Students in Kimberly Smith and Sharlotte Smith’s class at MLK Head Start, participated in orchestrating their very own dioramas. A diorama is a model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures. The students chose their own topics & were given a special ceremony to present their projects to the other classes. Awards & certificates were given out along with first, second, and third place prizes. Kobe Williams won first place with his diorama titled “A Bugs Life.”

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Northwestern State University’s Office of Counseling and Career Services is joining Handshake, a career services platform that will allow employers and students to connect for part-time jobs, internships and full-time employment. Handshake was created in 2014 by three job-seeking college graduates who recognized a disparity between access and opportunities for students to network.

“From the Career Center perspective, we’ll be able to more easily connect our services with students, connect with more employers to grow student opportunities and collect consistent data to report to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges,” said Karen Loach, Job Location and Development Officer. “Employers can connect with multiple universities and post a job one time to several regional or national universities, sign up for career fairs and schedule on-campus hiring events and interviews.”

Handshake is compatible with Single Sign On so students won’t have to create a new user name and log in, and it syncs with Banner, NSU’s operation and information system, Loach said. Handshake has over 475 universities nationwide on the platform, six in Louisiana.

“It provides students intuitive job searches based on the student’s profile and interests — think Netflix movie search with suggestions. And it provides the ability to make appointments with Career Center staff online and sign up for events online,” Loach said.

Loach said the site will go live for employers on April 23 when they will receive an invitation to sign up for Handshake and connect with NSU. Sign up and participation is free for employers. Once signed in, employers can populate the platform with content and job postings before the site goes live for students May 21.

For more information, visit https://joinhandshake.com/ or contact Loach at (318) 357-5430 or loachk@nsula.edu.

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Northwestern State University inducted new members into Phi Delta Kappa, an international organization for educators dedicated to research, service and leadership. New members received certificates and graduating seniors received honor cords to be worn at commencement. From left are NSU faculty Dr. Dan Seymour and Dr. Terrie Poehl with Morgan Burris of Natchitoches, Autumn Blanchard of St. Martinville, Ashley Rico of Natchitoches, Maycy English of Callisburg, Texas; Megan Tucker of Leesville, Bergen Oge of Robeline, Amanda Crawford of Bogalusa, Karlie Kennedy of DeRidder, Heidi Knight of Many, Sarah Moore of Folsom and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Vickie Gentry. Other inductees are Katelyn Boles, Martha Hopewell, Pamela Jordan, Caroline Matthews and Sabrina Ross.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Infant Boy La’Marcus Amir Zeno-Jackson
April 22, 2018 – April 22, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 28 at 2:30 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Procession immediately following visitation will end at the St. Paul Baptist Church Cemetery in Bermuda for graveside services

Kendal Lemoine
March 28, 1968 – April 20, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, April 25 from 9-10:30 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Wednesday, April 25 at 11 am at St. Maurice Cemetery in St. Maurice

Nervie Small
April 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 28 from 9:30-11 am.
Service: Saturday, April 28 at 11 am at the Evergreen Baptist Church on Hwy. 71 in St. Maurice
Interment: Evergreen Baptist Church cemetery

Louis Esters
April 16, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 28 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, April 28 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: Fern Park Cemetery on Texas Street
WINN PARISH:

Patsy Vines Hemphill
October 31, 1946 – April 23, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, April 25 from 5-9 pm and Thursday, April 26 from 10 am – 2 pm
Service: Thursday, April 26 at 2 pm at East Winnfield Baptist Church
Interment: Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Georgetown

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Before the City Council meeting officially started Monday evening, April 23, Temika Payton came before the Council to request a 30 day extension for work on her property at 430 Howell Street.

The property was originally placed on a list of buildings that were declared unsafe by the Director of Planning and Zoning, Juanita Fowler, and the City Building Inspector in October, 2017. The buildings on the list are considered dangerous and unsanitary, which makes them unsafe and an endangerment to public welfare, which poses a grave public emergency.

The house at 430 Howell Street was recommended for demolition. The house burnt down and now sits as a charred shell. When questioned by the Council in October, Payton said she feels the house is worth saving.

Council member Sylvia Morrow advocated for giving Temika an additional 30-day extension to complete work on the home.

Payton was given until January to get some work done, with a drop dead date of April 1 for work to be completed so the City wouldn’t have to tear the building down. While Payton, who lives in Houston, claims she’s been coming to Natchitoches on the weekends to work on the house, Fowler said no work has been done. Furthermore, Fowler said that any attempt to get into the house for an inspection has been unsuccessful.

“There hasn’t been any substantial work done,” said Fowler. “There has to be a limit for extensions.”

Council member Don Mims agreed, saying that if they set a precedent of granting Temika an extension, they’d have to do it for everyone that comes after her.

“That’s just being fair,” he said.

When it came to a vote, Council members Dale Nielsen, Don Mims and Eddie Harrington voted against granting the extension. The process will move forward to demo the house.

In other news, Katherine Johnson with the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB) accepted a proclamation declaring May 6-12, 2018 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City.

Dallas Russell accepted a proclamation on Behalf of the Natchitoches Recreation and Parks Programs. The proclamation declared May 19, 2018 as Kids to Parks Day in the City.

Other agenda items included:

PLANNING & ZONING – FINAL:

Change Zoning Classification Of Property at 336 Second Street From R-1 To R-1 Special Exception To Operate Hospice of Natchitoches

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Adopt The Budget For The City Of Natchitoches For The Fiscal Year June 1, 2018 Through May 31, 2019.

Enter Into A Contract With The Assessor For The Parish Of Natchitoches, Louisiana For Online Access To The Computer Data Files Maintained By The Assessor’s Office.

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION:

Restate The Policy Of The City Of Natchitoches Regarding Vacation Accumulation Rights And Sick Leave And To Amend And Reenact The Personnel Policies Manual Of The City Of Natchitoches To Amend The Sections Entitled “Accumulation Rights” And “Sick Leave”, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.

RESOLUTIONS:

Change The Date Of The City Council Meeting Originally Scheduled On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018, To Be Changed And Re-Scheduled On Tuesday, May 29, 2018 At 5:30 P.M.

Provide For Canvassing The Returns And Declaring The Result Of The Special Election Held In The City Of Natchitoches, State Of Louisiana, On Saturday, March 24, 2018, To Authorize The Renewal Of A Special Tax Therein.

Execute Change Order No. 1 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Axis Construction, LLC For The Raw Water Pump Structure Rehabilitation Phase 2 For Sibley Lake.

Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Axis Construction, LLC For The Raw Water Pump Structure Rehabilitation Phase 2 For Sibley Lake.

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Do you are someone you know have a child that will be 4 by the end of September? Weaver Elementary will hold a preschool registration/screening Tuesday, May 1 from 8:30-10:30. Call 318-352-3623 for more information.

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By Maggie Harris

Junior Rangers and community members were able to explore Oakland Plantation at Saturday’s Cane River Find Your Park Festival, April 21. Stations were located around the park grounds, including a station with the Natchitoches Parish Library Book Mobile, the U.S. Corps of Engineers, and the Cane River Waterway Commission. A popular attraction was the petting zoo, at which attendees could pet bunnies and baby goats. Other stations offered historic and Earth Day themed activities. The older children and adults gathered information on local treasures such as Kisatchie National Forest, and the Louisiana Folklife Center. As part of National Junior Ranger Day, aspiring Junior Rangers were given a station sheet to fill out to receive a badge and a special reward. Cane River Find Your Park Festival was a part of National Park Week, a week of appreciation and celebration of America’s national parks. This festival was organized by the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that manages the congressionally designated Cane River National Heritage Area.

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Kevin’s Gallery

NSU’s Alumni Pavilion and Tailgate area was the place for a great breakfast Saturday, April 21st as the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club held its annual Pancake Festival and 5-k Race. The Kiwanians served up over 300 pancake and sausage breakfasts to a hungry crowd after 133 runners competed in the 5-k race. NSU’s Circle K chapter, a Kiwanis version for college students helped serve and clean up. Lifeshare also had a bloodmoblile at the event.

There was a pancake flipping and tossing contest for bragging rights between Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey, Parish President Rick Knowlin and NSU President Chris Maggio. Dr. Maggio displayed some truly amazing spatula skills with a behind the back move that earned him the Golden Spatula Award for the second year in a row.

The event was a fun way to raise money for a serious cause. The Natchitoches Kiwanis Club is part of an international organization of civic minded people in Clubs all over the world who have decided to raise funds to eradicate neonatal tetanus, a disease that continues to ravage the poorer areas of the world. It is a shame indeed for a baby’s life to be in danger due to his or her mother not being immunized against tetanus. The Pancake Breakfast raised over $9,000.00 to help purchase immunizations. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography. Photo protection is off and anyone may download any they wish. If you download a photo you like, please make a donation to the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club. Let’s give a child a fighting chance at life!

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The Natchitoches Rotary Club held its 2nd annual Bulletproof the Blue fundraiser to benefit the Natchitoches SWAT Team. Last year the event raised $10,000 to purchase bulletproof vests for the Natchitoches City Police Department. This year their $15,000 goal will go toward purchasing vests, helmets and communications gear for the SWAT team.

Beyond the fundraising aspect, the main goal of this event is to change the public’s perspective of what a law enforcement job entails. It’s easy to sit back and judge law enforcement for those split second decisions they’re forced to make on a daily basis. All too often the public will comment:

“They should have done this or that”

“That’s not what I would have done”

“They could have handled that better”

“They had no reason to shoot”

But people often forget to put themselves into the shoes of the police officer they’re casting judgement on. Think about the stress of the situation and the mere seconds they have to read each situation they walk into. It’s not always as black and white as it seems.

At Bulletproof the Blue, participants went through four different scenarios at Dark Woods Haunted Attraction, which were geared to showcase what officers encounter. A domestic dispute can be tricky, especially is you can’t tell if there’s a gun involved. A traffic stop could turn deadly if the driver exits his vehicle holding a revolver. When an armed suspect rushes at you what do you do? When you enter a hostage situation in a dark building, how do you quickly and accurately take out the threats, while identifying the good guys and the hostage.

It can all happen in the blink of an eye, and Bulletproof the Blue drops participants into these stressful situations to show them it’s not as easy as they may think.

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By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

It is easy to see where NSU Offensive line coach J. Pond got his football acumen. His mother, Susie Pond, led the white squad to victory as the honorary coach against honorary coach Michael Anglin’s purple squad in Saturday’s 29th Annual Delaney Bowl, April 21. Pond’s team put up 87 points to edge out the purple team’s 70 before a crowd of family, friends and Demon fans as well as the ubiquitous Dr. Chris Maggio. Both sides battled hard for victory and bragging rights. It was a promising portent of things to come.

Halftime featured several long standing NSU traditions as each player who lettered for the first time last fall being presented his letter jacket by a former NSU letterman and welcomed into the Demon family. First year NSU Head coach Brad Laird also presented Legendary Links, an award given to individuals who have made an impact on NSU’s football program to several Demon supporters.

The man the game is named in honor of is Joe Delaney, a former Northwestern State University athlete. He ran track and field as well as playing football, setting school records in both sports. After graduation, Joe went on to play for two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs where he was named “Rookie of the Year” by United Press International.

It wasn’t his feats on the gridiron that earned him an honored place in Northwestern State University’s history however, but rather his courage and character on and off the field. On June 29th, 1983 Joe went with some friends to a park in Monroe, Louisiana. While there, he saw a group of three children who had ventured too far out in the water and were calling for help. Despite not being able to swim, Joe Delaney went in anyway to try to rescue the children. One child survived, but tragically the other two and the man who gave his life to try to rescue them did not. In 1983 President Ronald Reagan posthumously awarded Joe Delaney the Presidential Citizen’s Medal. President Reagan’s remarks at the ceremony sum up this remarkable man’s legacy well.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety. By the supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans…”

Today’s NSU Demons have some big shoes to fill.

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Soon, Natchitoches voters will decide whether the proposed tax that Natchitoches Parish School Board has brought to the table (again) will be passed or failed. The proposed tax would focus on repairing all schools in District 9. These renovations would include rooftops, air conditioning, and better security. Sounds great, right? Well this helpful tax is in jeopardy for being failed…AGAIN!

The proposition is on its third try to succeed with the people. It’s been turned down twice within the last two years. Many, including Dale Skinner say, “…those who don’t support the tax can basically say they don’t support the children…” Dale Skinner’s position is that the Natchitoches League of Voters is a persuasion group convincing people to vote no and preventing the tax from being passed.

Personally, we believe that the tax should be passed because it would be beneficial to all students and teachers. It would provide a better work environment for students and teachers; motivate educators to improve their performance; and provide students with a more comfortable and inspiring learning environment. This could allow teachers and students to work more harmoniously and this would allow higher test scores. It could allow our district grade to improve to an A, which is the ultimate goal.

Let’s look at this in more depth. The tax is only a total of $20 for property valued at $100,000. If your home is valued at $300,000 the property tax for the year would increase $180. Basically, the higher the value of your home, the higher your property tax would be. If you do not own a home guess what? You pay nothing! We asked Mr. Skinner and Mrs. Page whether or not the tax would include commercial property, however at the time of the interview they were unable to answer this question, though they did admit that the assumption was that the tax would include commercial property.

Taking a hard look at the current conditions of our school, NJH-FRJS, the campus still needs major repairs considering the $2 million spent on earlier repairs to the school only did so much (and it was not enough). The restrooms are desperately in need of work, not only for hygienic purposes but also for ease of access, and we need more than one restroom per gender to accommodate all of the student population. The roof is still in need of repairs. The walls need attention. The flooring need to be replaced in some places. Can you explain why in 2018 our school doesn’t have enough computers or any Wi-Fi? There have been too many school shootings in the last few years. We need security. There are no measures of security to protect students or adults on our campus. All we have are cameras and we would need someone hired to only watch them all day…and all they could do is watch as something happened. We are encouraged to participate in sports and other activities; however, the bleachers, track, football field, and play courts are barely holding up. The $18 million the tax would bring in is incredibly needed not only for our school, but all the others.

So, here’s our plea: Go Vote Yes! We need this drastically. We deserve better learning environments. We are your future. We need to be the best we can be.

*Mr. John Winston was not available to speak with us when contacted to find out more about the Natchitoches Voters’ League’s opposing position on this tax.

Jaime Roberson, Liberty Carter, Aniray Augustus

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Join FLASH and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum for an evening of painting, fun and wine this Thursday, April 26 from 6–8 p.m. Artist Lucretia Glorioso will guide participants through the process of painting their very own door hangers to take home. All supplies are included.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of LA Sports and History (FLASH). Wine and light refreshments are included with the program. Reservations are required and space is limited. There is a $35 registration fee, $30 for FLASH members with valid ID card. For more information and to register for the event, contact Lucretia Glorioso at 318-481-5070 or Joan Edwards 318-481-2011.

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Natchitoches Parish, LA 119
Milepost 6.27 Bridge # 118-03-0051-1
Control Section 118-03

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that Bridge Number 118-03-0051-1 will be closed to all traffic for Bridge Inspection from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM on April 26, 2018. This structure is on LA 119 over Creek and is located at log mile 0.51. Bridge is located 6.55 miles north of LA 8.

Permit/Detour Section
The detour is LA 8 to I-49 to LA 119.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Call (318) 561-5100 or (800) 542-3509 or 511 or visit http://www.511LA.org for additional information. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website, http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, the LA DOTD Facebook page, or the LA DOTD Twitter page, @Alex Traffic for further information.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Kendal Lemoine
March 28, 1968 – April 20, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, April 25 from 9-10:30 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Wednesday, April 25 at 11 am at St. Maurice Cemetery in St. Maurice

Nervie Small
April 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 28 from 9:30-11 am.
Service: Saturday, April 28 at 11 am at the Evergreen Baptist Church on Hwy. 71 in St. Maurice
Interment: Evergreen Baptist Church cemetery

Louis Esters
April 16, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 28 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, April 28 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: Fern Park Cemetery on Texas Street
WINN PARISH:

Douglas Earland Robertson
March 31, 1939 – April 22, 2018
Service: Tuesday, April 24 at 2 pm at East Jena Baptist Church
Interment: Hair Cemetery

Max Dale Smith
September 28, 1944 – April 21, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, April 24 from 9 am – 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, April 24 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Wright Cemetery in Sikes

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A letter from the NHDDC Marketing Committee:

On Thursday, April 5th the Marketing Committee of the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission introduced a new logo and brand strategy for Natchitoches. Since the introduction, we have received much feedback which we are considering as we move forward towards the next phase of this project.

It is clear that Natchitoches is home to passionate citizens, who are proud to celebrate it as a great place to live, work, play and visit. As such, we welcome the participation and dialogue that we have received.

Moving forward, here is how you can help. We are looking for a tagline that celebrates the positive future of Natchitoches and promotes our local businesses, restaurants, accommodations and attractions. From now until May 18, 2018, please share your ideas with us by visiting:

SUBMIT YOUR INPUT HERE – JUST CLICK

We look forward to receiving your ideas and once again, thank you for your participation in this project.

Sincerely,

Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission
Marketing Committee
April 18, 2018

To provide some background information, the Marketing Committee began meeting in June of 2017 to discuss ways in which key stakeholders and community partners could promote Natchitoches, not only as a historic destination or as the “City of Lights,” but as a thriving community working together to build a better Natchitoches. These discussions led to the launch of the Natchitoches Branding and Communications Project, a seven month-long project funded by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission that included public listening sessions, stakeholder interviews, research and a public survey for both residents and visitors. It is important to note that a brand is more than a logo and the results of the first phase of this project produced valuable research regarding our visitor and community profile along with the development of a cohesive brand story and platform.

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By Dennis Coleman

How many times have we heard the slogan “No Taxation Without Representation” which originated in pre-United States of America? Countless, no doubt. In those years tea was looked upon as a necessity and when a tax was levied on that commodity with the ‘colonists’ having no voice back in England…well it led to the Boston Tea Party and to a revolution. It seems people have always sought representation when tax dollars are concerned.

So, if we fast forward about 200 years to the serenity of Natchitoches Parish it is truly difficult to imagine the citizens being taxed without representation, but they were. And they have been since. As some would remember, in 1982, under a fairly new Constitution our state legislature enacted a resolution to wit: “There is hereby created a body politic and corporate of the state of Louisiana which shall exist in perpetuity and be known as the Cane River Waterway District…” Further it was determined that the ‘district’ would be administered by a ”Commission” and funded by up to a 10 mill tax on all property in Natchitoches Parish for the purpose creating a “Navigable Waterway.”

With the stroke of a pen, the Red River oxbow impoundment had become the Cane River Waterway with not a single vote being cast by the citizens of Natchitoches Parish. All the citizens from Ajax to Flatwoods and Marthaville to Goldonna had themselves a ‘navigable waterway’ and would be required to fund same in “Perpetuity.”

I guess the best comparison for this is the story about the two farmers who operated adjoining farms. They both lived west of the ‘Big Muddy’ with Pierre’s farm joining the river and ol’ Joe’s place being on the other side of Pierre’s farther away from the river. The government being ‘fair and impartial’ taxed them both equally. As far as benefits…Pierre could use the river to irrigate his fields, use it for recreation and around Christmas people would come from miles around to see his nativity and spend money in his store while there. For his tax contribution, Joe could fish the Big Muddy. As I said, this is just a story.

In 1982 came the deregulation of natural gas and the end of the biggest Oil Boom in our nations history. Now, our state and parish operate in a more austere manner. It has become apparent to many that our priorities must be reevaluated, and taxes be reapportioned. After all, in these days of automobile transportation, does it not make more sense to adequately fund a navigable roadway than a navigable waterway?

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By Edwin Crayton

I went to my mailbox and there it was: a letter from the Voters and Civic League telling me that they would oppose the school tax basically and mostly due to their opposition to the way Natchitoches Parish Schools Superintendent Dale Skinner is running things. The tax is supposed to support schools. But the League maintains that although it realizes more money is needed, it believes that the superintendent needs to make changes in how he “treats the school personnel and other adults”. The letter criticized the board for not reprimanding Skinner and even extending his contract, when “many in the community felt this was a bad idea” and then also giving him $18,000 in travel expenses “when the schools are running a deficit.” The letter concludes, “Please join us by voting no to this and other tax increases until the School Board hires a new superintendent and shows the public that it is serious about getting rid of these “D” and “F” schools.

Not long after getting that letter, I was invited to a Thursday evening meeting of another voter registration group called the Citizens for Democratic Action (CDA). As an item on their agenda, they made the point that they would publically come out in support of the school tax. Their chairman Harold Bayonne and other members pointed out their position was not in response to what the Voters League was doing at all. In fact, they said they would vote for the tax regardless of any other group’s position. They maintain that their reason is simple: they are “doing it for the children” and believe the tax will improve the schools.

Both groups are similar in many exterior ways. They both are primarily voter registration organizations, dedicated to improving voter turnout. Both are also predominately African American– but not exclusively so. And that is where the similarities end at least on this school tax issue as you can see. The Voter’s League is focused on getting more respect for parents and making sure the superintendent hears the voice of the black community in particular. They see their action as a kind of protest, about like a boycott. This strategy although controversial, has worked for civil rights focused groups historically. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a boycott/protest that worked and indeed, the Voters League took this stance in the last school tax vote and was crucial in helping defeat it. They are trying to teach people in the community how to use their political vote to create changes. On the other hand, many in town of all races also sympathize with the totally opposite approach or concept of putting kids first and keeping politics separate, as CDA is doing. It would only be fair to say, that both groups maintain their actions will benefit children. Which way is right? Who is to say? One thing is certain, the attention both groups have drawn to this issue is drawing more community attention than usual. So it’s looking like that will ultimately improve voter turnout. And that’s something that should make both voter registration groups smile a little.

Regular voting is April 28, 2018.

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When I first started checking into the Home Rule Charter, I thought it was still the Police Jury. I heard stories about how money was being miss-used and extorted. Was it happening? I don’t know. Money makes the world go round and it sometimes spreads untrue facts. It is very possible that the Old Police Jury was doing the best job possible with available funds. I believe many old roads, lack of funds, and bad weather has caused our roads to deteriorate, not systems or people.

We are blaming people for pocketing or using road money on other projects, when it’s plain for me to see neither system can fix all our roads without adequate funds to do the job. If there is any blame, it might be with us tax payers. Tax payers have become Pro Home Rule or Pro Old Police Jury. Oh yes, don’t forget Pro No New Taxes. In this battle, the only winners will be the Bad Roads. We need to stop listening to unproven things we have been told. Which ever road system wins, our roads cannot be repaired without money. Let’s stop blaming people for no progress and address the real elephant in the room, lack of money. Let’s support the right tax with our Present Home Rule Charter. We must untie their hands if we want progress.

How much money are we talking about on a new road tax? Most likely a lot less than repairs are costing you now. Prevention always cost less than repairs, hospital bills or funerals. There is much more at stake than money and broken car parts.

Now about my blessings! My love ones are priceless. What about yours? The front end on my granddaughter’s new ford SUV broke as she drove into her front yard, instead of on I-49 at 75 miles per hour. Later, a new tire could have blown out because of a bent axle. Thankfully, we saw it in time. I assure you, warranty did not fix these problems. Should I be mad? No, just thankful to God there was no funeral or worse things that could have happened.

I don’t know what can work or not work in a tax plan, but before daylight I was talking to the Lord when this thought came to me. Is it possible for Natchitoches Parish to vote a gasoline and diesel tax for our road tax money? We are already at least ten cents per gallon cheaper than the city of Many on gas and diesel. This way everybody who burns fuel will be taxed equally and there will be immediate money for roads. A tax for roads only, that must be voted on every three years, for it to continue or be changed to another better way. I know to some people, their bank accounts are precious. Precious people to me, hugs back better than dollar bills.

I think it is time for Natchitoches Parish Folks to come together for lasting progress instead of a never ending battle of words. What about you? What is most precious to you?

Your friend in Jesus Christ,

Rev. Mark Megason
April 17, 2018

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A group of 45 talented young men and women in grades 3-9 displayed an impressive range of musical and dramatic abilities in the 7th annual talent show hosted by the L. P. Vaughn School of Fine Arts April 19. The event was held in the school’s gym before a capacity crowd of family and supporters from the community. The students sang, danced, played instruments and performed dramatic pieces.

The performers were from The L.P. Vaughn Academy of Fine Arts, a truly remarkable collaborative effort between the school, NSU and the larger community in which any student in Natchitoches parish may receive expert instruction in the different areas of music and dramatic arts at an extremely modest price. There are talented children in every area of our community. Finding and nurturing them is a moral obligation on all of us. The talent show was a joy to watch. Well done ladies and gentlemen!

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By Kevin Shannahan

Northwestern State University continued decades of its rich traditions Saturday, April 21-22 as students displayed their talents trying out for various spirit groups. Prospective cheerleaders practiced stunts and cheers, aspiring Demon Dazzlers performed dance routines and flags snapped and twirled in the air as the Demon Heat Color Guard held auditions.

The Demon Dazzlers continued a new chapter in their 50+ year history as two young men tried out for the popular dance group, an increase of one from the previous year.

The various spirit groups are an integral part of Northwestern State University traditions and entertaining performers in their own right. The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to all the young men and women who tried out. We look forward to seeing your performances throughout the upcoming seasons.

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FUMC Natchitoches’ United Methodist Men, joined by a contingent from Asbury UMC, met April 15 for their monthly breakfast meeting. United Methodist Men District President David Byerley visited the meeting, speaking about the role of men in the Church. The chapter awarded a $500 scholarship to NCHS senior Matthew Brown to attend NSU where he plans on majoring in secondary education. The scholarship is endowed at the NSU Foundation and is named in honor of the late Raymond Christenson, a longtime member a FUMC’s United Methodist Men’s chapter, a stalwart member of FUMC and a long-time member of the Lions Club.

The United Methodist Men meet at FUMC on Second Street in Natchitoches on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 7:30. They invite the men of the parish to come, enjoy what is arguably the best breakfast in town, and learn of ways to be of service to their family, church and community.

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Thirteen new members were welcomed into Phi Beta Delta Honor Society at the organization’s spring induction ceremony. Those joining the group were, front from left, Melissa Polizzi, Maina Ibn Mohammed, Alba Maloff, Vianka Maria Miranda, Davina McClain and Natalie Borowski. On the back from left are Ronnie Abukhalaf, Anna MacDonald, Deborah Huntington, Kyle Bryant, Sélène Allain-Kovacs and Adrion Knight. Also inducted was Chialing Hsieh. The members of Phi Beta Delta include faculty, staff and students who are selected on the basis of their international orientation, scholarship accomplishment and/or contribution to international exchange.

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