The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Chorus will perform Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Tickets are $10. Northwestern State University, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D.

Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is music director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony. Josie Gonzalez Masmela is the graduate assistant conductor. Dr. Nicholaus Cummins is director of choral activities and Michael Rorex is associate director of choral activities.

The program will be Mozart’s “Magic Flute” performed by the Chamber Orchestra, Bach’s “Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major,” “Requiem” by Gabriel Faure featuring the Symphony Chorus with Rorex or organ and “Husitzka” by Antonin Dvorak.

The Faure “Requiem” is a work unlike that of Italian composers of requiem masses. It does not focus on the ‘day of wrath’ as a motivating force behind the music. It does not get highly dramatic with blaring trumpets or movement of the curtains or other things that are so theatrical. It is more comforting and ethereal. Faure took a different attitude, one of hope and peace.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Nervie Small
April 18, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Louis Esters
April 16, 2018
Arrangements TBA

J. W. Houston
March 30, 2018
Arrangements TBA
RAPIDES PARISH:

William Marsh Torbett
May 6, 1925 – April 17, 2018
Visitation: Monday, April 23 from 8:30-10 am at Kramer Funeral Home in Alexandria
Service: Monday, April 23 at 10 am at Kramer Funeral Home in Alexandria
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville
RED RIVER PARISH:

Danny Rex Wilson
April 2, 1953 – April 16, 2018
Visitation: Monday, April 23 beginning at 12 pm at Bethel Baptist Church fellowship hall
Service: Monday, April 23 at 2 pm at Bethel Cemetery

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Northwestern State University has earned the 2018-19 Military Friendly School designation from Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs. This Northwestern State’s eighth time to receive the designation. The list of Military Friendly schools provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies, veteran students and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. Student survey data was also taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,400 schools participated in the 2018-2019 survey. The 2018-2019 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine. The list can also be found at militaryfriendly.com.

“Northwestern State is honored to once again be recognized as a military friendly school,” said NSU Vice President for Technology, Research and Economic Development Dr. Darlene Williams. “This distinction can be attributed to the outstanding faculty and staff at NSU who view it as a privilege to serve our military through the offering of exceptional academic programs and support services.”

Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. Northwestern State exceeded the standards in all areas.

The Military Friendly Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly Schools survey from participating institutions.

The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Ernst & Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly Schools list using the criteria set forth by Victory Media.

Northwestern State has a campus at Leesville/Fort Polk and also offers classes at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City. The university has 39 degree programs available online through nsula.edu/ensu.

Information on Northwestern State’s services for veterans is available at nsula.edu/registrar/veterans-affairs.

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Natchitoches Ford Lincoln is pleased to welcome back Rickey Jones to the Natchitoches Ford Lincoln family.

Rickey has 23 years of experience in the auto sales business, 18 of which were at the Natchitoches Ford Lincoln dealership.

“I’ve worked at other dealerships, but Natchitoches Ford Lincoln is in my heart,” he said. “I believe in the brand. All I own are Fords and I won’t sell a product I wouldn’t buy.”

Rickey is happy to be back home and is looking forward to meeting new customers on the lot.

“Your relationship with Natchitoches Ford Lincoln doesn’t end when you buy a vehicle,” he said. “That’s where it begins.”

Help give Rickey a warm welcome. Come by the dealership at 7501 Hwy. 1 Bypass in Natchitoches or call him at 318-352-3677 or 318-652-1500.

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Don’t forget the Kiwanis Club will be serving FREE pancakes today, April 21, from 8 am – 12 pm at the Collins Pavilion on the NSU Campus. 5K entries will be accepted from 7:30-8 am with the race beginning at 8 am.

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches would like to thank all of our Pancake Festival Sponsors this year. Alliance Compressors and Cane River Charities are our title “Grand Slam” sponsors this year! Smoothie King, BOM, First Federal Bank of Louisiana and Huddle House have also stepped up as “Big Stack” sponsors. A host of many other businesses have also contributed to help make this wonderful event happen. The Kiwanis Club appreciates ALL of the community support given to the Pancake Festival!

For more information call 318.652.7078.

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The LightWay Church of the Nazarene will hold revival services Sunday, April 22 through Wednesday April 25. The Rev. William (Bill) Ulmetwill be the speaker. The services will be at 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and at 6:30 p.m. on the weeknights.

Rev. Ulmet is a tenured evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene and has been involved in itinerant evangelism for a number of years. His messages are vibrant and Biblically based. He has a real desire to see revival in the church today.

All are welcome to attend these services. The church is located at 112 E. 5th in Natchitoches.

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Mark your calendars for our Natchitoches Farmers Market starting April 28. For the 2018 market, there’s lots of new vendors and programming, and unique demonstrations to take part in. Visit the booths, listen to live music, enjoy food and drinks, and learn by participating in activities and demonstrations.

The Natchitoches Farmers Market is part of Ready, Set, Go: the City’s initiative to improve the health and wellness of residents through a three part plan. The market will SET up shop Saturdays from 8 am – 12 pm from April 28 – July 28. It will be located on the south end of Front Street from April 28 – June 2and on the downtown riverbank from June 9 – July 28.

The Farmers Market offers $5 in free Kids Club Tokens each Saturday for the first 50 children ages 2-13. These tokens can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables! The market also accepts cash, credit, debit, and SNAP.

“This market season is filled with adventure and healthy opportunities,” said Valerie Balthazar, Farmers Market Coordinator.

SCHEDULE:

April 28: “Flutterin’ On The Bricks”

• Monarch Butterfly Demo by Judy McIntire
• Kids plant milkweed seeds for grow plants that will attract butterflies
• Make healthy butterfly themed snacks
• **4-H Day

May 5: “Butter Me Up”

• Quilting Demo by Cane River Quilters
• Kids make homemade butter
• Portable Park will be on site
• Make grilled guacamole to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

May 12: “Mama Will You Bee My Honey”

• Honey Bee Demo by Audrey Adams
• Kids make pot holders for mom for Mother’s Day
• Honey tasting

May 19: “Life’s A Garden, Dig It”

• Herb Growing Demo by the Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners
• Kids make egg carton herb gardens
• *Trash to Treasures
• **4-H Day

May 26: “Toting My Veggies”

• Wood Carving Demo by Billy Phillips
• Kids will decorate heir very own tote bag
• Peach Salsa tasting
• **4-H Day

June 2: “Battle Of The Badge”

• File Demo by John Oswald Colson “The File Man”
• Hamburger cook-off featuring the Natchitoches Fire Department, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Natchitoches Police Department (ingredients used in burgers will come from the Farmers’ Market).
• **4-H Day

June 9: “The Chicken Or The Egg”

• Backyard Chicken Raising Demo
• Kids make their own aprons for cooking
• English Muffin Egg Pizza tasting

June 16: “My Dad Rocks”

• Fruit & Veggie and BBQ Demo
• Kids make presents for Dad using rocks
• *Trash to Treasures*
• **4-H Day

June 23: “Sock It To Me”

• Sock Doll Demo by Gena Wagley
• Fruit & Veggie skewer tasting
• Natchitoches Parish Library Book-Mobile on site

June 30: “Farmers’ Market 2nd Annual Corn Easting Contest”

• Corn-on-the-cob Eating Contest
• Kids make watermelon pizzas to celebrate Independence Day

July 7: “Blending For Health”

• Food Demo
• Natchitoches Parish 4-H bike blender on site
• Author: TBA
• **4-H Day

July 14: “You Rock My World”

• Food Demo
• Kids make garden markers out of rocks
• Book-Mobile on site

July 21: “Farmers On The Bricks”

• Farm Animal Demo- Get up close with heifers, goats, pigs, and a milking cow
• 7-layer dip tasting
• *Trash to Treasures

July 28: “Mini Makers Fair”

• Mini Makers Fair- Youth ages 5-14 will sell their produce, baked goods, and Arts&Crafts
• Deviled egg and veggie dip tasting

*Trash to Treasures events are a new feature of the Farmers Market which will include repurposed and refurbished items, DIY projects, handcrafted items, shabby chic and architectural finds, as well as any antiques you’ve come to enjoy in the Historic District. Trash to Treasures will be held once a month, located on Touline Street. To participate contact Valerie Balthazar at 318-663-5190.

**4-H Days feature Natchitoches Parish 4-Hers who will man the community table, which features locally grown produce. A percentage of what these students sell will go back to their 4-H clubs for future programming.

For more information call (318) 238-4211 or go online to http://readysetgonatchitoches.com. Find the Natchitoches Farmers Market on Facebook @ Natchitoches Farmers Market.

This project is funded through a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation. The Healthy Behaviors Program Grant funds projects which have a focus on healthy eating, active living, or prevention of tobacco use, substance or alcohol abuse. To learn more about grant funding from The Rapides Foundation, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org, and click on “Grants.”

 

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Abagael “Vi” Kinney, a student in the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University, was recently elected as a student at-large representative to the Southern Regional Honors Council at its annual conference in Washington, D.C.

Kinney, a freshman from Natchitoches, will serve a two-year term.

“I sought this position because I want to try to disband the myth that you are either an honors student or performing arts student, never both,” said Kinney. “Since I fit into the ‘both’ category, my goal is to try and organize a small student showcase for the Southern Regional Honors Conference that highlights some of the other students’ talents and performances.”

The Southern Regional Honors Council promotes and advances honors programs and honors colleges in the southern United States. The SHRC comprises of more than 100 member institutions. The SHRC Annual conference features opportunities for honors students from across the southeast to present scholarly research. Students, professors and honors administrators also enjoy the collegiality and conversations regarding honors pedagogy and best practices.

Scholars’ College students Jordan Reich of Lake Charles, Logan Turner of Haughton, Aron Stephens of Franklinton, Colleen Reese of Baton Rouge and Wil Bordelon of Dry Prong made presentations.

Scholars’ College director Dr. Kirsten Bartels was elected as the Council’s vice president and will plan the group’s 2019 conference.

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Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing on the City of Natchitoches Budget for the fiscal year

June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019 will be held on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 4:30 PM, at the Natchitoches Arts Center, 716 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

PROCLAMATIONS:
#036 Nielsen​Proclamation Declaring May 6 – 12, 2018 As National Travel And Tourism WeekIn The City Of Natchitoches.

#037 Mims​Proclamation Declaring May 19, 2018 As Kids To Parks Day In The City Of Natchitoches. (Accepting Dallas Russell)

6. PLANNING & ZONING – FINAL:
#015 Batiste​​Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing

Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows:

Lot 100 Feet Front West Side Second Street, Bound North By Carroll And South By Monk From R-1 To R-1 Special Exception To Operate A Hospice Agency Office

(Hospice of Natchitoches – 336 Second St.)

7. ORDINANCES – FINAL:
#013 Mims​Ordinance Adopting The Budget For The City Of Natchitoches For The Fiscal Year June 1, 2018 Through May 31, 2019.

#014 Morrow​Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana, To 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.

8. ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION:
#016 Mims​Ordinance Restating 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.

​​9. RESOLUTIONS:
#038 Harrington​Resolution Changing 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.

#039​Nielsen​Resolution Providing 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.

#040​Morrow​Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute Change Order No. 1 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Axis Construction, LLC For The Raw Water Pump Structure Rehabilitation Phase2 For Sibley Lake. (Bid No. 0597)

#041​Harrington​Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To 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.

​​(Bid No. 0597)

10. REPORTS:​ Pat Jones – Financial Report
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• The next scheduled City Council meeting will be May 14, 2018.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Nervie Small
April 18, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Jimmy Adkins
October 9, 1937 – April 15, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 from 12-2 pm in the Cross Roads Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 2 pm in the Cross Roads Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church

Louis Esters
April 16, 2018
Arrangements TBA

William Arthur “Boogie” Moore
June 28, 1941 – April 13, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 21 from 9 am – 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel of Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, May 21 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel of Natchitoches
Interment: Rockford Baptist Church Cemetery

J. W. Houston
March 30, 2018
Arrangements TBA
SABINE PARISH:

Cecil Harold Brumley
March 26, 1921 – April 17, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 from 10-11 am at First Baptist Church in Converse
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at First Baptist Church in Converse,
Interment: Converse Cemetery

Jimmie Wayne Cook
January 25, 1957 – April 13, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 1 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Interment: Florien Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:

Paul Joseph Blalock Jr
Apr 19, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 from 10 am – 1:30 pm at the John Kramer and Son Funeral Home in Alexandria
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 2 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Alexandria

WINN PARISH:

Mary Agnes Beal
November 6, 1920 – April 20, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, April 22 from 1-2 pm at Sanders Chapel Methodist Church
Service: Sunday, April 22 at 2 pm at Sanders Chapel Methodist Church
Interment: Sanders Chapel Cemetery

Weyman Rodney Brantley
March 19, 1938 – April 20, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 from 5-8 pm and Sunday, April 22 from 12-2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, April 22 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Harmony Grove Cemetery in Dodson
RED RIVER PARISH:

Danny Rex Wilson
April 2, 1953 – April 16, 2018
Visitation: Monday, April 23 beginning at 12 pm at Bethel Baptist Church fellowship hall
Service: Monday, April 23 at 2 pm at Bethel Cemetery

Kelly Thomas
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at Midway No. 2 Baptist Church in Shreveport
Interment: Benevolent Cemetery in Mansfield

Joshua Green
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Mansfield
Interment: St. Paul Cemetery in Pelican

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The Rotary Club of Natchitoches is proud to invite you to Bulletproof the Blue 2018, a Law Enforcement experience!! BTB is Saturday, April 21 with participants able to enjoy the experience all day 8-5. Josh Axsom, Rotary Chairman, says the event is open to the public with it taking 30-45 minutes to go through the experience! You can go through and then go, or hang out with your local Law Enforcement all day! Lunch will be served starting around 10 and each participant with receive an event T-shirt (while supplies last). Axsom encourages everyone to come support your local law enforcement fundraiser as we raise money to purchase new gear for the Natchitoches SWAT Team!!

Axsom wants to extend a big thank you to our sponsors!!

The Rotary Club of Natchitoches thanks all the sponsors of Bulletproof the Blue and appreciates their support for our local law enforcement!! We also want to extend a special thank you to the Natchitoches Parish Journal for their sponsorship as well! We look forward to a great event Saturday…see you there!!

 

City Marshal Randy Williams wanted to inform the following people that they have outstanding bench warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office. The names on this list did not pay their fines in full nor did they return to court on the court date they were sentenced to by City Court Judge Gahagan. These individuals will need to clear up their fines and bench warrant fees at the City Marshal’s Office located at 373 Second St. to stop any further actions:

FINE PAYMENT (F):
Lacie Cedars, 1913 Hwy 6 Lot 2, Natch, La – TBS
Samuel Johnson, 500 North St Apt N-7, Natch, La – DP
Brian Kitchens, 609 Watson, Natch, La – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Breanna Lacey, 1500 Mandell St, Natch, La – TBS
Christopher Osborn, 169 Blanchard Rd, Natch, La – DWI, Improper Lane Usage, No DL
Joseph Wiggins, 1200 Ellis St, Natch, La – DWI
Caterica Williams, 298 Vienne Rd #15, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Vanitria Stewart, 147 John Banks, Robeline, La – Right of Way
Robert Berry, 215 CJ Brian Rd, Robeline, La – SPOM, PODP
Destiny Williams, 731 Brahma St, Natch, La – DP, Remaining on Premises
Clifton Blake Jr., 1336 Holmes St, Natch, La – SPOM, Gambling
Tialesha Thompson, 524 Camellia, Natch, La – DP
James Bobb, 1318 Amulet St, Natch, La – Open Container, City Dog Ordinance
Alexis Bolden, 129 Robert Circle, Natch, La – Exp MVI, Right of Way
Ebony Helaire, 284 Johnson Loop, Natchez, La – DP
Adarian Moore, 124 D Reba, Natch, La – Resisting an Officer
Tracey Moore, 3011 Independence Ave, Shreveport, La – TBS
Quincy Nash, 186 Rex Waterwell Rd, Natch, La – SPOM
Larry Robinson, 219 Julia St, Natch, La – TBS
Anaistasia Robinson, 500 North St Apt M8, Natch, La – DP
Dante Youngblood, 300 Lakeview Dr, Natch, La – Resisting, Domestic Abuse
Ricky Scott, 328 Scott Loop, Natch, La – DP

Trial (T):
Telethia Davenport, 250 Cedar Grove Rd, Natch, La – TBS
Tai Evans, 414 McDobson Way, Natch, La – Obedience to Traffic Device, (2) DUS, Follow too Close
Nelsoener Bush, 601 Amulet St, Natch, La– DP, DUS, No Insurance, Follow too Close
Ebony Helaire, 284 Johnson Loop, Natchez, La – NSB, TBS, DP
Damon Johnson, 412 Sanford St, Natch, La – DP, Exp DL, Driving Left of Center
Christopher Robinson, 313 Payne St, Natch, La – Interfering with Police Officer

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Rodney and Eddie Harrington of The Harrington Law Firm were proud to help sponsor The Natchitoches Central Lady Chiefs Softball team for their second round playoff trip to Slidell for their Friday game against Northshore. Go Lady Chiefs! Pictured with Rodney Harrington are Ashlynn Blake and Samantha Spillman.

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Lucky the dog is no longer with us. We are sad.

Let me review his last couple of weeks. Lucky has eaten a pair of glasses, several pillows, two recliners and an iPad keyboard. Bad dog! We have talked about how we would manage this canine monster. He is so sweet when people are around and devious when we turn our backs. We made plans and purchases to confine him to a kennel when we were not at home. He would go on long walks in the morning and evenings. If those things didn’t work, we would try Canine Prozac. We have “trained” difficult dogs before and they became wonderful pets. Lucky was a challenge but we felt up to the challenge.

Friday night my bride and I were rushing back from Gibsland to Natchitoches. Our kids, who promised us grandson time on Saturday, changed their plans and decided to arrive in Natchitoches on Friday evening. It is not hospitable to have guests when you are not at home. We piled the dogs and stuff into the truck and left for Natchitoches. Since I can only get gas in Arcadia, I detoured to fill up.

Just south of Arcadia, nature called for another detour. I had failed to adequately recycle the last cup of coffee of the afternoon. I actually know where an outhouse is; just south of Bonnie and Clyde Trade Days. I jumped out of the truck and hastened to the outhouse. As I was reentering the truck, Lucky jumped out of the truck. He headed immediately into the grounds of Bonnie and Clyde. Bad dog!

Great! Now he’s become an escape artist. He knew I didn’t have time to chase a wayward dog. I called but he was “gone.”

We both shed tears on Friday night worrying about Lucky out in the storms. That poor bad dog! However there were vendors on the grounds and lots of campers there, so I told my bride that Lucky was street wise and he would find a place to stay dry for the evening. After all he broke into our house on his first night so he could sleep in a climate controlled atmosphere. How many dogs do you know who break in?

The kids brought the grandson and we forgot about Lucky for a while. On Saturday, rather than going to the riverbank and listening to the music, we went back to Arcadia to look for Lucky. I called and called. We walked around the Bonnie and Clyde Trade Days grounds. No Lucky!

I did talk to a couple I know who work there. I told them we had lost our dog. I described him. They said, “Yes, we have seen him. A vendor found him this morning chewing on a mattress in an RV.” Lucky, that bad dog, made it through the night!

We spent a couple of hours looking for him. We looked and asked! No Lucky.

Sunday we went back and looked again. Now that the vendors were departing we could look at the whole area. There was no Lucky. I swear I could hear him barking. The folks who live on the grounds have several dogs. They are breeders of Wolf Dogs. We drove by their kennels. No Lucky. I continued to hear a bark that sounded familiar! I suppose my brain was playing tricks with my ears. Wishful hearing.

My bride and I were upset because we really love that bad sweet dog.

Monday my bride called Bonnie and Clyde Trade Days and asked the folks who live on the property if they had seen the dog. The lady on the phone suddenly sounded sad. “We have him. He is such a sweet dog.”

On Monday night, Tamara went to visit them. They had a long conversation about Lucky, who has a new name. Lucky is now named Cruise. He loves to cruise in trucks and on four wheelers. He loves all the dogs he lives with. Lucky-Cruise lives in the back of 131 acres of land. He chases birds. He runs free during the day. Lucky-Cruise will go on a great vacation this summer to Utah in an RV. In just hours a couple fell in love with Lucky-Cruise. They would be sad to see him go.

Since he will be an outdoor dog for people who love dogs more than we do, gets to ride on four-wheelers and will go on a Utah vacation, we voted to let Lucky become Cruise.

We gave the doggy leash to this nice couple who fell in love with him, quickly. They were warned about his love of upholstery.
We found a starving, tick infested dog and fed and bathed him. We fixed him and got rid of all this maladies. He is healthy. Now he will be healthy and happy.

The story of Lucky-Cruise is the story of life. You never know what circumstances will come together to bring you joy and fulfillment. I miss Lucky very much! He was and is a sweet dog (bad dog!). I am satisfied that I did my part to help him land in a great home. Sometimes doing what is best is a tear-filled thing.

Enjoy your life, Cruise! We will miss you!

You are a sweet, great Bad Dog!

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CASA of Central Louisiana held its annual Awareness Social April 19. It was a powerful program filled with a celebration of success stories and a silent auction to raise funds for the CASA program, which serves Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine Parishes.

The speakers were two former foster youth miracles:

Jarvis Spearman is a 23-year-old social work major and graduating senior at Grambling State University. He was raised in the foster care system along with his siblings. He works with the Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston as an alumni staff and life skills specialist. He’s worked in the Chafee Independent Living Skills Program for the past 4.5 years. He also serves as president for the Louisiana Youth Leadership Advisory Council (LYLAC).

“I never had a stable life and I came into the foster care system at 6 years old,” said Spearman. “I never had the love and support I needed so I had to find it for myself.”

Htet Htet Rodgers is a rising senior at Northwestern State University. She entered the foster care system at 13 years old, where she found her forever family. She believes all youth should receive the love and support her forever family gave to her and wants to be an advocate for those who don’t. She is a member of the National Foster Youth Institute’s eadership Corps and a federal reviewer for the Children’s Bureau.

“The foster care system was a haven I didn’t know I needed,” said Rodgers. “I got a forever family, but many other kids didn’t.”

Now Miss CENLA, Rodgers has decided that her platform will be foster support when she competes in the Miss Louisiana pageant this summer.

Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington spoke about the benefits children like Spearman and Rodgers receive by having CASA advocates that give them a voice.

“I love to see these success stories,” he said. “Our system couldn’t make it without all the CASA advocates.”

Become a CASA Advocate and help CASA of Central Louisiana ensure that every foster child has a caring competent volunteer in all judicial proceedings. If you are at least 21 years of age, respect the inherent rights of children to grow up with dignity in a safe environment, and would like to advocate for a child’s best interests in court, become a CASA Advocate today! For more information call (318) 238-2446.

The NSU Golf course was the place to be Thursday, April 19th, as the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce continued its popular CRAVE event, now in its 4th year of bringing the local business community and supporters together for fun and networking. This year’s event was the “Taco Edition” featuring 12 teams vying for the best taco bragging rights.

A happy crowd sampled everything from shrimp to steak to Cuban and Mediterranean tacos while a DJ played music for the crowd. The popular event is part of the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to bring the local community together, have fun, and build a better Natchitoches Parish.

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Christ the King Lutheran Church offers the following community events:

 

Cruisin’ With the King
Dates: Apr 25 – Oct 31
Every Other Wednesday (except July 4)

A bi-weekly cruise night/ car show. All cars, motorcycles and trucks are welcome! Each night there will be a different theme: Chevy Night, Ford Night, Dodge Night, Muscle car Night, Classic Car Night, Exotics Night, Truck Night, Jeep Night, Corvette Night, Motorcycle Night, Hot Rod Night, Street Machine Night, and the like. There will be a People’s Choice Award for best in class each week. All cars are welcome no matter what the theme of the night may be! Come on out and join us for fun, food, and fellowship around our mutual love of all things automotive!

Every Saturday, Apr 28 – Jun 2
CtK Kid Zone Bible Camp

A weekly free, fun filled Bible camp for children ages 4-12. Meets every Saturday from April 28- June 2. This is a VBS to the extreme! Bring your kids out for fun, fellowship and a Christ-centered experience!

Christ the King Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod serving the city of Natchitoches. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the church seeks to make a difference in the lives of its members and community through prayer, service, study of God’s Word, and in Word and sacrament based worship, and a living of discipleship as a result, or fruit of faith (Ephesians 2:10).

Christ the King Lutheran Church is located at 805 Royal Street. For more information call 318-352-8708 or go online to http://christthekingnatchitoches.com.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Nervie Small
April 18, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Jimmy Adkins
October 9, 1937 – April 15, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 from 12-2 pm in the Cross Roads Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 2 pm in the Cross Roads Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church

Louis Esters
April 16, 2018
Arrangements TBA

William Arthur “Boogie” Moore
June 28, 1941 – April 13, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 21 from 9 am – 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel of Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, May 21 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel of Natchitoches
Interment: Rockford Baptist Church Cemetery

J. W. Houston
March 30, 2018
Arrangements TBA
SABINE PARISH:

Cecil Harold Brumley
March 26, 1921 – April 17, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 from 10-11 am at First Baptist Church in Converse
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at First Baptist Church in Converse,
Interment: Converse Cemetery

Paul Vernon Baker
September 16, 1923 – April 18, 2018
Visitation: Friday, April 20 at 3 pm at Aimwell Baptist Church in Zwolle
Service: Friday, April 20 at 4 pm at Aimwell Baptist Church

Jimmie Wayne Cook
January 25, 1957 – April 13, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 1 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Interment: Florien Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:

Catherine Louise Brydels Turner
May 26, 1926 – April 17, 2018
Visitation: Friday, April 20 from 8:30 am – 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Friday, April 20 at 1:#0 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Hemphill Star Cemetery in Boyce

Charles “Buddy” Hugh Blake
February 24, 1948 – April 17, 2018
Visitation: Friday, April 20 from 2-4 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home

Mona Mitchell Laborde Andries
September 19, 1936 – April 17, 2018
Visitation: Friday, April 20 from 8-10 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Friday, April 20 at 10:30 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:

Robert (Buddy) Wesley Little, Jr.
May 19, 1926 – April 18, 2018
Service: Friday, April 20 at 10 am in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home

Ethel Beatrice Killen
December 28, 1922 – April 15, 2018
Visitation: Friday, April 20 from 10-11 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Friday, April 20 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: New Jerusalem Cemetery in Winnfield
RED RIVER PARISH:

Danny Rex Wilson
April 2, 1953 – April 16, 2018
Visitation: Monday, April 23 beginning at 12 pm at Bethel Baptist Church fellowship hall
Service: Monday, April 23 at 2 pm at Bethel Cemetery

Kelly Thomas
Visitation: Friday, April 20 from 6-7 pm at the Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at Midway No. 2 Baptist Church in Shreveport
Interment: Benevolent Cemetery in Mansfield

Joshua Green
Service: Saturday, April 21 at 11 am at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Mansfield
Interment: St. Paul Cemetery in Pelican

Larry Wayne Messick
November 22, 1955 – April 18, 2018
Visitation: Friday, April 20 from 12-2 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home
Service: Friday, April 20 at 2 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

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At the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission’s April 18 meeting, David Stamey said he will complete the Commission’s proposed budget in the next 30 days. It will be introduced at their May meeting and voted on at their June meeting, with their fiscal year beginning July 1.

Their goal when considering event sponsorships is more “heads in beds.” They’re looking for events that will bring people to Natchitoches for overnight stays.

They sponsored the American College Dance Association South Regional Conference, which was held at Northwestern State University April 4-7. They’re currently considering sponsorships for three Southland Conference Championships NSU will host next year. These include volleyball, softball and track and field, which alone brings in 12 women’s teams and 11 men’s teams.

“These people tend to adopt Natchitoches as their road trip,” said Stamey.

The NHDDC also recently sponsored several ads on louisianatravel.com. The ads feature the Cane River National Heritage Area (CRNHA), the Cane River Creole National Historical Parks (CRCNHP), Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Los Adaes State Historic Site and the Grand Ecore Visitors Center. The digital ads link back to the CRNHA website, which has a section titled “Explore Cane River” that links visitors to websites and information for all the attractions.

While the average response rates for these types of ads is around 31%, CRNHA Director of Communications Rebecca Blankenbaker said their rate is at 47%. CRCNHP Superintendent Carrie Mardorf said visitation at the parks increased 12% last year.

There’s also a possible event sponsor partnership between the City and the NHDDC that City Rep Edd Lee proposed at Wednesday’s meeting. Fishing University is a program on the Outdoor Channel that is interested in filming an episode in Natchitoches highlighting local high school fishing teams.

Upcoming dates for Natchitoches events include:

NSU Freshman Connection Overnight Sessions May 24-25, May 31-June 1, June 20-21, and a one-day session on July 10. Any one of these sessions can bring in around 800 people, which includes potential students and their parents.

The Historic District Business Association will hold its annual Girls Getaway weekend in June. More details will be announced at a later date.

The HDBA’s annual car show (Sept. 28-29) opened up the year for car entries from 1979 to 1988, which it’s expected, will bring in about 150 more cars. Organizers are looking at using Second Street, Touline, Front Street and the riverbank.

National Parks Week begins April 21 and the Cane River Creole National Historical Park system is partnering with the CRNHA to hold a Find Your Park Festival Saturday, April 21 from 10 am – 3 pm at Oakland Plantation (Free to the public).

Bike Natchitoches will hold its 5th Annual Cane River Plantation Ride May 5 beginning at 8:15 am at Oakland Plantation. For more information go online to http://www.bikenatchitoches.org.

National Tourism Week begins May 7 and the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will hold a Tourism Week Celebration with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser Monday, May 7 at 2:30 pm at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.

The CRNHA will kick off its new Coffee Chat series April 28 at 10 am at the Grand Ecore Visitors Center with a talk on its current “War on the Red” exhibit.

The Natchitoches Historic Foundation will host its Annual Membership Gala May 8.
The next Chamber luncheon will be held May 9 and will feature a panel of locals who will speak to the community on the importance of tourism. They are NACVB Director Arlene Gould, Tax Commission Administrator Jerry McWherter and Sharpco Hotel Rep Lauryn Sharplin.

The Chamber will hold a Bed&Breakfast Round Table May 30, an Academic Scholars Banquet May 8, and a Legislative Issues Luncheon June 30.

 

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Natchitoches Historic Foundation President Cathy Seymour said the addition of new signage at their headquarters, the Cunningham Law Office, will allow them to use augmented reality to advertise the historical significance of the building, the Mildred Bailey Park behind it, and its availability as a rental space for events.

The sign uses the app “HP Reveal” (formerly Aurasma), which changes the way people interact with the physical world. HP Reveal allows people to discover augmented reality (AR) experiences, create their own AR, and share the magic.
When visitors scan the NHF’s sign using their phones and the HP Reveal app, a video pops up that gives them a tour of the inside of the Cunningham Law Office and its history.

Dr. Begoña Perez-Mira, professor of computer information systems at Northwestern State University, created the AR system for the NHF.

“It’s great that the NHF is using this augmented reality software,” she said. “It’s a great marriage between history and utilizing technology. There’s just so many possibilities.”

 

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The Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated announces its upcoming presentation of the 28th Annual Beautillion Saturday, April 21 at 6 pm at the Ben Johnson Auditorium. Special guest speaker will be former professional football player Marcus DeWayne Spears.

This event will feature young men throughout the community of Natchitoches and Winnfield. To date, more than 200 young men have participated in the Beautillion. Beaus are Antonio Aaron, John Augustus, Dejon Blake, Quintarious Coleman, Nicholas Ficklin, Derilyn Flanagan, Dominique Fontenot, Malik Hall, Corian Moore, Tony Preylo, and Brian White. They will be escorted by Karianna Lazard, GaLecia Bell, Taylor Johnson, La’Tia Beavers, Ashlynn Blake, Maya Levo, Aaliyah Edmonson, Rya Jones, Amber Swayzer, Cameron Edmonson, and Ravin Terry. Tickets for this event are $10. Chairpersons are Yvette Ceasar-Williams and Yolanda Bobb. Co-Chairpersons are Tanikka Adams Goston and Tiffney Petite Allen. For questions, please contact us at natchitocheschapter@yahoo.com.

 

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