The Yvette Landry Trio will perform at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in downtown Natchitoches on Saturday, July 31 at 2 p.m. The performance is part of the 2021 NSU Folklife Concert Series, a series of six Saturday concerts in July and August. The concerts will highlight different folk musical traditions with a 45-minute music set followed by interviews with the musicians and an audience Q&A. Admission is free and open to the general public.

San Antonio, Texas, rock artist Nina Diaz will perform on August 7. Rounding out the series, Blato Zlato (“Swamp Gold” in Bulgarian) will perform Balkan music from New Orleans and Bulgaria on August 14. In addition to the music performances, folk artists will demonstrate and sell traditional crafts on each day of the series.

Landry grew up in Breaux Bridge, not far from the levees of the Atchafalaya Basin. It was in and around that swamp where she learned an appreciation for the music, dance, stories and language of her Cajun culture. After earning a master’s degree in education and developing a successful teaching career, she began telling stories through song. Her debut award-winning album titled “Should Have Known” was released in 2010. (The album was named Offbeat Magazine’s Best Country/Folk Album and Landry “Best Country/Folk Artist”). Over the past several years, Landry has traveled the world and played countless cultural festivals and venues – from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to the Bluebird Café in Nashville. She toured Russia and served as a cultural ambassador on behalf of the Library of Congress to perform at the Festival of Traditional American Music and graced the stage at both the Library of Congress and John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Support for the NSU Folklife Concert Series is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to louisianafolklife.nsula.edu

HOUSTON – Milling around the Hilton Post Oak Hotel at The Galleria on Thursday morning made things feel a bit normal for three members of the Northwestern State football team.

As coach Brad Laird, wide receiver Gavin Landry and safety P.J. Herrington handled their responsibilities at Southland Conference Football Media Day, there was a feeling of the way things were ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I did the Zoom version last summer, and it was a weird feeling,” said Landry, who is back for his sixth season at Northwestern State. “To have the opportunity to be here today and represent Northwestern State University is something I’m excited about. It brings a sense of normalcy.

“To feel like football is in the air in general, but to have something like this kick it off and talk about football and expectations and to see other players around the conference, it’s something we’re excited about and excited to be a part of.”

Both Laird and Herrington echoed Landry’s sentiments about the normalcy permeating the hotel on Houston’s southwest side.

And while the Demons expect to play a “normal” 11-game season this fall, each of the three NSU representatives found positives in the six-game spring 2021 season that concluded April 10 with a thrilling two-point, walk-off win at Incarnate Word on April 10.

“Anytime you go through the spring, you’re competing against yourself,” Laird said. “Those 15 days are Northwestern State vs. Northwestern State. Let’s look at the positive. We had nine weeks this spring to compete against six different teams. We learned a lot about who we are. That will benefit us as we move forward.”

The spring served a greater good for the individuals who donned the Purple and White in game action as well.

Herrington used the six-game spring season to acclimate himself to Division I football after two seasons of high-level play at East Mississippi Community College.

“This spring was good for me to get into the playbook, since I came in and played right away,” he said. “We learned to play with each other and to build a bond with each other. Now that we’re back, I feel like our bond is stronger. We play for each other. We care about each other. It’s a brotherhood now. It’s bigger than football.”

Landry, who suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through the 2019 season, was grateful for the spring season allowing him “ultimately, to get back to myself.”

Ahead of Thursday’s media activities, which included a live question-and-answer segment on ESPN+ and additional media opportunities, the Demons were chosen fifth in the annual Southland Conference preseason poll, voted on by league coaches and sports information directors.

None of the Demons, who open the season Sept. 4 at North Texas, were concerned with the opinions of the voters.

“Preseason polls are preseason polls – based off last year,” Laird said. “We’re not going to finish where we did last year. That’s up to us as coaches and players to change that.”

Added Herrington: “We really don’t pay attention to it. People are going to say what they’re going to say. We know who we are. We have to turn the Ls to Ws. We know what we can do, and that’s all that matters.”

Landry found additional motivation in the Hilton lobby, leading into the ballrooms that hosted Thursday’s events – a piece of hardware he shared with his NSU teammates.

“I sent a picture of the Southland Conference championship trophy to our team GroupMe and said we need it,” he said. “We’re excited about it. Guys are committed and expect to win. We look forward to proving everyone who put us down there wrong. We’ve got a great group that we’re excited about going to battle with this fall.”

2021 Southland Conference Football Preseason Poll

By Edwin Crayton/Opinion

Many of us probably remember the story of the Trojan Horse from our school lessons. According to the story, the citizens of the city of Troy accepted the gift of a large wooden horse from the Greeks. But inside the horse Greek soldiers were hiding. Once inside, these soldiers opened the gates and let in the Greek army, capturing Troy. Hence, the words Trojan Horse have come to symbolize anything that seems good at first, but later on brings harm. Political Correctness is a Trojan Horse. In the beginning it seemed like a good thing to reward sensitive human behavior and punish racist, sexist or insensitive behavior or attitudes. But over time, that has morphed into a moral and social value system that persecutes and even denies freedom to some. In fact, in many cases, political correctness actually punishes people for having values or beliefs that conflict with popular ones. This is particularly true when it comes to religious beliefs. Christians in particular have many such conflicts. What follows is a partial list of examples of some of the major conflicts. It helps to understand that we Christians are called to obey the Holy Bible. It is the moral standard for all believers. This means the priority for believers is to follow, not what is politically correct, but rather to obey what is biblically correct. The challenge however, is this often means following God even at those times when worldly values conflict with Christians ideals (Acts 5:29). In short, Christians must place the priority on what is biblically correct, not on what is politically correct, regardless of the consequences. Read on to see what I mean:

It is politically correct to say a woman has the right to choose. Meaning a woman has a right to decide if she has an abortion because it is her body and she is in charge of it. The Pro-Choice Movement trumpets this.

In sharp contrast, according to the Holy Bible, it is biblically correct to believe that everyone who becomes a Christian gives up control of their body after becoming a Christian. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “You are not your own, you were bought with a price.” The believer believes his or her body belongs not to self, but to Jesus Christ and so Christ decides what happens to it.

It is politically correct to celebrate gay life styles. We are now seeing gay pride festivals sponsored by major corporations and applauded in media and promoted by Hollywood stars. But read the Holy Bible and you will see it is biblically correct to recognize homosexuality as behavior, not an identity, and to believe that God did not make people gay. In fact, the Bible bluntly says it a sin in both Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, in The Book of Leviticus 18:22 God said,” Man shall not have sex with a man. In the New Testament, Romans Chapter 1 also says homosexuality is a sin. So, does 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 which warns of the eternal consequences. Verse 11 reminds us that it is necessary to repent and quit practicing a sin in order to get forgiveness and enter heaven. As for the new Gay Pride celebrations, the Bible says that pride is a sin as well (Proverbs 16:18). Most relevant of all for Christians, is the fact that it is God himself who has called homosexuality a sin. Sin is evil. And Scripture also says, “Woe to those who call evil good” (Isaiah 5:2)). How then can any Christian celebrate a sin by attending a gay pride parade, gay wedding, or by endorsing gay lifestyles in any way or by downplaying homosexuality?

It is politically correct for men and women to live together before getting married. Some corporations even proudly offer domestic partner benefits. But if you are Christian and the Bible is your standard, it is biblically correct to view sex as being for marriage only and to believe sex before marriage as a sin. It is the sin of “fornication” (1 Corinthians, Chapter 6).

It is politically correct to keep your faith to yourself. The Bible says it is biblically correct to share your faith so that those who do not believe in Jesus will one day accept him as savior and Lord of their lives and be able to go to heaven (Matthew 28:19-20). We Christians do not want anyone to go to hell. It is why we even pray for those who hate us.

It is politically correct to keep controversial Christian beliefs to yourself. People are afraid of the backlash from sharing unpopular views. Not long ago, the CEO of Chic Fil A Restaurants was soundly criticized for saying in an interview that he was not for gay marriage. Should have been his right. But some cities went so far as to threaten to ban Chic Fil A Restaurants. Over the top oppression has intimidated many who claim Christ. But Jesus warned us that it would be this way. He said that the world would hate us because we are Christians because he are his (John 15:19). The Bible also tells us that we Christians are assured that every one of us will be persecuted at some point in some way (2 Timothy 3:12). The intimidation is meant to make Christians ashamed of Christ, silence us and stop the teaching and spread of the full gospel. Sometimes even pastors and Sunday School teachers avoid teaching controversial doctrine such as the Bible’s complete teachings on morality—particularly sexual immorality. The problem is, this leaves their congregations at the mercy of a world that is determined to brainwash them into accepting immoral concepts. Even small children are targets. For example, recently I found a children’s book titled “My Two Moms”. On the other hand, it is biblically correct to be faithful and not deny Christ and not be ashamed of him or Bible teachings, no matter how unpopular they are. Jesus taught us that if we will suffer with him, we will be rewarded with him (2 Timothy 2:12). The ultimate goal is salvation. In the long run, the faithful are blessed with eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).

Why is there such a conflict between what the Bible says and so much of what political correctness promotes? Simple. Humans have an enemy: Satan. He has always sought to lure God’s people away from obeying him. Satan hates humans and wants all humans to be damned eternally to hell. He knows one sure way to make this happen is get people to disobey and reject God and his commands so God will then remove his arms of protection from them and they will pay the price for sin: death—-an eternity in hell (Romans 6:23). He has done this from the beginning of the world. God gave Adam and Eve only one command and warned them if they broke it, they would die (Genesis 2:15-17). Satan schemed to get them to break this one little command by telling them they did not have to obey God. Like a slick salesman, he used tricky words and told them what they wanted to hear. It worked. This brought sin, pain, suffering, hate and death into the world. He is still dreaming up new, creative ways to-tell people they can ignore God’s moral standards.

But why is Political Correctness able to effectively intimidate Christians even when it is in clear conflict with the Bible? Three reasons: 1) We all want to fit in. Violating society’s social norms brings consequences: people can lose jobs, friends, social acceptance and even lose their lives. We humans want to live like those around us. One reason Ancient Israel kept getting into trouble with God is that they imitated the pagan cultures around them, even though God warned them over and over not to. They did not want to stand out. But God wanted them to be different from the wild cultures that practiced evil moral concepts. The Bible even tells us he wanted them to be a “peculiar” people. 2) Many people who claim to be Christians do not read their Bibles so they have very little biblical knowledge. For instance, in 2012 Christianity Today released a study that showed only 20% of churchgoers read the Bible daily. This means Satan and his false prophets can distort The Bible and mislead people weak in biblical knowledge. In Matthew, Chapter 4, there is an encounter where Satan even tried to distort the Bible to fool Jesus himself. But it did not work because Jesus is the Word of God. It shows that reading the Bible is a form of protection. 3)We do not love God enough to obey him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” Love does not merely involve hugs and kisses and warm feelings. It requires sacrifice and obedience. Abraham loved God so much, when God asked him to kill his only son as a sacrifice, he was willing to do it. God blessed him for his faithfulness and did not require him to kill the boy. When we love others, we will be willing to sacrifice for them. Many moms would go hungry in order to feed their children. It is no different with God. He wants us, like Abraham to put ourselves aside and put him first on the priority list and then put other people second on it (Matthew 22:35-40). In 1 John 2:4, it says, “Whoever says, “I know him” but does not keep his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him.” That said, why would we give up our preferences for what God asks? Only love would enable us to. The Bible teaches that anything we place above God is an idol (Exodus 20). God is the only morally perfect being. So only he should decide what is moral. No other moral system should replace his.
Yet, the parade that is Political Correctness rolls on by. People are merrily joining the parade. People in this parade are celebrating all kinds of” perceived” freedoms, which are mostly just sins dressed up to look like rights. Will these so-called freedoms free them from God’s authority? No. God is always in control and his will is going to be done. In the end, being away from God is not really freedom. As Pastor Andy Stanley preached, sometimes freedom is a trap. That is because all good things come from God (James 1:17). We need him. Freedom that causes us to disobey God, leads to separation from him–this is also known as hell. Those of us who choose to obey God and not join this parade can expect to be mocked or worse. But when a believer sticks with God, God sticks by the believer. And that is definitely biblically correct (Romans 8:31).

Righteousness exalts a people. But sin is a reproach to any people. –Proverbs 14:34

So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy.—James 4:4, Second part of verse, Holman Bible

If God is for us, who can be against us? –Romans 8:31

The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches is pleased to announce that their 15th Annual Celebration of Life Gala will be held this upcoming Thursday, Sept. 16.

The WRC hosts this event every September to allow them to continue to serve the more than 400 women they see every year. These women come from over seven different parishes, most of them young, in need, and experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Services include information, emotional and spiritual support and encouragement, classes, and material assistance up to a year after her child is born. These services are designed to give a woman the confidence she needs to make a life-affirming choice for her unborn child, aid her in having a healthy pregnancy, and equip her to be a successful woman and mother.

This is the major fundraising event held by the WRC each year and plays a large role in allowing WRC to continue to provide all services free of charge to clients.

The keynote speaker this year is Mike G. Williams. He is a nationally known speaker and writer who has a passion for life. He is heard daily on SiriusXM’s Laugh USA. He has recorded numerous comedy projects and written fourteen books. Included in those books are Men Moved to Mars When Women Started Killing the Ones on Venus and Love Is NOT A Three-Letter Word. His own personal adoption story and the rescue and subsequent adoption of his son will move you to tears of great joy. Each of Mike’s presentations is given in a very positive humorous direction that will leave every listener feeling encouraged and empowered to make a difference. He came to popularity as a pro-life speaker after Focus on the Family brought his personal story to a national spotlight. Mike will have you rolling on the floor with laughter, while simultaneously building your reverence for the work of local life-saving organizations.

Within walking distance of NSU, the WRC was founded in 1989 to offer assistance and guidance to young women commonly facing difficult life situations most often due to unplanned pregnancies. Since that early beginning, thousands of young women have been served by providing them with pregnancy tests, counseling, prenatal education, ultrasounds, childbirth instruction, breastfeeding education, car seat safety classes, parenting classes, material assistance, and liaisons to community assistance. Thousands of hours each year in service are provided thanks to the numerous trained volunteers and nurses on staff.

Thanks to the generous contributions of individual supporters, organizations, churches, and businesses, the WRC reaches hundreds of young women each year from all walks of life to ensure that when they walk into the Center, they will never receive any type of bill after they leave.

Tickets are available for $25 each and must be purchased in advance, as seating is limited. There are a variety of sponsorship levels available at $100, $250, $500, $1000, $2500, and $5000.

The event page can be found at https://fb.me/e/VdA0P6xQ. More information call the WRC at 318-357-8888 to request tickets or sponsor the event today!

Two brothers who are alumni and longtime supporters of Northwestern State University helped kickstart a renovation project that will provide new offices for NSU’s Office of Development and staff.

Mike Knotts of Haughton and Kenny Knotts of Benton donated $30,000 to the NSU Foundation that will contribute to upgrading a building at 520 University Parkway, which for many years housed the Wesley Foundation, a Methodist campus ministry. The Development staff moved out of the Alumni Center two years ago and have been working from separate offices in Russell Hall while Alumni staff continues to work from the Alumni Center.

“With the renovation of the Wesley building, our Development staff will have space for offices, a board room and an auxiliary space that we hope to make available for small events.” said Drake Owens, executive director of the NSU Foundation. “Its location across the street from the Alumni Center will be much more convenient and will allow us to visit with donors and host meetings.”

Mike Knotts, a 1986 graduate, served as NSU Foundation board member and is currently its fundraising committee chair. For many years, he hosted NSU’s Bossier Parish recruiting receptions for incoming students and their parents. He is a member of the NSU Columns Fund and a contributor to the Mack & Jonell Knotts Annual Scholarship and other special projects for the NSU Foundation. His son, Nick, is a current NSU student.

Kenny Knotts is a 1989 NSU graduate and former Demon baseball player. He is currently serving as past president of the Demons Unlimited Foundation Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee.

“The Foundation staff wishes to express our gratitude to Mike and Kenny Knotts and their generous support for the work that we do,” Owens said. “The revitalized space will help us provide better service to our supporters and constituents.”

Pictured: NSU alumni Mike and Kenny Knotts presented a donation to the NSU Foundation to support the renovation of a building at 520 University Parkway that will house NSU’s Office of Development and staff. From left are Kenny Knotts, Director of Development Jill Bankston, CFRE; Bridgette Knotts and Mike Knotts.

Northwestern State center Kendal Coleman tasted college basketball in the Southland Conference as a freshman, and now he can say he’s tasted an international flavor of basketball.

Coleman excelled in five games in North Macedonia earlier this month, traveling with Athletes in Action, a Christian organization that organizes tours around the world with the goal of personal and competitive development.

The Captain Shreve product certainly achieved the competitive development, averaging around 15 points in the five American wins against U20 teams from around the region.

“We had three or four practices with each other (AIA group) before we played games, and we built chemistry with each other and got to know each other,” said Coleman, who was one of eight players, including a pair of Baylor players, one from Texas State and another from Texas A&M. “I played pretty well, was able to run the floor, get to my spot on the block and work in the post.

“Our first game was rocky, but we were able to run our sets after that and got a lot better.”

The American group faced regional teams from North Macedonia as well as teams from Ukraine and Austria among other places.

The squad was coached by Baylor assistant coach Bill Peterson, a former assistant coach of NSU’s Mike McConathy at Bossier Parish Community College.

Coleman said he gleaned advice from Peterson, who has coaching experience as an NBA player development coach and in the NBA’s D-League.

“Coach Peterson is a good person, and I’ll take stuff back with me to NSU and hopefully to get to a professional level,” Coleman said. “He wants me to start jumping rope to help with my footwork.

“He showed me how if I run the floor more, I can get easier buckets.”

As an NSU freshman, Coleman averaged seven points and seven rebounds while leading the team with 33 blocks.

McConathy said Coleman matured during and after the season and has developed into a more curious player.

“He weighs 223 or 224 pounds, and he’s wondering if that’s heavy enough to do what he needs to do in the post,” McConathy said. “He’s shown a great deal of interest in getting where he needs to be to succeed.

“Kendal hasn’t scratched the surface of the player he can be and will be. He’s matured a lot, and he’s starting to understand the perspective it takes to play at a higher level. (Peterson and his staff) held these players accountable and to a high standard, and that’s important to the maturity level of young people, to know what’s expected of them.”

The 10-day trip to North Macedonia wasn’t just about basketball.

Coleman said he’ll have plenty of memories from his first trip outside of the United States.

“The culture was different and the food was different, but it was a great experience,” Coleman said. “One night, I tried some mushroom soup, and it was ok, but I probably wouldn’t eat it again.

“We went to downtown (Skopje, Macedonia) and went shopping, it’s a nice area. We went on a little lake and saw some of the outskirts. I’ll definitely keep in touch with the guys on the trip.”

Pictured: Kendal Coleman (center) poses with members of his Athletes in Action basketball team after a game in North Macedonia. Coleman and the group played five games against regional U20 teams in North Macedonia.

NATCHITOCHES:
Terry Wayne Davis
September 04, 1953 – July 20, 2021
A graveside service will be held at a later date where he will be interred next to his sister Carolyn at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

Patricia Burford Churchman
April 25, 1944 – July 21, 2021
Service: Monday, July 26 at 10 am at the Gloster Trinity Cemetery in Gloster

Otis Lil’ Bug James Williams
October 01, 1984 – July 23, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Shirley Ann Grappe Eiland
June 22, 1943 – July 23, 2021
Service: Tuesday, July 27 at 3 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Juanita Virece
April 18, 1967 – July 25, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Alice Lovick
July 21, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Sam Telsee
July 22, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Cynthia D. French
May 15, 1958 – July 05, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Tuesday, July 20th, at noon, the Louisiana State Senate convened a veto override session for the first time in modern history. 

It appears the primary motivation for the legislators to return for the historic veto override session was two bills – Senate Bill 156 that focuses on transgender people in female sports, and Senate Bill 118, which would allow gun carriers to carry a concealed gun without a permit. 

Senators voted 26-12 for the transgender sports ban veto override, the exact number of votes needed. The vote fell along party lines, with Republicans (including Sabine Parish Senator Louie Bernard) supporting the measure and Democrats (Including Winn Parish Senator Jay Luneau) in opposition. “I’m convinced this bill is a solution looking for a problem,” said Sen. Jay Luneau.

 In the House, Republicans will need to pick up some backing from Democrats and independents to overturn the veto and enact the ban into law.

The vote to enact SB118, the concealed-carry measure, was 23-15, three votes short of the two-thirds requirement. Four senators voted for the bill during the regular session but refused to overturn Edwards’ veto: Connick; Louie Bernard, a Natchitoches Republican; Franklin Foil, a Baton Rouge Republican; and Gary Smith, a Norco Democrat.

The WPJ spoke to Louie Bernard about his change of heart regarding SB118 yesterday. “Since the regular session ended, I had time to reflect on the manner in which passage of SB-118 would affect law enforcement personnel. Many felt this would create yet another level of risk to a job already dangerous enough. I have to respect that view.

I have voted for every piece of firearm legislation since becoming a Senator. I believe wholeheartedly in the 2nd Amendment and in the right of a citizen to carry a concealed weapon. But with great freedoms come great responsibility. Therefore, I believe that SOME level of training should be in place before carrying a concealed weapon. We owe that not only to our law enforcement community but for the safety of the general public and the individual who carries the weapon.

I totally respect the views of those who believe that no training or permit should be required. In future legislative sessions, I will support efforts to make the requirements for concealed carry less onerous to our citizens,” said Bernard. 

Voting to override Gov. Edwards’ veto of permitless concealed carry (23): President Cortez, Sens Abraham, Allain, Cathey, Cloud, Fesi, Henry, Hensgens, Hewitt, Lambert, McMath, Milligan, F. Mills, R. Mills, Mizell, Morris, Peacock, Pope, Reese, Talbot, Ward, White and Womack.

Voting against overriding Senate Bill 118 (15): Sens Barrow, Bernard, Boudreaux, Bouie, Carter, Connick, Fields, Foil, Harris, Jackson, Luneau, Peterson, Price, Smith and Tarver.

The House plans to start debates on veto overrides tomorrow, and one thing is certain Winn Parish will be watching to see how their representatives vote.

MANY, La – Aladdin is the awesome free movie that Movies in Many presents on Saturday, July 24,  at the Many Community Center.

Rated PG, it’s a family movie  the entire family can enjoy together.  Admission is always free, and concessions are only $1 each for theater popcorn and soft drinks. The movie will start promptly at 7 p.m.  Theatre doors will open at 6:30.

Aladdin is a 2019 American film produced by Walt  Disney Pictures. The plot follows Aladdin, a street urchin, as he falls in love with Princess Jasmine, befriends a wish-granting Genie, and battles the wicked Jafar. 

The starring role belongs to actor Will Smith as he plays the street urchin who falls in love and summons a genie to help him out.

This “Aladdin” is  the funny-sentimental-inspirational story of a poor “street rat” who comes into possession of a magic lamp and a magic carpet, summons a big blue genie, and embarks on a scheme to win the heart of a princess and stop an evil vizier from stealing the kingdom away from the heroine’s dad. 

“We are showing movies throughout the summer that are family friendly and especially appeal to children.   We know kids are out of school for the summer months, and these movies offer families affordable events right here in Many,” Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Cultural District Advisory Committee, said.

Movies in Many are  sponsored by Many Mayor Robert Hable, the Many City Council, and the Cultural District Advisory Committee. 

MANY, La – The Many chapter of Lions Club International is hosting a Hamburger Fundraiser today to support the Louisiana Lions Camp (LLC). 

Everyone can purchase a plate on Friday, July 23rd,  FROM 10 – 1 pm at Tractor Supply in Many, LA. The plates will include a hamburger, chips and a drink for $6, or a hamburger and chips for $5. For preorders text 337-278-0774.

For 63 years, the Lions Clubs of Louisiana have provided the facilities, staff, and programming of the Louisiana Lions Camp for the youth of Louisiana with respiratory disorders, special needs, juvenile diabetes, and childhood cancer.

The camp sessions are FREE to qualifying boys and girls of Louisiana!

Local mom and supporter of Lions Club, DeMarie McCormic Wilkerson explained that her son, Matthew Wilkerson, “attended LLC during the summers for several years. For a week he was catered to with delicious food and fun activities such as swimming, fishing, archery, bowling, dances, and a carnival style fair…to name a few. Every summer he looked forward to his camping session! At the end of his session, LLC hosted a ceremony with awards, singing, skits and a campfire! Matthew and our family have a lifetime of memories from LLC.” Wilkerson would like everyone to please help support this event! and said that donations excepted too!

MANY, La – Neighborhood watch signs have now been installed in neighborhoods throughout the Town of Many.

The signs are  a joint effort between the Many Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department to keep the people and homes in Many safer.

The signs are notifications that people are watching their neighborhoods and will immediately report any suspicious activities to the police.

Acts of vandalism, theft, car break-ins, and other illegal activities have  prompted the police to ask citizens to be pro-active in their neighborhoods by notifying police if they see anything suspicious.

Cheryl Wooley, Many’s Chief of Police, said, “We want our people to feel safe in their neighborhoods and to  help  us fight crime by reporting suspicious activities whenever they see something wrong occurring. Our police actively patrol throughout Many, but it’s impossible for them to be everywhere all the time.  That’s why we are posting the neighborhood watch signs and asking our citizens to call us when they see something that is wrong.”

If it’s a crime in progress, people should immediately call 911.  Otherwise they should call the Many Police Department at 318-256-5617. To report a suspected crime, they should then press 5. Quick action by responsible citizens is expected to help in lowering crime in the Many neighborhoods.

Sheriff’s Department officials David Remedies and Stanley Neal assisted in locating and installing the signs.  Kody Firesheets from the Many Police Department also assisted with the installation of the signs throughout the Many neighborhoods.    Dominique Green, community activist, assisted in determining locations for the signs.  The Detention Center also provided assistance.

Let’s be completely honest with one another. Southern moms just know how to dress children. Boys and girls, Southern kids are generally the cutest kids on the block. Southern moms also know the power of classic smocked outfits and pinafore dresses. Outfitting a newborn for a first time mom is one of the sweetest ventures that one could undertake. When I found out my first child was going to be a girl I eagerly began the planning and plotting to make sure she was adorable and presentable.

As a child, I was never the best dressed. In all of my childhood photos I always appeared like I had just rolled out of bed with a bad hair cut and I truly wanted to avoid this with my own children.

I spent so many hours planning her coming home outfit, outfits for her first photos and of course they would have to have the matching bows. Most Southern moms would agree that they have spent most of their hard-earned paychecks to buy the biggest bows that their child’s head can support without regard to the possibility of future chiropractic care.

I have been guilty of this on more than one occasion, especially when I only had one daughter to dress. One of the best compliments I ever received was from a neighbor who told me she could always spot Meredith down the street because she was the only child who matched. That still makes me smile to this day. My child matched….

However, having a stylish child was all thrown out of the window when my second daughter came along. Yes, Kathryn wore smocked dresses but would only wear Crocs with them. Yes, she wore bows but she was also known to throw them out of the car window when no one was looking or simply place them in the trash. No, she did not match and had no desire to wear anything that I put on her body. She had an affection for wearing fake high heels with her soccer uniform and everything that was glittery, gaudy and sequined to the hilt.

If she didn’t look so much like me I would have sworn that I brought home Dolly Parton’s child.

Somewhere along the way I merely gave up and let her dress herself. Since I was an older mom and more confident in my mothering skills, I did not even apologize for her appearance or her lack of bows and smocking. It was truly painless, I just let her dress herself and my house was much more peaceful and my budget applauded what it saw.

Although I had a new found freedom in caring less about what my daughter is wearing it does not stop me from trying to micromanage her style from time to time. This summer while on our way home from vacation we stopped for coffee and gas and I noticed that Kathryn was wearing bright pink shorts, turquoise Jesus sandals with socks, and a tourist t-shirt she found in one of the shops in downtown Jackson Hole. To top it off, literally, she had shimmery tinsel from Amazon that was weaved into her hair.

I mildly scoffed at her outfit under my breath and laughingly told her she looked like Rainbow Brite. She was not phased, she said she felt beautiful.

As we were leaving a lady walked up to Kathryn and said, “I am loving so much about your outfit right now….the bright colors, the shoes, the hair….who did your hair? I would love some of that in my hair”

After Kathryn gave me an “I told you so” glance they then began a ten minute long discussion about the proper way to care for the shimmery tinsel once it was weaved into place. As I watched them converse about style I could only think about the hours upon hours of time that women spend worrying about their clothes, hair, makeup and just their appearance in general.

We have multibillion dollar industries designed to cater to women and their insecurities about the way they dress or look. So much wasted time worrying about our outer appearances when all of this is just a distraction from what is really going on in our souls.

Worrying about what to wear, when to wear it and how to wear does not even register on the radar of worries in the Kingdom of God. But yet it was addressed for us in Mathew 6:28. It tells us to consider the lilies of field…how they grow and how they toil not. They do not worry about a thing, they know God will take care of them. God is not concerned about our fashion choices, he is more concerned about whether his children live with him in eternity.

“Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink? Or in what shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom, and his righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you.” – Mathew 6:31-33

Here’s an interview I did last week with the 2021 Bassmaster Classic Champion Hank Cherry. Hank just accomplished what only three other anglers have ever done in history by winning back-to-back Classics. Today you’ll see from his perspective how this tournament unfolded and allowed him to win once again. Financially, a Classic win is worth $300,000 but the impact it has on an angler’s career is huge. Now let’s here from the man himself…Hank Cherry!

Angler’s Perspective: Hank have you recovered from the Classic and the high temperatures you all experienced at Ray Roberts?

Hank: “The heat was unbearable and just the grind of the Bassmaster Classic getting up at 3:00 in the morning every day takes a toll on you both mentally and physically. Now I’m just trying to figure out what happens next and where do we go from here? At the same time, I’m trying to get the family settled back down and make sure they are taken care of before setting out and completing the 2021 regular Elite Series season.”

Angler’s Perspective: This being your second go round with winning the Classic, you should have a pretty good idea for what lies ahead. Compare last year’s win to this year.

Hank: “Well last year I won this event during the Covid 19 pandemic and this year’s win has already been a lot different. I missed out on several promotional opportunities last year with all the restrictions of Covid 19. But this go round, it looks like I’ll be traveling more and doing more speaking engagements which I really like. I enjoy the interaction with other anglers and the fans. Heck, I might have to hire a travel agent! This year I’m really looking forward to a true victory tour.”

Angler’s Perspective:: Hank, several anglers who many thought would win this event really stumped their toe and struggled. Was it an advantage for you to not have any experience or history on this body of water?

Hank: “I’ve never been a huge practice guy, but this tournament if you knew anything, then you really knew nothing due to the high-water conditions and the lake changing every day. There were bushes that are normally on the water’s edge, that were now 4 feet under water. Also, that late winter freeze they had in this region back in the early spring, really set everything back about a month. So, for this event, you really had to fish the moment and disregard what you might have learned in practice due to the constant changing conditions.”

Angler’s Perspective:: Tell us about day 1 and 2 and what you did to catch a good limit both days.

Hank: “Well the first 2 days I got off to a great start by catching a 6 pounder and 5 pounders early. This really put me in position to fish the way I wanted to by flipping the bushes and throwing a jerk bait along the dam. The problem in this event was the fact that there was an early shad spawn bite up until 8:00 or 8:30. Then it got really tough, and it became a true grind as the bite really slowed down. But I was able to weigh-in a really good bag on day 1 at 20 pounds 4 ounces and 17 pounds 10 ounces on day 2. This was really unexpected but allowed me to get off to a great start one days one and two which set me up to go for the win on day 3.”

Angler’s Perspective: Talk about how tough it was on the final day.

Hank: “The third and final day was really tough, hot and humid. Caught one early on a jig and then I went forever without a bite. Then I caught another fish that was a 4 and 3/4 pounder that was probably the dumbest fish in the lake as I pitched to a bush and the bait ricocheted off the bush 4 feet and the fish swam out and ate the bait and went back to the bush. The turning point for me on the final was when I hung up my jig and broke it off in a bush and I decided to downsize with smaller line and a smaller profile bait which is how I caught my last three fish and finished out my limit. I actually went the last two hours of the tournament without a bite.”

Angler’s Perspective: Hank did you know you had won the Classic as you headed in or were you thinking someone probably busted a big bag toady?

Hank: “No, but I knew I had done my best considering the conditions and how tough it seemed. As I got to the weigh-in I heard that my buddy Matt Arey had caught them pretty good, but I also knew after doing the math in my head that someone would have really had to crush them to beat me. The thing about this event was that every guy in the top 5 had lost enough fish to win the Classic including Matt Arey who lost two really good fish that would have sealed the deal for him had he landed those fish. But that’s the nature and unfortunate reality of this sport. You’re going to lose some fish; you just hope it does not cost you the win.”

Angler’s Perspective: Hank earlier you talked about feeling good about how you fished this event and that you gave it your best. Have you ever fished a tournament where you did not feel this way?

Hank: “I’m sure there’s been an event or two where I defeated myself mentally. As a former baseball player, there were times when I felt like I was just going through the motions and just didn’t perform at a high level or the level that I expect. It’s not something I make a habit of but there are times when fishing is comparable to any other sport in that the mental approach is just as important as the physical approach.”

Angler’s Perspective: Hank, talk about the frame of mind going into the final day as the leader versus being a few pounds back of the leader and having to come from behind.

Hank: “Well, I’ve always said it easier doing the hunting versus being the one hunted. Your approach is totally different in the fact that you don’t have that pressure of trying to close out the tournament. Mentally when you’re chasing someone, you can just go out and fish and swing for the fences so to speak. But when you’re leading and things aren’t going your way on the final day, you start to second guess yourself and what you’re doing. But for me, I pride myself on being a closer and I can’t think of any time when I wasn’t able to close out a tournament when I did have a lead. Winning an event of this level and having won last year, gives you a tremendous amount of confidence knowing that you’ve been there and done it before.”

Angler’s Perspective:: Hank, thank you taking the time to share your incredible victory and I’m looking forward to watching you go for the three-peat in the 2022 Bassmaster Classic that will be held on your home body of water at Lake Hartwell.

Hank: “Hey thanks for having me today and I’m really looking forward to next year’s event. Hopefully I’ll being doing another interview with you!”

I hope you’ve enjoyed this interview and insight with 2021 Bassmaster Classic Champion Hank Cherry held at Lake Ray Roberts outside of Ft. Worth, Texas. Hank has done an outstanding job of representing the sport over the last year. He’s truly been a great champion and will once again do another awesome job of promoting the sport. Till next time, good luck and good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!!

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live

Here is a look at the week of July 25-31 at Northwestern State University.

July 1 – August 27 — Hotter ‘N Hell National Collegiate Art Exhibition, Orville Hanchey Art Gallery
July 25-31 – Registration for fall semester
July 26-30 – Virtual NSU STEAM + ACT Prep Camp, junior high students, 8 a.m.-noon, high school students 1-5 p.m.
July 31 – The Yvette Landry Trio as part of the NSU Folklife Concert Series, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, 800 Front Street, Natchitoches, 2 p.m.

SABINE:
Obie Travis Stewart Sr.
April 19, 1935 – July 21, 2021
Service: Friday, July 23 at 1 pm at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

NATCHITOCHES:
Mae Belle Bynog Troquille
April 10, 1938 – July 19, 2021
Her wishes were to be cremated and a committal service after cremation will be scheduled at a later date in Gorum Cemetery in Gorum

Alice Lovick
July 21, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Bennie Mitchell
July 13, 1969 – July 20, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 24 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches

Sam Telsee
July 22, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Cynthia D. French
May 15, 1958 – July 05, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Steven Touchton Glassco
July 23, 1985 – July 16, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 24 at 10 AM at Belmont Cemetery

The Sabine Parish School Board is pleased to announce the following leadership selection:

Jeremie Ryan, Principal, Many Junior High School

Mr. Jeremie Ryan has been named Principal of Many Junior High School effective July 14, 2021. Mr. Ryan has over 20 years experience in education and has most recently served the past two years as a school administrator at Many Junior High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Mississippi College and two Master of Education Degrees from Northwestern State University. Mr. Ryan is dedicated to providing an excellent middle school experience through expanded student opportunities and a positive learning environment.

Congratulations to Mr. Jeremie Ryan on his administrative role; we know he will do a great job.

Update: 

Covid Case numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate in nearly all of the northwestern parishes of region 7.  Sabine Parish has the lowest percentage rate of vaccinated residents in the region at 24%.

Along with a low ratio of vaccinated adults per capita, the parish also had a 118% increase in cases. This moves the parish to 3,041 total cases and 64 COVID-19 deaths.

Original: 

Sabine Parish has been recognized as a hotspot for a potential COVID outbreak and the District Attorney’s Office is urging everyone eligible to get vaccination to avoid another lockdown. 

According to the Sabine Parish office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the percent of positive test results is up 1.20% from last week  while the percent of population vaccinated is only up 1%. Currently, Sabine parish has one of the lowest vaccination percentages in the area at 23%.

While the area had previously seen a steady decline in cases, the recent results after a two week period showed that Sabine Parish has a 22% increase in COVID-19 cases. The parish has 3,017 cases and 64 COVID-19 deaths overall. 

Sabine Parish Homeland Security shared the following stats on July 7th; 

LOUISIANA
TOTAL CASES 484,577 (up 3701)
TOTAL DEATHS 10,763 (up31)
HOSPITALIZED 338 (up 44)
VENTED 33 (UP 3)

SABINE PARISH
TOTAL POSITIVE CASES 3011 (up 8)
PROPOSED RECOVERED 3003
TOTAL ACTIVE CASES 8 (up 1)
TOTAL DEATHS 64 (no change)
POSITIVITY TEST RESULTS 2.20% (up 1.20%)
TOTAL VACCINATED IN SABINE 6177 (up 63)
PERCENT OF POPULATION VACCINATED 26% (up 1%)

Due to these reports, the Sabine Parish District Attorney’s Office is urging residents to get their vaccinations. “Sabine Parish is included in a national hotspot for a potential outbreak of Covid because of low vaccination rate. We are also at risk for variants to develop. Please folks get vaccinated! No one wants to go back living like we were a year ago and it is so unnecessary.“ 

It is hard to pass through the small town of Robeline, Louisiana without noticing the beautiful old church nestled right in the middle of town. The 138 year old church has withstood the test of time and still stands proud welcoming tourists and travelers.

The town of Robeline was established back in 1881 when the railroad came through town. In 1883 various families and members of the community came together to build the Robeline Methodist Episcopal Church South. The cost of the build back then was around $2,500.

The church was built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style which was not a common architecture style used in Louisiana. The church is the only Victorian gothic style church in Natchitoches Parish and one of the few in the whole state. The original hand crafted pews, pulpit furniture, and velvet covered altar rails can still be seen within the church. One of the most noticeable features are the double done reflector gasoliers.

In the 1920s an addition was added to the back of the church. This consisted of a fellowship hall, bathroom, and pastoral study. Services were discontinued in 1983 after membership dwindled to just a handful of members. In 1987 the Los Adaes Foundation purchased the church and just a few short months later was successful in getting the church added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Support or Join Robeline Old Methodist Church

The Foundation has been in charge of the maintenance of the church ever since. The church is used for the monthly meetings of the foundation and can be viewed by appointments. The Los Adaes Foundation will be hosting an Open House for the public on Saturday October 2 from 12 pm till 7 pm. There will be a silent auction held from 12-6 pm to help raise money for the cost of repairs needed to be done to the church. 

During the COVID pandemic the foundation was not able to hold their monthly meetings, membership drives, or fundraising events. If anyone would like more information or would like to join please feel free to contact us by email losadaesfoundation@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook page “Robeline Old Methodist Church”.

Membership dues are only $10 annually and renew in May of every year.

First 50 guests on opening day win FREE tea for a year!  

McAlister’s Deli®, a leading fast casual chain, will open its doors in Natchitoches, LA at 904 Keyser Avenue, Natchitoches, LA 71457 at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 26. And to celebrate the grand opening, the location will give away FREE Tea for a Year to the first 50 guests on opening day! Known for its genuine hospitality, McAlister’s Deli is home to handcrafted sandwiches, always-fresh salads, giant stuffed spuds, and McAlister’s Deli Famous Sweet Tea™.   

“We are excited to open our new McAlister’s Deli location in the town of Natchitoches,” said Todd Darst, Area Director. “We look forward to welcoming the local community into our restaurant and sharing our table together! We can’t wait to delight fans with McAlister’s Deli Famous Sweet Tea™ starting opening day with a giveaway to win free tea for a year.”

McAlister’s Natchitoches offers a variety of ways for guests to dine. Guests can dine-in, delivery, a pick up station inside the restaurant, and a pickup window— where guests place their order online and drive thru to pick up their order to provide an even quicker dining experience.

The Natchitoches restaurant will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, please call the restaurant at 318-581-4011, or visit us on the McAlister’s Deli – Natchitoches Facebook page.

McAlister’s guests always have the opportunity to skip the line by placing their order through the McAlister’s app and rewards program or online at www.mcalistersdeli.com and can conveniently pick up their order to go or select delivery. Download the app and sign up today for a free tea! Select McAlister’s locations now offer Tableside ordering on premise where guests can order their meals from the comfort of their table.

McAlister’s also offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order catering options including breakfast, snacks, spud bars, salads, sandwich trays, box lunches and desserts, and always comes with a side of genuine hospitality. Whether it’s for one person or one hundred, a business meeting or a family reunion, they can cater a feast to please any crowd.   

About McAlister’s  

Founded in 1989, McAlister’s Deli® is a fast casual restaurant chain known for its genuine hospitality, sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea™. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister’s also offers catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more. With numerous industry accolades, the McAlister’s brand has more than 470 restaurants in 27 states. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.

The Northwestern State football team will get a head start on its road season next month.

The Demons will make a short trip north to host a free children’s clinic at Bossier City’s Freedom Fields at 11 a.m. Aug. 7.

The one-hour camp is open to children from kindergarten through eighth grade. Campers are asked to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing for the event, which takes place on the turfed fields fronting First Bossier Church at 2810 East Texas Street in Bossier City.

“FB Sport ministry at First Bossier is thrilled to partner with Northwestern State University to host a kids football clinic,” said Matt Cate of FB Sport and associate pastor of adult discipleship and men’s ministry at First Bossier. “To be able to watch a university close to our hearts engage with our flag football league will be an amazing event, not just for the kids, but for league coaches, adults and alumni. This is a very important partnership that we look forward to growing in the years to come.”

Attendees will enjoy interaction and instruction from Northwestern State players and coaches, and each camper will receive a free ticket to the Demons’ Sept. 18 home opener against UT Martin.

“We are looking forward to the camp for several reasons,” said head coach Brad Laird, whose Demons open the season with back-to-back road games at North Texas (Sept. 4) and Alcorn (Sept. 11). “One is the chance to work with children and teach them the game we love. Two, we always enjoy going to the Shreveport-Bossier City area, which is filled with NSU alumni and has produced some very good players for Northwestern State.”

Photo: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services