Northwestern State University’s Department of Mathematics is honoring the memory of a former colleague by establishing the Stan Chadick Endowed Professorship of Mathematics.

“Dr. Chadick was a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend to many and his loss will be felt for a long time, even while he continues to influence the future of our community through all of us that he touched,” said Dr. Leigh Ann Myers, professor of mathematics.

Chadick was a member of Northwestern State’s faculty for 37 years and a Professor Emeritus. During his tenure at NSU, he served as a full-time faculty member, head of the Department of Mathematics and the first director of the Louisiana Scholars’ College. He was the curriculum coordinator at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts at the school’s inception where he helped develop the curriculum and supervised the 45 teachers at LSMSA during the first two years.

Chadick was one of three teachers to receive NSU’s first Distinguished Faculty Award in 1987. He was one of two teachers to receive the first Alumni Association’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 1990. He was awarded the Northwestern State University President’s Distinguished Service Award in 2005. Before his retirement, he was recognized as NSU’s most prolific grant writer. After retirement, the Mathematical Association of America Louisiana-Mississippi Section selected Chadick as recipient of the Certificate of Merit given every five years to a member of the Section. He also received the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics’ first Lifetime Service Award in Mathematics Education. In 2014, NSU awarded Chadick an honorary Doctorate of Applied Science.

Chadick, an Arkansas native, earned a B.S. in mathematics at University of Central Arkansas and an M. S. in mathematics at the University of Arkansas. He joined Northwestern State’s faculty after receiving his Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Tennessee in 1969 and retired in 2005.

Chadick passed away in 2017.

Faculty in the Department of Mathematics are seeking public support to raise $80,000 in contributions that will be matched by $20,000 from the Board of Regents. Income from the endowment will be awarded to a professor in the department who is involved in professional development of K-16 teachers and/or student activities.

Every contribution of $50 or more to the Stan Chadick Endowment will be matched 1:4 by an anonymous donor until the goal is reached. For example, a contribution of $200 to the fund will result in an additional donation of $50.

For more information, contact Myers at mysers@nsula.edu or (318) 357-6140 or Jill Bankston, CFRE, at bankstonj@nsula.edu or (318) 357-4241. Gifts can be mailed to the NSU Office of University Advancement, Development Office, Natchitoches, LA 71497.

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members from Northwestern State University returned to campus with a road map for success in the new year. Over the weekend of Jan. 18-20, members of the Beta Omicron Chapter joined more than 270 fellow Pi Kapps from 37 chapters to take part in Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers in Dallas, Texas.

The Fraternity’s officer training institute prepares newly elected and re-elected officers and key committee chairmen for their roles as leaders of their chapter. Each year more than 1,500 undergraduates receive training at six regional locations — also including Charlotte, NC; Springfield, MA; Columbus, OH; Atlanta, GA; and Los Angeles, CA.

Each chapter sends ten delegates, who follow unique educational tracks. Offered tracks include Archon, Vice Archon, Treasurer, Secretary, Warden, Historian, Chaplain, philanthropy chairman, risk management chairman and standards board chairman.

NSU students attending the conference included: Nich Olivares, Luis Ortiz, Daniel Larin, Char Wilson, Tristan Thorman, Colton Campbell, Ben Butcher, Tyler Vienne, Jonathan Castillo, Kendall Normand, and Derek Henry. These newly elected officers were challenged to think about how they will demonstrate the courage to make positive choices, act on their values, and develop a commitment to excellence.

Student leaders also received training on effective recruitment techniques, living the ritual, making ethical decisions, and putting service before self. Students also attended various leadership breakouts: Motivating Your Members, Leading Engaging Meetings & Tips for Effective Facilitation, Ultimate Respect & Accountability, Leveraging Your Leadership Experience in the Job Search, Using The Ability Experience in Chapter Operations, Leadership Challenges round tables, and an Advanced Ritual Debrief.

The conference also provided participants the opportunity to interact with the fraternity’s most talented volunteers, many of whom are among the country’s most-respected professionals in higher education.

Chapters that found success in chapter operations in 2018 were recognized at Pi Kapp College. The Beta Omicron Chapter at NSU received ‘Master Chapter’ status for its composite score on the Seven Objectives of Chapter Excellence report, indicating top performance in key areas. Student members were also recognized for Membership Excellence and Recruitment Excellence.

Beta Omicron Chapter alumni also served in support roles, volunteering as facilitators. Wes Breeden facilitated the warden track at the Dallas conference, while Lane Luckie led the risk management track in both Charlotte and Dallas. Alumni Zack Cockerham, Dedrick Lewis, and Thomas Marlbrough served on the headquarters staff at each weekend of the conference.

 

The Lakeview Jr/Sr High School 4-H organization recently began a community service project for their school, which will hopefully be able to branch out to other schools in the future. Project “My Night” is a 100 percent donation based initiative that provides formal attire for all students. Just because a student can’t afford to purchase attire for Homecoming, Prom or any formal event their school is involved in doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to participate in that special event. Project “My Night” has future plans to introduce other experiences for the students as well. If you would like to donate please contact Sherry Helms at shelms@nat.k12.la.us or call Lakeview at 318-476-3360. Donations are accepted at Lakeview Monday-Friday from 8 am – 3 pm (when school is in session).

7th Grade Principal’s List
Adrian Davis and Ariel Joseph

7th Grade A Honor Roll
Braylee Layfield-Bruce, Jorryn Harris, Treston Carter, and Tristan Hartley

7th Grade B Honor Roll
Nasser Ali, Brandon Below, Jarid Bradley, Danajae’ Coleman, Penelope Connell, Holtz Helms, Syrai Joseph, Alyssa Smith, Hayden Weaver, Kyla Williams, and Teriana Willis

8th Grade Principal’s List
Trinity Browder and Colby Creamer

8th Grade A Honor Roll
Kaelin Bruce, Serenity Bush, Donavon Carries, Rebecca Gallien, Shiann Harris, Jerrion Jones, Hailey Poydras, Randell Slaughter, and Jennifer Williams

8th Grade B Honor Roll
Evan Baker, Akira Bonner, Lauren Custis, Tanner Gardner, Mar’Shae Grant, Aurelious Melancon, Dillon Pikes, Harley Thomas, Kearston Nobles, Ju-Nyrria Powell, Stephan Prudhomme, Sammya Rachal, Me’Aria Triggs, and Enijua Turks

9th Grade Principal’s List
Zoie Britt, Meagan Corley, Cami Faircloth, Sara Garner, Kaitlynn Long, and Elizabeth Poydras

9th Grade A Honor Roll
Aky’a Chatman, Liberty Collins, Kandice Palm, Dominick Rachal, Kayla Smith, Tyler Telsee, Cameron Toussaint, and Elvin Waldrup

9th Grade B Honor Roll
Allison Anderson, Mar’Kedious Carter, Nyla Carter, Morghen Demery, Emma Hatten, Mathew Howard, Micah Martin, Antuan Nash, Ahmed Nasser, Jaron Petite, Reddrick Shepeard, Mahdi Shuaibi, Destiny Williams, and Chelsey Winslow

10th Grade Principal’s List
Brenton Cherry, Joshua Mattox, Averianna Slaughter, Jason Smith, and Tierra Stacks

10th Grade A Honor Roll
Makayla Braswell, Shakayla Browder, Taylor Coutee, Jeffery Custis, Alaysia Demery, Amber Hembree, Makensie Hodges, Sabrina Ivy, Olivia Litton, Carleigh Lofton, Kinley Nelson, Ingerlisha Nicholas, Zenobia Poydras, Derrick Rock, Ethan Smith, and Shaliyha Smith

10th Grade B Honor Roll
Amari’ Ardison, Kallie Ayres, Dae’breyuona Bell, Aalondra Garner, Tevin Hickman, U’Donis Jones, Raelynn Lebrun, Emma McDonald, Chloe Peacock, Jo Porter, Mykel Slaughter, Larry Vaughn, Christopher Washington, and Cole Yelverton

11th Grade Principal’s List
Takia Ardison, Kadon Cook, Zackari Favela, Karmen Jarriett, Joshua Long, Shermarcus Page, Mackenzie Phillips, and Hunter Thomas

11th Grade A Honor Roll
Jaquan Bobb, Ka’Bri’an Bonier, Makayla Cook, Emily Corley, Tykeria Ford, Chayton Friday, Angel Hayes, Danielle Morrison, Anna Smith, Hailey Thompson, Landon Vaughn, Timothy Washington, Airamya Williams, Jasmine Williams, Tyler Williams and Emily Windham

11th Grade B Honor Roll
Elizabeth Anderson, Nathaniel Braden, Zaria Edwards, Joshua Graham, Joseph Harvey, Altorio Holden, Ja’marcus Jackson, Ke’Shawn Jefferson, Katelynn Rachall, Kaycee Smith, Raven Speir, Errik Stracener, Jakerian Washington, Daron Williams, Shaneta Williams, Jeffery Willis, and Breanna Wyatt

12th Grade Principal’s List
LaTia Beavers, Taylor Coleman, Breanna Harrison, Ladaysha Hayes, Shaa’Vareyah Page, Ke’Aira Thomas, and Ashley Womack

12th Grade A Honor Roll
Stephani Bradley, Joseph Gallien, Kalynne Goss, Madison Hale, Charles Hudson, Martina Jarnagin, Fredesha Knox, Zarious Lewis, Ammesha Millage, James Owens, Tykeria Pier, Shaquera Reliford, Nathan Roberts, Brittany Sullivan, Emily Sullivan, Jaylan Triplet-Bell, Tiffany Valure, Matthew Vaughn, and Jada Williams

12th Grade B Honor Roll
Jalen Benn, Joey Blackmon, Diamond Brown, Dacoda Coutee, Lance Delacerda, Taylor Ferrier, Logan Johnson, Dillon Longino, Zy-Keious Manuel, Shalynn Matthews, A’Keria Payton, Deanna Rowell, Christopher Small, Sara Sullivan, Victoria Tune

 

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Science Review on Friday, Feb. 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The class will be on the second floor of South Hall on NSU’s Natchitoches campus. The fee is $35 for those who pre-register and $45 on the day of class.

Just over 30 percent of the TEAS Test is on science. The TEAS Science section tests students’ ability to: distinguish between DNA, genes, and chromosomes, understand the anatomy and physiology of the immune system and skeletal system, describe scientific measurements and explain cause and effect among events and processes

This review will be a refresher on these topics and include TEAS type science questions.

The recommended textbook is Mometrix Test Preparation (2016). ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide, ISBN: 978-1-5167-0383-8

For more information on NSU non-credit programs, go to nsula.edu/ece/non-credit-programs/ or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355. To register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu.

To learn more about NSU’s online non-credit courses visit gatlineducation.com/nsula or ed2go.com/nsu/.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Vina “June” Walker
June 24, 1933 – January 28, 2019
Service: Saturday, February 2 at 11 am at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Chopin
Interment: Emmanuel Cemetery

RAPIDES PARISH:

Barbara D Wildman
March 27, 1932 – January 26, 2019
Service: Sunday, February 3 at 2 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home

WINN PARISH:

Earnest James Baxley Sr.
July 2, 1938 – January 30, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 2 from 5-8 pm and Sunday, February 3 from 12-1:30 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, February 3 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Winnfield
Interment: Garden of Memories in Winnfield

William E. “Pete” Anderson
July 26, 1948 – January 30, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 2 from 11 am – 1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Calvin
Service: Saturday, February 2 at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Calvin
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery

On those weekends when I am working Honey-Do projects at the camp, we will eat at least one meal at Gap Farms in Arcadia. I do enjoy a meal served at a gas station. Friday and Saturday nights are “steak nights.” We nod our order as we walk in. We have been there so much they know our order by heart.

If it is Saturday morning, Gap Farms serves wonderful omelets. The Saturday morning crew knows our order by heart too. That is one of the joys of small-town living, people know you and they know your ordering habits.

I will also confess that Marilyn at Lasyone’s knows our breakfast order too. She will ask us, “The usual?” I miss Marilyn and I’m thinking about a Lasyone’s omelet right now.

It was a Saturday morning and we were at Gap Farms for breakfast. There were many former church members eating there that Saturday morning. We had old home week with folks we pastored nearly 30 years ago. None of us have changed, except we have many more years of life experience under our belts. James Poole once said, “There is no one as beloved as the beloved FORMER pastor.” I was working the room enjoying my beloved status.

Our server was Nascha. She takes care of us on Saturday mornings. She is about to complete her higher education journey and we “help” her with career suggestions. She is an amazing young woman and will have a bright future in whatever endeavor she pursues. She has exceptional people skills. That was a hint for you potential employers in Lincoln, Webster and Bienville Parishes. I think she would be happy continuing to work at Gap Farms. Her love for what she does, shows.

We ate. Nascha brought us our bill for the meal. I have attached a copy of that document. Look at it carefully and tell me what you think. Upon first glance it would appear that the meal was paid for by a generous former church member. That was the assumption that was made.

I plopped some cash on the table and we proceeded to the exit.

We pondered “that breakfast bill” for a while. It certainly looked like it was paid. The balance was zero. But who paid it for us? How could we thank the generous breakfast bill payer?

The next Friday night we were in our usual seats at Gap Farms. I sit in front of the freezer. It is the very last chair in the place. The last chair is in the corner of the room. It is my safe place. On this night, it was steak night. The bill came. Same thing, the balance read 0.00. Because there were no beloved former church members in the place, we interpreted the math differently.

We had indeed walked out on our breakfast bill the week before. I left without paying! I think that is a crime.

I paid for steak night and for the previous breakfast. I also offered my humblest apology. I know how to read bills at Gap Farms now!

If your preacher is pointing out your sins on Sunday morning, rest assured if they are pointing a finger at you, they have three fingers pointed back at them. I am reminding you and ME, that I am a sinner. Sometimes my sins wear me out. I long for eternity when the dark side of our nature will be redeemed.

I’m wondering what heaven will be like. We will be there, but our sinful nature will not. We will be whole. We will have complete understanding.

We will not make mistaken assumptions.

Imagine conversations and relationships where only love, joy and peace are present. Imagine a world in which all darkness and evil is banished.

I understand why the last prayer of the Bible is, “Even so, Come Lord Jesus.”

Guest artist John Bloomfield will present a workshop, “The Taubman Approach to Piano Playing” at Northwestern State University on Saturday, Feb. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. in Room 103 of the Fine Arts Annex. A masterclass will begin at 2 p.m.

Bloomfield is a Ken­tucky native and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Furman University. An award-winning solo and chamber pianist, he has been broadcast by Public Radio in New England and has been heard on the air in New York under the auspices of Ars Viva. Bloomfield earned a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and since then has been a long-term student of Dorothy Taubman and Edna Go­landsky. He has taught at Adelphi University and in the pre-college division of the Manhattan School of Music.

In demand as a clinician and adjudicator around the country, he has lectured at a number of colleges and universities. He was invited several times to teach in Taiwan and has been a featured presenter at the Breckenridge Music Institute, state MTA conventions, and three MTNA Conventions. Bloomfield was the keynote speaker at the 2007 MTA convention in California. He was guest artist at the University of Alabama in 2013. He traveled to Australia in 2014 to teach and present lectures on the Taubman Approach. Bloomfield maintains a studio in New York City, where he is also a performance associ­ate at Hunter College and an adjunct instructor at Queens College. He is a co-founder and senior director of the Golandsky Institute, which he also serves as faculty chair.

Bloomfield’s appearance is funded by the Prince Endowed Professorship in Music.

For more information or to RSVP for lunch, contact Francis Yang at yangf@nsula.edu.

The Chiefs soccer team wrapped up their regular season ranked #20 and will take on #13 Destrehan in the first round of play-offs. The game will take place Friday at 6 pm, Feb. 1 at Destrehan High School.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office K9 Bessi recieved a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Bessi’s vest is sponsored by an Anonymous Donor and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of James G. Pierpont Sr.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,100 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at http://www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

K9 Bessi is handled by Deputy Sheriff Josh Axsom and is a dual certified Patrol and Narcotics K9 currently assigned to Criminal Patrol. K9 Bessi says she loves her new vest which will keep her safe as she serves the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.

Northwestern State received an $18,000 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation to assist in needed renovations at the Walter P. Ledet Track and Field Complex, athletics director Greg Burke announced Thursday.

The complex improvements include repairing worn areas and markings on the track surface and runways for the long and triple jump as well as the javelin runway.

The grant will also aid in installing an LED Track Curb, which is a requirement for hosting meets and serves as a training tool for teams.

The renovations will be complete before NSU will host the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships on May 3-5, which brings 12 men’s and women’s track and field teams along with hundreds of spectators to Natchitoches.

“Without this grant, we wouldn’t have been able to repair the track surfaces and buy the curbing that you need to host a meet like the conference championships,” said head NSU track and field coach Mike Heimerman. “The needed repairs are on areas like the finish line.

“It’s a huge advantage for our men’s and women’s teams to compete at home, and this will have a huge economic impact for Natchitoches with 22 other track teams bringing in close to 600 student-athletes, as well as spectators, over a four-day period.”

The contribution was made to the NSU Demons Unlimited Foundation, the fundraising organization for NSU athletics.

Weyerhaeuser is the largest private landowner in the United States, managing timberlands in the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, Northeast and Pacific Northwest regions.

“Weyerhaeuser is deeply connected and committed to the communities where we operate through our businesses, our employees and the investments we make,” said Peyton Weeks, Weyerhaeuser’s Winnfield Timberlands Area Manager. “The mission of the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund is to improve the quality of life in communities where Weyerhaeuser has a presence. Go Demons!”

The company strives to fund projects which benefit wellness among other areas within its geographic footprint.

“Heartfelt appreciation is again extended to the Weyerhaeuser Foundation for its continued support of the NSU athletic program and, in particular, its fund raising arm, the Demons Unlimited Foundation,” said NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke, who authored the grant proposal. “The fact that the Weyerhaeuser Foundation is purposeful in distributing funds that will be impactful in areas which will directly benefit its employees, combined with the ability of NSU to assist in meeting those needs, has made for a strong partnership through the years.”

The Walter P. Ledet Track and Field Complex is open to the public and hosts high school events like the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s State Cross Country Meet as well as local, district and regional track meets. Other community events include the Central Louisiana Special Olympics, the Southern USA Track and Field Meet and training for local law enforcement agencies.

Weyerhaeuser has funded close to $250,000 in NSU Athletics’ projects that help Northwestern State serve Natchitoches Parish and a 15-parish area as an activities’ hub in rural North and Central Louisiana, improving the quality of life for Louisiana residents.

Pictured: NSU jumps coach Tyron Stewart, NSU cross country coach Chris Sauer, NSU athletics director Greg Burke, Winnfield Timberlands Area Manager Peyton Weeks, Trust Joist Mill Manager Jason Smith, NSU head track and field coach Mike Heimerman, NSU senior sprinter Micah Larkins and NSU associate athletics director for external relations Dr. Haley Taitano.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

 

The Boys to Men Club at Natchitoches Jr. High received some great tips from Mr. Carl Walters, III, CEO of the Outpatient Medical Centers of Natchitoches. Mr. Walters was accompanied by his right-hand-man, Mr. Charles Holmes, Director of Marketing at OMC.

Walters spoke with the group of gentlemen for about 45 minutes on topics such as how to be successful post school, the importance of staying in school, making wise choices, and surrounding yourself with positivity versus negativity. The topic of what should be included in a resume was also discussed.

As Walters spoke, the guys took brief notes and asked questions. Following Walters’ advice, the floor was opened up for comments.

Walters was invited to speak to the group of young men by Mr. Jermaine Thomas, founder of the club.

At the conclusion of the session, Thomas presented Walters with a Certificate of Appreciation as well as an 8×10 professional photo of the club members.

Mr. Walters also presented Thomas with a donation to support the club. If you would like to donate to the club, please contact Mr. Thomas at jermaine.thomas@nat.k12.la.us or call the school during school hours at (318) 214-0066.

Pictured on front row from left are Jamarius Henry, Rytaveon Thomas, Arnold Scott, Jaydian Creel, Ronald Smith, Fredrick Jackson, Amarion Mitchell, and Kamryn Garner. On back row are Tyler Lucas, Nicholos Delaney, Brad Young, Dequallin Newton, Mr. Jermaine Thomas, CEO Carl Walters, III, OMC Director of Marketing Charles Holmes, and Anthony Benning.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Vina “June” Walker
June 24, 1933 – January 28, 2019
Visitation: Friday, February 1 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, February 2 at 11 am at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Chopin
Interment: Emmanuel Cemetery

RAPIDES PARISH:

Barbara D Wildman
March 27, 1932 – January 26, 2019
Service: Sunday, February 3 at 2 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home

WINN PARISH:

William E. “Pete” Anderson
July 26, 1948 – January 30, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 2 from 11 am – 1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Calvin
Service: Saturday, February 2 at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Calvin
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery

The Master Gardeners of Natchitoches Parish will hold a Tulip Planting Activity Meeting for the month of February and the public is invited. We will be meeting Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 9 am at the City “Barn” across from the intersection of Touline and 6th street. We will not be having our regularly scheduled meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 13. Our activity is part of the ongoing beautification program for the City of Natchitoches and we will be planting a variety of colorful tulips in pots to be displayed around town. If you would like to participate please wear appropriate clothing for the weather, waterproof shoes or boots and bring your gardening gloves as we will be outside.

The Louisiana Master Gardener Program is a volunteer development program offered by the LSU AgCenter. Master Gardeners are highly trained and provide proven, research-based educational programs to Louisiana residents as well as volunteering their time and talents to aid in community beautification projects.

For more information or for daily tips on North Louisiana gardening, go to

https://www.facebook.com/NachitochesMaster Gardener/.

Engage Federal Credit Union has been the premier financial institution for our members for over 43 years. That’s because we’re owned by our members! That’s why we truly understand the financial needs of families and small businesses in the greater Natchitoches and surrounding areas.

One way Engage helps our members is to provide loans for those who are unable to get a loan from traditional banks. Because we’re a federally certified CDFI credit union, Engage has the mission to help individuals achieve financial stability and build wealth.

The credit union is pro-active when it comes to stopping the dangerous practice of borrowing from expensive payday or auto lenders. “Engage actively combats harmful lending practices every day. Unlike credit unions where interest rates are capped at 25%, it’s not uncommon for fringe lenders to charge borrowers over 400% APR”, explains Kathy Deloney, CEO. Engage offers payday alternative loans and wheels to work loans for individuals strapped with high-cost interest rates. These types of loans can trap borrowers in a never-ending cycle of debt. At Engage, our knowledgeable staff works closely with every borrower to review credit scores and answer questions about budgeting. We make sure that your loan works to help you achieve your financial goals.

Individuals who visit our branch at 256 HWY 3175, Natchitoches and close on a loan of at least $1,000.00 will be offered a spin on the new Prize Wheel! Prizes include promotional items such as ball caps, charging stations, water bottles, umbrellas, Bluetooth speakers, and $100 cash!
Apply for a loan online at http://www.engagefcu.org or call us at 318-238-7762 to find out how we can help you!

The Natchitoches Central Powerlifting boys team traveled to Leesville on Jan. 26 to compete in the Leesville HS Invitational Powerlifting Meet.

The Chiefs were represented by 10 lifters, who racked up 36 total points. Of the ten who participated, 6 medaled in either first or second in their respective weight classes.

Bringing home the hardware for the Chiefs are as follows:

1ST PLACE- Rodney Robinson – 165#

1ST PLACE – Patrick Dessources – 242#

1ST PLACE – Tucker Henderson – 198#

2ND PLACE- Jamicha Howard – 198#

2nd PLACE – Jacoby Timms – 220#

2nd PLACE – John Waskom – 181#

JV Boys/Girls will be traveling to Buckeye High School on Feb. 2 to compete.

By Joe Darby

If you’re heading north or south, to Shreveport or Alexandria, and you’re not in a big hurry, you might want to try good old La. 1 instead of the Interstate.

On the Interstate, as you know, you’ll be beset by speeders, looming 18-wheelers, slow-pokes that force you to pass them and other unpleasant challenges to your serenity and safety.

On good old La. 1, you’ll find few of those problems (except perhaps for the slow-pokes), along with time to look at the countryside and enjoy the ride. I keep referring to the highway as good old La. 1 because I have a true affection for that long-traveled road.

If Route 66, stretching from Chicago to California, can be called America’s “Mother Road,” I think one could make a case for La. 1 being Louisiana’s “Mother Road.” It runs from Grand Isle, down on the Gulf of Mexico, to the extreme northwest corner of our state, traversing 12 parishes along the way. It’s our longest numbered highway. And it does, of course, pass right through Natchitoches.

La. 1 was put together during the early 1930s, under Gov. Huey P. Long, as a continuous route from north to south, connecting smaller patches of unpaved, more or less local roads. The highway would not be paved along its entire length until 1949, when the section in lower Lafourche Parish was finally given a hard overlay.

But, enough of its history. I like it because its traffic is light, it is, as I said, relaxing, and it brings back what auto travel was like years ago. It is a good way to get to Shreveport or Alexandria, I think.

But of course there’s so much more to it than our own local area. We often take La. 1 from Alexandria to New Roads, where we cross the Mississippi River on a (relatively) new bridge to visit family in East Feliciana Parish. That drive takes us through Marksville and other small towns along the Red and Mississippi Rivers. Make sure you obey each little town’s speed limits and you’ll be all right.

Years ago I would often drive the lower portion of La. 1, heading out from New Orleans and picking up the highway at Raceland to go down to Grand Isle. I wasn’t a fisherman but rather I was covering Jefferson Parish government for the New Orleans Times-Picayune so I would sometimes have business in that little island community.

Down there, La. 1 follows alongside Bayou Lafourche, where you’ll go through one small Cajun town after another, with scores of shrimping and fishing boats tied up along side the roadway. The scenery is interesting but, again, make sure you obey the speed limits. They have made a fine art out of speed traps.

So, putting it all together, I suppose I’ve traveled pretty much all of La. 1 at one time or another, but never in one continuous drive.

There are lots of other great backroad highways in Louisiana also. Let me mention US 71, which we recently took from US 190 near Krotz Springs to Alexandria. The different scenery and landscapes along that road are amazing. You go from swampland to open prairies with both cattle lands and farm lands to gently rolling hill country.

The state puts out a nice brochure and map on Louisiana Trails and Byways, which details scenic and historic backroads all over the state. Maybe I’ll talk about some of them in the future.

Allow me to end by repeating my suggestion that, when you have the time, take La. 1 or some other good old Louisiana highway. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

A central apsect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others. On Monday of Catholic Schools Week students at St. Mary’s Catholic School brought items as a part of a school wide “Baby Shower for Jesus” that will be donated to the Womens Resource Center. Pictured in front row from left are McCall Methvin, Avery Williams, and Camille Lindsey. On middle row are Presley White, Alayna Rachal,Addi Rhodes, and Noah Severin. On back row are Preston Martinez, Kadence Creamer, Lainey Bennett, Tripp Philen, Carissa Kautz, and Ella Hollier.