BOM announced on June 30 the signing of a definitive purchase and assumption agreement with MidSouth Bank pursuant to which BOM will acquire all of the assets and liabilities associated with the two branches of MidSouth Bank located in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Following the acquisition, BOM is expected to have approximately $350 million in total assets and approximately $300 million in total deposits. Terms of the definitive purchase and assumption agreement were not disclosed.

BOM has one location in Alexandria and 11 others in Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides and Sabine parishes. With the addition of MidSouth locations at 1423 Wimbledon Drive and 3412 Mac Lee St. in Alexandria, BOM will have a total of 14 locations.

“Bank staff at the two new sites will remain in those locations, making for a smooth transition,” said BOM President and CEO Ken Hale. “We’ll also offer two additional ATM sites in Alexandria, and we welcome MidSouth’s staff and customers into the BOM family. Our commitment to our local communities remains as strong as the day we were established more than 100 years ago.”

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017.

BOM was advised by the law firm of Fenimore, Kay, Harrison & Ford, LLP and Jeff Fair with American Planning Corporation. MidSouth Bank was advised by the law firm of Troutman Sanders.

About BOM
BOM was established in 1903 in Montgomery, Louisiana and has a strong tradition of supporting the northwest Louisiana communities in which it operates, combining hometown values with modern, full service personal and business banking products. BOM offers convenient locations throughout Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides and Sabine parishes. For more information, visit bofm.com.

About MidSouth Bank
MidSouth Bank offers a full range of banking services to commercial and retail customers in Louisiana and Texas. MidSouth Bank currently has 57 locations in Louisiana and Texas and is connected to a worldwide ATM network that provides customers with access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Additional corporate information is available at MidSouthBank.com.

United Way announced its third and final round of grant recipients for the 2017- 2018 funding year. The announcement at the NSU Recreational Complex in Natchitoches showed company and nonprofit representatives their contributions at work. Five area nonprofits received funding across Natchitoches, Winn and Sabine Parishes in the amount of $57,500. The funds will be used for local programs in the areas of education, financial stability, health and essential needs.

The following five agencies will receive funding:

Natchitoches Parish Council on Aging, Senior Fitness Center – $12,500

Natchitoches Community Alliance Foundation, STEM educational summer camps and
Saturday workshops, $5,000

Project Celebration, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services – $10,000

Sabine Council on Aging – $10,000

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Backpack Program and Kids Cafe – $20,000

Other nonprofit agencies that serve Natchitoches, Sabine and Winn Parishes and also received funding include:

American Red Cross

Biomedical Research Foundation

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center

Girl Scouts – Pines to the Gulf

Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center

 Northwest Louisiana Interfaith Pharmacy

 Norwela Council, Boy Scouts of America

United Way of Northwest Louisiana will award a total of $1.1M to 77 nonprofit programs. This amount is spread across their ten parish service area. The first grant announcement of 2017 presented checks to nonprofit programs serving the greater Shreveport-Bossier City area on Thursday, June 1. The following Friday, $76,242 was granted to nonprofits with home offices in Webster, Bienville and Claiborne Parishes.

In 2016, more than 15,000 individual donors in more than 800 companies and organizations participated in a United Way workplace campaign. It is the fruit of these labors that United Way NWLA is able to award grant allocations.

According to a bulletin issued June 21 at 10 am by the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. Tropical Storm Cindy has weakened slightly, but heavy rainfall could still produce life-threatening flash flooding through Friday.

As of 4:44 pm, showers and isolated possible thunderstorms are forecasted to move through central Louisiana to the northwest as rain bands from Tropical Storm Cindy begin to work into the area. Overall rainfall amounts will be light over the next few hours. Gusty winds up to 25 mph or more are likely. Expect activity to increase across the region especially in deep east Texas and central Louisiana.

Rainbands associated with Tropical Storm Cindy will begin to move into the region this evening. Although rainfall amounts will be moderate overall, individual showers and thunderstorms will be very efficient rainfall producers, and some localized flash flooding will be possible. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect from 7 pm this evening through Friday morning.

Possible flood-producing rainfall in association with Tropical Storm Cindy will continue to be possible through Friday morning. At this time, rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches will be possible across portions of the region with isolated higher amounts, which will depend greatly on the exact track of Cindy. Even as the remnants of the tropical system move north and east of our region by the weekend, plentiful Gulf moisture will remain in place with a series of upper level disturbances expected to bring even more rainfall into the region for the upcoming weekend.

If it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, these photos speak volumes. Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm on Highway 174 is a beautiful sight. There are bins and bins of fresh produce and more of your favorites are getting ripe everyday.

Farmer Jason Anderson told the Journal, “The okra and peas are just starting to come in. The supply will be plentiful by the end of the week.” Fresh cantelopes are less than two weeks away.

This spring the rich soil Red River soil combined with the weather pattern has produced a bumper crop of vine ripened tomatoes. They are very flavorful and juicy. Squash, peppers, onions, sweet corn, potatoes and so many more await you today.

Join your neighbors who shop Anderson’s. Feed your family nature’s finest fresh from the farm. The pictures say it all. It’s so good at Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm, half way between I-49 and LA 1 on Highway 174.

 

Paid Advertising

The Half Price HookUp is prepared to launch in Many.  The Journal staff has been busy getting everything ready.

Launch date is set for Monday, June 12th at 9:00 am. We will open the Half Price HookUp store so that you will be able to obtain cards for meals at area restaurants for half price.  You may call the store direct to place your order on Monday.

The link to the online store and the store phone number are at the bottom of this article. You may go to the online store now to preview our initial offerings and place your order early.

Cards may be picked up at the 213 Renee Street in Natchitoches or may be mailed to you.

Members who have joined our Half Price HookUp Many group will receive a text message on Monday mornings with details of each weekly offer.

The text message will include the link to the online store and a phone number for ordering.

If you would like to get in on the text alerts, just text “hphm” to 779-48.

Link to online store is:  ttps://goo.gl/zYoHT

Store phone number for placing orders beginning Monday morning is 866-418-9254.

The Journal is excited to present the Half Price Hookup to Many. Let’s Eat!

Join Our Program:

To include your restaurant in the Half Price HookUp™ program, please call 866-418-9254 #100.

The Historic District Business Association (HDBA) is gearing up for our second weekend of Destination Downtown Natchitoches on Saturday, June 24. The weekend kicks off early on Friday night with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Tailgating Event. Don’t miss out!

FRIDAY – June 23rd
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Tailgating Event (FREE TO THE PUBLIC)
South End of Front Street

Live music starts at 6pm!
Parish County Line – 6-8pm
Chase Tyler Band – 8-10:30pm
Fireworks over Cane River – 9:15pm

Free sports games for kids courtesy of New Orleans Saints and Pelicans marketing dept!

SATURDAY – June 24th
South End of Front Street

Corn Hole Tournament – Registration begins at Noon in front of the stage
$25 registration fee per two-man team
1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes awarded – Winners will split the pot!

Bloody Mary Tasting Event – 11am-8pm
Tickets go on sale at 11am and can be purchased in front of the stage
Tickets are $25 and will entitle you to a bloody mary served in a 12oz cup from each of our participating restaurants: Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood, The Landing, Mama’s Oyster House & Pioneer Pub

Live music starts at 1:00pm!
Louisiana Sideman Band- 1:00pm-4:00pm
Mike McKenzie Band – 4:30-8:30pm

Enjoy face painting, FREE Inflatables for the kids, lawn games (corn hole, jenga, etc) and MORE!

Don’t forget your lawn chair!

Contact Jill Leo at 318.652.7078 for more information.

Paid Advertising

Growing up you could hardly wait until the okra crop was ready. That meant mom could make her special recipe “Okra and Tomatoes.”

Recapture that taste today. Jason Anderson wants you to know “the okra is ripe and we have plenty today at Anderson’s Produce.”

Fresh garden vegetables always taste better, and the rich river soil of southern Red River Parish grows the most flavorful vegetables anywhere. Anderson’s store is bursting with juicy vine ripened tomatoes, fresh dug potatoes and onions, cucumbers, fresh picked corn, and an amazing variety of sweet and hot peppers.

Enjoy the beauty of the many flowering baskets. Pick a vase full of zennias. or select some to take home.

Anderson Produce will be at the farmers markets in Natchitoches Saturday morning. They will also be at the market in Shreveport Saturday. Wherever you find Anderson’s you’ll find delicious fresh produce.

Come to the farm, Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm on Highway 174. They’re located half way between I-49 ad LA 1.

Paid Advertising

Hey guys, have you noticed the rising number of women attending Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports’ SUP yoga class from 6-7 pm on Thursdays on beautiful Cane River Lake Downtown?

SUP racing and surfing splits about 50/50 between men and women. But women are the leading demographic in recreational Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP).

“When I became interested in Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) during the summer of 2016 there were 4-5 paddle boarders on the Cane River; all women,” said Gerry Kiefer. “Nearly a year later the ranks have grown to 15. That’s a 33 percent growth. Why aren’t more men interested in SUP?”

A group of Natchitoches women have found enjoyment, gathering for a happy hour paddle. They paddle upwind, break out refreshments, and float back to the dock.

Can you can ride a bicycle? Then, you can SUP.  One’s balance, agility, technique, endurance and comfort level grows quickly. But BEWARE, this may lead to a desire for greater adventures.

Looking for a bigger challenge? Paddlefit is a SUP training course designed to improve coordination, strength and stamina. It provides the physical assets one needs to become a polished SUP waterman. The reward of self confidence and physical, mental and spiritual wellness will foster and accommodate the drive for greater personal achievement.

Bring your family, friends, sorority, or fraternity for Sunday Funday Races beginning at 2 pm at the rental location on the east side of the riverbank at the Church Street Bridge Rowing Dock, off of Williams Avenue. The $20 entry fee includes 3 races. No experience necessary. A 5-minute lesson and a 15-minute practice session will ensure racers are ready. Bring a cooler, umbrella or beach chair for a fun and relaxing experience on Cane River Lake.

Browse the showroom location at 780 Front Street, Suite 104, for your activewear clothing and accessories (all under $30). For your best paddling/pedaling adventure Cane River Paddle and Pedal recommends comfortable active or swimwear that is moisture wicking.

Rentals start at $20/hour. Rental hours are 12-7 pm on Thursdays – Saturdays and 1-7 pm on Sundays (weather permitting). Tuesdays – Wednesdays by appointment only.

For more information call 318-527-0066 or go online to caneriverpaddlepedalsports.com.

Paid Advertising

Join Magnolia Spa & Wellness at its Open House Celebration Friday, June 9 from 5-8 pm with hors d’oeuvres and live music by the Snake Doctors from 5-6:30 pm.

A complimentary chair massage and skin analysis will be offered, along with exclusive pricing on skin care and services (pricing valid only during event). Services include spray tanning, manis and pedis, facials, waxing, chemical peels, foot detox, ear candling, massages and Xtreme eyelash extensions.

Ideal Protein consult fee waived if booked at Open House ($80 value). The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is a medically designed protocol that promotes weight loss and empowers clients with valuable nutritional knowledge that will help sustain their results throughout their new lifestyles.

Swag bags will be given away to the first 40 people. The bags will feature aromatherapy bath bombs, a trial kit from Image Skin and more.

With over 10 years in the spa and wellness industry, owners Leigh Lambert and Aimee Walker said opening the new business, located at 131 Touline Street, is perfect timing in their lives.

“This has been a passion of ours for years,” said Aimee.

They strive to create an environment where they’re on a personal level with their clients. Magnolia Spa becomes their home away from home. It’s a place where they can relax and be taken care of.

Paid Advertising

Visit Louisiana’s oldest City for its inaugural summer kick-off event, Destination Downtown Natchitoches Saturday, June 10 from 1-8:30 pm.

Schedule of Events:

Steel Magnolias House Tour
10am-1pm (Admission $5)
320 Jefferson Street
Tickets available at the door for purchase.

Prudhomme-Rouquier House Tour
10am-1pm (Admission $5)
446 Jefferson Street
Tickets available at the door for purchase.

Bloody Mary Tasting Event
Tickets go on sale at 11am and can be purchased by the stage in front of Exchange Bank on the North end of Front Street.
Tickets are $25 and will entitle you to a bloody mary served in a 12 oz cup from each of our 4 participating restaurants: Mayeaux’s, The Landing, Mama’s & The Pub

Live music starts at 2 pm.
Rivers Revue – 2-5 pm
Lisa Spann & Co. – 5:30-8:30 pm

Take advantage of face painting, lawn games (corn hole, jenga, etc.) and FREE inflatables for the kids!

Don’t forget your lawn chair!

Visit http://www.ddnatty.com for a complete schedule of events.

Paid Advertising