I am Harry Graham, School Board Member for District 2. I have served three terms in this position. I have enjoyed serving these past 12 years and look forward to doing whatever I can to help make things better for our children. I am seeking re-election because so many of you have asked me to continue to serve you.
Our children are our most prized possessions. Therefore, I will continue to do whatever I can to help improve our public schools. With community and parental involvement, together we can continue to get closer to a quality education for all of our children.
If you live in school board district 2 please send me back to the School Board so that I can continue to work even harder for our children.
My number on the ballot is 51. Early voting is Oct. 23-30 and the primary voting day is on Nov. 6. I am looking forward to your support.
The barbers of the Silhouette Beauty and Barber Shop continued a five year tradition as they offered free haircuts to young men before the start of the school year. The barbering team of Sylvester “Sly” Moss, Tremaine Walker and Marcus Ardison helped over 60 young men start their school year looking their best over the weekend of Aug. 11-12. The ladies of the beauty shop provided snacks to the young men while they waited for their haircuts. The men and women of the Silhouette Beauty and Barber Shop embody the kind of generous spirit that makes our community a better place to live. They are truly an asset to our city.
The Fairview-Alpha School held it’s open house this Monday, Aug. 13. Brooke Williams, in her 6th year at the helm of the school and in her 25th year as an educator, greeted the returning students and their families with a warm smile and made them feel at home. The school serves over 300 students in grades pre-k through 6th. Students may choose from a variety of activities in addition to their studies. The school hosts an active 4-H and Cloverbuds chapter as well as Project 212, an integrated learning adventure featuring everything from gardening to cooking and art to teach STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) concepts. Saturday classes are also offered to assist students who may need a bit of extra help.
The pastor and members of Fairview-Alpha Baptist Church provided cake, ice cream, snacks and drinks to the students, teachers and family members in attendance. Their generous donation of food, and more importantly, of their time, was a wonderful display of community support.
Another noteworthy aspect of the new school year is the presence of five future teachers from NSU’s Education Department. These young men and women are “residents”, part of a new program designed to enhance teacher education in our state. They will be spending the whole academic year at their school, paired with an experienced teacher, as opposed to the prior student teaching experience that did not last a full year.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to the boys and girls of the Fairview-Alpha School for the upcoming school year. We also wish every success to the five residents from NSU as they complete their teacher preparation education. You are a truly impressive group of young men and women and we hope that you will consider a career with the Natchitoches Parish School system after graduation.
Former NSU Rowing Crew Member Derek Donald shared with Rotary Club of Natchitoches at its Aug. 14 meeting plans for the St. Denis Head Race Regatta set for Oct. 6 at 8 am on Cane River Lake. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to submit an entry form.
In addition, Historic District Business Association Festivals and Events Director Jill Leo discussed the Natchitoches Classic Car Show set for Sept. 28-29. Model Cars from 1979 through 1987 will be on display. Also, the 92nd Natchitoches Christmas Festival will begin with its Turn on the Lights Celebration on Nov. 17. Word on the street is that two of Santa’s reindeers will visit Natchitoches this Christmas season. Pictured from left are Rotary Club of Natchitoches President Richard White, Leo, Donald, and Rotarian with the Program Lee Waskom (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).
It’s that time again….time to start another awesome football season! Just like last time, the NSU Alumni Association will provide buses, a tailgate, and an avenue to buy game tickets for NSU’s first away game. All bus seats are first come first serve, and will be cut off after filled. Registration ends Tuesday, Aug. 28.
“We’re looking to fill a bus full of alumni and friends who want to support the NSU demons as they take on the Aggies,” said Van Erikson. “It’s going to be a fun experience, so we hope that you travel with us!”
The tailgate will take place at Coolidge Grass Practice Fields at: Wellborn Rd, College Station, TX 77843 (SEE TAILGATE MAP BELOW). Delicious food will be provided by Mad Taco, a local Mexican favorite. Tailgate games, an entertainment package, and a shaded area will be provided from 4-7 pm, and a pep rally leading into the stadium at 7 pm. Along with everything above, there will be other amenities such as port-a-cool fans and cold beverages.
Itinerary
· 10:30 A.M. Load Buses
· 11-4 P.M. Bus Trip
· 4-7 P.M. Tailgate
· 7:30-10:30 P.M. Football Game
· 10:30- 3 A.M. Return Bus Trip
Cost
· Alumni Tailgate, Game Ticket, and Bus Ticket Combo: $100
· Alumni Game Ticket and Tailgate Combo: $75
· Alumni Game Ticket: $50
· Alumni Tailgate Only: $25
All tickets will be in the general admission section, next to the band. Game tickets and tailgating tickets that are purchased will be picked up at the tailgate. The bus will depart from the Collins Family Pavilion, and bus riders can leave cars in Prather parking lot.
Thomas Wylie Merrill, Jr.
June 4, 1942 – August 12, 2018
Visitation: Friday, August 17 from 6-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, August 18 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Cloutierville Baptist Church Cemetery in Cloutierville
The Natchitoches Parish School District and Ecco Ride have issued an updated version to their bus route system for the 2018-2019 school year in an attempt to alleviate any confusion caused by charts that were released before the first day of school.
It’s recommended that students clarify what school a bus is going to before they get on it, to avoid any confusion. Students should board buses according to the route number that is posted on the right side of the bus front window.
For more information call 318-352-6465 during normal business hours.
The City held a public hearing to discuss the City’s garbage and recycling contract prior to Monday night’s City Council meeting Aug. 13. There’s no longer a market for recycling and China has stopped accepting recycling from other nations. The garbage company the City has its services with is passing on to the City what it would cost them to keep recycling, which the customers would have to pay. The City is considering several options (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).
The City Council assures residents that it doesn’t plan to do away with recycling completely. It’s considering doing away with recycling pickup at homes. In its place, the City would run a central recycling facility at the ADM property on Mill Street.
The issue is that only 350-500 resident participate in the recycling program and all too often the recyclables that are collected are contaminated and have to be thrown away.
ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Award bid to seal coat Runway 7-25 at the Natchitoches Regional Airport to Ameriseal of Ohio in the amount of $224,849
Award bid for the 2017-2018 Street Rehabilitation Program, Phase 2 to Regional Construction LLC in the amount of $3.4 million
Enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Rapides Area Planning Commission to develop a city wide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan and Bikeshare Feasibility Study
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
Approve the acquisition of two tracts of ground located on the Western right-of-way of Rapides Drive and Mill Street for $290,000
RESOLUTIONS:
Approve the petition for Property Tax Abatement for the Alliance Compressor Plant Under the 2017 Louisiana Industrial Tax Exemption Program approving of an Exemption of property taxes for 2017 property acquisitions for Alliance Compressors, LLC
Enter into an agreement with the State Of Louisiana Division Of Administration Office Of Community Development – Disaster Recovery Unit For CDBG Funds In Response To The 2016 Severe Storms And Flooding Events
Designate Friday, August 31 as an Official Holiday for the employees of the City Of Natchitoches For The Year 2018
Execute a Grant Agreement and accept a Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for a project at the Natchitoches Regional Airport
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be August 27.
The Natchitoches Kiwanis Club held a successful uniform collection drive before the start of the 2018-2019 school year. They dropped off 75 items to the Natchitoches Parish School Board Aug. 10, which included pants, shorts, skirts, and shirts.
The Third Annual Miss Cure on the Cane Pageant will be held Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Westside Baptist Church Family Life Center. This registration deadline is Sept. 6. The entry fee is $55 for the first contestant and $30 for each additional sibling.
This is a “crown-all” event and no participant leaves empty handed. Proceeds go toward the Natchitoches Parish Relay for Life. For more information visit Cure on the Cane Pageant’s Facebook page.
Adults seeking their high school equivalency diploma can get help through the WorkReady U/Adult Education program at the Natchitoches Campus of Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC).
Registration is Tuesday-Friday, Aug. 14-17 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Natchitoches Campus. Parents wishing to enroll students ages 16 or 17 will need to get an age waiver from their local school board office. Enrollment will take approximately one hour.
Classes start Monday, Aug. 20. Day and night classes are available, and classes are FREE! The WorkReady U/Adult Education program also offers English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes.
Participants can get help with Math, Reading and Language, and prepare to take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). The HiSET is the new pathway for individuals who didn’t finish high school to earn a diploma and get on track for college or a career.
For more information, contact the Natchitoches Adult Education department at 318-357-3162, ext. 3223.
There were a lot of new students exploring Magnet for the 2018-2019 Open House on Aug. 9. The school’s new theme is Outer Space and teachers wore shirts that said: “Magnet Teachers Are Out Of This World.”
The school increased its enrollment in the middle of the last school year, so it’s filling out its enrollment from 320 to almost 400 students. Principal Stephonie French said they’ll be able to offer students a lot this year, such as art and music classes. They’re also expanding their clubs. One example is the introduction of a 4-H Cloverbud Club for grades 1-3.
“We’re looking forward to challenging our students even further,” said French. “We had a great year last year and we grew and we’re excited to see what we can do this year.”
A disturbance call on Sunday evening, Aug. 12, led to the capture of a Tenneesee fugitive on felony warrants according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to a reported disturbance at 11 pm in the 200 block of Old Bethel Road west of Natchitoches. The caller reported that a relative had been drinking and was acting belligerent.
Deputies arrived on scene and spoke with the individual involved in the disturbance identified as Stacey Davenport Jr., 28 of Natchitoches.
During a National Crime Information Center database inquiry check, deputies learned Davenport was wanted by the Sumner County Sheriffs Office since March of 2018 for Felony Filing of a Police Report, Criminal Damage to Property valued over $1000, and Probation Violation on original charges of Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Abuse and Possession of a Handgun while under the Influence.
NPSO Communications Operators confirmed the warrants with Tennesse authorities.
Davenport was arrested without incident, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center as a Tennessee fugitive where he is awaiting extradition at a later date.
Deputy T. Pledger made the arrest assisted by Lt. M. Wilson.
Meet the 2018 Lakeview Gators football team members, coaches and the Booster Club President, Secretary and Treasurer at Lakeview’s Meet the Gators event this evening, Aug, 14 at 6 pm in th Lakeview library If your child is playing football come out and support the team for this season.
District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today the guilty verdict in the jury trial of Ervin Leanard Walker of illegal use of a weapon during a crime of violence.
Walker, 53 of Natchitoches, was convicted for a 2017 shooting incident in a parking lot of a business on Keyser Avenue.
10th Judicial District Court Judge Lala Sylvester presided over the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2018.
The Creole Heritage Center at NSU will celebrate its 20th Anniversary Sept. 13-15 at the Sylvan Friedman Student Union on the NSU campus. City Bank donated to this event. For more information call 318-357-6685 or email wynderl@nsula.edu. Pictured from left are Madison Henson, Shelley Townson, Markita Small, CHC Office Clerk, Loletta Wynder, Director of the NSU CHC and Rachel Stephens.
I am Dorothy Mallard McGaskey, a candidate for School Board Member, District 3. I was formerly married to Elijah, “George” McGaskey. We have two children, Terrance McGaskey and wife Marissa, and LaKira McGaskey, formerly, Howard. I have one granddaughter, Kylie Howard, a first grade student who will be attending L.P. Vaughn Elementary this fall, and two step-grandchildren, Aaliyah Collins, a graduate of Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS) this past school year, and Jaylon Collins who is presently a sophomore at NCHS.
Employed for the State of Louisiana Support Enforcement Services for twenty-one (21) years as a Support Enforcement Specialist, I have retired since 2007. Prior to employment with Support Enforcement, I was employed with the Office of Family Security as an Eligibility Worker. I am currently a Commissioner in Charge at the 13th Voting Precinct. I began as a Commissioner in 2006 and currently serve in the capacity as supervisor of the Commissioners. My responsibilities include ensuring the voting process will run efficiently and effectively as required, and that all eligible voters are allowed to vote according to State law. I am a member of First Baptist Church, North Street, serving on various committees, and am a member of the choir-Golden Voices.
Having completed postsecondary education at Northwestern State University (NSU), I obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Social Work. While attending NSU, I pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a community conscious, service oriented, national organization whose objectives are education, voter registration, and services to the community. After graduation I joined the graduate chapter, Mu Omega Zeta, and became the first president; later served as an undergraduate advisor and presently serve in the capacity of 2nd Vice President and Scholarship Chairman in the Chapter. I am a past president of Amicae, the adult women support organization and an active member of the Z/Hope Project of the graduate chapter of the sorority. I am a member of the Natchitoches Parish Voters and Civic League and serve as the Education Committee chairman. The Homeless Coalition, a non-profit organization that assists the Homeless population where our focus is to provide temporary shelter and sponsor the Share a Meal Program for the citizens of Natchitoches is an integral part of my community service. I also work with the Stop the Violence Program, one that’s dedicated to ensuring support for a safe environment in our community.
My goal as a School Board, District 3, member is to be a dedicated voice for the children who are our future. I will represent them to the best of my ability and always vote in a manner which will be in the best interest of children and the educational community. I ask the parents and community to please remember that our school district will always need continuous support and involvement. Children are our most precious jewels and they have to be molded to become responsible adults. Education is the main pathway for their future. I am compassionate about my future role in serving as part of the Natchitoches Parish School Board representing District 3. With your help by Voting #55 I look forward to being a part of the decision-making process to assist in determining that children receive an excellent education.
Contact: Dorothy McGaskey Phone: (318) 527-1968
Lott Oil is seeking to fill a Full-Time Accounting Clerk position.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Accounting Clerk is responsible for multiple job responsibilities. The job includes accounts payable duties, accounts receivable duties and reconciling multiple retail accounts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Be able to process invoices by coding and keying them into the database
Be able to reconcile credit card payments
Be able to record customer payments
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform other duties as assigned or requested by management personnel.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred 5-10 years experience in accounting field
Detail oriented
Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
Ability to multitask and switch focus quickly when needed
Good verbal and written communication skills
Problem solving skills
Excel and internet proficient
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
High school diploma or GED is required.
College diploma is preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Occasional overtime work required throughout each week depending on demand.
SAFETY HAZARDS OF THE JOB:
Minimal hazards based on safe working conditions.
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other instructions and duties. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. Management has the right to revise this job description t any time. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.
Please send inquiries and resumes to the following email address: info@lottoil.com
Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Natchitoches Parish Government and Office of Community Services, Head Start will not begin class as planned on Aug. 15. The start date will be Monday, Aug. 20 for all centers: Natchez, Breda, MLK, NSU, Campti, and Mansfield. We apologize for any inconvenience the delayed start date may cause. For any questions, please call your child’s teacher or the Head Start office at 318-357-2213.
The NSU Football Team has been focused on one thing, victory, since reporting for camp. This Saturday, Aug. 11th, the team’s newfound intensity was on full display as they held their first scrimmage with full pads. The Demons came out 107 men strong to learn, prepare and get better under first year Coach Laird and his staff. The offense and defense practiced various game scenarios as the players worked on their skills and continued to grow together into one team and family. It is indeed the dawn of a new day for Demon Football!
NSU’s first game will be against Texas A&M at the legendary Kyle Field on August 30th. Their first home game will be against Grambling State University on the 8th of September. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to extend its best wishes to the Demons for victory as they embark on the upcoming season. Fork ’em Demons!
The Faculty and Staff at NSU Elementary Lab School started the school year off with a Lock-In on Aug. 6. Principal Caron Coleman, along with the Leadership Team of E-Lab, planned a night full of learning, team building, games, thinking skills, enthusiasm, food, and fun. The theme of the Lock-In was “The Energy Bus,” adapted from the motivational book, “The Energy Bus,” by Jon Gordon. Coleman presented the 10 rules of riding The Energy Bus and encouraged the faculty and staff to use positive energy to create positive results at E-Lab this year.
