Being the blessed mom with two girls of my own, and being a girl myself, I have witnessed more than the average share of mean girl shenanigans. Unfortunately, I have been on both sides of the mean girl coin. I was constantly navigating the murky waters of female adolescent friendships. One day everything is coming up roses. The next day someone is mad for something as simple as you not wearing pink on Wednesdays or something more complex like speaking to someone who has been formally removed from the friend circle.

It is so very stressful living the mean girl life, and especially being the victim of a mean girl.

When my oldest was approaching her mischievous middle school years it became an epidemic. Every single day there were tales from the halls of the school house that had me so deeply disturbed for the morale of the girls and their future. During these years, I was blessed with an older mom friend who had two older girls and she was constantly calming me down and letting me know it would be okay. She even told me that our girls will survive this with minimal input from moms.

I know God put her in my life. Her counsel and hands off approach always left me with peace and wisdom. After my oldest daughter I really put things in perspective as a mother.

Not at all saying that it is not heartbreaking when your daughter is left out, bullied, made fun of or uninvited, because it is. It rips your heart into a million shreds when this happens. As mothers we feel everything our children are going through. We have all been there and know the isolating and painful feelings it can cause.

Unfortunately, it is even more disheartening when the “Mean Girl” mentality continues into adulthood and spills over to the workplace, the church, the grocery store or even the ball field. This one is a bit harder to explain to my daughters.

I often wish that I could tell them that the mean girl stage of life stops in childhood. But, it doesn’t. As the world is always turning there will be mean girls who try to steal your joy and your peace. There is always someone trying to make you feel less than what God created you to be. There is always someone who laughs and makes light of your life’s misfortunes.

It is sad, but the world has an unlimited supply of people who do not mind bringing you down a peg or two, whether you need it or not.

One of the biggest revelations in my life came when I realized that the way people treat you is a reflection of them, their character and lack of Jesus in their life. It has nothing to do with you as a person.

The Bible is very clear when it talks about encouraging others. I have recently saturated my life with the wisdom of Proverbs. No where does it say that it is permissible to make others feel like they don’t belong, or make people feel like they are not good enough. Frankly speaking, it only speaks of building people up, putting yourself last and others first as well as turning the other cheek. It also speaks of walking two miles with a friend even though they only ask you to walk one mile.

We are faced with so many choices in our daily lives. We can live as a Christ-like example, accepting people as they are, and winning more people for the Kingdom of God. Or, we can live our lives as cautionary tales. No one wants to be the cautionary tale in a story riddled with meanness, jealousy, selfishness and pride. Our breaths that are breathed on this earth are very limited. Life is too short to treat others poorly.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:31

Never say the Wordle Word of the Day if “a wordler,” someone who works the daily Wordle puzzle, is around.

I’ll explain.

First, Wordle is a five-letter word that can, if you’re aggravated enough, become a four-letter word.

Wait. We better explain some more…

If you are part of the Great Unwashed who don’t know Wordle, consider yourself both blessed and cursed. Same as the ones of us who DO know.

Wordle is the new pickleball of word games, pickleball being our country’s fastest growing sport, not counting Pin the Tail on the Fauci. Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton, ping pong, and, of course, cucumbers. Look it up, grab a racquet and a wiffleball and go play — IF you can find a free court.

Not kidding. It’s a 24/7 Pickleball Party out there.

Some with Wordle, except it’s right there on your laptop device, just waiting to either reward you or make you want to hit yourself upside your head with a pickleball racquet.

The game was created in October by an engineer in Brooklyn named Josh Wardle, who was obviously born to create a word game. (“You say Wardle, I say Wordle.”) The game starts with six rows of five blank boxes each, and you get six guesses to figure out the five-letter word that changes every day.

One day this week was “hoard.” Others were “cloth” and “brine” and “mourn.” March 1 was “rupee,” a unit of Indian money, which apparently a lot of people didn’t know, and we know this because It Was In All The Papers, stories about Wordle-ites who felt they’d been ripped off — an interesting take on the American mindset since Wordle is, after all, free.

(I got rupee; sixth and final try. Makes me think of another five-letter word: lucky.)

The Guardian reported that Wordle had 90 players in November, 300,000 by January, and now more than three million around the world. Mankind is caught in a Wordle vice of biblical proportions. The game’s traveling faster than gossip down a church pew.

Its charm is that it’s not overwhelmingly hard to solve — but it’s hard enough. Simple, but keeps you on your toes. Sort of like your colon does as you age.

Sign up through Google, or wherever you subscribe to your addictive, fun, time-wasting, sucking-the-life-out-of-you word games. Again, it’s free, and the rules are simple, which the Wordle site will explain.

The first day I played, a good friend — my “Wordle dealer/supplier” since he got me hooked — gave me a two-minute tutorial. One minute I’d only heard of Wordle and the next, I was a Wordle Junkie.

A Final Word to the Wordle Wise: Do not casually mention to anyone the Wordle Word of the Day unless they ask. My rookie day, I said, “Hey, took me four shots but I figured out ‘shake’ was the Worldle wor…”

“Nooooooooo!” That was the sound from a friend (now ex-friend) walking by; they had not Wordled yet on that day.

Wordle word for me at that moment? Idiot. Or loser. Either five-letter word would have worked.

Moral of story? Keep your Wordle to yourself. Otherwise … “YIKES”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Description: Experienced and reliable Property Manager to oversee operations at our 40-unit complex. In this position, you will create leasing contracts for new and current tenants, ensure units are ready for tenants, fulfill repair requests efficiently, collect monthly rents, and track daily expenses, to provide regular status reports on the condition of the property and any issues that arise and maintain a positive relationship with renters and tenants.

Qualifications: Our ideal candidate has at least five years of property management experience. High school degree or equivalent; bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. Proficient with Microsoft Office and property management software. Organized and able to create multiple timelines, budgets, and schedules. Excellent communication skills

Deadline: Applications will be accepted through March 28, 2022

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Please mail resumes to:
Willa Point Apartments
ATTN: Human Resources
PO Box 255
Natchitoches LA 71457

By Brad Dison

Kerri Rawson was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1978. She had a happy childhood with loving parents and good friends. When Kerri was about ten years old, she and her parents watched a news report on local tv about a serial killer in Wichita, her hometown. The news anchor briefly told of the murders, explained that the killer was still on the loose, and asked anyone with information to report it to police. Kerri was terrified. What if the killer came for her next? Her parents did as most parents would do and assured her that she was safe. Kerri was not so sure.

The news program explained that on January 15, 1974, Charlie, Danny, and Carmen Ortego returned home from school in Wichita and discovered the lifeless bodies of their father, 38-year-old Joseph, mother, 33-year-old Julie, sister, 11-year-old Josephine, and brother, 9-year-old Joseph, Jr. They had been tied up, torture, and murdered. The police found few clues.

At about 2 p.m. on April 4, 1974, 20-year-old Kathryn Bright and her 19-year-old brother, Kevin, returned to her residence in Wichita, and discovered an intruder in the home. The man said he would not hurt them, he just wanted to rob them. The man forced Kevin to tie his sister to a chair and led him into another room. The man attempted to bind Kevin and began choking him. To the man’s surprise, Kevin fought back. During the struggle, the man pulled a gun and shot Kevin in the head. Thinking Kevin was dead, the man returned to Kathryn. Somehow, Kevin escaped from the house and alerted police. Kathryn had been stabbed multiple times and died that evening in the hospital. Kevin survived but was unable to provide much information about the killer.

On March 17, 1977, Shirley Vian Relford’s three children, ages 8, 6, and 4, ran to a neighbor’s house in Wichita. The panicked children explained that their mother had been murdered. Police located Shirley’s lifeless body on a bed in her home. She had been bound, tortured, and murdered.

On the morning of December 8, 1977, a man called the Wichita Police Department and reported a murder. He provided the address and hung up. Police went to the residence and found the body of Nancy Fox. She had been bound, tortured and murdered.

In 1978, a television station in Wichita received a letter from someone who claimed to be the killer of the Oteros, Bright, Vian Relford, and Fox. In this letter, the writer provided several nicknames for himself that the press could use when reporting on his crimes. One of them stuck. From then on, he was referred to as BTK, which stands for Bind, Torture, Kill, his method of murder. The press finally reported that Wichita had a serial killer.

In 1979, BTK stalked 63-year-old Anna Williams and intended for her to be his next victim. He studied her schedule and had everything planned. Anna failed to return home at her normal time. BTK waited impatiently. Anna was visiting friends. After waiting for several hours, BTK, furious that his target had evaded him, drove away. Anna’s visit to her friends saved her life.

April 27, 1985, was the last time friends saw 53-year-old Marine Hedge. A few days later, police found her car at a shopping center in Wichita. On May 5, police located a body in rural Sedgwick County. They positively identified her through dental records.

On December 31, 1987, Mary Fager returned to her home in Wichita and found her husband, 37-year-old Phillip, lying on the living room floor. He had been bound, tortured and murdered. In a panic, she ran to neighbor’s house for help. Police arrived at the Fager home and found the lifeless bodies of Mary’s 16-year-old daughter, Kelly, and 9-year-old daughter, Sherri. BTK wrote a letter in which he denied killing the Fagers. However, evidence on the letter proved that he was their killer.

On February 1, 1991, police found the body of 62-year-old Dolores Davis under a bridge in Sedgwick County. She had been bound, tortured, and strangled. They later learned that BTK had killed Dolores on January 19th.

Police wondered when the next murder would occur. They hoped he would make a mistake which would give away his identity. They were building evidence against BTK but still had no idea who he was. They waited but no more murders fit BTK’s method. Local news stations occasionally reported on the cold case. Each time she saw the news story about the serial killer, Kerri’s fear of the killer was renewed. One day, Kerri and her father were walking hand-in-hand near their home. She explained her fears to her father. As he had done many times before, he told her she was safe to ease her mind.

BTK’s downfall came with his desire for public attention. He taunted investigators with postcards and letters. He sometimes left packages to be found by police which contained mementos he had removed from his victims. On one occasion, BTK sent a package to a television station which contained a letter on a floppy disk and more mementos from one of his murders. Investigators located information stored in the metadata of the floppy disk and learned the true identity of BTK.

On February 25, 2005, Kerri heard a knock at the door. She had not thought about BTK for some time, but the stern FBI agent on the other side of the door sent chills down her spine when he told her that after 31 years of searching they had arrested BTK. At first, Kerry was confused as to why the agent would be alerting her specifically. Then she learned that the man who had reassured her all those years that she was safe, her father, was BTK.

This article is dedicated to the victims of BTK. The absence of his name from this article is no mistake. Kerri Rawson (her married name) filed a no-contact order against her father and works as an advocate for victims of abuse, crime, and trauma.

Sources:

1. The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), April 5, 1974, p.1.
2. The Salina Journal (Salina, Kansas), March 18, 1977, p.15.
3. The Wichita Beacon (Wichita Kansas), December 9, 1977, p.32.
4. The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), May 7, 1985, p.77.
5. The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), February 26, 2005, p.1.
6. Investigation Discovery. “’BTK: A Killer Among us’ Unmasks ‘Normal Dad’ Dennis Rader.” Accessed March 6, 2022. investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/id-shows/btk-a-killer-among-us-dennis-rader-kerri-rawson.

Retirement planning isn’t just about saving. We all need to consider tax planning. As April 18th quickly approaches this becomes very real.

Taxes and taxation of income is a key component of retirement strategy. I work with clients to lessen the impact of taxation on their retirement dollars. Believe it or not it can and does make a difference when you take various forms of income. Do you know when to pull dollars from what source of funds? Are you kicking the tax can down the road? Thereby, making a larger than necessary tax burden for you and your beneficiaries? Roth verse traditional? Leave your 401k with employer or move to private account? What is the truth?

Make sure you know the facts and not just the myths. Give me a call to discuss your specifics. Know that you know the best plan of action.

Contact Reinette today!
rfoster@reinettefoster.com
318-481-6539
www.ReinetteFoster.com

NATCHITOCHES:
Lenora Owen Merrell Brown
June 2, 1934 – March 7, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 12 at 10 am at Galbraith Church of God near Lena

SABINE:
Grover Wayne Woodle
November 25, 1941 – March 4, 2022
Service: Wednesday, March 9 at 3 pm at Little Flock Baptist Church

After an incredible football season the Many High School Tiger Band is already gearing up for another year of amazing performances! From the sideline music we all know and love, to the halftime shows that bring the crowd to their feet, The Tiger Band is hearing up for their best year yet. 

The Sabine Parish Journal is honored to get to continue to introduce you to the Tiger Band that will be entertaining you from now until the 2022 football season! 

Every interview has been sponsored by the parents, families, friends, and fans of the Many Tiger Band along with the generous local businesses in Sabine Parish!

Brandon Jordan – Senior – Percussion

“Try to get out of your comfort zone, try new things and don’t be afraid to give it a shot; you may end up with life-long new hobbies and friends”

-B. Jordan

Brandon is an integral part of the Many Tiger Band. He has dedicated his time to learning his craft and being part of an incredible family of musicians for four years now. Brandon’s favorite memories in band come from traveling with his band mates and connecting to the music together. He has learned from his coach to push himself to be better constantly. Brandon has loved his time in band and loves that he has developed his craft!

1. What do you love about band?

“The trips, the free game attendance, the music, the people, and so much more”

2. What does being in the band mean to you?

“Being in the band to me means being part of a family, but also connecting to music and unlocking more of myself as I go”

3. Do you think your time in band has helped you develop teamwork skills? How? 

“Yes, generally being exposed to other people made me adapt to working together, and through that I was able to develop skills”

4. What is your favorite band memory? 

“Best band memory was probably just relaxing in a hotel with friends and having a good time, ordering pizza and such; the simple things make band nice”

5. What do you love about the other members of the band as a whole? What do you love about the band director?

“The other members of band are great – very nice and friendly, being great people to talk to (and funny as well!)” “The band director is also great; he pushes me to get better constantly and is there for you (he also drinks lots of Mountain Dew!)”

6. What is the biggest thing being in band has taught you? 

“Being in the band has taught me a lot of things, but ultimately the biggest thing is that it taught me to get out and be social”

7. What is your advice to any younger kids who are scared to try being in the band?

“Try to get out of your comfort zone, try new things and don’t be afraid to give it a shot; you may end up with life-long new hobbies and friends”

8. What is your favorite quote about music or inspirational quote?

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything”

Malorie Cunningham – Senior – Color Guard Captain

“Being in band has taught me that no matter what we should always work hard and stick together”

-M. Cunningham

Malorie is a Senior member of the Many High School Tiger Band and is the Captain of the color guard. She has been in the band for five years and loves that she gets to play music. She considers the band her second family and loves all of the memories they’ve made like going to the super dome together! Malorie truly believes that music can change the world. 

1. What do you love about band?

“Getting to play music”

2. What does being in the band mean to you?

“It means I have a family no matter what”

3. Do you think your time in band has helped you develop teamwork skills? How? 

“Yes, coordinating drill sets isn’t easy but together we can accomplish anything”

4. What is your favorite band memory? 

“Going to the super dome”

5. What do you love about the other members of the band as a whole? What do you love about the band director?

“I love how our personalities compliment each other.” “I love how he pushes us to do our best”

6. What is the biggest thing being in band has taught you? 

“No matter what always work hard and stick together”

7. What is your advice to any younger kids who are scared to try being in the band?

“Everyone can find something they enjoy and it could be the best decision of your life “

8. What is your favorite quote about music or inspirational quote?

“Music can change the world- Beethoven” 

Tyson Sepulvado – Sophomore – Percussion

“Being in band has taught me how to mix my mistake and make myself better”

-T. Sepulvado

Tyson is a sophomore in the Many High School Tiger Band and has been in band since his 6th grade year. He loves that band allows him the time to spend with his friends and those in the band that he considers family. His favorite memory in the Tiger Band is winning the band championship at NSU! Tyson loves that for him, band means having people who help each other out. 

1. What do you love about band?

“Being with my friends”

2. What does being in the band mean to you?

“Being a family”

3. Do you think your time in band has helped you develop teamwork skills? How? 

“Yes, being a section and helping coach each other”

4. What is your favorite band memory? 

“Winning the Championship and NSU”

5. What do you love about the other members of the band as a whole? What do you love about the band director?

“Their love for band. I love that he wants us to be a better band”

6. What is the biggest thing being in band has taught you? 

“How to fix your mistakes and be better”

7. What is your advice to any younger kids who are scared to try being in the band?

“Practice and have fun”

8. What is your favorite quote about music or inspirational quote?

“Music is the voice of the soul”

Bryson Sepulvado – Sophomore – Percussion

“The biggest thing being in band has taught me is that teamwork is the biggest thing to lead you to success”

-B. Sepulvado

Bryson is a sophomore percussionist in the Many High School Tiger Band. He has loved the traveling and performing he’s had the opportunity to do with his band family. Bryson has been part of the Many Tiger band since the sixth grade and has learned how to perfect his craft in that time. He looks forwards to the years to come with the band and can’t wait to learn even more with his music! 

1. What do you love about band?

“Traveling and performing”

2. What does being in the band mean to you?

“It means to be a group and work together to perform”

3. Do you think your time in band has helped you develop teamwork skills? How? 

“Yes, by working on music and drill by helping each other out”

4. What is your favorite band memory? 

“Going to the dome”

5. What do you love about the other members of the band as a whole? What do you love about the band director?

“The band members help us with stuff we need. I love my band director because he it the one who taught us everything”

6. What is the biggest thing being in band has taught you? 

“Teamwork is the biggest thing to lead you to success”

7. What is your advice to any younger kids who are scared to try being in the band?

“Try it out and you may like it because if you’re not a sports person band could be for you!”

8. What is your favorite quote about music or inspirational quote?

“Music is like a dream, one that I cannot hear”

Savannah Clinkscales – Junior – Color Guard

“The biggest thing band has taught me is to not give up”

-S. Clinkscales

Savannah is a junior on the Many High School Tiger Band. She has loved the amazing people she’s had the chance to meet and experience the band with. Savannah says that band has helped her to develop so many things including her teamwork skills. More than anything though, Savannah says that band has taught her the importance of never giving up. 

1. What do you love about band?

“What I love about band is the amazing people I’ve met in such a short time. I wouldn’t change my “new” best friends for anything. They have really made my time at MHS special. “

2. What does being in the band mean to you?

“Being in band means so much to me, it genuinely takes up my life, and not in a bad way. Band is the reason I transferred schools, the reason I’ve adopted new skills like color guard, band is the reason I’ve gotten to experience so much in the past year.”

3. Do you think your time in band has helped you develop teamwork skills? How?

“Yes, I do believe band has helped me develop teamwork skills. Whether it’s marching, color guard, or concert season you have to learn to be dependent on your band mates whether you want to or not. It takes a lot of trust on other people and especially our drum majors to help us be as great as we are and to keep our band moving. I’ve learned to really depend on others. Even through the difficult times and differences, my fellow band mates have taught me a lot about working with others.”

4. What is your favorite band memory? 

“My absolute favorite band memory is when I twisted my ankle at the Lakeview football game. It hurt then, but now I can’t help but laugh. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and I stepped off the sidewalk. I twisted my ankle and fell hard. It hurt so bad I was conceived it was broken or dislocated. Kyra was with me, who couldn’t stop laughing but checking up on me at the same time. She noticed a thorn on my dress that I didn’t see, while I was laying there laughing/crying. She tells me, “Do not move!” Me thinking I seriously broke my ankle with a bone sticking out, I panicked and asked her “Is it bad?!” She then replies to me, “No? There’s a thorn on your dress”. She takes it off and helps me up. Still something that makes me giggle.”

5. What do you love about the other members of the band as a whole? What do you love about the band director?

“I love many things about the other members in the band, but specifically the friendship. Wether I’m super close with someone or they’re just classmates in band, no matter who it is it’s hard to not have “best friend moments”occasionally. One thing I love about my band director is his understanding of medical issues, since I’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis and POTS, there are just some days I can’t participate in rehearsals like I would want to. He has always been understanding of missing or sitting out on some activities because of occasional health issues.”

6. What is the biggest thing being in band has taught you?

“The biggest thing band has taught me is to not give up. I know it sounds cliché, but I’ve never dealt with a challenge like I’ve dealt with when I first joined Many’s band. I was not as skilled as my fellow band members and especially my section. I felt like I would never get past where I was. However, two weeks later after I practiced, I had advanced. I was so proud that I didn’t give up and now I refuse to, especially without a fight.”

7. What is your advice to any younger kids who are scared to try being in the band?

“My advice to younger and older kids who are scared to try being in the band is that you never how much you like something until you try it. You are not obligated to stay in band past one semester, if you don’t like it at least you tried, but if you love it, like I do, you’ll be so proud of yourself for trying it out.”

8. What is your favorite quote about music or inspirational quote?

“Even if you play one note, at the very end. It’s better than playing none.” Mr. Bill Eilers. Mr. Eilers was my former band teacher someone I will appreciate forever. This quote is one he said often and still helps my confidence today. I know he would be proud if he saw me now.”

Enrollment at Northwestern State University dipped slightly for the Spring 2022 semester, following state and national trends in which multiple disrupting factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes that left parts of Louisiana devastated in 2020 and 2021, played a role.

Enrollment for Spring 2022 is 9,549, a decrease of 5.93 percent from a year ago. Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones said the university’s enrollment decline “reflects the significant negative impact of the pandemic and economic instability on students’ abilities to balance college studies with other factors in their lives.” Family members of numerous previously enrolled and prospective students have lost jobs, been unable to work for extended periods because of illness and faced other hardships, Jones said.

“The numbers that looked good for Northwestern for the Spring 2022 are the retention of freshmen, in particular the retention of traditional freshmen,” said Director of Enrollment Jana Lucky. “The retention for all entering freshmen increased by 4.43 percent and the retention for full-time entering freshmen increased by 3.91 percent. This is a reflection of our student-friendly faculty and staff that understand the importance of our students. They genuinely want them to succeed and graduate.”

Another factor in the drop was that for most of 2020 and 2021, recruiters from the university were unable to make normal visits to high schools because of closures and curtailed operations created by COVID. Last fall, recruiters were able to get back on the road for face-to-face visits with prospective students and their parents. Lucky said there has been an uptick in applications for admission.

Jones said, “State and federal funding allocated to universities to help mitigate enrollment and financial losses from the pandemic will provide fiscal stability this year, and enrollment growth that the university was experiencing before the national health crisis is anticipated in future years.”

The investiture for Northwestern State University President Dr. Marcus Jones will take place Friday, Aug. 26 in Natchitoches. The event, which formally installs Jones as the university’s 20th president, will include a ceremony at 11 a.m. in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium and a community reception. Surrounding the investiture will be student programs, a breakfast for faculty and staff and other events for the community, alumni, supporters and friends.

Originally schedule for March 2022, the Investiture was postponed to the Fall semester to allow more student participation.

More details and invitations to the Investiture and events surrounding the celebration will be announced as plans are finalized.

Dr. Cain Budds of Louisiana Tech University will present a guest recital at Northwestern State University on Monday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. University COVID protocols will be in effect. Those attending are asked to wear a mask. A livestream of the concert will be available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream.

Budds will present a masterclass for members of the NSU guitar studio earlier that day.

Budds received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in classical guitar performance at Arizona State University where he was a student of Frank Koonce. While in residence there, he served as a teaching assistant and faculty associate in the internationally recognized classical guitar program. In addition to his teaching duties, he assisted in the editing of the second performing edition: “Johann Sebastian Bach: The Solo Lute Works,” by Professor Koonce which was recently published by Neil A. Kjos company in San Diego.

He received his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Illinois State University where he studied with noted performer and teacher Dr. Angelo Favis. Budds also studied guitar with Professor Manley Mallard III at Millikin University as well as with Dr. Douglas Rubio of the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam.

Budds is currently associate professor of guitar and music theory as well as head of the String Area at Louisiana Tech University where he heads a vibrant guitar studio. He is also an adjunct assistant professor and head of the guitar studio at The University of Louisiana at Monroe and at Grambling State University.

He has held several additional teaching positions including North Valley School of the Arts in Scottsdale and Southwestern College in Phoenix. He also served as a member of the music faculty at Glendale Community College from 1998-2000 and Professor of Guitar at Laredo Community College from 2002-2008.

He has performed numerous solo and chamber recitals in the U.S. and Mexico and in Master Classes with outstanding performers including Eliot Fisk, Flavio Cucchi, Paul Henry, William Kanengiser, Margarita Escarpa, Kevin Gallagher, Stephen Robinson, Javier Garcia-Moreno and Pepe Romero. Budds has appeared as soloist with the Laredo Philharmonic performing contemporary works such as “Folias” by Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra and “Arafura Dances” by Australian composer Ross Edwards. Most recently he appeared as soloist with Moscow’s Chamber Orchestra Kremlin performing Mauro Giuliani’s “Quinetto, Op. 65” for guitar and string orchestra. Budds’ research project for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is titled Nikita Koshkin: Insights into Compositional Process and Style.

For more information, call (318) 357 5802.

Guest artist Dr. Christopher Lowry will present a guest recital at Northwestern State University on Friday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. University COVID protocols will be in effect. Those attending are asked to wear a mask. A livestream of the concert will be available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream.

Lowry will be joined by Northwestern State faculty member Dr. Chialing Hsieh in performing music by C. Dayton, C. Lowry and S.W. Calhoun.

Lowry will also teach a masterclass earlier in the day.

A two-time prizewinner in the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition, Grand Prize winner in the 2015 Lewisville Lake Symphony International String Competition, winner of the 2017 Sousa/ABA/Ostwald Composition Award, and winner of Cuarteto Jose White’s 2018 “Nuestra America” Award, Lowry has won awards in numerous national and international competitions as both a performer and composer. His music has been performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the Ryman Auditorium by ensembles such as the Nashville Symphony, Alabama Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony, West Point Band and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Lowry maintains a busy performing schedule throughout the United States and Mexico; he is a member of the faculty of the Festival Internacional de Musica Naolinco, and he is an occasional guest violist with the Carlos Chavez String Quartet in Mexico City. He recently led a consortium of 20 violists to commission the first major Mexican viola concerto by Eduardo Gamboa, which he will premiere with the Orquesta Sinfónica Sinaloa de las Artes. He hasappeared as soloist with the Lewisville Lake Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony, Acadiana Symphony, Louisiana Sinfonietta, University of Maine Symphony Orchestra, Vanderbilt University Orchestra and Eastern Music Festival Orchestra, Lowry is principal violist of the Amarillo, Baton Rouge, and Acadiana Symphony Orchestras, violist of the Lagniappe Trio and an in-demand session musician in Nashville.

Lowry’s self-engineered and -produced debut solo CD, “Milestones: New Music for Viola from the Third Millennium,” was released last year onCentaur Records. He can also be heard playing the music of Dinos Constantinides on Magni Publications.

NATCHITOCHES:
Alvis “Kent” Waldrep, Jr.
March 2, 1954 – February 27, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 26 at 1:30 pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Kemp Texas

WINN:
Carl Wayne Hight
July 13, 1958 – March 5, 2022
Service: Tuesday, March 8 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy, an award-winning poet, folklorist, author and educator,  will be at Bayou Crawfish Restaurant  at 1 P.M, Thursday, March 17, to document Creole culture by sharing  her poems, discussing   the importance of play and  demonstrating  sidewalk songs, jump-rope rhymes, and clap-hands games.

Dr. Saloy’s visit is sponsored by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Sabine Parish Library and Bayou Crawfish Restaurant. The special event is free.  Seating is limited to 50 people, so it’[s important to arrive early and get a good seat.

The Conrad Hilton Endowed Professor of English at Dillard University in New Orleans, Dr. Saloy is a scholar of Creole culture.  She writes on the significance of Black Beat poets, on the African American toasting tradition, Black talk, and the Creole culture.

Her first book, Red Beans and Ricely Yours, won the T.S. Eliot Prize.  Her collection of poems, Second Line Home, captures New Orleans speech, family dynamics, celebrates New Orleans and the unique culture everyone loves.

Dr. Saloy writes for those who don’t or can’t tell Creole cultural stories. 

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Director of Sabine Parish Library, Debbie House Anderson, said the library is so proud to work with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and Bayou Crawfish  to make it possible to have Dr. Saloy bring her entertainment and knowledge to Many.  “Learning should be fun and Dr. Saloy is certainly going to teach us and entertain us too,” Anderson said.  

February 21

Many 10 (1-0)
Logansport 0

Loyola Prep 6
Zwolle 0 (0-1)

February 22

Many 4 (2-0)
East Beauregard 2

February 25

South Beauregard 6
Converse 5 (0-1)

Many 11 (3-0)
Pickering 1

Zwolle 10 (1-1)
Lakeside 0

Zwolle 8 (2-1)
Bunkie 3

February 28

Converse 4 (1-1)
Oak Hill 0

Zwolle 10 (3-1)
Montgomery 0

BOM is continuing our sponsorship of the Florien High School Lady Cat Softball program. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Tiffany Miller, Gracie Rutherford, and BOM’s Linda Guay.

When it comes to bass fishing, having the right lure is of the utmost importance. What you throw is often dictated by the time of year. Let me make one thing clear…there are no magical lures like the Banjo Minnow or the Helicopter lure that will catch bigger and better fish all the time. Since the late 1960’s, anglers have created what I call “TV lures,” baits that are promoted by companies like RONCO guaranteeing that “this” new bait is the greatest fishing lure of all time. Don’t be fooled, there are no guarantees when it comes to bass fishing. But today we’ll look at a few lures that have made a name for themselves by catching not only a lot of bass, but quality as well.

Let’s first look at one of the legendary lures of all time….the spinnerbait. The safety pin or overhead arm spinnerbait was invented in 1951 and manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri. It was designed to catch all species of fish like bass, northern pike, and red fish to name a few. It’s one of those lures we call “chunk and wind” baits which means all you have to do is cast the bait out and start reeling it in. It comes in an array of colors, sizes, and styles with several blade combinations for different water conditions from muddy to clear. It’s one of the most versatile baits you can fish with. You can completely cover the entire water column with a spinnerbait and it’s a great bait for a beginning angler to learn how to throw a bait caster reel.

Next let’s look at the famous, but very reliable, Rat-L-Trap bait. Built and designed in Alexandria, Louisiana, by Bill Lewis in 1971, this bait is known worldwide and has an unbelievable reputation for catching bass. Another one of those “chunk and wind” baits in which the bait does the work for you with its tight vibrating action mimicking bait fish. Bait fish are one of the top forages for bass and the Rat-L-Trap is simply the best lure ever made to imitate bait fish. The Rat-L-Trap series of baits just might be one of the most popular fishing lures of all time. This bait will catch fish in all conditions on any body of water you want to fish.

Now I’ll reveal a bait that has come to the forefront over the last decade and is now one of the most popular baits ever……the Chatter Bait! I got the opportunity to experience the introduction of this bait at Lake Okeechobee Florida in the early 2000’s. I was fishing the FLW Tour as a co-angler in 2004 when this bait made its first appearance. Anglers that had this bait for this event had a distinct advantage and most finished at the top of the standings. Anglers were literally putting their wives up for auction in order to get their hands on a few of these baits. The concept of this bait is simple…a lead head jig with a silicone skirt and a unique designed blade attached to the head creating a high intensity vibration like no other bait can do. Fish will hit this bait when other baits will not work. There’s something unique about its appearance and ability to not only catch bass, but BIG BASS! Beware, it’s also a bait that can be difficult to keep fish hooked up on. It will break your heart when you lose a big one from time to time, but it’s always better to at least have a chance at a big fish than to never hook one at all. Another problem with this bait is that it does not come through heavy cover very well. The Chatter Bait can’t pass a brush top or stick up without hanging up. Sometimes I feel like it has a mind of its own and will hang up on purpose just to show you who’s boss.

I really enjoy talking about the history of bass fishing. I’ve learned so many things over the years talking with some of the greatest of the bass fishing world and some older local guys that I have come to respect. I want to encourage you to take the time to talk with the older generation of anglers in their 70’s and 80’s and hear what they have to say. You’ll be amazed at their stories, their experiences, and what they have learned over their years of angling. These guys have seen bass fishing grow from the days of fun fishing to major multi-million-dollar events. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Ranger/Daiwa Pro Staffer

Natchitoches and Northwestern State University will host the fifth annual University of Louisiana System’s For Our Future Conference March 10-11. The conference will be held at the Natchitoches Events Center with break-out sessions at Chateau St. Denis.

The conference will draw about 450 participants from the faculty and staff of all nine UL System member institutions, which include Northwestern State, Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana Monroe and the University of New Orleans.

“We are very excited to introduce our colleagues to the beautiful city of Natchitoches,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones. “The For Our Future conference is an excellent opportunity for sharing research, developing collaborations, networking and professional development.”

The conference’s priority themes include diversity and inclusion, modernization and technology. Keynote speaker will be Carol Geary Schneider, president emerita of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and a Fellow with Lumina Foundation where she is working on initiatives related to equitable access to high quality learning.

Participants will select breakout sessions with topics that include students health, mental health, study abroad, issues of poverty, adult learners, scholarship and research, mentorship, online and hybrid course delivery, financial practices, marketing and communications, public/private partnerships, enrollment management, athletics, leadership development and a variety of other topics that support the UL System’s mission, which is teaching, research and community service to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana citizens.

Dr. Jim Henderson, UL System president and CEO, will keynote the closing lunch and present System awards to the Outstanding Staff Member, Outstanding Faculty Member and Champion of Diversity and Inclusion.

The Universities of Louisiana, one of the nation’s largest higher education systems, serves more than 91,500 students and awards more than 16,500 degrees annually.

Northwestern State University is accepting nominations for the 2022 class of inductees into the Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line.

Nominations will be closed April 28. The nomination form is available at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/lpl/.

According to Associate Director of Alumni Affairs Danielle Antoon Cobb, the Long Purple Line is the highest recognition an alumnus of NSU can receive. Induction is based upon past or continuing achievements in the individual’s career, exemplary and extraordinary service to community, state, and nation or both career accomplishments and service to mankind including service to their alma mater. A total of 143 individuals have been inducted out of more than 78,000 alumni.

These individuals will be formally inducted into the Long Purple Line on October 21 as part of homecoming festivities.

NATCHITOCHES:
Alvis “Kent” Waldrep, Jr.
March 2, 1954 – February 27, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 26 at 1:30 pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Kemp Texas

SABINE:
Dottie Faye Thaxton
October 15, 1933 – March 2, 2022
Service: Sunday, March 6 at 2 pm at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

WINN:
Donna Tettleton Miller
March 17, 1953 – March 01, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 5 at 2 pm in the First Baptist Church of Marion

Charles Denver Fox
July 23, 1947 – February 27, 2022
Service: Friday, March 4 at 10 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church

RED RIVER:
Robert Wayne Ward, Sr
October 2, 1958 – March 1, 2022
Service: Saturday, March 5 at 1 pm at Holley Springs Cemetery

Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s spring fundraiser and seafood extravaganza, will return Friday, April 8. Flavor of Louisiana, one of NSU’s most popular events, was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but will return to feature Louisiana cuisine, craft beverages, specialty desserts, music, raffles and more. All proceeds will go to support scholarships, programming and professional development for NSU students, faculty and staff.

“We are thrilled to bring back Flavor of Louisiana,” said Jill Bankston, CFRE, director of Development. “After being on hiatus for two years, we can’t wait to open our doors to friends and supporters. Flavor of Louisiana has been one of our most successful events, drawing friends and alumni from all over and this year will be even more special with the event tied to NSU’s Greek Centennial, which was also postponed from 2020.”

Presented in partnership with the NSU Foundation and the Louisiana Seafood Board, Flavor of Louisiana will feature chefs, restaurants and caterers from around the state offering samplings of seafood delicacies prepared in a myriad of ways, along with options for non-seafood eaters, craft beers, specialty cocktails, coffee and desserts. The event will also feature live entertainment with welcome by special guest Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.

With the Greek Centennial taking place the same weekend, Greek organizations have been invited to set up booths to assist in raising money for their chapters.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. in Prather Coliseum. Tickets to Flavor of Louisiana are $75 per individual and $125 per couple. Sponsorships are available at the $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 levels. Deadline for sponsorships is Friday, April 1.

“The NSU Foundation is grateful to all of our alumni, supporters, partners and friends and we hope everyone will join us for what has always been an enjoyable evening with delicious food and memorable entertainment,” Bankston said.

For information on tickets, please call (318) 357-4292. 

Click on the link below to sign up for this year’s event!

https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Natchitoches/SteelMagnoliaRunNatch

We hope that you will join us for our 2022 4th Annual Steel Magnolia Run, presented by Vaughn Natchitoches.

Date: March 12, 2022

Over the years, our participants, sponsors, and volunteers have played an instrumental role in improving the health of the women in our community. In 2021, the Run supported the We Care for Moms & Babies campaign. These funds provided new fetal monitors, birthing beds, sleep chairs, and blended air technology to the NRMC Labor and Delivery Department.

In 2021 NRMC acquired the local Cancer Center in Natchitoches to ensure Cancer patients in our community continue to have access to excellent care, right here at home. Our Foundation is dedicated to funding advanced technologies, comfort improvements, and transportation for our neighbors and families. This year’s Steel Magnolia Run will continue to support our efforts to provide optimal care for Cancer patients in our community.

About the Steel Magnolia Run
A Steel Magnolia is a woman who exemplifies both traditional femininity as well as uncommon fortitude. Each of us knows an amazing woman who has come face to face with healthcare challenges with the dignity of a steel magnolia.

For more information contact race director Halie Errington at 318-238-5107