During the span of a lifetime, we are met with this question. For example, when is it time to change jobs, get married, have kids, or retire? Everyone has a different timeline for each of these questions. But the one thing we ALL want is the ability to make these decisions when we are ready and on our own terms. 
 
Everyone that has played a particular sport, especially at a high level, wants to walk away when they are ready, not when someone tells them they are no longer good enough. 
 
I’ve always wanted to be in control no matter what, and the one thing I’ve always told myself was, “When it’s no longer fun or I’m no longer competitive, it’s time to walk away.” I have applied this rule of thumb throughout my athletic career and will do so with regards to my fishing career. 
 
I’ve been fishing tournaments since the early 1990’s and have enjoyed almost every minute of it! Sure, there’ve been some ups and downs just like any other sport, but the friends I have made and the good times I’ve shared with so many can never be taken away. 
 
Another aspect I still enjoy today is trying to figure out how to catch bass. This never gets old for me. And the feeling I get when it all comes together for a tournament, well there’s just no better feeling in the world! It’s what motivates me and drives my competitive fire!
 
Over the years, people who don’t know or understand the sport of bass fishing think it is all luck. Nothing could be further from the truth because if that was the case, why are the same anglers always near the top of the standings?
 
They say luck is where preparation meets opportunity. I’m a firm believer in that saying because if you want to compete with the best anglers on any circuit, you have to do your homework and spend lots of time on the water. In bass fishing, “time on the water” is essential to being successful.
 
So, to answer the question of, “How do we know when it’s time?” – for me, it will be when I can no longer compete with the young guns of the tournament bass fishing world or when it’s no longer fun. 
 
But if all my fishing buddies continue to fish, I’ll still hang around. This has become the main reason I’m still competing today. I’ve been blessed with some of the best dudes an angler could ask for when it comes to travel partners. 
 
We’ve shared in some awesome times, ate some great meals and told a lot of fish stories, some true and some just pure lies! These same stories have been repeated time and time again and are told as if it was the first time we have ever heard them. But that’s ok, it’s all a part of the memories being made that make every trip special. 
 
One thing about tournament anglers, they are unique in many ways and are a little stingy when it comes to fishing information. We’ll try and help each other a little, but may not always reveal every detail on how we are catching fish. 
 
There’s also a great bond with all anglers that travel and stay together on the road. Each is always willing to help the other in their time of need, whether it’s a boat breakdown on the water or a blown trailer tire on the road. They are like the Marines; no man will be left behind!
 
This is why I’m still doing it at the age of 64 and will continue as long as my health is good, I can still get bites, and hopefully cash a check once in a while.

‘Til next time, here’s to wishing all anglers tight lines and good times fishing! 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Two guest speakers were welcomed at the June 24 Rotary meeting. First, the Director of Business Development and Public Relations for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Greg Burke gave an overview for the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class. The 12 Inductees will be in Natchitoches June 26-28 and available for free activities for children and families. For more information visit their website LaSportsHall.com

Second, Rotarian with the Program Richard Armstrong introduced the Associate Director of Innovation NSU Office of Economic Development and Advancement Jill Leo who gave a PowerPoint overview of the new Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts and Northwestern State University Innovation Park. For more information on this collaboration, please visit nsula.edu/edio

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Doug McGuire was the Senior Minister of Trinity Methodist Church through the 1960’s. He was a great guy. In his retirement he acquired his private pilot’s license. Years ago, I was known to spend hours in the air with Doug. Doug has gone on to his reward. He was filled with preacher aphorisms. His advice was wise. He encouraged, “Always enter the pulpit with a full heart and an empty bladder. And don’t get them reversed!” He also said, “If a sermon is worth preaching once it is worth preaching again.” I wonder if that holds true for these articles.

To wit.

A dog was on a safari with this master, but he got lost chasing butterflies. He then noticed out of his peripheral vision that a lion was slowly sneaking up to attack him. He saw a pile of bones nearby. Pretending not to see the lion, the dog started chomping on a bone. He hollered, “Boy, the lion sure tasted good!” The lion decided that this must be a very ferocious dog, so he left.

But a monkey watched all of this. He chased down the lion and told him the truth. Furious, the lion turned around to go eat the dog. The monkey jumped on the lion’s back intending to watch the whole thing unfold before him. Realizing what had happened, the quick-thinking dog grabbed another bone and hollered, “Where is that stupid monkey? He should have brought me another lion by now!”

It is a great story. Don’t you wish you could be like that dog and be that quick witted? Sure you do! When someone zings you at work, you stew about it all that night and you finally figure out what you could have said to that person. Or after an argument you stew until you finally think of what you should have said.

In my line of work, I want to be comforting and Godly when someone seeks my wisdom or advice. Often, I am neither and I toss and turn until I come up with a better answer to a person’s question or concern.

Most of us wish we could think faster and say the right word at the right time.

I wonder how many of us read this story and thought, “maybe it is best not to get lost in the first place.” I think that was the ultimate point.

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

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By Prem Gongaju

I

“Someone must have slandered Joseph K. for one morning, without having done anything truly wrong, he was arrested.” – “The Trial” by Franz Kafka

“ICE detains Marine Corps veteran’s wife who was still breastfeeding their baby”
Jack Brook, Associate Press, Sun, June 22, 2025

Unlike the prosecutorial bureaucracy of Kafka’s Trial, judge, jury, and executioner – all are out in the open in America.
‘No one person is judge, jury, and executioner in this country—that’s what the legal system is for.’
And yet some people play dumb, seemingly confusing habeas corpus for heavy corpses. Just for a few laughs.

So, someone must have slandered Paola Clouatre . . .

In Paola’s case, it’s the poignant aftermath of her mother’s failure to appear at an immigration hearing.
“She was not aware of the removal order,” Paola’s husband Adrian Clouatre said, “so she was not knowingly defying it,” he said. “If she had been arrested, she would have been deported long ago, and we would never have met.”

They met, they fell in love, and they were married. Holy is their union.

Set asunder by the long ICE-y arm of law, they are united in each other’s arms, the arms bearing each other’s tattooed name. Holy be their names.

Let us rally for the Clouatre family before their names get re-tattooed into numbers.

II

“ICE detains Marine Corps veteran’s wife who was still breastfeeding their baby”
The AP Headline shepherded my mind to Virgo Lactans, for the act of breastfeeding exults Madonna del Latte.

And Adrian worried about the loss of formative contact between Paola and child.

“When his 3-month-old, breastfeeding daughter Lyn is hungry, he gives her a bottle of baby formula instead. He’s worried how his newborn will bond with her mother absent skin-to-skin contact.”

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The West Natchitoches Water Main Replacement Phase 2 in Breda Town has begun. CDE Construction LLC won the project with a bid of $601,554.20. The project is estimated to take 90 days and includes the replacement and upgrading of approximately 4591 Linear feet of undersized and deteriorating water lines.

Overseeing the project are Dalton Eichelberger President of CDE Construction, Utility Director Tim Tousek (serving as the City’s day to day point of contact providing system knowledge and support to the project), and Larry Stevens of Balar Associates (serving as inspector and Resident Project Representative).

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At its June 23 meeting, the Natchitoches City Council introduced an ordinance authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Natchitoches and the Historic District Business Association (HDBA), a local nonprofit that coordinates key tourism events such as the annual Christmas Festival and Antique Car Show.

The proposed agreement outlines a formal partnership in which the City will assign certain employees to work under the direction of the HDBA. In return, the HDBA will fully reimburse the City for all associated salary and benefit costs, including health insurance, retirement, and administrative fees. The agreement would also require HDBA to pay an annual administration fee of $5,000 per full-time employee and $1,000 per part-time employee to offset City expenses related to payroll processing and management.

Under the agreement, the assigned employees will remain under the City’s administrative policies and procedures but will be supervised by HDBA in the execution of their daily responsibilities. The cooperative effort also ensures continued support for Main Street initiatives, with the HDBA taking an active role in reporting, attending quarterly meetings, and maintaining state certification as part of Louisiana’s Main Street program.

City officials noted that similar agreements already exist with other community partners, including Cane River National Heritage Area and the Ben Johnson Foundation. Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. emphasized that such agreements enable nonprofit partners to offer competitive benefits to their employees—benefits they otherwise could not afford—without cost to the City.

“This is a mutually beneficial effort,” said Mayor Williams. “It helps our community partners retain strong employees and remain aligned with the City’s goals, especially in areas like Main Street development and tourism.”

The ordinance, introduced for discussion only, will be placed on the agenda for a formal vote at the next City Council meeting. Members of the public and council are invited to submit questions or comments before then.

City officials also acknowledged the presence of community leaders and members of the HDBA at the meeting, including Ms. Sandra Dickens and Mr. Mike Stewart, both noted for their long-standing support of tourism and historic preservation efforts in Natchitoches.

The agreement is proposed for a five-year term with the option to extend for two additional one-year periods. Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days’ written notice.

Other agenda items included:

PLANNING & ZONING – FINAL:

Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Lot on South Side Sidney Street Being The West 20 Feet of Lot 3 and The East 20 Feet of Lot 4 of The David Pierson Lots (119 Sidney St.)

ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Award The Bid For The South Williams Water Line Project (Bid No. 0675)

TABLED: Execute A Fourth Lease Amendment To Water Tower Option And Lease Agreement With New Cingular Wireless Pcs, LLC, Said Amendment Providing For An Extended Term, Providing For Consideration And Escalating Rent. City Attorney Alex Washington said he noticed some provisions in the lease that could be modified to benefit the City.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Award The Bid For 2025 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0676).

RESOLUTIONS:

Enter Into A Maintenance Agreement, Including Mowing And Litter Pickup, With The State Of Louisiana, Department Of Transportation And Development, Office Of Engineering Beginning July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2026.

Re-Appoint Alex Washington As The City Attorney And Tommy Murchison, Cloyd Benjamin Jr., Gary Conley, And Steven Oxenhandler As Assistant City Attorneys For The City Of Natchitoches.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be July 14, 2025.
The Offices of the City of Natchitoches will be CLOSED Friday, July 4, 2025 in honor of Independence Day.

PAID CONTENT

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The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that on Friday, June 27 Front Street from Church Street to St. Denis Street will close at noon to vehicular traffic in preparation for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Taste of Tailgating VIP event to be held at Mama’s Oyster House/Blues Room and Papa’s Bar and Grill.

The following streets will close at 9 PM in preparation for a 9:25 PM fireworks display during the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Rockin’ Riverfest event on the downtown riverbank.
Church Street bridge
Williams Avenue from Whitfield to Henry 

The roadway and bridge will open upon the conclusion of the fireworks display once the Fire Marshal has given the all-clear.

In preparation for these events, the Downtown Riverbank will remain closed to all vehicular traffic throughout the day on Friday, June 27.

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The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Natchitoches is proud to announce its new classification as an official Maternal Wellness Center by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). This recognition affirms WRC’s longstanding commitment to supporting women through all stages of pregnancy and early motherhood with holistic, compassionate and life-affirming care.

As a designated Maternal Wellness Center, WRC meets the state’s expanded standards for providing comprehensive support services, including:

• Pregnancy testing and options counseling
• Prenatal and parenting education
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Referrals to local medical care and community resources
• Material assistance with baby items, diapers, and essentials

“We are honored to receive this designation,” said K. Nicole Woods, Executive Director of WRC. “This is a powerful affirmation of the work our staff and volunteers have been doing for years—walking alongside women in our community and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.”

The Maternal Wellness Center classification allows the Women’s Resource Center to continue building stronger partnerships across healthcare, faith-based and community sectors, ensuring that every woman who walks through its doors is seen, heard and supported—physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Located in the heart of Natchitoches, WRC has served thousands of women and families since its founding. With this new designation, the center is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact throughout the region.

“What began in 1989 as a mission to serve women in the Natchitoches community has grown into a volunteer-driven mission serving clients from across the state,” says Woods.

For more information about our services, volunteer opportunities or to donate, visit wrcnatchitoches.org or call 318-357-8888.

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Natchitoches Thomas Apartments will reopen the wait list and begin accepting applications on July 1, 2025.

Applications can be picked up at the site or downloaded from the website on and after July 1:

https://www.natchitochesthomas.com/ 

Completed applications will be placed on the wait-list based on the time and date received.

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By LENNY VANGILDER, Written for the LSWA

Joe Scheuermann was a 27-year-old assistant baseball coach at Tulane when he came to Natchitoches in June 1990 to present his father, “Rags,” for induction in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Curveballs are a part of baseball, and “Rags” delivered a dandy one that night. During his acceptance speech, he announced his retirement as Delgado Community College’s baseball coach.

Thirty-five years after following in his dad’s footsteps on City Park Avenue and with 1,207 victories on his record, Joe Scheuermann will join his dad to become the fourth father-son combination to be inducted into the LSHOF.

That culminates the Class of 2025 Induction Celebration in Natchitoches beginning Thursday and wrapping up with Saturday night’s induction ceremony televised live on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Information about the Hall’s seven events over three days is available at LaSportsHall.com.

While most assume it was a done deal that Joe would replace “Rags” at Delgado, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The younger Scheuermann came back to New Orleans and soon met with then-Delgado president Dr. James Caillier. “I don’t want to have this job because I’m Rags Scheuermann’s son,” Joe Scheuermann told his future boss.

Later that summer, he became the second head coach of what is now the oldest junior college program in any sport in Louisiana.

Though the reins had been handed down, it was still hard for the new head coach not to look over his shoulder and in the grandstand. “The first 4-5 years I was more worried about making my dad happy than I was about being a coach,” he said. “I coached too much with exterior emotion. The last two years of his life I started to relax a little bit.”

“Rags” passed away in April 1997, a week shy of his 74th birthday.

Joe Scheuermann was preparing for his 16th season at Delgado when his program – and the entire city of New Orleans – was dealt a body blow named Hurricane Katrina.

The Scheuermanns, with their house and campus under water, evacuated to New Roads. A few days later, in Baton Rouge, he met with Delgado’s chancellor, Alex Johnson.

With the college in financial straits after a lost semester and significant rebuilding costs, the message about the spring 2006 season was simple – “We can’t fund it.” The only way to have a season, and save the program started three decades earlier by his father, was to raise the money himself.

Scheuermann got that program-saving donation from a longtime supporter and friend, and the task of resuscitating a season – and a ballpark, since Kirsch-Rooney Stadium had also been inundated with several feet of flood waters – began.

Said Scheuermann: “The fact we played the year after Katrina is probably my proudest moment. It would have been easy for Delgado not to have athletics, but it made them realize how important athletics is for the college.”

One year later, the Katrina freshman class would lead Scheuermann to his first-ever Junior College World Series, 22 years after “Rags” made his only trip.

Omaha, Nebraska, is the goal each year for LSU and other NCAA Division I programs. On the NJCAA Division I level, it is Grand Junction, Colorado.

“Once we got to the World Series, people bought into our program,” Scheuermann said. “Your kids remember the experience and they pass it down the line … Our expectations became Grand Junction.”

Delgado rattled off three straight trips to Grand Junction from 2014-16 and then returned for a fifth time under Scheuermann in 2023, finishing fifth.

In May 2024, Scheuermann won his 1,178th game to pass the late Tony Robichaux, a 2022 LSHOF inductee, and become the winningest college coach in Louisiana history. But that’s not how he sees it.

“I broke the junior college record for wins in Louisiana,” said Scheuermann, who played at Tulane the same time as Robichaux played at then-USL. “Every game I’ve won was at the junior college level. Tony Robichaux did it at the Division I level. That’s not the same.”

But, he added, “It’s something I will always share with him.”

On April 13 of this year – coincidentally, what would have been “Rags” Scheuermann’s 102nd birthday – Scheuermann registered his latest milestone, career win No. 1,200.

How has he gotten to this point? By being himself and convincing other families to do exactly what he did – starting your path on the two-year college level.

“Nobody understands how beneficial it is to go to junior college as an athlete,” Scheuermann said. “We’ve been able to convince Mom and Dad that Delgado isn’t a trade school.

“I’ve placed over 400 kids in four-year programs and continue to get their baseball skills developed and get their education.”

One of them was Sean McMullen, who played at Delgado in 2011 and 2012 before becoming a two-year starter at LSU.

“You never looked there,” McMullen said of Delgado. “(Scheuermann) sat me down and said, ‘How about you give us a shot … If you come here and perform, I will put you in touch with where you want to go.’ I trusted him.”

McMullen became a Pied Piper of sorts for the Dolphins, helping to recruit many of the key local pieces in the program’s three consecutive trips to Grand Junction.

“I told them, if you want to play (Division I) baseball, come here,” McMullen said. “If you hate it, you can leave and just go to college. But nobody does that. This is family. This is different.”

Not one of Scheuermann’s former players has played a day in the major leagues, which may be even a bigger credit to the coaching job he has done in 35 years.

“We’ve been able to do this with blue collar guys,” he said. “We don’t … recruit nationally.”

Scheuermann already is a member of the NJCAA Baseball Coaches and the All American Amateur Baseball Association halls of fame. Tulane’s athletic hall of fame will honor him in September with its career achievement award.

Joe and “Rags” join the trio of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning; “Dub” and Bert Jones, and Glenn and Billy Hardin as the only fathers and sons enshrined in Natchitoches.

“Archie texted me and said ‘welcome to the fraternity,’ ” Joe Scheuermann said. “When Archie Manning sends you that, it kind of hits home.”

As much as Joe Scheuermann has followed in his father’s footsteps, there’s one thing he won’t do – go on stage at the Natchitoches Events Center and announce his retirement.

“I get asked all the time, when are you going to get out?” Scheuermann said. “I’m 62, I feel great, I enjoy coaching.

“I remember my dad saying, ‘You’ll know when it’s time.’ I really don’t feel it’s time yet. It’s an occupation but I do it more for the kids and the school.”

Contact Lenny at lenny@crescentcitysports.com

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Bid Information for Leasing of Hunting Property at NPSB

Bids/Proposals will be accepted until July 31, 2025 1:00 p.m. and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 PM in the School Board’s Central Office, 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71457-5709.

Each Bid Package contains the complete data and process to successfully submit a Bid Package.

There are 9 Bid Information Packages attached to this notice.

06-19-25; 06-24-25; 07-10-25; 07-15-25

NPSB Approved Notice of Bid Information Packages signed letter.

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The Krewe of Excellence has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarship awards, recognizing four outstanding students for their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to community service.

This year’s recipients are Raven Valentine, Sydney Durocher, Akeelah Wade, and Ce’Licia Vecher. Each student was selected through a highly competitive process that drew applications from across Vernon Parish. According to the Krewe, these scholars stood out through their impressive academic records, compelling personal essays, and inspiring visions for the future.

“We are inspired every year by the talent and drive of our scholarship applicants,” said a representative of the Krewe of Excellence. “This year’s recipients have shown incredible promise, and we’re thrilled to support them as they take the next step in their academic journeys.”

The Krewe emphasized that the scholarship program is designed not only to assist students financially but also to recognize individuals who embody the values of dedication, service, and excellence.

As Valentine, Durocher, Wade, and Vecher prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives, the Krewe of Excellence expressed confidence that each will continue to grow, lead, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

“Congratulations to our recipients,” the organization stated. “Your hard work, vision, and resilience are truly commendable.”

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By pikappNSU

Dominic Ross has been selected to participate in a summer program at the law school of the University of Jean Moulin III law school in Lyon, France.

Ross is an alumnus of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, graduating in 2024 from from the Louisiana Scholars College at NSU with a degree in Liberal Arts.

He’s currently starting his second year of law school at LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center.

While in France, Ross will take classes that focus on comparative, International, and European law. Students also visit local administrative courts, and the International Labor Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The program is good for students preparing for a career in international and comparative law,” Ross said.

The summer program is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, so students can earn up to six credits towards their LSU law degree and also count toward a Diploma of Comparative Law.

Classes meet Monday through Thursday mornings, leaving afternoons and long weekends free for students to explore Lyon and other destinations in Europe.

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 We’re back for round two – and the deals are still
Join us this Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 214 Texas Street!

• 80% OFF all Christmas
• 70% OFF everyday home + seasonal
• Deep discounts you won’t want to miss

Shoppers will enjoy 70% off all inventory and an incredible 80% off all Christmas merchandise during this limited-time event. The sale includes a wide selection of home décor, gifts, seasonal items, and more—perfect for restyling your space or stocking up for future gifting.

Bring your shopping bag and come early—quantities are limited and the best items go fast!

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Meet Bob, the brave and playful adventurer with a heart as big as his smile! Bob is a very handsome young guy with the most striking, sleek coat and expressive face. His one ear is always at attention and ready to listen, just adding to his sweet charm.

Bob’s medium energy level, and sweet demeanor make him a perfect companion for someone who enjoys active moments but also appreciates a relaxed cuddle session afterward.

Bob’s talents are as endearing as his personality—he’s mastered the “sit” command and is always eager to show off his smarts.

Friendly, funny, and undeniably goofy, Bob will keep you laughing with his playful antics. He’s not just a pet; he’s a friend who is ready to be your loyal sidekick on all life’s adventures. If you’re looking for a smart, energetic, and entertaining best friend, Bob might just be your perfect match!

For more information about Bob, reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit our website npfauna.org

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BOM Bank is pleased to congratulate Reagan Cunningham on his promotion to Loan Participation Specialist.  Reagan graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on entrepreneurship, with a minor in Management. He is also a graduate from LA Tech’s banking school.

In his free time, Reagan enjoys playing golf as much as he can.  He has been with BOM for three years, where he previously worked as a Credit Analyst.  Reagan stated, “I’m grateful to be part of a team with hardworking and dedicated individuals who make BOM such a great place to grow and serve every day.  I am truly honored and grateful for this new opportunity.”

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On a relaxing Sunday afternoon on June 28, 1931, Betty Robinson and her cousin Wilson Palmer, a novice pilot, decided to take a flight in what one newspaper described as “an ancient plane of small design.”

Betty was an Olympian. In 1928, she won the first Olympic championship in the 100 meters for women’s track. Betty had made a few attempts to pilot a plane herself and took frequent flights with her cousin.

Betty’s and Wilson’s parents and friends chatted warmly at the airfield as their flight began. It was a scene they were familiar with until the airplane reached an altitude of about 400 feet. They noticed something was wrong. The airplane was struggling to gain altitude and the engine stalled. Wilson fought at the controls until the plane “slipped into a nosedive and plunged almost straight down.” At that crucial moment, Wilson instinctively cut off the plane’s ignition switch. There was nothing anyone could do.

Wilson fought with the controls until the end. Family and friends watched helplessly for those few seconds as the plane silently plummeted straight down to the ground right in front of them. Because Wilson had turned off the ignition switch, there was no fire. The crowd rushed to what remained of the airplane and dragged Betty’s and Wilson’s unconscious bodies from the wreckage. Motorists who had witnessed the crash stopped to help and transported Betty and Wilson to two different hospitals in Chicago; Betty was taken to Oak Forest Infirmary and Wilson to Ingalls Memorial Hospital. Doctors at both hospitals told their families that it was unlikely that either would survive. All they could do was hope and pray.
After reviewing her x-rays, Dr. Jacob Minke explained Betty’s injuries: “The thigh bone is fractured in several places between the knee and the hip and when it heals it will probably be a little shorter than the other leg. It will be months before she is able to walk again. She has a fractured left arm and internal injuries which may be more serious than is yet apparent.” Headlines read, “Crash Will End Athletics for Betty Robinson.”

On September 5, 1931, Betty was able to leave the hospital but remained in a wheelchair. She slowly began regaining her strength and her ability to walk. “Not being able to race is terrible to contemplate,” Betty said after leaving the hospital, “but I have determined not to let this accident ruin my life.” She hoped to become a coach at the 1936 Olympics. Despite her countless hours of physical therapy and training, Betty was never able to get back into the crouching position runners take before a race. Betty was at the 1936 Olympics, but not as a coach. Five years after the airplane crash that left her body broken and battered, Betty was part of the U.S. 4 x 100 meter relay team. During the race, Betty took the lead from her German counterpart and led her team to victory. Even with a stiff left arm and permanent damage to her left leg, Betty Robinson won her second Olympic Gold Medal.

Sources:

1. The Minneapolis Tribune, June 29, 1931, p.1.

2. Chicago Tribune, June 30, 1931, p. 13.

3. Chicago Tribune, September 6, 1931, p.17.

4. Chicago Tribune, September 29, 1931, p.4.

5. Chicago Tribune, December 22, 1931, p.21.

6. Chicago Tribune, August 10, 1936, p.20.

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The City of Natchitoches’ new Utility Director, Tim Tousek, gave the go ahead on June 16 for extensive repairs to West Natchitoches’ Bailey Heights region Sewer infrastructure. While smoke testing the sewer lines in this area due to large amounts of rain water infiltration into the system, Tousek and crews from Lawler Construction found multiple deficiencies in the area’s sewer lines.

“This is only the first phase of the repairs our department has planned for West Natchitoches’ sewer system. This phase will focus on everything we found from July Street to Martin Luther King and from Mark Street to Dixie” Director Tousek said.

Tousek continued by stating that the next phase would focus on everything from Lake Street to Thomas and from Julia to Sanford to Martin Luther King, Budget Willing.

If you are experiencing any Water/Sewer or Electrical issues, contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.

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