Five hundred and ninety-eight students were named to the Fall 2021 President’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the list earned a grade point average of 4.0. For questions about the honor lists, contact the University Registrar at (318) 357-6171, toll-free at (800) 807-8849 or registrar@nsula.edu.

Those named to the President’s List listed by hometown are as follows.

Arcadia – Ralyn Sampson;

Benton – Kendall Berney, Brittany Charchio, Elizabeth Hapgood, William Hine, Joshua Holyfield, Katherine-Ann Lauterbach, Colie Plaster, Trista Sanders, Ashlynn Stewart, Brandon Thomas, Kathryn Watts, Madison White, Emily Whitecotton;

Bossier City – Elizabeth Armstrong, Tonya Barnes, Jayde Barnett, Charlisa Carter, Makenzie Chaffin, Catherine Dean, Carmen Garcia, Geovanna Garza, Ashanti Gavin, Tina Gira, Emma Gonzales, Colby Grayson, Evan Hodge, Aries Irby, Sheren Issa, Michaela Jenkins, Gabriella Lawrence, Emilie Lawson, George Mceachern, Cara Mason, Ethan Maynard, Brittany Miller, Emily Murphy, Autumn Parish, Meagan Pittman, Krysten Rawson, Alyssa Reeves, Jalyn Robertson, Madeline Saucedo, Elisha Scott, Shelby Shea, Michaela Steidl, Tanner Underwood, Xavier Wilson, Misa Zeidan;

Boyce – Savanna Budnik, Anna Lacombe, Dawn Miller;

Campti – Morgan Etheredge;

Castor — Reagan Brown, Nicolas Godfrey;

Converse – Sarah Friday, Kelli Rutherford, Logan Waldon;

Coushatta – La’Zaria Clark, Claire Endris, Brandon Gay, Shelly Isaacs, Heidi Murray, Charli Williams;

Doyline — Zeke Wallace;

Florien – Kaitlyn Foshee, Bailey Sandel, Presley Stewart;

Frierson – Ashley Furrow;

Goldonna – Madison Dupree, Rachel Dupree,

Heflin – Brandon Moore;

Jamestown – Macey Moss;

Jonesboro – Chad Tolar;

Mansfield – Madison Welborn;

Many — Emmalynn Beason, Toby Bruce, Gabrielle Bryant, Cassie Hopkins, Haydn Knight, Layton Knowles, Jaleah Lee, Alexander Martinez, Kyleb Mcmahon, Sarah Moore, Ethan Penfield, Chas Pilcher, Amanda Simmons, Adelaide Soileau;

Minden – Elynn Boothe, Brittany Cammack, Jess Easley, Michael Harden, James Heard, Zack Karzoun, Evan Murphy, Tracy Williams;

Natchez – Morgan Slaughter;

Natchitoches – Naomi Adams, Sarah Aldredge, Hannah Angell, Sarah Aviles, Brock Barrios, Dylan Bennett, Gracie Borders, Marcella Bradley, Alexandra Brossett, Jazzare Burrell, Leanna Coy, Heather Day, Carlos Diaz del Valle, McKenna Emmott, Hannah Ferguson, Derek Fields, Diana Granados, Kassidy Grantadams, Valentina Herazo Alvarez, Malachi Lester, Ivan Lorduy Camargo, Nicholas Lott, LiZhang Matuschka, Montel Mercier, Kelsie Moore, Bradford Morrison, Meya Nutt, Nicholas Pierson, Wyatt Quinn, Arionna Shelton, Kristin Smith, Katelyn Stevens, Veronica Sturman, Anna Taylor, Hannah Thomas, William Torrent, Derek Walle, Thomas Watkins, Rebecca Wilson, Armani Wiltz, Miranda Worthan;

Provencal – Rachel Head, Dylan Jennings;

Quitman — Cara Tucker;

Ringgold – Carly Chandler, Avery Myers;

Robeline – Jessica Clark, Kaitlin Hatten, Lillian Rachal,

Ruston – ShaTaylor Reed;

Saline – Bethany Oliver, Mikalee Sawyer;

Shreveport — Jordin Barnett, Coral Bonts, Lyndsay Brown, Kaylan Campbell, Kristen Ciconte, Mariana Clifton, Allison Darty, Lauren Davis, Chloe Farrar, Destiny Ferguson, David Fitzwater, Malachi Fitzwater, Gentry Freeman, Brittney Gaskin, Kayla Graham, Hannah Gribble, Claire Guin, Taylor Guin, Jada Hawkins, Daniel Holden, Amanda Jackson, Summer Jones, Lindsay Laprarie, Madison Little, Katelyn Martin, Schuyler Mason, Christy McClure, Tyler McGee, Cayla Morris, Mary Murray, Tram Nguyen, Dominique Parker, Kayla Petteway , Britney Powell, Kira Presley, Angel Rankins, Melinda Sampson, Shelby Sandefur, Joanna Sims, Ainsley Soland, Hannah Sprawls, Colbi Washington, Amira X;

Sibley — Melanie Tobin;

Simsboro – Madison Moore;

Stonewall – Tyler Erario, Emmy Hinds, Anna Hooper, Kassidy Parker;

Walker – Josie Dial, Abigail Whitam;

Winnfield – Taylor Burnett, Fatima Rodriguez, Natalie Womack;

Zwolle – Cheyenne Calhoun, Erin Escott, Lloyd Gentry, Matthew Lovelady, Mckenzie Steele.

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is proud to announce that Olutunmike “Tum Tum” Adeleye (’22) of Natchitoches was selected as Student of the Year for the LSMSA District.

Adeleye will now be eligible to compete on the regional level and will be required to submit a detailed portfolio that documents a comprehensive summary of her high school career, both at Natchitoches Central High School and LSMSA.

“This competition gives us another way to celebrate our students and our community. We’re so pleased that Tum Tum is a member of our community and that she represents LSMSA in this role,” said Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton. “We all wish her luck in the future weeks as she moves to the final competition.”

Over the past few weeks, over 20 seniors were identified as eligible for the Student of the Year statewide competition. In additon to Adeleye, seniors from LSMSA whosubmitted autobiographies as part of the initial step of the Louisiana Department of Education’s statewide selection process included Travis Elmore (’22) of Slidell, Jordan Hoffman (’22) of Lake Charles, Abigail Huddleston (’22) of Lake Charles, Clara Lee (’22) of Ponchatoula, Kyler Naquin (’22) of Houma, and Sunny Yusufji (’22) of Shreveport.

Director of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kristi Key shared her gratitude for these students and what they represent.

“One of the many fantastic attributes of our campus is that our students represent outstanding scholarship, leadership, and community involvement across the board,” she said. “The entire cohort of finalists captured so much of what makes our school such an amazing place – their community service, their leadership and advocacy for others, their personal stories of how they came to LSMSA and what is important about this place for them.”

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Addressing a room filled with curious and excited Northwestern State supporters, coaches, staff and current competitors Thursday, Kevin Bostian outlined the cornerstones of his approach to his new job as the Demons’ athletics director and he made his top priority crystal clear.

“I’m here to serve our student-athletes, first and foremost,” said the 43-year-old North Carolina native, whose two decades in athletic administration have carried him to six various Division I programs around the Southeast, from North Carolina State to East Tennessee to South Alabama to … .

“Our goals for you are 1) you earn your degree in the major of your choice; 2) you win a championship in your sport; and 3) and we develop you as a leader, so that after you leave NSU, you become a leader in the community you serve. If we do those three things, we’re doing our job.”

As he was introduced on campus, along with his wife, their three young daughters and his parents, Demon fans certainly had questions. Why was UNC Greensboro’s executive associate AD the choice to step in for 25-year veteran head Demon Greg Burke? What attracted a man who admittedly had never visited North Louisiana and only made a few trips to New Orleans, to Natchitoches and NSU?

Answers: an accomplished resume’ focused on revenue generation, and references confirming he is a team builder with a servant-leader approach; and he’s a guy who sees a charming small town as a great place for his family, with conditions favorable for leading NSU forward.

The most relevant question – how can he help the Demons’ athletic program regain its swagger, and specifically, team up with coach Brad Laird to make NSU football great again (or at least, over .500 for the first time since 2008)?

Especially considering he comes from UNCG, where the Spartans don’t have the sport. And he didn’t even play football in high school at Durham, N.C., where basketball rules.

Bostian was a prep baseball and basketball guy who played a year on the diamond at Division II Chowan, before storing his bats and gloves and joining the general student population at NC State. He does, however, have football bonafides in his administrative career.

Along his way, he arrived for four years at Georgia Southern, which had claimed six FCS titles, as the Eagles moved into FBS and immediately went unbeaten, the only program ever to do that in the transition phase. The next year, GSU won its first bowl game. He spent three years at Tennessee Tech when Watson Brown (brother of Mack) coached that flock of Eagles to their first Ohio Valley Conference championship in 35 years.

“I have seen football success up close,” Bostian told the Journal. “I know what it takes, I know what it needs to look like. That’s something I’ll talk with Brad about, find out what resources he needs to be successful, specific to NSU, and we’ll work on it together.”

Collaboration is vital to success, he believes. That process started Thursday and will continue as he arrives to take over Monday, Feb. 7. How’s that work, with nobody you knew before this week?

“I’ll reach out to every head coach, and staff members, by the phone, and introduce myself and begin getting to know them. I’ve got a 100-day plan for the department that we’ll start putting in place. It’s a lot of analyzing the department. The first day I arrive, every coach and staff member will get a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity and threat) analysis form to fill out, and I’ll meet with everybody one-on-one, discuss and put our thoughts together to see what we need to get done.”

Bostian gets to hire his right hand. NSU’s deputy AD/senior woman administrator position opened last August and President Marcus Jones chose to wait for the new AD to fill it, pausing the search as Burke’s move across campus to university advancement developed.

“That’s going to be key. That position is an internal position, and obviously I’m an external guy who needs to be out there engaging our stakeholders. You need someone to run the day-to-day aspects of the department, somebody who will work well with coaches,” Bostian said.

“I don’t want a micro-manager, but somebody who coaches can feel confident in to address concerns or needs. I want somebody who’s been around, who knows the game, and an extra bonus if it’s somebody familiar to some degree with Northwestern State. But it will be the best fit, the best person I can get,” he said. “That’s a critical position and we’ll start on that right away.”

Along with dozens of other initiatives, no doubt.

Photo: by CHRIS REICH/NSU

Natchitoches’ second Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration March for Justice and Peace was held Monday, January 17. The march began at the Ben D. Johnson Center and extended to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle Park. The marchers were led by members of NSU’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter. Dr. King was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, joining as a graduate student in 1952 at Boston College. The Alphas were joined by members of NSU Greek organizations. The NSU Chapters of the NAACP and African American Caucus also marched as did NSU head football Coach Brad Laird and the NSU football team. They were joined by fellow athletes from NSU volleyball and other sports teams. Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams marched for the second year. The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts brought a large contingent of students to the march and celebration. The march ended at the Dr. Martin Luther King Triangle Park where the brothers of NSU’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter placed a wreath at Dr. King’s memorial. For the second year in a row, NSU’s Lifted Voices Gospel Choir gave a truly impressive vocal performance. Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams spoke of Dr. King’s legacy and accomplishments as did several local spiritual leaders. The main speaker was Darin Nixon, NSU NAACP President and NSU NPHC President. The event was organized by the City of Natchitoches, NSU and the Northwestern State University Center for Inclusion & Diversity.

NEW ORLEANS – When the Northwestern State women are running on all cylinders, they are able to produce similar numbers to what they did on Saturday in a convincing 75-47 win at New Orleans.

The Lady Demons (9-5, 2-1) shot 50 percent from the field with 10 total assists and scored 30 points off 26 forced turnovers holding the Privateers (1-9, 0-3) to less than 30 percent shooting from the field.

“I think it was our best collective effort of the season,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “The biggest difference today was, we’ve been in a lot of games where we were able to capitalize and get up by five or six but allowed teams to come back. We were able to build on those five or six point leads today.

“We’ve continued to push our effort on the defensive end, and I thought they did a great job of that tonight. Shooters made shots but we played inside-out and any time you get more people touching the ball it creates more success for everybody.”

Jordan Todd set the tone early with a dominant first four minutes on both ends of the floor. She made the first bucket of the game on an inside pass from Candice Parramore then blocked the first of two shots in the quarter on the defensive side. A turnaround jumper in the lane and a pair of free throws gave her six of NSU’s first 11 points and a four-point lead.

After the strong start, the Lady Demons put the pedal down at the end of the first and into the second.

JaMiya Braxton drilled a 3-pointer to answer a UNO triple and Parramore swiped a pass for another defensive stop for an easy fast-break layup going the other way for five quick points and a 19-11 end of the quarter lead.

Braxton’s 3-pointer opened the flood gates from beyond the arc for the Lady Demons leading to the first stretch of play that put the game firmly into the Lady Demons’ hands.

The Lady Demons made 5-of-6 shots from beyond the line over the span of six minutes to double the eight-point lead by the time Josie Fleischmann ripped the net to end the hot streak. Four different players contributed to the 3-point flurry – Fleischmann, Braxton, Parramore and Alex Harrison with an assist coming from one of five different players each time.

“It was exciting that we went 4-for-5 from beyond the arc but what’s even more exciting for me is that we had assists on all of those shots,” Nimz said. “To finish the game with 10 assists, something we haven’t been doing a lot this year, shows they’re continuing to mature, get better, play through each other and that was good to see.”

NSU had assists on 43 percent of their baskets in the game, their seventh best performance of the season, with seven players contributing in at least one helper led by Jiselle Woodson’s three on the night.

The Lady Demons maintained the 16-point edge heading into the half and clamped down even more defensively to start the second half with a dominant third quarter on both ends.

They scored the first 11 points of the period, ballooning the lead even further, with Monette Bolden providing the final seven of the run in a row ending with a dagger 3-pointer from the right corner. The 19-4 overall run going back to the end of the second quarter put the game squarely in NSU’s hands.

The offensive success was a product of how stifling the defense was in the quarter, forcing seven turnovers in the period and converting those directly into 12 points. The 26 forced turnovers on the night was the second most by the NSU defense this season.

UNO went 3-for-14 from the field in the third quarter and scored just eight points shooting 22 percent from the field in the second half, leaving no doubt on the outcome of the game.

The Lady Demons saw 10 different players score at least three points in the game led by Parramore’s 15, Bolden’s 13 and Woodson’s 10. The 46 percent effort for the game was the second-best shooting game of the season and the 14 steals was the third most in a game this year.

Photo: Candler Harris

POSITION: Finance Director – Finance Department

DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of complex supervisory, professional, administrative and technical accounting and finance functions in maintaining the fiscal records and systems of the City. Will serve as chief financial advisor to the Mayor and prepare and maintain financial reports and records. Oversees payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, Utility Service Center, Information Technologies and Programming and Promotions Department.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant shall have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or business related field. A working knowledge in Governmental Financial Accounting and GASB rules and regulations are required. An MBA or Certified Public Accountant is preferred.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine Street, or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application on line at http://www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NATCHITOCHES:
Sameria Pearrie
Arrangements TBA

James Rachal
Arrangements TBA

Irene Johnson
Arrangements TBA

Jessie B. Williams
Arrangements TBA

Theresa Primm
September 27, 1937 – January 18, 2022
Service: Monday, January 24 at 12 pm at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Nicholas Flakes
Dec 5, 2000 – Jan 10, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Cornell Robinson
Jul 27, 1962 – Jan 15, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Mildred Louise Eckhardt McTyre
March 26, 1935 – January 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 29 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

Where in Louisiana can you walk on the same ground as two presidents, over forty generals, over one thousand soldiers and Dred Scott? The answer is Fort Jesup State Historic Site and it’s right in your own back yard! This year Fort Jesup turns 200 years old and we planning a year long celebration but we need your help! We want to hear from as many people as possible. There will be meeting at Fort Jesup State Historic Site on Thursday January 27th at 5:30 pm. Everyone is invited and you do not have to a member of the Friends group to attend. For more information contact ftjesupfriends@yahoo.com or 318-461-5376.

MANY, La – If you’re looking for something to do tonight with friends or in search of a fun date night idea check out a Sabine Parish favorite at Cypress Bend Resort. 

Justin Merritt, a truly local talent, will be performing live in the Sabine Social Room tonight, January 21st, from 7:00-10:00 PM.  

Friends, family, and fans can expect to see a fun show with a mix of classic covers and impressive originals. The Sabine Parish Journal had the chance to review a previous show of Justin’s and see first hand just how talented the musicians in Sabine Parish are! Check out our music review here to see what kind of show you’ll be enjoying!

Sabine Parish Basketball Scores

Tuesday January 18

GIRLS

Hornbeck 50 (13-10) (2-1)
Ebarb 35 (10-15) (2-1)

Hicks 77 (23-5) (3-0)
Pleasant Hill 34 (7-16) (0-3)

Florien 54 (27-2) (2-0)
Zwolle 38 (21-6) (2-1) Olivia Sepulvado 12, Makayla Price 12, Justice Howard 5 and Brianna Lambert 4.

Winnfield 45 (11-1) (1-0)
Many 39 (8-12) (0-1)

Negreet 58 (16-9) (2-0)
Stanley 38 (12-10) (0-3)

BOYS

Ebarb 70 OT (10-17) (2-1)
Hornbeck 67 OT (19-5) (1-2)

Pleasant Hill 43 (21-9) (1-2)
Hicks 41 (14-13) (2-1)

Zwolle 71 (19-4) (3-0)
Florien 60 (14-14) (1-1)

Many 61 (9-4) (1-0)
Winnfield 54 (15-4) (0-1)

Stanley 58 (9-15) (1-2)
Negreet 33 (11-15) (1-1)

Correction* We were made aware of an error making the link inaccessible. The issue has been fixed and the link is now live. Please follow the link below to participate in the DRA Speed Test for Sabine Parish. 

The Sabine Parish Economic Development Council (EDC) is working to help bring high-speed broadband to all Parish residents, but your help is needed. Government grants for high-speed broadband infrastructure may be available for our Parish. Help us identify the areas that have poor internet service, or no internet service, by participating in the following link for data collection:  DRA Speed Test

If you have poor internet service, list the address where you are at the time of the test. If you do not have any internet access, using your smart phone, go to the website at the above link and select the “no available service” option. 

You can participate in this data collection as many times as you want, but all data must be completed by January 31, 2022. This data will be used to help map the areas in the Parish where broadband infrastructure is needed. The more data entered, the better opportunities for Sabine Parish to receive adequate funding for high-speed broadband throughout the Parish. 

MANY, LA (January 20, 2022) —The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission in partnership with the  Louisiana Office of State Parks, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, the Friends of Fort Jesup, and Cane River  National Heritage Area announces the kick-off of the Bicentennial Celebration of Fort Jesup. Set for  Friday, February 25th and Saturday, February 26th at Fort Jesup State Historic Site, the event will include living history demonstrations, cast-iron cooking, music, and children’s activities that celebrate the culture  of Louisiana’s Final Frontier. 

Fort Jesup became part of the claims of both the United States and Spain. When the Louisiana Purchase Treaty of 1803 failed to clearly define the western boundary of Louisiana, the United States and  Spain claimed the area as their own. The dispute gave rise to the “Neutral Ground,” an area where the  laws of neither nation were enforced. Soldiers and settlers were kept out, and rogues and outlaws ruled  the region. 

After the territorial boundary was finally fixed at the Sabine River by the Florida Purchase Treaty of  1819, the United States built Fort Jesup in 1822. Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Taylor established and  commanded the garrison, and Taylor’s troops managed to establish law and order in the Neutral Ground.  Fort Jesup remained an important military post for nearly 25 years. 

The kick-off celebration begins on Friday, February 25th with an official opening ceremony at 10:30AM  featuring remarks from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. The Louisiana State Fiddle Champion, Clancey  Stewart will perform, and an authentic frontier lunch will be served after the ceremony. Living historians  and reenactors will be on hand to demonstrate life on the Louisiana frontier. Local schools and  homeschool groups are invited to participate on this day, to reserve your group spot please contact Carrie  McCormic at 318-256-4117.  

The celebration continues Saturday, February 26th from 9AM to 5PM with living history demonstrations,  music and children’s activities. Both event days are open to the public. Admission charged Saturday. Fort  Jesup SHS is located just off Highway 6 near Many, LA at 32 Geoghagan Road. For more information,  please contact Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at 1-800-358-7802 or  

ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/Jesup. 

Northwestern State University announces the names of 841 students named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. Students on the Dean’s List earned a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99. For questions about the honor lists, contact the University Registrar at (318) 357-6171, toll-free at (800) 807-8849 or registrar@nsula.edu.

Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown in Sabine Parish (in red) and other Journal parishes are as follows.

Atlanta – Jackson Teal;

Belmont – Jayce Gentry;

Benton – Evan Bryant, Savannah Elliott, Amber Hershberger, Victoria Jeter, Dbreona Johnson, Diana Mccabe, Cameron Parikh, Dana Wainwright;

Bienville – Whitney Blewer, Destiny Holland;

Bossier City – Maddison Cathey, Jacob Cavell, Mckenzie Cockrell, Elizabeth Davis, Kenneith Durden, Rachel Elmore, Megan Evans, Taylor Fuller, Scarlet Garland, Hannah Gates, Zoie Gillespie, Mark Green, Peyton Harville, Caleb Helms, Miranda Keller, Abigail Kent, John Lewis, Taylor Maust, Johan Mckay, Trisella Bryn Mendones, Megan Messett, Joel Mithcell, Victoria Morris, Adriana Patton, Dara Pressley, Darius Ramsour, Litzy Rivera, Anwaar Shihadeh, Bonnie Singletary, Natalie Stephenson, Terrence Steward, Zoie Swint, Kirk Weaver, Claudette Wilbert-Patton, Katherine Woods;

Boyce – Kaitlyn Miller, Julie Nelson, Austin Parker, Kelsey Robinson, Chelsea Ryder, Lauren Salard, Kionna Mitchell;

Campti – Alyssa Breaud, Kristen Breedlove, Mary Gill, Madelynne Greer, Jordan Hoppock, Allyson Roberts, Hannah Walker;

Castor – Madison Mccarthy;

Converse – Taylor Hill, Chance McDonald, Justin Rushing;

Cotton Valley – Taylor O’Rear;

Coushatta – Kori Allen, William Almond, Kaylee Antilley, Savanah Caldwell, Madison Castello, Ethan Cole-Morgan, Maria Stanley, Taylor Wiggins, Abby Williams, Carmie Williams;

Cullen – D’Agurelle Epps;

Dodson – Faithe Williams;

Dubach – Dannie Bitker, Olivia Hancock, Kassie Mills;

Florien – Terry Foshee, Laila Garner, Racheal Lester, James Miller, Shellie Miller, Magon Pickett, Taylor Richardson, Nicholas Slaydon, Annetra Gordon;

Forest Hill – Isabela Rose Musgrove, Solmayra Sierra;

Grand Cane – Arnijah Bradley, Hannah Melton;

Haughton – Emily Acevedo, Jacob Dupree, Aya Ghannam, Ashlyn Gilmore, Lauren Harlan, Kaylen Harris, Camry Heath, Kobe Jackson, Jillian Kerneen, Nicklaus Lowery, Morgan Mcvey, Maci Presley, Meagan Ray, Kaylee Sarvis;

Heflin – Kyle Smith;

Jamestown – Kami Bumgardner, Kerrigan Zachry;

Jonesboro – Destineé Mills;

Keatchie – Antonio Dukes, Sarah Gentry, Tara Foster;

Lena – Weslee Pickering;

Logansport – Dillon Binning;

Mansfield – Trevor Whatley, Amber Youngblood, Tremeon Allen;

Many – Alexis Bush, Chikuita CArhee, Presley Corley, Hope Curtis, Moses Gonzales, Lanan Laroux, Joseph Laughlin, Chloe Lealch, Lesli Leach, Jada Lee, Shelbie Martinez, Raelynn McPherson, Brianna Miller, Kasey Moore, Lora Peace, Mayci Self, Caroline Settle, Khia Holland;

Marthaville – Gabrielle Dyes, Madison Pleasant, Katelyn Jordan;

Minden – Joy Davis, Layla Easley, Keyon Elkins, Jada Franklin, Lauryn Gaddy, ,Tatyana Gill, Heather White, Savannah Wilson;

Natchez – Corey Bennett, Walker Roe Jackson;

Natchitoches – Taylor Arrendondo, Samantha Austin, Jordan Bevels, Alaidrian Bolton, Stephani Bradley, Hannah Branam, Maelana Braxton, Shenita Braxton, Stephen Bryan, Abbie Butler, Laura Cabarcas Vargas, Cory Campbell, Elainna Casson, Nubia Charleston, Cody Coleman, Melissa Collier, Bess DeFord, Hannah Deranger, Kylie Dornbush, Ashley Duffus, Akilah Farris, Blake Fowler, Abbie Gandy, Ruth Garcia Rodriguez, Taylor Garland, Kali Hall, Lynda Hammett, Madeline Harper, Cayman Howell, John Howell, Taylor Johnson, William Jordan, Madeline Joubert, Samoa Baylee Laroux, Jamauri Lee, Grace Lemoine, Maya Levo, Chloe Longlois, Hailey Martin, Elizabeth Maynard, Lamarr McGaskey, Janiel Moore, Flynt Nelson, Jace Nobles, Weston Noe, Kevin Nutt, Isabella Peluso, Grace Penrod, Shawn Perry, Brandy Poole, Kira Raymond, Chandler Sarpy, Triniti Sarpy, Ashton Smith, Erin Smith, Kerrie Spillman, James Stanfield, Heather Steward, Caroline Stokes, Kasey Strother-Leone, Hayleigh Todd, Aaron Trichel, Maeli Usleton, Lauren Vienne, Alex Wade, Raegan Washington, Courtany Jackson, Meredith Matt, Mallory Nugent, Ellen Wells;

Noble – Averie Meshell, Nickolas Tramel;

Oak Grove – Victoria Spann;

Pleasant Hill – Ethan Johnson;

Provencal – Heather Davis, Morgan Grace;

Ringgold – Jack Stanley;

Robeline – Cody Hamous, Caleb Martinez, John Martinez, Morgan Neugent;

Ruston – Chirstan Bates, Ashlynne Schales, Natalie Sims, Emily Willis;

Saline – Alexandra Taylor;

Sarepta – Zoe Loyd;

Shreveport – German Abundiz Pedroza, DeAndre Ashley, Shenika Bel, Alyssa Belle, Ashley Benson, Hallie Bloxom, Caylin Bozeman, Hannah Branch, Wendi Bray, Jamarcia Broadway, Josephine Brock, Leta Broome, Makenzie Cain, Chelsea Calup, Eric Clark, Jewel Coleman, Lilllie Daniel, Cade Davis, Kevin Denks, Taylor Dixon, Jillian Duggan, Chanler Everage, Isabelle Foisy, Peyton Gamble, Carlos Garcia, Samantha Graham, Austin Green, Ross Hansen, Eric Harperd, Alexus harris, Megan hausmann, Jackson Holoubek, Olivia Horrell, Deaveon Jones, Emily Juarez, Samantha Martinez, Wendy Martinezo-Ortego, Ashley Mason, John Medlin, Lauren Miller, Eden Millican, Chandler Milligan, Kendall Murray, Annabele Parker, Cristina Peterson, Mikayla Phillips, Jessica Poe, Jessica Rowell, Sarah Sauseda, Sarah Sims, Shakari Taylor, Trevor VanEaton, Haley Wiggins, Kacy Young, Dionte Dean;

Sikes – Tonya LeBaron;

Simmesport – Emily Bowman, Gavin Marsh;

Sorrento – Savannah Struppeck, Megan Melancon;

Stonewall – Amy Burton, Taylor Christian, Sarah Edelen, Carson Ward, Cara Wineinger;

Walker – Jessie Cochran;

Winnfield – Kimberly Bedgood, Victoria Hubbard, Elizabeth Parker, Jordan Patterson, Aarn Stroud, Avonna Wilson, Taylor Womack, Alecia Zimmerman;

Zwolle – Zachariah Carroll, Olivia Crittenden, Melissa Guin, Mckenzie Leone, Hana Lewis, Emerald Terrell, Khristian Parrie;

Northwestern State University students announces the names of 739 students who were named to the Honor List for the Spring 2021 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor List, please contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171, toll free at (800) 807-8849 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown in Sabine Parish (in red) and other Journal parishes are as follows.

Arcadia – Denisha Davis, Terrell Davis;

Benton – Micah Ballard, Bryanna Cooper, Stacy Ebarb, Grayson Gates, Nicolette Hendrix, Jackson Mathews, Daniel Scott, Ted Scott, Megan Russell, Olivia Turner;

Bernice – Khyra Hart;

Bossier City – Jacquelyn Atteridge, Katlyn Aycock, Amanda Billue, Carly Blondin, Zachary Burleson, April Deffalia, Nicholas Cooksey, Anyah Cowan, McKenzie Davidson, Tamia Ferguson, Khairiq Frost, Jordan Garner, Nawal Gazawaneh, A’Reonna Gilbert, Lisa Hamilton, Emily Hammons, D’Tashawua Harrison, Taylor Heacock, Jacob Hill, Jodi Hill, Payton Hudson, Da’Shaun Jamerson, Shytrinity Jett, Jonatan Jiminez, Christiana Johnson, Kristen Johnson, Abigail Lawrence, Mia Lucas, Jordan Markle, John McLain, Anna Mcmillon, Destiny Michel, Michael Mosura, Yamila Gabrielle Nardo, Sylan Nash-Browder, Sami Rahman, Kobi Rasouliyan, Abigail Redd, Shelby Rhodes, Andrew Robinson, Thomas Schneider, Brianna Smith, Leah Teutsch, Destiny Wilson;

Boyce – Bailee Aslin, Eli Maffioli, Kelsey Miller, Wyatt Miller;

Campti – Joshua Graham, Alexis Keith, Jaylee Riggs, Alexis Smith;

Clarence – Zenobia Poydras, Jalicia Small, Daviion Telsee;

Cloutierville – Alexis Coutee;

Converse – Evan David, Allison Jagneaux, Skyler Laroux, Haleigh Sharrow, Ashley Sims, Logan Spillyards;

Coushatta – Johnny Cox, Briannah Holman, Dillon Longino, James Lowring, Waylon Washington;

Dodson – Brina Broomfield, Callie Chandler, Brendan Thomas, Heather Wehunt;

Doyline – Megan Kidwell;

Dubach – Lattamore Buckner;

Evergreen – Wlater Armand, Erica Jenkins;

Florien – Sidnequia Abbott, Diego Almanza, Heaven Bozeman, Kawliga Forehand, Mckenzie Procella, Clayton Rushing, Eric Rutherford, London Vidrine;

Gloster – Kylee Causey;

Grand Cane – Raeanne Ivy;

Haughton – Deitric Alexander, Brayden Bierwirth, Alli Cain, Andrea Daigle, Dana Deyo, James Grooms, Jennifer Josey, Nicholas Knotts, Gabriella Kopf, Alana Lewis, Taryn Lindsey, Jillian Lloyd, Julia Morgan, April Pamintuan, Abigail Pruett, Alyssa Queen, Bailee Rattanachai, Jalin Riser, Marissa Rowsey, Kaylee Sanford, Cassidy Smith, Lomia Watkins, Amanda Whatley;

Heflin – Rebecca Reno;

Jonesboro – Skyla Davis-Houston, Xavier Stringer;

Keatchie – Skylar Boyd, Katelyn Hicks;

Lena – McKenzlea Wise;

Logansport – Kelsey Holloway, Trenton Timmons;

Mansfield – Reina Gillyard, Canessia Johnson, Madison Ruston, Ashlynn Sanders, Shatyra Sanders, Madylin Sullivan;

Many – Andie Gilcreast, Savannah Lee, Sarah Lewing, Levi Miller, Anna Porterfield, Tanner Rains, Carly Settle, Alexandra Sims, Tobias Williams, Amber Wooley;

Marthaville – Samantha Nettles, Madeline Procell, Amelia Strahan;

Minden – Melinda Boyce, Kelleigh Edwards, Lamonica Smith;

Natchez – Joseph Bayonne, Reagan Davis;

Natchez, Mississippi Adrian Ramos Diaz, Aylin Rivera, Taylor Moak;

Natchitoches – Sharvel Addison, Annalaura Axsom, Lauren Bartels, Da’Keayah Bell, Ian Belsha, Kacy Bonds, Dania Briceno Vasquez, Zoe Brock, Adrianna Brown, Tam Bui, Ambrosia Burton, Ladiamond Burrell, Kierra Charles, Joshua Clarke, Sedrick Cole, Ana Corrales Santos, Christian Coutee, Aaliyah Creekmore, Jeffrey Elkins, Stephen Eversull, LaKisha Fields, Ashley Flounnory, Randi Galyean, James Gillyard, Nina Griffin, Hannah Haigh, Jasmine Howard, Katherine Hughes, Omari Irchirl, Austin Jordan, Damien Joseph, Alexis Kitishian, aisha Latchie, Madison Lester, Caitlyn Matthews, Kristin McQuillin, Diana Marcela Mercado Garcia, Joseph Mesa, Melanie Nation, Tristan Neitte, Emily Nobles, Sydney Normand, Alyssa Price, Katherine Rachal, Ariana Rambin-Rachal, Zachary Robinson, Uriel Rodriguez, Daniela Salas Ricardo, Jasmine Richardson, Mary Scruggs, Alaysia Smith, Mary Smith, Jarquiese Solomon, April Stephens, Tori Thomas, Madison Thompson, Destiny Tyler;

Noble – Emma Craig, Tanner Funderburk;

Oak Grove – Heather Allen;

Plain Dealing – Anniya’ Platt;

Pleasant Hill — Skylie Harris;

Provencal – Madison Grace, Morgan Maley;

Robeline – Abbie Baker, Georgia Dowdwn, Abby Flynn, Tyler French, Stevie Lane, Reagan Moore, Kilee Pickett;

Ruston – Victoria Bell, Reagan Lee, Sha’Neque Roane, Ceinna Washington;

Saline – Haeven Durbin;

Spring Hill – Landon Stephens;

Stonewall – Cloe Bolanos, Raeann Carpenter, John Keith, Laken Martin, Valerie Smith;

Winnfield – Keaton Burnum, Emalee Dill, Lauren Layton, Kelli Leeper, Tenisha Phillips, Kaitlyn Turner, Maggie Womack;

Zwolle – Stone Adair, Elizabeth Ezernack, Gage Ledford, Julia Malmay, Kaylyn Sepulvado;

On Tuesday, January 18th, Chief Gibson of the Greenwood Police Department recognized Sr. Ofc. Anderson and Sr. Ofc. Fertenbaugh for outstanding achievements. Sr. Ofc. Anderson received a Life Saving Award for his efforts that helped save a baby on Father’s Day Weekend 2020. Sr. Ofc. Fertenbaugh received a Silver Star for Bravery for his efforts in apprehending a violent criminal on October 20, 2021.

SOURCE: GREENWOOD PD

There are old sayings, “If you look good, you’ll play good” or “You only play as good as you look.” These sayings have been heard in the sports and business world for decades. To be a great salesman or a great player, it’s mentally important to look good. Today’s professional bass fishermen have definitely cornered the market on self-promotion and looking great.  From their truck and boat wraps to their fancy fishing jerseys, today’s pro anglers know how to look good.

Let’s start with the jersey. Anglers today are literally advertising icons as they walk around with all their sponsor logos on their fishing outerwear. It has been this way since it all began in the late 1960’s as anglers back then wore the old jump suits with sewn on patches. Then someone thought of the idea to sew these patches on a sleeveless vest, which not only looked good, but was more comfortable to wear. Today’s anglers are wearing state of the art performance dye-sublimated shirts with every inch of their jersey covered in sponsor logos. These multi-colored shirts are made with built in UV protective sunscreen that’s designed to keep a fisherman both cool and dry.

If there’s one thing the FLW organization revealed to the professional angler, it was how to look good while tournament fishing. FLW introduced us to the fancy boat and truck wraps you see today navigating across our lakes and up and down the highways of America. These rolling billboards are easy to spot and there’s no mistaking who they are. Don’t forget, anglers eat up all the attention they get when they pull into a gas station or pull up at a boat ramp. This attention gives them that rock star feeling that we all crave. Also understand, these rolling billboards have a purpose…to bring as much attention as possible to the angler’s sponsors. Every logo on each boat and truck is strategically placed based on how much the sponsor is willing to pay. If sponsors want to be on the hood….they’ll pay a premium price. But if they are okay with being on the lower left fender, they’ll pay a lot less.

You see, FLW took notes from NASCAR back in the 1990’s and decided to follow the same format for advertising. But FLW took it a step further by placing coordinated wraps on both the boat and the truck pulling it, giving the sponsor more bang for their buck. This is also a way for the professional angler to supplement his income. Every year anglers are on the phone or knocking on doors during the offseason, trying to convince companies to be a part of their sponsorship package. This is not just income for the angler, but it also helps pay for their entry fees for whatever circuit they are fishing. Some of this money is used for hotel accommodations, as well as food, while they are on the road.

This promotional advertising system has gotten the attention of many young high school and college anglers all across America. Young people today love the flashy, fancy, good looking fishing jerseys. It’s one reason why so many anglers have taken an interest in bass fishing. And again, “If you look good, you’ll play good.” So, the next time you’re at a professional bass tournament, you’ll understand the reason for the boat and truck wraps and the fancy fishing jerseys; it’s sponsor recognition, which allows anglers to fish at the highest level.

Make sure to tune into the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show for the latest news from the great outdoors, every Wednesday from 11:00 till 1:00 on AM 1130 The Tiger and FM 93.3.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook.

Steve Graf  

“Now as they were traveling along and entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord’s word, seated at his feet. But Martha was distracted with all of her preparations; and she came up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all of the serving alone, then tell her to help me.” – Luke 10:38-40

Every time I read these scriptures I cannot help but think that Martha and I may be related. First cousins? Sisters? Maybe, we are one and the same. I think most women I know can identify with Martha and her anxiety about having company over. Martha probably bit off more than she could chew and was possibly more concerned about how her house looked than actually spending time with the Lord.

Here me out….

You have invited someone into your home…not just anyone. You have invited the Lord. You are busy making the last minute preparations and possibly a little stressed. I can see Martha scurrying around her house, tying together loose ends. She was probably setting the table, taking the bread out of the oven and whipping up a dessert all at the same time. She could have been sweeping a little dirt under the rug while picking up the kids toys or hiding the mountain of unfolded laundry in her well used and abused washroom.

Not only was Martha worried and bothered by so many things, she also took the time to complain to the Lord about her sister who was living her best life just hanging out, talking to Jesus. One thing that cannot be overlooked is the fact she was treating the Lord like an earthly father as well. Tattling on your sibling who is not helping pull her own weight is a totally justifiable case. Martha also sounded very confident that the Lord may take her side too.

But he didn’t take her side in agreement. He said her name, not once but twice and then proceeded to tell her that Mary had chosen the good part and it shall not be taken from her. Mary chose for her time to be completely spent with Jesus, sitting at his feet and listening to his words. And he chose not to change anything about her heavenly encounter.

Mary had her priorities straight and Martha was letting her worry and stress pull her away from Jesus.

Or, was Martha trying to impress the Lord with her good works? Was she showing out with all of her busyness and the Lord failed to take notice?

In our society it really easy to get busy and stay busy. Society loves for women to be validated by how busy they can stay. It is often said that If the devil cannot distract you with sin, he can make you busy. How much precious time are we wasting by being worried and bothered by so many things that are not even necessary. When Jesus said, “Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her”, he was telling Martha that she was missing out on everything that was good about his brief visit.

His visit was the only thing necessary that day at Martha’s house.

Jesus wants us to enjoy his company. What valuable things are you missing out on by being worried and bothered about so many things that are not even necessary?

“But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42

SABINE:
Mary Louise Lewing Witherington
June 26, 1929 – January 16, 2022
No Service Information Listed

NATCHITOCHES:
Rosella Mason Wells
November 26, 1939 – January 18, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

David Antilley
September 28, 1944 – January 19, 2022
Service: Friday, January 21 at 11:30 am at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

Theresa Primm
September 27, 1937 – January 18, 2022
Service: Monday, January 24 at 12 pm at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Nicholas Flakes
Dec 5, 2000 – Jan 10, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Carl J. Taylor, Jr.
Nov 17, 1998 – Jan 10, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Bessie Kay Winn
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 11 am at the North Star Baptist Church in Powhatan

Darian Pye
Nov 19, 1978 – Jan 14, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Pamela Revels Johnikin
Apr 8, 1954 – Jan 15, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Cornell Robinson
Jul 27, 1962 – Jan 15, 2022
Arrangements TBA

Anthony Alex
Jan 18, 1968 – Jan 17, 2022
Service: Friday, January 21 at 5 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Mildred Louise Eckhardt McTyre
March 26, 1935 – January 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 29 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

WINN:
Jetta Holmes
March 21, 1964 – January 17, 2022
Service: Friday January 21 at 11 am at Corinth Baptist Church in Winnfield

Robin Scott Parker
March 27, 1963 – January 18, 2022
Service: Friday, January 21 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

Barbara Jean Hall
June 23, 1940 – January 18, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 22 at 10 am in the Chapel of the Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home of Jena

Anakin Luke Bricker
November 09, 2021 – January 18, 2022
Service: Friday, January 21 at 2 pm at Bethlehem Cemetery

District 8 of the Louisiana Baptist Convention will hold Disaster Relief training for volunteers on Saturday.  It will be held at Clara Springs Camp.

David Cheatwood is representing District 8 in organizing the training session.  He said, “Registration is at 7:30 am and the fee is $35.00.  The fee covers a cap and t-shirt, relief worker ID badge and a background check.  All of our people are volunteers, and everyone is welcome at the training.  There is no pre-registration, just show up!”

Cheatwood said volunteers are trained in the type of recovery efforts needed in Louisiana.  There will be chain saw training, clean-up of flooded houses, feeding and doing laundry for volunteers and disaster victims.  

The session Saturday is the first of six training sessions held across the state.  Cheatwood said they train in the winter and early spring before storms or other disasters occur later in the year.

District 8 encompasses Red River, Natchitoches, DeSoto and Sabine parishes.  Cheatwood said 39 people were trained during the 2021 session.  He is hopeful that many or more will come for training on Saturday at Clara Springs Camp.

Sabine Parish Basketball Scores

Thursday January 13

Ebarb Lady Rebels 54 (10-14) (2-0)
Simpson 35 (3-18) (0-1)

Simpson 50 (16-6) (2-0)
Ebarb Rebels 38 (8-17) (1-1)

Friday January 14

GIRLS

Negreet 56 (15-9) (1-0)
Converse 38 (7-19) (0-2)

Florien 48 (26-2)
Many 27 (8-11)

Zwolle 45 (21-5) (2-0) Makayla Price 14, Infinity Sepulvado 11, Justice Howard 7, Olivia Sepulvado 6, Kalijah Smith 3, Alana Sepulvado 2 and Jalen Lynch
Stanley 35 (12-9) (0-2)

BOYS

Ebarb 62 (9-17)
Saline 41 (11-14)

Hornbeck 76 (19-4) (1-1)
Pleasant Hill 73 (20-9) (0-2)

Zwolle 54 (18-4) (2-0)
Stanley 53 (8-15) (0-2)

Negreet 58 (11-14) (1-0)
Converse 23 (8-13) (0-2)

Many 75 (8-4)
Florien 56 (14-13)

Director Christopher Wray/Op-Ed
Federal Bureau of Investigation

While many Americans celebrated the holidays with their families in the final week of 2021, law enforcement kept working. And, tragically, four officers didn’t make it home to their loved ones that week. They were murdered while doing their job keeping others safe. 

Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley, ambushed while alone in her car, died on Christmas Eve. Five days later in Illinois, Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Riley was killed during a call for assistance. On Dec. 30, also in Illinois, Bradley Police Department Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic was shot while attempting to locate the owner of dogs left in a car. And on New Year’s Eve, Cleveland Police Officer Shane Bartek was killed in an attempted carjacking.

These four murders brought the total number of officers feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2021 to 73, the highest annual number since the 9/11 attacks. That’s the equivalent of one officer murdered every five days. In a year when homicides and violent crime reached distressing levels, this 20-year high hasn’t received the attention it deserves.

Especially troubling is that a record number of officers killed—nearly half—had no engagement with their assailant before the attack. Each story is heartbreaking: A 30-year Florida deputy murdered one shift shy of retirement; an officer ambushed on his first day on the job, leaving behind a wife and 6-month-old son; a combat veteran and his police dog killed while serving together. 

At the Federal Bureau of Investigation, we experienced loss in 2021, too. Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger and Daniel Alfin were murdered while doing the difficult job investigating crimes against children. FBI Task Force Officer Greg Ferency of the Terre Haute, Ind., Police Department was ambushed and killed outside an FBI office. 

When I started as FBI director, I made it my practice to call the chief or sheriff of every officer intentionally killed in the line of duty. I have now made more than 200 such calls. Each conversation reminds me that behind the uniform, the badge, and, yes, sometimes the flashing lights in your rearview mirror, there are real people. With each call, I think about the families and friends who lost someone they loved, the children who will grow up without a parent, and the communities deprived of a public servant. 

We owe it to them to redouble our efforts to take the most violent offenders off the streets and to make sure officers have the resources, equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely. Even more, we need to ensure the brave men and women know that the communities they serve have their backs.

Every day, officers willingly put themselves at risk not knowing what dangerous situation or traumatic event they might encounter. I won’t pretend every person who carries a badge is beyond reproach, but the overwhelming majority do the job with the professionalism and commitment to equal justice citizens rightly expect. 

I meet frequently with chiefs and sheriffs across the country, and they are concerned about morale and the challenges of recruiting the next generation of officers. They understand that trust and transparency are vital to safety, and they are committed to finding ways to improve interactions. And while respect must be earned, if we are going to recruit and retain the kind of people willing to put their lives on the line to protect others, we have to show that we value their sacrifices.

Civic and business leaders, government officials and responsible citizens need to consider how we talk about engaging with law enforcement. When police are miscast as lacking humanity—devoid of empathy and compassion—everyone suffers. Departments lose good officers who are hard to replace, and communities are less safe. 

As we reflect on 2021, let’s honor the memories of those who lost their lives protecting others. Let’s commit to making communities safer, finding ways to improve interactions between law enforcement and those they serve, holding everyone to the high standards befitting men and women in uniform, and valuing those who do their jobs with honor.