Gloria Joye Carter
March 3, 1936 – October 13, 2018
Visitation: Monday, October 15 from 9-10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Monday, October 15 at 11 am at Jonesboro Cemetery in Jonesboro
Mary Frances Brown
September 27, 1925 – October 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA
RAPIDES PARISH:
Mrs. Mary Ann Simms
August 7, 1925 – October 11, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, October 16 from 9-11 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Pineville
Service: Tuesday, October 16 at 11 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville
Watch today’s Magnolia Minute with Amie Bolton regarding “Farm to Table” supporting Hope for Paws
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
The Natchitoches Historical Foundation hosted a long standing and beloved community tradition at Natchitoches’ American Cemetery October 12th. Over 150 history fans from around the area came to see some of the interesting and well known people buried in the cemetery brought to life by volunteers dressed in period costume. Notables ranging from Susan Harling, the real life inspiration for Steel Magnolias, Cammie Henry, Louis Juchereau de St. Denis and John Gideon Lewis, a pioneer of African American Freemasonry were just a few of the people buried in the American Cemetery brought to life.
Northwestern State University’s Department of Dance returned for a third year to present a hauntingly beautiful original dance piece in the cemetery. NSU Theater and Dance majors Adele Herbert, John Jefferson, Alphonse Engram, Mary Scott Pourciau, Vilma Castro Lopez, Anna Birbiglia and Jhalon Thomas are superb performers and choreographer Rebecca Morgan’s piece brought out their talents beautifully.
There were also stops along the tour in which “widows” dressed in black mourning costumes spoke about Victorian era customs surrounding death and mourning.
The last stop of the tour featured drinks and light snacks.
In keeping with the NHF’s mission of education as well as preservation and advocacy, over 200 students throughout Natchitoches Parish toured the cemetery prior to the evening’s tour. The groups learned about their community’s history, burial and mourning traditions.
The Association for the Preservation for Historic Natchitoches (APHN), along with members of the Brittain family and descendants of Clementine Hunter, held a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Clementine Hunter’s House at Melrose Plantation. This house is one of the nine historic structures located at Melrose Plantation. After sitting dormant for over 40 years the home was restored with funds from the Gitter Gallery in New Orleans and the Cane River Art Corporation.
“We’re all here because we love the preservation of history,” said APHN member Dr. Vicki Parrish.
Doug Gitter thanked APHN for bringing this project to fruition.
“Since my early 20s, I’ve been a passionate collector of contemporary American folk art,” said Gitter. “The art spoke to me, it moved me. It was genuine, from the heart.”
With the help of the Brittain family and the Cane River Art Corporation, a licensing agreement was formed to make Clementine Hunter’s artwork affordable again.
“Our objective was to move people,” said Gitter. “Allow them to feel the passion in her heartfelt works of art.”
All the graphic panels were framed in cypress by George Olivier’s daughter Chalon Olivier Ahbol.
“We give this house to Melrose and to the Natchitoches community to enjoy and understand how important Clementine Hunter was,” said Tom Whitehead.
This event marked the beginning of APHN’s Fall Tour of Homes. Saturday, Oct. 13 tour several lovely Natchitoches landmarks including Lemee House, Prudhomme-Rouquier House, Hill Haven, and more. Saturday also boasts a full schedule of expert guest speakers at Lemee House and the Barn at Melrose Plantation.
Both Saturday and Sunday offer visitors the option to tour the Cane River area’s most impressive plantations, including Melrose, Cherokee, Oakland, and more.
Pictured: Mike Jaworski, Sally Iskenderian, Mary Ann Nowlin, Tori Thompson, Patrick Hollier, and Dr. Haley Blount Taitano (Photo by Chris Reich)
La Capitol Federal Credit Union proudly supports Northwestern State University Demon Athletics. LaCap continued this tradition by donating drinks, koozies, toys, and Halftime Contest LaCap VISA Prize Cards for the NSU Demon Football game against Nicholls State University and Family Day. As game sponsor, LaCap joined the attending fans in showing support for the NSU Demons.
LaCap looks forward to this weekend’s match-up with Sam Houston State (6PM on Saturday, Oct. 13 in Turpin Stadium). LaCap hopes everyone will come out to watch the Demons win! Fork ‘em Demons!
LaCap is committed to improving our community’s well-being by offering financial and volunteer support to organizations that enhance the quality of life through programs for the youth, education, and financial literacy.
The Director of Public Works is responsible planning, coordinating and reviewing the construction, repair and maintenance of Parish roads, bridges and drainage works and administration of Parish Solid Waste Department.
Directs, coordinates and reviews the work of a large number of employees engaged in the construction, repair and maintenance of parish roads, bridges and drainage works
Supervises the operation of support services including the vehicle/equipment repair shop.
Plans and schedules the activities of the highway department, and reviews progress.
Assists in the preparation of the annual department budget.
Acquires necessary grants of rights-of-way
Prepares monthly report to the Parish Council and Parish President
Minimum five (5) years experience in construction, repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and drainage works
A copy of the full job description and employment application can be obtained from Natchitoches Parish Government Room 210. Please send application, resume, and three references to Natchitoches Parish Government Attn: Cathy Creamer, PO Box 799 Natchitoches, LA 71458 or email ccreamer@npgov.orgwith the subject line Director Public Works. Natchitoches Parish Government is an equal opportunity employer.
Parish of Natchitoches is a drug-free workplace.
Deadline for applicants is 4:30 p.m. OCTOBER 26, 2018.
NSU– Fans attending Northwestern State home football, basketball, baseball and softball games are reminded that NSU Athletics has a new bag check policy that includes restrictions on the types of purses and bags that will be allowed inside the venues.
The Demon football team is home Saturday evening at 6 against Sam Houston State in Turpin Stadium.
No bag larger than 12 inches by 12 inches is permitted. Any purse or bag brought to the venue gates will be searched at gates by trained personnel, said Mike Jacklich, assistant athletics director for ticketing and special events.
The search is aimed at preventing weapons from entering the stadium, along with outside food and beverage, alcohol, drugs, umbrellas, and other items deemed inappropriate by gameday staff or NSU police, said Jacklich. Umbrellas have been banned from NSU home football games for many years.
Fans who don’t bring bags and want to avoid any possible wait time may more quickly enter Turpin Stadium at the southwest gate on the press box side, and at the east gate on the opposite side of the stadium, where the NSU student section is located.
Fans are allowed to bring factory-sealed water bottles up to 20 ounces into the stadium.
For complete information on the policy, visit NSUDemons.com/bagpolicy online.
Patrons are encouraged to arrive early at Turpin Stadium gates. Activity on the field begins with pregame warmup an hour before kickoff, and the Spirit of Northwestern marching band’s pregame show begins at 20 minutes prior to the game.
NSU staff members attended an intense risk-management training session this spring, leading to the decision to institute the new bag policy, Jacklich said.
Fellow Southland Conference members McNeese and Southeastern Louisiana have already moved to clear bag policies for home events, and nearly all of the 13 member institutions have a bag check policy. LSU been doing so for two years at its athletic events. Other venues around the state including the Mercedes Benz Superdome and the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, along with the Century Link Center in Bossier City, also have clear bag policies and bag checks.
NSU will begin a clear bag requirement in the 2019-20 athletic year, said associate athletics director Dr. Haley Taitano. Clear bags are available for purchase at the nsudemongear.com site, which can also be accessed through the nsudemons.com website by clicking the “shop” button.
For more information on NSU football gameday policies and procedures, visit nsudemons.com/footballgameday online or call 318-357-5251.
Fans are encouraged to download the new Northwestern State Athletics Mobile app to stay up to date on the latest news and alerts from NSU Athletics.
City Bank & Trust Company of Natchitoches sponsored the 4th Annual Appreciation Lunch for Natchitoches Parish Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Services on Oct. 12 at the City Bank Main Branch in Natchitoches in appreciation and support for emergency services provided to the citizens of Natchitoches Parish. Deputies were served hot dogs, chips, cookies and a drink.
Northwestern State University will hold its Fall N Side View Day Saturday, Oct. 13.
More than 800 prospective seniors and parents are expected to attend a preview of what Northwestern State has to offer. Registration begins at 8 a.m. in Magale Recital Hall.
Fall N Side View Day will include a guest speaker, a student panel composed of a variety of current NSU students and a parent panel covering scholarship, financial aid and housing options.
Tours of the Northwestern State campus and university residence halls will be available. Representatives of the university’s academic programs and student organizations will be available to answer questions.
Lunch will be available for a small fee. Free tickets to football game against Sam Houston State along with pre-game tailgating will be available.
To make reservations for Fall N Side View, call (800) 327-1903, (318) 357-4503 or go to beademon.com/nsideview.
A Red River Parish man wanted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in connection with two separate felony incidents back in July and August has been captured by Red River Parish Sheriff’s Deputies according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On October 8, Jeffery H. Antwine, 33, of the 100 block of Teerwood Road, Coushatta, La. was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center from the Red River Parish Jail charged with 1-count of 2nd Degree Battery, 1-count of Criminal Trespassing and 1-count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Person convicted of a Felony.
Red River Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Antwine on Natchitoches Parish Criminal Warrants signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge.
The charges stem from a July 3 incident, when NPSO Deputies received a report from an employer reporting that employee had struck another employee while working on a job-site near Cypress, La.
Deputies say they learned during the investigation that a Jeffrey Antwine allegedly hit the 67-year-old victim in the right eye with a closed fist which required medical attention.
Antwine allegedly hit the victim after he disagreed with the victim (supervisor) instructions at the job-site.
The victim had to undergo surgery the injury was so severe.
Deputies say Antwine left the scene before they arrived, therefore, criminal warrants were secured for his arrest.
On August 3 at approximately 7:47am, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to a criminal trespassing complaint in the 100 block of Harvey Calhoun Road near Ajax, La.
Deputies were notified while responding to the incident, that a person identified as Jeffery Antwine was walking towards the complainant’s residence with a shotgun in his hand.
Deputies recovered a Mossberg shotgun at the scene hidden in the grass.
Deputies say before they arrived on the scene, Antwine fled into the woods.
Deputies checked the area but were unable to locate Antwine.
As the investigation continued deputies learned Antwine had been convicted of a prior felony.
Deputies obtained criminal warrants on Antwine signed by a district judge for Trespassing and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Felony.
Antwine remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention without bond.
Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science hosted a commissioning ceremony for Cadet Taimata A. Luafalemana, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in military science through NSU’s ROTC program. Lt. Col. Kevin M. McAllister, U.S. Army Ret., administered the oath. 2nd Lt. Luafalemana will first attend the Quartermaster Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Lee, Virginia, before heading to her first duty station at Fort Carson, Colorado.
The Louisiana Department of Education and the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) released the application for the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers, a competitive program that provides funding for selected teachers who enroll in courses at regionally accredited colleges or universities in Louisiana. Teachers selected to participate in this round will have their tuition for courses offered in Spring 2019 paid by the state.
All teachers, particularly those who teach in rural or low-performing school systems or who seek a higher degree, are encouraged to apply, but the highest priority will be given to applicants who want to take science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coursework to ultimately gain certification to teach those subjects.
Louisiana has a shortage of educators trained to teach STEM coursework. Statewide, according to the latest educator workforce report, 12 percent of all math courses and 13 percent of all science courses are taught by educators who are not certified in those subject areas.
“Louisiana strives to make STEM education available to all students to help build a workforce and a citizenry fluent in future technologies,” said State Superintendent John White. “To do this, we must fully prepare teachers with every opportunity to further their own education.”
Teachers who are selected to participate in the program and who are pursuing coursework to support their teaching of STEM will join a cadre of educators called STEM Fellows who work with the Department and the LaSTEM Advisory Council to further STEM initiatives across the state.
“Louisiana educators play a pivotal role in ensuring all students have access to state-of-the-art STEM experiences in order to prepare for the economy of tomorrow,” said State Sen. Sharon Hewitt (R-Slidell), author of the legislation creating the statewide LaSTEM Advisory Council. “This program and the STEM Fellows initiative are important steps forward for Louisiana.”
The program, supported by state and federal dollars, made available at least 21 seats for the 2018-2019 school year. The submission deadline for Spring 2019 is Nov. 9, 2018.
Learn more about the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers.
Any applicant not accepted to the program is encouraged to explore a similar state program that offers college coursework at no cost. The Classroom Teacher Enrollment Program (CTEP), which was recently revived by the Board of Regents, goes into effect when all funding for the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers is exhausted and allows public school teachers to register for courses that have available seats after that college’s enrollment period closes.
The CTEP program is not limited to those who applied to the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers. It is available to any interested educator.
The Planning and Zoning Commission Director is responsible for coordination and overall administration of planning, zoning, and permitting activities of the Parish of Natchitoches.
• Enforcement of Zoning, Subdivision and Permit Ordinances and all other applicable
ordinances adopted
• Floodplain Administrator review proposals for development in flood hazard areas to
ensure compliance with National Flood Insurance Program
• Field inspection of construction projects and other developments
• Interact with public and private agencies, including utilities, health & sanitation,
telephone, civil defense, etc.
• Serve as Director of the nine (9) member Planning Commission and liaison between the
Commission and Parish of Natchitoches.
• Attend all special, regular and committee meetings of the Planning Commission and the
Parish of Natchitoches.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in related field
A copy of the full job description and employment application can be obtained from Natchitoches Parish Government Room 210. Please send application, resume, and three references to:
Natchitoches Parish Government Attn: Cathy Creamer, PO Box 799 Natchitoches, LA 71458 or email ccreamer@npgov.org with the subject line Planning and Zoning Commission Director. Natchitoches Parish Government is an equal opportunity employer.
Parish of Natchitoches is a drug-free workplace.
Deadline for applicants is 4:30 p.m. OCTOBER 26, 2018.
Watch today’s Magnolia Minute with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
Wafa Manasco
October 11, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, October 13 from 6-8 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Sunday, October 14 at 2 pm at Robeline First Baptist Church in Robeline
Mary Frances Brown
September 27, 1925 – October 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Edgar “Eddie” Johnson, Sr.
July 30, 1937 – October 8, 2018
Service: Saturday, October 13 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery
Nellie McQueen
August 4, 1932 – October 5, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, October 13 from 9-10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, October 13 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery in Hagewood
Wilbert Payton
October 4, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, October 13 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, October 13 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: Rockford Baptist Church Cemetery on Old River Road
RAPIDES PARISH:
Linda Lou Maricle Butler
January 21, 1945 – October 10, 2018
Service: Saturday, October 13 at 11 am at Calvary Baptist Church of Alexandria
Interment: Woodworth Cemeter
WINN PARISH:
Thelma Gunter Smith
August 13, 1926 – October 9, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, October 13 at 10 am in the First United Methodist Church sanctuary
Service: Saturday, October 13 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church
Interment: Garden of Memories Cemetery
The Natchitoches Fire Department held its inaugural open house at the department’s training facility Thursday, October 11th. Sparky the Fire Dog was joined by Smokey the Bear and the men and women of the Natchitoches Fire Department, the Louisiana Office of Agriculture and Forestry as well as volunteer firefighters from the parish’s fire districts in teaching children fire safety.
The open house was a family orientated event with grilled hot dogs and fixings and games for the children. The youngsters were able to learn what do in case of a fire in their home by crawling through a trailer filled with smoke to an exit. The firefighters laid out an obstacle course for the children that ended with them using an actual fire hose on a target “fire”. The highlight of the evening, however, was a demonstration in which a training car was set on fire and extinguished by firefighters in full gear.
As I looked at the open house, I realized I was seeing something more, something deeper. I was seeing America at its best, highest self. The children in the smoke trailer were learning more than how to escape a fire. They were learning that there were men and women who will come and look for them. The children on the obstacle course were having a lot of fun. They were also learning. Work hard, get the hose on the fire. More is caught than taught and these patient, helpful men were excellent examples to the children on a number of levels.
The Natchitoches Fire Department’s open house was a terrific curative for the depressing polarization plaguing our nation. It is all too easy to get caught up in the us v them world of television and the internet. Put down the smart phone. Get off of social media. Turn off the television. Get out and meet your neighbors.
I would like you to imagine something. A firefighter is leaving a burning house carrying a child to safety. The mask and gear make it difficult to discern who the person is. Is he or she white or black? Is it a man or a woman? Do you care?
Waskom Brown & Associates held a book drive with Usborne Books & More. After reaching a set goal, they were able to donate books to the Women’s Resource Center. Pictured from left are WBA employees, Kim Honeycutt, Brenda Starks, Rodney Boswell, Pam Harris, Linda Smith and Katelyn Marchand and WRC Executive Director, Sheryl Hatcher.
BOM is a proud sponsor of the St. Augustine Creole Festival this weekend! Join us this weekend for fun games, delicious food and fellowship! Pictured from left are Susan Begnaud, Blaise Lacour, Carrie Hough, Chad Nelson, Anastasia Christophe, and Carolyn Jackson.
Festivities begin with a fish fry this evening from 6-10 p.m., with DJ Butchie Wutchie providing music.
Saturday and Sunday mid-morning events take on a festive atmosphere on the church grounds, with DJ Doc Couty playing music throughout the day. Family friendly, there will be kid activities, a country store, bingo, and music. An array of Creole foods such as chicken gumbo, turkey dinners, meat pies, dirty rice, hot tamales and home-baked goods will be served in the church dining hall. Carnival foods including burgers, candied apples, funnel cakes, etc. will also be featured.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 24, 2014, visitors are encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the Church and cemetery.
As always, visitors are welcomed to join in the celebration of Mass. Times are: 5 p.m. on Saturday evening and at 10:30 am on Sunday morning.
St. Augustine Catholic Church is located at 2262 LA Highway 484, Natchez, Louisiana.
The NSU Track Team is partnering with the NHS to hold an NSU Fun Run for NHS on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 12-1 pm. This event will help raise money and awareness for rescue animals. This race is a 2 mile course and costs $10 to enter. Race bibs can be picked up at the purple building at the NSU Track complex between 7-11:30 am the day of the race. Deadline to enter is Oct. 17 at 5 pm.
