The Northwestern State University finished second in the mixed choir category at the Leonardo Da Vinci International Choral Festival which was held virtually.

The Chamber Choir, conducted by Director of Choral Activities Dr. Nicholaus B. Cummins, finished fourth in the Grand Prix beating out choirs from China, Japan, the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Junior Kylie Dornbush was selected as the best female soloist in the entire competition. Dornbush is a vocal music education major from Huntington Beach, California, and is a student of Associate Professor of Voice Terrie Sanders.

The Leonardo Da Vinci International Choral Festival is focused on Da Vinci and the city of Florence – cradle of the Renaissance, renowned throughout the world as a UNESCO World Heritage city.

The NSU Chamber Choir was the only American choir in the competition with more than 25 other choirs from around the world. The Northwestern Chamber Choir has competed twice before in Hungary and Austria placing in the finals in both previous competitions and winning significant awards.

Cummins said the choir had planned to compete in France before the pandemic hit. During the past academic year, the choir was able to sing masked and record several concerts for virtual performances.

“Many of the graduating members of the Chamber Choir were disappointed because we had been able to tour internationally before, but these students were missing out on being a part of that opportunity,” said Cummins. “I found this virtual competition which is normally held in person and began looking into being a part this year.”

Cummins said the festival chair, Leonard Sagliocca, was very excited to have Northwestern State participate and helped Cummins navigate sending all the materials needed.

“I worked about two weeks editing videos to send for the competition and then had them vetted by others in my profession,” he said. “It was a lot of work, but I am thrilled our 2020-2021 Chamber Choir members were still able to be a part of an international competition in this year of COVID.”

According to Cummins, few American colleges and universities were traveling and competing internationally. He said the benefits for the Chamber Choir and Northwestern State have been tremendous.

“Students are learning about other countries, languages, cultures and history that are all studied in the classroom at NSU,” said Cummins. “They are also meeting other young people their age from Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. Many of our students have formed friendships with students in other nations and frequently talk via Facetime, Facebook, Twitter and text. The musical and education outcomes from the competition itself are immeasurable as competition allows us to chase perfection. I frequently use Vince Lombardi’s quote about ‘chasing perfection, knowing we can never attain it…but we will catch excellence.’”

Cummins said the choir has to be a team, working together to learn and master the music, be unified in every way a team can be in order to put our best foot forward.

“The most exciting thing is receiving emails from other people in other countries and how impressed they are by our choir from Louisiana,” said Cummins. “I have composers and other conductors asking us to premier their music because choirs we compete against are so impressed by our body of work.”

Cummins said his main reason for taking part in international competition is because it allows students to show what NSU can do and why students should want to be in NSU choirs.

“We strive to be the best and always maintain the best standard throughout the world and not just in our state or region,” he said.

Plans are underway for the Chamber Choir to again travel to the Netherlands next May to compete in the Cantarode competition, which only 10 choirs are invited to each year. For more information or to donate to the fund supporting student travel please contact Cummins at cumminsn@nsula.edu or (318)-357-5755.

By Brad Dison

William Brodie was born in 1741 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was from an elite family and was himself a prominent Scottish citizen in the late 1700s. He was a successful cabinetmaker and was the president, or deacon, of the trade guild called the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. His position as deacon made him a member of Edinburgh’s city council. He was also a member of the Edinburgh Cape Club, a tavern-based social club. He socialized with other upper-class citizens including Robert Burns, regarded as national poet of Scotland, and Sir Henry Raeburn, who served as portrait painter to King George IV of Scotland.

Today, Deacon Brodie would be seen as a man of many talents. In his time, however, his job as cabinetmaker meant that he performed many tasks in his daily routine in addition to building cabinets. He was an undertaker. In those days, it required more skill to build a coffin than to prepare a body for burial. He installed and repaired locks and other security devices of the era. His standing in the community meant that he often served the most prestigious families in Edinburgh.

Deacon Brodie liked to gamble. He spent many evenings in taverns and pubs shooting dice or playing cards. Deacon Brodie engaged in many types of gambling and enjoyed the intoxicating excitement he felt upon winning, but losing humiliated him. As most gamblers can attest, they usually lose more often than they win, which was the case with Deacon Brodie. When he lost at a game of cards or dice, he would bet more on the following game to make up for the loss. This turned into a vicious and expensive cycle. Before he realized it, Deacon Brodie was addicted to gambling and in debt.

Deacon Brodie’s perfectly respectable façade as a gentleman hid a darker side. He needed a way to afford his gambling addiction and to pay off his gambling debts. In about 1768, Deacon Brodie’s gambling was catching up with him. He set into motion a most daring plan. On jobs where he repaired his rich clients’ locks, he used wax or putty to make impressions of the keys. Back at his workshop, he created exact duplicates of the keys. Deacon Brodie’s situation allowed him to inspect which, if any, type of crude security system their houses had. Security systems included dogs and other animals which would make noise when startled, bells and chimes which rang if doors were opened, and many other homemade contraptions. Deacon Brodie’s position in society allowed him to learn the routines of his rich clients. Once the occupants of a targeted house were out, Brodie simply unlocked the door, took whatever valuables he could find and remove with ease, and locked the door behind him as he left. He sold the stolen goods for cash and no one suspected him of any wrongdoing.

Investigators had little to go on. Unless there was an eyewitness to the crime, or unless a suspect was caught with the stolen goods, the crime usually remained unsolved. Investigators were unable to determine how the burglar entered the homes.

At first, Deacon Brodie worked alone, but in 1786, he was joined by three other thieves, a fugitive named John Brown, a fellow locksmith and grocer named George Smith, and a shoemaker named Andrew Ainslie.

Two years later, on March 5, 1788, the foursome planned to rob a tax collection office. The burglars knew the routines of the office workers and the night watchman. Just after 8:00 p.m., the burglars entered the office with a key Deacon Brodie had copied. Ainslie remained outside as a lookout. They expected to have plenty of time, about two hours, to carry out the burglary. As the thieves were searching for money to steal, Ainslie alerted them that someone was coming. An employee, James Bonar, returned to the office unexpectedly. The thieves fled with little to show for their efforts. Deacon Brodie realized he needed an alibi. He quickly went to the home of one of his many mistresses.

Deacon Brodie was counting on the silence of his partners. There is an old expression which says “three people can keep a secret if two of them are dead.” Within hours of the thwarted burglary, Brown confessed in exchange for a full pardon. He told investigators that Smith and Ainslie were the other thieves, but did not mention Deacon Brodie. Brown also led investigators to the hidden stash of duplicate keys used in other burglaries.

Police arrested Smith and Ainslie, and learned of Deacon Brodie’s involvement. The evidence was stacked against Deacon Brodie. He had no choice but to flee Scotland. Investigators pursued Deacon Brodie from Scotland to England, the Netherlands, and Amsterdam. While evading capture, he once returned to Edinburgh in disguise and under a false name. Deacon Brodie was finally caught in Amsterdam where he was making plans to sail to the United States.

In August of 1788, Deacon Brodie and Smith went on trial for multiple burglaries. Ainslie must have made a deal with prosecutors because he was not put on trial. Brodie and Smith were found guilty and sentenced to death. On October 1, 1788, Deacon Brodie and George Smith were hanged.

Deacon Brodie’s double life would most likely have faded away with time had it not been for a playwright who was fascinated by Brodie’s contrasting characters. Almost one hundred years after Brodie’s execution, he wrote a play about Brodie, but it was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he penned a novel based on Deacon Brodie which has become a classic, and has been the basis of numerous Hollywood films. The name of the author was Robert Louis Stevenson. The title of his book is “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde”.

Sources:
1. The Ipswich Journal, July 12, 1788, p.2.
2. Stevenson, Robert Louis. Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1886.

The Northwestern State tennis team continued its excellence in the classroom this past year as all eight Lady Demons were named to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Scholar Athlete list.

Student-athletes must maintain a 3.5 GPA for the current academic year.

NSU has six perfect GPAs this spring and five players who have maintained 4.0 GPAs all year.

“What a wonderful achievement by the Lady Demons in the classroom, once again,” said NSU tennis coach Jonas Brobeck. “We are very proud of them, and even more so in a difficult year like this where learning was an even bigger challenge.

“It is truly a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence.”

Judit Castillo Gargallo (masters), Patrycja Polanska and Viktorie Wojkicova posted straight As throughout their entire degree programs while Mariella Minetti and Emilija Dancetovic posted 4.0s during the fall and spring semesters.

Greta Walin (3.9), Thitirat Kanaphuet (3.65) and Dorota Szczygielska (3.62) all met the GPA requirement to be an ITA Scholar-Athlete.

NSU also earned the distinction of being an ITA All-Academic Team with its 3.87 team GPA this year. The Lady Demons joined four other Southland Conference schools and 210 programs nationwide in that distinction (minimum 3.2 team GPA).

SABINE:
Cynthia “Cindy” Alaine Mary
September 25, 1960 – July 19, 2021
Service: Thursday, July 22 at 2 pm at Old Pisgah Baptist Church

NATCHITOCHES:
Bennie Mitchell
July 13, 1969 – July 20, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Jennifer Kay Grigsby
June 06, 1975 – July 17, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 21 at 2 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

Glennie Grace Dowden Scarborough
August 11, 1930 – July 17, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 21 at 10 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

Terry Glenn Smith
February 15, 1954 – July 14, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 21 from 4:30-6 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

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

Marjorie Wylodine Nelson Savell
January 19, 1932 – July 19, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 21 at 2 pm at Pleasant Hill Cemetery (Ward 2) in Florien

WINN:
Bobby Ray Sanders
November 28, 1944 – July 19, 2021
Service: Thursday, July 22 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church

SHREVEPORT, La. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict Wednesday, July 14th against Dillon James Merritt, 54, of Many, Louisiana, charging him with kidnapping, interstate domestic violence and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the trial.

Evidence introduced at trial this week revealed that on December 12, 2017, Merritt kidnapped a woman in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and took her across state lines to Texas and held her against her will from December 12, 2017 through December 16, 2017. Testimony at trial showed that Merritt and the woman (victim) briefly dated in the fall of 2017, but after Merritt punched the victim in the stomach following an argument, the victim severed the relationship with Merritt. Following the breakup, he continually called the victim and harassed her.

During the evening hours of December 12, 2017, Merritt found the victim walking back home from visiting with a friend near the Walmart parking lot in Natchitoches and struck her in the head and put her in a truck and left. The victim was bound and gagged and hidden under clothing in the vehicle and for the next several days, was taken by Merritt to various locations in Louisiana and remote locations in Texas near Toledo Bend. Merritt repeatedly raped the victim, doused her with lighter fluid and tried to set her on fire, and severely beat her with his fists, elbows, feet and with a Maglite flashlight over this four-day period causing serious bodily injury to the victim. In addition to the brutal beatings, aggravated sexual assault, and sexual abuse on the victim committed by Merritt, he possessed with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

“The severe brutality and sexual abuse inflicted by this defendant on the victim was pure evil,” stated Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “No one deserves to be treated in this manner and justice has prevailed today.”

Merritt faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge, life for the interstate domestic violence charges, a maximum of 40 years for the drug charge, and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for November 11, 2021 at 11:00.

The FBI and Sabine County Sheriff’s Office in Hemphill, Texas conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper prosecuted the case.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has announced the Felony Narcotics Arrests for the month of June 2021.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has worked hard this past year to investigate and arrest many illegal drug users and dealers in Sabine Parish.

Sheriff Mitchell pledges to continue the fight into this second year in office against the illegal narcotics across the parish.

Sheriff Mitchell and his staff greatly appreciate the enormous support we have received from the citizens of Sabine Parish.

The arrests are listed below corresponding with then image above.

Top Row, Left to Right:

Clinton Staton Jr

Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule I (Ecstasy), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule IV (Xanax), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dominque D Lewis

Possession of schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Contraband in penal institutions prohibited.

Kathryn Camille Nomey

Possession of marijuana, Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule III (Oxycodone), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Improper lane usage.

Jessica Gross

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanism, Windshields required, Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition.

Second Row, Left to Right:

Sheldon Devan Ebarb

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of firearms with obliterated number or mark, Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ricky Martin Blankenship

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Second or subsequent offenses, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Improper lane usage.

Chasity Collette Ezernack

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Marcus Arnell Staton

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Second or subsequent offenses,

Operating vehicle while license is suspended, Headlamps on motor vehicles required.

Bottom Row, Left to Right:

Shannon Lynn Gondran

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession schedule IV (Xanax), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Roy Lee Brumfield

Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Schedule IV (Xanax), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

2- Warrants: Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth) and Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV (Xanax).

Jeremy Wayne Dergent

Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Illegal carrying of weapons, Improper lane usage.

Jennifer Greene

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Speeding (62/55), No insurance, Switched license plate, Failure to register vehicle.

UPDATE: 

MANY, La – The basketball backstop destroyed last week is now repaired/replaced at Leon James Park. Thanks to two generous donors who paid the cost of repairing the backstop and replacing the glass. Thanks also to Wayne Turner of Glass Technology who donated the labor. Now let the games begin! And let’s take care of these parks that provide activities fir our citizens and youth!

ORIGINAL: 

By Corey Poole

After recently taking the helm as Interim President for Northwestern State University, the NPJ sat down with Marcus Jones to discuss his journey to get where he is today, his 23 year history with NSU, and outlook for the future of Demonland.

Born one of 20 children in Winnfield, Marcus started working on a quarter horse farm at the young age of 11. The farm’s owner, Leo Shelton, also owned a pharmacy in town and his wife Dorothy was a teacher. With a strong foundation at home from his parents, John and Eloise Jones, and encouragement from the Sheltons, Marcus quickly developed a love for education and an understanding of its importance as a means to advance economically and to pave the way to a better life.

After graduating from Winnfield High School Marcus came to Northwestern on a scholarship to major in business administration with an emphasis in finance. He signed up for the Federal Work-Study Program, where he was assigned a job in the computer center in St. Denis Hall.

He also requested to have an international roommate, which was granted and he ended up bunking with a student from El Salvador. He also met a group of international students from France, which led to a decision to study abroad for his junior year. Marcus spent a year in England studying international economics at The University of Plymouth (called Polytechnic South West at the time).

Smiling while reminiscing about his student years at NSU, Marcus couldn’t recall why he made these decisions or how much they would affect his life.

“Traveling abroad was quite impactful on my professional career,” he said. “It was one of the best years of my life.”

Marcus returned to the states to finish his last semester at NSU and then went to Grambling State University where he earned a masters of science in international business and trade.

Then, at age 25, he was asked to come back and teach economics at NSU from 1995-1996. While this was a good, positive experience for Marcus, he wasn’t done advancing his own education.

He went to law school in August of 1996, graduated, and came right back to NSU to teach business law and international business in 1999.

It wasn’t until February of 2020 that Marcus left NSU once again to work with Dr. Jim Henderson at the University of Louisiana System Office.

Not long after this move, Marcus’ dear old Demonland was calling him back home. Henderson asked Marcus if he’d be willing to assume the responsibility of interim president of NSU starting July 1, 2021.

Marcus said when the question first came up, he immediately felt a tremendous amount of pressure.

“When you’re assuming the reins of a university like NSU that’s been here for 137 years, there has been a period where for several years people like me couldn’t come to NSU and some of those individuals are still around, in town. The idea of someone like myself even in an interim capacity was a moment of excitement for all of those people who never had the opportunity to attend Northwestern. That added to the pressure of not wanting to let anyone down. NSU is the reason I am where I am professionally because of the educational foundation it provided me and I’ve always wanted to give back.”

That now means being the face of the university, which is taking some getting used to for Marcus, but he loves the people he’s getting the opportunity to work with…again.

“It’s a blessing, perhaps the most rewarding part of the job,” he shared. “I’ve been given the chance to work with people I know, people who want to see the university survive, who want nothing but excellence for the students that enroll here, whose main goal is to turn out healthy and progressive graduates.”

With his strong connection to NSU explained, here is the Q&A portion of our interview with Interim President Marcus Jones.

What’s on your mind as you take the helm at NSU?

Northwestern and other universities are emerging from one of the most challenging periods in our history, and my goal is to help ensure the continued stability and progress of the university. With the help of students, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders, I am confident we can achieve that goal.

What attracted you to NSU originally?

I grew up in Winnfield and was well aware of Northwestern’s reputation for excellence in higher education and for supporting and assisting its students. We had a large family, and a number of the children had attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe. But I had family members in Natchitoches and was interested in the community and the university. Northwestern offered me a scholarship, and that influenced my decision to enroll here.

What drew you to higher education as a career?

Looking back, I think I was always a teacher at heart. In high school and even junior high, I would lead study groups and discuss ideas and philosophies with classmates. In law school, many of my classmates gravitated to me because of my interest in sharing different concepts and views with my peers. That was just natural for me. I knew for a long time that I wanted to be involved in education and to work on a university campus. Most of my career has revolved around higher education.

One of my college mentors, Terry Jackson, reached out to me during my last year of graduate school to let me know that there was a teaching position open in the College of Business and to ask about my interest. I wanted to come back to Northwestern because my experience as a student here was so positive. Even during my time at law school, I wanted to return to Northwestern because I enjoyed the atmosphere of higher education and has such rewarding experiences here as a student, faculty member and later as an administrator.

What moments in your career thus far do you think are most influential to how you think as a leader?

My experiences in working closely with former Northwestern presidents Dr. Randy Webb, Dr. Jim Henderson and Dr. Chris Maggio had a major impact on my leadership skills and philosophies. They provided me the latitude and flexibility to implement new and innovative concepts, and I plan to take that same approach with others at the university who are under my direction and supervision. My feeling is that you have to trust people, allow them the space and provide them the support to do their jobs and give them the resources they need to succeed. That thought process comes from the level of trust that previous presidents placed in me.

What do you do for fun?

I have a wide assortment of varied interests. Traveling and collecting art from different parts of the world have always been enjoyable to me. I love cooking and especially trying new and different recipes. Many people are surprised that I like to restore furniture. I enjoy buying pieces of old furniture, especially chairs, and bringing them back to life. I love working with my hands and building things when I have time.

What is the future of public higher education?

Higher education must always be not just at the cutting edge but even a step ahead of the rapid and monumental changes in our society. Most of us cannot even imagine the jobs and workplaces of the future, because they change to quickly and dramatically. Colleges and universities have always been and will continue to be not just a force in preparing for those changes but a catalyst in the creation of ideas and concepts in every realm of society.

What is NSU’s most important role in the region?

Preparing graduates for the workplace to give employers in this region a competitive advantage in business, industry, government, the professions and other areas will always be a major role for the university. That, of course, contributes to the economic development of Northwest Louisiana and beyond. The university must also continue to enhance the quality of life in the region through its role as a center for cultural, educational and social resources and activities.

What do you think are the most pressing issues facing NSU right now?

The pandemic, hurricanes and ice storms over the past year had a tremendous negative impact on students financially and emotionally. We are striving to assure retention of students who have struggled through difficult circumstances by offering scholarships and other means of support and to attract new students to the university. Restoring normalcy in academic programs and other student activities in a major focus as the fall semester approaches.

What role can an institution like NSU play in the important work related to diversity and inclusion?

A major part of Northwestern’s mission as an institution is to prepare an increasingly diverse student population to contribute to an inclusive global community. The NSU community embraces a culture of equity and inclusion and is engaged in a number of initiatives to maintain that climate on our campuses.

What have we learned from the pandemic that can guide institutions like NSU in the future?

Primarily, we learned that we were able to adapt quickly and effectively to overwhelming and rapidly changing circumstances. We learned to think outside the box to solve problems and acquired new skills to be able to work and learn remotely if necessary. We also learned that sometimes we have to look at the big picture, adjust our priorities and support and empathize with those who may be overwhelmed. We demonstrated amazing flexibility and resilience. Now we can evaluate in retrospect what worked and what can be enhanced and improved upon going forward.

Do you foresee any challenges with funding for the upcoming school year?

Northwestern will have its best operating budget in 13 years because of some increased state funding and an influx of federal COVID-relief monies. Most of those funds, obviously, will be earmarked for revenue losses and increased expenses created by the pandemic.

The university is continuing to receive capital outlay funding for the construction of a major, $35 million facility to replace Kyser Hall as NSU’s major academic building. But capital outlay funds are becoming increasingly insufficient to meet the needs created by aging infrastructure and deteriorating buildings and facilities. Public-private partnerships will become increasingly important in addressing those issues.

What do you think the community should know about NSU at this moment in time?

In perhaps the most challenging year in its history, the NSU community rose to the occasion and made the best of a traumatic situation through teamwork, collaboration, innovation and a good measure of patience and understanding.

Sometimes institutions—like individuals—discover their greatest strengths when they are severely tested. That was true last year at Northwestern and throughout the University of Louisiana System.

I would want the people in the community and this region to be assured that I will focus my full attention as interim president on the continuation of the university’s expansive efforts to serve students effectively and to continue and expand physical improvements and other programs and projects to enhance NSU.

We are preparing every day for a robust new academic year beginning in August and look forward to welcoming students back to campus under normal conditions. There will be full-scale events and activities, face-to-face interaction and new opportunities for growth and success for our students and the university.

A pair of first-team selections — one on each side of the ball — lead a long list of Northwestern State players named to the preseason All-Southland Conference Football Team.

Junior running back Scooter Adams and junior linebacker Jomard Valsin were named first-team preseason all-conference selections Thursday based on voting of the league’s six coaches.

That duo was joined by seven second-team selections for the Demons, who open the 2021 season Sept. 4 at North Texas.

“Scooter and Jomard earned this honor for their production last season,” fourth-year head coach Brad Laird said. “They will be the first to tell you their teammates played a key role in their success. We look forward to all of our honorees continuing to work hard and lead this team into the 2021 season.”

Adams, a Kilgore College transfer, shined in his first action as a Demon, ranking second nationally with an 8 yards per carry average. In just six games, Adams rushed for 681 yards and seven touchdowns.

Adams’ 212-yard rushing performance against Incarnate Word on April 10 is the 10th-highest single-game mark in school history.

Valsin, a junior linebacker, continued to rack up tackles and tackles for loss in the spring.

A product of Port Arthur, Texas, Valsin tallied a team-leading 54 tackles, including a team-high eight for loss. Dating to the 2019 season, Valsin has recorded at least half a tackle for loss in 13 straight games.

Both Adams and Valsin were first-team All-Southland Conference selections in the spring.

The pair is joined by a trio of second-team offensive selections, including two offensive linemen.

Junior tackle Khalil Corbett-Canada and junior center Jakob Sell represent the Demon o-line on the second team.

A Harker Heights, Texas, product, Corbett-Canada was a second-team All-SLC pick this spring while Sell, a Dallas native, was a third-team selection.

Freshman All-America punter Scotty Roblow rounds out the offensive selections after averaging 41.8 yards per punt. Roblow dropped 11 of his 29 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and had eight punts of at least 50 yards.

Special teams provided NSU another second-team selection as senior Donovan Duvernay was selected as a kick returner.

Duvernay, a Texas transfer from Sachse, Texas, averaged 28.3 yards per return on 18 attempts. His average placed him second in the Southland Conference and seventh nationally in the spring.

The Demon secondary is home to a pair of second-team preseason All-SLC picks as safety PJ Herrington and cornerback William Hooper were honored.

Herrington transferred from East Mississippi Community College and proved a quick study. Starting all six games, Herrington collected 35 tackles, broke up two passes, intercepted one and recovered a fumble in his first Division I experience.

Hooper, a junior from Shoemaker (Texas) High School, enjoyed the most productive season of his Demon career. He had eight of his 14 tackles in the final two games of the spring season and broke up three passes, intercepted another and blocked a kick against eventual national champion Sam Houston.

Both Herrington and Hooper were third-team postseason All-SLC picks this spring.

Linebacker Ja’Quay Pough filled one of the few spots that was open to voting, earning a second-team spot.

A Sherman, Texas, native, Pough appeared in four games before missing the final two with an injury. Despite missing the final two games, Pough tallied 35 tackles and a pass breakup in his four games.

Pough started the spring season with a 16-tackle effort against Nicholls.

When the temperature rises, so can energy bills. Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, offers 10 tips to help its customers manage both the heat and their electric bill:

1. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.

2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs.

3. Pull the plug on devices, like phone chargers, when not in use. These still consume energy even when turned off.

4. Use smart power strips for electronics likes computers and televisions. These can sense when a device is turned off or not being used and will shut off the power automatically.

5. Close blinds and drapes during the day to keep the heat out.

6. Save up to 10% on cooling costs by increasing your thermostat’s temperature setting by seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher for at least eight hours a day.

7. Replace air conditioner filters. Clean filters can lower air conditioner energy consumption up to 15%.

8. Use ceiling fans to cool you while in a room. Turn the fan off when leaving.

9. Caulk, weather-strip and insulate windows and doors wherever air leaks are found.

10. Use large appliances, such as a dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, as late in the evening as possible. These appliances add heat to a home and make an HVAC system work harder.

About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, serves more than 543,000 customers in northwest and central Louisiana, northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La.

NATCHITOCHES:
Terry Glenn Smith
February 15, 1954 – July 14, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 21 from 4:30-6 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

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

WINN:
Martha George Hall Hanson
June 19, 1942 – July 16, 2021
Service: Tuesday, July 20 at 10 am in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel

Sandra Dean Knight DeFreese
June 27, 1950 – July 14, 2021
Service: Monday, July 19 at 2 pm in the chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home of Jena

RED RIVER:
Irma Jean Lee
October 25, 1932 – July 16, 2021
Service: Monday, July 19 at 2 pm at Salt Springs Worship Center

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 Town of Many Police Department (MPD) routinely conducted compliance checks prior to the Covid-19 restrictions which are now beginning to lift.  A compliance check is a tool used by Law Enforcement Agencies to identify tobacco and/or alcohol establishments that sell to underage youth and to increase retailer compliance with Louisiana laws prohibiting sales to minors. 

On July 2nd, the MPD team conducted 15 compliance checks at retailers in town and found that ten of the fifteen establishments sold to a minor who was working with the Department. After gathering the evidence, officers returned to the ten establishments and issued citations to the offending vendors. 

Police Chief Cheryl Wooley stated, “This is not a “gotcha” thing because we want to assist our establishments to work together to keep our youth safe, sober and successful.” Chief Wooley and Assistant Chief Cook related that as Covid restrictions are being lifted, they will continue to work toward limiting access to underage drinkers in our town and hope to continue to collaborate with the Sheriff’s Department in conducting compliance checks parish wide. Compliance checks will continue throughout the year particularly around holidays, Prom Nights, and Graduation. 

Funding for the overtime hours for police officers participating in this compliance check was provided by the Sabine Prevention Alliance whose mission is to increase awareness about the health, safety, legal and social consequences of underage drinking. The 2018 Caring Communities data indicates that 45.2% of students surveyed thought that they would not get caught drinking and driving. This represents an 8.3% rate above the State average. The 2021 Louisiana Highway Safety Data shows a 350% increase from 2019 to 2021 regarding alcohol related auto accidents involving teens in Sabine Parish.

Responsible Vendor/Server training is provided free of charge by the Sabine Prevention Alliance. This in-person training is conducted by the Louisiana Alcohol Compliance Trainers who provide excellent evidence-based information on all laws related to sale of tobacco and alcohol products to youth under the age of 21. Those completing the three-hour workshop will be certified to sell and serve for the next four years. All vendors are encouraged to ensure that their employees have been trained and certified in responsible sales and serving.  For more information contact the Sabine Prevention alliance at 318-315-0081, 318-602-9206, Facebook / Sabine Prevention Alliance or at http://www.sabineprevents.com. 

Hats off to the Many Police Department and all concerned citizens that are working together to keep our youth safe, sober and successful.

BOM is proud to sponsor the Sabine Dixie Youth 6U All Star Baseball Team. In the photo from left to right: BOM’s Twyla Lovelady, Gage Bush, Caleb Veuleman, and BOM’s Ashley Parrie.

For the past twenty-seven years I have had the blessing, although some would not agree, of working in the insurance industry. Growing up, never did I ever imagine that life would lead me in that direction. It is certainly surprising to me that I am knocking on three decades door in my career. I am fairly certain that you are quizzically doing the math and wondering how on earth I look so youthful or old enough to have a career for this long.

As soon as high school was over, I entered the world of business. But, where on earth did the time go?

One of the things that I have always enjoyed about the insurance industry was the fact that literally there is never a dull moment. It is a fast-paced business that heavily relies on the relationship between the agent and the client. As an agent, I love the sheer surprise of picking up the phone and not knowing what to expect from the caller on the other end.

Through the decades I have assisted clients while they navigate the fear and uncertainty of auto accidents, home fires, theft claims and loss of earthly possessions. Most of the time it is not a celebratory occasion that I am contacted. I have attended funerals and held the hands of clients who have had life insurance claims after the loss of a precious family member. I have had the pleasure of counseling clients when they are contemplating opening a business and unfortunately, I have had to counsel them when they decide to sell or close their business.

On the other hand, I have answered the phone to hear the excitement of a young couple buying their first home or buying life insurance for a newborn. And, how many times have I comforted a parent who is adding a driver who just earned a driver’s permit? This was the first clue that indicated that I may be getting old. I remember when these babies were born and now, they have their own ride home from school.

As many surprises that I have had during the years, nothing prepared me for the phone call that I received a few weeks ago.

It started as a routine day as my phone began to ring. In my most professional voice, I answered as normal, “This is Reba, may I help you?”.

The voice on the other end said, “Well hey Mrs. Reba, how are you?”.

I could instantly tell this client was having a great day and by all accounts, he was not calling to file a claim.

Trying to match his energy, I went on to say, “I am doing just wonderful, how are you?”.

Without hesitation my Sabine Parish client said, “I am so blessed, I have nothing to complain about. I am healthy, my family is healthy, I have a great job that supports my family, I love my church and my pastor, the weather is perfect today, I have food on my table, I have transportation, and I have had good days and bad days but I am alive…. and If I died and went to heaven today, I would simply tell Jesus, ‘Thank you, I have had an amazing life and you blessed me more than you should have’ and do you mind telling me how much my bill is this month?”

When I heard these authentic words of gratefulness, I just let them permeate for a moment.

In all of my decades of building relationships with customers and making new friends I had never heard someone so genuinely thankful for the cards that life had handed him. He had the merriest heart of anyone I had ever met in my line of work. It was so refreshing and personally blessed me as well.

Anytime that I may be having a mediocre day I try to remember the enthusiasm, cheerfulness and merry heart of my client whose monthly bill did increase, just a tad.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit dried the bones” – Proverbs 17:22

Northwestern State University’s Purple Pizzazz Pom Line and NSU Cheer each won first place honors in camps held at Texas A&M University.

The Pom Line won first place at Universal Dance Association Camp for its Home Routine in Division I. The routine was learned prior to camp and was choreographed by former Saintsation Jesse Hernandez.

NSU Cheer placed first for its Timeout Routine at the Universal Cheer Association Camp.

The Pom Line earned superior ratings in the Game Day category and an overall Superior Team rating as each team member received a blue ribbon for their individual performances.

Pom Line Director Katerina Haymon said this may have been the first time the Pom Line has attended a camp away from the Northwestern State campus. She said the ensemble learned more than 10 new routines. NSU’s first place routine is available at https://tv.varsity.com/articles/7105911-5-must-see-uda-college-camp-home-routines.

NSU Cheer won second place for Overall Game Day and third place for Sideline. NSU Cheer Head Coach Amy Stepp said the squad learned several new stunts, formations and cheers they will use this year.

A total of 10 dance teams and 10 cheer squads from universities and community colleges took part in the camps.

Mary-Katherine Horton is assistant director of the Pom Line. Tre Jackson is assistant coach of NSU Cheer.

Members of the Pom Line are: Makynli Delcambre of New Iberia, Kelsy Elkins of Natchitoches, Brooklyn Guerra of Abbeville, Mariah Kador of Oscar, Mi’kya Lollie of Bastrop, Hayden Thompson of Winnfield and Ragan Rounds of Shreveport.

Members of NSU Cheer are: Jessi Lucky, Abby Williams and Izzy Peluso of Natchitoches, Morgan VanBuren and Aaron Dotson of Pineville, Carson Sanders and Gavin Acor of Bossier City, Tobias Jones and Paige Pruett of Haughton, Emerson Rodrigue of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Darian Mitchell of Minden, Daniel Wellmeier of New Orleans, Gabe Vargas of Leesville, Meghan Bercegeay and Dre’lan Evans of Baton Rouge, Presley Stewart of Florien, Annalise Sylvia of Many, Joshua Graham of Saline and Elise Vidrine of Pierre Part.

Have I ever told you how much I hate summertime? Not sure if it’s an age thing or the fact that there’s just not much going on in the outdoors world when it comes to hunting and fishing. But I’m really starting to think it is an age thing. I just don’t handle the heat or enjoy being outside on those hot summer days like I did when I was younger. But for the sake of this article, I’ll go back in time and see if I can determine why I feel the way I do.

As a kid, I can remember that feeling you had on the last day of school before summer break. It was a buildup that occurred all day long till that final count down and the clock struck that magical time of 3:30. The sound of that school bell going off was music to my ears! No more homework, no more having to study for a test, no more report cards and no more teachers telling me to sit up straight. I was a free man (kid) and ready to attack the nearest sandlot or stock pond. Now most of my days would be filled with baseball every day from sunup to sundown six days a week. But on the seventh day after church, God said to go forth and fish! So, I did just that as I was fishing a local farm pond (in Texas they call them tanks) from noon till dark.

While getting up at 6:30 for school was a challenge every day, not now, it was summertime! I was up with the chickens and on my bike headed for town by 7:00 AM making sure my buddies and I got the best backstop on the sandlot. It was amazing how my perspective on life changed within 24 hours of school letting out. But there were also chores that had to be taken care of and while I have never confirmed this fact, I always heard that this was the reason parents had kids. To take care of the things they did not want to do like cutting the grass, taking out the trash, cleaning the bathrooms, sweeping off the carport and my all-time favorite chore…hoeing the garden! But like THEY always said, “It made me the man I am today!” Yeah…right!!! I mean if had I committed a crime severe enough to be sentence to prison with hard labor, no doubt I would have been well prepared!

I do remember having my deepest thoughts while push mowing the two acres around our house with sweat dripping off my nose. Or hoeing the garden and pulling grass with sweat dripping off my nose. And nothing was more pleasant than sweeping off our massive carport in 100-degree heat with once again…sweat dripping of my nose. During my daily “hard labor” work, I would also dream of the day I no longer had to cut the grass, hoe the garden, clean the bathrooms or sweep off the carport. One day my parents would regret how they abused me as a child by making me do so much work. Just wait till I leave home, they’ll miss me then! But like THEY always said, “Hard work never hurt anyone.” While I’m not sure who THEY were, I’ll bet THEY were parents too.

Fast forward to 2021… I still hate taking out the trash, cutting the grass (which actually I hire someone to do now) and very seldom do I clean the bathrooms and I surely don’t have a garden to hoe. I think that’s a line in a country song “Didn’t have a row to hoe.” But for me, there’s another verse that goes with that… I don’t want a row to hoe!

Today at the age of 60, the summer heat is more than I can bare especially when the temps hit that 100-degree mark. That’s when I become miserable during those hot summertime bass tournaments with once again…sweat dripping off my nose! Ah ha!!! That’s it…it’s the sweat dripping off my nose that makes me hate summertime. It all goes back to my childhood when I thought I was the male version of Cinderella!

Now it’s all very clear to me why I hate summertime. It’s too damn hot outside and that’s why God made air conditioning. So that I would never have to deal with sweat dripping off my nose ever again! But God does not promise air conditioning all the time, so I guess I’ll just have to suck it up, wear the proper clothing, put on my sunscreen and drink plenty of water during those hot summertime tournaments and count my blessings for my parents teaching me the value of hard work and to appreciate everything that I have. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and this summer, try and stay cool. Oh, 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 18-24 at Northwestern State University.

July 18-24 – Registration for fall semester
July 19-23 – Virtual Cybersecurity Camp, junior high students, 8 a.m.-noon, high school students 1-5 p.m.
July 19-23 – Fun and Fitness Camp, Randall J. Webb Wellness Recreation and Activity Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 24 – Smithfield Fair 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:
Beulah “Faye” Dees
September 13, 1940 – July 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 17 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

NATCHITOCHES:
Terry Glenn Smith
February 15, 1954 – July 14, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 21 from 4:30-6 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Betty Matthews
August 18, 1938 – July 10, 2021
Service: Friday, July 16 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Christie A. Williams
October 07, 1966 – July 13, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Alcide Beaudion
July 10, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 17 at 11 am at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 911 5th Street in Natchitoches

Lessie Small
August 09, 1952 – July 06, 2021
Visitation: Saturday, July 17 from 9-10:30 am at the Greenville Baptist Church of Clarence (Walk through viewing only) prior to internment in the church’s cemetery

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

Two Sabine Parish softball teams are headed to Virginia for the World Series following their state championship wins. 

Over the weekend two Local teams, the Sabine Darlings and the Sabine Angels won their respective State Championship titles. 

Both teams will be holding fundraisers to help get the girls to Virginia for the World Series game to be held in just two weeks. 

The parish is already rallying behind these two incredible teams with Sheriff Aaron Mitchell saying “Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and his staff congratulate these girls on their hard work and wish them the best of luck.” 

The Sabine Parish Journal would also like to wish these girls the best of luck in their games! Bring home the title Sabine Youth Softball!