By Reba Phelps

While my family is known to be open and honest about every minor detail there’s some things we never discussed growing up. Some things were just never questioned. We knew our family history.

Reflecting back I can’t distinguish if we were too busy being children or if we had a gut feeling telling us not to go there. Whatever the case, we never asked my father about his Vietnam War experience.

While my father was a proud member of the US Navy and a Veteran of the Vietnam War he absolutely never spoke of it.

He was a very quiet Veteran. He had all the memorabilia. He had the military id card. He had the yearbook with all of his peer’s photos. He had the basic stories of where he was stationed and how long he stayed on the ship. He could go through the yearbook and pick out his closest friends. My dad even had jokes about his military stay.

When he was in a bad mood or feeling impatient he would say, “my agent orange is acting up today.” We always laughed.

We never bothered to delve deeper into his military actions until my oldest daughter decided she needed more details and my lack of knowledge was completely unacceptable.

One weekend we met for a family lunch, which started like many others. A few text messages exchanged with family to see if anyone had lunch plans. A few more text messages debating the cuisine and location. Once settled, our clan descended upon a Natchitoches restaurant.

Shortly after ordering drinks and appetizers we exchanged a few pleasantries my daughter dropped a Texas size bomb and brought the whole table (and half the restaurant) to a screeching halt. She said, “So Pappaw, how many people did you have to kill while you were in Vietnam?”

The silence was deafening. You could have heard a pin drop. It seemed as though the tables around us paused and the waitresses waited to see what happened. Our whole table, including my new stepmom, stopped visiting and looked at me. Being the child’s parent I was about to plunge into rescue and education mode. I planned on apologizing for her outburst and discussing the proper etiquette of addressing a Veteran and their memoirs.

Before I could, my father replied, “It was so many I couldn’t keep up with it.”

Obviously he was being humorous, but after he broke the ice, he was like a fountain overflowing. He began by telling us about the recruiting process. He wasn’t sure they’d accept him because he lost most of the sight in his right eye after a childhood infection.

Growing up he had many role models who joined the military. Every single one of his brothers served in a branch.

While assigned to a communication ship, he had to sleep with his leg wrapped around the chains anchoring the beds to the wall because when they hit large waves they would fall out of the bed onto the steel floor.

When he arrived in Vietnam they were nearing a shore where a battle was taking place and he could feel the gunshot vibrations on the ship. A jet flew over them that had been struck and he still remembers what the heat felt like from that moment.

He shared that his deployment was for Westpac and Vietnam.

While we hung on every word that was finally coming forth from the silent man we lived with, our hearts were broken for him. He explained that when he and the others returned home there were no hero’s welcomes. They were treated so poorly and were mostly met with protesters.

He did go on to share that it touches his soul to see our Troops being so loved and welcomed when they come home. He can rarely watch it on TV without shedding a tear.

Meredith’s seemingly inappropriate question opened the door for many conversations with my father that included the name of the two ships he traveled on and many other details that make up the beauty and history of his time served in the US Navy. Recently I located the information on the two ships and shared it with him. It brought back a multitude of memories and I think just enough time has passed where he can truly reflect on his experience and appreciate that God spared his life during that time and enabled him to come back home to continue the journey that created a whole family.

My father’s birthday is May 30 and it always falls around Memorial Day. Every birthday that roles around for him is a complete blessing and a reminder of the military men and women who so willingly gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; My Lovingkindness and my fortress, My stronghold and my deliverer, My shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me”

Psalm 144:1-2

 

You’re in luck because Ivan Smith Furniture’s warehouse is filled to capacity. That means they’re holding their annual Summer Warehouse Sale Saturday, June 2 from 9 am – 2 pm.

The sale includes a large selection of hundreds of items to choose from including:

discontinued merchandise
floor models with small imperfections
Lightly used furniture
Accessories
Odd occasional tables and ottomans
Sleeper sofas
Appliances
Queen size mattress floor model sets and previous year models

The best part is all these items are seriously marked down. We’re talking below cost prices!

“This is a popular event, and that means there will be a line at the door when the sale starts,” said Dane Terrell. “If you see a specific item you want, make sure to get to the store early.”

Sale items can be previewed in the store or on Ivan Smith’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1759746734117273/. Check back – even more photos will be posted leading up to the sale.

“If you see an item you like on our Warehouse Sale event on Facebook, come into the store and take a look; sit on it (No items will be sold before the sale begins at 9 am on June 2),” said Dane.

Featured items include:

 

Tempur-Pedic Queen Size Mattress Set
Regular Price: $2,500 – Sale Price: $700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen Size Sleeper Sofa
Regular Price: $800 – Sale Price: $400

 

 

 

 

Motion Sectional in Dark Brown Leather
Dual recliners and a sleeper sofa
Sale Price: $500

 

 

 

 

Dining Room Table and Six Chairs
Magnolia Home Line by Joanna Gaines
Regular Price: $2,000 – Sale Price: $500

 

 

Large items purchased during the sale will not be loaded out until after the conclusion of the sale for the safety of everyone in the store. Customers will be asked to return to the store between 2-5 pm or schedule a pick up time for a later date.

Once room is made in the warehouse, Ivan Smith will have room for a delivery its currently waiting on, full of the newest sets including:

2 New Bedroom Sets
A Whole New Line Of Temper-Pedic Mattress Sets
10 New Living Room Sets

Ivan Smith offers the latest in home furnishings, accessories, bedding, and appliances.

Ivan Smith Furniture – Natchitoches
Home town faces with big store buying power.
936 Keyser Avenue
(318) 352-5889

Members of the Natchitoches Genealogical and Historical Association were happily settling in to their annual pot-luck dinner last week, hungrily eyeing the mouth watering selections of meats, casseroles, salads and desserts, when three mysterious strangers burst into the room at the Old Courthouse Building..

One was obviously a priest, though his cassock was quite old fashioned. Another wore an ancient red coat and a straw hat and the third was clad in a heavy white coat with a tricorn hat. NGHA President Billie Gibson (who was in on the plot) gave them permission to address the group, while the members ate.

The men introduced themselves and the audience learned that they were Father Jean Delvaux, Natchitoches Spanish Commandant Louis DeBlanc and none other than Colonial Gov. Baron Carondolet himself.

In no time Delvaux and DeBlanc were arguing like two school boys, with the governor fighting a losing battle in trying to keep the peace. In between the spats, the men — each from his own viewpoint — explained to the group what had happened when Delvaux led a “mini-revolt” against DeBlanc here in 1795. Folks were beaten, DeBlanc’s house was attacked and other nefarious actions took place.

I wrote about the incident in a column last fall, but these three men, whether alighting from some time machine or what, I don’t know, took it upon themselves to try to persuade the NGHA members that his viewpoint was the correct one.

Delvaux stopped at nothing in trying to humiliate DeBlanc during the discussion. At one point DeBlanc was about to explain how friends of his were attacked after leaving a party at his house but he got distracted by the memory of a young French girl named Marie, with whom he had danced at the soiree. Dellvaux embarrassed DeBlanc by grabbing his sleeve and openly asking him if he needed to go to confession, in connection with any thing that may have happened with the lovely Marie.

“Unhand me, you scoundrel,” was DeBlanc’s response. “I wouldn’t confess my least sin to you.”

In the end, Delvaux was exiled from the Louisiana colony and Carondelet transferred DeBlanc to St. Martinville in the Bayou Teche country.

Well, okay, all right. Those guys didn’t hop out of any time machine to make their case to the NGHA members. Yeah, yeah. It was me and my friends Dustin Fuqua and Tommy Adkins. I was DeBlanc, an actual ancestor of mine, Dusty was the priest and Tommy was the governor.

All three of us are avid Louisiana history buffs and we had loads of fun putting on the skit. We had even had time to meet for a quick beer at the Pub before we went to the Old Courthouse That would have been apt because Delvaux was known to be a lover of liquid refreshment, often going down to the river front near what’s now Front Street, chugging brandy and singing French revolutionary songs with his gang, called Les Revenants,, or the Ghosts.

I want to announce publicly that I am awarding Dusty a new theatrical award named a “Louie,” in honor of the Natchitoches founder Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, for the best performance by an actor at a pot-luck dinner of the NGHA. His animated portrayal of the priest kept the audience laughing.

I told him he should be proud. It’s a rare honor. After all, has such a great actor as Tom Hanks, for example, ever won a Louie? Of course not. And I don’t expect he ever will, either.

 

BOM donated fans to the Sabine Council on Aging – CLECO Fan Drive. In the picture from left to right: Jeffrey Morrow, Executive Director SCOA, Debra Funderburk, Caitlyn Martel, CLECO, and Linda Guay.

 

By Samantha Maiette

A Zwolle man was fatally shot Tuesday evening. One man was taken into custody for questioning but was later released without charges.

The shooting happened about 5:30 p.m. at a residence on Sandstone Circle off Louisiana Highway 120. Two guns were involved, a .22 caliber handgun and a .22 caliber rifle.

The victim has been identified as 38-year-old David W. Malmay.

The subject who shot Malay told investigators that he fired a round at the victim after he was shot at first, said Warden Joe Dewil, Jr.

Both men are familiar with each other as they are related to each other by marriage.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

The 2018-2019 SGA Officers for Central Louisiana Technical Community College’s Sabine Valley Campus traveled to Baton Rouge today, May 23 with other higher education stakeholders from across Louisiana to meet with Governor Edwards at the Capitol. The Governor updated students on the current legislation that can impact higher ed. Representing Sabine Valley are V. President Cole Wilkerson, Executive CLTCC President/COSBP Board Member Jeremy Gray, Secretary/Treasurer Jordan Johnson, and Welding Instructor John Young.

The Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) awarded 45 lunker bass replicas to anglers at the Toledo Bend Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash at Cypress Bend Park on Sunday, May 20. Dinah Medine, coordinator of the TBLA Lunker Bass Program, presented the replicas to the anglers from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Among the 45 fish caught, 33 were in the 10-pound class, 5 in the 11-pound class, and one fish weighed in over 12 pounds. The largest fish weighing in at 12.12 was caught by Larry Mallet of Groves, Texas, qualifying at number 99 in the “Top 100” largest reported largemouth bass caught on Toledo Bend. Four of the fish caught and released were previously tagged fish in the TBLA Lunker Bass Replica Program. Photos of the anglers and their lunkers can be seen on the Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program Facebook page, and a complete list is also posted on http://www.toledobendlakeassociation.com. This year’s replicas were produced for TBLA by Scottie’s Taxidermy. Congratulations to all the anglers who have earned lunker replicas. The 2018-2019 TBLA Lunker Bass Program runs from May 2018 to May 2019. TBLA will award the lunker replicas at the Sealy Outdoors Toledo Bend Big Bass Splash in May at Cypress Bend Park Pavilion. The awards should start between 2 and 3 pm, after the final tournament weigh-in! Recipients are encouraged to attend the awards ceremony.

 

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

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

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

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

UPDATE:

NPSO: PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY FINDINGS RELEASED ON BODY FOUND FLOATING IN BAYOU PIERRE NEAR JORDAN FERRY AREA

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office have received preliminary autopsy findings on a body found by LDWF Agents in Bayou Pierre on Wednesday afternoon near the Jordan Ferry area according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones.

After an autopsy was performed by Forensic Pathologists at University Health -Shreveport it was determined that the body discovered is possibly a white female approximately 5’4” with what appears to be butterflies tattooed on both lower legs, flowers on front of left thigh with a star beneath it and a tattoo of some sort on underside of right forearm with an unknown word.

The victim wearing a tee-shirt with a tri-colored pineapple on front is possibly between the ages of 30-40 and deceased approximately 2-3 weeks. Anyone with a missing person matching these descriptions please contact the NPSO-CID Division at 318-357-7830 Detective Jonathan Byles or the main SO at 318-352-6432.

The investigaton is active and ongoing by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office with assistance from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and Red River Parish Coroner’s Office.

 

NSU– Northwestern State University will hold seven sessions of its freshman orientation program, Freshman Connection beginning May 24.

Four sessions will be on the Natchitoches campus on May 24-25, May 31-June 1, June 20-21 and July 10. The program will be held on the Alexandria campus June 5, and on the Leesville/Fort Polk campus June 7 and on the Shreveport campus June 13.

The fee is $100 for the sessions on the Natchitoches campus and $60 for the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Polk campuses. Those attending the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Polk campuses should be planning to take all classes on that campus. The two-day sessions on the Natchitoches campus include a one-night stay in campus residence halls.

Participants in Freshman Connection will be placed in a small group with a Connector, who will guide individuals through the orientation program. Connectors are current Northwestern State students who share information about what can be expected at NSU and will offer support and guidance about the high school to college transition.

Those who attend Freshman Connection can expect small group sessions with connectors, opportunities to connect with future classmates, an introduction to NSU student services and involvement opportunities, a chance to become familiar with the campus and an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor who will help participants understand their major and schedule of classes and register for the fall semester.

Current Northwestern State students serving as Connectors are Tarik Andrus of Washington, Rebekah Aultman of Mangham, Zachary Breaux of Cut Off, Katherine Bryant of Baton Rouge, Kyler Burns of Haughton, Triston Bussell of Starks, Elizabeth Coleman of El Paso, Texas, and Luke Conway, Hannah Gaspard and Tyler Thompson of Pineville.

The 2018 Connectors also include and Nicholas Hopkins and Tori Spraggins of Bossier City, Kelsi Horn of Many, Claire Leming of St. Francisville, Hayden Pilcher and Char’Tarian Wilson of Shreveport, Kristen Prejean of Lafayette, Lexi Rubin of Plaisance, Tore’a Taylor of Benton and Madysen Watts of Saline.

Program coordinators are Rowdy Burleson of Mansfield, Mallory McConathy of Stonewall, Morgan Horn of Hemphill, Texas, and Madison Milligan of Shreveport.

For more information, go to nsula.edu/fye/freshmanconnection.

 

NSU– Northwestern State University’s chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest, most selective and most prestigious all-discipline honor society held an induction ceremony for new initiates April 26. Selection criteria for Phi Kappa Phi are based on high academic standard. Membership is open to the top 7.5 percent of second term juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, as well as faculty and professional staff who achieved scholarly distinction.

New members are as follows.

Alexandria – Lindsey Grace Torres, Kristina L. Zachary;

Anacoco – Haley Jett;

Azle, Texas – Alexandra Christine Furtney;

Ball – Victoria Aiken-Tesfay, Katie Wakefield, Megan Wakefield;

Baton Rouge – Bruce Allen Craft, Emily Andra Falcon, Gail Odette Suberbielle, Sabre Elie Whitworth;

Benton – Comis P. Waddell;

Bossier City – Sue Ellen Bates, Alexandra Ekstrom, Andrea J. Haynes, Mary Inman, Haley Marie Jorgensen, Heather B. LaFlame, Rob Martin;

Bourg – Mia Elizabeth Adams,

Boyce — Hannah Elizabeth Aslin, Sarah Anne Phillips;

Burleson, Texas – Cassandra Smith;

Campti – Rebecca L. Cason, Trenton Seth Parker;

Carencro – Lesley Dimmitt;

Church Point – Kristian T. Burrow;

Clayton – Glendalyn Boothe;

Coushatta – Sydney Anderson, W. Tanner Lee;

Covington – Tonda Collett;

Dallas – Beth Evans;

Denham Springs – Mackenzie Byrd, Caitlyn Cutrer;

DeQuincy – Shaina Saucier;

DeRidder – Karli Kennedy;

Dry Prong – DeAnna Bartlett, Veronica J. Morgan;

Enterprise, Alabama – Alejandro M. Cespedes;

Florien – Caroline Matthew, Amanda S. McFarlain, Dylan Roberts;

Fort Polk – Amber P. Ferguson;

Garland, Texas – Alec Sean Horton;

Gloster – Matthew Conger;

Goldonna – Harley Godwin;

Grand Cane – Tina Ezernack Heiss;

Haughton – Alexis Hoeltje, Jamie Phillips, Brigette Wilson;

Henderson, Texas – Emily Ortiz;

Houma – Sarah LaJaunie;

Hubert, North Carolina – Claire M. Harvey;

Idabel, Oklahoma – Chelsea Le Ann Caldwell;

Iowa – Jasmine N. Harris;

Jennings – Rachelle M. Edwards;

Jonesboro – Karie Browning Potts;

Lafayette – Rylan Paul Choate, Emilee Leger;

Lake Charles – Ashtyn Hare, Sarah Person Knepper, Rachel L. Regan;

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina – Ayla D. Owens;

Leesville – Michael Allan Cain II;

Madisonville – Tera M. Blackledge, Melissa Polizzi;

Many – Brittany Founds, Heidi Knight, Emmy Tipton;

Marble Falls, Texas – Sarah M. Lewis;

Marshall, Texas – Tiffany Cortes;

Mary Esther, Florida – Alecia L. Smith;

Maurice – Elise Vincent;

Minden – Amanda V. Curry, Caleb Jones;

Natchitoches – Rebekah L. Aultman, Jordan Alise Bringedahl, Reese Buzzell, Mazie Catherine DuBois, Barbara Anne Duchardt, Katherine Gallinghouse, Karley Hebert, Aura M. Hernandez Canedo, Amy D. Hooks, Nicholas Juneau, Melissa Kaufman, Kailey Leach, Carlomagno Leon Jiminez, Meredith Leanne Machen, Shelby L. Martin, Alexis Moses, Abigail Poe, Jonah Oliver Poe, Rebecca Jade Richmond, Emily M. Salter, Melanie Robinson Smith, Jonathon Micheal Villareal, Lisa Watley Jackson, Madysen Watts, Matthew Whitaker, Christopher Zirkle;

New Iberia – Grace Kerns;

New Llano – Candace Noelle Guillory, Collar J. Wilson;

Papillion, Nevada – Meghan S. Taylor;

Pineville – Alyssa Jane Lloid, Ashlee N. Mitchell;

Pollock – Katelyn Boles;

Raceland – Paige Parks;

Richmond, Virginia – Daniel Amirzian;

St. James – Tad A Cavalier;

St. Martinville – Alli Renee Douet;

Shreveport – Shakendra M. Bailey, Lauren D. Gabour, Emily Heard, Pamela Holcolmbe, Mallory LaLena, Carolina Elizabeth Landon, Kayli Morvan, Tiffany Louise Sandifer, Samantha Scott, Catherine Ann Shaw, Shermaine Shorter, Kya K.H. Warren;

Slidell – Tiffany Ritchie;

Stonewall – Joy Maryelle Hooper;

Sulphur – Monica L. Weber;

Walker – Amber Guillot;

Youngsville – Brandon Scott Granger, Kali Hannie Roberts;

 

Baton Rouge – The Louisiana State Police held its annual Awards Ceremony May 17 to honor Troopers and public safety personnel from across the state for performing above and beyond the call of duty over the past year. The ceremony was held this afternoon at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy Auditorium on Independence Blvd. in Baton Rouge. Examples of bravery, dedication, and exceptional work ethic were common themes throughout the ceremony.

Awards presented to these extraordinary individuals for Region III, which covers Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn Parishes are as follows:

Lifesaving Award – Awarded for any act which results in saving or sustaining the life of a person:

· Trooper First Class Mark O’Brien (Troop E)

· Former DPS Officer Stephyn Prine (Current LA Deputy Fire Marshal)

Plainclothes Trooper of the Year – Awarded for consistent display of outstanding qualities that exemplify a member of the Louisiana State Police:

· Trooper First Class Timothy Ledet Jr. (CID – Region 3)

Meritorious Service Award – Awarded for performance of duty that exceeds the normal expectations of duty and demonstrates an exceptional degree of good judgment, initiative, and competence:

· Master Trooper Jeff Argrave (CID – Region 3)

· Trooper First Class Mark O’Brien (Troop E)

 

 

 

By Reba

 

The 24th Annual Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival took place May 11-12. The Friday events kicked off with a Forestry Skills Competition and ended with live entertainment provided by The Essentials Band and Cody Cooke and the Bayou Outlaws. Saturday’s festivities began with the Melissa Anderson Memorial Race, followed by a parade that boasted over 30 entries. The official opening ceremonies were held at the Zwolle Festival Grounds and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner. After the introduction of the local elected officials the Festival Queen and her Court were introduced to the crowd of hundreds.

Mr. Sam A Rivers, Jr. was also honored as the oldest living logger in Sabine Parish.

As the warm afternoon progressed the festival goers enjoyed dance entertainment from Studio B Dance Company. The Toledo Bend Fishin’ Line Dancers wowed the crowd with their dance moves as they boogied to Country hits old and new.

The Mulit-Purpose Building housed the Bingo in which many great door prizes were given. If bingo and line dancing were not adventurous enough for you and you didn’t mind getting a little muddy then you would have enjoyed the Mud Bog Competition that was also a huge success and paid out $4800 in prizes.

As the 24th Annual Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival came to an end the festival goers enjoyed live music provided by DJ Hunter Malmay, Next of Kin Band, Jared Bridges and The Bernie Alan Band.

List of contest winners include the following:

Best Looking Log Truck – Huey Malmay Trucking – White/Silver Peterbilt

Best Looking Float – Rolling Thunder Ball Team

Best Looking Vehicle- Rick Seasock red convertible street car

Loading Contest – 1st place Jay Cartinez, 2nd place Curtis Fountain

Log Weight Guessing- Michael Buster

The festival was well attended and organizers are looking forward to expanding the festival next year.

 

Red Stick Robotics has partnered with the Sabine Parish School Board to offer robotics camps at four campuses across the parish. This is the second year the program is being offered and is provided at no cost to students.

Students from 4th-12th grade in the parish are eligible to register and each campus is limited to 20 students. However, registration priority will be given to Native American students due to the grant they received.

Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes lunch during the five day program.

According to a press release, during the five day Robotics Camp the youth learn to build, program, and control VEX robotics, work together with a team to solve challenging problems and hone their robotics skills, and put their skills to the test in a competition against their fellow roboticists on the final day of the camp.

The link to register is still open.

Registration for the June camps are open until May 25 or until the site is full. However, the July camp will remain open until June 29 or until the site is full.

Robotics Camp Schedule & Campuses

June 4-8: Zwolle High, 649 Championship Dr, Zwolle, LA

June 11-15: Converse High School, 400 Wildcat Dr, Converse LA

June 18-22: Ebarb High School, 5340 Highway 482, Noble, LA

July 9-13 Florien High School, 500 High School Drive, Florien, LA

 

BOM is a platinum sponsor of the 24th Annual Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival. Pictured from left are Tiffany Miller, Lela Malmay (President & Sponsorship Director), and Daniel Bennett.

Fisher Sawmill Days May 18 – 19, “tells it like it was” in Fisher at the turn of the last century during the early days of lumbering in Louisiana.

The Sawmill Days recaptures the flavor of life in a sawmill village with a wide variety of events.

Sawmill Days is a homecoming for former residents of Fisher as well as former residents of new extinct sawmill towns. It is also the annual reunion of alumni from Fisher High School, which closed in 1946. Reminiscing spans the years as some have seen oxen and mules give way to tractors and today’s skidders. The cross cut saw relinquished the stage to chain saws and hydraulic shearing machines. They’ve also heard the rhythmic pulsing of the shotgun log carriage and awakened, gone to work and returned home at the command of the mill whistle.

Fisher Sawmill Days was first held in 1976. Seeing Fisher is a delight to those who appreciate a turn-of-the-century village.

May 18
Friday
6-9 Auction

May 19
Saturday
10 a.m. Opening Ceremony in the center of commissary parking lot
10:15 a.m. Parade line up beginning at the fire station
11:00 a.m. Parade
12:00 p.m. 2017 Miss Queen Erin Powell & court introduction, visiting queens introduction at stand
12:15 p.m. Parade Awards presented by 2017 Miss Queen, Erin Powell
12:30 p.m. Queen’s tea for current court and visiting queens, located at church
1:00 p.m. Cheer off in front of stand
1:45 p.m. Dance off in front of stand
2:00 p.m. Pig Chase
2:15 p.m. Log sawing
3:00 p.m. Pageant at opera house
5:00 p.m. Introduction of 2018 Miss Fisher Sawmill Days and her court at the stand
6:00 p.m. The Stewarts with picking on the square.

Vendor information please contact Mary Russell 318-228-7551

Pageant information please contact Kaylynn Remedies 318-315-1094

Parade Information please contact Kaycee Powell 318-332-5911

Dance and Cheer teams please contact Tonia Bridges 318-315-8059

 

By Matt Vines

Northwestern State Sports Information

NSU- Two NCAA All-Americans and two Southland Conference players of the year were among the 74 Northwestern State athletic graduates receiving their degrees Friday at spring commencement exercises in Prather Coliseum.

Track and field’s George Flaviano and Ty Shilling were half of the 4×100 relay team that finished 15th at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, earning second-team All-America status. Both runners won two Southland golds and were named to the All-Louisiana team twice.

Female counterpart De’Shalyn Jones won her second consecutive high-point scorer honor at the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships and appears to be headed for another Runner of the Year honor from the league. Jones has nine gold medals and owns three NSU sprint records.

Soccer goalkeeper Alex Latham was the Southland and Louisiana Goalkeeper of the Year in 2016, finishing her career ranked second in NSU history in saves and wins.

Other career record holders include baseball’s David Fry, a three-time all-conference selection who broke NSU’s doubles records with opportunities to break several other marks this season.

Track and field’s Marquise Foster owns the hammer throw record set this March.

Tennis player Polina Ivanova finished her career ranked seventh all-time in singles wins, while soccer’s Esdeina Gonzalez broke into the program’s top-10 list in three different categories.

Softball’s Micaela Bouvier ranks in the top 10 in career wins and winning percentage, highlighted by an all-conference selection in 2015.

Track and field’s Quanese Jones-Young earned high marks in the high jump, being selected to the All-Louisiana team in 2017.

Fifty-seven current and former student-athletes and 17 staff members walked across the stage Friday.

Arguably the most accomplished staff member is men’s basketball’s Trey McCrory, who was a 2017 national finalist for the “Most Courageous Award” by the U.S. Basketball Writer’s Association.

Nineteen undergraduate student-athletes and staff graduated with honors.

Track and field’s Kylie Nodorft, Jacqueline Rushford and David Mortiz and softball’s Kaytie Proctor earned summa cum laude, compiling a GPA of at least 3.9.

Football’s Hunter Bedgood, Andrew McAlister, Eric Piccione and Jordan Sennett, soccer’s Latham andwomen’s basketball’s Libba Gilliam garnered magna cum laude (3.70-3.89 GPA)

Receiving cum laude distinction are soccer’s Sage Leffew, Jasmine Juarez, Amy Renteria and Esdeina Gonzalez, tennis’ Polina Ivanova, track and field’s Erin Sitzarz and Hunter Wamack and student athletic trainers Casey and Corey Johnson.

Spring 2018 Athletic Graduation List (74)

Baseball (3)

Kwanstan (Kwan) Adkins (Football Student-athlete as well): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration
David Fry: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: History; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll
Hunter Uzzle (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: History; Minor: Social Science; Honors: Honor Roll

Men’s Basketball (2)

1. Devonte Hall: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll
2. Iziahiah Sweeney: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

Women’s Basketball (1)
Elizabeth (Libba) Gilliam: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Football (16)
Joshua Armstreet (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology
Eduardo Balderas: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Honor Roll
Samuel (Hunter) Bedgood (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Industrial Engineering Technology; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Andrew Bluiett: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration
Taylor (Zane) Bush (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Fine Arts; College: Arts and Sciences Major: Fine and Graphic Arts; Concentration: Graphic Communications
Jacob David (former student-athlete): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
Peyton Guidry: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science
Chase Hawthorne (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Industrial Engineering Technology; Honors: Honor Roll
Korliss Johnson: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Criminal Justice
Andrew McAlister: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Finance; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Lucas Morgan: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: History; Minor: Social Science
Eric Piccione: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Jordan Sennett (former student-athlete): Master of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Homeland Security
Koby Welch: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology
Lionel Williams: Master of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Homeland Security
Randy Woodle: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

Soccer (9)

1. Shelby Drope: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Minor: Chemistry; Honors: Honor Roll
2. Mackenzie Geier: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Minor: Pre-Law & Paralegal Studies; Honors: Honor Roll
3. Esdeina Gonzalez: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Majors: Business Administration and Computer Information Systems; Concentration: Networking & System Management; Honors: Cum Laude
4. Jasmine Juarez: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Minor: Chemistry; Honors: Honor Roll
5. Alexandra (Alex) Latham: Bachelor of Science; College: Louisiana Scholars’ College; Major: Accounting; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
6. Sage Leffew: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Natural Science; Honors: Cum Laude
7. Kelsey Lewis: Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion
8. Chandler Monk: Bachelor of Arts; College: Louisiana Scholars’ College; Major: Liberal Arts; Concentration: Scientific Inquiry; Honors: Honor Roll
9. Amy Renteria: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Family and Consumer Sciences; Concentration: Child Development and Family Relations; Minor: Social Science; Honors: Cum Laude

Softball (2)

1. Micaela Bouvier: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Addiction Studies; Honor: Honor Roll
2. Kaytie Proctor (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Hospitality, Management and Tourism; Concentration: Hospitality Services; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Tennis (1)

1. Polina Ivanova: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Majors: Business Administration and Accounting; Minor: Computer Information Systems; Honors: Cum Laude

Men’s Track (10)
Odionkhere (Odion) Agbi (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology
Guy (Grant) Butts: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Computer Information Systems; Concentration: Networking & System Management; Honors: Honor Roll
George Flaviano (former student-athlete): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Arts and Communications; Minor: Art
Marquise Foster: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Computer Information Systems; Concentration: Networking & System Management; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll
Michael McGruder: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
David Moritz: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Management; Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Jarrot Remo (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Majors: Accounting and Business Administration
Ty Shilling: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Majors: Addiction Studies and Psychology
Cody Wager (former student-athlete): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Hunter Wamack: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Marketing; Honors: Cum Laude

Women’s Track (12)
Lyric Bacote (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll
Taishia Holt: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science
De’Shalyn Jones: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Concentration: Substance Abuse; Honors: Honor Roll
Quanese Jones-Young: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Accounting
Widline Lageroy: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Criminal Justice; Honors: Honor Roll
Nijah Lane (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Honor Roll
Gerianna Lyons: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentrations: Marketing and Management; Honors: Honor Roll
Kylie Nodorft: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Summa Cum Laude (Perfect 4.0 GPA)
Jacqueline Rushford: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Concentration: Pre-Physical Therapy; Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Emily Sitarz: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Marketing; Honors: Honor Roll
Erin Sitarz: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Cum Laude
Erin Wrozek: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors: Honor Roll

Volleyball (1)

1. Kylie Spencer: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Elementary Education Grades 1-5; Honors: Honor Roll

Administration (17)
William (Will) Anglin (Graduate Assistant/Football): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Daniel Emirzian (Volunteer Coach/Tennis): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)
Antonie Godin (Volunteer Coach/Volleyball): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Brittany Goldberg (Athletic Trainer/Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion
Robert (Bobby) Green (Student Employee/Sports Information): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science; Honors: Honor Roll
Javon Guilbeaux (Student Employee/Sports Information): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Criminal Justice
Steel Henry (Former Graduate Assistant/Football): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Taylor James (Graduate Assistant/Football): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Casey Johnson (Student Employee/Sports Medicine): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Cum Laude
Corey Johnson (Student Employee/Sports Medicine): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Cum Laude
John (Trey) McCrory (Director of Operations/Men’s Basketball): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Victoria Morris (Athletic Trainer/Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sports Administration
Zachary (Zack) Nielsen (Former Assistant Coach/Strength and Conditioning): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion
Aaron Potoshnik (Assistant Coach/Strength and Conditioning): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Christopher (Chris) Sauer (Head Coach/Cross Country): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Dana (Tori) Thompson (Director for Marketing and Digital Media): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Riley Walker (Graduate Manager/Men’s Basketball): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)

 

 

Northwestern State University recognized top graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Louisiana Scholars College and the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development prior to morning commencement ceremonies Friday, May 11.

Top Graduates Morning Ceremony:

Honorees were, seated from left, Oni Melendez of Cartagena, Colombia; Alanna Benoit of Thibodaux, Amanda Curry of Minden, Kristen Eusay of Anacoco, Ashley Rico of Natchitoches, Alexis Rice of Luling, Christina Arrechavala of Kenner and Amanda Simmons of Haughton. On the second row are Aaron Rogers of Amarillo, Texas; Candice Smith of Pineville, Natalie Borowski of Gretna, Maria Rome of Baton Rouge, Katie Rayburn of Pineville, Kylie Nodorft of Wylie, Texas; Jacqueline Rutherford of Deridder, Alicia Foy of Grayson and Molly Baker of Melrose with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and commencement speaker Jim Clinton. On the back row are Kailey Leach of Many, Sabrina Ross of Many, Alexander Butler of Bossier City, Conner Dillon of Leesville, Katherine Speicher of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Abby Hinds of Many.

Top Graduates Afternoon:

From left are commencement speaker Jim Clinton, Kiera White of Bossier City, Jessica Mango of Leesville, Robert Jones of Minden, Jessica Love of Shreveport, Kaytie Proctor of Little Elm, Texas; Rachel Opbroek of Keithville, David Moritz of Cedar Park, Texas, and Jeremy Jones of Natchitoches with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and Rep. Terry Brown, who was a (1968) Golden Jubilee Graduate.

Much of Zwolle’s and even the entire Toledo Bend area’s local industry once revolved around the logging business. Still today, the Zwolle area is dependent upon the logging industry. So it is fitting that just about a decade ago, a group of local leaders came up with the idea of the Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival.

The festival pays tribute to all the logging and forestry families and industries in the town and parish. Activities include a Blessing of the Fleet (logging trucks), parade, logging activities, contests, music, food, arts and crafts, and forestry exhibits.

Friday, May 11: Gates open at 5:30 pm

Forestry Skills Competition:

Registration from 8-9 am

Competition at 9:30 am

Lunch at 12 pm

Sabine Parish 4-Hers spend the day learning about logging and forestry. Under the careful supervision of local foresters, provided through Walsh Timber, the students participate in hands on learning experiences, competitions, and events.

Tree Identification
Match Splitting
Rope Climbing
Cross Cut Sawing
Pulp Wood Throwing
Log Rolling
Bow Sawing
Treasure Hunt
Puzzle Scavenger Hunt
Lunch
Entertainment and Music

Shop till you drop with our wonderful vendors! Our vendors have that perfect something you just have to have! Not to mention, the food that will be on site!!!! Come shop, drink and eat!!!!

Music will fill the air all festival long. Live Bands with the best southern sounds will make you want to dance the night away. Don’t forget live performances by dance groups, tribal dancers, and more. Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival knows how to crank more sounds than just the chainsaw!

Join us in the festival building for everyone’s favorite game – BINGO! Sit awhile and visit as you wait on your numbers to be called and the prizes to be given.

Saturday, May 12: Gates open at 10 am

Join us for a parade experience second to none at 10 am. See floats, 18 wheelers, trucks and more! And, of course, there will be candy and throws galore! All are welcome to ride!

All loggers and forestry are invited to compete in a logging and foresting skills contest from 12:30-2 pm. Try your hand at whatever skill this year may be from skidding, sawing, or loading ! Who will win the bragging rights for this year!

Loggers sure now how to get dirty at the Mud Bog at 2 pm! Join us at the mud bog pit for a muddy good time. Winner will receive a prize. Coolers allowed for a fee and tents spaces available for rent. Come see the mud flying and feel the excitement in the air – an experience you will be sure to enjoy and not forget! Registration is from 9 AM – 1 PM

For more information call Wanda Ezernack, 318-581-0098.

 

By Reba

When you grow up in a house with multiple siblings you usually get multiple versions of how your childhood happened. There’s what you personally witnessed. There’s what your sister recollects. There’s also what your brother remembers. Somewhere among the murky details that cloud our memories lies the truth. The unabashed truth, so help me God.

On any given holiday or Sunday lunch you could find all of us heavily debating the important family issues:

Who was the favorite child? Me, of course.

Who got away with more childhood crimes? My brother…without a doubt.

Who was the smartest child? Hands down, my sister.

Some things were indisputable but our love for exaggerated stories and accusations always kept the laughter alive. Often, the verbal sparring was all in good fun and light hearted.

However, during one particular Sunday lunch many years ago the taunting took a sharp turn for the worse when one of my siblings alluded to the fact that Eva Gail’s mothering skills may not have been compliant with today’s standard of care. Although I started to laugh it took me a millisecond to see the “Zwolle” look in my mother’s eyes. My laugh was suddenly gulped away as I saw the lives of my siblings flash before my eyes.

Eva Gail may have been a sweet preacher’s wife but she was no stranger to expressing her anger.

The rest of the day was a bit awkward and no one dared elaborate on what was said. We were overly polite and accommodating with everyone and it was as if we didn’t even share the same last name. It was evident mom’s feelings were hurt. It was evident my dad was nervous about the ride home with her. Normally my dad is a quick visitor. He always has something to do and must get there quickly. On this day he lingered. He was camping out at my house until it was absolutely necessary for them to leave.

He knew what awaited him in the vehicle.

Later that night, just as expected I heard from my sister and we rehashed where things might have gone wrong. Once we played the highlight reel we discovered that we joked about the same things just as we had many times before. The replays included how we think we received more spankings than the average child. We were made to go to church every time the doors were open. Even for cleaning day. We included how our parents left us alone at a very young age (I am guessing the statute of limitations has run out on this one). We included how our little brother always seemed to escape punishment. He may not agree with that but if two people witnessed the same thing it must be true.

We were feeling bold about our accusations and we were prepared to stand behind them once Eva Gail confronted us. We chalked it up to her just being overly sensitive. We were going to set her straight.

Almost like clockwork as soon as I hung up with my sister my mom called. Her voice was completely different then I’d ever heard before. She was deeply hurt over what we thought was comical and was beginning to think she was a horrible mother. When I heard the pure hurt in her voice I fully vacated the pact my sister and I made earlier and went into rescue mode. It broke my heart to hear my mom so upset. We talked on the phone for a very long time and we finally hung up when I felt like she understood we were joking and there was no other mother we would have rather had.

Like all family squabbles it was quickly forgiven by the next family dinner.

Mother’s Day was around the corner and that year I chose to give my mother a card with a hand-written note that included a list of all the things she had done right as a mother. When she read the note she was teary eyed and after an extremely long pause she said, “I cannot believe how much you write like me.” She was correct. I joked with her that I spent my high school years perfecting her signature. I really expected she would say something more profound and meaningful. But, at least she knew that every kind act she ever performed meant something to me and shaped the woman I was becoming.

My mother passed away in 2011. Not too long after the funeral I was helping my father organize her belongings to donate and we ran across the handwritten note that I gave to my mother some 10 years prior. She had tucked it away in a box along with some other miscellaneous items. I was really astonished that she had kept it all those years and all I could think of after all this time is how she was right. I did write like her. Just like her.

A mother’s nature is to know their children better than any other person on this planet. A mother’s nature is to nurture their children and be supportive of their dreams and love them unconditionally. A mother’s nature can also be very sensitive and always second guessing our skills as a mother. We just hope we are doing it right….if not it will come out years down the road at a random Sunday dinner.

My siblings and I were blessed with the most amazing Eva Gail that anyone could ever ask for.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her”

Proverbs 31:25-28.

 

 

BOM’s Many Branch delivered goodies to all of the schools in Sabine Parish. Tiffany and Ashley had a wonderful time thanking the teachers and giving them an extra “payday.” The goodies included cups, keychains, pens, information about our new Premium Checking Account, and PayDay candy bars. Schools included Pleasant Hill, Converse, Zwolle, Ebarb, Negreet, Florien High, Many Jr. High, Sabine Career Academy, Many High, and Many Elementary.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries presented an Aquatic Education Clinic for all 5th grade students in Sabine Parish on May 8-10, at Cypress Bend Park on Toledo Bend Lake. As they have for over 20 years Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) provided volunteers to assist with this program.

The students rotated through stations that included boater safety, fish identification, casting accuracy, aquatic invasive species, knot tying, and cane pole fishing. Over 300 students participated during the three days.

Tim Dean lead the effort for TBLA volunteers. TBLA volunteers enjoy interacting with the students every year. The goal of this program is to promote a passion for the outdoors, fishing, and conservation of Louisiana aquatic resources. The students look forward to this event at Toledo Bend Lake each year.

MidSouth Bank has hired Keith Avant as Chief Credit Officer.

Avant is responsible for the administration and oversight of the bank’s credit-related activities, including credit quality, underwriting, portfolio administration and documentation, as well as compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

For the past three years, Avant, who has 26 years of banking and credit experience, worked for Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas, in various credit-related roles, including Senior Vice President/Credit Executive. From 1999 to 2014, he held a number of senior credit leadership positions at SunTrust Bank in Florida and Georgia, including lead credit executive for the Florida Private Wealth Management group and lead credit executive for the Sports and Entertainment group. Avant is a graduate of SunTrust Bank’s Leadership Development Program.

A Florida native, Avant earned both an MBA and bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 licenses.

“Throughout his lengthy banking career — which includes extensive experience as a senior manager in various credit departments — Keith has consistently achieved a high level of success,” said MidSouth Bank President and CEO Jim McLemore. “We particularly like that he has worked in multiple states and believe his background makes him perfectly suited to lead the credit activities of our two-state franchise.”

About MidSouth Bancorp, Inc.
MidSouth Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, with assets of $1.9 billion as of March 31, 2018. MidSouth Bancorp, Inc. trades on the NYSE under the symbol “MSL.” Through its wholly owned subsidiary, MidSouth Bank, N.A., MidSouth offers a full range of banking services to commercial and retail customers in Louisiana and Texas. MidSouth Bank currently has 42 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.

 

 

 

Four juveniles were arrested May 9 by the Many Police Department for their involvement in numerous thefts that took place on Tuesday night in the north area of town that included the Blake Subdivision. Thefts were reported from vehicles and carports on Forest Lane, Blake Street, Pine Street and Orange Street. Items taken included two firearms, a purse, a bicycle and other assorted property. Items were taken from at least four vehicles. Later that night the MPD received a report of multiple gunshots near the Middle Creek Apartments which led to the arrest of four young males. One of the males apparently received a minor injury while firing one of the stolen weapons. The ages of the youths ranged from 12 to 15 years old. All the stolen items were recovered. Local residents aided with information that led to the arrests and recovery of merchandise.