The NSU Demons men’s basketball team joined forces with the Natchitoches Police Department in the inaugural Demons and Badges for the Win event, Wednesday, June 15 at the Ben D. Johnson Park’s basketball courts. The NSU ballplayers and police officers played basketball with about 25 area children.
The event is designed to further introduce the team to the community and to break down barriers between the police and the community’s young people.

Coach Gipson and his staff joined in the fun as did Mayor Williams and Councilpersons Petite and Elie. Staff members of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame were also on hand to sign up youngsters for the upcoming Junior Training Camp to be held at NSU Saturday, June 25.

The hard working young men of the Demon basketball team once again showed themselves to be good sports and good role models to our community’s youth. NSU Athletics is a force for good on and off campus. Fork ‘em Demons!

The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that on Saturday, June 18 the following streets will be closed at 8:30 pm in preparation for an 9 pm fireworks display for the conclusion of the City of Natchitoches Juneteenth Celebration.

• Church Street bridge
• Williams Ave from Whitfield Ave. to Henry Ave.
All streets will open upon conclusion of the fireworks display once the Fire Marshal has given the all clear.

In preparation for these events, the Downtown riverbank will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning at 1 pm on Saturday, June 18.

Natchitoches Parish Fire District 5 and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a large brush fire on Hwy 1 near Cypress on June 13. On arrival, members found a controlled burn of a large field. NPFD 5 members ensured that the land owner was present, and would remain on-site for the duration of the burn.

Members also checked that adequate fire lanes were in place to protect adjacent properties and that the landowner had equipment on standby in case of fire extension.

Engines 1 and 5 responded, along with BR5 and 10 NPFD 5 members.

The City of Natchitoches will kick-off the Natchitoches Farmers Market tomorrow (Saturday) and will be open every Saturday every Saturday from now until July 23, 2022.

The Natchitoches Farmers Market will be downtown on the riverbank from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

June 18, 2022 – “Blue Grass Day”
June 25, 2022 – “Contest on the Cane!!!”
July 2, 2022 – “4-H Day”
July 9, 2022 – “Blending for Health”
July 16, 2022 – “One Mans Treasure!!”
July 23, 2022 – “Farming on the Cane”

For more information, please contact the Farmers Market at (318) 663-5190 or (318) 214-7911.

The Natchitoches Humane Society and the Natchitoches Hope for Paws will join forces to create FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals) to try and figure out how to handle the ever increasing pet overpopulation problem. A meeting will be held on Thursday, June 30 from 6-8 pm at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) Auditorium, located at the school’s main entrance at 715 University Parkway.

This meeting will discuss the overwhelming situation of abused and neglected animals in the City and Parish. Any and all suggestions are needed on how to tackle the problem of the increasing pet overpopulation.

Email npfauna@yahoo.com to receive updates.

Gov. Edwards reminds Louisianans that, for the first time, all state offices in Louisiana will be closed this Friday, June 17, in observance of Juneteenth, which became a legal holiday in Louisiana last year.

“Juneteenth honors the day when enslaved Americans learned of their freedom, which is an important moment in American history and an appropriate one to honor with a state holiday,” Gov. Edwards said. “There is much work left to be done to ensure that all of our people are treated equally and fairly by the law, by our institutions and by each other, but it is my hope that Louisianans will take time on this day to reflect about the importance of freedom and equality and learn about the struggles of enslaved people in our country.”

Juneteenth is a day celebrating June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas bringing the news that the Civil War had ended and the Emancipation Proclamation declared all those enslaved that they had been freed nearly two and a half years earlier.

Act 128, which was signed by the Governor in 2021 and was sponsored by Rep. Larry Selders and co-authored by the entire Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, designates the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth Day throughout the State of Louisiana, in honor of the day African Americans celebrate Emancipation Day. Beginning in 2022, all state offices will be closed the Friday before that Saturday.

POSITION: Controller – Finance Department

DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of routine and complex clerical and administrative skills in the Finance Department. Responsible for supervising all functions of the payroll department, all functions of the accounts payable department, including monthly sales tax, balancing cash, invoice processing, airport credit card report, monthly sales tax and 1099’s. Train other employees in the Finance Department. Assists in monthly, quarterly and year end reports. Monitors and performs the daily operations in relation to various employee benefits offered including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement and other benefits offered to employees.

Sets up new vendors and account codes in the GMBA system.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant shall have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or related field or 4 years of experience in municipal accounting and finance work.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine Street, or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on June 15 that he has signed the following bills into law from the 2022 Legislative Session.

ACT 359—HB 17 Provides for a benefit increase for the Louisiana School Employees’ Retirement System.

ACT 360—HB 21 Provides for a funding deposit account for Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System and authorizes the board of trustees of the system to modify required employer contributions. 

ACT 361—HB 28 Provides relative to certain eviction proceedings in the City Court of Hammond. 

ACT 362—HB 38 Creates an Employee Insurance Fund for the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office.

ACT 363—HB 39 Provides for ex officio notaries public with certain limited authority for the Beauregard Parish School Board.

ACT 364—HB 44 Provides relative to the information required to be provided to a committee reviewing the re-creation of a statutory entity. 

ACT 365—HB 49 Authorizes the town of Henderson to levy a hotel occupancy tax. 

ACT 366—HB 55 Provides for Medicaid coverage of dental care for certain residents of intermediate care facilities. 

ACT 367—HB 63 Provides for an exception for certain information required to be submitted by a nongovernmental entity. 

ACT 368—HB 72 Provides relative to the board of commissioners of Terrebonne Parish Fire Protection District Number Six. 

ACT 369—HB 78 Provides relative to the state’s annual comprehensive financial report. 

ACT 370—HB 88 Provides for Celebrate Freedom Week in public schools. 

ACT 371—HB 118 Provides for the members of the Louisiana Property and Casualty Insurance Commission and its ad hoc committees. 

ACT 372—HB 124 Provides relative to certain judicial proceedings conducted by audio-visual means. 

ACT 373—HB 131 Provides relative to the salary schedules of teachers whose employment is interrupted by military service. 

ACT 374—HB 133 Provides for technical corrections and revision of provisions of Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. 

ACT 375—HB 149 Provides relative to legal advisor services for the Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority. 

ACT 376—HB 150 Provides relative to the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District.

ACT 377—HB 155 Provides relative to property adjudicated to the city of Monroe.

ACT 378—HB 319 Adds a member with aviation experience to the Shreveport Airport Authority.

ACT 379—HB 323 Creates the Back on Track Louisiana Pilot Program. 

ACT 380—HB 324 Provides relative to the composition of the Oyster Task Force.

ACT 381—HB 326 Provides relative to historical horse racing fees. 

ACT 382—HB 335 Provides relative to behavioral health.

ACT 383—HB 345 Provides an exemption from tolls on La. Hwy. 1 bridge for certain school personnel.

ACT 384—HB 361 Provides relative to search warrants for medical records. 

ACT 385—HB 400 Requires instruction relative to cardiac health in high school. 

ACT 386—HB 402 Provides relative to the prescriptive period for certain actions for abuse of a minor. 

ACT 387—HB 620 Provides relative to the authority of private nonprofit elementary or secondary schools and public elementary or secondary schools to conduct certain games of chance.

ACT 388—HB 658 Modifies the membership of the Louisiana Advisory Council on Driver Education.

ACT 389—HB 682 Provides for a claims adjuster database.

ACT 390—HB 709 Authorizes behavioral health services providers to furnish services to clients and patients regardless of those persons’ location within the state. 

ACT 391—HB 726 Provides relative to the financial obligations of criminal offenders. 

ACT 392—HB 739 Provides for placement of a memorial of Oscar James Dunn in the state capitol. 

ACT 393—HB 825 Provides relative to licensed practical nurses who administer chemical tests for intoxication. 

ACT 394—HB 841 Provides relative to the disclosure of personal information of certain persons.

ACT 395—HB 852 Creates a book delivery program for certain public school students.

ACT 396—HB 864 Provides relative to the Board of Louisiana River Pilot Review and Oversight.

ACT 397—HB 869 Designates portions of certain highways as memorial highways. 

ACT 398—HB 874 Provides relative to the office of deputy state examiner. 

ACT 399—HB 879 Provides relative to an authorized expense allowance paid to members of a parish governing authority. 

ACT 400—HB 886 Provides relative to powers granted to the state examiner with respect to the admission to tests. 

ACT 401—HB 895 Creates the LaSalle Cultural Corridor District in Orleans Parish. 

ACT 402—HB 906 Removes a requirement for certain Lawrason Act municipalities to use the gubernatorial election dates for municipal elections. 

ACT 403—HB 966 Authorizes a renewable tax for the operation of the coroner’s office for certain parishes.

ACT 404—HB 1007 Provides relative to tax sale property.

ACT 405—HB 1032 Provides relative to outdoor advertising. 

ACT 406—HB 1067 Provides relative to the Fresh Start Proper Worker Classification Initiative and the Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Eighty-seven students from 15 high schools throughout Louisiana fulfilled Northwestern State University’s requirements for an Associate of General Studies degree by taking dual enrollment classes. They will officially be eligible for diplomas in August. By earning college credit in high school, the students save time and money in pursuit of their bachelor’s degrees, which often extends their TOPS eligibility towards application to a master’s or other post-bachelor’s degree.

Dual enrollment students receive credit on both their high school and college transcripts for the same classes. NSU began awarding associate degrees to eligible high school students in 2016.

Brianna Billiot, a recent graduate of Pickering High School, was among those students to earn the Associate of General Studies degree. She earned 63 hours and is already registered for 12 hours when she starts as a fulltime NSU student this fall classified as a junior majoring in Computer Information Systems.

During high school, Billiot earned college class credits in chemistry, fine arts, geography, anthropology, communications, finance, sociology and University 1000 freshman seminar and earned multiple credits for classes in psychology, Spanish, history, biology and math.

“Taking dual enrollment classes in high school was, of course, more challenging than just taking high school classes, but it wasn’t hard to balance both,” Billiot said. “There were many other dual enrollment students at my high school. The main benefit is an early start. With dual enrollment you can get the beginner classes out of the way and once you get to college you can go straight in and start working on your major classes.”

Billiot hopes to complete her degree and pursue a career as a private contractor and help larger businesses with their websites and online need.

Ty Russell graduated magna cum laude from Pleasant Hill High School in May, also with an Associate of General Studies degree. Russell was part of the LA Gear Up initiative that partners universities with high poverty middle schools and high schools with the goal of increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.

“I am often asked why I would want to stay at a small school, and I explain how PHHS and LA Gear Up have given me the opportunities to experience great success through attending ADVANCE Camp at NSU twice and through 60 hours of dual enrollment courses,” Russell said. “Without these opportunities, the experiences and an associate’s degree would not have been possible. I am grateful for the positive impact that LA Gear Up has made in setting me up for success with an associate degree and starting NSU as a junior with zero debt and multiple scholarships.”

Earlier this year, state education leaders launched an initiative to widen access to high schoolers seeking college credits.

According to Steve Hicks, director of NSU’s Academic Advising Services, the students are eligible to walk in NSU’s December commencement ceremonies if they wish.

“NSU is a leader in dual enrollment, which has the benefit of introducing students not only to college-level work but also college-specific resources such as books and counselors,” Hicks said. “The affordability of high school juniors and seniors taking college courses is an important benefit to many of our students.”

Vanner Erikson, NSU’s interim director of Enrollment and director of Recruiting, said dual enrollment is an important factor in student retention.

“The high school graduates who arrive at NSU as full-time students with two years of college coursework behind them already see the goal of a bachelor’s degree in sight, so they are usually very motivated to complete the bachelor’s and continue on for an advanced degree,” Erikson said.

“Every year, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of high schoolers eligible for associate degrees, from one student in 2016 when eligibility began to more than 80 students now six years later. I’m pleased with the increase in completers and that students are taking advantage of this opportunity,” Hicks said. “These students have worked very hard and we are proud of them.”

For information on dual enrollment, contact Hicks at hickss@nsula.edu.

Pictured: Brianna Billiot, a recent graduate of Pickering High School, was one of 87 students who earned an associate degree through dual enrollment classes and will start her college career at Northwestern State classified as a junior.

Natchitoches Parish
Seab A. Horn
June 15, 1916 – June 6, 2022
Visitation: 6pm to 8pm, Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Service:  Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 10:00 a. m.
Interment:  Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in the Vowells Mill Community.

Winn Parish
Lisa Thomas Coleman
October 12, 1964 – June 5, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 18, 2022, 11:00am; Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel,  Winnfield, LA
Interment: Winnfield Cemetery

Red River
Henry Weston Cox
August 21, 1937 – June 12, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 18 at 11am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

A United Way of Northwest Louisiana representative spoke to the Natchitoches City Council at its June 13 meeting about a new program expanding to the Natchitoches area called Bank On Northwest Louisiana, which helps the unbanked and underbanked achieve financial stability.

In other business, the City plans on moving its Public Works Department to this location as it looks forward to further development within the Mill District. The ordinance up for introduction was to execute a lease with an option to purchase for the lease and eventual purchase of a tract of land (a little over 6 acres) located at 1608 Texas Street (the old John Deere building) from John Barry Guillet for $512,500, said lease providing for a 3 year term with an option to purchase at any time during the term of the lease. The future goal is to bring other businesses to the area and make the Mill District a thriving economic corridor.

Other agenda items included:

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan For Use By The City Of Natchitoches To Provide Assistance To Households In Maintaining Housing Stability And To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

A Third Supplemental Bond Ordinance Authorizing The Issuance By The City Of Natchitoches, State Of Louisiana Of Its Taxable Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2022, In An Amount Not To Exceed Nine Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($935,000), Prescribing The Form, Terms And Conditions Of Said Bonds; Providing For The Payment Thereof; Entering Into Certain Other Covenants And Agreements In Connection With The Security And Payment Of Said Bonds; Selling Said Bonds To The Clean Water State Revolving Fund; Authorizing The Execution Of A Loan And Pledge Agreement And Other Loan Documents With The Louisiana Department Of Environmental Quality; Providing For The Delivery Of The Bonds To Said Department; And Providing For Other Matters In Connection Therewith.

Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan For Use By The City Of Natchitoches To Provide Funding For Infrastructure ImprovementsAnd To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.

RESOLUTIONS:

Fix The Time, Day, Date And Place Of Regular Meetings OfThe City Council Of The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.

Establish Meeting Times And Places Of: Natchitoches Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Waterworks District No.1.

Appoint Stacy McQueary As Clerk Of The Council For The City Of Natchitoches.

Appoint The Auditor For The City Of Natchitoches.

Appoint the Fiscal Agent For The City Of Natchitoches.

Designate Natchitoches Times As the Official Legal Journal For The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.

Authorize The City Of Natchitoches, Parish Of Natchitoches, State Of Louisiana To Incur Debt And To Issue Not To Exceed $2 Million Aggregate Principal Amount Of Revenue Bonds, In One Or More Series; Providing Certain Terms Of Said Bonds; Making Application To The State Bond Commission; Employing Bond Counsel And Other Professionals; And Otherwise Providing With Respect Thereto.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, June 27, 2022.

• The City of Natchitoches offices will be closed Friday, June 17, 2022 in observation of Juneteenth.

Wednesday, June 14, 2022, a Texas man suffered moderate injuries in a train/pedestrian incident north of Campti according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 8:46am, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, and First Responders from International Paper-Red River Mill responded to reports of a train/pedestrian crash near the intersections of La. Hwy 3163 and La. Hwy 480 north of Campti, La.

Air EVAC medical helicoper was placed on stand-by.

Deputies and medical personnel arrived on scene finding an alert male suffering from moderate injuries.

Deputies say a 60-year-old TNT Railcar Services Contract Worker from Sillsbee,Texas was working on a stationary locomotive engine stopped on the railroad tracks. At some point, the contract worker stepped off the locomotive and was struck by a southbound Kansas City Southern Train traveling on adjacent tracks.

Double-tracks are in the area of the incident.

Deputies say the victim was transported from the scene to a Shreveport hospital with moderate injuries.

Deputy D. Haliburton is working the incident.

We would like to thank International Paper First Responders for their quick response and assistance during the incident.

KCS and TNT Railcar Sevices officials were notified of the incident.

NPSO Release

One agenda item that will come before the State Bond Commission at its June 16 meeting is:

L22­168 ­ Natchitoches Parish, Fire Protection District No. 6

(1) 10.0 mills tax, 10 years, 2023­2032, (a) acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating fire protection facilities and equipment, including emergency equipment, (b) paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection services, (c) paying salaries of firemen and (d) all purposes incidental thereto; (2) Not exceeding $25 parcel fee, 10 years, 2023­2032, (a) acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating fire protection facilities and equipment, (b) paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection services, (c) paying salaries of firemen and (d) all purposes incidental thereto.

Mayor Jennifer Smith communicated with another broadband company and they advised that they plan to draft a proposal and make a package offering. The Mayor also wanted to have the local School Board Member, Eugean Garner involved so they could discuss all issues regarding the cell tower lease and use of broadband

Qualifying dates for the Fall election Cycle are July 20-22 at the clerk of court office. Open positions include mayor, city alderman, and chief of police for the November ballot.

Christmas in the park is in the early beginning stages for this year’s festivities and they will be organizing a fall fundraiser. The council decided to hold the festival on the 2nd FRIDAY of December this year, as voting will be held on that Saturday. There will be more information to come the closer that we get to the event.

June 15, 2022 at 6:00, Goldonna Baptist Church will be beginning their “Summer of Prayer” which will be preceeded by baptism in the sanctuary and followed by fellowship (food) and a corn hole tournament in the fellowship hall! There will be a 12 & under division and an adult division. Start finding your partner! You are hereby officially invited!

Goldonna elementary junior high school announced that only clear and mesh backpacks will be allowed on school campus this year. This move was made to ensure the safety of all children attendance to school. 

If you have news to report please reach out to Reba Phelps at Jreba.phelps@gmail.com.

Please see attached school supply list for the students:

Senior Graeme Fidelak and two underclassmen, sophomore Drake Griffin and freshman Conor Jordan, represented another successful St. Mary’s baseball team on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class A All-State team.

The trio were honorable mention picks as the LSWA combined the select and non-select schools and media from across the state picked a 17-man first team and identified just 18 other standouts as HM picks.

Fidelak, who graduated in May and is bound for the University of Denver, was a highly-decorated football and baseball competitor for the Tigers.

He batted .427 with a .561 on-base percentage, driving in 29 runs and scoring 40. He had 8 doubles, 5 triples and a home run while stealing 21 bases and drawing 17 hit-by-pitches.

Griffin hit .442 with 36 RBI, posting a .562 on-base percentage with 6 doubles, 2 triples and 18 runs scored.

Jordan recorded a team-best .452 batting average while posting a .527 on-base percentage. He lashed 12 doubles, three triples and homered twice as he collected 34 RBI and scored 33 times.

LSWA CLASS 1A ALL-STATE BASEBALL

Position, Player, School, Class, Stats
P Garrett Taylor St. Frederick So. 7-3
P Carter Gates Ouachita Christian 6-3 Sr. 6-3
P Devin David Grand Lake Sr. 8-1
P Connor Matherne Covenant Christian Sr. 10-2
C Thomas Marsala St. Frederick Sr. .491
IF Caden Flowers Calvary Sr. .400
IF Tanner Duff Oak Grove Fr. .385
IF JT Teuton Covenant Christian Jr. .386
IF Caleb O’Con Central Catholic Jr. .444
OF Aubrey Hermes Calvary So. .371
OF Ty Eschette Central Catholic Sr. .398
OF Mark Collins Opelousas Catholic So. .381
UT Zach White Ouachita Christian So. .435
UT Garrett Walker Grand Lake Sr. 6-3
UT Connor Achee Catholic-PC Jr. 8-1
UT Bryce Leonard Ascension Catholic Jr. 379
UT Brooks Leonard Ascension Catholic Jr. 7-1

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: THOMAS MARSALA, ST. FREDERICK

COACH OF THE YEAR: JASON LEGG, CALVARY

Honorable mention

Brody Campbell, East Beauregard; John Michael Jarrell, Opelousas Catholic; Jace Thompson, Logansport; Cason Clemons, Glenbrook; Josh Jones, LaSalle; Landon Vidrine, Oberlin; Drake Griffin, St. Mary’s; Braeden Sterling, Plain Dealing; Conor Jordan, St. Mary’s; Logan Landry, Catholic-PC; Lex Melancon, Ascension Catholic; Caleb Johnson, East Beauregard; Brant Stewart, Catholic-PC; E.J. Wolfe, Oberlin; Connor Kimball, Catholic-PC; Cole Parker, Ouachita Christian; Peyton Trosclair, Covenant Christian; Graeme Fidelak, St. Mary’s.

Apparently, the government has issued a command or passed a law or sent out a decree that all the world, at least every living person in America, must see the new Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun: Maverick, each in his own city, and not just once but at least two or three times, or else they’ll cut off your … cable?

So, I went to see it.

Wasn’t 100 percent sold on the idea, but if you want to have a decent conversation with anyone these days, you have to have seen Top Gun: Maverick, hereafter referred to as a space-saving Top Gun, the original movie title in 1986.

The current movie is the sequel. In the original, Cruise and his friends were hot-shot fighter pilots in the United States Navy, the best of the best. The cast did an excellent job of portraying what is required from the real pilots defending us as we speak, and let’s take a moment and be grateful they’re on our side.

A couple of things: I haven’t been “to the show” in three years and not to a show on Saturday afternoon, something normal functioning people often do, since—taking a legit guess here—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968-ish. That show was so bad it kept me out of Saturday afternoon movie houses for decades, even when a good John Wayne or Clint Eastwood was playing.

Became a nighttime guy.

But I went back Saturday, although it was iffy. Online tickets were sold out except for a seat here or there, and this at theaters that were playing Top Gun on several screens.

Somehow, we ended up as fortunate as some of the pilots portrayed in the movie. We got golden tickets. And suddenly there we were, with Tom Cruise onscreen as himself welcoming us to the picture show in what I thought was a nice touch.

Then it started.

If you didn’t see the original, you’ll still “get the picture.” Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, years and years after his graduation from the TOPGUN Naval aviation program — Cruise’s character is basically 718 in pilot years by now — gets called back to instruct elite fliers. One of those youngsters is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late wingman and best friend, Goose.

You’ve noticed these need-for-speed pilots have nicknames. Maverick. Rooster. Goose. The new movie is not lacking in this area: there’s Carburetor and Skeeter, Mud Flaps and Truck Nuts. Eat My Rubber. My favorite is Bob. “Bob.” True story. Apparently, any name’s game as long as it can be stenciled onto the front of a flight helmet.

Another holdover from the original: a bad mustache. Goose, who tragically did not make it through the original, had that special kind of very 1980’s porn star mustache. In any strip club in any country, you still see this kind of mustache worn by most all patrons. And by some of the dancers. Not a good look.

So, in the sequel, to make us know for certain that this was Goose’s offspring, they made the son have that same mustache. I’d have bought in without that hammer over the head, but perhaps it made for a key plot element, subliminal and all: Could Rooster overcome a haunting legacy AND the lame mustache?

Glad I bought a ticket to find out (even though the government made me go). It was worth it. Three different times, I thought the film was over, but Things Kept Happening. It was like three movies in one.

And thank goodness they made this thing a couple of years ago before gas prices soared higher and faster than a F/A-18 Super Hornet. If they’d made it today, a ticket would cost $147.

We rate it VG for Very Good. No sex. No cussing that I recall. And just the right amount of sentiment in paying homage to the original. I almost cried one time — but maybe that was because I really needed to go to the bathroom.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Pitcher and shortstop Maddie Robinson was a first-team selection, while her Natchitoches Central High School teammates Catherine Stokes and Desi Robinson earned honorable mention accolades on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A All-State softball team.

Sports media from around the state selected the team honoring the top performers among Louisiana’s biggest high schools.

Maddie Robinson and Desi Robinson are juniors; Stokes graduated in May and will attend Centenary on a softball scholarship. They helped lead NCHS to the second round of the state playoffs and an impressive 6-1 win over nationally-ranked Pineville and an overall 21-10 record.

Maddie Robinson batted .447 with a .557 on-base percentage and a stout .894 slugging percentage. She was second among the Lady Chiefs in hits (46), doubles (12), triples (3) and home runs (8). She collected 35 RBI while drawing 23 walks. She fielded .929.

In the pitching circle, Robinson was overwhelming. She finished 16-6 and notched a save, holding opposing hitters to a .188 batting average while posting a 2.12 ERA. She averaged 9.6 strikeouts per game, sitting down 216 batters of the 680 she faced in 158 innings.

Stokes played shortstop and second base and was chosen for the coaches’ West All-Star. She carried a lofty .512 batting average with a .597 on-base percentage and slugged at an .857 rate.

She led the Lady Chiefs in hits (58), doubles (20) and was second in runs scored (44) while recording 29 RBI and drawing 19 walks. Stokes fielded at a 919 rate,

Desi Robinson, a junior first baseman and outfielder, owned a .428 batting average, got on base 52 percent of the time, and slugged .880. She topped NCHS in triples (7) and home runs (11), along with runs scored (51), and was second in hits (48), RBI (41) and walks drawn 914). With the glove, she fielded .992.

LSWA CLASS 5A ALL-STATE SOFTBALL

Position, Player, School, Class, Stats

P Halie Pappion Barbe Sr. .20-3
P Maddie Nichols,West Monroe Sr. 14-4
P Lainee Bailey Walker Sr. 29-5
P Addison Jackson St. Amant Jr. 30-2
C Kirsten Thiels Pineville Sr. .432
IF Brylie Fontenot Sam Houston Jr. .534
IF Bailey Henderson Pineville Jr. .608
IF Sara Roussel Hahnville Sr. .551
IF Chloe Larry Parkway So. .643
OF Nyjah Fontenot Barbe Sr. .486
OF Dayzja Williams Alexandria Jr. .456
OF Karli Sellers West Monroe Jr. .413
UT Lexie Dibley Sam Houston Jr. .398
UT Emily Collins Pineville Sr. 30-3
UT Maddie Robinson Natchitoches Central Jr. 14-6, .447 batting average
UT Kira Manganello John Curtis So. .388
UT Kai Goodman John Curtis So. 18-1

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: ADDISON JACKSON, ST. AMANT

COACH OF THE YEAR: AMY PITRE, ST. AMANT 

Honorable mention

Kailey Dwyer, Acadiana; Bevan Hartnett, Pineville; Lauren Cooper, Pineville; Catherine Stokes, Natchitoches Central; Carla Wilson, Ruston; Ana Grace Garcia, St. Joseph’s Academy; Jenna Samuel, Northshore; Madison Laiche, John Curtis; Laney Waguespack, Hahnville; Lauren Sekenger, Dominican; Riley Myers, Southwood; Ava Defee, Benton; Brynne Songy, Dutchtown; Parish Endris, Airline; Madison Jolie Lenderman, Acadiana; Rheagan Montgomery, Ouachita; Erin Stallings, Alexandria; Desi Robinson, Natchitoches Central; Caitlyn Riche, Walker; Shaun Leiva, Live Oak; Alix Franklin, St. Amant; Ashlyn Shirah, Northshore; Rikki Adams, Chalmette; MyKail Lusco, Dominican; Jina Baffuto, Airline; Brooklyn Brockhaus, Haughton; Landrie Crockett, West Ouachita; Carmen Dixon, St. Amant; Elena Heng, Airline; Madelyn England, Sam Houston; Bailey Neathery, West Ouachita; Heather Triche, H.L. Bourgeois; Sophie Livers, Benton.

CUTLINE – Maddie Robinson

By Brad Dison

In the Fall of 1861, Robert Smalls became the pilot of the CSS Planter, “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” Robert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, had been piloting vessels in Charleston harbor for several years and knew it well.

The Planter was “a high-pressure, side-wheel steamer, 140 feet in length, and about 50 feet beam, and [drew] about five feet of water.” Before the war, the Charleston-built vessel was used to transport up to 1400 bales of cotton per trip. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Confederate Navy converted the vessel into a gunboat armed with a 32-pound rifle on its forward deck and a 24-pound howitzer on its aft deck.

The boat’s captain, Charles Relyea, along with his first and second mates, had a habit of sleeping in comfortable beds in homes near the wharf. Pilot Robert Smalls, engineers John Smalls and Alfred Gradine, and crew members Abraham Jackson, Gabriel Turno, William Morrison, Samuel Chisholm, Abraham Allston, and David Jones had to sleep in the cramped quarters aboard the boat.

One night in the spring of 1862, after the captain and first and second mates had gone ashore for the night, one of the crew aboard the Planter, unhappy about their situation, joked that they should defect to the north by running the vessel to the sea. Some of the crew members readily agreed. Robert, the senior most crew member, immediately warned the crew not to discuss the defection while onboard the vessel. Robert suggested that if they wanted to discuss the defection “in sober earnestness,” that they meet at his home in Charleston.

During their clandestine meeting, the entire crew, including Robert, decided that they would defect. Knowing that Robert was born and raised in Charleston, and that he had piloted vessels in the Charleston harbor for several years, the crew left the plan entirely up to Robert. They agreed to follow Robert’s orders without question, to be ready at a moment’s notice, and swore to absolute secrecy. All of the men knew that if they were caught trying to defect, or even discussing defection in the prized boat, they would surely be hung.

Robert and the other crewmen waited for the right opportunity to defect. Robert hid provisions for the crew members in the hold of the boat. On the night of May 12, 1862, Captain Relyea and his first and second mates went on shore to spend the night. The Planter was scheduled to leave for Fort Ripley on the following morning with supplies for the fort which included a 7-inch rifled gun, an 8-inch columbiad cannon, an 8-inch howitzer cannon, a long 82-pounder cannon, and about 200 rounds of ammunition. This, Robert decided, was the perfect opportunity.

Robert quickly put his secret plan into motion. He sent for his wife and three children, and John Smalls sent for his wife, child, and sister. The rest of the crew members had no family in Charleston. The men secreted the women and children onto the boat and aroused no suspicion. Leaving them in Charleston was not an option because the captain would have arrested them until the crew members returned to face charges. At about 3:00 a.m., the crew lit the fires under the boilers and waited for the pressure to build. Their hearts beat fast as the minutes felt like hours. Finally, steam had built up enough for them to depart and the vessel paddled away from the harbor.

The crew hoped to pass the batteries of Fort Sumter in the cover of darkness, but the tide was against the Planter and the vessel moved slowly through the water. It was fully daylight when the boat neared Fort Sumter. Robert wore clothing which, at a distance, resembled the hat and uniform of the Planter’s captain. As the boat approached the fort, Robert could see the sentinel. He reached for the whistle cord. If the sentinel suspected anything, Robert’s horn blasts would be answered by cannon fire. Otherwise, the sentinel would motion for the boat to continue. Robert gave the usual signal—two long pulls and a jerk at the whistle cord. He watched the sentinel’s every move. To Robert’s relief, the sentinel motioned for the boat to continue.

Robert steered the Planter away from the Confederacy and toward the American ships he knew would be waiting. As the vessel came within sight of the US Navy’s blockading squadron, the crew hoisted the white flag of surrender. US sailors boarded the Planter, learned of their plan to defect, and allowed them to pass through the blockade. The boat then proceeded to Port Royal, via St. Helena Sound and Broad River, and reached the Wabash, the flagship of the US Navy, at 10:00 p.m. The defection was mutually beneficial for the US Navy and the Planters’ crew and its passengers. The US Navy got what they wanted— “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” The Planters’ crew and its passengers got what they so desired—their freedom. Robert and the rest of the defectors were slaves.

Source: Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), May 20, 1862, p.2.