St. Mary’s FBLA team traveled to Lafayette March 27 and competed in State FBLA with the following results:

Jay Parker 3rd place in Mr. FBL

Aaron Howell, David Thibodaux and Jeremy Friedel 3rd place in Sports and Entertainment Management

George Ingrish 2nd place in Organizational Leadership

Katelyn Yopp 6th place in Job Interview

Jensen Parker placed 7th in FBLA State in Introduction to FBLA

Aaron Howell 5th place in Insurance and Risk Management

Dylan Bennett 7th place in Computer Applications

St. Mary’s FBLA Current Events Team, Zachary White, Matthew Thibodaux and Jay Parker, placed 4th in the State

Students that competed, pictured on first row from left are Walker Jackson, Lexie Brossette, Katie Aldredge, Claire Guillet, Katelyn Yopp and Jensen Parker. On second row are Madeline Godfrey, Maggie Wheat, Renea Cunningham, Hannah Deranger, Sara Loach, Caroline Stokes, Sarah Stamey and Michael Guillet. On third row are Matthew Nelson, Jay Parker, Ryan Sampite, Jack Wright and Zachary White. On fourth row are David Thibodaux, Jeremy Friedel, Ashton Behrendsen, Matthew Thibodaux, Thomas Howell, George Ingrish and Wes Manuel.

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Boise Cascade Wood Products of Lena increased the amount of the scholarships they award to students from central Louisiana who major in engineering technology or computer information systems at Northwestern State University. The new commitment doubles the amount awarded to two students each year to $1,000 per year. First preference is given to students from Northwood High School in Lena, then open to other Rapides or Vernon parish students. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better to qualify.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce that Boise Cascade has increased their scholarship amount per year,” said NSU Development Officer Kimberly Gallow. “We are proud to continue the productive partnership Boise Cascade forged at NSU and thank them for their commitment to helping students.”

“Manufacturing companies such as Boise Cascade are in need of capable, energetic young professionals that can lead from the front and take control of the wood products future,” said Tommy Peek, Human Resources Generalist for Boise’s Alexandria Operations. “Everything we do and accomplish at Boise Cascade is driven by analytical performance gained only by the passion and dedication of its driving future. That future lies in the hands of the Demon Demographic.”

Peek said Boise Cascade is looking for young professionals that drive change not only on the analytical or spectral front of engineering, but in people and what it takes to gain emotional /cultural buy-in at the highest level. Those sentiments align with NSU’s commitment to working with industry partners to keep talent in Louisiana and strengthen the state’s economy.

“We believe that our highest, most cherished commodity in manufacturing is not the machines or the wood, but the people,” Peek said. “Our future leaders should have a passion for performance and team cohesion. They must have the aptitude and attitude to invoke change for the betterment of the product we at Boise Cascade provide and the futures that we build. Boise Cascade wants you to engage, provide and lead change and performance at every level possible. This scholarship is our first step in providing that opportunity to future leaders in manufacturing.”

Boise Cascade manufactures and markets engineered wood products with improved structural characteristics that use wood fiber more efficiently. Boise Cascade owns and operates the world’s two largest laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and I-joist manufacturing plants in Alexandria and White City, Oregon. Using leading edge manufacturing technology, Boise Cascade’s engineered wood products are environmentally friendly and provide engineers, architects, designers and builders with cleaner, simpler and more efficient design options.

Boise Cascade’s Lena plant is home to the company’s manufacturing regional office. Located there is an engineered wood product facility and a plywood mill. The plant is one of the two world’s largest laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and I-joist manufacturing plants. Boise Cascade also operates plywood mills in Oakdale and Florien. The company is a participant in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a comprehensive forest management program that is a combination of environmental responsibilities and sound business practices.

“We are extremely grateful to Boise Cascade for their outstanding support of our Engineering Technology programs,” said Dr. Jafar F. Al-Sharab, head of NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology. “Enrollment continues to grow in all our ET programs. Such scholarships represent a true manifestation of support to STEM-related fields. In addition, these scholarships will help us to meet the demand for technologists capable of using appropriate basic science including theory, mathematics and computational technology in support of Louisiana industry.”

The Northwestern State University Foundation serves the university, its students and faculty by securing financial resources to support scholarships, faculty development and academic programming. To learn more visit northwesternalumni.com.

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BOM is a $500 Sponsor is the APHN Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival next weekend, April 21-22. Pictured from left are Luke Lucky, Kirk Leone, Sherri Outlaw, Vicki Parrish (APHN President), Brittany Barton, Mary Hooper, and Meg Michael.

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New Northwestern State soccer co-head coaches Jess and Anna Jobe expanded their initial signing class by two players Tuesday.

The Jobes announced the signings of utility player Kiara Padilla and forward/midfielder Norma Trejo.

These two players increase NSU’s signing class to 12 after the Lady Demons inked 10 on Signing Day in February.

Padilla, a Leesville native, won’t have far to go after graduation from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts on NSU’s campus.

The three-time all-district performer won the District 2-5A’s MVP honor as a sophomore (played soccer for Natchitoches Central) along with an All-Cenla First Team selection (Alexandria Town Talk).

The Lady Chiefs reached the regional round of the playoffs three times.

“Kiara is a great kid who works extremely hard and is very mature,” Jess Jobe said. “She’s a fast learner who will develop quickly.

“We’re probably going to use her in more of a defensive role, but she can play in a variety of positions. She’s gritty — tough as nails — and she’s highly motivated to improver and move her career forward here.”

Trejo, a Baytown, Texas, native, led the Express Soccer Club to a South Texas State Cup championship in her junior season before playing in the national tournament.

The Express had finished as runner-ups in the South Texas State Cup in Trejo’s freshman and sophomore seasons.

After helping Ross S. Sterling High to the state playoffs in two seasons, Trejo participated in the Olympic Development Program on behalf of the Express club.

“Norma is an attacking player with a lot to offer,” Jess Jobe said. “She has technical ability, vision, creative and confidence on the ball.

“She has the ability to beat a player with her technical skill, but she can also beat players with passes and getting balls through.

“Norma is a blue-collar kid who’s going to work hard on both sides of the ball.”

Both Trejo (4.9 GPA) and Padilla (3.6 GPA) graduated with honors at their respective high schools.

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Northwestern State University will offer an American Red Cross Lifeguard Course in May. Times are 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, May 11; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, a 5-hour block of time to be announced.

Registration deadline is noon Wednesday, May 2.

The class will take place at the NSU Recreation Complex pool. A $250 NSU Rec Complex and American Red Cross Certification Fee includes an instructional book. Cindy Davis, aquatics director and an instructor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, will be the class instructor. Her contact information is cindyd@nsula.edu or (318) 357-6300.

Participants must contact Davis to schedule a swim pre-test before 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. Participants must meet all prerequisites on or before the registration deadline and submit a completed application, a signed letter of understanding, proof of age and the course fee, made payable to NSU Rec Complex.

Class size is limited to 15 participants and is filled on a first-come basis. There must be at least 10 registered participants per session for the course to be held.

Registration forms can be picked up at the NSU Rec Complex Pro Shop or can be requested via email at cindyd@nsula.edu.

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over. It also covers how bloodborne pathogens are spread, how to help prevent exposure incidents and how to recognize, report and follow up on employee exposures to infectious materials. The course content and activities prepare candidates to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drownings and injuries.

To increase the amount of hands-on training, the blended learning lifeguard course will be offered. This requires online training prior to attending the first in-person skill session. Books will be provided in an electronic format so it is imperative that students have access to the Internet and a laptop or tablet to access the material.

Successful completion of the course requires participation in skills practice, which require some strenuous physical activity. Participants are encouraged to check with their health-care provider before the practice sessions begin. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation or if there are questions about full participation, contact Davis to discuss the issue before the course begins.

Participants must be at least 15 years of age and must be able to demonstrate the following skills.

• Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

• Tread water for two minutes using only the legs. Candidates will place their hands under their armpits.

• Complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first to a depth of seven to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

The skill evaluation should be scheduled prior to registration for the course.

Upon successful completion of the lifeguarding course, each participant will receive an American Red Cross Universal Certificate indicating lifeguarding/first aid, which is valid for two years, and an American Red Cross Universal Certificate indicating CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, which is valid for two years, as well as an American Red Cross Universal Certificate indicating bloodborne pathogens training.

For more information, contact Davis at cindyd@nsula.edu or (318) 357-5301.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

James Rex Fair Sr.
April 13, 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

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
RAPIDES PARISH:

Dorothy McCann
June 26, 1925 – April 12, 2018
Service held April 15

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James Rex Fair, Sr. passed away last night at home April 13. 2018.  Funeral arrangements for are pending.

Natchitoches Parish School Board Superintendent Dale Skinner received a letter of intent from local voters league stating their opposition to the upcoming millage tax that’s being proposed by the NPSB for the April 28 election.

However, Skinner said that no one from the voters league has come to his office throughout this school year to talk to him. The letter (SEE BELOW) voiced the group’s concern over the “D” and “F” schools, to which Skinner said the grade banding they’ll be implementing next school year is the only way things will change the district’s situation.

“You are voting to hurt kids,” he said at the School Board meeting April 12. “You’re voting against students, not against Dale Skinner”

The April 28 election consists of one proposition to fund $19.7 million in 20-year General Obligation Bonds for the purpose of making the outlined District 9 school improvements (SEE BELOW). The estimated funding required in the first year for this proposal is a levy of 8.0 mills.

District 9 has a track record of growth in assessed property value. Why is this important? If District 9 assessed property values continue to increase in future years, millage will decrease in like proportion.

The proposition on the ballot focuses on renovations and new construction to positively position all District 9 schools for the future.

The issues:

Major mechanical, electrical and communication systems are at least 20 years old at schools and need major upgrades

Restrooms at all schools are in need of major refurbishing

Security fencing and camera systems at each campus should be updated

Outdoor activity spaces at most campuses are in need of repair or replacement

The cost of campus and building repairs exceeds normal maintenance funding

Natchitoches Jr. High has inadequate restrooms, gymnasium bleachers in need of replacement, a worn out parking lot and track, and no restroom or concessions facility for the public at the football field

Natchitoches Central High School is overcrowded and in need of additional classroom space

NCHS has completely outgrown the old field house and has no grandstand and restroom/concessions facility for the public at the football field

The plan:

The strategy for the District 9 Improvements Program is to address real needs at each campus in a responsible manner to enhance the learning environment for over 4,300 students. Critical long-term improvements are listed for each school with an emphasis on the following:

Modernization

Energy efficiency

Priority repairs and upgrades

Security and savings in maintenance costs

Enhancement and expansion of facilities and programs at the Jr. High and High School.

“If this doesn’t pass we’ll have to take the money we need for other things to keep the schools open and running,” said Skinner.

Early voting is April 14-21 (except Sunday, April 15) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is April 24 by 4:30 p.m. Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters). The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is April 27 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY AT THE COURTHOUSE

A Nevada man, wanted by the Louisiana Department of Corrections, was arrested April 12 during a traffic stop on I-49 in Natchitoches Parish according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies were patrolling on Interstate 49, north of Natchitoches, at 12:15 pm when they clocked a 2001 Chevrolet Impala traveling southbound Speeding 87 miles per hour in a posted 75 mph speed zone.

The operator of the vehicle immediately exited, walking to the rear where he placed a knife on the trunk. He was identified through a La. Identification Card as Donald E. Stoppa, 51 of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Deputies learned through a LSP computer drivers license/criminal history background that Stoppa’s driver’s license was suspended and he was wanted by the La. Department of Corrections since August 2017 for Felony Probation Violation on the original charges of 2-counts of Theft and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

The warrant was confirmed with La.DOC.

Additional NPSO Units responded to assist.

Stoppa was placed under arrest without incident, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Probation Violation with a hold for the Louisiana Department of Corrections-Baton Rouge, Speeding 87/75 and Driving under Suspension.

The vehicle was impounded by a local wrecker service until someone can make arrangements to pick it up.

Deputy M. Smith made the arrest assisted by Lt. B. Dalme.

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More than 400 Northwestern State University students, faculty, staff and alumni participated in the University of Louisiana System’s Day at the Capitol/Live on the Lawn event Wednesday, joining groups from Grambling, Louisiana Tech, McNeese, Nicholls State, Southeastern, UL-Lafayette, UL-Monroe and University of New Orleans who rallied in Baton Rouge to encourage state lawmakers to support TOPS and higher education. The event included student group performances and remarks from students, administrators, lawmakers and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards to encourage the state legislature to prioritize funding for higher education. The University of Louisiana System is the state’s largest higher education system with over 92,000 students enrolled at nine institutions.

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F.U.M.C. Boys Scouts Pack 60 received a donation from the Natchitoches area Jaycees. Jaycees member Christopher Lyles said, “The Jaycee’s are proud to offer their support to Cub Scouts Pack 60.” Cubmaster Blayne Henson said, “This donation will help fund the pack’s activities including hikes, philanthropies, and badge work supplies.” For more information regarding the F.U.M.C. Cub Scouts pack 60, email fumccubscoutspack60@gmail.com.

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The Natchitoches Parish 9-1-1 Communications District extends sincere thanks and appreciation during National Telecommunicator Week to each of our public safety call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors for helping to keep our parish safe.

Training, training, training … it’s the key to staying abreast of the latest in technology and operational awareness for our “first” first responders. April 15-21 will find four members of our local 9-1-1 public safety call taker/dispatcher teams in Marksville, where they will attend the annual Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and National Emergency Number Association statewide training symposium. As part of this event, two members of the Natchitoches Police Department (NPD) dispatch center and two members of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) dispatch center will attend two training classes. LaQuita Collins (NPSO) and Sybil Holland (NPD) will attend the APCO 40-hour Communications Supervisor Course, which is designed for prospective, newly appointed, or experienced communications supervisors who want to enhance their supervisory skills and knowledge. Topics covered in the 40-hour course are: the role of the supervisor in a public safety communications center, liability issues facing supervisors and how to guard against them, the importance of policies, procedures and directives, communications skills, self-assessment skills, and how to properly evaluate employee job performance and motivate employees to do their best.

In the aftermath of both man-made and natural disasters, public safety communications centers face tremendous challenges. One of the greatest challenges is maintaining adequate staffing levels. To help address this problem, APCO International and NENA joined hands to develop the Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT). TERT involves a comprehensive program that establishes predetermined trained teams of individuals (public safety call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors) who can mobilize quickly and assist communications centers in neighboring jurisdictions during disasters. Communications Officer Kimberly Green (NPSO) and Communications Officer Juankeitha Jones (NPD) will attend TERT training while at the symposium this year in Marksville.

Sponsorship of these four individuals at the annual Louisiana APCO Training Symposium is provided by the Natchitoches Parish 9-1-1 Communications District in cooperation with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and the City of Natchitoches Police Department.

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A suspicious person call on April 9 at 11:20 pm led to the arrest of a Campti man on felony narcotics charges according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to a suspicious person in the 500 block of US 71 near Fairview Alpha in north Natchitoches Parish. The caller reported hearing noises and when they looked outside, they observed their vehicle door open with the interior lights on. The complainant also witnessed a male riding a bicycle traveling northbound on US 71.

Deputies located the individual, identified as George Jackson of Campti, near the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line.

Deputies say while speaking with Jackson, they asked why he was riding his bicycle so late in which he responded he was exercising, however, he appeared very uneasy and nervous.

Deputies learned Jackson had a prior criminal history.

Deputies obtained permission to search Jackson’s person.

While Jackson voluntarily removed some items from his pockets, he dropped items on the ground and attempted to kick them out of the view of the deputy.

Deputies conducted a search of Jackson’s person, discovering a couple baggies of suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, a syringe containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe commonly used to smoke illegal narcotics.

Deputies arrested:

George Jackson, 57 of the 100 block of LeBrum Street in Campti, was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana, Second or Subsequent Offenses.

Jackson remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention with bond set at $11,500.

Deputies also learned no items were taken from the vehicle.

Deputy C. Caballero made the arrest.

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Open House this Sunday at 135 Franklin Lane in Natchitoches, LA.  Subway Sandwiches and Refreshments Served.
April 15, 12pm until 2pm

Diane Coatney – Real Estate Agent
Ph: 318-652-0388
diane@realty-use.net

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches will hold their annual Pancake Breakfast and 5K on Saturday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at NSU’s Collins Pavilion.

The club will offer pancakes FREE of charge to all guests. The breakfast itself will include pancakes, sausage and choice of beverage. Various events will take place throughout the morning including a pancake flipping contest and a pancake eating contest. Bounce houses provided by supporting sponsors will be available free of charge for children attending.

The Pancake Festival will once again host their 5k run\walk. Registration is $20 for children 12 and under and $25 for everyone else. Race t-shirts are guaranteed only for participants who register by April 16. After April 16, the registration fee will be $30 for all participants.

You can register online for the 5K at http://www.kiwanisclubnatchitoches.com.

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from this event will be used to support the many programs and projects carried out through the local club such as their Terrific Kids program, K-Kids, Key Club Circle-K and many others.

If you need further information, please contact Jill Leo at 318.652.7078.

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A student from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts received recognition for competing in swimming at Natchitoches Central High School. For the second year in a row, LiZhang Matuschka, a senior from Natchitoches, lettered in swimming and was awarded the Most Valuable Swimmer award. Pictured is Matuschka with Cindy Davis, aquatics coach for Natchitoches Central High School and a professor of health and human performance at Northwestern State University.

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The performance of Rick Derringer at this year’s Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival tonight at 6:05 – 6:50 p.m. is going to be made even more special this year with the inclusion of his old band mate from their days in Edgar Winter’s White Trash, saxophonist, Jon Smith.

Derringer and Smith, joined with Edgar Winter in 1969 to form Edgar Winter’s White Trash, and toured and recorded extensively over the next several years with the band. Their recordings included one of the most popular live albums of the era, Roadwork.

After their stint with the White Trash ended, Derringer and Smith drifted apart with each having prolific career’s in their own right. Derringer, of course, went on to record the hit album, All American Boy in 1973, which spawned the top ten single, Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo.

Since then, Derringer has performed continuously recording his own music as well as recording and producing for other artists, including Steely Dan, Barbara Streisand, and Edgar and Johnny Winter. He even composed wrestler Hulk Hogan’s theme song.

Along the way, Derringer found time to tour as a member of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band.

Smith, who is from southwest Louisiana, is one of the most well known and in-demand saxophone players in Rock & Roll history. He has toured and recorded with such artists as Boz Scaggs, The Doobie Brothers, Toto, and Sarah Vaughn.

Smith is now the owner and bandleader of the legendary Louisiana rhythm and blues group, The Fabulous Boogie Kings and performs regularly with the band.

It has been a quarter century since Derringer and Smith have performed together and both of them are very excited about the opportunity.

“I can’t wait to be on the stage with Jon again and hear him play some of that snotty sax,” laughed Derringer. “Jon is simply one of the finest tenor saxophonists you will ever hear. I am sure that sharing the stage with him again will bring back a lot of great memories.”

Smith said it’s far too long since he and his old friend have been on the stage together. “I can’t believe it has been 25 years,” said Smith. “It seems like only yesterday that Rick and I were travelling the circuit with Edgar and the White Trash, having a great time and playing some great music. This reunion is really going to be something special.”

Both artists expressed appreciation to the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs for helping get them back together.

“I played with The Moondogs a few years ago and had a blast,” said Derringer. “They are a great bunch of guys and really talented, professional musicians. It’s going to be a pleasure sharing the stage with them again.”

According to Smith: “I’ve been hearing about Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs for a long time and am looking forward to finally getting to play with them. To be able to do it on the same stage as my old friend, Rick, makes it even more special.”

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

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

Janice Marie Hennigan
February 5, 1950 – April 13, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, April 15 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Monday, April 16 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

Pamela Albright Ferguson
December 11, 1969 – April 9, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 14 from 9-10:30 am at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Saturday, April 14 at 1 pm in the Atlanta Cemetery in Atlanta

Bobby Wayne Horne
March 11, 1936 – April 11, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, April 14 from 5-9 pm at Southern Funeral Home in WInnfield
Service: Sunday, April 15 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in WInnfield

Floyd Sherman Parker Jr.
January 24, 1939 – April 9, 2018
Service: Saturday, April 14 at 1 pm at Southern Funeral Home

Luvada Sapp Wright
April 7, 2018
Service: Saturday, April 14 at 1 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Winnfield
Interment Winnfield City Cemetery
RED RIVER PARISH:

Clavoisiea Dupree
Service: Saturday, April 14 at 11 am at Higher Ground Ministries in Mansfield
Interment: Bonchest Cemetery in Mansfield

Barbara Price
Service: Saturday, April 14 at 12 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Interment: Zion Hill Cemetery in Mansfield

Charles Monroe
Service: Saturday, April 14 at 2 pm at the Lincoln Cemetery in Shreveport

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Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin has issued a severe weather advisory based upon information received this morning from the National Weather Service. According to the NWS, our area is expected to experience a significant severe weather threat on Friday afternoon, April 13, continuing until Saturday morning, April 14.

On Friday afternoon, there exists the possibility of strong winds, heavy rain (3-4 inches), large hail and tornadoes. The amount of rainfall could cause localized flooding conditions. The rain could continue until early Saturday morning

After the cold front moves through our area, temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-30s to upper 50s late Saturday through Monday morning.

All citizens are encouraged to take necessary precautions in advance of the weather threat, and to exercise caution when travel is necessary.

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The Natchitoches parish School Board received the 2017 Audit Report from David Engel of Fortenberry and Ballard at its committee meeting April 10.

Financial and Legal Compliance Report and an additional Agreed Upon Procedures Report (done this year because it’s required by the state, which adds additional cost to the audit). Looked at 33 different points of internal control, payroll, budgeting process and everything and there were no major findings to report.

Independent Auditors Report:

Looked at Governmental activities and some major funds including General Fund, Child Nutrition Fund, Title I Funds, Consolidate School District #10 Maintenance Marthaville Fund, and aggregate remaining fund information. All the fund reports were unmodified.

Governmental Activities however, qualified the report for the second year in a row mainly due to capital assets and evaluation. This means they don’t have 100% certainty as far as the numbers on the governmental wide statement of net position (See Financial Statement Findings #1 in article below).

Last year there were some issues with the Title I Program about some monies that were overcharged that had to be paid back. This program was audited again along with the lunch program and there were no written findings to report, which means that everything has been cleared off the books at this point.

State Legal Compliance Items:

1- fiscal activity, which has been on the books for a while with the Consolidated School District #8 fund which has a deficit fund balance. Although it’s been that way for a while now, it’s improving. May end up coming off the books next time.

2- getting out reports- The district’s CPA quit in December which is right at the 6 month point. This year the report was issued Feb. 9. Change of business manager also exacerbated the situation somewhat. This finding should end up clearing itself up next year.

Financial Statement Findings:

1- record keeping of capital assets- Previous CPA had records of school district’s assets, but, the School District should be the gatekeeper of its records. Now it’s a matter of finding out what they have and getting it put on their records. Whatever is tilted to the district is not kept on a ledger that is property of the Natchitoches Parish School Board. The opinion had to be modified because there was no certainty as to the evaluation of the assets (some $30 million). The new CPA is using the same numbers the district had last year, the ones used by the previous CPA. All the new CPA is doing is moving the numbers forward.

2- interfund transfers- When transferring from one fund to another, there needs to be a reason why you’re doing it. It’s hard to tie this puzzle together, but it may be system related to the district’s accounting system. The new CPA is trying to map all of these out.

3- new discovery with budgeting- The Title I Fund is a major fund, which means it has 10% of revenues and expenditures compared to all the funds. It has to be shown separately on the fund financial statements. The new CPA couldn’t put together a budget that could be formatted into their accounting. Director of Finances Richard Foshee said the district has a budget, it’s just not in their accounting system. This is something that can be corrected.

Items voted on at the April 12 Board meeting included:
Enter into a contract with Ecco Ride for student transportation services
Mechanical and electrical upgrades at Lakeview and Fairview Alpha
Vinyl Floor Covering for various rooms at East Natchitoches, LP Vaughn and Weaver
Permission to exercise renewal option with Ralston Exterminating for 2018-19 fiscal year
Approve memorandum of understanding for Natchitoches Parish School Board to work with Northwestern State University and their Clinical Residency and Field Experience students

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By Reba

I made one last Christmas shopping trip last year on Dec. 23, even though I vow every year to be finished by Dec. 1. Maybe next year. I was browsing the board game aisle because that’s what 11-year-olds and college freshmen love. In fact, I’m pretty sure one of my children called it the “bored” game aisle.

I ran into one of my first great loves. I knew within the depths of my soul this would bring us hours of entertainment. We’d spend the holidays nestled by the fireplace. I had visions of us laughing, joking, drinking hot chocolate and inviting friends and neighbors over to join in the fun.

Kind of like a trailer for a Hallmark Christmas movie.

I quickly snatched the 500 piece puzzle and gently placed it in my buggy as if it were the last one. I knew there were 10 more just like it on the shelf, but I was ready to start making memories. When I got home I proudly showed the puzzle to my daughters. I was met with much less enthusiasm than I expected.

I’m sure they were just trying to compartmentalize the joy and excitement they were feeling. That’s okay. I was too. Overlooking their lack of enthusiasm I cleaned off the kitchen table. I’d already done the math. With three people and 500 pieces we should be done before the Christmas meal had to be served on the table. This should have been the case.

Jigsaw Puzzles 101 teaches you to build your edges first. Simple right? Well, should have been. This particular puzzle didn’t have all straight edges. It boasted several oddly shaped interlocking pieces that formed the edges. That’s okay. I just had to use the left part of my brain more than I anticipated during my vacation. Building the edges should not have crept past Christmas Day and Christmas dinner, but it did.

The next task consisted of sorting the rest of the pieces into colors or patterns. This should have been an easy task but this village featured lots of snow and a multi-hued winter sky pattern. It also had various people and pets in the picture.

At New Year’s Eve I barely had the edges and the first snowy bank completed. My children had long since moved on with their lives. I was enticing anyone who had a pulse to stop by for a snack, a glass of wine…..and, “oh would you like to help with my puzzle?” This puzzle predicament soon became the fodder of all my Snap Chat stories. I would sit at my table for hours on end staring, hoping and praying that something would make sense.

Maybe the next piece would be the catalyst that would make all of these other pieces fit. I was even contemplating using scissors to reshape some of the pieces. Yes, it was mid-January and I planned on cheating. I was trying to force pieces to fit where they clearly wouldn’t. If the sky piece matched the bricked cottage size-wise I forced it in. I was past caring. I even started an email to the puzzle company to let them know I had purchased a lemon puzzle and needed a replacement quickly.

Towards the beginning of February, my friends began avoiding my calls. When asked what I had planned after work or on weekends I just reminded them I was living in puzzle purgatory and please move on without me.

But, this was okay because I had an untapped market. A secret weapon. While sitting at my table one Saturday, my youngest walked through the kitchen with her friends. They were young, healthy, none of them wore glasses, and they were more than eager to help this desperate mother fulfill her mission in life.

This was the turning point in my puzzle predicament. The pieces began to fit. I was a matter of minutes away from the moment I’d been waiting for. It was Feb. 10 and the final destination was approaching.

Suddenly, without warning, my dreams were crushed. I was one piece short. The man hours logged for this project were astronomical and I wasn’t able to complete it! While I was ready to fire off email #2 to the puzzle maker utilizing my four letter vocabulary, I chose to reflect.

This breathtakingly beautiful “Twilight in the Village” scene had me on the verge of: friends questioning my sanity, cheating, offering kids money, and forcing pieces to fit.

All for what?

I sat there alone at my kitchen table running my hand over the puzzle, marveling at the workmanship and cleverness of puzzles. I couldn’t help but think what life is like when all of the pieces fit. When the pieces fit they interlock and become one large picture because that’s the way they were designed. It’s an overwhelming thought. When we try to force things that are ill-fitting, ill-timed and outside of God’s will for us we will always end up in despair and lacking peace.

We were all created with a void that only one thing satisfies. I kept the imperfect puzzle as a reminder.

“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Mathew 6:33

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