Ever been sitting at home at night with the family watching television when you hear something in the attic, something bumping and crawling around?

This happened to a Ruston family recently when they discovered that a screen-covered vent to the attic had been compromised. Checking to see what was making the noise, they were shocked at what they found. A mama raccoon had decided the attic was a good place to give birth to babies. Three tiny baby raccoons were discovered, removed and placed in a cat carrier.

A wildlife rehabilitator, Stacy Eagles, was contacted. She came and picked up the babies to do with them what rehabilitators do; nurture and raise them until they’re ready to be returned to the wild.

This piqued my interest so I located Leslie Greene, a wildlife rehabilitator from Farmerville to discuss just exactly what and why and how someone in her profession goes about doing what they do.

“By definition,” Greene began, “our job is to save injured, displaced or orphaned wildlife. Some of the animals I have dealt with include raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, foxes and beavers.

“To qualify to become a wildlife rehabilitator, you have to be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and you have to work under someone already licensed for a year. Then you must have the proper equipment and facilities for animals with which you will be working, and develop a working knowledge of medications and antibiotics needed to care for animals that are injured,” Greene said.

An official with LDWF has to come and inspect the applicant’s facilities before a license is granted. Greene is 3-4 years into her very unique business.

Her interest in baby critters started when as a youngster, she had an orphaned baby raccoon that she raised.

“I became very interested in this little guy and my interest grew until I decided I wanted to do what I could for other juvenile wild animals,” she said.

Greene added that from January through late spring, wild animals are giving birth to offspring during the busiest time of year for a rehabilitator.

“It’s a 24-7 job. I get calls frequently to help out in a situation involving recently-born wildlife that have encountered problems,” she added.

One of the more interesting and heart-warming situations Greene has encountered is ongoing. Recently, she had to rescue three baby beavers. She’s raising them.

“I am having so much fun with the little beavers and find they are quite social animals. They make sounds almost like a human baby, are very social and need the emotional touch and bonding I am only too glad to give them,” said Greene.

While some animals can be released back in the wild in shorter times, beavers take quite a bit longer. Red foxes, for instance, can usually be released within six months, gray foxes five months, raccoons nine months. It can take beavers up to two years before it is safe to return them to the wild.

“Beavers live in family units with parents and older siblings and it takes up to two years before they’re ready to leave the den and go looking for their own pond. I don’t mind,” she said, “because these little fellows are so much fun.”

What to do if you find a raccoon in your attic or find a baby squirrel that fell out of a nest? Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. You can find Leslie Greene on Facebook. She’ll do the rest.

(Natchitoches)-Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the May 26 shooting death of Darnell Jermaine Browder of Campti according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Friday June 3 at approximately 6:33pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Darrion Lamar Simmons, 20, of the 200 block of Pasture Road, Campti, La., at his residence without resistance.

Simmons was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Felony Theft over $1500.00.

Sheriff Wright said the arrest stems from an active ongoing investigation involving the collection of evidence, execution of search warrants, recovery of 4 stolen all terrain vehicles , autopsy findings and interviews of several sources which led to sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal arrest warrants signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge for the arrest of Simmons.

Detectives say the investigation is still ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

Additional arrests are possible.

The homicide investigation began on Thursday morning, May 26, 2022, at approximately 10:30am, when NATCOM 911 Center received reports of a male laying at the end of Roberson Street near the St. Paul Methodist Church in Campti, La.

Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to the scene.

Paramedics arrived on scene, discovering an unresponsive deceased male.

NPSO Deputies arrived on scene requesting assistance from the Criminal Investigations Bureau and Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Stuart Wright, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, NPSO Detectives, Campti Police, Agents with the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.

Detectives say Darnell Jermaine Browder, 39, of the 200 block of Juzan Street, Campti, La. was identified and pronounced dead at the scene by Natchitoches Parish Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton.

Clanton stated Browder died hours earlier as a result of gunshot wounds. The death was ruled as a homicide.

Detectives spent most of the day, processing and photographing the crime scene for evidence and canvassing the area speaking to residents asking for any information or if they observed any suspicious activity during the early morning hours.

The body was sent to Shreveport for an autopsy.

The following day, sheriff’s detectives traveled to Shreveport to attend the autopsy.

Simmons remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with bond set by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge over $1 million dollars.

Multiple detectives were involved in the investigation assisted by the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau.

If you have any information regarding the homicide of Mr. Browder contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 357-7830 or NPSO Homicide Case Agent Detective Sgt. Derrick Sowell at 357-7830 or the Stolen Property Case Agent Det. Captain D. Winder.

We extend our sympathy to the Browder family.

As I pulled off of the Interstate in picturesque Cheyenne, Wyoming for gas I purposefully did not look at the price on the well lit and welcoming sign. It was what it was at that point. The gas station signs brought so much disappointment to my bank account on our recent trip. My Buick was gently reminding me that it was time for a refill. My weary traveling body needed a stretch and a piping hot cup of ambition, as Dolly Parton’s song so famously said.

Once I exited my car, my daughter trotted inside to see what kind of road snack she would need to continue our journey home. The gas pump area was packed with travelers. Some had small cars like mine and some were large trucks pulling travel trailers. I shuddered as I thought about their gas bill. It was none of my business but I just assumed that they were overrun with disposable income, buying gas without a painful look on their faces.

One of the fun things my daughters and I always do on road trips is look at other license plates. Most are so much prettier than our Louisiana license plates. Some have plates on the front of the cars and on the back. Some are clearly far from home while some are locals. It is innocent entertainment to break up the doldrums.

As I inserted the gas nozzle into my thirsty Buick I heard a sweet lady’s voice say, “Oh my dear, you are far from home or did you rent that car with a Louisiana license plate?”

With a somewhat cheerful smile I said, “No ma’am, it is not rented. I am from Louisiana.”

There was an instant frown on her aged but well preserved face that I chalked up to me calling her “ma’am”. We were not in the South where it is expected and appreciated.

“What do you mean, did you drive all this way by yourself?”. I could tell that she was so confused and concerned as to why I would be so far from home.

I went on to explain that we drove my oldest daughter to Idaho. We made a vacation out of it, we were leaving the breathtaking mountains and we were now on our way back to the humidity of Louisiana. I even told her we did the very same thing last year but took a different route this year. I was truly telling this stranger my whole life story at the gas pump. Maybe we were both visiting to ignore the inevitable pain at watching the gas pump rack up dollars upon dollars?

Just when I heard the click of the pump signifying that the thirsty tank was now full, my new friend told me, “You are so brave driving that far from home all by yourself, you be careful going back to the South.”

For a brief moment I thought maybe she didn’t see that I had my youngest daughter with me. I was not alone. Wait, was she making a comment about us not having a man along for our trip?

I refused to let any part of our visit end with anything but positive vibes.

Brave. Wow. She called me brave. Hmmm….and all of the sudden I felt brave and a little proud. I was truly feeling like I had accomplished something great.

When we hopped back into my road-worn Louisiana Buick, I thanked the Lord for the little reminder from a new friend that I was brave for taking this journey. But I also thanked him for his traveling grace that he showered over our trip. I thanked him for the special memories made between mom and daughters that will last a lifetime. I also took the time to thank him for the time I was able to spend with him while driving down the road. While the girls were deep into their current streaming service, I had alone time listening to praise music and talking to the Lord as we crossed many state lines.

I may have forgotten to thank the Lord that the gas prices were not any higher than they were. I will have to add that to my next conversation with him.

My Louisiana license plate amassed right at four thousand miles on this journey and not one of those miles did we not feel the love and security that only our Savior could provide.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

By Joe Darby

This week began, as always of course, on a Monday. The date was June 6, one of the most significant dates in history.

For it was on June 6, 1944, that the Western Allies of World War II hit the beaches in Normandy — D Day. It would be the beginning of the end of the German Nazi regime, which just a few years earlier had been completely supreme in almost all of Europe. But since 1942, the Western Allies had been fighting and gaining ground on the periphery of the heart of Europe — North Africa, Sicily, Italy.

American and British bombers had been pounding German cities and industrial sites from the air. And the Nazis were completely engaged against the mighty Soviet Red Army slowly closing in from Russia. But the D-Day landings were the first thrust of the sword that would finally sever the vital arteries of the still very potent Nazi forces.

I feel a personal connection to D-Day because I was fortunate enough to visit the beaches and the battle sites almost 40 years ago, which I’ll get to in a moment. But I’d like to touch on another battle whose anniversary has just passed and that, in its own way, was just as important and just as much a turning point as Normandy was. It’s not as well known as D-Day, but I’m sure you’ve heard of it — the Battle of Midway.

Until Midway, fought in the Pacific Ocean from June 4 to June 7 1942 — eighty years ago this week — the Japanese had been running wild in the Pacific, following their Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. At Pearl they took out almost all of the American battleships in the Pacific then overran the Philippines, as well as British possessions in East Asia, the Dutch East Indies and other places.

I don’t have space to go into detail on this quite complicated operation, but suffice it to say that the battle stopped the Japanese successes cold. Until Midway they had never lost a battle. After it, they never won another one. The US cracked the Japanese radio code and knew they were going to attack Midway. Lying in ambush northeast of Midway Island, American carriers launched planes that wreaked fearful revenge for Pearl Harbor. Four Japanese carriers were sent to the bottom, along with other enemy warships. We lost one carrier, right toward the end of the battle.

Some luck and hasty but correct judgments on tactics were critical to the victory. But it came down to skilled flying and bombing. After losing many torpedo planes in futile attacks, the US dive bombers caught the Japanese with their pants down — bombs, fuel tanks, idling airplanes, all making up one very combustible target on the exposed decks. In no time the enemy ships were ablaze and sinking. From here on it would all be down hill for the Empire.

My connection to D-Day is this. In 1983, leading up to the 40th anniversary that would be commemorated in 1984, I was sent to England and France to do a travel story for The New Orleans Times-Picayune, writing about things to see, places to stay, and so forth, for people who were planning to visit France for the anniversary.

My small group of journalists landed in England and visited Portsmouth, Britain’s chief naval town, where many of the troops embarked from on D-Day. Then we crossed the channel to Cherbourg and began a tour of the landing grounds. They are hallowed ground and the beaches still have an aura of intense solemnity. The inside of a German concrete bunker ,for example, just reeked with evil. The little village of St. Mere Eglise, where an American paratrooper got caught up on a church steeple, is just as it was on D-Day. We stood on the sands of Omaha, looking up at the bluffs where Germans poured intense fire down on the beach and wondered how our men ever took those heights.

But the most profound experience was the American Cemetery up on the high ground above Omaha. Beautifully maintained grave markers, crosses with an occasional Star of David mixed in, stand in perfect rows, each one representing the life of a young man who went to war but who never came home. What these soldiers did and sacrifices was necessary to end the evil Nazi regime. But what losses to our country they represent. How many future great scientists, writers, teachers, baseball players — and just good simple Americans — were cut short of their potential.

I ask that you take a moment to remember and honor them, along with all the other men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As the saying goes, “Freedom isn’t free.” God bless ’em all.

Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology will host a NASA Day from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, June 10 as part of the STEM ASTRO Robotics Camp. The event includes educational activities on how astronauts live and work in space. Participants will also participate in EVA simulation activity that will allow them to mimic tasks astronauts complete on the ISS.

The event is free but registration is required and available at https://bit.ly/3tnNhMg. Limited spots are available.

The event will take place in Room 110 of NSU’s Health and Human Performance Building, 170 Tarleton Dr.

Sponsors are NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology, STEM Pioneers (NASA Partner) and Natchitoches Parish Library.

For more information, contact Dr. Jafar AlSharab, department head, at jafar@nsula.edu.

Disability Rights Louisiana (DRLA) will be providing three community outreach events this summer to gain insight and feedback on special education practices in the Natchitoches Parish School District.

This is the public’s chance to have input on improvements for special education for the Natchitoches Parish School Board. DRLA’s Attorney, Shannon Barnes, along with NPSB officials, will be in attendance to hear what community members have to say on special education practices for the Natchitoches Parish school system.

The scheduled meetings are outlined below:

Thursday, June 30 at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, July 19: time TBD

The third and final meeting will be scheduled at a later date

The first meeting is a community outreach event to gain input from parents and community stakeholders on Professional Development (PD) topic recommendations. The main in-service will take place on July 19th and is a training for NPSB educators on various special education topics. The third meeting is a post-meeting follow up for community members.

All three meetings are open to the public and will be held in the NPSB board room. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) will resume a partnership that will allow customers to register their boats and trailers at one location.

Beginning June 13, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) will have a representative at LDWF headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge every Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist with boat trailer registrations. Customers will be able complete the registration process without having to go to both agencies.

“Customer service is a priority for our agency,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “We hope that this partnership with the Office of Motor Vehicles will help streamline the boat and trailer registration process and create a more convenient process for our customers.”

OMV Commissioner Karen St. Germain stated, “We’re excited to reunite with LDWF and provide an additional service option for our customers. We continuously look for innovative ways to improve operations and assist our residents. This collaboration will benefit everyone involved.”

LDWF reminds customers that the Louisiana Department of Revenue has a representative available on Mondays at LDWF headquarters to process tax payments for customers registering boats. This addition of the Office of Motor Vehicles will create a one-stop-shop every Monday for new and used boat owners.

OMV representatives can only assist guests with trailer registration services while at LDWF. Customers can also visit OMV field offices and Public Tag Agents for registration services.

Visit www.expresslane.org to view a complete list of OMV offices and online services.

Opportunity: Program Manager at Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches

General Description:

The Program Manager is responsible for general overseeing of the WRC client program, general center needs, and additional special events. This position is a core and intricate component of our team environment and has a passion for serving in direct client impact. The Program Manager will be a familiar face to many of our clients that we see on a daily basis and able to lead volunteers well.

The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches exists to educate and empower individuals to  make life-affirming choices. A cornerstone nonprofit organization in North/Central Louisiana as a free  and confidential resource dedicated to pregnant women; our services include prenatal education,  lifestyle skills, ultrasounds, material assistance, childbirth education, breastfeeding education, car  seat safety classes, child safety classes, peer counseling, and more. 

Position Described:

1. The Program Manager is a part-time employee of the Women’s Resource Center. 

2. Maintain and support an open commitment to Jesus Christ, promote the sanctity of human life, be an active member of a local church, and agree with the WRC principles and statement of faith. 

Qualifications:

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university is preferred.
2. Proficient in technology (Google Voice, Microsoft Excel and Word, Databases)
3. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, and be standing for long periods of time.
4. Ability to operate office equipment including a computer, printer, and scanner.
5. Ability to understand safety procedures and make logical decisions with HIPAA compliance.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
7. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare detailed and accurate monthly reports.
8. Ability to diffuse difficult situations and manage client loads (not limited to but including: abuse, coercion, trauma, etc.) with high levels of compassion.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of TANF, Medicaid Guidelines
2. Two (2) years of nonprofit experience.

Principal Activities:

1. Client Needs: Peer-counsels clients confidentiality when needed, giving empathetic support to make life-affirming decisions. Managing the text-line, communicating with clients on next appointments, scheduling referrals and birth follow-up visits. Updating and keeping inventory of all literature to most current education. Supervisor of documentation in charting for complete information. Enters client information into appropriate databases weekly.
2. Volunteer Advocate: Trains and interviews all new volunteers for all positions (counselors, front-desk, administration, etc). Supports, encourages, and assists volunteers. Monitor progress of those training.
3. Special Events: Christmas Festival Morning (December), Celebration of Life Gala (September) Run Baby Run (May), Annual Giveaway (2x a year, April and October). Assists team with planning Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Christmas Party.
4. Other duties as assigned.

Compensation:

This is a part-time position, from Tuesdays-Thursdays, with the occasional Monday and Friday for class days and special events. The range is $16-18 an hour based on qualifications and experience.  

Acknowledgements:
Minimal travel required in the birth follow-up visits at NRMC. The above statements are intended to the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties, education/experience/skills requirement of the position at any time.

Email resumes to wrcnatchitoches@gmail.com by June 24th, 2022. Interviews will take place on June 27th, 2022 or unless stated otherwise.

UGENE, Ore. – Northwestern State thrower Djimon Gumbs reached the NCAA Championships in two events by saving his best for last.

Gumbs had his best shot put attempt Wednesday on his final throw, but the 55-9 mark wasn’t enough to advance to the final round in a stout field as he finished 23rd.

The top nine throwers earned a final three attempts, and the cut off was 63-9, which is further than Gumbs’ personal best of 63-0.75.

“Djimon looked decent in warmups, and he knew he’d have to get after it on three attempts to have a chance at the finals,” said NSU coach Mike Heimerman. “The shot didn’t look good coming off his hands, and you could tell he just wasn’t comfortable with it.

“He couldn’t use his usual shot put because it came up .01 kilos short of the required weight, and he just wasn’t comfortable with the other shot.”

The sophomore launched his personal record on his final attempt at the NCAA East Preliminaries to earn his spot in the national championships, where he ranked 19th coming in.

His other two attempts Wednesday included a mark of 50-5.25 and a foul.

That 63-0.75 pushed Gumbs into the No. 2 spot on the NSU shot put charts, bumping coach Mike Heimerman back to the third slot.

Gumbs, who is one of just two male throwers to make the nationals in multiple events, will compete in the discus Friday at 7:35 p.m. ranked 18th in the 24-thrower field.

“I think he had some nerves out there with it being his first time at the NCAA Championships, and that’s completely understandable,” Heimerman said. “He’ll learn from (Wednesday) and take it into Friday’s discus for sure and come out more relaxed.

“The goal was this season was to make regionals, and here he is at nationals in his first season with us. He took his personal best from 56 feet to 63 feet this season, so there’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

The British Virgin Islands native is the first male Demon to qualify for nationals in multiple events and the first BVI athlete to qualify as a thrower.

Photo: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services

JAG is a program that educates students on careers, leadership, community service and social awareness.

Pictured: Rhonda Jones, Melissa Collier, Jacquelyn Rainwater and Tanikka Goston.

By Steve Graf

Time is a funny thing…it’s always changing, and it never seems to stop. But like everything, there is a past, present and eventually a future. The sport of bass fishing goes way back, and today we’ll take a hard look into the past and see just how the sport has evolved into what it is today. They say if you want to see what the future may hold, you must first look into its past.

Bass fishing goes as far back as 1791 when Naturalist William Bartram wrote an account of Indians in the American South catching largemouth bass with a “bob” and long pole in 1760. This is apparently the earliest reference, not only to American bass fishing, but also to fishing with hair bugs. Then in 1897 William Shakespeare, Jr. patented a level wind device for baitcasting reels, making their use easier and more popular. This revolutionized the fishing world on all levels for both fresh and saltwater anglers.

It was in 1948 that things really changed for bass fishing with the creation of the first bass boat designed and built by Skeeter Boats, still one of the leading boat manufacturers today. Because of this innovation, now anglers not only had good quality gear, but they had a better means to get around on larger lakes and rivers, opening up America’s waterways. The following year in 1949, fiberglass fishing rods were invented, replacing bamboo rods. Also in 1949, Nick and Cosma Crème of Akron, Ohio, melted plastic on their kitchen stove, poured it into molds, and created the first modern soft-plastic worm….the Creme Wiggle Worm.

Now on to the 1950’s with the first ever organized bass tournament put on by outdoor writer Earl Golding on Lake Whitney, Texas, in 1955. A total of 73 anglers participated in this first ever one-of-a-kind event. Then in 1957, the beginning of sonar revolution began with Carl Lowrance introducing the first portable sonar capable of detecting both the bottom and individual fish. It was in 1959, when more than 20,000 fingerling bass were stocked in California’s upper Otay Lake, that the United States had its first fish management program. This is also where the first creel limits were set, along with season dates and the establishment of a bass lunker program. Twenty-one of the top twenty-five bass on record were caught from California waters.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a look back into bass fishing history to see how it all began. Next week, we will continue our journey by looking at the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, which had a huge impact on where the sport is today. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf – Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
& Tackle Talk Live

Here is a look at the week of June 12-18 at Northwestern State University.

June 12-18 – Registration for summer, fall semesters

June 13-17 – Art Camp Session 2, “Outer Space,” CAPA/Department of Fine and Graphic Art, 1-5 p.m.

June 14-18, 21-25 – NSU Summer Theatre presents “It Came from Outer Space,” A.A. Fredericks Auditorium stage, 6 p.m.

June 17—University closed for Juneteenth

Alyssa Waters just finished her 7th grade year at St. Mary’s Catholic School with a 4.0 overall GPA. She competed in Las Vegas for Youth Nationals on June 7. Alyssa and another athlete tied for 1st place in the Youth 3 division with a -67.5 weight class. Unfortunately, only one athlete can take home the gold. Alyssa got 2nd place and brought home the silver medal. The judges based it on who had the lowest weight. Alyssa was 66.96 kg and the other athlete was 66.34 kg. Alyssa was one of four female athletes in the Youth 3 division to go 9/9 on their lifts. Alyssa once again broke her own State Records and set new Louisiana State Records in the Youth 3 -67.5 division.

Squat: 187.25lbs
Bench: 104.50
Deadlift: 248.00

BOM was proud to sponsor the Johnny Antoon Memorial Golf Tournament held at the Northwestern Hills Golf Course.

Pictured left to right: BOM’s Craig George, Dustin Dauzat, Blaise LaCour, Carrie Hough, Northwestern State University’s Danielle Antoon Cobb and Cristy Bernard, BOM’s Lyn Christophe, and Jacob Murchison

NATCHITOCHES:
John Overton Grayson
May 6, 1935 – June 8, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 11 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

Virgil Barker
October 25, 1965 – June 6, 2022
Service: Friday, June 10 at 11am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

Connie Boswell Whitford
May 13, 1942 – June 3, 2022
Service: Friday, June 10, 2022 at Memory Lawn Cemetery

SABINE:
Nelson Thomas Canter
November 29, 1974 – June 8, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 11 at 1 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home

Charlene Parrie
May 12, 1939 – June 3, 2022
Service: Friday, June 10 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

RED RIVER:
Haley Nicole Cason
September 16, 1994 – June 5, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 11 at 11am at Hickory Grove Baptist Church

ACSW Architects shared several digital renderings for the design of the new Kyser Hall at Northwestern State University.

Situated on top of the hill, this new student-centric academic and health science building will house smart classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, simulation suites for nursing and allied health along with clinical spaces for social work and collaboration spaces to improve education outcomes and community outreach. The new Kyser Hall replacement will be the new front door of the NSU campus.

The ACSW team is pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with Perkins&Will to design this future-oriented collegiate space.

Photos courtesy of ACSW Architects

Retired speech/language pathologist, reading specialist, and a lifelong advocate for education, Sharon Gahagan received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce.

Gahagan was first appointed to the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts board of directors in 1989 and was first elected Chair in 1997. She has been reappointed to the board by six Louisiana governors and has served with six Executive Directors. During her tenure, she has represented LSMSA on a local, state, and national level and has supported the school through many positive, unique, and challenging times. During my time working with her on the Historic District Development Commission, she has led and guided many of us with a natural grace, grit and a wit that is unmatched.

“I want to tell you what downtown Natchitoches looked like when my family moved here in 1987,” said Chamber President Laura Lyles. “I remember the buildings at the corner of church street and front street being completely boarded up, the theater where the condos are today was empty. I-49 was in and downtown Natchitoches was out. But with the vision, determination and decades of hard work and laser focus by a group of individuals often led by this year’s lifetime achievement award winner, we now have a historic downtown development district and main street that rivals some of the best in the country. This year’s recipient was instrumental in working to develop the National Heritage Area and National Park and has continued to support our city as a heritage tourism destination by serving on the Louisiana State Museum Board and the Friends of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.”

The City of Natchitoches will kick-off the Natchitoches Farmers Market tomorrow (Saturday) and will be open every Saturday every Saturday from now until July 23, 2022.

The Natchitoches Farmers Market will be downtown on the riverbank from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

June 11, 2022 – “Mini Makers Day”
June 18, 2022 – “Blue Grass Day”
June 25, 2022 – “Contest on the Cane!!!”
July 2, 2022 – “4-H Day”
July 9, 2022 – “Blending for Health”
July 16, 2022 – “One Mans Treasure!!”
July 23, 2022 – “Farming on the Cane”

For more information, please contact the Farmers Market at (318) 663-5190 or (318) 214-7911.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries licensing section will be closed to walk-in service from June 20-24 at its Quail Drive headquarters in Baton Rouge while the agency eliminates a backlog of mailed-in and e-mailed applications.

The lobby area will reopen on Monday, June 27 to accept in-person license applications. Licenses may still be purchased online during this period at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/

During the office closure, phone calls will be directed to an operator who can respond to specific hunting, fishing, or enforcement questions. Commercial fishermen, including charter captains, who were planning on receiving their license, can fill out their application and keep it on their person. That application will serve as a temporary privilege until Monday, June 27.

When the office reopens on that Monday, and on every Monday afterward, LDWF will have representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Revenue on-site so that customers can register their vessels, boat trailers or pay any taxes that may be due.

LDWF appreciates the public’s understanding during the temporary closure while dealing with the backlog. LDWF believes the effort will assist in making the licensing process quicker and better for our customers.

The Winn Parish Police Jury / Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the scheduled drawdown of Saline Lake, in Natchitoches and Winn parishes, starting May 31, 2022. The primary purpose is to control the growth of giant Salvinia during the upcoming summer months when growth potential is at its highest. The 2021 WLF aquatic vegetation management plan can be found on the LDWF website (Fisheries-Publications and Brochures-Inland Vegetation Management Plans-Saline Lake, Winn Parish).

The lake will dewater at a rate of 3 to 4 inches per day until it reaches a target drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The control gates will close on approximately October 3, 2022, to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter and early spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Numerous additional obstructions will be present due to the lower water level.

This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.

During the drawdown, property owners have the option to take advantage of the low water to repair boat docks, seawalls, boat slips, etc. However, a Corp of Engineer permit is required from the USACE Regulatory Branch for any such activities in and around Saline Lake before any work is started. Basically a shovel cannot be placed in the lake bottom until a permit is obtained.

Saline Lake is considered a Section 10 waterbody, and any work conducted over, in, or under the lake would require permit authorization from the Regulatory Office of the USACE. Outside of the lake itself, any dredging or filling activities within a wetland or stream may also require authorization prior to the impact. You may contact your local Police Jury / Parish Government or the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission for help with your permit.

The Varsity Tigerline at St. Mary’s Catholic School recently attended the Universal Dance Association Camp at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The four day camp provided the dance team with the opportunity to learn new performance routines, practice dance technique, as well as team building and leadership activities. The team received the following awards while at camp:
Superior Routines Trophy

Drill Down Trophy

12 Superior ribbons for individual performances

Superior rating for home routine performance

4 Spirit Stick Awards

“Pin It Forward” Leadership Award—Anne Michelle Long

Bid to Nationals

Four dancers received the Universal Dance Association All American honors: Ava Errington, Ella Guillet, Anne Michelle Long and Anna Thibodaux. In addition, Ava Errington, Addison Evans, Ella Guillet, Brianna McConathy, Katelyn Smith and Anna Thibodaux earned special recognition ribbons.

Pictured: Ella Guillet (Co-Captain), Anne Michelle Long (Captain), Ava Errington (Co-Captain), Anna Thibodaux, Brianna McConathy, Katelyn Smith, Addison Evans and Coach/Sponsor Angela Eversull. Not pictured: Ella Jones.

Notice is hereby given that the Natchitoches Parish School Board will receive the following:

June 14, 2022 2:00 p.m. NCBS Various Athletic Equipment

Bids/Proposals will be accepted until the date and time specified and will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time in the School Board’s Central Office, 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71457-5709. Please find bid-related documents and place electronic bids, is desired, at
WWW.CENTRALBIDDING.COM.

For questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at 225-810-48 t 4. Bids/Proposals received after the date and time of opening will not be considered. Facsimile transmissions will not be considered.

Additional information may be obtained upon request by contacting Michelle Demery, Purchasing Coordinator, at 3 t 8-352-2358, Ext. 1155, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.