Northwestern State University’s Department of Fine and Graphic Arts will host three weeks of Art Fundamentals Summer Camps featuring a different theme for each week. The half-day camps fun from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Campers can be dropped off as early as 12:30 p.m. and picked up as late as 5:30 p.m. Each camp will begin in Room 205 in the Department of Fine and Graphic Art,

“Advanced Projects for Teens” for students age 12-18 will be June 4-8. This week is designed for older kids looking to learn advanced art skills. The 5 projects we will work on throughout the week are digital illustration, 3D printing, portraiture, sculpting and life casting. These projects will be weeklong projects taught by an NSU art professor and an NSU grad student, similar to the projects taught in classes at NSU.

“Super Heroes” will be for students age 5-11 and will take place June 11-15. This week’s theme focuses on art projects with subject matter of heroes and villains. The camp will explore the scenes and characteristics that entertain the masses in comic books and graphic novels. Good versus evil, special powers and fun costumes will be explored through beginning level art projects.

“Outer Space” for students age 5-11 will be June 18-22. This week’s theme focuses on art projects with subject matter revolving around space. Aliens, spaceships, other planets and endless possibilities will be explored through entry level art projects.

Tuition is $150 for each weeklong session and includes a snack and all materials. A sibling discount of $10 per sibling is available. A $10 discount is available for attending two or more sessions. A $20 discount is available for children or grandchildren of an NSU employee with a copy of an NSU faculty ID. Checks should be made to the NSU Foundation.

Because the classes include painting and crafts, play clothes are recommended for campers.

For more information or to register, contact Corbin Covher at covherc@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-5476.

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Two LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries agents spotted a body floating in the water while they were patrolling on Bayou Pierre May 16 at 1:13 pm, one mile South of the Hwy. 174 bridge near the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line in the Jordan Ferry Community.

Deputies and Investigators from the Natchitoches and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Offices and the Natchitoches and Red River Parish Coroners Offices responded to the scene. The body was recovered and sent for autopsy to determine positive identification, and cause of death.

The NPSO is the lead investigating agency. They request the public call the Criminal Investigations Division with any information regarding missing persons in the area.

Investigators believe the body to be that of a female, however at this time it’s not believed to be the body of the missing woman Cynthia Osborn. Additional details and body markings will be released after the autopsy is completed. Officials did say that it appears the body has been in the water for quite some time.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Daniel “Dan” Lane Todtenbier
March 26, 1960 – May 14, 2018

Darrick Allen
March 15, 1971 – May 12, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA

WINN PARISH:

Anne Waters Hicks Hand
November 4, 1956 – May 15, 2018
Visitation: Friday, May 18 from 10 am – 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church
Service: Friday, May 18 at 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church
Interment: Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery

James Wilson Curry
August 26, 1954 – May 14, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, May 17 from 5-9 pm and Friday, May 18 from 9-10 am at Georgetown Baptist Church
Service: Friday, May 18 at 10 am at Georgetown Baptist Church
Interment: Crossroads Cemetery in Tullos

Margaret Ruth Love
March 31, 1944 – May 9, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at New Hope Cemetery in Dodson

RED RIVER PARISH:

Mattie Williams
Visitation: Friday, May 18 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at Eastside Church of God in Christ
Interment: Shiloh Cemetery

Eura Dell Jones
Visitation: Friday, May 18 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at Kingdom Hall in Mansfield
Interment: Friendship Cemetery

Jefferson Maxie
Visitation: Friday, May 18 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at Pilgrims Star Baptist Church
Interment: Pilgrim Star Cemetery in Florien

Louis Youngblood Jr.
Visitation: Friday, May 18 from 7-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 2 pm at Union Spring Baptist Church
Interment: St. Peter Cemetery

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The Engineering Department at Northwestern State University will offer three robotics camps this summer from July 2 – July 10. Registration is Free and will begin May 15, ending June 15. Registration must be done online.

To register and to get more information, please visit the link below:

https://engrtech.nsula.edu/nsu-annual-robotics-camps-summer-2018/

Due to space limitations, only the first 15 applicants per camp will be accepted. Participants need to bring their own lunch and drinks.

Camp location:

Williamson Hall, RM 122 (175 Sam Sibley Dr.) on the NSU Campus in Natchitoches

Camp Contacts:
Dr. Jafar F. AlSharab (jafar@nsula.edu),
Mr. Curtis Desselles (dessellesc@nsula.edu)

CAMP SESSIONS:

Beginners, session I (Ages 7-12):

July 2-3, 2018
Basic electrical circuits
Robot building and assembly
Basic programming to navigate a robot
Daily program, 10:00 – 2:00 PM

Intermediate, session II (Ages 7-12):

July 9-10, 2018
Intermediate electrical circuits
Robot building and assembly
Intermediate programming to navigate a robot
Daily program, 10:00 – 2:00 PM

Advanced (ages 13 – 18)

July 11-12, 2017
Arduino programming
Advanced sensing
Daily program, 10:00 – 2:00 PM

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By Samantha Maiette

The Northwest Louisiana Community Tennis Association hosted Red Ball Day at the Natchitoches Tennis Complex May 12 to introduce children to tennis through hands-on activities.

Those who attended the free event were able to learn basic tennis skills, such as hitting the ball over the net, and participating in team building exercises. There was also paperwork for those who wished to continue tennis lessons through the NWLACTA.

Willie Paz, tennis director for the NWLACTA, said the goal of Red Ball Day is to build the tennis community to where it once was.

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Seven graduates of Northwestern State University’s Reserve Officer Training Program were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in conjunction with commencement exercises May 11. From left are Sec. Lt. Albert Tuiel of Shreveport, Sec. Lt. Alexander Stewart of Natchitoches, Sec. Lt. Scott Stearns of DeRidder, Sec. Lt. Michael Kingsley of Natchitoches, Sec. Lt. Tucker Ellis of Leesville, Sec. Lt. Savannah Carter of Deville and Sec. Lt. Taylor Andrews of Shreveport. LTG (R) Joseph M. Cosumano Jr., a member of NSU’s 1968 Golden Jubilee class, administered the oath of office during a ceremony prior to the public oath that took place during afternoon commencement.

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Campti Field of Dreams, Inc., partners with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Northwestern State University School of Business to host, Back To Your Roots 2018, a Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Thursday, May 17 to Saturday, May 19 at NSU’s Russell Hall.

“Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne has not only been gracious enough to host Back To Your Roots 2018 in Russell Hall,” said Donna Isaacs, executive director of Campti Field of Dreams, “Faculty members from the School of Business are contributing to the track on The Business of Farming. Topics will include marketing, management, finance and international business.”

With a focus on entrepreneurship, Back To Your Roots 2018 is a conference designed to empower the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and value-added producers, with environmentally friendly tools and techniques, that produce more income. The conference features three internationally renowned speakers: Dr. Chuck Fluharty, President and CEO of the Rural Policy Research Institute (5/17), JM Fortier, Farmer and Author, The Market Gardener (5/18), and Joel Salatin, 3rd Generation Farmer and Author of several books including, “You Can Farm” (5/19).

The event will feature other federal, state and local partners and technical experts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, and the LSU AgCenter.

Back To Your Roots, 2018 is free and open to the public but registration is required as seating is limited. For more information, please visit camptifieldofdreams.org or call 318-521-4998.

Campti Field of Dreams is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in rural communities through sustainable entrepreneurship.

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For most of us, we want to make sure that we are taking steps to better our lives and the lives of those we love. While some things are in our power, some are not. Take time in your life to make sure the things you can control that you are doing just that. Your eyesight is extremely important. It’s never too early to take inventory of how you’re doing when it comes to having your best vision.

Have you taken these steps to preserve your vision?

Eat a healthy diet
Get regular exercise
Refrain from smoking
Wear sunglasses when outdoors
Have a regular eye exam
Wear eye protection
Learn about your family health history
Remove contact lenses before sleeping
* AAO.org

Louisiana Eye & Laser is here in Natchitoches to help you achieve your best vision. To schedule your regular eye exam, contact your Natchitoches Hometown Eye Care Team – Louisiana Eye & Laser. Drs. Cheryl Stoker and Brett Bennett along with Drs. Karren Laird Russo and Michael Redmond will be happy to manage your eye care needs.

Call 318-352-0444 to see how you can achieve better vision and keep those eyes healthy! Louisiana Eye & Laser is located in Natchitoches at the corner of Keyser Avenue and 1055 Parkway Drive (Suite B).

Paid Advertising

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board announced the following dates, times and locations for 2018 Graduation Ceremonies for schools in Natchitoches Parish.

FRANKIE RAY JACKSON TECHNICAL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16TH; 6:00 P.M.
A.A. FREDRICKS

LAKEVIEW
THURSDAY, MAY 17TH; 7:00 P.M.
A.A. FREDRICKS

NCHS
FRIDAY, MAY 18TH; 7:00 P.M.
PRATHER COLISEUM

NATCHITOCHES JUNIOR HIGH AT FRANKIE RAY JACKSON
TUESDAY, MAY 22ND; 6:30 P.M.
PRATHER COLISEUM

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Natchitoches Magnet School is currently accepting application for the 2018-2019 school year. Natchitoches Magnet serves children from 1-8 grades. The progressive school provides an enriching educational experience developing learners through academic excellence, exploration in and beyond the classroom, instruction through innovative curriculum, and family partnerships. The goal of Natchitoches Magnet is to facilitate learning among all stakeholders. Natchitoches Magnet values hard work, diversity, and cultural growth. Teachers are highly qualified and continually trained in new educational ideas and practices to help students reach their fullest potential.

All applications are due by Friday, May 18, 2018. Applications may be submitted in person or faxed to the school at 318-354-1122. Admission testing will take place on Thursday, May 24, 2018 (appointment required).

Magnet application 2018-2019

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Sheriff Jones announced that Matthew M. Nelson of St. Mary’s High School has been named as the Recipient of an Academic Scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program for the 2017-18 school year. He resides in Natchitoches and plans to attend Northwestern State University and pursue Accounting as a field of study.

His parents are Wilbert O. Nelson, Sr. and Eulilia Sykes Nelson of Natchitoches.

Quintarious Colemen of Lakeview High school was names as First Alternate Recipient of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship. Quintarious plans to attend Northwestern State University and pursue Criminal Justice as a field of study.

His mother is LaQuita Weston of Clarence.

The Sheriffs’ Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP). Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Program.

Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriffs’ scholarship recipients. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students be enrolled in full-time, undergraduate students. Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.

In closing Sheriff Jones said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program to Louisiana students demonstrate what the LSHMP is all about. This is one of our finest accomplishments. It invests in Louisiana’s future and gives something back to our community. This would not be possible without the kind and generous support of Natchitoches Parish’s Honorary Members.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2018 and Best Wishes for a Bright Future!!!

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Braxton is seeking damages from the La. State Troopers Association (LSTA) and Jay Oliphant, a La. State Police Trooper.  Please see the entire document filed in the 10th Judicial District Court, Parish of Natchitoches, State of Louisiana.

Braxton also claims that the statements contained in defendant Jay D. Oliphant’s FACEBOOK post are false, defamatory and/or defamatory per se. That defendant Oliphant falsely accuses Braxton of committing various crimes.

READ THE FACEBOOK POST HERE – > Facebook Post by Jay D Oliphant

The NPJ spoke with Mr. Jay D. Oliphant this afternoon and Oliphant stated that he had no comment at the time.

The NPJ had not received a return phone call from Mr. Calvin W. Braxton, Sr. by the time of publication.

CONTINUE READING LAWSUIT HERE – >  Braxton VS LSTA and Oliphant

DPS&C Incident Report from Oliphant

July 11 2016 Letter to Governor Edwards

June 19 2017 Letter to Governor Edwards

February 2 2018 Public Records Request by Calvin Braxton

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Darrick Allen
March 15, 1971 – May 12, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA

SABINE PARISH:

Marilyn “Pete” Goss
October 23, 1930 – May 13, 2018
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church
Interment: St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery
WINN PARISH:

Margaret Ruth Love
March 31, 1944 – May 9, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at New Hope Cemetery in Dodson

Roy Wayne Banta
November 3, 1959 – May 12, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 9-10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Transport Cemetery in Dodson
RAPIDES PARISH:

Charles H. van Oppen
January 25, 1926 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 8:30-10:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10:30 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: St. Peter Catholic Church Cemetery in Elmer

Richard J. “Jerry” Herrin
March 26, 1933 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 8:30-10 am at the St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

RED RIVER PARISH:

Henry William Bethard III
December 9, 1924 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 10-11 am at First United Methodist Church in Coushatta
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Coushatta
Interment: Springville Cemetery

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The City Council granted final approval on an ordinance restating the policy regarding vacation accumulation rights and sick leave for City employees at its meeting May 14.

Vacation may be carried over and accumulated in subsequent calendar years. Beginning on June 1, 2018, employees with more than 240 hours accrued at the time of his/her retirement or termination, will only be paid up to 240 hours of accrued vacation time. Employees hired before June 1, 2018 will retain the 480 hour accrual limits in place at that time and will be considered “grandfathered” for those benefits.

Sick leave shall be accrued by each full-time employee, except that no employee shall earn sick leave benefits while serving under an emergency or temporary assignment or while still in their introductory period.

Time taken off before an employee’s introductory period is complete will be without pay. If an employee must be absent from work because of a personal illness, they will be eligible to receive their regular straight time pay for up to 12 days per calendar year. Up to two days of the total days available for sick leave may be used as personal days.

After successful completion of an introductory period, employees will earn 3.69 hours of sick leave per pay period or the equivalent of 12 days per year.

Sick leave may be accumulated from year to year. As of June 1, 2018, when an employee actually retires, the employee will be paid for a maximum of 240 hours only of accrued sick leave. Sick leave will be paid at the rate of pay earned upon retirement, not to exceed 240 hours. Only retiring employees will be eligible to receive accrued sick leave pay. Employees hired before June 1, 2018 will retain the 480 hour accrual limits.

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:
Change Zoning Classification Of Property (128 A&B South Dr.) from B-2 Commercial to B-3 Commercial to operate a veterinary clinic

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
Enter Into A Lease Of The Hayfield Under Fence At The Natchitoches Waste Water Treatment Plant At End Of Laird Fletcher Road For Hay Operations With Glenn Byles
Approve A Conveyance Of A 2.09 Acre Tract Of Land In Section 74, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, To TSTR Enterprises LLC For $62,700
Amend The 2017-2018 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.

RESOLUTIONS:
Adopt A Language Access Plan (LAP) For Compliance With The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG)
Execute Change Order No. 5 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Progressive Construction Company For The 2016 City Streets Rehabilitation Project (Bid No. 0584)
Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Progressive Construction Company For The 2016 City Streets Rehabilitation Project (Bid No. 0584)
Execute Change Order No. 2 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Regional Construction, LLC For The 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0603)
Execute Change Order No. 3 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Regional Construction, LLC For The 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0603)
Execute Change Order No. 4 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Regional Construction, LLC For The 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0603)
Obligate Funds To Land And Water Conservation Fund Project
(SEE DOCUMENT BELOW)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 29, 2018.
The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018 for Memorial Day.
The regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for Monday, May 28, 2018 has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, May 29, 2018 due to Memorial Day.

DOCUMENTS BELOW

Continue reading →

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By Ricky LaCour, NSU Student/Opinion

After the completion of a three-year suspension, the Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity may return to Northwestern State University’s campus.

Alumni who have expressed interest in the organizations return may see its return in the coming school year.

“There is a definite interest from alumni to see them return, and we have had some discussions,” said Shayne Creppel, Director of Greek Life for NSU. “We are open to the possibility of Omega Psi Phi returning to campus, but it has not gone beyond conversations at this point.”

Either way this is good news for the organization.

The return of Omega Psi Phi with a new generation of young men may be just what this chapter needs to shed the stigma of the alleged hazing incident that took place in 2015.

Although there was no conclusive evidence of hazing found during an investigation by the office of the Dean of Students, the chapter was reprimanded for the allegations.

Nicolette Schleisman of KSLA reported that the chapter was given a cease and desist order from NSU and its national headquarters, which means the fraternity was banned from participating in any activities and their members could not wear their letters.

“When we do come back, I do want there to a better perception of us,” said Nolan Lowe Jr., Vice Basileus of the Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. “As far as the so-called hazing thing, I mean, I wasn’t hazed. I don’t know anyone who was really.”

Louisiana currently has legislation moving through the house that will increase the penalty for individuals involved in acts of hazing. Offenders can be fined up to $1,000, be imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

“Didn’t know Ques weren’t on NSU’s campus anymore but they could stay to make a comeback,” said Brandi Dupree, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. “I do not believe one bad Que or one bad rumor should continue to ruin a chance for others to experience the principles it takes to be an Omega man after the entry process.”

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article or story of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.   This was submitted as part of a classwork assignment to local media

Editor’s Note:
The Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was placed on Active Suspension for a period of two years by the national organization for the following reasons:
1.  Elected officers of the chapter and additional members have been found to be involved in hazing violations at Northwestern State University
2.  There continues to be a lack of full cooperation with the fraternity’s investigation

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Elizabeth Kate deVargas and Dr. Joseph Christopher Maggio reigned as Queen and King of the 50th St. Denis Art League Spring Festival. Members of the court on the first row from left to right are Chloe Methvin, Lilly Ann Boyd, Kennedy Griffin, Avery Evans. On second row are Madison Shivers, Katelyn Murphy, Morgan Slaughter, Sarah Gilmore, Makenzie Morgan, Carmen Waskom, Anna Robertson. On third row are Collin Lorenz, Jake Stultz, Erica Hubbs, Sarah Aviles, Aaron Howell, Michael Vienne, Sierra Pesnell, Jeremy Friedel, Bailey Shelton. On fourth row are Bryce Moulton, Thomas Scruggs, Ryan Sampite, Collin Poleman, Reed Middendorf, Ashton Behrendsen, Jack Wright, David Thibodaux, Matthew Brown, George Ingrish, Russell Stultz, Dylan Bennett.

Sohomores who served as ushers include Maci Messenger, Madison Lester, Ragan Hale, Mary Scruggs, Emily Maggio, Isabelle Peluso, Madison Brown, Makenzie Waxley, Renea Cunningham, Kamryn Morgan, Carissa Kautz, Mallory Lee, Macy Vascocu, Chloe Longlois, and Anna Walker.

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A ground breaking was held May 5 for a new educational pavilion at Briarwood Nature Preserve. The pavilion was donated by the Louisiana Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It will mark the birth site of Caroline Dormon, who was born July 19, 1888. She eventually became known for her work as an author, botanist, ethnologist, artist, and educator. She dies in Shreveport on November 22, 1971 at the age of 83.

The educational pavilion is a service project of the Louisiana Society DAR. Each State Regent elects a State Regents Project to raise money for during her three-year administration. The educational pavilion is State Regent Zora M. Olsson’s project. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With over 177,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. Caroline Dormon was a member of the Pelican Chapter DAR joining in 1909.

Briarwood was the Dormon families summer home where Caroline and her siblings spent their time in the woods. In a quote from her, “they did not play Indians, they were Indians.” After doing some genealogical research, State Regent Zora Olsson discovered that Dormon’s Revolutionary War ancestor, Gaspar Joseph Trotti, was born in Italy. He lived and dies at Briarwood Plantation in Barnwell County, South Carolina.

Caroline graduated from Judson College in Alabama and returned home to teach school, which she did for a while. As she witnessed the harvesting of old growth timber by the lumber companies, her dream became the preservation of those trees. She and her sister traveled throughout central Louisiana in a Model T Ford identifying areas to suggest as a future National Forest.

Louisiana didn’t have an Enabling Act that would allow the government to purchase land in the state to stop the harvesting of the old growth forest. With the help of her lawyer brother, Caroline wrote an Enabling Act; and with the help of State Senator Henry Hardtner, the act was attached to another bill and passed. The first unit of the Kisatchie National Forest was purchase in 1928.

In 1921 Caroline was employed by the Louisiana Forestry Division becoming the first woman employed in Forestry in the US. In 1930 the forestry profession honored her by electing her an associate member of the Society of American Foresters. She was the first female so elected. Today, many people consider Kisatchie National Forest to be the prettiest part of Louisiana.

Caroline was truly a woman before her time. She was born before women could even vote, much less hold a job in the Forest Service. President Roosevelt appointed her to the DeSoto Commission to study the route of DeSoto in this country. Caroline was a teacher, artist, conservationist, preservationist, and even requested the military command who were negating in maneuvers in Louisiana during WWII to encourage then not to damage the Indian mounds while acknowledging the inevitable damage to some of the reforestation seedlings. Her book on wild flowers is now a collector’s item. Many of the plants at Briarwood were planted by Caroline after traveling the state and obtaining cuttings, bulbs or the plant.

The Briarwood Foundation, through its efforts, has preserved for all of us a national treasure, Briarwood. Richard and Jessie Johnson were personally entrusted by “Miss Carrie” to care for Briarwood, and now Rick Johnson is the second-generation caretaker. The educational pavilion will enable many to learn more about this extraordinary woman who accomplished so much for Louisiana. Although she was small in stature, her huge legacy will live on.

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Artists are being sought to design the 2018 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster. The theme for the poster is “Christmas in Natchitoches.” Artists who would like to enter the contest should submit a drawing or painting to the Natchitoches Arts Council using the chosen theme. The size of the completed sketch or painting should be 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall. If chosen, the painting will become the exclusive property of the Natchitoches Arts Council. The chosen artist will receive a commission of $600.

The deadline for entering the competition is Friday, July 6. All entries should be submitted to Alicia Rachal, Community Development, 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457. The Natchitoches Arts Council is not responsible for insuring the safe or timely delivery of the art work to the appropriate party.

Numbered prints in the form of a poster will be available and on sale to the public in early October. All posters are $35 each. The 1980-2004 collage posters are $15 each. The small posters (3 ¾” x 5”) are $3 each or two for $4. Special prints of the 2008 Fleur de Lis Poster (11” x 17”) and the 2016 Christmas in Natchitoches Poster (11” x 14.5) are $20.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster has been a tradition for 38 years. All of the original artwork can be viewed at the Natchitoches Arts Council office located at the Community Development Office (City Hall Annex), 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA.

For more information about the poster contest, please call Alicia Rachal at (318) 357-3838 or Karen Terrell at (318) 352-6925.

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Students in Northwestern State University’s Child and Family Studies program collected and delivered personal care items and other supplies to community service partners Providence House in Shreveport and the Women’s Resource Center in Natchitoches. Providence House is a residential treatment facility for homeless families with children. The Women’s Resource Center provides confidential help and information for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.

Program Coordinator Dr. Rania Salman said student response to this semester’s supply drive the largest ever and ties in with the program’s focus on improving the lives of individuals, families and communities.

“A focus of the CFS program is community sustainability,” Salman said. “Working with our community partner organizations gives our students experience in how families and children participate in the community and opens up opportunities for internship and volunteering with a local impact.”

Child and Family Studies prepares graduates to work in a variety of fields, but all are aimed at improving the lives of individuals, families and communities. Child and Family Studies has been called the ideal “helping” profession, because those in the field are ultimately concerned with meeting the needs of children and families in a variety of contexts.

La’Justice Johnson of Coushatta completed a Spring 2018 internship at the Women’s Resource Center in which she became proficient in professional skills and learned more about pregnancy and women’s health.

“The Women’s Resource Center is a big plus for the community,” Johnson said. “They help girls that need help and also their families.”

The Center’s Executive Director Beverly Broadsay said the Center serves about six parishes.

“We are so extraordinarily appreciative of donations and community involvement because we offer our services free of charge,” Broadway said. “Donations allow us to continue to serve our clients to the depth and breadth that we do and help women make informed choices.”

In addition to a focus on infant and toddler development, family systems and human ecology, NSU’s Child and Family Studies program also includes coursework in nutrition, parenting, educational psychology and early childhood education.

Dajha White of Natchitoches was pursuing a degree in education but transferred into the CFS program.

“There are many different things you can do with this degree, helping children, families and becoming a resource to families in many different aspects of family life,” White said.

Child and Family Studies is part of the Department of Teaching, Leadership and Counseling within NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development. Information on the CFS is available by contacting Salman at salmanr@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4202.

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BOM is a sponsor of the Natchitoches Junior High Indians Football Program. The bank’s donation will help the team purchase new uniforms and a scoreboard. Pictured from left are Brian Young (NJHS Head Football Coach) and Dustin Dauzat (University Branch Manager & Lender).

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