parentheses

Hidden in the middle of our downtown historic district is a mobile home park. You get extra credit if you can find it. It is surrounded by homes in various states of historicity. Some of the home owners are allowing their history to show, other home owners have recently remodeled. These houses maintain their historical façade while being completely modernized.

I’m not sure about the mobile homes, I have not looked.

I mention the mobile home park only because I am making a terrible assumption. One of the many ways my dad spent my inheritance was on a mobile home park. My dad, in a stroke of financial brilliance, purchased the property and the park in the early 70’s. I made summer spending money mowing the grass for the park. There were over one hundred trailers in the park. This is before the day of the double wide, these were either 12 or 14-foot-wide mobile homes.

My cultural education was much ahead of the average High School student because of the trailer park. My dad’s favorite explanation was to smile and say, “one day you will understand.” I didn’t figure some of the stuff out until the Jerry Springer show enlightened me. There was some stuff going on in that trailer park! I remind you that I grew up in Alabama!

I know our downtown mobile home park is both historical and well-heeled. But someone back there owns a rooster. That was my terrible assumption, certainly people in historical houses wouldn’t own a rooster. We have an historical rooster. I enjoy opening my office door and listening to him. One does not expect to hear a rooster deep within the boundaries of our Natchitoches Historical District. Without fail the rooster does his thing in the mornings. I have also heard the rooster in the afternoons. I’m sure the afternoon offering has something to with keeping his voice in good form for his morning offertory.

I’m sure the rooster is getting on someone’s last nerve. That seems to be the way of our culture. We are overly and easily offended. Everything is wrong now. Political correctness is a danger to freedom. We are also losing our freedom of speech. But that is another article; no, that is a whole book actually!

The rooster is not politically correct. Decades ago, I surmise there were several roosters running around this neighborhood. There were chicken coops in the backyards. Trash was buried under or around those coops. If you want to find some historical depression glass, figure out where the chicken coop was and start digging. Of course, those folks were not as enlightened nor as snow flake fragile as we are.

Once I went on a mission trip with James Poole. We did a construction project, VBS and I preached a revival in a ten-day period on Grand Turk in the British West Indies. James didn’t tell us that donkeys ran free on the island. One does not expect to be awakened by a donkey braying in the bedroom window. Have you ever been awakened by a donkey sticking it’s head in your bedroom window and braying? I do not recommend it as a soothing way to wake up. That was one of the local experiences on Grand Turk.

When I hear the rooster, I think about that mission trip and the donkey alarm clock. I think about a time and place when chickens ran free in the yards. I am thankful to God for His creation. I am grateful that I can still hear His creation crow. The rooster could be a bother, but I hear him as a blessing.

What bothersome blessings has God placed in your life?

The Fiat Chrysler Corporation  has issued a recall for over 660,000 heavy-duty trucks steaming from multiply incidents of loose nuts causing a loss of steering control.

This recall covers Ram 3500 pickups from 2013 through the year 2017.  It also covers the 2500 pickups and 3500 Chassis cabs from 2014 through 2017.

Fiat Chrysler says it’s aware of eight crashes and one injury that could be related.

No date has been set for owners to be notified. Dealers will inspect a steering linkage nuts.  If it’s properly tightened it will be welded to a sleeve to keep it in place. If it’s loose, a steering assembly will be replaced.

Fiat Chrysler also issued a recall for roughly 222,000 model-year 2019 Ram 1500 pickups that are equipped with adjustable pedals. The company found that certain adjustments may cause the brake pedals to detach.

Youth Powerlifter, Abby Toro from Provencal, finished 3rd overall at the 2019 USA Powerlifting Youth National Championships in Lafayette, LA on February 2, 2019. She competed in the 52 kg (114lbs) weight class. She finished with a 57.5 kg (126.76 lbs) squat, a 25 kg (55.12 lbs) bench press, and a 70kg (154.32 lbs) deadlift to give her a 152.5 kg (336.20 lbs) total. On her final deadlift attempt, Abby struggled 87.5 kg (192.90 lbs) to secure 2nd place. She fought the weight but it was just too much to complete.

Abby’s coach and father, Derek Toro, said that, “Abby showed a great deal of determination and character today. She was able to compete against the best lifters that her age and weight class had to offer. The competition was a great eye opener for her so that she can push herself, continue to improve, and challenge for the top spot at next year’s Youth National Championships.”

In addition to earning 3rd place, Abby was able to add another state record to her resume. Abby now holds the state record for the Youth 2 Divisions 52 kg Class’s Bench Press Single Lift with 25 kg. Abby will be back in action on May 4th at the Louisiana State Games in West Monroe, LA.

Northwestern State University’s School of Education is offering an expanded selection of Praxis content area seminars during the spring semester.

Sessions are scheduled at NSU’s Natchitoches and Alexandria campuses for middle school math, middle school science, secondary math and elementary social studies. Preparation for Praxis core exams in the areas of mathematics, writing and reading are also available.

The sessions are free and open to anyone preparing for a Praxis exam. To view a complete listing of topics, dates, and locations, and to register, visit https://education.nsula.edu/blog/2019/01/28/praxis-review-sessions-scheduled/

For more information, contact Jodi Shirley, academic coordinator and instructor, at shirleyj@nsula.edu or (318) 357-4058.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Dwayne Weaver
January 30, 1971 – February 6, 2019
Visitation: Friday, February 8 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Natchitoches

Frances Armstrong McKenzie
February 7, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Robert L Miller
October 22, 1931 – February 5, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 9 from 9-11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Crystal Dowden-Magness
January 29, 1978 – February 3, 2019
Service: Friday, February 8 at 10 am at Blanchard -St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Booty Cemetery in Kisatchie

Maxine Conn Boyce
March 2, 1950 – January 26, 2019
Service: Saturday, February 9 starting at 2 pm at Clint and Marjories house at 409 Pardee Road in Campti

SABINE PARISH:

Jackie Monroe Hardy
July 23, 1970 – January 30, 2019
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 12 pm at The Life Church

RAPIDES PARISH:

Carole Cater Daviston
October 18, 1934 – February 4, 2019
Visitation: Friday, February 8 from 10-11 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Friday, February 8 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

WINN PARISH:

Michael Evan Austin
June 21, 1963 – February 6, 2019
Visitation: Friday, February 8 from 5-8 pm and Saturday, February 9 from 9-11 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, February 9 at 11 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church
Interment: Zion Hill Cemetery in Tannehill

Leslie knew the correct answer to the Mystery Sound and won the CASH by playing the Mystery Sound Cash Contest, sponsored by AxsomAir, on 94.9 The River.  $715.00 Cash!

“We’ll do it all again each weekday morning with a Mystery Sound and a cash jackpot,” said Trini Triggs.  Weekday mornings starting at 7am – Trini will take calls from listeners who think they know what the mystery sound is.

The first caller to correctly guess the AxsomAir Mystery Sound will win the jackpot. But wait, it gets better! For each incorrect answer, $5 will be added to the pot. The River Line is 318-581-4025.

The Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center at Northwestern State University is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30, 2019, to be eligible for enrollment.

All applications must be submitted to the CDC by 3 p.m. Friday, March 15. An application is available online at cdc.nsula.edu and available in the CDC office.

Tuition for NSU CDC is $4,600 annually and must be paid by April 1 of the attending school year. A $175 supply fee is due upon enrollment.

The Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center is a preschool program for 3- and 4-year old children. The center is a Tier III preschool center that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The center is dedicated to providing parents, children and university students with the best early learning environment possible.

For more information, contact Amanda LaGrange, director/supervising teacher, at lagrangea@nsula.edu or call the CDC Office (318) 357-6860

The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center received $1,000 in funds from the City of Natchitoches along with a personal donation from Mayor Posey. The funds given to the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center will be used towards the Legacy Youth Workforce Development Program. Starting in March, the workforce program will serve young people ages 16-24 who are out of work and out of school. The program will provide students life and job skills training with support services as a component of the greater BDJ Center. Students will participate in hands-on learning at the newly opened Legacy Café (400 MLK Drive, Suite J) where they will gain the skills needed to enter and remain in the workforce.

The Ben Johnson Educational Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Natchitoches, Louisiana and founded in honor of the late Ben D. Johnson whose holdings represented one of the largest minority-owned enterprises in the state. More importantly though was Mr. Johnson’s legacy of a lifelong commitment to community. The Ben Johnson Educational Center will utilize a social enterprise structure to serve the community with a Youth Workforce Development Program, Legacy Café, Teaching Farm & Green Market and a Shared Community Kitchen/Business Incubator.

“We would like to thank the City of Natchitoches and Mayor Posey for their investment in our program and our community,” said Claire Prymus, founder and board chair.

The mission of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success for all of its residents.

The Natchitoches Police Department responded to the Natchitoches Thomas Apartments on Feb. 4 at 6:30 pm in reference to shots being fired in the area. The police department along with the complexes security responded to the R Building. Responding officers then located, twenty (20) year old, Deboris Collins who had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Mr. Collins was later transported to the NRMC for treatment. As a result of the shooting the Criminal Investigations Division of the Natchitoches Police Department was contacted and began an investigation into the events leading up to the shooting.

The Natchitoches Police Department responded to shots being fired in the area of Lake and Sanford Street on Feb. 5 at 6:28 pm. Upon arrival, officers completed a search of the immediate and surrounding areas but were unable to locate the source of the shots. Information was then obtained that led officers to the emergency room of the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center where they spoke with a male subject who had been shot. The victim, twenty-two (22) year old, Chrishawn Carter, had sustained a gunshot wound to his arm. The Criminal Investigations Division of the Natchitoches Police Department was then contacted and began an investigation.

If anyone has information in reference to either of the shootings you’re urged to please contact the Natchitoches Police Department directly at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact Detective Jeff Townson of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (318) 357-3852. All calls shall be kept 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 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/