Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6 Chief Michael Sesvold and Firefighter Derek Boyt spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club at its meeting Aug. 13.

“Firefighting is a passion for every one of us,” said Boyt, whose wife Erin was present. She is a volunteer on the District 6 Support Staff.

Fire District 6 is known as a “combination department.” It consists of six full-time and four part-time firefighters, plus the fire chief. There are also over 25 active volunteer members.

Fire District 6 was established in 1982. It covers 90 square miles in a radius around the outside of the City limits of Natchitoches. Sesvold said their call volume has increased over last three years, as they currently serve over 10,000 residents.

“We always ask ourselves if we’re offering the best service we can for our tax payers,” he said. “Our goal is to move this department forward.” Sesvold has been fire chief for two years, but he’s served as a member of the fire district for 14 years.

Funding for the district comes from $25 parcel fees and a 10 mill property tax, which generates about $600,000 annually. About 55% goes to salaries and benefits. The district is governed by a 7-member board of volunteers appointed by the Parish Council for two year terms.

Each fire district in the Parish is rated every 5 years by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL). The rating each district receives directly affects the insurance rates for homeowners. A “1” is best and a “10” is the worst. Currently Fire District 6 has a “4” rating. The City itself holds a “3” rating. Fire District 6’s goal is to raise their rating to a “3.”

Classes are set to begin Monday, Aug. 20 at Northwestern State University and there is still time to register for the Fall 2018 semester, administrators say.

Registration for fall classes will continue through Sunday, Aug. 19 through NSUConnect and advising is available at the main campuses in Natchitoches and at NSU’s campuses in Alexandria, Leesville and Shreveport.

Frances Conine, interim Vice President for the Student Experience, said that NSU has support staff to assist with the registration process, particularly for new non-traditional students, veterans and first-generation students.

“Someone who has never been to college or who dropped out when they were younger may feel intimidated or unprepared to reenroll, but they should know that we are here to help with admission, registration, advising on what classes to take and financial aid,” Conine said. “It’s never too late to earn a degree at Northwestern State.”

NSU offers many degree programs online to accommodate students unable to attend traditional face-to-face classes, Conine said, adding that people over age 55 are eligible to take one class per semester at no charge.

“I encourage anyone who is thinking about enrolling to contact us and let us help guide them through the process,” Conine said.

Move-In Day for new students is Saturday, Aug. 18 and Freshman Convocation, a ceremony to mark the beginning of a first-time student’s academic journey, will be at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, followed by the President’s Picnic. Late registration will be Aug. 20-28 when additional fees will be applied. Registration for B-Term classes will begin Monday, Oct. 8-Tuesday, Oct. 16.

“Even though classes start next week, it’s not too late to get enrolled,” Conine said. “We have great advisors and student services staff that can help. There is great excitement on campus about the semester starting, our renovated bookstore, campus improvements and an active student body.”

Information on registration is available at http://www.nsula.edu.

I am Tom Collier Jr., a candidate for School Board Member District 8. I am married to Julie Collier and we have two sons Andy (passed) and Mike Collier. We also have Darren Litton who is in the service, Olivia Litton in the 10th grade, and Charlie Litton in the 9th grade. Savanna Collier, Trent Collier and Darren finished school at Lakeview High School. All other students listed above are at Lakeview.

As you can see I have a concern for them and other students.

I have owned and operated Collier’s and Sons Inc. for 35 years. I also have a dedicated record with five terms on the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury, from which I am retired. I served on a number of committees in my 20 years. I have a good attendance record with only five meetings missed in those 20 years.

I think if you are in leadership you should be accountable to the people you serve. I have and will continue to be accountable to whatever I’m involved in.

I am dedicated to having an open door policy. You will always be able to contact me by phone at 318-476-2239 (home), 318-471-9919 (cell), or 318-352-3528 (work). All calls are important to me.

My goals are to be dedicated as a member on the School Board District 8 should be. I pledge to work with other School Board members. Another goal is a pledge to all students to get them the best education we can offer.

We must remember to offer the best education we can, because these students are our next leaders of our country. We must give them the best we can offer. I, as a School Board member, will always listen to your input.

My past record stands with 20 years being dedicated and accountable. I will always be available to students and parents. Remember, if you want these things then please vote for #62, Tom Collier Jr.

East Natchitoches Elementary held its Open House on Aug. 9. The school is now comprised of grades 5-6 after the School Board approved a school banding initiative for the 2018-2019 school year.

“The East Natchitoches faculty and staff promotes an environment that places children first,” said Principal Chrystal Davis. “I am excited about the new 5th and 6th grade center, and the amazing opportunities our students will have to be successful this year.”

Winners, pictured above on front row from left are Alexandra Hubbard, April Rainbolt, Isabel Metoyer and Baileigh LaCour . On back row are Olivia Sylvia (held by Meghan Sylvia), Jamaica Sterling, Pageant Director Carla Roque Allen and Myriah Baptiste.

The Cane River Creole Heritage Pageant was held on June 23. This year’s pageant was inspired by a “Once Upon A Time” theme with the stage resembling an enchanted forest perfect for a Fairytale Princess. The pageant emcees were Mark Delphin of Lake Charles and Danielle Claiborne of Lafayette.

Carla Roque Allen, current resident of Maumelle, Ark., but a native of the Cane River community near Natchitoches, is the Pageant Director. With the help of a great committee, Carla is able to return home each year for the pageant. This pageant is her way of giving back to her community. It not only offers contestants the opportunity to learn important skills such as stage presence, poise, confidence and public speaking, but it also gives them the chance to learn about and appreciate their rich Creole Heritage.

The 14 lovely contestants who competed in this year’s pageant came from various areas of Louisiana. Each contestant came in dressed as Royalty from head to toe carrying their very own decorated storybook highlighting their magical experience in the pageant . Each girl showcased their personal style and charisma during the phases of competition. The pageant was complete with talented entertainment by Natchitoches Native, Vocalist Azaria Revels, Legacy of Faith: Cane River Creoles Historical Reenactment by the St. Augustine Historical Society, and dance performances by Miss Makenzie Gipson -2015 Miss Louisiana Creole Belle.

Congratulations to the 2018 Winners and Runner-Ups
Olivia Sylvia – Bye-Lo Baby Winner
April Rainbolt – Little Miss Creole Belle Winner; Isabel Metoyer – 1s t Runner Up Myriah Baptiste – Miss Petite Creole Belle Winner; Alexandra Hubbard -1s t Runner Up Jamaica Sterling – Miss Cane River Creole Belle Winner; Baileigh LaCour -1s t Runner Up

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Thomas Wylie Merrill, Jr.
June 4, 1942 – August 12, 2018
Visitation: Friday, August 17 from 6-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, August 18 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Cloutierville Baptist Church Cemetery in Cloutierville

RAPIDES PARISH:

Mr. Leslie Edward Fisher
August 1, 1937 – August 13, 2018
Visitation: Friday, August 17 from 4-8 pm and Saturday, August 18 from 11 am – 2 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, August 18 at 2 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Superintendent Dale Skinner and Jason Edwards, Director of Bus Services for Ecco Ride, sat down with Pastor Steven Harris on My923 early Tuesday morning, Aug. 14. They answered questions from parents live on the radio regarding the bus routes.

Ecco Ride is working diligently to post route numbers as this is what they’re using in place of bus numbers. Skinner and Edwards worked their way through 350 comments on the Facebook live stream for My 923, plus phone calls that came in to the radio station during their interview.

Here is the NEW UPDATED BUS ROUTES REPORT: (You may download)

NPSB Bus Matrix 8-14-18 Rev 8-15-18

The City of Natchitoches is warning residents of a bill payment scam that is targeting utility customers. Impersonators, claiming to be the City of Natchitoches Utility Service Center, are calling Natchitoches residents threatening if they don’t pay their delinquent bill immediately, their utilities will be shut off within 30 minutes.

Residents are reminded to be very cautious of any caller demanding money or payment. The City of Natchitoches Utility Service Center advises anyone receiving such calls to never make payment or provide the caller with any personal or banking information. If customers believe there is a problem with their account, they are encouraged to call the City of Natchitoches Utility Service Center at (318) 357-3844.

The Grand Ecore Visitor’s Center hosted a standing room only crowd this Saturday, Aug. 11 as the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA) presented a brown bag lunch and learn program entitled, “Red River Legends and Folklore”. The talk was given by Dr. Cheryl White, Associate Professor of History at Louisiana State University-Shreveport. She spoke about some of the myths and folklore concerning the area that has arisen over the years.

This talk was one of a series of “Lunch & Learn” lectures sponsored by the CRNHA and held at this picturesque venue. Each talk spotlights an area of our culture and history.

A Cloutierville man that eluded Natchitoches and Rapides Parish authorities for weeks was arrested this morning in south Natchitoches Parish according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies went to a residence in the 16000 block of Hwy. 1, south of Cloutierville, on Aug. 14 at 8:45 am in an effort to execute several outstanding felony warrants on Terrance Chase Brossett from Natchitoches and Rapides Parishes.

Deputies say upon coming in contact with relatives at the residence, they were informed that Mr. Brossett was not at the residence. Deputies informed them they had active criminal warrants along with reliable information of Brossett being at the residence and they were going to secure a search warrant for the residence.

Deputies were given consent to search the residence, where Brossett was located and taken into custody without incident.

Terrance Chase Brossett, 34, was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-count of Theft, 1-count of Possession of CDS Schedule IV Alprazolam, and Failure to Appear in the 10th Judicial District Court on September 25, 2017 for a Criminal Plea for Simple Burglary in Natchitoches Parish along with 1-count of Aggravated Burglary of a Residence and 1-count of Public Bribery in Rapides Parish.

Brossett remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on Natchitoches Parish charges with a hold for Rapides Parish authorities.

Lt. S. LaCaze, and Deputies M. Smith and B. Phelps made the arrest.

Northwestern State University recognized one faculty member from each college with Excellence in Teaching Awards, which demonstrate a commitment to students in and outside of the classroom. From left are Dr. Amy Garcie, College of Nursing and School of Allied Health; Dr. Marcia Hardy, College of Business and Technology; Dr. Jody Biscoe, College of Education and Human Development; John Byrd, College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. William Housel, Louisiana Scholars’ College, with Van Erikson, director of First Year Experience and Leadership Development, who presented the awards during Monday’s annual Faculty Institute.

Dr. Rania Salman, center, assistant professor and coordinator of Child and Family Studies, was named recipient of the Faculty Excellence in Academic Advising Award during Northwestern State University’s annual Faculty Institute Monday. She was congratulated by Dr. Vickie Gentry, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and Steve Hicks, director of the Academic Advising Center.

Northwestern State University recognized employees with milestone awards to acknowledge faculty and staff with 25, 30 and 35 years of employment during Monday’s annual Faculty/Staff Lunch. On the front row from left are NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Galindo Rodriguez, Reatha Cox, Dr. Brenda Woodard, Mary Linn Wernet, Dr. Betsy Cochran, Doug Ireland and Betty Creamer. On the back row are Dr. Ken Green, Dr. Kathy Autry, Dr. Curt Phifer, Dr. Ben Rushing, Dorothy Jones, Perry Johnson, Pamela Dyess and Dr. Mary Reeves. Not shown are John Adams, Ricky Broadway, Dr. James Picht, Craig Stephens and the Rev. Henry Edwards.

The Northwestern State University Music Academy will begin its fourth year on Monday, Aug. 20. The academy is under the direction of Northwestern State music faculty Dr. Christine Allen and Dr. Francis Yang and offers piano, guitar and percussion lessons for students of all ages as well as adults.

NSU piano majors Robyn Tan and Ramon Barralaga will teach piano. Jake English and Jose Miguel Colon will teach guitar and Juan Manuel Santos will teach percussion.

Last year, academy students performed in a Christmas concert and spring recital. Students also participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, the Central Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festival and the Louisiana Music Teachers Association Upper Elementary Auditions.

For further information, contact Yang at yangf@nsula.edu.

I am Harry Graham, School Board Member for District 2. I have served three terms in this position. I have enjoyed serving these past 12 years and look forward to doing whatever I can to help make things better for our children. I am seeking re-election because so many of you have asked me to continue to serve you.

Our children are our most prized possessions. Therefore, I will continue to do whatever I can to help improve our public schools. With community and parental involvement, together we can continue to get closer to a quality education for all of our children.

If you live in school board district 2 please send me back to the School Board so that I can continue to work even harder for our children.

My number on the ballot is 51. Early voting is Oct. 23-30 and the primary voting day is on Nov. 6. I am looking forward to your support.

The barbers of the Silhouette Beauty and Barber Shop continued a five year tradition as they offered free haircuts to young men before the start of the school year. The barbering team of Sylvester “Sly” Moss, Tremaine Walker and Marcus Ardison helped over 60 young men start their school year looking their best over the weekend of Aug. 11-12. The ladies of the beauty shop provided snacks to the young men while they waited for their haircuts. The men and women of the Silhouette Beauty and Barber Shop embody the kind of generous spirit that makes our community a better place to live. They are truly an asset to our city.

The Fairview-Alpha School held it’s open house this Monday, Aug. 13. Brooke Williams, in her 6th year at the helm of the school and in her 25th year as an educator, greeted the returning students and their families with a warm smile and made them feel at home. The school serves over 300 students in grades pre-k through 6th. Students may choose from a variety of activities in addition to their studies. The school hosts an active 4-H and Cloverbuds chapter as well as Project 212, an integrated learning adventure featuring everything from gardening to cooking and art to teach STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) concepts. Saturday classes are also offered to assist students who may need a bit of extra help.

The pastor and members of Fairview-Alpha Baptist Church provided cake, ice cream, snacks and drinks to the students, teachers and family members in attendance. Their generous donation of food, and more importantly, of their time, was a wonderful display of community support.

Another noteworthy aspect of the new school year is the presence of five future teachers from NSU’s Education Department. These young men and women are “residents”, part of a new program designed to enhance teacher education in our state. They will be spending the whole academic year at their school, paired with an experienced teacher, as opposed to the prior student teaching experience that did not last a full year.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to the boys and girls of the Fairview-Alpha School for the upcoming school year. We also wish every success to the five residents from NSU as they complete their teacher preparation education. You are a truly impressive group of young men and women and we hope that you will consider a career with the Natchitoches Parish School system after graduation.

Former NSU Rowing Crew Member Derek Donald shared with Rotary Club of Natchitoches at its Aug. 14 meeting plans for the St. Denis Head Race Regatta set for Oct. 6 at 8 am on Cane River Lake. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to submit an entry form.

In addition, Historic District Business Association Festivals and Events Director Jill Leo discussed the Natchitoches Classic Car Show set for Sept. 28-29. Model Cars from 1979 through 1987 will be on display. Also, the 92nd Natchitoches Christmas Festival will begin with its Turn on the Lights Celebration on Nov. 17. Word on the street is that two of Santa’s reindeers will visit Natchitoches this Christmas season. Pictured from left are Rotary Club of Natchitoches President Richard White, Leo, Donald, and Rotarian with the Program Lee Waskom (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

It’s that time again….time to start another awesome football season! Just like last time, the NSU Alumni Association will provide buses, a tailgate, and an avenue to buy game tickets for NSU’s first away game. All bus seats are first come first serve, and will be cut off after filled. Registration ends Tuesday, Aug. 28.

“We’re looking to fill a bus full of alumni and friends who want to support the NSU demons as they take on the Aggies,” said Van Erikson. “It’s going to be a fun experience, so we hope that you travel with us!”

The tailgate will take place at Coolidge Grass Practice Fields at: Wellborn Rd, College Station, TX 77843 (SEE TAILGATE MAP BELOW). Delicious food will be provided by Mad Taco, a local Mexican favorite. Tailgate games, an entertainment package, and a shaded area will be provided from 4-7 pm, and a pep rally leading into the stadium at 7 pm. Along with everything above, there will be other amenities such as port-a-cool fans and cold beverages.

Itinerary

· 10:30 A.M. Load Buses
· 11-4 P.M. Bus Trip
· 4-7 P.M. Tailgate
· 7:30-10:30 P.M. Football Game
· 10:30- 3 A.M. Return Bus Trip

Cost

· Alumni Tailgate, Game Ticket, and Bus Ticket Combo: $100
· Alumni Game Ticket and Tailgate Combo: $75
· Alumni Game Ticket: $50
· Alumni Tailgate Only: $25

All tickets will be in the general admission section, next to the band. Game tickets and tailgating tickets that are purchased will be picked up at the tailgate. The bus will depart from the Collins Family Pavilion, and bus riders can leave cars in Prather parking lot.

For more information go online to northwesternalumni.com, or call Van Erikson at 318-357-4415 or email eriksonv@nsula.edu.To buy tickets go online to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nsu-vs-texas-am-game-tailgate-and-bus-trip-tickets-48205426729.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Thomas Wylie Merrill, Jr.
June 4, 1942 – August 12, 2018
Visitation: Friday, August 17 from 6-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, August 18 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Cloutierville Baptist Church Cemetery in Cloutierville

The  Natchitoches Parish School District and Ecco Ride have issued an updated version to their bus route system for the 2018-2019 school year in an attempt to alleviate any confusion caused by charts that were released before the first day of school.

It’s recommended that students clarify what school a bus is going to before they get on it, to avoid any confusion.   Students should board buses according to the route number that is posted on the right side of the bus front window.

For more information call 318-352-6465 during normal business hours.

NEW ROUTE CHARTS:

VIEW, DOWNLOAD and PRINT

NPSB Bus Matrix 8-14-18 Rev 8-15-18

The City held a public hearing to discuss the City’s garbage and recycling contract prior to Monday night’s City Council meeting Aug. 13. There’s no longer a market for recycling and China has stopped accepting recycling from other nations. The garbage company the City has its services with is passing on to the City what it would cost them to keep recycling, which the customers would have to pay. The City is considering several options (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).

The City Council assures residents that it doesn’t plan to do away with recycling completely. It’s considering doing away with recycling pickup at homes. In its place, the City would run a central recycling facility at the ADM property on Mill Street.

The issue is that only 350-500 resident participate in the recycling program and all too often the recyclables that are collected are contaminated and have to be thrown away.

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Award bid to seal coat Runway 7-25 at the Natchitoches Regional Airport to Ameriseal of Ohio in the amount of $224,849

Award bid for the 2017-2018 Street Rehabilitation Program, Phase 2 to Regional Construction LLC in the amount of $3.4 million

Enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Rapides Area Planning Commission to develop a city wide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan and Bikeshare Feasibility Study

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Approve the acquisition of two tracts of ground located on the Western right-of-way of Rapides Drive and Mill Street for $290,000

RESOLUTIONS:

Approve the petition for Property Tax Abatement for the Alliance Compressor Plant Under the 2017 Louisiana Industrial Tax Exemption Program approving of an Exemption of property taxes for 2017 property acquisitions for Alliance Compressors, LLC

Enter into an agreement with the State Of Louisiana Division Of Administration Office Of Community Development – Disaster Recovery Unit For CDBG Funds In Response To The 2016 Severe Storms And Flooding Events

Designate Friday, August 31 as an Official Holiday for the employees of the City Of Natchitoches For The Year 2018

Execute a Grant Agreement and accept a Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for a project at the Natchitoches Regional Airport

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be August 27.

City’s garbage and recycling hearing:

City Council Meeeting 08-13-18:

The Natchitoches Kiwanis Club held a successful uniform collection drive before the start of the 2018-2019 school year. They dropped off 75 items to the Natchitoches Parish School Board Aug. 10, which included pants, shorts, skirts, and shirts.

The Third Annual Miss Cure on the Cane Pageant will be held Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Westside Baptist Church Family Life Center. This registration deadline is Sept. 6. The entry fee is $55 for the first contestant and $30 for each additional sibling.

This is a “crown-all” event and no participant leaves empty handed. Proceeds go toward the Natchitoches Parish Relay for Life. For more information visit Cure on the Cane Pageant’s Facebook page.