Baton Rouge– After more than 30 years of sampling lake sediments and fish, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) have lifted the fish consumption advisory for Sibley Lake as of Dec. 21, 2018. The fish consumption ban had been in place since 1989.

“I am proud to see one of our state’s impaired water bodies returned to its designated uses. This was no small feat. The long process to restore Sibley Lake demonstrates the care and commitment of the LDEQ, LDH and LDWF staffs to protecting the public from possible health risks of contamination, and making it safe for everyone to now enjoy,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said.

“This is a singular achievement. It is a victory for environmental remediation, a major battle we have won in the effort to clean all of Louisiana’s waterbodies,” LDEQ Secretary Dr. Chuck Carr Brown said.

“Thanks to a coordinated effort between multiple state agencies, our state, the Sportsman’s Paradise, now has one more body of water in which residents who enjoy fishing can also safely enjoy their catch,” said Dr. Jimmy Guidry, state health officer with the Louisiana Department of Health.

“This is a perfect example of this state’s dedication to cleaning up our waterways. It is a signature environmental achievement that Louisiana can show to the rest of the country,” LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet said.

No one currently involved with water quality at a state regulatory agency can recall another instance where a fish consumption advisory issued due to chemical contamination has been rescinded in Louisiana. The decision to lift the fish consumption advisory came after decades of work by the state agencies along with extensive remediation work by Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP). Based on contamination first reported to LDEQ by TGP, LDEQ issued a Compliance Order to the company in August 1988.

“We are very pleased to reach the objective of removing the fish consumption advisory for the future generations of fisherman at Sibley Lake,” said Kimberly Watson, president, Kinder Morgan Natural Gas Pipelines North Region, which includes TGP. “For 30 years, TGP has been committed to the environmental objectives of this project and appreciates the cooperation of LDEQ, LDH and the LDWF, to achieve this goal.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at http://www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.

Students at Weaver Elementary are participating in a pilot program called BBLC (Behavoir Based Learning Center) to help them learn to manage the non compliant parts of their behavior.

Director of Special Education Toni Bennett they started the program at Weaver (grades 3-4) as it was currently the only school with an available classroom. Additionally, students in PreK-2nd grade are already getting training in conscious discipline.

“We hope this pilot program will help us rescue some of our at risk youngsters so they can go on to graduate from high school,” said Bennett.

Discipline is an issue in the school system and the idea is to catch them early. The BBLC has a strict protocol for children who are selected to participate. The program is limited to 10 students at a time. Each student is given daily behavior goals.

The program began the second week of October with one staff member: Leroy Armstrong. For the week of Jan. 28 four students graduated. A student must meet their behavioral goals for 4 weeks without any hiccups in order to graduate.

The program doesn’t end with graduation. Students are slowly eased back into their classrooms with continuous check-ins. This gives them support and helps keep the teachers informed throughout the whole process.

The students that graduated are doing well in class and have received no more referrals. Five more students were just admitted.

“Good things are happening,” said Bennett.

It would cost to go beyond this pilot program, but the district is weighing its success and the feasibility for expansion.

The Diocese of Alexandria released the names of clergy, living and deceased, against whom there have been one or more credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The list was compiled after a team of eight lay people and seven members of the clergy reviewed 535 files of clergy who have served in the diocese since its establishment in 1853.

See Bishop David P. Talley’s statement below:

Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Alexandria

February 6, 2019

Like many of you, I was horrified and scandalized to read the results of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report published in the summer of 2018 detailing the history of sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic clergy against minors over so many decades. In the 1980s, the public prosecution of Fr. Gilbert Gauthe of the Diocese of Lafayette shined a light into the darkness of this evil in the life of the Church.

Since the adoption of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, the ‘Dallas Charter’, our diocese has urged victims of clergy sexual abuse of minors to come forward and many have. In the last sixteen years our Diocesan Permanent Review Board, composed of both laity and clergy, has reviewed all allegations made against clerics, diocesan and religious, and laity, living and deceased. Counseling and pastoral care have been offered to all who have come forward and in some cases, financial settlements were made.

As Bishop of Alexandria, I have promised to do everything in my power to safeguard our children and youth and to help those abused in the past. To aid in the healing process, in August of 2018, I ordered an examination of all our files dating back to the establishment of the Diocese of Natchitoches in 1853. A system of examination was established by which every file held by our Diocese of Alexandria would be reviewed by two sets of examiners: one comprised of the chancellor and vice-chancellor and one comprised of laity from our Permanent Review Board and other lay readers appointed by me.

To insure the most thorough process of examination in these cases, a special ad-hoc committee of the Review Board was established to review all the case histories of the Review Board from its inception up to the present day, along with all the information gleaned from the file review. This was done with a view to publish a list of the names of those clergy (bishops, priests and deacons), living and deceased, who we believe could be credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors.

In publishing this list, it is not our intent to re-victimize those who have already been so wounded by the actions of some clerics who served in our diocese over the past one hundred sixty-five years. This evil can only be purged through a vigilant process that is transparent to the public. Our response must demonstrate the highest levels of honesty and scrutiny.

I believe, together with all the members of the Permanent Review Board, that we have done what we can to present as truthful and as thorough a record of the alleged instances of sexual abuse by clerics against minors during our long history. I know that this list may be incomplete, not because we have held anything back, but because this kind of evil is perpetrated in secret and out of fear and shame some may not have been able to come forward.

The names that are published below are those of clergy, diocesan and religious, living and deceased, whom the Permanent Review Board unanimously believes have been or could be credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. If any allegation is made against a living cleric, national and diocesan protocols, in place since 2002, become applicable. When this occurs, the police are notified and our Victims’ Assistance Coordinator begins his service to the victim while an assessor begins an investigation for the Permanent Review Board.

Some of the names below are of living clerics. Such cases have been brought forward for review according to national and diocesan protocols and procedures. However, the great majority of the names listed below are of clergy who were deceased at the time allegations were made or their files were reviewed. On examination, in regard to these deceased clerics, enough written evidence was reviewed case by case to believe that accusations against them are, in all likelihood, credible.

While this process of review and publication is not a declaration of guilt, it is our best assessment of all the evidence available to us at this time. We believe that publically listing these names is a matter of justice if we are to help the victims and the Church we love and serve. It is our continued hope that anyone who has been abused will come forward to speak the truth and seek the healing that all desire.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, please contact your local law enforcement agency. Sexual abuse is a serious crime and must be treated as such. If you would like more information or are in need of assistance, please contact our Victims’ Assistance Coordinator, Dr. Lee Kneipp, at (318) 542-9805.

Along with the need for justice, we must, at the same time, seek the healing grace that can come only from Our Savior who has ransomed us from the darkness of sin and death. Remembering Christ, Who is our Light, I ask all of us to continue to be vigilant in our efforts to safeguard our children and youth.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Kenneth Allen Bivens
November 20, 1944 – February 3, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, February 7 from 10 am – 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Thursday, February 7 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

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
Visitation: Thursday, February 7 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
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: Thursday, February 7 from 4-7 pm and 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

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Chiefs and Lady Chiefs of NCHS Basketball held their senior night ceremony between the girl’s and boy’s game in an explosive doubleheader against the Ouachita Lions. There was not a seat to be had in the gym as the coaches, families and fans honored the 6 Lady Chief seniors and 3 Chief seniors. The players were brought out one by one with their families, presented with souvenirs from their team and honored in front of the packed gym full of vociferous NCHS hoops fans. These young men and women played with dignity, class and skill throughout their time as student-athletes. They handled defeat and challenges with grace and victory with aplomb. The Natchitoches Parish Journal congratulates them on a job well done in and out of the classroom and wishes them all the best in the next stage of their lives. We look forward to seeing good things from you.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the night’s photography. The gallery is not locked, anyone may download any photo they wish. Go Chiefs!

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For the first time in three seasons, the Northwestern State baseball team has a first-team representative on the preseason All-Southland Conference Team.

Right-handed pitcher Jerry Maddox, the 2018 SLC Newcomer of the Year, leads a trio of Demons selected to the preseason all-conference squad by the 13 conference head coaches.

Maddox is joined on the two 13-player teams by teammates Ridge Heisler (pitcher) and J.P Lagreco (designated hitter), both of whom were second-team selections.

A Dayton, Texas, product, Maddox turned in a sparkling Demons debut season after transferring from San Jacinto College. Maddox went 8-3 with a Southland-leading 1.88 ERA in his junior season and was named the Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and a second-team All-Southland selection.

Maddox is the first Demon to earn first-team preseason all-conference honors since right-handed pitcher Adam Oller and outfielder Cort Brinson did so in 2016.

In addition to ranking 14th nationally in ERA, Maddox also led the Southland in opponents batting average (.182) and in hits allowed per nine innings (5.65). His 1.06 WHIP ranked third in the conference and 62nd nationally.

Maddox earned the win in Northwestern State’s 9-0 NCAA Regional victory against San Diego State, tossing six scoreless innings as the Demons posted the first regional shutout in program history.

Heisler, a left-hander from Mangham and LSU-Eunice, took over the Friday night starter’s role midway through the conference season and responded with 12 straight scoreless innings in his first two starts, including a two-hit shutout of Southeastern Louisiana on April 14.

A third-team all-conference selection, Heisler did not allow an earned run in his first 12 innings as a Demon, earning two of his seven wins. Heisler finished the season 7-3 with a 3.40 ERA and led Northwestern State with 77 strikeouts.

Heisler was named the pitcher on the SLC All-Defensive Team, handling all 30 chances without committing an error.

Lagreco was a third-team all-conference selection in his first season in a Northwestern State uniform, capping it by capturing the inaugural Southland Conference Tournament Home Run Derby championship in a swing-off.

A product of Northshore High School and Delgado Community College, Lagreco posted a .279/.391/.382 slash line while drawing 20 hit by pitches, the second-highest single-season total in program history.

Lagreco finished second on the team in doubles (12), third in RBIs (37) and fourth in home runs (4).

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

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a Campti man on traffic and criminal charges in connection with counterfeit money seized during a traffic stop on Sunday according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday February 3 at approximately 2:20pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division were patrolling on US-71 in Campti when they stopped a 2008 Pontiac G5 for a traffic violation.

Deputies say as they were stopping the vehicle, the violator pulled into a business parking lot exited his vehicle and began to walk towards the front entrance of the business ignoring the deputy’s command to stop.
Deputies then approached the operator of the vehicle identified as 34-year-old Eric Dewayne Phillips and attempted to detain him, however, he began to resist by swinging his arms and pulling away.

After a brief period, deputies were able to take Phillips in custody.

A LSP computer driver’s license check revealed Phillips drivers license was suspended.

During a search of his person incidental to the arrest, deputies discovered a bundle of cash on his person amounting to approximately $2000 dollars.

Deputies then began to closely look at the cash learning it was counterfeit money.

As a result:

Eric D. Phillips, 34, of the 100 block of Carter Street, Campti, La. was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License, Resisting an Officer with Force and Monetary Instrument Abuse (Counterfeit Money).

Phillips remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.

The vehicle was towed by a local wrecker service.

The investigation into origin of the counterfeit money is currently continuing by the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit.

Deputy D. Caballero made the arrest assisted by Reserve Deputy P. Niette.

NPSO High Tech Crime Unit Detectives inform the public that in the past several months businesses in Natchitoches Parish have been intercepting different denominations of counterfeit money. If you have any questions on how to identify counterfeit money contact the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit at 357-7830.

If you are caught in possession of counterfeit money you are subject to arrest for Monetary Instrument Abuse.

Dear Editor:

A letter about the one-half cent tax dedicated to roads; on Saturday, March 30 ballot.

To my friends and pot hole dodgers. We have a tax to vote on in March. It’s the only thing on the ballot to vote on, but is so important to our road system. As you know, I took an active part in voting the ½ cent and ¾ cent tax down, because it was not what we needed. Twenty plus years ago, there was enough money in the Police Jury to repair and pave new roads. Today, it is funding more projects than ever before causing a shortage of road money.

Police Jury or Home Rule funds are not a spring of everlasting waters, but are like an old -time cistern or barrel. With a cistern, all you can draw out is what runs in during rainy days. If you share water with other people, your cistern or barrel will go dry. Through the years, too much water has been taken out of the road system cistern and has dried up available water or money.

Reallocating is a possible way to take back some of these buckets of money. This will be next to impossible and take a long time. This ½ cent tax will help pour in new money to the road cistern for roads now instead of years later. Legal buckets have dipped into the road systems cistern through the years because of unconcerned voters. I must admit that I was not concerned about pot holes until there were too many to dodge anymore. Mr. Nowlin and the five council members are not magicians or counterfeiters. They can only use money they have available through voted taxes.

We are all upset about our roads, but what can we do to fix that? The roads did not get this way overnight and will not be fixed overnight. Vote for the tax and start progress in motion. I hear what you’re saying! We can’t trust them with the old money, why give them new money to misuse. We don’t really know that to be true. Road problems started a long time ago, not just in the last five or six years. To pave Allen Beulah Road, it will cost a minimum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars per mile. Seven miles of road adds up to one million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars.

I don’t know how much is being spent every year to patch the patches on this road, but it’s a lot. Paving some of these roads that are money pits will free up patch money to be used on other roads. Most likely maintenance money for two years of maintenance would pave a mile on someone else’s road. As it goes today, our road progress is in reverse. This tax can turn our road progress around.

I hear you again! Why can’t they use the money in better ways instead of a new tax to fix our roads? Fifty-one years ago, I worked a little for the ward, preparing my road for paving. Back then, seven miles of road was most likely less than one mile today. They call this inflation or modern times. Either way you look at it, it means it takes more money today.

This is a good tax that the state will help us with. We need this match money. As a private contractor all my life, I can tell you if there is no money, the job does not get done. If we vote against this tax, we no longer have a right to complain about our roads. I will vote for this tax as I don’t see much progress complaining has ever done except to raise blood pressure.

Thank you for your time and Vote for Progress.

Rev. Mark Megason

Louisiana State Master Trooper Heather Owens spoke to Rotary Club of Natchitoches at its Feb. 5 meeting on the topic of Internet Safety for Parents. Owens has been in law enforcement for 26 years. Pictured from left are Rotary Club of Natchitoches Richard White, Owens, and Rotarian with the Program Henry Kinberger (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

Northwestern State jumper Jasmyn Steels moved into the NCAA’s indoor track and field women’s long jump top 10 with her winning leap of 20-7 ¼ at the LSU Bayou Bengal Invite last Friday, while standout sprinter Micah Larkins retained his top 30 standing in the men’s 60 meter dash.

Steels and Larkins are expected to compete this weekend as NSU takes part in the UA Tyson Invitational at Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Friday and Saturday.

Steels’ jump is the ninth best in the country for NCAA Division I and sets a new personal indoor record beating her old mark of 20-4 ½ that she posted at the OU Sooner Challenge on Jan. 19. It also ties her for first in the Southland Conference this season.

Her overall best in the event is 20-7 ¾, good for second all-time in Lady Demons history behind four-time All-American Stephanie Sowell, who jumped 20-10 ½ in 2003.

Jumps coach Tyron Stewart isn’t surprised by Steels’ performances this season considering her success a year ago.

“Jasmyn is really on a roll. She picked up right where she left off last season and really understands what she needs to do,” said Stewart about the junior from College Station, Texas.

Larkins remains in the national spotlight in the 60 meter dash despite sitting out the LSU Bayou Bengal Invitational. His 6.69 time two weeks ago at Pittsburg State places him in a six-way tie for 28th in the country and ranks third in the conference.

Associate head coach and sprints coach Adam Pennington said the senior from Haughton has been working through an injury, making his national standing even more remarkable.

“Its crazy to think he’s still in the top-30 having only run the 60 one time this season,” said Pennington. “He’ll see some good competition this weekend at Arkansas after finally resting up a nagging hamstring, so we’ll see how he stacks up. He has a good mindset and he’s going to do some special things.”

NSU is tracking toward the Southland Conference Indoor Championships Feb. 24-25 in Birmingham, Alabama.

NSU Middle Lab Orchestra will hold a hamburger fundraiser this Thursday, Feb. 7 from 11 am – 1 pm. This event will support Gifted local kids who received the honor of performing at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City. A meal for $7 includes a hamburger or cheeseburger, chips, water and a cookie. Pickup will be available at the Collins Pavillion on the NSU Campus. Delivery is available on local orders of 5 or more. Make all checks payable to Cane River Charities, event sponsor. For more information or to place an order call Chad at 318-663-8584.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Crystal Dowden-Magness
January 29, 1978 – February 3, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, February 7 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Friday, February 8 at 10 am at Blanchard -St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Booty Cemetery in Kisatchie

Annie Lou Casaday
February 17, 1938 – February 1, 2019
Visitation: Wednesday, February 6 from 9-11 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, February 6 at 11:30 am at Evergreen Cemetery in Goldonna

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

Superintendent Dale Skinner wanted to set the record straight at the School Board Committee meeting Tuesday night, Feb. 5, regarding an investigative report on school cafeteria health inspections.

The Natchitoches Parish School District was included in a list of schools that were written up by state health inspectors for health code violations during the most recent academic year.

The 61 violations in Natchitoches were not critical violations, according to Skinner, who said he resents the fact that the information was published in a way that made it look like the school district was feeding children in a hazardous environment.

Some of the violations are minor equipment repairs such as a leak in the walk-in cooler and outside freezer. Another is “mops not hung where they can air correctly.” They also include:

Repair gauges on dishwasher, milk cooler needs repair, courtyard door needs weather stripping, and missing floor tiles around freezer.

If the building has a leak which has caused damage to the ceiling tiles, this is considered a hazard. Skinner assured the board that measures will be taken to correct everything and that the children’s health and safety always comes first.

To see inspection reports for schools and area restaurants search by name online at https://la.healthinspections.us/stateoflouisiana/. The NPJ pulled the most recent inspection reports for a few of the area schools (SEE DOCUMENTS BELOW).

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The revenue may be down according to the Christmas Festival financials for 2018, however, the festival did well overall, hit its goals, and has money set aside for improvements for next year (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).

Armband pre-sales and weekend sales were down 18 percent from 2017, however it was the second rainiest December on record. “We consider ourselves lucky,” said Festival Director Lee Waskom.

The RV revenue saw a boost, according to Jill Leo, festival and events director for the Historic District Business Association (HDBA). This was due to a larger number of tour busses reserving parking.

While government funding and grant money is down from 2017 to 2018, Waskom said it’s a good thing because it shows the festival has become self sufficient.

The fireworks shows were increased by $7,500 because the festival was able to save in other areas, such as hiring a local sound system company.

Perhaps the best part about the Christmas Festival is the money it puts back into the community. Thirteen non-profit organizations operate entrance booths on festival day. The Christmas Festival ended up pumping $25,900 of its revenue into non-profits.

But there’s always new expenses that don’t get budgeted for. It’s all about the little things, from having someone man the restrooms on the north and south ends of the riverbank on Saturdays, to buying locks for the toilet paper holders in the portable toilets. An added investment that many festival goers might not think about is the purchase of a new scale to weigh green festival tickets.

Two new snow machines were purchased to add to the experience for children on Front Street. The festival plans to redo two more floats for the 2019 festival after great feedback on the new Polar Express and Santa floats.

“With how rainy it was compared to 2016, we’re thankful for the final results and how well the overall season went,” said Waskom. “We always focus on keeping the festival fresh and we’re debating what changes we can make.”

The festival office will now be located at the Natchitoches Main Street Office on front street.

Arlene Gould, Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, was installed as a Director of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) Board of Directors for her second term at its annual meeting at the Holiday Inn Alexandria – Downtown on January 24, 2019.

“I am honored to be serving LTA and the 750 members the association represents throughout the state,” said Gould. “This organization has worked to lead and strengthen Louisiana’s tourism industry for 58 years,and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to keep the momentum going.”

New officers installed on the executive board committee include the following: Janice Delerno Verges, with the Stockade Bed & Breakfast, as chairman;Ben Berthelot, with Lafayette CVC, as vice-chairman; Kerry Andersen,independent consultant, as secretary; Kyle Edmiston, with Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB,as treasurer; and Travis Napper, with Ruston-Lincoln CVB, as immediate past chair.

New members on the board of directors are Joanna Folse-Alexander, with Sunrise Hospitality; Jeremy Cooker, with New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp.; Peggy Benoit, Tripshock.com (serving a second term); Eric Hoffman, Hoffman Media LLC; and Jim Caldwell, Kisatchie National Forest.

Returning members on the board of directors Dickie Brennan, with Dickie Brennan & Company;Timothy Bush, with Louisiana’s Cajun BayouTourism; Alana Cooper, with Monroe-West Monroe CVB; John Crook, with Vernon Parish TC; Brandy Evans, with Shreveport-Bossier CTB; Marion Fox, with Jeff Davis Parish TC;Kevin Kelly, with Houmas House Plantation & Gardens; Ralph Ney, with Marriot Hotel Baton Rouge; Donna O’Daniels, with St. Tammany Parish TC; Lynette Tanner, with Frogmore Plantation & Gins; and Denise Thevenot, with Louisiana Tax Free Shopping.

“Our executive committee and board of directors are responsible for helping us meet the needs of our members and making sure we accomplish our goals of providing educational and marketing opportunities while also advocating on the industry’s behalf,” said Jill Kidder, LTA president and CEO. “We are excited to be starting offanother year with a great group of industry leaders that represent the entire state.”

Officers on the executive committee and members of the board of directors are elected during the annual meeting. Each year, the chairman of the board selects a nominating committee that is comprised of members who are not up for re-election and who are not seeking office. This committee is responsible for presenting a slate to the members of the association that recognizes all regions of the state and all segments of the tourism industry.
About the Louisiana Travel Association

LTA is a trade association leading and strengthening Louisiana’s vibrant tourism industry through promotion, education and advocacy on behalf of our members. Tourism generated $1.8 billion for Louisiana in 2017 and employs more than 236,000 people throughout the state. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.

Northwestern State University has a spring enrollment of 10,155, which is the largest for a spring semester in the university’s 135-year history. The previous record of 9,931was set last spring.

* Note – Not all 10,155 attend school on the Natchitoches Campus. We are very blessed to have a large Online enrollment.

The registration count increased by 224 students or 2.2 percent over last spring.

“The record spring enrollment is a reflection of the outstanding work done by our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university in moving Northwestern forward,” said Northwestern State President Dr. Chris Maggio. “Larger numbers of students are selecting to attend Northwestern because of its strong academics, the excellent student life experience and the effort that goes into preparing our students for the workforce of tomorrow.”

The university has enhanced student life by opening the Campus Marketplace, which includes the campus bookstore and Chick-fil-A restaurant which began operations last week.

Major capital improvements have been made including a new parking lot at Watson Library, overlay of Caspari Street and upgrades in several classroom buildings. An outdoor stage at Iberville Green will be completed soon.

Students and faculty continued to bring national and international acclaim to the university through their accomplishments. In academics, students had a 100 percent passage rate on the NCLEX exam. The first cohort of BSN students completed their clinical studies on the Natchitoches campus. In the School of Business the first inaugural Inferno Pitch competition took place. NSU recorded the highest student-athlete graduation rate in school history, The university was among the recipients of a highly-competitive Department of Education Teacher Quality Partnership grant.

The university maintained its ranking as a Military Friendly institution for the ninth time.

Tuesday night, Feb. 5, will certainly prove to be an exciting night at the Teepee (NCHS Gymnasium) as the Chiefs and Lady Chiefs take on District 2-5A rival, Ouachita Lions. On the boys side the Ouachita Lions come in to Tuesday night’s game as the #2 ranked 5A team in Louisiana and your NCHS Chiefs ranked #7. This game will help decide the district 2-5A champion for 2019.

The ladies will get the action started at 5:30 pm. NCHS will celebrate Senior Night just after the girls’ game (and prior to the boys’ game). The boys’ game will follow at 7 pm.

Please come out and support these two groups as they fight for a district title on their way to the playoffs.

Chief Seniors :
#11 Calvin Carpenter Jr.
#24 Zamauri Miller
#23 Trevon Solitaire

Lady Chief Seniors:
Otesha Jackson
Faith Duncantell
Caytreonna Brown
Teanna Payton
Brianna Williams
Colby Bonier

Students from Northwestern State University’s School of Education attended and presented NSU at the DeSoto Parish Educator Job Fair, an event organized to inform and recruit future teachers. NSU was one of four universities represented at the fair. NSU students spoke with over 90 DeSoto Parish juniors and seniors that have expressed an interest in becoming teachers and shared stories of why they chose to become a teacher, their Residency experience and how NSU professors and curriculum have prepared them for the classroom. From left are Joy Newman, Morgan Burris, LeKayla Smith, Carter Coriell, Alicia King, and Jayden Wheeler. Information on NSU’s School of education is available at education.nsula.edu.