News Articles
An NPJ reader submitted photos of a fire at the Willow Bend Apartments, located on the Hwy. 1 Bypass in Natchitoches on April 18. From information gathered, it appears the fire burned through 8 of the 24 apartments before it was extinguished. No further information is available at this time.
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NATCHITOCHES –Thousands of cattle are expected to be auctioned today at the Superior Livestock Gulf Coast Classic Cattle Auction taking place in Natchitoches this weekend at the Natchitoches Events Center. More than 300 cattlemen from across the country are attending the live video auction which will feature calves on cows, feeder cattle, weaned cattle, and bred stock cattle. All cattle will remain on the farm until delivery.
The auction is usually held in larger cities like Fort Worth. Bringing this many people from states like Montana, South Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana is great for the City of Natchitoches
The cattle auction is being broadcast live online at SuperiorLivestock.com.
For more information, please contact Emily Smith at (318) 471-2771.
By Joe Darby
So, how did you all come out on your income taxes? I had to pay. Almost $700!
The number is that high not because of the huge size of our income, but because the company administering my pension was not taking enough withholdings out every month. That was my own fault, of course, because you can direct whatever amount you want to be taken out.
I liked having a little more money available each month, but I finally saw the light and told them to take out $60 more per month this year. So, next spring I should just about come out even. or maybe even get a small amount back.
I tried to assuage my grief at having to pay Uncle Sam by imagining that my dollars were going to pay for one tiny part of an F-22 fighter jet or to pay for a load of beef for the crew of a Navy aircraft carrier. Something worthwhile, don’t you see.
But I think all of us have a natural resentment of the government taking our hard-earned money. But, civilization, if that’s what you can call what our society has, must have money to function, alas.
The thing is, we’re hit from so many sources. Every governmental body from the local fire and police districts and school boards to the state, with its sales, property and income taxes, to the giant outstretched hand of the federal government, wants its share of our income.
This is all nothing new, of course. Governments have collected taxes since there were governments. And people have never liked it. Some folks in the Bible were amazed that Jesus would hang around with tax collectors because they were considered the lowest of the low.
In those days the king’s taxman would take a good portion or your wheat or barley crop and there was not a thing you could do about it, not if you wanted to keep your head on your shoulders.
We in the United States didn’t have to worry about federal income taxes until the Civil War, when both the US and the Confederacy imposed such taxes. The US tax expired in 1872. Then, when another attempt was made to impose an income tax early in the 20th century, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. However, the 16th Amendment, passed in 1913, gave Congress the permission to collect an income tax.
By the way, here’s a Did You Know for you. Until the Civil War, the great majority of the federal government’s income came from tariffs, taxes imposed on goods imported and exported to other countries. And, yeah, we had a small budget in those days.
So, we are reminded every week in our paychecks, and especially every April 15, that what’s ours is not necessarily all ours. And when we say we made $30,000 or $50,000 or $125,000 last year, that’s just what we mean. We MADE that much, but we sure didn’t get to keep it all.
But, there’s nothing to be done. The next time firefighters put out a burning house in your neighborhood, the next time you drive on an Interstate, the next time you enjoy a state museum, the next time the American military wipes out a terrorist cell, you can know that all of this was done with your tax dollar.
To repeat my headline, Ben Franklin was right. One day we’re gonna die. And April 15 will certainly roll around again next year.
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The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission’s Marketing Committee issued a press release at the NHDDC meeting April 18. The press release (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW) pertains to the April 5 unveiling of a new brand and logo as part of the City Re-Branding Initiative.
After receiving much feedback, the committee decided to start over with the logo and tagline “Historically Brighter.”
The committee is looking for a tagline that celebrates the positive future of Natchitoches and promotes local businesses, restaurants, accommodations and attractions. Public feedback is requested through May 18 by visiting www.CaneRiverNHA.org/Branding.
“We’re pumped about it,” said Van Erikson. “It’s been a fun process so far and I can’t wait to see where it goes.”
Once the 30 day public input period is over and the redesign begins, the committee will look for further public input before they officially unveil it again. Their goal through this redesign is to get as much buy in as possible from the community and stakeholders, while also being as inclusive as possible.
“We now know we’ve got an informed and passionate citizen base in Natchitoches,” said Erikson. “I can’t wait for someone to have that golden nugget we’re looking for.”
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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
Betty Jo Gongre Lemoine
December 27, 1946 – April 11, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, April 19 from 9-10:30 am at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Thursday, April 19 at 11 am at St. Maurice Cemetery in St. Maurice
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:
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:
Mona Mitchell Laborde Andries
September 19, 1936 – April 17, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, April 19 from 5-8 pm and 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:
Ethel Beatrice Killen
December 28, 1922 – April 15, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, April 19 from 5-8 pm and 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:
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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The Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will induct Professor of Theatre Dr. Vicki Parrish into the CAPA Hall of Fame Saturday, April 21.
A reception to honor Parrish will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the Orville Hanchey Art Gallery.
“CAPA is honored to induct another one of our own faculty into the Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Greg Handel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Mrs. H.D. Dear and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts. “Affectionately known as Dr. P., Vicki has influenced the lives of hundreds of students in the Creative and Performing Arts, been an inspiration as a professor and director, been a confidant for faculty and students, been an outstanding advisor and has maintained a tireless commitment to the Creative and Performing Arts and their advancement at NSU and throughout the community. Her entire life has been dedicated to the arts as a professor in theatre for the past 40 years. It is only fitting that we honor her with this award.”
Parrish joined Northwestern State’s faculty in 1977 and has worked as an educator, director and choreographer. She has also been active in the community, serving as president of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches.
“I do a job that I love,” said Parrish. “To have an opportunity to work with inspiring colleagues and Northwestern students is a gift. All of the people in our department work so hard. I am stunned and surprised to receive this honor.”
Parrish earned a bachelor’s at West Georgia College and her master’s and doctorate at Louisiana State University. After four decades in the classroom, Parrish continues to learn from her students.
“I learn something new every day,” she said. “Our students amaze me. They have such a broad vision of a subject and can come up with so many varied interpretations of a play written 500 years ago.”
Parrish is the ninth inductee into the CAPA Hall of Fame.
Following the reception in her honor, guests are invited to attend NSU Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods” at 7:30 p.m. in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. More information is available at theatre.nsula.edu.
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By Kevin Shannahan/Opinion
Natchitoches Parish School District superintendent Dale Skinner was joined by school board members Eugene Garner, Steven Harris, Ralph Wilson, Rhonda Guidroz, Katrina Willis, Thomas Melder and board president Mike Hilton at a presentation at Abundant Life Church concerning the upcoming bond issue for the city’s schools. The superintendent and board members were joined by Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey and about 40 community members and school employees. Board members Metoyer, Danzy, Daniels & Graham did not attend.
Rev. Aill Harris, pastor of Abundant Life Church, began the meeting with a prayer. Several board members spoke in favor of the bond issue. Superintendent Skinner laid out a detailed and impassioned case in favor of the proposed issue. He pointed to the deplorable conditions in the city’s schools. He went through the positive milestones the school system has achieved. “It’s all about the students, their education and safety. If anyone thinks it will not affect them, I don’t understand that.”
Mayor Lee Posey also spoke in support of the bond issue. He pointed out that the quality of the schools in a community is an economic development issue, that the quality of the schools is one of the first things a business looking to move into an area considers. He also directly addressed those opposing the bond issue “ …for two people in education their whole lives who won’t support education for the youth in the community is bad. It’s embarrassing.”
Ms. Lorie Speer made the most compelling case for the bond issue. She is not a board member. Nor is she an administrator. She is a teacher at Natchitoches Junior High, one of the quiet, competent professionals that make our institutions run day in and day out. Her simple question cut to the core of what this is all about and should make it difficult indeed for anyone opposing the bond issue to look themselves in the mirror. “What message is sent to the children when people vote against it?”
In past articles in the Natchitoches Parish Journal, I have been hard on the Natchitoches School system. That has not, and will not, change. A piece I wrote on the long term substitute teacher problem garnered me an annoyed rant from the superintendent at a board meeting. I, and the NPJ, will continue to advocate, sometimes forcibly, for a better school system for our children. We do not engage in petty vendettas. We do not let our egos get in the way of fighting for what we believe to be the common good. I did not support renewing Superintendent Skinner’s contract. I thought the board should have gone to a month by month arrangement while looking for a replacement. That decision did not go my way. Am I to somehow extract revenge by voting down a bond issue? Just how am I to look my fellow citizens in the eye? Sorry, your kids will have to keep going to crappy schools. I had to show that so and so who’s boss! That is no kind of victory, not even a pyrrhic one not worth the cost. It is a tantrum and beneath an adult’s dignity. I have no children in the system. Neither my wife nor I work in the schools. I am far from wealthy, considerably less so than some of the bond issue’s main opponents. The measure, should it pass, will raise my taxes. I will vote for it. Natchitoches has enough problems. It does not need another self-inflicted one.
When you step into the voting booth ask yourself-what kind of message am I sending the children of the city?
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BOM is a proud sponsor of the Rotary Club’s Bullet Proof the Blue fundraiser this weekend at Dark Woods Haunted Attractions. Pictured from left are Dustin Duazat, BOM University Branch manager, Josh Axsom, and Corrine Nagim, BOM University Branch Teller.
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Have you been hearing the word CASA recently? Do you know a CASA? Would you like to know more about how you can help CASA? Well, now you have the perfect chance! The Annual “CASA AWARENESS SOCIAL” is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Natchitoches.
Once a year, CASA of Central Louisiana presents a powerful program filled with a celebration of success stories, a silent auction, great food and fun and this year is even better – it has two former foster youth miracles telling their stories for all to hear!
The mission of CASA of Central Louisiana is to ensure that every child in foster care in Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine Parishes finds safe, permanent homes in which they can thrive as quickly as possible. CASA of Central Louisiana is a nonprofit organization created so the children in these parishes have a voice in court by educating and training competent Volunteer Advocates to appear on their behalf. CASA volunteers are the voice for abused and neglected children. The work is simply life changing for all involved!
Come join CASA on April 19 from 6-9 pm and learn about the organization. You will be moved and motivated to help once you hear from former CASA kids, advocates, legal representatives all while eating and sharing fellowship with a wonderful group of volunteers!
For more information about the event, call 318-238-2446. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Visit CASA online at http://www.casanat.org or Text 2Help to 21000.
Help a child in need — When you give, you give an abused child a voice!
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You may recall Natchitoches won “Best Southern Small Town” by 10 Best Readers Choice promoted by USA TODAY in 2015. Cast your vote and let the world know we are also the “Best HISTORIC Small Town!”
Official Notice:
Congratulations! Natchitoches has been nominated in our latest 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest! Our expert panel selected Natchitoches as a contender for Best Historic Small Town, which just launched. Our contest, which is being promoted by USA TODAY, gives voters four weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-historic-small-town-2018/. A person can vote once a day for the run of the contest.
Voting ends Monday, May 14 at 11:59 am EDT and the winners will be announced on 10 Best on Friday, May 18 at 12 pm EDT, then later on USA TODAY.
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Every year in the spring the Women’s Resource Center holds a Baby Clothes Give-Away. From their overflow they provide baby and children’s clothing along with other baby items and equipment free of charge to anyone in the community. They are also accepting donations for this event.
The Give-Away will be Friday, April 20 from 9 am – 1 pm outside the WRC building, located at 107 North Street in Natchitoches.
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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
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
James Rex Fair Sr.
December 18, 1936 – April 14, 2018
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 11 am at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: American Cemetery in Natchitoches
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:
Harold Douglas Tilley Sr.
August 2, 1936 – April 14, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, April 18 at 9 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville
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:
Ola Pearl Tennison
November 8, 1935 – April 14, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, April 18 from 11 am – 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 1 pm in the Kramer Chapel
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
Cleveland Paul Dauzat
June 25, 1924 – April 14, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, April 18 from 8:30-9:30 am at the Kramer of Fifth Ward
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Interment: Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Fifth Ward
RED RIVER PARISH:
Carolyn Sue Adams
November 2, 1953 – April 13, 2018
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 11 am at Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church
Interment: Davis Springs Cemetery
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The Parish Council meeting Monday night, April 16, began with the adoption of a resolution honoring St. Mary’s Boys and Girls Basketball Teams for their outstanding 2018 Basketball Seasons. Resolutions will be presented the the Boys and Girls Basketball Teams for Natchitoches Central and Lakeview at a later date.
Head coaches for St. Mary’s Basketball Teams are Jason Kern and Tom Collins. Coach Kern and the Tigers made it all the way to the Division IV title game. Coach Collins and the Lady Tigers made it to the quarter-finals round of the playoffs. The resolution recognizes these athletes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Their excellent performance, dedication, and commitment, along with their coaching staffs, have proven to be a source of admiration and inspiration to the Parish of Natchitoches.
The introduction of a proposed ordinance by Council member Patsy Ward-Hoover failed by a 3-2 vote. The ordinance was to amend and preordain Section 2-8 of the Parish Code of Ordinances, relative to the order of business for parish council meetings. This would have amended the current 3 minute time limit for guest speakers to an unlimited amount of time. While Hoover and fellow Council member Chris Paige are inclined to let the public speak for any length of time at the Council meetings, Russell Rachal, Doug de Graffenried and Rodney Bedgood voted against the introduction of the ordinance. The School Board and City Council have time limits for public comments at their meetings. This is less not wanting to hear their constituents and more about holding a timely meeting.
Other agenda items included:
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The 44nd annual Melrose Plantation Arts and Crafts Festival is scheduled for this weekend, April 21-22, according to Vicki Parrish, president of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) and event sponsor.
More than 100 vendors will feature a myriad of hand-made items, many of which are one-of-a-kind. Among the items available to visitors will be original art works, stained glass, gourmet pickles and jellies, hand-made jewelry, clothing, photographs, plants, toys, woodworking products, wrought iron artwork, pottery and many other kinds of arts and crafts.
Melrose Plantation, located on Highway 119 in southern Natchitoches Parish, is a National Historic Landmark featuring eight historic structures. Guided tours of the plantation home, the “Big House,” will be available. Guides will also be present at the African House to explain its recent renovation and the display of the restored Clementine Hunter murals, which have returned to their original home.
The featured band, Reverend Charley’s Patent Medicine Show, is led by Charles “Reverend Charley” Ward who grew up in a musical family. The Reverend’s folk music reflects his earliest music memories of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, and Bob Dylan, all of whom influenced his style.
This year the newest addition to the Festival is ceramic demonstrations by NSU graduate students, James Stringer, Millard Mangrum, and NSU professors Patrick Ramke and Matt DeFord.
Many renowned writers and artists visited and lived at the plantations. Probably the best known resident of Melrose was Clementine Hunter, who came to the plantation as a field hand and taught herself how to paint using paints and brushes discarded by an artist. Hunter’s paintings have gained national and international notoriety, and some of her works hang in the Louvre in Paris. She is one of the most recognized primitive artists in Louisiana history, and her home is among the historic structures at Melrose.
The festival is sponsored by APHN and annually attracts more than 2,000 visitors during the two-day event. The Melrose Arts and crafts Festival will open at 9 am on Saturday and at 10 am on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12. Tickets for tours of the Big House are $5. Self-guided tours of the grounds and viewing of all the historic buildings are free.
PAID ADVERTISING
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Parish President Nowlin is seeking applicants to represent the Parish on the Northwest Louisiana Human Service District Board. The Northwest Louisiana Human Service District exists so that individuals with mental health, addictive disorders, and developmental disabilities residing in the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster are empowered, and self-determination is valued such that individuals live a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life. The District’s board consists of twelve members, comprised of residents from the nine member Parishes, with each Parish appointing one member, and three gubernatorial appointments from within the member Parishes. All board members serve a 3-year term, and have the option to serve up to three consecutive, 3-year terms. Appointments to the board are based on specific criteria, and vacancies are filled based on areas of expertise needed according to the sitting board’s composition. Currently, the board is in need of members who meet one or more of the following criteria:
A parent, consumer, or advocate in the field of developmental disabilities (this position will be appointed by the governor)
A parent, consumer, or advocate in the field of mental health (this position will be appointed by the governor)
Professional expertise in the field of substance-related and addictive disorders (this position will be filled by one of the member Parishes)
Professional expertise in the field of developmental disabilities (this position will be filled by one of the member Parishes)
Meetings are typically held on the third Monday night of each month at 1310 North Hearne Ave. in Shreveport at 5:30p.m. Meetings usually last about an hour and a half.
Persons interested in serving on the board should contact David Kees, Jr. with the Natchitoches Parish Government at 318.352.2714 or dkees@npgov.org. For more detailed information about the board you may contact Ms. Deanna Fowler at 318.332.8951.
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**UPDATE: RE-OPENED**
LA 120; just west of the I-49 intersection
Natchitoches Parish
Control Section No. 042-07
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public effective immediately La 120, just west of the I-49 intersection, in Natchitoches Parish, is open to the public.
The road was closed March 30 due to flooding/ high water.
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Twenty-three student athletes who played girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball and volleyball and cheered for the Eagles were recognized during senior night festivities held Friday, April 6, in the gym at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.
They are, front row, from left, Mary Edna Tanksley of Lake Providence, Adreanna Queen of Natchitoches, Aja Becker of New Orleans, Gracie Messina of Baton Rouge, Gabbi Blanchard of Houma, Makayla Dupre of Jeanerette, Kerry Doyle of Eros and Olivia Gotte of Iota; second row, from left, Lauren Rains of Zachary, Kiara Padilla of Fort Polk, Dennis Keo of Buras, Samantha Hernandez of Slidell, Gabriella Papillion of Oberlin, Allie Schleter of Lake Charles, Layna Auzenne of Opelousas and Hannah Miller of Baton Rouge; and third row, from left, James Rawls of Baton Rouge, Kevin Pan of Lafayette, Julian Hunter of Lafayette, Tyler Branch of Slidell, Alvaro Carvajal of Jefferson, Jessenia Ortiz of Oberlin and Niko Perez of Monroe.
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Northwestern State University hosted it’s 31st annual Research Day Thursday, an event that included a day of concurrent oral presentations, poster presentations, awards and a keynote address by Fulbright Scholar Dr. Patrice Moulton, a professor in NSU’s Department of Psychology.
Dr. Dennette McDermott, professor of flute in the School of Creative and Performing Arts was named this year’s winner of the Dr. Mildred Hart Bailey Faculty Research Award. Her research topic is “Something Lost and Something Gained: A Look into Historical Performance Practice of the 18th century.” The Bailey award is made for outstanding research or distinguished artistic performance and/or creative work substantially completed during the past three years.
Dr. James MacDonald, a professor of history in Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences, was named recipient of the Dr. Marietta LeBreton Louisiana Studies Award.
The LeBreton award honors faculty whose research careers have been dedicated to research regarding Louisiana topics. Nominees must demonstrate a sustained record of research on Louisiana topics or projects that illustrate a significant connection to Louisiana. MacDonald was recognized for research on the historic local figure John Sibley, a surgeon and Indian Agent, who moved to Natchitoches after the Louisiana Purchase.
Students Christina Arrechavala , a liberal arts major in the Louisiana Scholars’ College from Kenner, and Haley Jett, a biology major from Anacoco, were winners of the Phi Kappa Phi Student Research Awards, which recognize outstanding research, distinguished artistic performance or creative work completed by a student or team of students while enrolled at NSU. Students in all disciplines are eligible
Arrechavala’s research topic is “Computational Docking of Teixobactin to Lipid II – a Novel Antibiotic Mechanism that Avoids Antibiotic Resistance.” Her faculty sponsor is Dr. Massimo Bezoari, professor of chemistry.
Jett’s research topic is “Survey of Dirofilaria immitis Prevalence and Resistance to Preventive Medications in Natchitoches.” Her faculty sponsor is Dr. Cynthia Doffitt, professor of biology.
Isabella Jones of Saline was winner of the Student Design Award, presented to student who created the winning design for the Research Day program cover and poster. Jones is majoring in Fine + Graphic Art with a concentration in graphic communications.
Moulton’s keynote, “A Developing Field in a Developing Country” provided insight into her experience as a Fulbright Scholar in which she was selected to serve as a consultant and ambassador to Nepal to launch the country’s first degree program in counseling psychology.
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Northwestern State’s 4×100 meter relay teams each notched runner-up finishes Saturday at the Texas Invitational track and field meet, a day after De’Shalyn Jones’ school record 200 meter dash performance.
NSU’s top sprinters collected four top-eight performances in the women’s and men’s 100, and the women’s and men’s 4×100 relays on Saturday.
Jones, who broke her own school record with a 23.04 in the 200 Friday evening, clocked a season-best 11.78 in the 100 Saturday, third among collegiate runners and fifth overall. She also ran the second leg on the 4×100 relay with Daeshon Gordon, Deja Moore and Natashia Jackson, with their 46.12 time trailing only host Texas’ 45.56.
The Demons, who ran a 39.45 two weeks ago at the Texas Relays, posted a 40.35 by Kie’Ave Harry, Tre’Darius Carr, Micah Larkins and Michael McGruder and were outpaced by Princeton’s 40.05 but outran Texas and Houston, among others.
McGruder ran the fifth fastest-time (10.71) among college competitions and was ninth overall in the 100 (10.71). Harry ran 10.78 and Carr ran 10.90 in the event.
Lady Demon senior Daeshon Gordon did not compete in her specialty, the 100 meter hurdles, but posted a 1:03.06 time in the women’s 400 hurdles. Moore clocked 12.30 in the women’s 100.
Most of the NSU squad competed Saturday in Monroe at the Warhawk Classic. The entire squad unites next Saturday at the LSU Alumni Gold in Baton Rouge, then competes at home April 28 in the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational.
Photo Credit: Brendan Maloney
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The NSU Cello Ensemble will perform Wednesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the LSMSA Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. Jolie Gonzalez Masmala is the conductor.
The ensemble will perform “Pestilence, War, Famine and Death” by Patrick Grant, “Da pacem Domine” by Arvo Part and “Reminiscenes a ‘Robert le Diable’ de Giacomo Meyerbeer” by Jacques Offenbach.
Members of the NSU Cello Ensemble are Alejandro Restrepo Cardozo, Alonso Restrepo Cardozo, Paul Christopher, Alba Maloff, Milovan Paz and Jorge Rodriguez.
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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
WF “Dub” Watley
June 20, 1936 – April 13, 2018
Visitation: Monday, April 16 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, April 17 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Pine Grove Cemetery in Hagewood
James Rex Fair Sr.
December 18, 1936 – April 14, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, April 17 from 6-8 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 11 am at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: American Cemetery in Natchitoches
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
SABINE PARISH:
Harold Douglas Tilley Sr.
August 2, 1936 – April 14, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, April 18 at 9 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville
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:
Cleveland Paul Dauzat
June 25, 1924 – April 14, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, April 17 from 5-9 pm and Wednesday, April 18 from 8:30-9:30 am at the Kramer of Fifth Ward
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Interment: Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Fifth Ward
RED RIVER PARISH:
Carolyn Sue Adams
November 2, 1953 – April 13, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, April 17 from 6-9 pm at Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church
Service: Wednesday, April 18 at 11 am at Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church
Interment: Davis Springs Cemetery
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By Kevin Shannahan
Mother Nature may not have been entirely cooperative, but that did not stop the show as the newly renovated downtown riverbank was transformed into a musical powerhouse by the annual Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival, April 13-14. This year’s event, the 22nd edition of musical excellence, featured over 25 bands and singers on several stages playing everything from Zydeco to Jazz, Country and Rock to an enthusiastic crowd.
Friday evening saw the Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra setting the bar for the festival, followed by Ruston’s Swamp Donkey. Next up was Zydeco legend Wayne Toups, a perennial Louisiana favorite who had the crowd happily dancing the night away. Unfortunately weather concerns cut his performance short.
The festival came roaring back Saturday and continued the Festival’s tradition of featuring a wide variety of musical styles as well as encouraging local talent. Billy O’Con and Badd Apple rocked the house. The various NSU Jazz groups are a delight to listen to with their smooth as silk sound. The Lukejazz Trio, a longtime fixture on the Natchitoches music scene, provided the perfect ending for the discerning jazz fans at the Beau Jardin stage. Washington, D.C.’s 50 Man Machine brought what may very well be the first bagpiper to the Natchitoches Jazzfest, a most welcome addition!
The main stage was the place to be as the evening closed out on a high note. Natchitoches’ own Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs performed followed by Rick Derringer. The R&B Hall of Fame member Ohio Players fired up the crowd with a high energy set featuring some of their 17 Top-40 hits. The festival was closed by headliner Starship with Rock legend Mickey Thomas before an enthusiastic crowd. They kept the audience on their feet and moving with a high energy show featuring their classic standards. This year’s Jazz and R&B Festival was an enjoyable success.
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