A Letter of Intent for a Master’s of Science in Computer Information Systems at Northwestern State University has been approved by the State Board of Regents. The degree program is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System and the Board of Regents.

The 33-hour degree program would be offered completely online, the only program of its type offered by a public college or university in Louisiana. Students would take nine required classes along with two electives.

The required classes are advanced cyber security, strategic data management and analysis, advanced data communication systems, data structures and algorithm analysis, strategic information systems project management, applied project management, strategic application of enterprise software, research methods in computer information systems and research project and/or thesis.

The elective choices are emerging technologies and human-computer interaction, advanced mobile development, information assurance and decision support systems.

“This degree program will allow students to enhance their existing information technology skills,” said Curtis Penrod, coordinator of the computer information systems program. “CIS has been a growth area in the Louisiana job market for the last few years and this degree allows NSU to help meet the needs of that market.”

Three of the top 10 largest areas of growth requiring a baccalaureate degree are in the computer information system field. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree can return to college to increase computer information systems skills and develop new skills. Those who complete the adult learning and development concentration will have the skillset to teach in community colleges, technical colleges and other venues. Those without information systems backgrounds can develop new skills to change to an occupation with a higher salary and larger number of job prospects.

The master’s program would build up on Northwestern State’s nationally recognized bachelor’s program in computer information systems. Enrollment in the program has increased from 120 students to 275 in the last two years with the assistance of a grant from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and CSRA. The program was ranked first in the nation by bestcollegereviews.org. Students in the undergraduate program have won 17 national championships in the last 17 years at the Association of Information Technology Professionals National Collegiate Conference.

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Funeral services for Janice Lynn Potter, 36, of Robeline, LA, will be held on Friday, March 30, 2018 at 3:00 PM at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Jared Vincent officiating. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at 5:00 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home, Many, LA.

Janice Lynn Potter was born on Tuesday, July 7, 1981 in Alexandria, LA. She passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Wallace Potter; maternal grandparents, John and Polly Harris; paternal grandfather, Wallace Potter; and her grandmother, Lois Daniels.

She is survived by her parents, James and Joan Daniels of Robeline, LA; sisters: Joyce Scott of Robeline, LA, Jodi Stone and husband Randy of San Antonio, TX, Joanie Potter of Robeline, LA and Jamie Cotton and husband Chris of Robeline, LA; brother, John Potter of Many, LA; grandmother, Elouise Potter of Many, LA; step-brothers: Chris Daniels and wife Melinda of Marthaville, LA, Tommy Daniels and wife Janice of Alexandria, LA and Phillip Daniels and wife Wendy of Mansfield, LA; special nieces and nephews: Preston Scott, Reagan and Ethan Stone, Joseph Hilton, Seth Potter, Caden Miller, Connor Vanhook, Christian Potter, Keegan Cotton, Kathryn, Asheleigh and Dylan Daniels, Cordell Daniels, Emily and Abby Daniels; along with a host of friends.

Pallbearers: Tommy Coburn, Matina Dorsey, Yancy Vallery, Chris Cotton, Randy Stone, Phillip Daniels, Kenneth Coburn and Jeff Potter.

Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.warrenmeadows.com

Paid Notice

Kevin’s Gallery

The Northwestern State University and Natchitoches communities trailed from Hawaii to Germany, and everywhere in between, as NSU’ Department of Hospitality Management and Tourism presented its popular event: International Festival of Culture and Cuisines March 27 on Front Street. The family-friendly event highlighted the food, music, games and other features of countries and/or cultures around the world.

Students from NSU’s HMT and culinary arts programs wore costumes to coordinate with the themes of each booth representing a different culture and served food items representative of that culture’s cuisine. Student musicians provided entertainment and some demonstrations of foreign cultures.

Cultures represented this year included Louisiana, Morocco, Latin America, France, Italy, Greece, Australia, Hawaii, Ireland, Jamaica and Germany.

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MidSouth Bank awarded a $7,000 grant to Campti homeowner Cora Coldiron to make safety repairs to the structure of her home.

The funding was made available through the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas’ SNAP program.

Coldiron was able to repair and replace damaged floors, windows and doors.

“I look forward to working with FHLB on an annual basis in obtaining grant funding to assist homeowners with making structural repairs to their homes,” said MidSouth Bank Community Outreach Development Specialist LaCarsha Babers. “Although funds run out quickly, our goal is to assist as many households as we possibly can.”

Eligible expenditures under the program include repair/replacement of a leaking roof; replacement of sheetrock due to rotten, molded or damaged walls; and repairs or installation of a wheel chair ramp and/or modifications to make to the home handicap accessible.

SNAP is not a home improvement program; rather, it is a grant for home repairs, rehabilitation and modifications. Home rehabilitation or modification projects must be structurally necessary, or made for the safety of the special needs resident.

Although funds for 2018 have been exhausted, MidSouth Bank expects to have funding available again in 2019.

About MidSouth Bancorp, Inc.
MidSouth Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, with assets of $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2017. MidSouth Bancorp, Inc. trades on the NYSE under the symbol “MSL.” Through its wholly owned subsidiary, MidSouth Bank, N.A., MidSouth offers a full range of banking services to commercial and retail customers in Louisiana and Texas. MidSouth Bank currently has 48 locations in Louisiana and Texas and is connected to a worldwide ATM network that provides customers with access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Additional corporate information is available at MidSouthBank.com.

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Lose weight, feel great and get healthy with Outpatient Medical Center’s Health Summit Wednesday, April 4 at 11 am at the Natchitoches Events Center, located at 750 Second Street in Natchitoches. OMC Inc. Chief Executive Officer Carl Walters will offer special comments. The event will feature introduction and onsite sign-up opportunities for the Change Your Lifestyle: Change Your Life (CYL2) Program.

Health screenings will be available for blood glucose checks, hypertension checks and depression and anxiety screenings. Certified Medicare counselors will be available to answer all of your Medicare questions. There will also be cooking demonstrations and a Zumba class.

The CYL2 Program is powered by Black Women’s Health Imperative (bwhi.org).

Outpatient Medical Centers, Inc.
1640 Breazeale Springs St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
1-800-268-5872

OMC Inc. is now accepting new patients and welcomes active duty, reserve, retired military Veterans and their families. OMC Inc. now offers Certified Medicare Counseling. Visit our website at http://www.outpatientmedical.org.

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An Easter egg Hunt will be held at the Flora Community Center Saturday, March 31 from 11 am – 4 pm to benefit Weaver Methodist Church. The Community Center is located at 1500 Hwy. 120 in Flora.

Fish plates will be on sale for $8 from 11 am – 2 pm. The egg hunt is open to children ages 0-11. Other activities include face painting, character drawing, a teen treasure hunt for ages 12-16, a silent auctions and spring pictures.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Harry Edward Hawthorne Jr.
April 12, 1938 – March 25, 2018
Service: Thursday, March 29 at 11 am at St. Augustine Church, located in Isle Breville in Natchez

Janice Lynn Potter
Visitation: Thursday, March 29 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Friday, March 30 at 3 pm at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints
Interment: Prospect Cemetery

Wilson Anderson
March 27, 2018
Arrangements TBA

John Below, Sr.
March 25, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, April 1 from 6-10 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel and Monday, April 2 fro, 11 am – 1 pm at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 911 5th Street in Natchitoches
Service: Monday, April 2 at 1 pm at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum
RAPIDES PARISH:

Harvey Glynn Pinder
April 5, 1948 – March 26, 2018
Service: Wednesday, March 28 at 11 am at Northside Baptist Church in Montgomery
Interment: Mt. Zion Cemetery in Montgomery

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A free clothing boutique for students enrolled in the Business program at the Natchitoches Campus of Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is officially open for business.

Business Instructors Kacey Rogers and Marné Deranger created the CLTCC Business Boutique to help students dress for success when going to job interviews and transitioning to the workforce.

“When you dress to impress, you dress for success,” said Deranger. “However, many of our students do not have the resources necessary to make a great first impression when interviewing with a potential employer. The Business Boutique can help address this resource gap.”

CLTCC has a carefully curated collection of donated professional clothing for students to check out. Carey Carruth Hamblin, a business student, helped create the boutique, and she is in charge of checking clothing in and out. Students are required to return the clothing items previously checked out before checking out additional items. All items must be clean and in good condition when they are returned.

Contributions are welcome from faculty, staff and the community. You can donate new and gently used professional clothing and accessories. These items, after being quality checked, will be placed on racks for students to try on and check out. Items that do not meet standards will be donated to local charities.

In addition, instructors host two “Dress for Success” days per month where students are expected to attend class in professional attire. During these two days, instructors mentor and counsel students on how to dress for the job they want. Instructors also help students prepare for questions they will be asked during job interviews. A variety of professionals from the community also are brought in to assist.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Marné Deranger at 318-357-3162.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than 20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for good-paying jobs. CLTCC serves nine parishes in Central Louisiana through its seven locations and provides instruction in three state prisons and two federal correctional institutions. For more information, visit http://www.cltcc.edu.

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Declare 43 Dumpsters at the ADM Facility and at 1747 Hwy. 6 Surplus Property and to enter into a Sale Agreement with Waste Connections of La, Inc., to convey the Surplus Property to Waste Connections for $4,300
Adopt millage rate for tax year 2018 (Public Safety Tax of 10 mills and General Alimony Tax of 7.030 mills)
Execute agreement with the Louisiana Office of Community Enrichment Fund for improvements to the City water system
Amend Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances to adopt Section 4-8 “Special Event Permit” for the sale of alcoholic beverages at special events held in the City

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Declare movable property to be surplus and convey to the Fire Protection District No. 4 of Natchitoches Parish (31 self contained breathing apparatus air cylinders
Award bid for the Pavilion Building at the Natchitoches Tennis Complex to Vista Construction Group LLC of Monroe for $312,615
Award bid for Christmas Lighting Supplies to Dean Nida & Associates LLA of Sarasota, Fla. for $27,110
Award bid for the St. Denis Water Line Replacement and Street Rehabilitation Project to Progressive Construction Co. of Alexandria for $793,520

RESOLUTIONS:

Approve the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan for the Natchitoches Regional Airport, naming Larry Cooper as Response Coordinator, and authorizing Cooper to execute the Spill Prevention, Control And Countermeasure Plan on behalf of the City
Re-appoint Henry Kinberger and appoint Johnny Broussard as members of the Natchitoches Fire And Police Civil Service Board
Execute Change Order No. 2 to the contact between the City and Merrell Bros. Inc. for the Dredging Of Chaplin’s Lake in the amount of $48,991 for a total of $626,491 and execute a Certificate Of Substantial Completion for the project
Execute Change Order No. 3 to the contract between the City and Regional Construction, L.L.C. for the Rue Beauport Riverfront- Drive Renovations in the amount of $31,710 for a total of $412,631 and execute a Certificate Of Substantial Completion for the project
Approve an easement or servitude and right of way for extension of sidewalks across property of Immaculate Conception Church to place handicap accessible ramps at the Northeast corner of the intersection of Second and Trudeau Streets
Execute Change Order No. 5 to the contract between the City and Progressive Construction Co. for the Lafayette Street Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $99,202 for a total of $892,351 and execute a Certificate Of Substantial Completion for the project

REPORTS:

Pat Jones – Financial Report (SEE DOCUMENTS BELOW)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be April 10
The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed Friday, March 30 for Good Friday

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Mary Teekell reached out to the NPJ with concerns regarding a portion of Hicks Road and the removal of a fire hydrant in that area.

The problem Teekell and many of her neighbors face, as residents of Oak Point Estates, is that while they are annexed into the City of Natchitoches and pay City taxes, they must travel parish roads like Hicks Roads to get to their City streets.

The section of Hicks Road in question is about 150 yards where the potholes have been filled in with a grayish combination of bottom ash and winn rock. While this combination sets up hard, it’s caused the width of the road to increase as more material is added to combat the ever present pot hole problem.

As the road steadily got closer to a fire hydrant in the vicinity, it eventually became close enough that a motorist hit it Sunday, March 25. Workers came out and removed the hydrant Monday and will install a new hydrant in a new location within the same vicinity.

The NPJ spoke with Parish President Rick Nowlin and Mayor Lee Posey on Monday, March 26, and they confirmed that they’re trying to work something out to fix Hicks Road. It’s been in the planning stages for a while now, according to Nowlin and they’re just waiting on a sufficient stretch of good weather.

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Responders were dispatched to a structure fire at 937 Harling Lane on Monday, March 26 at 7:37 pm. No one was in the house at the time of the fire. No more information is available at this time.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism, are proud to announce that eight communities from across Louisiana are officially Louisiana Retirement Certified Areas. The Encore Louisiana Commission worked for over three months on naming these specific locations across the state that are now certified and focused on bringing retirees to enjoy their “encore” at life.

“These eight communities represent all of Louisiana and what we have to offer,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “With nearly 76 million baby boomers nearing retirement in the coming years, many states are working to draw them to their areas, and we thought we should take advantage to not only grow tourism but help spur economic development.”

The eight communities that have been certified include: Lafayette; Lake Charles; Natchitoches; Ruston and Lincoln Parish; Toledo Bend and Sabine Parish; Shreveport-Bossier City; Houma and Terrebonne Parish; and Thibodaux.

Criteria that was used in selecting the first eight communities included: climate; demographics; tax structure at the state and local levels; local housing availability; public safety and crime index; employment and volunteer opportunities; healthcare and medical services; public transportation; recreational areas; and festival and fairs, just to name a few.

Each of these communities have demonstrated qualities that make them premier locations for retirees. Part of being certified as a retirement area includes state-level marketing effort inclusion, networking opportunities and possible grant funding to support the program and help it grow. More communities will be chosen in the coming years as the program expands in order to attract a larger number of retirees.

The Encore Louisiana Commission was mandated by the Legislature in 1999 as the Louisiana Retirement Development Commission to market and promote Louisiana as a retirement community state. In 2009, the Legislature renamed the commission as the Encore Louisiana Commission with the goal of setting guidelines and requirements in developing criteria for a destination to become a Louisiana Certified Retirement Community. For more information visit https://www.louisianatravel.com/retire.

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Kevin’s Gallery

Northwestern State University’s Army ROTC Demon Regiment held its annual military ball in the student union’s ballroom Saturday, March 24th. Alumni who served in conflicts from the Korean War through Afghanistan and Iraq were joined by the current cadets, instructors and guests in celebrating the remarkable group of young men and women who will take their place as Army officers upon graduation. The event also honored four of the Regiment’s alumni for their accomplishments in the military and in their civilian lives with induction into the Demon Regiment Hall of Fame. Honored were: Colonel James F. Bowie, Colonel Richard G. Brown, Major Leonard “Ted” Fowler and Lieutenant Colonel Edward T. Milligan. NSU ROTC 2011 graduate Captain Jimmie Watson delivered the keynote address to the assembly.

The alumni of the Demon Regiment also reach back to help the current cadets achieve their goals. Captain Kristen Enlow, Captain Brittany Janice and First Lieutenant Alejandro Cespedes have each established scholarships intended to help cadets that need assistance in completing their education. Retired Major General Erbon W. Wise established the Touchstone Award giving the chosen graduating cadet a voucher for an Army Service uniform to start off his or her career.

Northwestern State University has hosted Army ROTC for the past 68 years. Over its history, 1,057 young men have become Army officers through the program and have gone on to serve our nation with distinction in peace and war. Several current cadets are also serving in the National Guard and have gone with their units to assist communities stricken by the recent floods. ROTC is a force for good in our nation, a meritocracy blind to race or creed in which a person’s character and work ethic can take them far.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the night’s photography. Copy protection is off and anyone may download any photos they wish.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Boot Camp April 3 and 5 from 8 a.m. until noon.

The class will be on the second floor of South Hall on NSU’s Natchitoches campus. The fee is $50 for those who pre-register and $75 on the day of class.

Students will receive study tips and a review of TEAS sections on reading, math, science and English.

For more information, call (318) 357-6355, (800) 376-2422 or go to nsula.edu/ece/non-credit-programs.

Aaron Beaubouef, FFA Advisor and Ag Teacher at natchitoches Central High School, spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club at its meeting March 26. He brought three FFA Senior Officers with him, who are also graduating seniors.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without them,” said Beaubouef.

The seniors are Brooklyn Hampton, Brooklyn Martin and Frank Lester. They shared the FFA motto with the club, which is: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Love, Living to Serve.

“We wanted to leave a legacy within our chapter by becoming more involved in the community,” said Hampton. “FFA has been a big opportunity for us to grow and a great way for us to develop our passions.”

Some FFA members volunteered at the Kasey’s Heart and Soul event, which benefits the Louisiana Lions Camp.

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Natchitoches Water Works #1 Distribution System is experiencing low pressure problems in the Oak Grove Area of the water supply system. This drop in system pressure below 15 pounds has been caused by damage to a fire hydrant on Hicks Rd.

Because of this drop in system pressure, the water within the water distribution system is of questionable microbiological quality.

Therefore, as a precaution, the Water Works #1 Distribution System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately from Hicks Road down to Sibley Lake. This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Water System.

It is recommended that all consumers along Hicks Road and any side roads down to Sibley Lake disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

This Boil advisory does not affect the City of Natchitoches Water Distribution System.

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A significant rain event is in the forecast for the Natchitoches area mid week. The Cane River Waterway Commission asks residents to check property and secure loose items located on docks, piers, walkways, boathouses, etc. Additionally, make sure ropes used to secure boats are in good condition, as the lake historically can rise fast.

Current, March 26, pool stage level is 98.2 MSL. Flood Stage (lake closing) level is 99.0 MSL. Normal pool stage level is 98.0 MSL

Making decisions should be based on information from the National Weather Service, Governmental Agencies, and personal knowledge of property. For more information contact Betty Fuller at 318-617-3235.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Elsie Swindle Taggart
May 12, 1931 – March 24, 2018
Service: Tuesday, March 27 at 10 am at Memory Lawn Cemetery

John Below, Sr.
March 25, 2018
Arrangements TBA

RAPIDES PARISH:

Thomas Donald Hill
March 29, 1936 – March 24, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, March 27 from 11am – 2 pm at Holloway Baptist Church
Service: Tuesday, March 27 at 2 pm at Holloway Baptist Church
Interment: Holloway Baptist Church Cemetery

Paul Richard Dustane Jr
October 22, 1948 – March 23, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, March 27 from 8-10 am at Kramer Funeral Home in Alexandria
Service: Tuesday, March 27 at 10 am at Kramer Funeral Home
Graveside Service: Tuesday, March 27 at 3 pm at Greenoaks Cemetery in Baton Rouge

Elizabeth Ann Flynn
July 3, 1942 – March 23, 2018
Service: Tuesday, March 27 at 1 pm at Our Lady of Propmt Succor in Alexandria

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By J. R. “Randy” Stelly

I took great pains in researching this article. Most of the pain came from watching the Parish Council meeting held March 19th numerous times! I’d like to thank The Journal for broadcasting the Council meetings so that folks like me who are out of town can stay informed about what is going on in the Parish.

A well planted lie is like an invasive weed with deep rooted tentacles that is hard to kill. Since the first year of the Home Rule Charter in 2013, former police jurors have been diligently seeding the fertile ground that is the rural and African American communities of our Parish. At this month’s meeting, Chris Paige harvested a bumper crop!

The number of lies told at the meeting was simply astounding and Chris Paige’s ego puffed up bigger and bigger as each one was told. I give him credit for his masterful manipulation of the gullible people in this Parish!

Chief among the lies was that the Parish President makes $160k a year. The President’s salary was set at $80k by the voters when the H.R.C. was passed (See Parish President Set..below). The salary is increased only when the Social Security Administration authorizes a cost-of-living adjustment. The only other way that the President’s salary may increase is by a vote of the Council in the form of an Ordinance.

Another major lie, this one told by Janice Perry, is that over half of those people employed under the police jury have lost their jobs. In order for her statement to have been true, over 100 people would have had to lose their jobs! It’s absurd to insinuate that a government should never terminate an employee. Unfortunately, it does not surprise me one bit that Ms. Perry wants to return to a form of government that allows employees to get paid for leave regardless of whether or not they had any time accrued and also allowed the Head Start program to run up huge deficits!

Mr. Richard Black (see below), a registered sex-offender, lied when he addressed the meeting and stated that “they claim they ain’t got no money to fix our rural roads, but they got $4 million to spend on this lakefront down here…” I have heard this lie told numerous time. The Parish Government had no involvement, financial or otherwise, in the renovations to the City of Natchitoches’ riverfront and had no control over the fact that the Cane River Waterway Commission did pour money into the Project.

Finally, while Councilman Rodney Bedgood didn’t tell an outright lie, he did demonstrate that he doesn’t understand the form of government that he took an oath represent. Even under the police jury form of government, police jurors were prohibited from interfering in the day-to-day operations of the Parish. And while Parish Council members do not have direct supervision over employees, they do have direct control over almost every aspect of the government’s operations (See Document A below). The Council approves salary ranges, the hiring of department heads, insurance benefits, annual budgets, capital outlay plans and so much more!

The Home Rule Charter form of government offers a checks-and-balances system that did not exist under the police jury. Go back and read the audits for the last 4 years and you’ll see that, under the HRC, the Parish has had no major findings. The same cannot be said for the police jury who was fraught with budget overruns and violated the law even in its last months of existence (See document B)! We need to focus on finding a solution for funding road improvements, not on how to destroy the Parish in its entirety by going back to a police jury!

Parish President Salary Set by Charter

Document A

Document B

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By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Northwestern State University’s Prather Coliseum was transformed into what was arguably the finest restaurant in the state March 23 as 21 area establishments and 10 bars presented their best seafood dishes and drinks to over 650 Northwestern State supporters. The event goers enjoyed some of the best seafood dishes to be found anywhere while supporting our hometown university. NSU’s different colleges also held raffles and other fundraisers.

The Flavor of Louisiana is a signature fundraiser for NSU’s Columns Fund. The money raised will be used to further the Columns Fund’s mission of supporting NSU students with scholarships, as well as providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to reach out to the surrounding community. The event is expected to raise over $50,000 for this worthy cause.

Louisiana’s Lt. Gov., Billy Nungesser, returned as the guest of honor for the event. His office, in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Board, provided the $18,000 worth of seafood served that night. The Louisiana Seafood Board is charged with promoting the use of seafood from Louisiana’s waters. The dinner featured each of the six species of fish, alligator, crab, oyster, shrimp and crawfish that are native to our state. Lt. Gov. Nungesser and the Seafood Board thought of the Flavor of Louisiana event as a way to both promote the use of local seafood and as a way to raise needed funds for our state’s college’s and universities.

Friday’s Flavor of Louisiana marks the second year of what will hopefully be many more. The Bayou State features some of the best seafood to be found anywhere!

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating tonight’s photography. Copy protection is off and anyone may download any they wish. If you do see a photo you like, please consider a donation to the NSU Foundation in lieu of payment. Let’s help make Northwestern State University an even better place!

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The threat of heavy rainfall and flooding are still on track for this week, especially from Tuesday through Thursday. The threat of heavy rainfall and flooding will increase during the upcoming week due to a slow-moving upper level low coupled with a series of stalled frontal boundaries. The axis of heavy rainfall will gradually shift southeast from the middle Red River Valley on Tuesday night through Wednesday and Thursday with the heaviest amounts generally along and south of the I-30 corridor where 4-6 inches are expected with isolated higher amounts possible. Rain will gradually taper off late Thursday night through Friday morning.

Timing and Overview:

A slow-moving upper level low coupled with a series of stalled frontal boundaries will result in widespread showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall gradually shifting southeast from the middle Red River Valley on Tuesday through Wednesday and Thursday with the heaviest rainfall amounts generally along and south of the I-30 corridor. Rain will gradually taper off Thursday night through Friday morning. Flash flooding and additional river flooding are likely to occur.

Four State Impacts:

Expected Accumulations: A wide swath of 3-6 inches area-wide with the heaviest rainfall axis along and south of I-30 where 4-6 inches are expected and some isolated higher amounts possible.

Impacts: Flash flooding threat will certainly exist, but recent dry period has helped soils to return to near normal moisture. A Flash Flood Watch may be warranted. Additional river flooding is also expected with most area waterways hovering near flood stage or still remaining in flood.

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One Natchitoches youth’s Facebook Post quickly went viral. John Robert Dodd, 6.5-year-old student at Weaver Elementary was concerned after he came home from school one day. His school had just held a lock down drill. This in the wake of certain school shootings across the country, brought his parents, Diane and Cherie Dodd, to share with him what happened during the Florida school shooting last month.

“We try to keep him out away from political and news events,” said Diane. “However, it was extremely bothersome for him to think that he could lose friends in the same fashion should something arise at his school. We told him that the students of MSD and students around the nation and globe were participating in “March for Our Lives” rallies to stand up on behalf of those lives lost.”

Diane and Cherie felt John is a bit young to be involved in such huge gatherings, but instead opted for a safer environment. They helped him create a sign and share it on social media. The photo was taken in the middle of the street where they live in Natchitoches. His Mommy is a graphic designer and they thought it would be amazing to reproduce a ‘pretend’ march behind him of children of his peers.

John chose for his sign to be a “thank you” to the big kids for standing up for his future.

“While we believe in the Second Amendment, we also believe that we live in a time that requires gun reform on a federal level,” said Diane. “In order to see it happen, we must let our voices rise up in great numbers. We live in a small town, so this is our small way to stand in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands around the world in gratitude for their strength to stand up for the safety of John’s future, and the safety of children across the nation.”

John’s Facebook post was quickly shared by Pantsuit Nation, whose mission is to build a foundation for a more equitable and engaged democracy. Five-hundred comments later and John is his parents’ little superhero for his part in being a thoughtful young man who showed gratitude towards those who are brave in sharing their voice for gun reform.

“We are so proud of this upcoming generation,” said Diane. “It’s so inspiring to see their strength. Their passion. Their warmth. It’s horrible that they need to ‘think’ of this stuff but sadly it is the world we live in currently. Before John was born, we created his name. We thought it was very presidential sounding. Whether he makes his way to politics is yet to be seen, but he has an amazing heart. He wanted to march with the big kids so we helped him. We did not think Pantsuit Nation was going to actually like and use his photo. Natchitoches represented today.”

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