Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a north Natchitoches Parish man and woman on felony drug charges during a traffic stop in Campti Oct. 26, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Thursday at 1 am, NPSO Patrol Division deputies stopped a 2005 Ford F-250 for a traffic violation in the Campti area, near the intersections of Bayou and Lebrum Streets.
As they were attempting to stop the vehicle deputies observed the operator discarding what appeared to be suspected drug paraphernalia from the vehicle. The operator was identified as Caleb B. Sapp, 27 of Campti.

A computer background check revealed that Sapp’s driver’s license was suspended and he was wanted by the Tenth Judicial District Court on an outstanding Natchitoches Parish Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear. Sapp was placed under arrest by deputies.
A passenger in the vehicle was identified as Samantha Lynn Smith, 33 of Campti. A computer background check revealed that Smith was wanted by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee for Manufacturing Schedule II Narcotics-Felony. Smith was arrested without incident.

Deputies returned to the area where the suspected drug paraphernalia was thrown from the vehicle discarding several syringes loaded with suspected methamphetamine.
A search of the vehicle also led to the seizure of suspected methamphetamine.

Both were charged with:
*Caleb B. Sapp, 27, of the 100 block of Pemberton Lane, Campti, La. transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, Failure to Appear, and traffic offenses.

*Samantha Lynn Smith, 33, of the 600 block of Holman Loop, Campti, La. transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with being a Tennessee Fugitive for Manufacturing of Schedule II Narcotics.

A Tenth Judicial District Court Judge set Sapp’s bond at $10,350 dollars.
Smith is awaiting extradition proceedings to Tennessee.

The seized narcotics will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.

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Northwestern State University has received approval from the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System to name its Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center in honor of the late Dr. Randall J. Webb. The request was approved Thursday by the Board of Supervisors at its October meeting.

Webb, who passed away in Nov. 2015 at 72, was the longest-serving president in the history of Northwestern State, holding the position from July 1, 1996 to Dec. 31, 2014.

“Naming the Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center in honor of Dr. Webb underscores and perpetuates his meaningful contributions to Northwestern State during his long tenure as president and in other roles at the university,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “The WRAC has been an enormous asset for the university in attracting and retaining students and has served both the university and the community in promoting and facilitating a healthy lifestyle for students, university personnel and people in the Natchitoches community.”

Northwestern State students approved a referendum in 1998 to fund construction of the Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center. The $6.9 million project converted the former Intramural Building into a modern 81,000 square foot facility which was completed in 2004.

Alicia Irmscher, who was SGA president in 1997-98, recalled how Webb provided guidance to student leaders as they decided whether to renovate the Intramural Building or construct a new building on campus.

“I was adamant that I wanted a new building and Dr. Webb in his infinite wisdom told me he would support me and the SGA in whatever we decided to do but to consider all possible options,” said Irmscher, a mission support specialist with the FBI in New Orleans. “As time progressed and we looked at architectural renderings of both a new and renovated facility as well as comparing costs. It was clear what we as the SGA needed to do to be good stewards of the student’s money. I’m pretty sure Dr. Webb knew that we would eventually come to the logical decision of choosing the renovated (larger building with a lower cost) recreation center, however, he never once told us no nor did he tell us we were wrong. He only offered sage advice and wisdom as we moved forward with fulfilling this dream.”

Irmscher said Webb continued to be available to assist her after she graduated from NSU.

“Dr. Webb was also a true mentor for me,” she said. “There have been a handful of situations over the last several years that I reached out to him for his advice, and he always took time out of his schedule to call or email me back with his advice and help. Dr. Webb was a tireless, kind, and humble servant to the students, faculty, and Northwestern community.”

Luke Dowden, who served as Student Government Association President in 1998-99 when the student referendum was approved, said Webb had a great love for students and cared about the whole student.

“Naming the WRAC in his honor is the most symbolic representation of his care for the whole person,” said Dowden, director of the Office of Distance Learning at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. “Dr. Webb was such an inviting person, and naming the WRAC after him represents what student leaders envisioned it would be one day – a welcoming place for students to focus on their personal health and find work-life balance.”

Under Webb’s leadership, Northwestern State received unprecedented national and international attention for its academic programs and student accomplishments. University facilities in addition to the WRAC were renovated to better serve students and two record-setting capital campaigns took place.

Enrollment reached record levels during Webb’s tenure as president and exceeded 10,500 for the first time in school history in the fall of 2004. Webb led NSU toward higher admission standards, which has resulted in students at the university having greater academic potential and aptitude. During Webb’s tenure, Northwestern State had the largest graduating classes in the university’s history.

Webb expanded the university’s outreach by spearheading the development at NSU of the largest electronic education network of any university in Louisiana.

Millions of dollars were obtained during Webb’s presidency for new and renovated facilities. Other new facilities include the Jimmy D. Long Sr. Student Services Center and University Place I and II. Morrison Hall, the Family and Consumer Sciences Building, Williamson Hall, Russell Hall and Caspari Hall were completely renovated and restored.

A 1965 graduate of Northwestern in mathematics and business education, Webb earned a master of science degree in mathematics from NSU in 1966. He received a doctorate in education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1971 with a concentration in mathematics and research.

Webb was a member of the faculty of Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia, from 1966 until 1974. He served as Director of Higher Education and Teacher Certification in the Louisiana Department of Education from 1974 through 1976. He moved to Southeastern Louisiana University in 1976 and held positions as director of institutional research, EEO officer, registrar and member of the mathematics faculty in his 13 years in Hammond.

He became Dean of Instruction and Graduate Studies and professor of mathematics at Northwestern in 1989. In that position, he was responsible for campus-wide policy development, planning, advancement and review of both graduate and undergraduate programs. Among his other duties were chairing the steering committee for NSU’s Self Study for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

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

FINE PAYMENT (F):
Tommy Hayes, 1219 Virginia Ave, Natch, La – TBS
Latoya Finister, 500 North St #28, Natch, La – DP
Susan Johnson, 915 MLK Dr, Natch, La – TBS
Shumichael Moore, 233 Cherrie Loop, Natch, La – Exp MVI, NSB, TBS
Anaistasia Robinson, 733 Brahma Dr, Natch, La – DP
Courtney Telsee, 708 Brahma St, Natch, La – No Insurance
Sarah Zeringue, 414 Sibley St, Natch, La – Obstructing Public Passages
Devonte Aaron, 845 Posey Rd/517 Sanford, Natch, La – (2) No DL, NSB
Vivan Clark, 190 Sorgee Rd, Natch, La – DWI, No Brake Lights, NCR
Marilyn Essex, 312 Howell St, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Krystle Gates, University Columns #511, Natch, La – TBS
Shaquita King, 806 Fifth St, Natch, La – (2) DP, Unlicensed Driver
Breana Brown, University Columns #511, Natch, La – TBS
Christopher Washington, 142 Washington Rd, Natch, La – LM, No DL
Erica Spearman, 1319 Philips St Apt 1, Natch, La – TBS
Nicole Pikes, 1318 Henderson, Winnfield, La – TBS
Calvin Newton, 728 4th St, Natch, La – Follow too Close
Anthony Jefferson, 1226 Phillips St, Natch, La – Remaining on Premises
Fredrick Anthony, 1501 Amulet St, Natch, La – DP
Mikal Zeno, 1815 South Dr Lot 1312, Natch, La – No DL
Katrice Brimsey, 500 North St K-4, Natch, La – Exp MVI

Trial (T):
Marlon Brisco, 123 Robert Circle, Natch, La – Exp Licenses Plates
Dezerey Johnson, 804 6th St, Natch, La – (2) Criminal Mischief, DP, Improper Lights, Unlicensed Driver
Joseph Scott, 3800 University Pkwy, Natch, La– Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Raven Vessell, NSU P.O Box 5106, Natch, La – SPOM
Josquin Duncan, 1413 Holmes St, Natch, La – TBS
Cory Lyons, 154 Miller Dr, Natch, La – SPOM

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Several students pursuing degrees in Hospitality Management and Tourism at Northwestern State University earned scholarships awarded by the American Hotel and Lodging Education Foundation. Students who received the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) are Kaytie Proctor of Natchitoches, Sha’Terica Thomas of Bossier City, Hunter Horton of Plain Dealing, Rachel Opbroek of Keithville, Brianna Ashley of Deville and Karley Hebert of Lake Charles.

Administrators honored the group with a Smarty Party/Sweet Success to recognize AH&LEF giving and student success.

“We started receiving AH&LEF monies about 15 years ago,” said Connie Jones, coordinator of the HMT Department. “The original amount was $3000 split among three HMT students. [HMT professor] Lynn Woods was instrumental in getting this initial funding for our students. These were and still are based on faculty recommendation.”

Over the years, the amounts increased and this year there are six NSU recipients, each receiving either $1,000 or $1,500 for the academic year, Jones said.

“Brianna Ashley was nominated for the AH&LEF top award, of which only two were given. While she did not receive this, she was invited to represent NSU at a prestigious lodging conference” Jones said. HMT faculty encouraged all students to apply and assisted with the application process.

“Just the experience of completing the online application improves their skills package,” Jones said. “I believe we have great students and look forward to watching them in successful careers. The hospitality industry as a whole is exciting and dynamic. Through classroom lecture and experiential learning activities, our students are prepared for rewarding careers doing something for which they have a passion. Work will never feel like work, and as [HMT Professor] Valerie Salter often says, ‘Major in Hospitality Management & Tourism and you can work anywhere in the world.’”

NSU’s HMT program is housed in the College of Business and Technology and offers concentrations in culinary arts hospitality services and travel and tourism or minors in hospitality management and tourism and culinary arts. Administrators say the combination of HMT classes with additional focus on classes in business and marketing are beneficial for students’ future career success.

Information on Northwestern State’s HMT programs is available at hmt.nsula.edu.

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The Rotary Club of Natchitoches delivered free dictionaries to all 4th grade students in Natchitoches Parish.

More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. Rotary’s goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. Rotary clubs around the world support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.

Dr. Ron McBride is pictured with the 4th grade students from Goldonna Elementary School, Principal Mona Bamburg, and teachers.

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It’s not too late to check out a costume at the Natchitoches Parish Library Main Branch (NPL) and Northeast Branch (NEB)! Patrons are reminded that it is free and up to two costumes can be checked out per adult card. The check-out period is six weeks, and the NPL will even take care of cleaning them afterwards. Costumes must be returned in gently used, unsoiled condition. Costumes may also be donated through the end of November as credit for fines and fees, including those for lost items (excludes Wifi2Go and laptops). Masks are worth $5 and costumes are worth $15 per donation.

And next week, the NPL and NEB circulation desks will have candy for costumed trick-or-treaters all day long on Halloween! Make sure to visit each desk and check out the staff’s costumes; and don’t miss the perfect photo op in the children’s performance area. The NPL Bookmobile will be present for Witch Way to Main Street Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 5-7pm. Children must be in costume and accompanied by an adult to participate. Hop on for a quick bookmobile tour and some treats.

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The request was innocent.

The opportunity was exciting.

The timing was perfect.

There was absolutely nothing that could go wrong.

Fourteen hours later, I’m not so sure.

My son Andrew would be tied up all day on Saturday with a tennis tournament. My daughter in law is a nurse and she was on call. The other grandparents were out of town for the weekend. My son called and asked if we could be in Lake Charles by 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and babysit Emerson until Andrew finished the tennis tournament.

Absolutely we will babysit our grandson!

We left Natchitoches at 4:45 a.m. and arrived in Lake Charles at the appointed hour.

My son mumbled some instructions to my bride and the babysitting began. We can translate a few of Emerson’s words. We have been taught his sign language motions. Emerson is learning sign language, which is cool. Emerson always runs to me when he sees me. I love that. I pick him up and he always has the same greeting.

“Outside.”

He knows few words. “Outside” is his best because he always wants to go outside. He has added the baby sign language request of “More” to outside. We also discovered that he has learned to say the word, “please.” When we are not listening as Emerson wishes, he points.

Outside was fun in the morning. We walked on the wet grass. We threw the tennis balls around. We played in the swing. Emerson sat on the porch and counted the ants that walked across the porch. Another word that Emerson knows is the word “airplane.” Anything in the sky, be it bird, moth, insect or an actual airplane is “airplane.” We spent much of the morning looking up at the sky identifying everything flying as an airplane.

Between trips outside, Emerson came inside and went immediately to the kitchen and pointed to the candy on the counter. He is a busy little boy who doesn’t slow down, ever!

We are grandparents who won’t say, “No” to a sweet 20 month old saying, “Please” and “More.” We were trying to keep up with Emerson and his relentless requests.

Did you know that a 20 month old has no regard for College Game Day on ESPN? Emerson cared little that Alabama was the CBS afternoon football game. I am thankful that during the Bama game he took a nap. Emerson was not interested in watching LSU in the evening game. By the time the LSU game rolled around he wanted to watch Elmo, otherwise known as Sesame Street. Once the sun went down there was no more outside. He insisted on Elmo!

My son walked in the door at 9:00 p.m. We had watched Emerson for nearly 14 hours. He had plenty of energy remaining, we were spent.

I understand why young people have babies; grandparents are too old to do this every day! We were exhausted with a two and a half hour drive home.

I learned that God’s richest blessings can be exhausting. That is why He supplies us with strength for the journey, especially babysitting journeys.

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John Ellington David Jr.
July 3, 1941 – October 25, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Oct. 27 from 5-8 pm and Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8-9:30 am at the funeral home
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Dora O. Hattaway
February 25, 1937 – October 25, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 pm until Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at Iatt Baptist Church in Verda
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at Iatt Baptist Church
Interment: Iatt Cemetery in Verda

Gloria Jean Faircloth
July 6, 1957 – October 25, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Oct. 27 from 11 am – 10 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

Glen Jones
February 22, 1925 – October 26, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at First Baptist Church of Coushatta

Sean McNeish
September 2, 1969 – October 19, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 am at St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church, 2160 Cooper Lake Road, Smyrna, Georgia

Mayo Cook
November 1, 1961 – October 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Ruby Medlock
Visitation: Friday, Oct. 27 from 6-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at King Chapel A.M.E. in Many
Interment: King Chapel Cemetery in Many

Lee Arthur Gray, Jr.
Visitation: Friday, Oct. 27 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Community Cemetery in Logansport

Zeffer King
October 20, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10-11 am
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at the Morning Star Baptist Church on MLK Drive in Winnfield
Interment: Winnfield Cemetery

Virginia Speaks “Ginny” Brown
January 05, 1937 – October 16, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 12-1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church near Georgetown
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church
Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

Emma Tousant
October 20, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8-11 am
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda

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Tyrease Evans, 18, was arrested and charged with 3 counts of attempted first degree murder. Demario Davis, 26, was arrested and charged with 4 counts of attempted first degree murder. Christopher Kelley, 25, was arrested and charged with 4 counts attempted first degree murder. All three were placed in The Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

Also arrested was a 16 year old black male juvenile, he was charged with 2 counts attempted first degree murder and placed in WARE Youth Detention Center.

According to the mother of the two juveniles injured during this incident; both girls were treated at University Health and released Monday. They are expected to fully recover from their injuries.

The Natchitoches Police Department’s Investigation Division is working diligently to put everyone involved in this vile crime behind bars. More arrests are expected.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or an emergency please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Pinkney at (318) 357-3817. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

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By Kevin Shannahan

NSU’s Student Union Ballroom played host to a decidedly different interactive theater experience as the Student Theater Organization carried on a 10+ year tradition with it’s annual Rocky Horror Picture Show presentation. The event featured the classic movie with a live cast reenacting the scenes and putting their own twist on the plot. The audience members joined in the fun, dressing in some truly unique costumes. Audience members who had never seen the movie were adorned with a “V” in red lipstick and received special attention from the cast.

The NSU Student Theater Organization is over 50 members strong and in addition to the annual Rocky Horror Picture Show fundraiser, they put on several other productions each year.

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Northwestern State University’s School of Business hosted a reception for alumni who were inducted into the School’s Hall of Distinction during Homecoming festivities Oct. 21. From left are Tommy Wright (1973), a partner in the Houston office or RSM US, a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services; Nikki Small (2007), associate director of graduate admissions for the Richard DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University; Rob Robertson (2000), regional manager (senior vice president) of Region 12 for Wells Fargo, and Ken Gardner (1991), plant manager at Emerson’s Alliance compressor facility in Natchitoches. Induction into the School’s Hall of Distinction recognized career success for business professionals who are graduates of Northwestern State. Earlier in the week,

Wright, Small and Robertson were featured speakers at the school’s 51st annual J. Walter Porter forum, an event that connects students with business leaders.

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ALL STUDENTS in Natchitoches parish are invited to attend Demon Night at Dark Woods Haunted Attraction Thursday, Oct. 26 from 7-10 pm! If you’re a High School, Middle School or younger student at ANY school, you will ALL receive the Demon Night Student discount!

Student discount tickets with ID for the LOWEST prices of the 2017 season! There is of course, a Scaredy Cat ticket for parents who want to bring kids, but avoid the haunted attractions!

“There are just four more nights left before our ghouls step back into the dark for another year,” said Dark Woods Owners Jason and Mardy Summerlin (Oct. 26, 27, 28 and 31).

This year’s event features a fully refurbished Dead Fall Trail with five terrifying new sets based on some of the most frightening tales from Dark Woods’ past. You’ve NEVER seen Dark Woods like this!

Dark Woods offers an ever-changing, fun-filled Halloween experience with roaming creatures of the night and mayhem guaranteed to give you a fright! If you came out for the 2015 Season and think you’ve seen it all, think again. Each season offers new chills and thrills, making the experience unique every time you enter the woods.

• New multi-haunt ticket options so YOU can plan YOUR visit YOUR way! Plus Military and First Responder discounts.
• The haunting nightmares of Boogie’s Dark Carnival in 3D return with four newly redesigned scenes. Meet Boogie and his band of raucous, rakish and rambunctious lackeys that will keep you on your toes!
• We are pleased to introduce The Grand Gonzoli, the illustrious illusionist and his bag of mesmerizing, magical feats of wonder now performing nightly on the streets of Dark Woods.
• Want to join the horde and get in the Halloween spirit? Drop by our NEW Squirrel Tooth Annie’s FX Studio where you’ll find Hollywood-styled “wounds while you wait” special effects make-up and the most realistic temporary old-school tattoos in the business!
• New convenient concessions for tackling a monster thirst or curing that sweet tooth craving!

Make plans to visit NOW! See for yourself why Scarefactor fans have voted Dark Woods Haunted Attraction a TOP 5 Louisiana Haunted House and a Top 31 Must-See Haunt in the US!

For complete event  and ticketing info visit www.darkwoodshaunt.com

Once the Halloween season is over, be sure to come back in December for a different kind of chill as visitors step into a magical winter wonderland at Christmas In The Park, a holiday attraction featuring over 4 acres of enchanting, lighted walkways and over 150,000 LED lights and displays that bring the woods to life! Stroll past the vast array of twinkling tree forms, through candy cane lane, all the while enjoying our lighted animal displays throughout the park. Our 128 foot lighted footbridge, along with snowflakes and a canopy of twinkling ice lights, will let you explore the beauty of nature like you’ve never seen it.

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and indulge in our “melt in your mouth” miniature donuts while while enjoying our fantastic light shows synchronized to traditional holiday tunes.

Embrace the magic of the woods and spirit of the holidays with “Christmas In The Park“ in Natchitoches. For more information call 318-332-8546.

Paid Advertising

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I think that if aliens from outer space were studying our television commercials they would come to a few well-reasoned conclusions.

First, that our diet consists of beer, whiskey and fast food.
That almost all of our money is spent on automobiles, insurance and small electronic devices.

That the occupation of most people is that of trial lawyer and that those lawyers are constantly increasing the wealth of the rest of the population by gaining them hundreds of thousands of dollars for injuries which are never in evidence.
That those lawyers are needed, though, because of the way we drive our automobiles on public streets.

That we suffer frequent but small outbreaks of zombie apocalypses, though we shouldn’t worry about that. Zombie Apocalypse? Covered!

Almost all of the commercials about eating and drinking are pushing fast foods such as hamburgers and tacos. Lots of separate beer and whiskey commercials are eager to provide us something with which to wash down our giant burgers. Only occasionally do we eat fine meals at fine restaurants, the aliens must conclude.

And have you noticed how cars are driven during the commercials for them? Roaring along through city streets or country roads, sometimes singly and sometimes in groups, like predators out for prey. Screaming and drifting around fast curves. Yes, that’s the way everyone must drive, our aliens would think.

So that’s why we need so many lawyers, to handle the terrible wrecks that inevitably ensue from such mayhem on the roads. No doubt, though, our society must have a high income average because so many of us take home $200,000, $500,000 or more from our accident cases in court.

Our medicine must be spectacular also, because none of these people who experienced such expensive injuries ever show a scar or need a crutch to hobble on.
And speaking of medicine, I almost forgot. The aliens would conclude that our prescription meds make us feel better but are probably killing most of us off with their dangerous side effects. Notice how the explanation of the side effects takes longer than the pharmaceutical spiel to get our doctors to prescribe the stuff for us?

Whatever money we don’t spend on cars, hamburgers and medicine, is spent on insurance. We all want to have everything we own insured and under warranty, otherwise we’re plagued by geckos, people hiding in our closets and the aforementioned Zombie outbreaks.

What a society we must live in. But, hey, the precarious state of our life here on earth is probably what is preventing those aliens from invading us. So, hopefully, they will continue to fear our zombies and our dangerous highways and stay out of our solar system.

And that’s a good thing, right?

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Northwestern State University selected two servicemen, Eric Lee and Staff Sergeant Spencer Greene, for the coin toss and to serve as honorary captains for the Homecoming football game Oct. 21.

Lee is an NSU graduate who served in the Air Force from 1988-1998 where as an Airman he provided supply management and supply systems analysis. At NSU, he was a four-year letterman in track and a member of the 1985 and 1987 championship track teams. He was also involved with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Fellowship of Christian Students and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He currently serves as a deacon in the Free Spirit Community Church in Panama City. He was joined by his wife Sarah, also a veteran, and daughter Erica.

An Army Instructor/Trainer, Greene is assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 353rd Regiment, Fort Polk. Greene has served in the Army for 13 years and his combat service includes 12 months in Afghanistan and 15 months in Iraq. Currently a junior at NSU, Greene plans to submit a Green-To-Gold Packet to commission through NSU’s ROTC Program. Staff Sergeant Greene’s hometown is Thousand Oaks, California. His son Isaac joined him in cheering on the Demons.

Lieutenant Colonel Katherine Carlson, professor of Military Science, and Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Arthur Smalley, Northwestern Demon Regiment Chief of Staff, escorted the honorary captains.

Northwestern State has a tradition of honoring veterans at all home football games. To nominate a Veteran for recognition at an upcoming NSU event, please contact Sid Hall, NSU’s Military Affairs Coordinator, at halls@nsula.edu or (318) 357-6951.

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By: Carl I. Walters II., Chief Executive
Officer, Outpatient Medical Center Inc. (a Federally Qualified Health System)

Dear Parish Families,

Can we talk for a few minutes regarding how and why you should support your local parish community health center?

How You Can Support Your Community Health Center

You can support your community health center by:

• Making your community health center your family’s primary care, dental care and behavioral health care “home.” We offer one-stop primary care services making it more convenient for your family to get the core primary care services you deserve in one convenient location

• Keeping your appointments. It is important that your honor your medical appointment commitment so our gifted system providers can partner with you to keep your family healthy and whole

• Encouraging other parish families in need of primary care services to establish care with your community health center. Ongoing patient education and receiving core preventative primary care services is key to keeping our valued parish families out of the hospital, reducing hospital emergency room and urgent care utilization and candidly, keeping them alive

• Increasing the utilization of your community health center for non-emergent medical needs. Outpatient Medical Center Inc. provides compassionate urgent care services while saving you money to receive these services

• Bringing your children in for comprehensive pediatric services designed to keep our valued parish children healthy and whole. Having your child routinely get their 6 month dental check-up while staying current on your

child’s well child checks and immunizations plays a major role in keeping your child healthy and we are seeing more and more families bringing their children to Outpatient Medical Center Inc. (your community health center) and for Pediatric Services

• Working at your community health center helps strengthen our ability to have local families taking care of local families (smile)

Why You Should Support Your Local Community Health Center

Now let’s talk about why you should support your community health center (smile):

1. Never forget community health centers were started by local community families wanting to have their
“own” health system for taking care of their community families. Protect your local community health center as you built it and it is yours to keep and strengthen – which you do the more community families who utilize it for their family’s core primary care needs

2. Your community health center is governed by “you” as 51% of our health center Board must be represented by local parish people who utilize the health center for their primary care needs. So our organizational business model is truly one where services are structured by the people (you); for the people (you) and governed by the people (you)

3. Your community health center has been on the front lines helping to keep our valued parish families healthy and whole for 40 years

4. Your community health center is considered a chronic disease clinical expert when it comes to treating parish families who suffer from same

5. Your community health center was charged with practicing population health long before it became a healthcare industry expectation

6. Your community health center employs gifted people from the local community; thus the more community families who utilize our health system services positions us to put more of our local family members to work

7. Your community health center plays a vitally important role in helping to support our local parish economic engine. Outpatient Medical Center Inc. currently pumps over $6 million dollars (and growing) annually into our local health system parishes. We anticipate this to grow to over $7 million annually within the next year or so

8. Your community health center is Joint Commissioned accredited; one of the nation’s highest quality awards

9. Your community health center understands the importance of seeing you as a valued patient and not just another number

10. Your community health center needs increased community family utilization to help us compete with growing competitor threats

11. Your community health centers has helped thousands of community families qualify for Medicaid
or other healthcare exchange insurance. If you currently have no insurance, please come in and let us see if we can help you qualify for same

12. You built your community health center. Protect it; use it and help it grow stronger out of deference to those who helped build it; out of deference to the thousands
of parish families who use it and out of deference to the thousands of parish families who need it to help keep their family healthy and whole.

Outpatient Medical Center was awarded $175,000.00 to expand Behavioral Health Services. They also received a $30,000.00 grant from LSU. In addition, The American Cancer Society and Louisiana Primary Care Association will collaborate to increase colorectal screening in our health system.

Outpatient Medical Center is your community health center and on behalf of our Board of Directors and dedicated professional staff, I encourage more parish families to choose Outpatient Medical Center Inc. as your family’s primary care home. When you can receive outstanding medical care in a personal, professional, culturally-sensitive and cheaper fashion, doesn’t it just make good sense to do so (smile)? So pick up that phone to make an appointment with us or just walk-in and allow our gifted staff to take good care of you. Because caring for you is what we do at Outpatient Medical Center Inc. Be well; be informed; be in touch and – be healthy.

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Northwestern State University presented service awards to outstanding alumni during Homecoming festivities Oct. 21. Honorees were Lane Luckie of Tyler, Texas, Outstanding Young Alumnus Award; Brad Miller of Chicago, Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Gail Metoyer Jones of Natchitoches, Volunteer of the Year. Each award is presented to a Northwestern graduate who has exhibited dedication and loyalty to the university’s programs and missions and has demonstrated continued interest in service to the NSU as a volunteer, donor or advocate.

The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award is presented to a young graduate who has demonstrated an early record of service to Northwestern State. Recipients must have attained alumni status within 10 years and must be 40 years old or younger at the time of nomination.

Luckie earned a degree in broadcast journalism in 2008 and is anchor of Good Morning, East Texas, at KLTV, the ABC affiliate in Tyler. An Emmy-nominated journalist, Luckie’s work has been recognized by the Broadcast Education Association and the Southeast Journalism Conference. Earlier this year, he was a RIAS Berlin Commission Fellow, participating in a trans-Atlantic exchange program for American and German broadcasters.

Luckie serves on the board of directors for the NSU Alumni Association and advisory committee for the Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts. He is president of the Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter and Housing Corporation of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Having presented educational programming at dozens of colleges across the country, Luckie was named Volunteer of the Year and Facilitator of the Year and was named to Pi Kappa Phi’s Thirty Under 30 list. He volunteers with the Texas Ramp Project and serves on the pastor council of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The Distinguished Alumnus award is presented to an alumnus who has a demonstrated record of service to NSU and long-term interest in serving the university. The recipient must have graduated at least 10 years prior to nomination and must be 40 years of age or older at the time of nomination.

Miller earned a degree in business with a minor in marketing in 1998 and was a member of the 1994 and 1995 Southland Conference Champion Demon baseball teams. After graduation he went to work for Association Member Benefits Advisors and in his first year was the number one sales representative in the country. The following year he moved up through the ranks and became the youngest regional vice president in the history of the company and twice earned Regional Vice President of the Year, breaking the all-time company RVP record. Based in Chicago, he has for the last 15 years been responsible for AMBA’s Midwest sales force.

Over the years, Miller has been invited to speak to classes in NSU’s School of Business and has made it a priority to network with and provide opportunities for NSU graduates with his company.

The Volunteer of the Year award is given to a member of the NSU Alumni Association who demonstrates an exemplary record of volunteering time, talents and service to the Alumni Association and demonstrates active involvement with a chapter, alumni interest group, affiliate program, NSU Alumni Board or other forums of volunteer service to the university.

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1981 and a master’s in Student Personnel Services in 1998 and worked at NSU for over 17 years in several capacities including admissions counselor, recruiter, scholarship coordinator, counselor at the Louisiana Scholars’ College and director of Student Support Services and New Student Programs. She has served on several volunteer boards and community service projects, including the Board of Directors for Children and Youth Planning, Cane River Home for Children and the Boys and Girls Club of Natchitoches.

While serving as executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, Jones was recognized as Leader of the Year by the southeast region in 2000 and as Volunteer of the Year from 2012-2014. She has also served as Chief of Community Services Division for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, which targets the needs of youth and families. She is active within her church, St. Augustine Catholic Church, and with the Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Longest Day initiative.

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Sean McNeish
September 2, 1969 – October 19, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 am at St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church, 2160 Cooper Lake Road, Smyrna, Georgia

Mayo Cook
November 1, 1961 – October 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Ruby Medlock
Visitation: Friday, Oct. 27 from 6-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at King Chapel A.M.E. in Many
Interment: King Chapel Cemetery in Many

Lee Arthur Gray, Jr.
Visitation: Friday, Oct. 27 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Community Cemetery in Logansport

Zeffer King
October 20, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10-11 am
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at the Morning Star Baptist Church on MLK Drive in Winnfield
Interment: Winnfield Cemetery

Virginia Speaks “Ginny” Brown
January 05, 1937 – October 16, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 12-1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church near Georgetown
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church
Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

Emma Tousant
October 20, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8-11 am
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda

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The Natchitoches Police Department arrested two men in connection with Sunday afternoon’s shooting.

Tyrease Evans, 18, was arrested and charged with 3 counts of attempted first degree murder. Demario Davis, 26, was arrested and charged with 4 counts of attempted first degree murder. Both were placed in The Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.
The Natchitoches Police Department’s Investigation Division is working diligently to put everyone involved in this vile crime behind bars. More arrests are expected.

According to the mother of the two juveniles injured during this incident; both girls were treated at University Health and released Monday. They are expected to fully recover from their injuries.

Original press release:
On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 22, shortly before 5 pm the NPD received numerous reports of multiple subjects shooting at each other in the area of Reba Street. While details are sketchy at this time Natchitoches Police Department has learned that two innocent victims were injured in this heinous act. A five year old was shot in the lower calf and a three year old received an injury to her foot. Both injuries are non life threatening and both children have been transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Further investigation also revealed damages to some of the apartments as well as three vehicles. Detectives are thoroughly scouring the crime scene and have been able to identify possible suspects. No further information will be released at this time as the investigation is continuing.

NPD Press Release

The Boys and Girls Club of El Camino Real held its annual Celebrity Chef Dinner at Peggy and Calvin Braxton’s home on the scenic Cane River on Oct. 24. The funds raised at the event will go toward continuing programming at the Boys and Girls Club to better serve the children of Natchitoches. Peggy told attendees that the club is working on a partnership with the Natchitoches Parish School Board to have kids picked up from school and brought to the MLK Center using the Durham Bus Services, which would help increase attendance. The Boys and Girls Club Board is also working with Northwestern State University and the City of Natchitoches to bring the club up to the level it needs to be at. The restaurants that serves food at Tuesday night’s event help the club through their support of its annual fundraiser.

“We enjoy it because it’s a way for us to give back to the community,” said Tony and Rhonda Hernandez, owners of Huddle House.

Maglieaux’s on the Cane Manager Joe Siciliano mirrored this sentiment. “It’s always great to be a part of anything that gives back to the Boys and Girls Club,” he said. “We’re just excited to take part in these community events.”

Food included:
Crawfish and Artichoke Bisque- Mariner’s
Tomato Basil Soup- French Market Express
Yard Egg Frittatas with mushroom, onions tomato, hash browns, sausage and Cuban spices- Huddle House
Various flavors of Ooey Gooey Bars- Cane River Kitchenware
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo- Merci Beaucoup
Enchilada Casserole- Almost Home
Chicken Monica Pasta- Maglieaux’s on the Cane
Pecan Praline Bread Pudding- Cane River Commissary

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In the midst of its best stretch of play in the three-year Sean Kiracofe era, the Northwestern State volleyball team starts a home-laden back end of the 2017 season with its annual “1K Day” match Thursday night against Sam Houston State.

First serve for the promotion-laden matchup with the Southland Conference-leading Bearkats is set for 6:30 p.m. inside Prather Coliseum.

The Lady Demons (12-13, 7-3) have won six of their past seven matches, NSU’s most successful stretch capturing 11 of 12 matches late in the 2013 season.

NSU will be challenged by a Sam Houston State (13-9, 9-0) squad that leads the Southland Conference by a half-game over Stephen F. Austin.

The on-court pairing should make for an exciting “1K Day,” NSU’s annual promotion to try to draw 1,000 fans to a volleyball match. In addition to the match between surging Northwestern State and Sam Houston State, there are a wide range of promotions surrounding the match.

Each Lady Demon player will be accompanied by a faculty member who will be recognized during pre-match introductions. There will be a fashion show during intermission during which two $25 LUX Clothing and Accessories gift cards will be raffled off. There will be free pizza for the first 100 NSU students and all fans will be eligible to win a $300 gift card donated by La Capitol.

“Looking at the schedule, going into the year, we were excited to see so many home matches toward the end of the season,” said Kiracofe, whose team will play five of its final six matches at home.

“That’s great for us. The crowd has been building all year. A lot of it has to do with us being successful at home and putting on a great show. We’re hoping to get a great crowd against Sam Houston. We’re going to need some help. They’re a good team, undefeated (in conference), so anything we can get in terms of a big crowd will be beneficial for us.”

The Lady Demons have played four matches at home, going 3-1 with three sweeps in that time frame. In the lone home defeat, NSU pushed Houston Baptist to five sets.

NSU can bank on the lift from its home crowd against a Sam Houston State squad that features a veteran roster led by seniors Jordyn Vaughn, Brooke White and junior Taylor Cunningham. The trio has been responsible for 77.6 percent of the Bearkats’ kills (815 of 1,050).

Additionally, White ranks second on the team in digs (236). White is the reigning Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week while teammate Jaclyn Ward, a setter, earned SLC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

“They constantly produce,” Kiracofe said of Vaughn and White. “They’re great players who do a lot of different things. They’re six-rotation players. They pass well. They block well. They do a lot of different things that provide value. If they’re slumping in one area, they can do something else to help the team.”

With six regular-season matches remaining, Northwestern State already has equaled its win total and conference win total from the 2016 season.

Junior outside hitter Reagan Rogers leads Northwestern State with 313 kills while classmates Madeline Drake (74 block assists, 85 total blocks), Channing Burleson (421 digs) and Kathryn Wristen (897 assists) also have posted team-best totals.

That quartet, along with senior Kylie Spencer, has been with Kiracofe through three seasons and are enjoying their highest level of success both as a team and as individuals.

“It’s been little improvements in everything,” Kiracofe said. “Pat Riley talked about the impact of being one percent better in every way. We pass a little bit better. We’re a little more consistent in a lot of things offensively and defensively.”

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

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The 5th Annual Pumpkin Glow will take place in City Park (300 Amulet Street) on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5:30-8:30 pm.

People of all ages are encouraged to attend and are welcome to participate in the pumpkin decorating contest. Cash prizes will be given away in both carved and painted categories. Pumpkin drop off will take place from 3-5 pm on Thursday. Admission is FREE!

Live entertainment throughout the evening will be provided by the local school orchestras, cheer and dance groups.

Cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs and caramel apples will be available for purchase.

For more information, contact Dawn Wells at 318-729-8282 or Jill Leo at 318-652-7078.

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Lisa Wiggins, a teacher at Northwestern State University Lab School and 2011 Louisiana AITC Teacher of the year was awarded a CHS Foundation grant. Sixteen projects around the country were selected for funding from more than 90 highly competitive applications submitted. The NSU Elementary Lab School’s “Super Power Pollinator! It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane. No, It’s Our Garden Heroes, The Mighty Pollinators” is a school-wide project in which students plant two pollinator gardens, participate in lessons about the importance of honey bees in agriculture. They also work with university specialists to track what students learn from the project.

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