Northwestern State University’s newly renovated bookstore, the Northwestern State Marketplace at 912 University Parkway, is open for business as of 8 a.m. Thursday. Hours this week will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Extended hours will be posted next week.
Bookstore operations have ceased in the Friedman Student Union and have been moved to the NSU Marketplace.
Limited parking is available at the Northwestern State Marketplace but additional parking is available across the street at Watson Library. Police officers will be present to monitor traffic and ensure safety in crossing University Parkway as students access the new bookstore.
Terrell Carl Scott, Jr.
July 18, 1965 – August 15, 2018
Visitation: Friday, August 17 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, August 18 at 3:30 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Old Bethel Cemetery
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
WINN PARISH:
Mr. James “J.L.” Hicks
August 15, 2018
Arrangements TBA
DESOTO PARISH:
Baby Ricardo Boykin, Jr.
Service: Saturday, Aug. 18 at 2 pm at Morning Glory Cemetery
Interment: Morning Glory Cemetery in Mansfield
Seney Hill
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 17 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Aug. 18 at 11 am at New Light Baptist Church
Interment: Luke Cemetery in Ringgold
Nyree Jackson
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 17 from 6-7 pm at Evergreen Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, Aug. 18 at 11 am at Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Lake End
The August report for the Natchitoches Tax Commission shows a negative difference for July’s sales tax collections in the amount of $92,304. Year to date there is a negative difference in the amount of $154,094. However, Natchitoches Tax Commission Administrator Jerry McWherter said he’s not concerned as everything is where is should be for this time of the year.
The City just started it’s fiscal year and tax collections do fall during the summer months, which is a slow time for Natchitoches. McWherter said he expects it to pick up as the holiday season starts. Overall he said the City sales tax collections trend flat through the years.
Outpatient Medical Center, Inc. in cooperation with the Bailey Heights Community Center joined forces to hand out much needed school supplies for children in the community on Aug. 4. Rekita Brown of Outpatient Medical Center, Inc. purchased supplies, organized them into back packs and issued them to school children. Brown is a certified Medicaid Counselor who is skilled at enrolling families in Medicaid where eligible or otherwise assisting patients with finding suitable health insurance plan on the Affordable Care Act Insurance Exchange.
Family Nurse Practitioner Mary Katherine Lancaster of Outpatient Medical Center signs up students to be seen in the School Bassed Health Clinic. Parents sign permission forms for their children to be examined when needed in the SBHC which is located inside L.P. Vaughan Elementary School. The clinic also serves Natchitoches Junior High.
Johnny Barnes, President Concerned Citizens of the Bailey Heights Community presented Carl I. Walters II, Chief Executive Officer of OMC with a certificate of appreciation for Outpatient Medical Center’s support for the Back-to-School event in which over 200 school children were given back to school supplies at no cost to the students or their parents. Pictured with Barnes and Walters are Brigettee’ and Carl Walters III and friend.
Johnny Barnes, President of the Concerned Citizens of the Bailey Heights Community organized the the Back-to-School event at Ross Williams Park in Natchitoches. The event brought community and business leaders together to serve the common good of school children. Barnes arrived in Natchitoches in 2007 and started the Concerned Citizens of the Bailey Heights Community in 2013. The organization was born out of need to assist children in the community. Barnes is also a member of the Voter’s League, Keep Natchitoches / Louisiana Beautiful, and the Mayor’s Heatlh and Fitness Council.
Take the family out on Sundays for a meal at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Natchitoches and save a few bucks on the bill. Kids eat FREE on Sundays. Get one free kid’s meal with $10 purchase per adult. This offer is for dine-in only and is not valid with other offers or promotions. Children 12 and under are eligible. Free meal must be ordered from the Kid’s Meals.
If your child attends Natchitoches Jr. High or LP Vaughn, you may apply for free, bi-monthly school food pantry program offering fresh fruits, vegetables and non-perishable food items from The Food Bank of Central Louisiana.
Where: Natchitoches Jr. High JAG Room (F106)
How: Bring application and required documents to the School Pantry site during distribution.
When: Food Distribution will be held on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 3:30-4:30 pm (Unless date falls on a school holiday). Dates include: Sept. 14 and 28, Oct. 12 and 26, Nov. 9 and 16, and Dec. 7 and 20.
For more information call the Food Bank at 318-445-2773.
Cheyenne Paige Ebarb of Zwolle was named recipient of the Les Amies Service Organization Service and Leadership Award for the 2018-2019 academic year. The annual scholarship is awarded to an upper-level female Northwestern State University student who demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to community service. Preference is given to a resident of Natchitoches or surrounding parishes.
From left are Erin Dupree, Nicole Ezernack, Ebarb, Kimberly Gallow, Cady Caskey and Crystal Metoyer. Les Amies is a women’s service organization established in Natchitoches in 1958 that encourages service, friendship, hospitality and loyalty.
Shanna began her banking career with City Bank in September of 1992. As a member of the City Bank family for 26 years, she has held numerous positions. She currently holds the position of Senior Vice President and is the Branch Manager at the Main Office.
“Working for a small community bank gives me the ability to get to know my customers,” she said. I build relationships with them and because of this, I can better help them accomplish their goals at different stages in their lives. It’s about growing with your customers.”
Shanna is a native of Natchitoches and a 1988 graduate of Natchitoches Central High School. In 1992 she graduated from Northwestern State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She is a 2006 graduate of the LSU Graduate School of Banking of the South.
Shanna always knew she wanted to work at City Bank & Trust. She started submitting applications a few months before she graduated from NSU and was hired part-time.
“My favorite thing about City Bank is it’s truly like a family where your coworkers are there for you through the good and the bad,” said Shanna.
She helps customers with all their lending needs from consumer to commercial. “The thing I love most about my job is mortgage lending because it’s so exciting to help people buy a home, especially if it’s their first house.”
Shanna is married to Ronald (Bubba) Baker and they have two children, Maygan and Cole. Through the years she has always enjoyed being involved in many local organizations and community events. Shanna and her husband are active members of The First Baptist Church in Natchitoches.
City Bank was established in Natchitoches in 1933 and has been an integral part of this historic community for over 80 years. The City Bank family constantly strives for excellence and we pride ourselves on the personal services we offer to all of our customers. As a City Bank customer, you will benefit from a full range of services including internet banking, mobile banking, bill pay, Visa debit cards, Access 24, as well as a variety of consumer, commercial and residential mortgage loans.
The Nakatosh Shrine Club presented Maci Cheatwood with a scholarship to Northwestern State University Aug. 13. Maci was a recipient of the Honesty & Integrity Award from Ashland Masonic Lodge in 2017.
She attended Saline High School, graduating with honors in 2018. She will pursue a degree in early childhood education at NSU. She is the daughter of Matt and Marsha Cheatwood.
The members of the Nakatosh Shrine Club are proud to be able to present this scholarship to Maci and wish her the best while pursuing her degree at NSU. The scholarship is for 8 full semester hours.
We homo sapiens types are really pretty funny when you think about it. We can be very serious thinkers, forming philosophies, conceiving wonderful new inventions, having insights into physics and the secrets of the universe, writing brilliant symphonies and novels. The list of our civilization’s amazing achievements goes on and on.
And then. Then, we get hooked on something like a Hula Hoop. My thoughts turned to that 1950s toy while reading a book on great photographs of the 20th century. One of the pictures showed a family playing with Hula Hoops in their backyard, with varied success in using them skillfully.
So the reason I think Hula Hoops are interesting enough for a column is the fact that us members of a very intelligent species can find time to be amused by a what, a three-foot wide plastic circle. I am definitely not knocking the fact that we were so caught up in the fad of Hula Hoops. I had one myself. The whole concept of fads can be fascinating. Remember Pet Rocks? Folks actually paid money for a rock in a cardboard box
How about Slinkies? They were a very flexible spring that could “walk” down stairs. I had one of those, too.
And, if you’re old enough, you will remember the Davy Crockett craze, when it seemed that most of America’s kids were going around wearing false coonskin hats on their heads. I did NOT have one of those.
Here, I’ve been mentioning fads of the old days, because they are the ones I remember best. But I recall the Pokémon fad of just a few years ago, another one that I didn’t participate in.
But, to get back to Hula Hoops. You will recall, of course, that the object was to place your hoop around your waist area and gyrate your middle in such a way as to keep it from falling down about your feet. It was a lot harder than it looked and, as in any human endeavor, some folks were better at it than others.
I personally could never keep the darned thing up for more than two or three twirls around my middle. It always, and I mean always, ended up on the floor or the ground before I could even get my sacro-iliac in gear.
It was far more fun to watch the girls with their Hula Hoops, particularly those who could keep it up for a while. I mean, why do you think they called them Hula Hoops. The hip movements involved in successful utilization of the hoops were very similar to the sensual dance of the Hawaiian Islands, and a sight that any red-blooded lad would enjoy watching.
The Hula Hoop fad reached its peak in the 1950s, when millions, I suppose, were sold. I’m sure 98 percent of them ended up forgotten in attics or tossed away in the trash after a few years.
But, you know they still make them. And, thanks to You-Tube, I know that they are still used in competitions and what some of today’s young people can do with a Hula Hoop is simply amazing. I discovered this phenomenon while searching for an old favorite song on You-Tube, which apparently has a video example of every piece of music ever performed, from the medieval Gregorian Chant to the latest pop hit.
Anyway, I found the song I was looking up, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and in one of the versions shown the song was used to accompany an amazingly talented Hula Hoopster named Rachel Lust, a lass who looked to be around 17 years old. She could make that hoop do everything but sing along with Charley Daniels, I tell you. The video was of her practicing in her kitchen, in training for competitions.
So, the old Hula Hoop lives. (At least it’s a lot more alive than those Pet Rocks!} And if our mentally brilliant species didn’t take time out for such nonsense, life would be a lot more duller.
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.”
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
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)
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.
