The Natchitoches Parish School Board released the following charts for the 2018-2019 School Bus routes for the school district. Routes in the rural areas of the Parish will have routes consistent with last year, even with Cloutierville.
For schools inside the City limits, students who are newly registered are still being entered into the system. Busses will pick up students depending on what school the bus is going to. Some allowances will be made to accommodate newly registered students to make sure they get to school until the system is complete and running efficiently.
It’s recommended that students clarify what school a bus is going to before they get on it, to avoid any confusion. The new bus system asks that parents work with them and allow for changes and corrections to be made throughout this process.
For more information call 318-352-6465 during normal business hours.
One of the American Cancer Society’s Tributes of Hope is Sonny Evans. Sonny was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, in February 2000.
Following surgery to remove it, he started treatment. After the usual 5fu chemo and 30 days radiation, he was cancer free by August. Mr. Sonny continues to have follow up scopes and practices early detection.Being an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society, Mr. Sonny has participated in the Relay for Life for the last 16 years with his church team.
Today he enjoys church, Methodist men and Lions Club. He likes coffee and outdoors. So as a survivor Sonny would suggest do the colon check by mail, eat right, do not drink alcohol and use tobacco. Together deadly.
September 15th is right around the corner so be sure to visit http://www.bellesandbeausnatchitoches.orgor call 337-237-3797 to get your tickets. The Belles and Beaus Gala will be from 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at Melrose Plantation. The event will feature recognition of our distinguished honorees, a live and silent auction, a catered meal by Lasyone’s, open bar, and live entertainment by Troy Marks No Idea from New Orleans.
There was not a parking space to be had anywhere near the Provencal school as a capacity crowd filled the school’s gym for the Panther’s open house Thursday, Aug. 9. The young men and women of Provencal’s Cub Scout Pack 20 kicked off the night’s events with a flag presentation. Principal Mary Yount introduced her faculty and spoke about the upcoming year. The Panther community also welcomed students from the former Cloutierville school. This year’s student body is over 500 strong.
There is no reason for student learning and growth to stop with the final bell. Students will have sports such as baseball, softball, football and basketball as well as cheerleading from which to choose. Provencal also boasts a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Association chapter and 4-H club. In addition to those traditional activities, the schools has instituted a “club day” in which students can explore a range of interests one day each month.
Provencal is also instituting a music program under Bandmaster Andrew Benjamin, a 2014 NSU graduate. Unfortunately, he is starting almost entirely from scratch as the school has but a few instruments for the students. Let’s help this dynamic young teacher start something good! If you have a musical instrument that needs a new home, please call principal Yount at 318-472-6174 ext. 400.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes the young men and women of Provencal Elementary and Junior High every success in the upcoming year. We look forward to seeing the results of your hard work. Helping students find and develop new skills may open up a new world to them and is part and parcel of the educational process. The new band and club day concept is a superb idea!
Fans attending Saturday morning’s Northwestern State football intrasquad preseason game should enter Turpin Stadium on the east side, due to renovations on the west side that have closed a quarter-mile portion of Caspari Street.
The Demons kick off their competition at 9:30 a.m. after taking the field at 9 a.m. for warmups. Gates on the east side and at the southeast corner of the stadium, nearest the athletic fieldhouse, will be open for fans to use.
There is no parking permitted near the southeast gate.
The west side lower deck of the stadium, which has chairback seats, is open for fans, along with the east side grandstands. Caspari Street runs directly behind the west side of the stadium.
The construction project includes resurfacing Caspari Street and parking areas adjacent to the stadium, and will be completed before NSU’s home opener Saturday, Sept. 8 against Grambling.
Lakeview Jr.-Sr. High held it’s registration Aug. 6. There were steady lines of people filled with excitement as they took care of business. Faculty and staff welcomed parents and students and assisted them with registration forms, Health Center applications, purchase of ID’s and lockers, as well as parking permits. Coaches and club sponsors were also on site to introduce their clubs and other activities. The band and cheerleaders performed during the event to show their enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
It’s that time again! Bring in your pooch or pooches for a spa day on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Tractor Supply from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bath and nails is $15. Bath and nails for dogs over 60 lbs. is $20. Nails are $10. We accept cash and checks made payable to NHS. Please bring your own towel. We hope to see you there!
The Farm at Fulton Road offers an amazing opportunity, allowing clients the ability to buy an affordable new construction quality home starting under $185,000. All of these homes qualify for 100% financing.
“This is a unique and much needed asset for the families of Natchitoches,” said Justin Rhodes.
Justin and his brother James are excited with the high level of interest, anticipation and support they’ve received from the community.
The Farm at Fulton Road is a 35 acre residential development located on Hwy. 494, just 4.5 miles from downtown Natchitoches and 5 miles from the NSU campus. This beautiful subdivision offers a quiet, laid back atmosphere on the edge of town while keeping you just minutes from shopping, restaurants and historic downtown Natchitoches.
“This is the perfect opportunity for a first time home owner or a home owner looking to upgrade to an affordable new construction home,” said Rhodes Realty Broker/Realtor Rodrick McIntosh. “A major plus is all lots are at least half an acre so you don’t have to worry about being right on top of your next door neighbor.”
Call Rhodes Properties and Development or Rhodes Realty today at (318)238-3733 to discuss your options on building your dream home today!
Status of Production:
Lot 37 – 301 Ranch Blvd – for sale – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 38 – 303 Ranch Blvd – for sale – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 51 – 302 Ranch Blvd – for sale – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 52 – 300 Ranch Blvd – sale pending – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 23 – 309 Harvest Place – for sale – starting 8/13/2018
Lot 27 – 317 Harvest Place – sale pending – starting 8/15/2018
Lot 42 – 311 Ranch Blvd – sale pending – starting 8/20/2018
All of the above homes range from $184,900 to $215,900.
As I look out over the horizon, I like many of you; see the following national disturbing trends:
More hard-working families are struggling to make ends meet
More people are finding it increasingly difficult to land decent paying jobs
A growing insensitivity to families stuck in the cycle of poverty
A growing insensitivity to families who have limited ability to pay for core primary care services required to help keep them healthy and whole
More families struggling with alcohol and other substance abuse
More families losing their life-balance compass and slipping into states of depression, anxiety and hopelessness
More people becoming increasingly desperate and willing to do things they wouldn’t otherwise even considering doing – just to try and survive
The gap between the haves and the have nots growing wider
Repeated examples of failed public policy passed to try and address social, moral, ethical and spiritual equity issues only prayer, a genuine caring for our fellow brothers and sisters and united community resolve to globally elevate the human condition can ultimately solve
People at increasingly younger ages being debilitated and/or losing their life altogether from not seeking preventative primary care services routinely to help keep them healthy and whole and/or due to their inability to get behavioral health services in time to save their life and;
“The system” which already has more than its allotted market share; is trying to take what little they don’t already control and/or own from “the people”
This said, never forget that Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) were brought up over 50 years ago in an effort to be a positive solution to these moral; social and spiritual equity to such challenges and we have been “making a positive difference” for over 50 years helping to:
Provide professional, integrated, culturally-sensitive, personal and compassionate health care services for our valued parish families
Put our valued parish families to work. When more parish families use our health system services, Outpatient Medical Center, Inc. is better positioned to hire more parish family members and thus elevate the economic condition of our parish families and parish (NOTE: We have doubled the number of people we employ over the last 15 months)
Elevate the health and social well-being of our community
Save the state and federal government millions of dollars annually
Save lives
Provide hope and encouragement
Make it “safe” to continue to dream
Care for our valued community families irrespective of whether they could pay for their services or not
This is the community service mission Outpatient Medical Center Inc. has embraced and fulfilled for almost 41 years now. And yes, there have been times we ourselves questioned where the money would come from to allow us to continue to care for you, but, somehow, some way – GOD always made a way for us to stay on the front lines doing what we love to do – take good care of you. As I prepare to close; let me share these very personal thoughts to each and every one of you:
YOU built Outpatient Medical Center Inc. to care for YOU. Protect what you have fought to build by using Outpatient Medical Center Inc. as your family’s medical; dental and behavioral health services provider
Do not let anyone tear down what you have helped build; as what you have helped build is legacy; represents a social equity fight that was born out of the social equality movement and which still exists today and is a powerful example of what we can do as a community; when we truly come together as community to care for our community
Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes the” little guy” is the best value money can buy; as it is cheaper for your family to get medical, dental and behavioral health services in our health system than through some of the larger health systems. Outpatient Medical Center Inc. isn’t interested in being the biggest healthcare provider as some systems are motivated to be. We’re only interested in being viewed as being one of the best healthcare systems in our parishes and we never want to become so big that we lose our personal touch with you
At Outpatient Medical Center Inc. – it has never been and will never be about the money or being the biggest. It has been and will always be about the honor and the privilege to care about and for you – and keeping your family and you healthy and whole
While we cannot necessarily change what we see happening across the country, we can stand as one community to protect what together we have built in Outpatient Medical Center Inc. I am honored and privileged to stand beside our dedicated Board of Directors (the majority of which are patients) and almost outstanding 100 staff to be out on the front lines every day; taking good care of you. My family and I came to Louisiana to help fight to keep Outpatient Medical Center Inc. ‘s legacy, independence and autonomy alive for another 41+ years and I ask for the community’s unabated support to help me accomplish the same. How can you help you ask? Simple – come see us; keep coming to see us and trust us to do for your family and you, what we have been doing for thousands of community families for over 40 years.
And let me close with this: If you are someone sitting out there not coming to the doctor or dentist because you have no money, come see us and help us help your family and you stay healthy and whole. If you are among a growing number of people needing hope, inspiration, compassionate care and genuine love and concern, we want to be there for you too. Come see us because at Outpatient Medical Center Inc., caring for you is what we do.
Be well; be informed; be encouraged and be in touch.
The gym at the Marthaville School was packed with students and their families as the 2018-19 school year kicked off with an open house, Thursday Aug. 9. Principal Micah Nicholson was joined by school board member Carroll Daniels in welcoming new and returning members of the Marthaville Hawk’s family. Members of the school’s student council held doors and acted as hosts and hostesses for the evening.
In addition to academics, the 300+ students may choose from a range of extra-curricular activities. The school offers basketball, baseball and softball as well as 4-H, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a music program.
One noteworthy addition to the school truly reflects the close bonds of community in the Marthaville area. The old home economics room now houses the “Care Room”. This project was initiated by the Marthaville Parent-Teacher Organization and collects school uniforms and supplies for use by students in need. The project is in memory of Marthaville pastor, Brother Matt Haggard, who was taken from us all to soon. The Care Room reflects his caring spirit and love for his community. It is a fitting remembrance of a remarkable man.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes the young men and women of Marthaville Elementary and Junior High every success in the upcoming year. Go Hawks!
Dr. Hurst Moreland Hall, Sr
September 19, 1929 – August 6, 2018
Service: Saturday, August 11 at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches,
Interment: American Cemetery
Donald L. Young, Esq.
May 3, 1939 – August 6, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, August 12 from 6-10 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Monday, August 13 at 1:30 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Mausoleum
Artis Curtis Masingill, Jr.
November 6, 1936 – August 3, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 12:30 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
RAPIDES PARISH:
Alice Corinne Wilson Bain
May 18, 1922 – August 8, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, August 12 from 4-8 pm and Monday, August 13 from 8:30-10 am in the Kramer Chapel
Service: Monday, August 13 at 10 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:
Everett Franklin Stanfield
August 26, 1934 – August 08, 2018
Visitation and Services: Saturday August 11 from 8-11 am in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home in Jena
Interment: Belah Cemetery Trout Louisiana
RED RIVER PARISH:
Sammie Duewayne Wilson
May 18, 1938 – August 8, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, August 11 from 6-9 pm at Open Door Fellowship Church
Service: Sunday, August 12 at 2 pm at Open Door Fellowship Church
DESOTO PARISH:
Sertonya Eaton
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 am at Old Morning Glory Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Old Morning Glory Cemetery in Mansfield
Patricia Stephens
Arrangements TBA
Ida Pratt
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery
Patrick Simpson
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 pm at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery
Over 1,200 delegates assembled in the Lake Charles Convention Center for LMA’s 81st annual convention August 2, 2018 Natchitoch was was among 10 Louisiana municipal governments that took home Community Achievement Awards, the Louisiana Municipal Association’s most prestigious award for outstanding municipal improvements and accomplishments. The City took home its award for its Rue Beauport Redevelopment, “Where New Meets Old.”
The project was built by Pat Williams Construction with the parent office in Leesville but with offices in Lake Charles and several other cities. The City started the planning 20 years ago with a master plan.
First phase: Roque House Gardens.
Second phase: Beau Jardin bridal venue
Third phase: Rue Beauport redevelopment project
The benefits are a huge economic stimulus in that the City will be in a position to handle many new and different events that the old venue simply would not accommodate. That was immediately evident with the start of the 2017 Christmas season.
Crowds are not concentrated in the immediate area of the amphitheater but are spread out throughout the entire riverbank area. The new bathroom facility at the South end of the riverbank was needed as much as anything so visitors won’t have to go to the top bank for restroom access. Electrical and sound upgrades are not as evident but now all are state of the art.
The City is receiving constant requests for use of Rue Beauport. A new set of policies and procedures are being finalized that are now required to control and assist the many new uses that are coming forward. The City expects this to continue and grow more in future years.
The LMA’s annual awards program recognizes municipalities for outstanding achievement in basic services, community development, and economic development. Within these categories, awards are presented in four population subcategories. SEE CITY’S SUBMISSION ATTACHED BELOW
“The Community Achievement Awards show that these municipalities have put a lot of hard work and dedication into bettering their communities,” said Mayor Lawrence Henagan (DeQuincy), LMA Immediate Past President. “I commend the winners on their foresight and vision. The competition through the years has really gotten pretty tough and this is a nice reward for hard work.”
Entries submitted were judged by a committee of judges from Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association, Capital Region Planning Commission, the Louisiana Main Street, and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall.
“The Community Achievement Awards mean a lot to the cities,” said John Gallagher, LMA Executive Director. “Many folks, when they develop their projects, do so with the idea of entering it into the Community Achievement Awards competition, so there is a lot of thought that goes into the development of projects with the hope of being recognized by the LMA. It’s like the Academy Award for Louisiana municipalities. These folks are very proud and we’re proud to recognize their efforts.”
Years ago I met the most precious elderly man who was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Winnfield. He never missed church when the doors were open. That is, unless he was visiting the Catholic Church or the First Baptist Church of Winnfield. He was a firm believer in going to church and he often joked that he wanted to cover all of his bases just in case the Methodist route was not the quickest route to the Pearly Gates. He was also quoted as saying, “if Jesus were to come back he should be able to find me at one of these fine churches.”
I never thought in a million years that I’d find myself becoming a Church Gypsy as well. Being a preacher’s kid I went to my dad’s church by default. My father was born a Catholic who later became a Non-Denominational Preacher. Marrying a preacher’s kid I went to my father-in-law’s church and became Baptist by default. Once we moved to Natchitoches we joined the First Baptist Church and always felt at home with the family atmosphere, amazing choir music and a genuine Pastor. There was never a time I attended church and failed to find the feelings you’re supposed to get at church.
This all changed for me when I divorced a preacher’s kid.
For the first time in my life I had a decision to make that seemed to be the hardest decision of my life. Where do I belong now that I’m Baptist by default and subsequently divorced a Baptist? It seems as though during a divorce one may lose custody of certain things. The words were unsaid but I felt I didn’t have exclusive rights to the Baptist Church since he was there first, so to say.
With this in mind I went on a one woman (plus child) mission to find my church home.
One of my first visits were to Grace Baptist Church in Cloutierville with some of my best friends. The church is small in size but huge in heart. They welcomed me like I was a long lost friend they’d known forever. They ask about me when they don’t see me and invite me to every family event their church has to offer. The Pastor loves his congregation and loves to joke with them from the pulpit.
Now, travel down Cane River to the St. Augustine Catholic Church. This is one of my favorite places in the Parish to visit. The picturesque and historic location just feels spiritual as soon as you arrive. The thing that makes this church special is the many families who attend. Their families have attended for generations. They too welcome you with open arms and well wishes.This is where many of my work friends attend so it’s a divine experience when we all gather to worship and hear the homily brought by Father Charlie. If you’ve met Father Charlie then you understand why it’s so easy to attend.
Let’s not forget my original home church. River of Life Church in Goldonna. This is where I may or may not have carved my initials in a church pew or two. My father’s church is where I was a faithful member from childhood until I married in 1995. Visiting his church is always like a homecoming service. I feel so warm when I visit and I covet the memories of my mother and father worshiping together before her passing. She was wheelchair bound and always sat on the front row of the church. The recollections of our family history in this church are immeasurable but it’s a small hike to get out there.
Staying true to my Non-Denominational roots I decided to visit Freedom Life Church. The Praise and Worship music is extraordinary. Here again, the people make the church. They are so friendly and they genuinely want you there and want you to come back. They have children’s activities for the younger ones and other programs and Bible Studies for those who want to delve deeper. The Pastor is a very animated and an interesting person who will have you on the edge of your seat during his sermon.
With all of these wonderful churches right here in our own town I can honestly say that I’ve been extremely blessed visiting every one of them.
They say that while going through a divorce you should keep the children as grounded as possible and keep them in a routine. I may have dropped the ball when it comes to Sunday stability. Although we’ve been to church nearly every Sunday it hasn’t been the same location. I joke that one of the benefits of being a Church Gypsy is that you can wear the same thing every Sunday and no one will ever know.
There are many downsides as well. No one will know if you have a sick family member or if you’re going through a hard time and need extra prayer. You won’t know if someone you met at church needs support or prayer. You probably won’t know this because you’re only there once a month. If you miss church on Sunday no one will call and ask where you were and that’s because you’re not a regular face. One of the largest downsides, if you’re a drifter, is that you’re never able to participate and use your gifts that God blessed you with.
There is a lot to be said about being a part of church family and knowing where you belong every Sunday without fail but then again, I need to visit the First United Methodist Church.
Mathew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with thee.
Halie Errington is the winner of the 2018 Natchitoches Christmas t-shirt design contest. A check for $250 was presented to Halie for her design by the Natchitoches Christmas merchandise chair, Suzanne Fontenot Bolton.
A final rendering of the t-shirt will be released in the coming months. T-shirts will go on sale around the first week of November and will be available for purchase from several of our local merchants.
Since his first meeting last November with the Northwestern State football team as head coach, Brad Laird has preached championship values.
Those resounded around NSU’s Fall Sports Media Day luncheon from the “Champion Leaders,” nine upperclassmen chosen by the coaching staff to set a tone for the 2018 season.
“You could feel the culture change as soon as Coach Laird walked in the door,” said receiver Gavin Landry. “He set a tone. When 96 of us reported in July, we developed team chemistry to a level we’ve never seen before.”
Landry, an undersized (5-6, 177) walk-on from White Castle-St. John’s, is in his third year with the Demons. Laird said may be the hardest-working player on the roster. He’s shown toughness in practice this week while limping between snaps, working through a groin pull.
“Our coaches preach finding a way,” he said. “I want to try to get the job done for my brothers out there, so if I can go, I’m going to give it all I’ve got.”
That approach is the pathway to championship success, said newcomer Blake Stephenson, who came to NSU in January from the highly-successful Trinity Valley (Texas) Community College program, along with new offensive coordinator Brad Smiley, quarterback Shelton Eppler and offensive tackle Khalil Corbett-Canada.
“The biggest thing is everybody’s buying in. They want to win, and it’s more than talking about it,” said Stephenson, who was very impressive in spring practice. “At Trinity Valley that’s what we preached, and that’s what we did.”
Fifth-year senior receiver Bryson Bourque, the offensive MVP of the 29th Annual Joe Delaney Bowl ending spring practice, echoed the sentiments of the veteran Demons in the Stroud Room speaking at the Media Day luncheon.
“This is the most excited I’ve ever been,” said the former walk-on from New Iberia, who appreciates being in the receivers meeting room with Power 5 transfers Jazz Ferguson (LSU) and Quan Shorts (Texas Tech, along with productive returning seniors Jaylen Watson and Marquisian Chapman (35 receptions for each last season).
“I played with a group my freshman year that put two receivers in the NFL and another in the CFL. I’m more excited about this year’s group,” said Bourque. “We’ve got threes (third-teamers) who can get the job done in the Southland Conference.”
The catalyst for an explosive attack is a solid offensive line, a role embraced by junior center Dustin Burns (6-4, 301) and teammates as they enter their first season coached by former Texas A&M player, and Trinity Valley assistant, J Pond.
“The offensive line is a puzzle, and we’re going to find the best pieces to have that cohesiveness needed to succeed. Coach Pond always talks about mental acuity, mental toughness, and we’re working real hard to get where we need to be.
“I’ve seen so much improvement from the guys in the room with me since January,” he said.
The trend is so positive that senior guard Chris Zirkle has reconsidered sitting out the season to recover from shoulder surgery last winter. Zirkle (6-2, 287) is now planning to take advantage of a new NCAA rule which allows players to compete in four games and still take a redshirt season, allowing him to play a full senior year in 2019.
“It was a hard decision to have the surgery, sit out and not play this year with my brothers, but with this new rule, I’m glad I can come back,” said the 2017 second-team All-Southland selection. “But I’m not planning to come back during the season, in the last four games against Southland teams. I’m planning to come back for the playoffs.”
A month ago, my computer died. It gave no warning. There was no opportunity get all the stuff hidden on the hard drive. It gave me the blue screen of death. The computer was about seven years old. I decided that new might be better than an attempted resurrection of the previous computer. It lived longer than it should.
I have spent a month restructuring my digital life. I have learned to write down my passwords. Microsoft and I are arguing if I am me and about access to my Microsoft stuff I have spent hours upgrading software and such not. It all reminded me of something silly I read years ago.
Dear Tech Support:
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a slowdown in the overall performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications that had operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 “uninstalled” many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, but installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0 and LSU FOOTBALL 3.0. and now Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I’ve tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.
What can I do?
Desperate.
Dear Desperate:
First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an “entertainment” package, while Husband 1.0 is an “operating system.” Try to enter the command: C:/I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME and download Tears 6.2 to install Guilt 3.0.
If all works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. But remember, overuse can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will create Snoring Loudly. WAV files.
Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 or reinstall another Boyfriend program. These are not supported applications and will crash Husband 1.0. In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have a limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance.
I personally recommend Hot Food 3.0 and Lingerie 7.7.
Good Luck,
Tech Support.
I’m thankful our relationship with God is personal not digital.
Contestants are being sought for the 62nd Annual Natchitoches Queens Scholarship Program to be held Sunday, September 16 at the A.A. Fredricks Auditorium at Northwestern State University. The Natchitoches Queens Scholarship Program includes the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant, the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant, the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant, and the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant. All events will be held at the A.A. Fredricks Auditorium on Sunday, September 16 at 3 p.m.
The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in the twelfth grade in a Natchitoches Parish school. Participants compete in scholastic achievement, interview, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will be crowned Miss Merry Christmas and will receive a cash scholarship and other prizes and awards. Christmas Belles will also be selected from the pageant. Miss Merry Christmas will serve as the official hostess of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. She and the Christmas Belles will represent Natchitoches at various events throughout the holiday season.
The Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in grades 9-11 in a Natchitoches Parish school. Participants compete in scholastic achievement, interview, casual wear, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will receive a cash scholarship and other prizes and is eligible to compete in the Teen Princess Louisiana Pageant in summer 2019.
There is a $75 entry fee to enter the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant and a $50 entry fee to enter the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant. There must be at least 10 girls entered in the Miss Merry Christmas pageant and 5 girls entered in the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant for each pageant to take place. All applications and entry fees for the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant and the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant must be returned to the Main Street Office at 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, no later than Friday, August 31, 2018 at 4:30 p.m.
The Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in the twelfth grade through age 24 by December 31, 2019, enrolled in high school or college, or meets the state residency requirement. Participants compete in interview, fitness in swimsuit, talent, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will be crowned Miss Natchitoches City of Lights and will receive $1,000 In-Kind Scholarship to Northwestern State University, $7,200 In-Kind Scholarship to Louisiana College, official Miss America Local Crown, custom embroidered sash, appearance package and much more. The winner must be available to attend Miss Louisiana State Meeting in April, 2019 and the Miss Louisiana State Competition in June, 2019 held in Monroe, Louisiana.
The Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant is open to young ladies who will be 13 by April 13, 2019 and not older than 17 by July 31, 2019. Participants will compete in interview, fitness in sportswear, talent, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will receive official Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Local Crown, custom embroidered sash, appearance package and go on to compete in the Miss Louisiana Outstanding Teen Pageant.
There is a $100 entry fee to enter the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant, and participants for the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant will be required to raise $100 in Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals donations in lieu of an entry fee. All applications and entry fees for the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant and the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant must be submitted to pageant director Gregory O’Quinn via email at gregoquinn78@yahoo.com or mailed to 6801 W 70th Street #44, Shreveport, LA 71129 by Sept. 7.
For more information contact Janna Jenkins at (318) 352-2746.
Several improvement projects have been completed or are underway at Northwestern State University, including renovation of the campus bookstore, upgrades to classroom facilities and improvements at the university’s satellite campuses.
“We have been tackling several projects aimed at upgrading facilities, meeting ADA compliance and improving roads and parking to make our campuses welcoming and accommodating to all who visit,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “There are many more projects on the horizon as the university continues to grow and find ways to better serve our students and visitors.”
The former Neebo building at 912 University Parkway is being overhauled to create the Northwestern State Marketplace, which will house an updated and expanded university bookstore and a Chick-fil-A Express. Both will be open to the general public as well as NSU students this fall. The bookstore is in development in cooperation with Follett Higher Education Group, which will operate the 8,000-square-foot bookstore.
Across the street, a circular drive and ADA compliant parking area were installed in front of Watson Library for library patrons and those who visit Café DeMon. NSU’s Academic Advising department will relocate to the first floor of Watson Library with access through the Academic Success Center, which completes the revitalization of Watson’s first floor where the Academic Advising Center, Academic Success Center and Testing Center are all in one location.
Crews are working to overlay the parking lot on the west side of Turpin Stadium and its adjacent stretch of Caspari Drive to increase available parking spaces. The main entrance of Turpin will also undergo cosmetic improvements to enhance the game day experience and bolster school spirit. Caspari Street will be straightened between the NSU Fieldhouse and the Walter Ledet Track and Field Complex to facilitate traffic flow and provide additional parking. Earlier this year, an overlay of Sam Sibley Drive from University Parkway to Caspari was completed.
The university is currently installing an elevator in the Teacher Education Center and is developing a concrete activity platform behind the TEC which is also ADA accessible. Other building upgrades include a privately-funded remodeled state-of-the-art classroom in Bienvenu Hall and plans to improve the heating and air conditioning equipment that will continue this fall. Several individual departments received enhancement funds to upgrade classrooms and equipment. NSU is also exploring energy-saving measures by seeking Requests For Proposals for steam pipe elimination and lighting conversion to Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures for all buildings.
Construction will begin soon of a new pavilion at Iberville Green for student activities and concerts. Iberville Green is the hilltop former site of Sabine Hall next to Iberville Dining Hall and in recent years has become a popular spot for student events. Some offices for the NSU Foundation will move to Russell Hall.
At NSU’s Shreveport campus, the university has teamed with Follett to open a new bookstore in the university library to better serve Shreveport nursing students and a project is underway to improve ADA accessibility at the Warrington Nursing and Child and Family Network building. In Natchitoches, NSU’s College of Nursing is installing a nursing lab with 10 nursing hospital beds for Natchitoches nursing clinicals students.
Major renovations are underway as the Learning Center for Rapides Parish converts to the Northwestern State University Cenla Campus. Improvements include new signage, cosmetic work, classroom renovations and technology upgrades. Some areas have been reconfigured to accommodate larger classes and provide space for upgraded labs and instructional areas, conference meetings, faculty offices for class preparation and advising and an open vending area. The library will include improvements to the study area and student lounge.
Plans for NSU’s Leesville campus include facility upgrades, cosmetic work, upgrades in technology and landscaping, which will commence this fall. At NSU’s Marksville location, some offices have been relocated and workspaces improved. The Barksdale location will include new signage and expanded offices for staff to meet with and advise students.
Visitors at the Rec Complex in Natchitoches will notice that flooring in the pavilion and pro shop and pro shop furniture is being replaced. Outdoors, the putting green was replaced and expanded and 2,000 running feet of cart path added. The driving range is under development and the city of Natchitoches installed nine perimeter poles to hold driving range nets. Improvements with landscaping and the golf course continue throughout the year.
The courts at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex on the main campus, which are enjoyed not only by student-athletes but by health classes, faculty/staff, LSMSA and the community, have been resurfaced. In Prather Coliseum, the N-Club Hall of Fame has been updated and modernized to include a touch screen for biographies, photos and footage of individuals in the N-Club. The Stroud Room in the Athletic Field House has been improved to serve as a backdrop for interviews with an attractive photo representation of NSU Athletics, vision and core values. A portion of the lobby in the Athletic Fieldhouse is being outfitted as a nutrition area for student-athletes.
NSU’s move-in day is Saturday, Aug. 18, with classes for the Fall 2018 semester set to begin Monday, Aug. 20.
The City of Natchitoches will hold a public hearing on Monday, Aug. 13 to discuss the Garbage and Recycling Contract. The meeting will be held at the Natchitoches Arts Center, 716 Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana. The public hearing will begin at 4:30 p.m. until the start of the City Council meeting at
5:30 p.m., and will resume at the conclusion of the City Council meeting.
Grab dinner and get some free school supplies this Friday, Aug. 10 from 4-6 pm. Chicken Express of Natchitoches will give customers a bag of School Supplies with each order of the $5 BROWN BAG SPECIAL, which includes:
3 Chicken Tenders (Original or Spicy)
1 Side Order
1 Drink
* Limit one bag of supplies per Brown Bag Special purchased while supplies last.
Dr. Hurst Moreland Hall, Sr.
September 19, 1929 – August 6, 2018
Visitation: Friday, August 10 from 5-7 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, August 11 at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches,
Interment: American Cemetery
Donald L. Young, Esq.
May 3, 1939 – August 6, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, August 12 from 6-10 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Monday, August 13 at 1:30 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Mausoleum
Artis Curtis Masingill, Jr.
November 6, 1936 – August 3, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 12:30 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
DESOTO PARISH:
Sertonya Eaton
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 10 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 am at Old Morning Glory Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Old Morning Glory Cemetery in Mansfield
Patricia Stephens
Arrangements TBA
Ida Pratt
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 10 from 7-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery
Patrick Simpson
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 10 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 pm at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery
The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission is requesting public comment on two slogans selected to represent the Natchitoches brand. In May, the Marketing Committee of NHDDC sought public input to develop a slogan that celebrates the positive future of Natchitoches, while promoting local businesses, restaurants, accommodations and attractions. “We cannot thank the community enough for their overwhelming response to our request for input,” commented NHDDC Chair/President Van Erikson. “While the submissions were significant, the two taglines selected for this round of feedback appeared over and over in the public submissions,” continued Erikson.
In addition to comments on the slogan, the NHDDC Marketing Committee is asking the public to provide comments on the new logo design. The new logo features the word “Natchitoches” in a scroll-like font with a visual detail under the text. There are two versions of the visual details for the logo. The first, is a fleur-de-lis, which is used widely throughout the city, and the second, is an icon of the State of Louisiana, which helps to identify Natchitoches’ location when using the brand outside of the city.
From now until August 15, 2018, the public is invited to visit
The City abhors and will not tolerate any type of racism by City employees under any circumstances. If any City employee is found to have engaged in any racist actions or words, the employee will be disciplined harshly, including, but not limited to, discharge from employment.
Currently, two (2) police officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into Facebook posts recently made. Because police officers are statutorily protected by state civil service law, the City is restrained from taking any adverse action against them until due process requirements have been met. If the police officers involved are found to have engaged in improper, racist-related conduct, the employees will be disciplined.
Regarding a social media thread/posts made this week
A month ago, my computer died. It gave no warning. There was no opportunity get all the stuff hidden on the hard drive. It gave me the blue screen of death. The computer was about seven years old. I decided that new might be better than an attempted resurrection of the previous computer. It lived longer than it should.
