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Lee Lee’s Neu Designs- Specializing in Kids Fashion-from bow to toe!by Kristy Sandel Knippers

In this day and age when boutique style clothing seems to be the thing to have, it can be difficult to find just what you’re looking for in a small com-munity. Until recently, I was unaware that we had a wonderful boutique right in our backyard! Lee Lee’s Neu Designs in Zwolle is sure to meet any fashion need for your little ones! In 2013, Lee Sepulvado and her daugh-ters, Candice Wilson and Natalie Neugent opened the doors of Lee Lee’s Neu Designs in Zwolle. Taking a piece from each of their names, is how they decided to name their business.

Lee Lee’s specializes in children’s clothing. They offer sizes from 0 to 14/16; they’re not just for girls! They offer a wide variety to choose from for little boys as well. They also offer the option to have your child a custom-made outfit! It is no surprise that this time of year business is booming for cus-tomized baseball helmets as well as ball bags. When school time rolls around, be sure to pick up your book bags from them! Don’t forget to accessorize with their beautiful bows, as well as a wide selection of shoes! You can choose to have anything customized at Lee Lee’s with thread monogram or vinyl.

The main goals that they set for themselves upon opening, that they have so well achieved is to be customer-oriented, to always please their cus-tomers, and to help people get what they want in a small community I think it goes without saying that in the last five years, Lee Lee’s Neu De-signs has not only achieved these goals, but surpassed them!

Lee Lee’s Neu Designs is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are located at 2036 Obrie Street in Zwolle. You can always reach them by phone at 318-645-6200, or you can find them on Facebook - LeeLee’sNeuDesigns/facebook!

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - By Choice Hotels®by Kristy Sandel Knippers

Are you or someone you know a traveler? Maybe work has you on the road a lot. If so, Econo Lodge in Natchitoches is a great place to stay! Fourteen years ago, Jimmy Joshi purchased the hotel, and completely remodeled it inside and out. Then, in 2017 he renovated again! Located right off of I49, across from McDonalds and Waffle House, Econo Lodge offers many amenities that are sure to keep you feeling at home, away from home. Twenty-two rooms are king suites; which offer a king size bed, a separate living space, and a sofa bed. The other fifty rooms offer two queen size beds in each. No matter which you stay in, you can enjoy premium cable; 80 channels and HBO from your flat screen TV, micro refrigerator, ironing board, and a hair dryer. Also included in your stay is a free hot breakfast! Econo Lodge also offers a swimming pool, BBQ pit, meeting room, exercise room, and guest laundry; all on site. They also have a huge area dedicated for truck parking. Guests can check out the nearby Bayou Pierre Alligator Park while staying at the discounted Econo Lodge Inn & Suites® hotel in Natchitoches. We’re easy to find, easy to book and easy on your wallet!

You’ll find plenty of other recreational and cultural attractions nearby, some of which include: • Northwestern State University• Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site• Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

Econo Lodge Cont. Page 2

Page 2 | Around The Town May 2018

Free Wireless Internet AccessFree Continental BreakfastFree Coffee & Local CallsSeasonal Outdoor Pool

Laundry Facility

5335 University ParkwayNatchitoches, LA (US) 71457

318-214-0700

Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival T-Shirts Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival tshirts available at Sabine State Bank and Mid South Banks in Zwolle and Brandon Law Office in Many. Price is $20 each. Available in Hunter Green - Navy - Sapphire - Grey.

24th Annual Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival Pageant Winners Announced

The 24th Annual Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival pageant was held Saturday, April 21 at the Zwolle festival grounds. Congratulations are in order to the following winners:Front Row: Toddler Miss Brianna PrudhomeLeft to Right: Little Miss Ella Grace, Petite Miss Kaileigh Babineaux, Ju-nior Miss Abigail Friday, Miss Emmalee Lewing, Teen Miss Genevieve Lowe, Deb Miss Jaden Smith, Tiny Miss Harper ArmstrongNot pictured: Baby Miss-Cera Foster and T’Nincy Miss-Kate Comeaux

Visitors can easily get to the Cane River Creole National Park, and Natchi-toches hotels also provide easy access to several grocery stores, cocktail lounges and top-rated restaurants throughout the area. Our bargain hotel provides the amenities you need while still allowing you to stick to your budget. Enjoy such amenities at our discount hotel as: • Free Easy Start® Hot breakfast• Free WiFi• Seasonal outdoor pool• Free coffeeYou’ll find rooms that are clean and inviting to make your stay more en-joyable and a free continental breakfast every morning to help you get back on the road. Additional hotel highlights include a guest laundry facil-ity, business services and meeting space. Each guest room offers a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer and TV. This Econo Lodge Inn & Suites hotel cares about the environment and has taken active steps to support green hotel practices.You can always depend on our Econo Lodge Inn & Suites to simplify trav-el. At Natchitoches, LA hotels like ours, you get an affordable hotel with all the amenities you expect, whether on business travel, a weekend get-away or vacation. Book today! So whether you are traveling for work, just passing through, or trying to help someone find a place – be sure to check in to Econo Lodge in Natchi-toches! Located at 5335 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA – you can always reach them at 318-214-0700.

Econo Lodge Cont. from Page 1

This Country has a mental health problemdisguised as a gun problem,and a tyranny problemdisguised as asecurity problem.- Joe Rogan

Page 3| Around The Town May 2018

24TH AnnuAl

May 11th & 12th, 2018Zwolle Festival grounds - 1100 s. main st.

FridAy, MAy 11ForesTry skills CoMpeTiTion• 8:00-9:00 - Registration• 9:30 - Competition• 12:00 - Lunch

ArTs, CrAFTs, Food Vendors - 11:00

kiCkoFF FesTiViTies - GATes open AT 5:00 pM

TAMAles

liVe enTerTAinMenT• 6:00-6:30 - lindsey reMedies dAnCe Group

• 6:30-7:30 - CenTer sTAGe dAnCe sTudio

• 7:30-9:30 - THe essenTiAls BAnd

• 9:30-11:00 - Cody Cooke & THe BAyou ouTlAws

sATurdAy MAy 12 MelyssA Anderson MeMoriAl rACe• 7:00 AM - Registration• 7:30 - 1 Mile Fun Run• 8:30 - 5K Run/Walk

pArAde - 10:00 AM - line up AT Zwolle HiGH sCHool

AwArds For BesT lookinG loG TruCk - $200,FloAT - $100, VeHiCle - $100

ArTs & CrAFTs, Food Vendors, TAMAles

• 11:00 - openinG CereMonies - Zwolle FesTiVAl Grounds

• reCoGniTion oF puBliC oFFiCiAls

• reCoGniTion oF Queen & CourT

• reCoGniTion oF oldesT loGGer - sAM A riVers, Jr.• displAy oF loGGers MeMoriAl BoArd And reCoGniTion

12:00-5:00 - loG weiGHT GuessinG

12:30 - loAder CoMpeTiTion

1sT plACe - $200 2nd plACe - $100

1:00 - BinGo in MulTi purpose BuildinG

Mud BoG CoMpeiTion• 9:00-1:00 - Registration• 2:00 Competition Tent Spaces - $40 Cooler Fee - $25DJ Hunter Malmay

liVe enTerTAinMenT• 12:00-1:00 - sTudio B dAnCe CoMpAny

• 1:00-2:00 - Toledo Bend FisHin’ line dAnCers

• 2:00-3:30 - THe pine knoTZ BAnd

• 3:30-5:00 - riCHArd Cook As elVis

• 5:00-7:00 - nexT oF kin BAnd

• 7:00-9:00 - JerAd BridGes

• 9:00-11:30 - Bernie AllAn BAnd

For more informationcall lela malmay, president

318-645-9317 or

318-471-2354www.zwolleloggersandforestryfestival.com

www.toledobendlakecountry.com

ADMISSIONSFriday - $5.00

Saturday - $8.00(includes entire festival)

NO ice chests, outside food/drinksor ATVs allowed on festival grounds!


Peason Ridge Spring Tour 2018 by Rickey Robertson

One of the most interesting places filled with historical locations and historical homesteads is Peason Ridge Military Res-ervation. This area is located in Sabine, Natchitoches, and Vernon Parishes here in Louisiana and it encompasses 33,000 acres of land, with over 42,000 additional acres recently being obtained by the U.S. Army, making this area over 75,000 acres in size. Beginning in 1818 set-tlers came into this area and homesteaded the land. Many of my ances-tors were landowners in this area. It is part of the old Sabine Neutral Strip and these settlers had to be tough to survive the outlaws and ruffians that ran in this area. But in 1941 the US Army used imminent domain and a way of life for these settlers and homesteaders came to an end. Given only as few as 8 days to move from their old homes, they carried what they could with them. These old home paces and historical sites are now being taken care of by the Environmental Section of the Directorate of Public Works at Ft Polk. Each year there is a Heritage Reunion of all the families and family members at Ft. Polk and there are tours of the old places. And on Saturday March 31, 2018 there was the annual spring tour allowed for Peason Ridge by the JRTC and Ft. Polk.

On Saturday morning 45 people gathered in the parking lot of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Peason, La. for this great tour. And of importance to the Peason Ridge Heritage Families, General Patrick Frank, along with his gracious wife, came and greeted all going on the tour. General Frank met each person and spoke with them about the sacrifice their families had made when the government had taken their farms after the 1941 Louisi-ana Maneuvers. The US Army and DPW/Environmental Section from Ft Polk provided a tour bus for those attending to ride in. Some folks wanted to go in their own vehicles and followed our tour bus. As a Peason Ridge Heritage Family Member I was blessed to be the tour guide for this event. Many members of my family had been settlers and landowners on Pea-son Ridge. As a boy I had went with my Grandfather and Father all over this area and I have a pretty good knowledge of all the old places and historical sites and have guided some smaller tours of specific locations in the past. But today we had 45 people who showed up for the tour and wanted to see the sites of their ancestors farms, the historical sites, and training areas. One lady, Christine Tombleson, had traveled from Virginia to research and find her kinfolks. Her Great grandfather was a sharecrop-per on Peason Ridge and was forced to leave.

Our tour actually began in the parking area at Pine Grove Church. This church was originally found in 1894 and is still located in the Peason Com-munity. As we left this location, we had many other historic locations to visit on our tour. As we entered Peason Ridge we viewed the old cattle grazing lands where we had ran our cattle until 1995. We stopped and all exited the bus and they were shown the Peason Forward Landing Zone and Drop Zone where giant C-17’s and C-130’s drop airborne troops and also land to bring in much needed supplies for the units in the field. I was able to explain the history of this area and of the use the Heritage Families got of this land for grazing of their cattle and livestock. General Frank told of the extensive training the US Army troops receive on Peason Ridge and that every unit going overseas goes through Live Fire Exercise here. And the best training in the Army is at Peason Ridge. Captain Jason James, Live Fire Trainer, also advised of the training sites and locations we would see and even get to visit. He also explained the many types of tactics used on Peason Ridge. We then came to the Andrew Bridges and William Haynes home sites. The army has a large training facility built right in the midst of the old Bridges cotton field. We could still view the old sycamore trees there and the Haynes place. A little further down the road we passed through the “Haynes Settlement” a training village used by units on ma-neuvers. After we left this location, in about a mile we came to what all of us Heritage Family members know as the “Prairie”. It is an area of about 700 to 900 acres of land and it is just like the Great Plains, with sage grass gently blowing in the wind. I can still remember our cattle grazing at the Prairie! Our next site was of interest to the folks from Vernon Parish as we were able to show them where Anacoco Creek “heads up” or begins. This creek is unique because it flows north, then west, then south into Vernon Parish. And in the deeper holes of water on Anacoco Creek there are perch and bass swimming to and fro. As we traveled on, we passed the large hill known as Tripod Hill. During the 1941 Louisiana Maneuvers and even into the 1950’s, there were large tripods about 20 feet high that were used by the Army Signal Corps to signal other units with by using

flags of various colors. We continued past the location of where Robert and Lucy Moore lived, and then we got to see where Coleman “Cole” Owers had his peanut patch and his home place. Just down the road past the Cole Owers place we got to see the old giant oak tree that was in the yard of James “Jim” Owers. Right near this old tree is the remains of the old well, and across the road old fruit trees still flourish. Our next stop before a break was at the Merritt Cemetery. Yes, right in the heart of Pea-son Ridge is this quiet little cemetery where there are 4 graves. Both of the men buried here are Confederate veterans, Edmond Merritt having served in the Mississippi Cavalry and Robert Conner in the 1st Texas In-fantry. Everyone got to walk around the cemetery and snacks, water, and cold drinks were provided by Ft. Polk. Several people gathered informa-tion at the cemetery for more genealogical research. The Merritt Family is still active in Sabine Parish, La. and the Conner Family is still active in Sabine County, Texas !

After our break at the Merritt Cemetery, we loaded up for more sites to visit. We passed by the locations where Mitch Snell, Dr. Penn Snell, Ezra Stewart, and “Preacher” A.F. Sandel lived. As we continued we passed by the site of the very large turpentine camp that had been operated by Louisiana Longleaf Lumber Company (4L) , then across Dowden Creek that begins in Sabine Parish and runs into Vernon Parish, past the old home site of Jess McDaniel. We stopped next at the location of the 1st Cold Springs School. I was able to show them the original cold spring of water still running out of the ground that the school was named after. We passed the large sand hill known as “Bull Nettle Hill’, a large sand hill always covered with bull nettles where the Heritage Families would go to in order to look across the area for their cattle. At Martin Creek we passed the site of J.R. Brown’s farm and homesite, and by my great uncle and aunt, Thomas “Tom” and Doanie Craft McInnis’ old place. As we left the J.R. Brown and Tom McInnis sites, we traveled pass “the oil well”, an actual pumping oil well located in the range. Peavy Wilso Company owns the mineral rights where this well is located.

Next stop was the new SACON Afghan training village used by military units to train for combat. Very impressive! Captain James explained how company sized units would attack and secure this large village of over 30 large buildings.

Our next stop was the Dowden/Owers/Sanders dipping vat. This old vat was used to dip all the cattle in during the 1930’s in an attempt to pre-vent Texas Tick Fever. Everyone got to look at this site and talk about the care given the cattle herds that once ran all over this range area. Also at this site I was able to show them the old stagecoach road that ran from Texas, across Peason Ridge to Kisatchie, and then on to Natchitoches. The old road was also used by the Confederate Army to bring supplies into Louisiana from Texas during the Civil War. We loaded up on the next part of the tour. We were able to see the old plum tree that was located in the front yard of the old William M. “Billy Boy” Dowden home place, the road leading to the Foster Dowden place, and the large open areas where the buffalo once wintered and roamed. Then we were right in the midst of the main Impact Area and we viewed the West Trench training site and from there we could see several family groups of the famous wild horses of Peason Ridge. Beautiful stallions, mares, and colts were to be seen. Everyone wanted pictures of the horses !

Next we went to the Dividing Ridge. This long ridge runs for almost a mile and separates Peason Ridge. This ridge separates and divides the area into 3 watersheds. Water run offs from this area go into the Calcasieu, Red, and Sabine Rivers. From here we were able to see the Peason For-ward Landing Zone used by military aircraft to fly in all types of supplies and we could see 7 miles in the distance the Peason Water Tower. We travelled on past the old Army Pond that was actually dug during the mill run at Peason where the Christie and Eastern Railroad would join the Red River and Gulf at Kurthwood. The old railroad bed makes a great road bed after all these years. A stop at the Spears Village allowed Captian James to explain the new subterranean tunnel complex that the units had to attack and secure. Then we drove through the 16 sections of land set aside by the Heritage Families where all the livestock, from cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and hogs would graze. Beautiful highland mead-ows throughout this area. When we left this site we slowed down on top of Eagle Hill. This was once the second largest hill in Louisiana and the area around it has many Native American sites. My grandmother used to tell that there were many eagles that lived and nested at this location. The women would not let out small children or animals due to them be-ing afraid an eagle would carry them off. Some of the Native American sites around this area date back 12,000 years. As we came over Eagle Hill

Peason Ridge Continued on Page 5


Gun Talkby Raymond G. Hough, Sr.

This month I want to address the current attempt to disarm us, from a dealer’s perspective.

First: The call to ban assault weapons is nonsence because there is no real definition of an assault weapon. All rifles are the same. They are different only in size, weight and appearance. A hunting rifle, such as a .308, first the same bullet as an AK47, and you can buy many regular rifles, not just AR15s, in .223 caliber.

We have enought laws and regulations on the books now that, if all were followed and enforced, we would hae great gun controls with just a few tweaks.

The first would be to make 21 the minimum age to buy any firearm, not just for hand guns. It makes no sense to be able to see an 18-year-old rifle, but not a hand gun.

Second: Enhance and strengthen the background check system. The failure of most systems can usually be traced to errors in communication.

We now have the National Instant Criminal Information System (NICS), which all firearms dealers must use to run background checks before fi-nalizing a sale to anyone. This is great EXCEPT that too many jurisdictions do not report ALL arrests or convictions to NICS, and then there are the medical professionals who use the HIPA law to avoid reporting patients who, in their opinion, could be a danger to themselves or others and who should not be allowed to have a firearm.

In most states, if you are diagnosed with a medical condition which will cause fainting or blackouts or dizziness, your driver’s license will be sus-pended for at least 6 months because the doctors, by law, must report any such condition to the DMV. If HIPA applies in that situation, then should it not also apply in mental health where firearms are concerned? Remem-ber the theater shooter in Lafayette? He had been in a mental hospital in Georgia, but it was never reported, so he was able to pass a NICS check and legally buy a firearm. Again...LACK OF COMMUNICATION.

Don’t blame the weapon. They are inanimate objects. Blame the person using it. Just go online and Google school stabbings. You will be surprised at the numbers, but they are ne4ver heard about. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Remember, firearms are saafe when handled responsibly safely. Also re-member the fules:

1. All guns are always loaded.2. Always keept the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.3. Never put your finger in the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.4. Know your target and what is behind it.

Thank you and I look forward to next month’s column. Stay safe.

those on the bus could also see almost to Natchitoches across the many miles of forest lands. The last stop was at Peason Memorial Park. Every-one got out and viewed the 2 historical markers located there, one to the sawmill town of Peason and the other to the Heritage Families of Peason Ridge posted on the kiosks. They were also able to view the many photo-graphs and maps of the old mill town and the home sites and locations on Peason Ridge. Many of the folks on the tour also had relatives and family that had lived and worked at the Peavy-Wilson Mill during the heyday of Peason. Many of those on the tour had family that had once worked at the Peason Mill.

We again loaded up and returned to Pine Grove Church where everyone had parked. Even though this tour was about 5 hours long, we had only visited less than half of Peason Ridge. This gives us further opportunity to tour that part in the future! Ft. Polk personnel are already working on another tour for next year where we can go and explore many more his-toric locations. Everyone had a great time as they went back in time as we visited these various locations. I would like to say thanks to the Ft. Polk personnel who went with us and who made this an exciting event. Every-one who attended the tour actually got to see this area where history was made by our ancestors, and where history is still being made by the units of our military that are trained there. The best units in the US Army are trained on Peason Ridge. And as a Heritage Family Member I have close ties with this land and with the Army who now own our old places and use our old lands. The Army is now the steward of our old home places and are striving to save and conserve our history at these sites. We must never forget the sacrifice made by these Heritage Families as they gave up their way of life for our freedom. We look forward to seeing more of you in the next tour of Peason Ridge! Come and relive history with us !

Tour Guide Rickey Robertson telling the history of the Pea-son Forward Landing Zone and Drop Zone to the tour group. The Heritage Families used these lands to graze their livestock. (Robertson Collection)

General Patrick Frank, commander of Ft. Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center , along with his wife came to the Peason Ridge Tour and greeted those going on the tour. (Robertson Collection)

The tour group was able to stop and visit the Merritt Cemetery located on Peason Ridge. Two decorated Con-federate veterans and their wives are buried at this site. (Robertson Collection)

Captain Jason James, JRTC trainer, explains the SACON Village and tac-tics used by company sized units to attack and secure it. Captain James was formerly on the Department Of Defense POW/MIA teams search-ing for the remains of U.S. service-men in Southeast Asia. (Robertson Collection)

Captain James showing the tour group the new subter-ranean tunnel complex that units have to attack and se-cure on Peason Ridge. (Rob-ertson Collection)

Peason RidgeContinued from Page 4

Congratulations Baby Girl! Graduation from Natchitoches Central High School 2018! Alanna Morgan Woodel I wish nothing but the best for you now and in the years to come!! Love you so much - Your Mamaw - Marcia Guin

Differentby Tommy Lewis

Matthew 24:37- But as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of man be. How was it in the days of Noah? Genesis 6:5-8 MSG- God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil-evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. God said, “I’ll get rid of my ruined creation, makes a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds- the works. I’m sorry I made them. But Noah was different. God liked what he saw in Noah. Doesn’t that description of Noah’s time sound just like what is going today in our world? People think evil, imagine evil, and do evil all throughout the world. It just seems the world is just drifting further and further away from God every single day. In this day, God is looking for someone/anyone to be different.

Noah was different; what do you think that meant? Different defined is not alike in character or quality; distinct in nature. Noah was not alike anyone in that time in character or quality. When God looked at Noah, He saw something different in Noah and liked it. So my question for you is when God looks at you what does He see? Does He see someone that’s not alike the world in character and quality? Does He see someone that does not compromise who he/she is for anything of this world? Does He like what He sees?

Albert Einstein once said, “The person that follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd.” God didn’t create you to be like everyone else. God didn’t create you to flow with the crowd. God made you to be different! Psalms 139:13-16 MSG- Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God- you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration- what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. God formed you with a plan and purpose. Every detail of who you are was formed with a purpose. Every little part of you was made with purpose. Every intricate piece was made with a plan in mind. What is that plan?

God made you to make a difference is this world for His Kingdom, and you have to be different in order to do that. If Noah would have been just like everyone else, what would have happened? Who would have built the ark? How would have humanity survived? After the flood, Noah and his family were the only survivors. Noah wasn’t like everyone else. He was different, and that’s what saved his family, himself, and humanity all to-gether. The only way we are going to reach this world is if we are different. The only way we are going to see our families, friends, coworkers, and people in our world saved is if we aren’t like everyone else in this world. You can’t waste any more days trying to be like everyone else, when you were never created for that. No more conforming to what everyone else is doing! No more following the crowd! Peer pressure doesn’t stop when you hit a certain age. The world never stops trying to influence you, and it’s so easy to get caught up in it. Isn’t it? Romans 12:2 KJV- And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. God didn’t call us to be like everyone else. God didn’t call us to go with the flow. God didn’t call us to follow every fad the world comes up with. That scripture tells us something by saying don’t conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind to prove the perfect Will of God. It tells us that we can’t be in the perfect Will of God if we are following after what the world is doing!

2 Corinthians 6:17- Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will re-ceive you. Be separate or different than the world in every way! How you think, talk, and act! Who you are, your character, and your quality must


Pastor Jim Manning The Life Church - Many, LA

Tommy Lewis, Youth Pastor The Life Church, Many, LA

The Spirit of a Sound Mindby Pastor Jim Manning

I would say that most of us at least occasionally believe some kind of lies about ourselves. What do you lie to yourself about, saying that you can’t do something that would actually be good for you to do? Examples: I just can’t exercise. I just can’t control my eating habits. I’ll never have money in savings because I’m a shopaholic. I just don’t have time to devote to studying the Bible every day.

Self-discipline is probably one of the biggest sourc-es of frustration for many people. Being consistent with certain things is so important to many of us, but we just struggle getting it together. The easy route is to simply adopt the mindset that maybe we’re just not cut out to do certain things and that’s why we can’t stay consistent.

Staring our failures and shortcomings in the face, seeing what we do NOT excel in and what we desperately WANT to excel in, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by fear. Fearful questions loom over us… “What if I don’t ever achieve that, live healthier, have financial security, win people to Christ, etc.?” “What if at the end of my life I look back and see that I never progressed because I could never conquer SELF-DISCIPLINE?”

Thankfully, the answer to every fearful question and life conundrum can be found in the Word of God. Let’s take a look at 2 Timothy 1:7.“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (KJV). The New Living Translation says it like this, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”Isn’t it interesting that Paul said, a spirit of power, love and a sound mind? Not just that He’s given us power, love, and a sound mind; but the spirit of power, the spirit of love, the spirit of a sound mind. When we take the time to study this scripture, we find our answer—the spirit of a sound mind, or as some translations say it, “self-discipline.” God has GIVEN us a spirit of self-discipline.

Has God really given us a spirit of self-discipline? That would mean it’s in us somewhere!! If so, that would mean we can do it!! One theologian said, “God-given discipline allows believers to control every element of their lives, whether positive or negative. It allows them to experience suc-cess without becoming proud and to suffer failure without becoming bit-ter or hopeless.” This is DIVINELY given self-discipline!

This is not to say that God will keep our hands from picking up cupcakes or make our legs move in a jogging motion or decline our credit cards ev-ery time we try to use them, but it does imply that God’s divine ability to control the flesh is in us. We must activate it!

We must fan it into flame. The verse prior to this one says this: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul is saying to Tim-othy (paraphrased), “You have the ability already within you to overcome this spirit of fear and timidity. YOU have to be the one to ACTIVATE it, or fan those embers into a burning fire.”

We are the only ones holding ourselves back. If that kind of discipline is in us then our excuses don’t really hold water anymore. God gifts us with self-discipline, or a sound mind, so that we will be able to execute obedience. He gives us a revelation of the correct action, the discernment to know the difference between obedience and disobedience, and when necessary, a gentle kick to get moving.

The trifecta of power, love, and self-discipline is the antidote for the spirit of fear and timidity. It’s debated whether or not Timothy was a man of fear and timidity, based on Paul giving him this instruction. If he was, he soon learned the cure. The thing is, Paul didn’t give him anything he didn’t already have. He just needed a reminder of what was already inside him. For every Spirit-filled believer, let this be our reminder as well!

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be different! Every single day of your life, one of these two things are hap-pening. Either you are being influenced or you are influencing someone or something. It’s one or the other. Either you’re influencing the crowd or the crowd is influencing you. Which one is it? When you’re at work or school, can people tell you are different? Or do you just blend in with everyone else? Someone that’s different than ev-eryone else! Or someone that is one way at church and another outside of it? Someone that thinks like the world, talks like the world, and acts like the world, but goes to church on Sunday so everything is ok. Some-one that says he/she loves Jesus but shows the world more love! 1 John 2:15 NIV- Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. Let it not be said of the people of God, that we are more concerned with what this world thinks of us, than pleasing God! Let it not be said of us, that we love this world more than we love Jesus Christ! We must be different! We can’t love this world or the things in this world and love God too! It’s one or the other! Matthew 6:24- No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Demas is the perfect example of this. Demas loved the world and look at what happened! 2 Timothy 4:9-10 NIV- Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Demas left Paul because he loved this world more than he loved God. Demas could have become the most successful, popular, and rich man ever, but what did he gain in forsaking Paul for the world. Mark 8:36- For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Demas gained nothing.

Will you be another Demas? Leave everything you’ve been taught to chase after the world. Demas proves that you can’t chase after both God and the world. Or will you be another Noah, who was different and saved his family and humanity from destruction? You can be different like Noah and help save everyone you are connected to, or you can be like Demas forsake everything because you love the world. The choice is yours today. Do you want to be different?

Different Continued from Page 6 Gravityby Dennis Coleman

I was raised to respect those in important positions. Owners, officers, managers, teachers, and supervisors and even those with political standing and the like were given a proper respect. How things have changed. In my lifetime we have had a President assassinated and others have attempts on their life. We have seen a President resign and we’ve seen others sink to all time lows in morality. Through all of this we held on to certain beliefs that our system of government, though imperfect, was still the best and most fair. Even in times when we disagreed with our system of justice, we held on to the belief that it was legal and just. Then came James Comey.

Comey, with his incessant, “ I believe, I think, I feel and it appears,” rea-sons for not stating a fact or finding has led us to the incontrovertible fact. He is a FRAUD and a narcissist. Now in the aftermath of his firing by Presi-dent Trump he has quickly written a ‘tell all’ book... with not a single thing new about the man, except that now all doubt about his character has been removed. He is corrupt, he is a coward and he is a fraud. How could such a vile person ever become FBI Director. It is not a long shot that back before the election, when he exonerated Hillary, and then announced in a letter that he was reopening the investigation that this was nothing more than “Posturing.” He was simply covering his bases for whatever might happen in the future.

The FBI Director has answered directly to the attorney general since the 1920s. Under the Omnibus Crime Control Act and Safe Streets Act of 1968, Public Law 90-3351, the Director is appointed by the U.S. President and confirmed by the Senate. On October 15, 1976, in reaction to the extraordinary 48-year term of J. Edgar Hoover, Congress passed Public Law 94-503, limiting the FBI Director to a single term of no longer than 10 years.

Since its beginning in 1908 the FBI has had 20 directors or acting direc-tors. Most of whom, rightly so, have not been that memorable. They seemed to take on the administrative duties of the job without bringing attention to themselves and never seeking the camera. During Comey’s tenure at the FBI he began to handle any event as an exhibition and care-fully crafting every response to offer no answer.

Yes, his business is to shield the Clintons or Obama, but that is second-ary to his bringing down the President. And interwoven in this regime is Comey’s mission to protect, preserve and posture James Comey, for that is his reality.

Going forward it is yet to be determined how history will remember Com-ey, but like the flaming meteorite we see streaking across the night sky, Comey’s ‘Zenith’ is in his past.

Dennis Coleman is a graduate of Marthaville High School and Louisiana Tech University and is married to the former Delinda Jordan of Mar-thaville. Coleman who has been an insurance agent for more than 30 years is a Republican and a Baptist.


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The Leaning Tree and a Shoeboxby Dean Lambert

This is a story I pieced together with records and long ago memories, it is a true story, it did happen and can be verified. However I certain-ly took liberties with the family details and will not be held accountable for exact dates that vary from one recorded account to another. It happened, but just how and exactly when it happened..... well......just let me tell you my version.....

Somewhere in our youthful memories....most of us have this special tree.....perhaps one that we climbed, or one that our swing was attached to, or simply one that was just in the right place. Our special tree was an old leaning oak that grew next to our gravel driveway. We played on the old exposed roots, we swung from a rope beneath its large limbs and just hung out there in the shade on the long hot summer days. Dad always had a fear that the leaning tree would eventually fall, so much so, he once cut our rope down. That was over fifty years ago and today the tree looks the same. Well, nearly the same. Our old house was torn down years ago and the tree now appears somewhat lonely.

But unknowing to us back then, the tree was special for another reason. Through the years I heard bits and pieces of a story about the tree, a sto-ry from many many years ago, all the way back to the late 1800’s. Seems that the tree once was a part of a life changing event, one that created a mystery that remains today.

The tree at that time was in the yard of the old Ellzey Plantation house. This house was built by William Ellzey in the 1850’s and served his large plantation, one with his hundreds and hundreds of acres of land and one that was worked by over sixty slaves. After the Civil War, the plantation was gone and the home was passed down to their daughter Martha Ann and her husband Rasom Magee. And even later, the house was occupied by the Magee daughter, Eliza, her husband James Keegan and most of their nine children. At that time in history, the railroad had been built through nearby Robeline and the Keegan’s had plans to move their large home to town and make it a boarding house along the railroad tracks. But that move was over a year away and for now, the crops had been planted and there was much work to be done in the fields.

It was just another June morning, a Sunday morning and James Keegan was up early, for even a Sunday had its chores. Daylight had barely come when James walked out the back door and down the wooden walkway to the old cistern pump where he would collect water for the kitchen. It was then he heard the cry, it was a faint cry that he at first assume was from one of the farm animals. As he reached for the pump handle, it came again and he then realized this was not a sound from the stock, but that of a baby’s cry and it was coming from the front yard. Dropping the bucket, he quickly jumped from the walkway and headed across the yard, following the infant’s cry, that lead him toward the leaning oak tree. As he got closer, he saw a small object on the ground under the tree. Then walking closer, he saw that it was a shoebox and then to his surprise, in-side the box was a baby. It was a little girl, only days old.

James and Eliza took the girl and attempted to find out who she was and why she was abandoned, but to no avail. The Keegans were nearing 60 years of age, their youngest child was 13, and they were not prepared to raise yet another child. So they started a searched for anyone that might want to take the girl. Finally, a young couple heard about the little girl that was found under a tree and came to the Keegan’s and offered to make the baby a part of their family. Emmanuel was twenty years old, his wife Mattie was a couple of years younger, and both were thrilled to call this newborn theirs. The young girl was taken to Natchitoches where she was named “Mamie” and raised in a loving and prominent family. The young girl grew into adulthood, she never married and spent her years along the banks of the Cane River. Mamie later died in 1967, she had lived a good life, but the mystery of who she was and why had she been left under that leaning oak tree ....well, that mystery followed her to her grave.

And that is the story of our special tree. The Ellzey Plantation house was indeed moved to Robeline around the late 1800’s. The large two-story home was taken apart, numbered, hauled to town on wagons and rebuilt beside the New Orleans Pacific Railroad. It did indeed become a boarding house in the new town. The owner, James Keegan would become one of the first mayors of Robeline. Later it would become the “Cook” home and

in modern times would be known as the “Keegan Cook” Bed & Breakfast.

My dad built our house on the very spot that the Keegan house had been moved from, a house that was modeled after the original. We used the same old slave built cistern at the end of the back walkway. As a boy, I was fascinated by the three or four sunken spots at the rear of our pasture, the remnants of the old Ellzey graveyard which has long since disappeared.

So that is my story, mostly fact, a little perhaps I suppose, but more im-portant, it opens a window to the past and keeps a little mystery alive.

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More on Learning Disabilitiesby Herbert de Launay

Former First Lady Barbara Bush died April 17, 2018. She was a definitely a friend and advocate for those with problems with lit-eracy and learning. One obituary noted, “A long-time campaigner for social justice, she spoke out against racial segregation and threw her weight behind the drive to eradicate illiteracy in America.” “She also actively campaigned on behalf of the victims of hurricane Katrina.”

Barbara Bush was the wife of one president and the mother of another. She also had a son who was diagnosed with dyslexia. This is a reminder that learning problems can occur in any family. There should be no stigma attached to having a learning disability.

I have taken some classes on psychology and education at Northwest-ern State University here in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Recently I have been reading the book “Overcoming Dyslexia in Children, Adolescents, and Adults,” Third Edition, by Dale R. Jordan. This book, or others like it, could be useful for those who are teachers or counselors. It speaks about the many different forms of dyslexia and other learning problems and gives information on how to recognize the different types.

It is important to realize that people are different. Some people have problems reading. Often, one person may see things differently than an-other. Many years ago one teacher criticized students who put their finger under each word as they were reading. The teacher had observed that the better readers did not do this. But the teacher’s advice was wrong. Using their fingers did not make them poorer readers. Rather, because they had trouble focusing, they used their fingers to better focus on the word they were trying to read. Each person needs to find what works best for him or her.

Some people are helped by using a small ruler or card to hold under the line they are reading. This helps them to focus better. Some have used a card above and below the line to better focus. A card with a slot in it can similarly be used and moved along as the student reads.

Lighting can be a factor. Some people read better with bright lighting. Others find that too glaring and do better in softer lighting. Colors can make a difference for some people. Some have used a colored plastic overlay to change the background of the material that they are reading. Some bright color combinations that I find online make it harder for me to focus on what I am reading.

When I was a child, they used phonics in teaching us to read. Some schools have used other methods. Which is best? The surprising answer is that one size does not fit all. People are different. Some children might learn using any method. However, many children will do better with a particular form of instruction that matches their ability and learning style. A good teacher or counselor will learn to adapt the method of instruction to suit the particular student.

Another problem is use of time. If some students are rushed, their natu-ral ability and creativity is thwarted. Most of us learn better in calm sit-uations. If some students feel rushed to complete an assignment, they will not be able to focus and do their best. Rushing and fussing can be counterproductive. Teachers and parents must learn to encourage and accommodate.

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DO YOU HAVE A WARRANT?

May is American Stroke Monthby Megan Lee, MPAS PA-C

Natchitoches Regional Medical Cen-ter (NRMC) Women’s Health Center would like to share information on strokes and the effect it has on wom-en. In the United States, one in five women will have a stroke at some point during their lifetime. A stroke is the third leading cause of death in women, yet up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through a blood vessel to an area of the brain or when a blood vessel bursts within the brain. The brain cells in the surrounding area do not get the oxygen it needs and the tissue dies. A stroke is a medical emergency and it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible when signs or symptoms present.

There are five common signs and symptoms of a stroke. These include: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking. • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. • Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance/coordination. • Sudden severe headache without a known cause.

Quick diagnosis and treatment of a stroke is essential. The longer the area of brain tissue goes without oxygen from the blood, the more tissue that dies resulting in permanent damage and side effects. A stroke can be diagnosed with the use of numerous tests. These tests include imaging of the brain, testing the brain’s electrical activity, and blood flow testing.

Several factors increase a women’s risk of having a stroke. These include: • High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. • Increased age. • High blood pressure during pregnancy. • Certain types of birth control medicines. • Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and high stress. • Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not exercising.

Women can take several steps to help decrease their risk of stroke. Main-taining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise in important along smoking cessation and limiting alcohol use. Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes with the help of your physician is sig-nificant.

NRMC Women’s Health Center and its staff would like to answer any questions you may have about strokes and decreasing your risk of strokes. Please call our office at (318) 238-3652 or come by our office at 655 Bienville Cr. Natchitoches, LA 71457 during our office hours of Mon-day through Thursday 8:00 – 5:00 and Friday 8:00 – 12:00.

City Marshal Randy Williams wanted to inform the following people that they have outstanding bench warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office. The names on this list did not pay their fines in full nor did they return to court on the court date they were sentenced to by City Court Judge Gahagan. These individuals will need to clear up their fines and bench warrant fees at the City Marshal’s Office located at 373 Second St. to stop any further action:

FINE PAYMENT (F):Lacie Cedars, 1913 Hwy 6 Lot 2, Natch, La – TBSSamuel Johnson, 500 North St Apt N-7, Natch, La – DPBrian Kitchens, 609 Watson, Natch, La – Possession of Drug ParaphernaliaBreanna Lacey, 1500 Mandell St, Natch, La – TBSChristopher Osborn, 169 Blanchard Rd, Natch, La – DWI, Improper Lane Usage, No DLJoseph Wiggins, 1200 Ellis St, Natch, La – DWICaterica Williams, 298 Vienne Rd #15, Natch, La – Exp MVIVanitria Stewart, 147 John Banks, Robeline, La – Right of WayRobert Berry, 215 CJ Brian Rd, Robeline, La – SPOM, PODPDestiny Williams, 731 Brahma St, Natch, La – DP, Remaining on PremisesClifton Blake Jr., 1336 Holmes St, Natch, La – SPOM, GamblingTialesha Thompson, 524 Camellia, Natch, La – DPJames Bobb, 1318 Amulet St, Natch, La – Open Container, City Dog OrdinanceAlexis Bolden, 129 Robert Circle, Natch, La – Exp MVI, Right of WayEbony Helaire, 284 Johnson Loop, Natchez, La – DPAdarian Moore, 124 D Reba, Natch, La – Resisting an OfficerTracey Moore, 3011 Independence Ave, Shreveport, La – TBSQuincy Nash, 186 Rex Waterwell Rd, Natch, La – SPOMLarry Robinson, 219 Julia St, Natch, La – TBSAnaistasia Robinson, 500 North St Apt M8, Natch, La – DPDante Youngblood, 300 Lakeview Dr, Natch, La – Resisting, Domestic AbuseRicky Scott, 328 Scott Loop, Natch, La – DP

Trial (T):Telethia Davenport, 250 Cedar Grove Rd, Natch, La – TBSTai Evans, 414 McDobson Way, Natch, La – Obedience to Traffic Device, (2) DUS, Follow too CloseNelsoener Bush, 601 Amulet St, Natch, La– DP, DUS, No Insurance, Follow too CloseEbony Helaire, 284 Johnson Loop, Natchez, La – NSB, TBS, DPDamon Johnson, 412 Sanford St, Natch, La – DP, Exp DL, Driving Left of CenterChristopher Robinson, 313 Payne St, Natch, La – Interfering with Police Officer

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Beyond the Gardenby Jennifer Byles

April/May To Do’s• Warm bedding plants to be planted through early May• Cut off spring bulb plants that have finished flowering• Mulch plants using pine straw, mulch, bark (2 inches)• Fertilize shrubbery• Examine plants for insect problems (Control with Acephate, Imidaclopid) Azaleas-lace bugs Gardenias-Whiteflies or Aphids• Deadhead flowers on spring blooms for re-blooming to occur• Crepe Myrtles should be available to purchase in May/June• Treat existing Crepe Myrtle problems (black mold look) with Imidaclo-prid insecticide

Controlling Fire AntsFire ants, one of the most studied insect, are a yearly nuisance that mound up our lawns and inflict pain! Millions of dollars are spent yearly trying to manage fire ants. They can be very aggressive and their sting can cause various reactions from irritation, nausea, or severe allergic re-actions. However, fire ants do benefit us in that they help control pests such as fleas, ticks, and termites. They can be controlled with the right method and various pesticides Listed below are some that may be used. Remember, when using pesticides, it’s important to always read the la-bels carefully before beginning the treatment process.

• Baits• Dusts• Individual Mound Drenches• Granules• Organic ControlsIt’s important when using pesticides, to always read the labels carefully.

Page 11| Around The Town May 2018Is Natchitoches Ready to Honor Local Black History with a “Walk of Fame”?by Edwin Crayton

Let me say upfront, this article will not try to answer that question. In fact, it will actually ask a bunch of other questions. But those I will try to answer. First, we know al-ready that Natchitoches, Louisiana is a historic town that has made a national reputation for history and beauty good enough to be honored by USA Today. But the question is, do we honestly have enough monuments or attractions that specifically acknowledge the huge contributions of African Americans to the area? Think about that one before answering. Sure, there is recognition of Clementine Hunter, the gifted black folk artist. And the plantations efficiently tell the story of slavery pretty well. But come on, tragic as it was, slavery is only part of the black experience.

So what about a standing exhibit of some kind that lists contributors in a way that would be quick and convenient for locals and tourists alike to view in a single setting---even while munching on a snack and sipping a nice cold drink of something? The members of a local civic group called Citizens for Democratic Action have been rolling around ideas and believe a “Black History Walk of Fame” might do just that: acknowledge in a simple way the contributions of lo-cal African Americans to Natchitoches Parish and America through a stretch of sidewalk that will list their names and accomplishments. Simple. Elegant. Ques-tion number two. Who would benefit from such a walk of fame? CDA members seem to believe it will speak to locals, tourists and inspire young people---par-ticularly African American youngsters, but not exclusively just them--- to con-tribute positively to their community. And talk was at a recent CDA meeting, that it would also be a way of thanking those local black history ancestors who showed courage, love of their neighbors and country and who displayed the ability to overcome odds. Because it’s local, chances are you’ll even know a few of the names, but there will be plenty of names that should surprise you, or that you’ve never heard before. Maybe you’ll even contribute a few. I counted at least two black writers who gained national attention, but who are not very well known to locals. A walk will spotlight them and their achievements. Like all walks of fame, this is a continuing project, I’m sure with nominations coming from the public.

Question three: What will it cost? It is still early in the process. Like any public exhibit it will require some level of monetary from the public, but perhaps not that much. It is after all just blocks of sidewalk squares, each with a star not-ing an individual---very much, no doubt like the walk of fame just outside City Bank downtown. But that’s merely my guess and it will have to be designed of course.

Which brings up question 4. If we have one outside City Bank, why do we need another? Well, in a way, it’s about packaging or branding like they do on Mad-ison Avenue, capitol of the ad world. And it’s also about showing respect. By having a walk of fame dedicated specifically to black history, the people of Natchitoches would be specifically sending a message that black history is im-portant and that the town acknowledges the contributions of its African Amer-ican citizens. That’s the respect part and believe me it goes a long way. As for packaging, towns and cities that have marketed successful tourism programs also have black heritage trails and side tours that tell the story of their people of color. There are many tourists who vacation in search of these type of tours. So this could help tourism.

As I said upfront at the start of this article, the only question I won’t try to an-swer is whether Natchitoches is actually ready to support such a walk of fame. That can only be answered by the citizens deciding that it’s worth it to put in the work, time and treasure required to honor the contributions of African Americans in a targeted fashion that spotlights and tells a story in an easy to digest form. And yet, quite honestly, as a transplant to this area, I realize it’s not an easy sell. There are a lot of Natchitoches citizens who don’t get as excited about the history and traditions of the town as outsiders do. I was surprised when I moved here how some locals avoid the Christmas parade as if it were a medieval plague. Yet, the town has some very cool black history that goes untold and it’s a real shame. Here’s an opportunity to tell it. But like I said, whether that happens will depend on you and me. If you’re interested, get in touch with Citizens for Democratic Action Chairman Harold Bayonne and see how you can volunteer to contribute or help. Because the only way to answer that question about whether Natchitoches is ready for this, is to do what the black ancestors did: they prayed and then they acted.

“Honor thy father and mother.” - ---One of the 10 Commandments

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Sheriff Victor Jones Announces Recent PromotionsNatchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones is pleased to announce recent promotions of Sgt. Barry Dalme to the rank of Lieutenant assigned to NPSO Patrol Shift “Bravo”, Deputy John Augustus to the rank of Sergeant assigned to NPSO Patrol Shift “Delta” and Deputy Brandon Smith to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the NMJDTF Criminal Patrol Unit.

Lt. Dalme 14-years of service, Sgt. Augustus 15-years of service and Sgt. Smith 13-years of service to the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.

Both Dalme and Augustus served our country in the armed forces.

Dalme served in the United States Army while Augustus served in the United States Marine Corps.

The patrol division divided into 4-shifts supervised by a Lt. and Sgt. are responsible for patrolling Natchitoches Parish twenty-four hours a day .

Patrol deputies responded to over 24,000 calls for service in 2017.

The Patrol Division is commanded by Chief of Patrols Doug Rachal and Captain Tony Moran.

The Narcotics Division which is assigned to the Natchitoches Multi-Juris-dictional Drug Task Force is responsible for narcotics investigations and intercepting illicit narcotics being transported into Natchitoches Parish for illegal distribution.

NPSO Deputies assigned to the Drug Task Force is commanded by Chief Investigator Greg Dunn and Asst. Chief of Narcotics Jesse Taitano.

Sheriff Jones said the three promotions were based on a panel’s selec-tion in which each deputy was chosen because of their loyalty, work eth-ics, positive attitudes towards their jobs and ability to lead and motivate subordinates”.

We congratulate Lt. Dalme, Sgt. Augustus and Sgt. Smith on their new supervisory assignments.

From Left to Right: Captain Tony Moran, Sergeant John Augustis, Lieutenant Barry Dalme, Sheriff Victor Jones and Chief Of Patrols Doug Rachal.

Remidez Selected as SPSD Employee of the QuarterSabine Sheriff Ronny Richardson has implemented an employee recogni-tion program in order to honor one of his dedicated deputies each quarter. Sheriff Richardson personally selects the deputy to be honored as “Dep-uty of the Quarter” from a list of nominees that are recommended by their supervisor.

The recipient of the inaugural award is Deputy Jayla Remidez. Jayla works full-time as an Admin-istrative Assistant at the Sabine Parish Detention Center and was nominated by Warden Joe Dewil Jr. In addition to her duties at SPDC, Jayla helps out by working when needed as a Dispatcher, Admin-istrative Assistant at the Criminal Investigative Division (CID), and supervising Juvenile Community Service.

Sheriff Richardson is proud to honor Jayla as the first recipient of the “Dep-uty of the Quarter” award and thanks her for her tireless service for the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and citizens of Sabine Parish

Pictured are Sheriff Ronny Richard-son, Jayla Remidez, and Warden Joe Dewil.

Mission Scheduled at St. Joseph Catholic ChurchRev Jim Sichko will be the speaker at the St Joseph Catholic Church Mission in Zwolle on Sunday through Tuesday evenings, May 13-15 from 6:30 to 7:30PM each evening.

Rev Sichko is a full time preacher, evangelist and motivational speaker based in the Diocese of Lexington, KY. In February of 2016, Pope Francis commissioned Fr Jim as one of his Papal Missionaries of Mercy of which there are only 1000 in the world, 100 in the United States. He uses real life expe-riences and ties those experiences into the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Known for his presentations entitled “60 minutes for Jesus”, each talk is geared for all in a family household with no exceptions.

Everyone is invited!

Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen!


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I wanted to take this opportunity to talk to you about how achieving good health is a partnership between you and your primary care clinician. To achieve good health requires:

1. You making a commitment to be healthy. This means maintaining a healthy balanced diet; staying away from sugar, sodas and fried foods; exercising regularly; and getting a good nights’ sleep every night.

2. You making a commitment to getting under the care and staying un-der the care of a primary care clinician. This means seeing your doctor on a regular basis to receive the core preventative care you need to stay healthy. It also means going to your dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned and examined.

3. You making a commitment to keep your medical and dental appoint-ments. Most medical and dental practices have a waiting list of patients wanting to get in for services. When you fail to keep your appointment, you’re preventing someone else from getting in sooner. You’re also wast-ing your clinicians time holding an appointment slot for you when some-one else could have been seen. As our health conditions change all the time, the key to catching a medical or dental situation before it gets out of hand is keeping our appointments with your medical and dental clini-cians.

4. You making a commitment to work with your medical and dental clini-cians to outline a mutually-developed medical/dental care plan. It is also important when your care plans have been developed, that you consis-tently follow them so your overall health does not deteriorate. Going to the doctor/dentist is one thing. Listening to them and following your care plans is another. Critical to obtaining/maintaining good health is staying under the care of a medical and dental clinician and staying on the care plans they develop with you.

5. You staying motivated to stay healthy. No one else can help you stay healthy if you are not committed to staying healthy. This requires a life-long and daily commitment.

Let me now talk for a few minutes about what many people say when I ask them, “Why don’t you keep your medical/dental appointments?” Reasons often cited include:

a. I wasn’t sick. Well just because you’re not sick doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep your medical/dental appointments. In fact, the key to en-suring you don’t get sick is working with your medical/dental clinician to stay healthy. They key to good health is prioritizing getting the preven-tative medical/dental services needed to keep you healthy whether you feel sick or not.

b. I had to work. We all have to work. But often-times we don’t stop to think about the implications of our getting sick and not being able to work. I wonder how often we skip our medical/dental appointments? I can assure you we wish we would have kept them when something goes wrong medically and requires us to miss work. While getting/keeping a job is important to one’s quality of life, so is staying healthy and it re-quires regular visits with your primary care clinician.

c. I didn’t think I needed to see the doctor/dentist. Part of getting and staying healthy is forming a strong, respectful and trusting relationship with your medical/dental clinician. So, when/where your clinician and you outline a care plan for you, there must be a trust between the two of you. You both need to do your part to honor your mutually-developed care plan. Your clinician cannot keep their end of the pact if you won’t come in to see them regularly and/or as prescribed This is certainly one of the top reasons why people’s health declines The repeated failure to get under the care and stay under the care of your medical/dental clini-cian will not improve your health. After not keeping your appointments, and you finally make a visit, oftentimes the disease is out of control re-sulting in you having to be admitted into the hospital and/or requiring more extensive care. Every time I drive by a graveyard and/or see an ambulance racing down the road, I wonder how many of those folks are where they are because they didn’t think they needed to keep their ap-pointments with their clinician.

d. I didn’t have the money to see the doctor. Federally Qualified Health Centers were brought up to help ensure the ability to pay for core med-ical/dental services would never be a barrier to receiving good medi-cal/dental care. Outpatient Medical Center, Inc., is a Federally Qualified Health Center (system) and we are committed to ensuring you receive the high-quality, cost-effective, medically appropriate, and culturally sensitive medical/dental behavioral health services your family and you deserve. Whether you have the money to pay for these services or not, the services will be offered to you. So to those who use their not having money as an excuse for not seeing their clinician, I would submit to them this question: How can you afford not to see your clinician? Your contin-ued failure to do so, at some point, will adversely affect your health and quality of life.

e. My pride is a barrier. For some individuals, pride keeps them from coming to the doctor/dentist and the sad reality is pride is killing people and debilitating them at increasingly younger ages every day. If pride is keeping you from coming to see your doctor/dentist, I encourage you to set your pride asside; see your doctor/dentist on a regular basis and stay healthy and whole.

I cannot place enough emphasis on the fact, the key to getting healthy and staying healthy requires an ongoing commitment from you to get under the care and stay under the care of a primary care clinician. It is equally important that you keep your medical/dental appointments and continually receive the preventative medical/dental services required to keep you healthy. As a society, we must take more personal responsibility for working in partnership with our primary care clinician to stay healthy and whole. Until we do, we will continue to see our loved ones debilitat-ed at increasingly younger ages and our graveyards filling up with loved ones being put there far too soon. Good health - is up to you.

In closing, if you or someone in your family are not currently under the care of a primary care clinician, I encourage you to pick up the phone and call to schedule an appointment with our health system today. It is a call that can help improve the quality of your life. And, it just might be the call to save your life. Caring for you is what we do at Outpatient Medical Center, Inc

Be well; be informed; be healthy and be in touch!!!

OMC is dedicated to providing everyone with the highest quality healthcare possible. Because of that, we accept Medicare, Medicaid, Verity Health Plan, commercial insurance and non-insurance patients. We also offer Certified Medicare Counseling through our SHIIP programs for any of our

Medicare patients who may have concerns abot their benefits and Substance Abuse Counseling for our patients who struggle with addiction.OMC is now accepting new patients and welcomes active duty, reserve, retired military Veterans and their families.

Visit our website at www.outpatientmedical.org

NATCHITOCHES1640 Breazeale Springs St.

Natchitoches, LA 714571-800-268-5872

TALLULAH804 Beech St.Tallulah, LA

1-800-308-7566

LEESVILLE908 South 10th St., Suite B

Leesville, LA 714461-800-308-7569

Carl I Walters, IIChief Executive

Officer, Outpatient Medical Center,

Inc.

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in the country’s leadingPORTABLE BUILDINGS!!


Lee Lee’s

Children’sBoutique

Neu Designs

318-645-6200

Monogramming • Applique • Vinyl Lee Sepulvado • Candice Wilson • Natalie Neugent

OPENMon-Fri • 10am-5:30pm

Saturday • 9am-2pm

llndchildrensboutique.comLeeLee’sNeuDesigns/facebook

2036 Obrie St., Zwolle, LA

Joy Impact Counseling Services, LLC861 3rd St.

Natchitoches, LA 71457318-652-8140 (office)

318-521-8035 (fax)[email protected] (email)

Now Hiring!!!!Licensed Clinical Social Worker-LCSWLicensed Professional Counselor-LPC

Mental Heath Professional-MHPMental Health Specialist-MHS

YOU MAY SUBMIT RESUMESTO THE EMAIL ADDRESS ORFAX NUMBER LISTED BELOW

[email protected]

24142 HWY 191, ZWOLLE, LA 71486Located 4 miles south of Zwolle; 6 miles north of T-Town

318-645-7673 • 318-645-7670 (fax)

Open 7 Days for Your ConvenienceMon-Sat: 8AM-6PM Sun: 10AM-4PM

In need of an office?Check out our

Side Cabins andSide Lofted Cabins

We now offerfull electrical packages!

Tea TimeAntiques & Uniques

2218 Port Arthur St. • Zwolle, LA 71486 • 318-645-8080

Antiques • CollectiblesHome Decor • Crosses • Candles

Bath & Spa ItemsJewelry • Chalk Paint

Wedding Rentals • Balloons & Gifts

You Name it, we can probably do it!

Thank you Sabine Parish for the love & support!#ShopLocal#SupportSmall Businesswww.facebook.com/teatimeantiques

Owners Jason & Torrie Sepulvado

HOURSSUn., MOn. & TUeS. • CLOSeD

WeD., THURS. & FRi. • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMSATURDAy • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

AvAiLAbLe AFTeR HOURS

@ (318) 315-1241

TESTIMONIAL FROM ONE OF OUR LOYAL

ADVERTISERSIf you want your name out there, there’s no better local advertising than Around The Town. Quiet often I have folks come in and dine for the first time after seeing my ad each month in Around The Town. The pa-per is seen just about everywhere you go and it is a valuable source for local news and events.Tommy and his dedicated and talented staff treat you like family from the first day they meet you. Let them help grow your business as they have mine! -Charlene Womack, Owner Blazin’ A Seafood & Steak


5-26 7 p.m. AVERY MICHAELS &20SCountry, Bluegrass, Popular

$15/Adults $25/Couple $5/Kids

9-22 7p.m. JERAD BRIDGES BANDLouisiana Country

$15/Adults $25/Couple $5/Kids

October-December Concert Schedule TBA

THE TOWN OF MANY & MANY CULTURAL DISTRICTPRESENT THE

May 5 • True Grit w/John Wayne • 7PM

In Honor of Memorial DayMay 19 • Saving Private Ryan w/Tom Hanks • 7PM

June 2 • Cinderella • 7PMFather’s Day Special

June 16 • Legends of the Fall • 7PM

MANY COMMUNITY CENTERSAN ANTONIO AVE. • MANY, LA

We take ALL major credit cards

What Can You Expect? • Easily accessible to Natchitoches downtown

area off the bypass• LOW daily rates• Kids 17 and under stay FREE• FREE morning hot coffee• FREE local calls• FREE WiFi• Expanded TV lineup• Ballroom available - 100 person capacity• Seasonal outdoor pool• Lower weekly rate• Truck parking• Laundry service• Pet Friendly

More to Expect

Great Room Great Service Great Price

7624 LA 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA 71457318-357-8281

“We’ll leave the light on for you”

THE TOWN OF MANY & MANY CULTURAL DISTRICTPRESENT THE

True Grit Movie to be Featured on May 5by Mary Key Brocato

John Wayne fans will be happy that True Grit, one of the actor’s greatest films, will be the feature film at the Many Community Center on Satur-day, May 5 starting at 7 p.m.

A classic western story of the good guys against the bad guys, it is sure to please everyone in the family who sees this film. Cowboys, pioneers, and a gritty, stubbborn young girl who asks a drunken, hard-nosed U.S. Sheriff (John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn) and a Texas Ranger Glenn Campbell) help her to track down her father’s murderer in Indian territory. Sheriff Rooster Cogburn helps her find the outlaws who killed her father and bring them to justice is all part of this compelling movie. Grandparents, parents, and kids are sure to enjoy the movie because of the actors, the plot, and the western scenery.

The story goes like this: The murder of her father sends a teenage tom-boy, Mattie Ross, (Kim Darby), on a mission of “justice”, which involves avenging her father’s death. She recruits a tough old sheriff, “Rooster” Cogburn (John Wayne), because he has “grit”, and a reputation of get-ting the job done. The two are joined by a Texas Ranger, La Boeuf, (Glen Campbell), who is looking for the same man (Jeff Corey) for a separate murder in Texas. Their odyssey takes them from Fort Smith, Arkansas, deep into the Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma) to find their man.

Surely one of the purest westerns ever made, the movie is a simple tale of a lawman tracking down an outlaw. This film is raised way above the norm for western movies in almost all respects: The photography is su-perb, with the hills, mountains, valleys and forests being the real stars. The acting is first rate, with not a weak performance in sight from even the lowliest minor character. The direction is well paced as we ride along with the 3-person-posse through the landscape and experience the mi-nor twists of the actual hunt, as well as the evolution of the relationships between the characters.

Movies in Many are sponsored by Many Mayor Ken Freeman, the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee, and the Many City Council The movies, usually shown on the first and third Saturday of every month, are FREE to everyone. Concessions are only $1 for soft drinks, and $1 for popcorn.

Movies in Many, Music in Many, Happy Hours Creative Classes at the De-pot, and Many Book Nooks are all part of the efforts of Mayor Freeman, the City Council, and the Many Cultural District to bring entertainment and culture to the people of Many and the surrounding area.


DID YOU KNOW?Although many people belive that Bic Papermate invent-ed the ball-point pen, actually the first man to develop and launch a ball-point pen was the Hungarian László Jozsef Bíró, who invented a ball-point pen with a pres-surized ink cartridge. He is considered the inventor of today’s ball-point pen. Biro noticed that the ink used in newspaper printing dried quickly, leaving the paper dry and smudge-free. Since the thicker ink would not flow from a regular pen nib, he fitted his pen with a tiny ball bearing in its tip. Moving along the paper, the ball rotates picking up ink from the ink cartridge and leaving it on the paper. This principle of the ballpoint pen dates back to a never commercially exploited patent of 1888 owned by John J. Loud for a product to mark leather.

Artist Sought for 2018 Christmas Festival Poster Artists are being sought to design the 2018 Natchitoches Christmas Festi-val Poster. The theme for the poster is “Christmas in Natchitoches.” Artists who would like to enter the contest should submit a drawing or painting to the Natchitoches Arts Council using the chosen theme. The size of the completed sketch or painting should be 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall. If chosen, the painting will become the exclusive property of the Natchi-toches Arts Council. The chosen artist will receive a commission of $600. The deadline for entering the competition is Friday, July 6, 2018. All en-tries should be submitted to Alicia Rachal, Community Development, 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457. The Natchitoches Arts Council is not responsible for insuring the safe or timely delivery of the art work to the appropriate party. Numbered prints in the form of a poster will be available and on sale to the public in early October. All posters are $35 each. The 1980-2004 col-lage posters are $15 each. The small posters (3 ¾” x 5”) are $3 each or two for $4. Special prints of the 2008 Fleur de Lis Poster (11” x 17”) and the 2016 Christmas in Natchitoches Poster (11” x 14.5) are $20. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster has been a tradition for 38 years. All of the original artwork can be viewed at the Natchitoches Arts Council office located at the Community Development Office (City Hall An-nex), 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA. For more information about the poster contest, please call Alicia Rachal at (318) 357-3838 or Karen Terrell at (318) 352-6925.

Summer Splash Activities Fair May 15 The City of Natchitoches would like to invite the public to Summer Splash 2018, an informative event for families and children. Summer Splash will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center. Summer Splash is free and open to the pub-lic.

Summer Splash, sponsored by the City of Natchitoches, is an information-al fair that highlights summer activities throughout the city and parish for children of all ages. Summer Splash will showcase educational, recre-ational and social youth programs taking place in Natchitoches this sum-mer. Information and registration forms will be available for a variety of summer programs including: Natchitoches Summer Day Camp; NSU Bas-ketball camps; summer programming at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State His-toric Site; horse camp; cheerleading and dance camps; summer reading programs at the Natchitoches Parish Library; art and music camps; and health and fitness camps. Booth spaces are free for organizations wishing to participate.

For more information on Summer Splash or to reserve a booth, please contact the City of Natchitoches Main Street Office at (318) 352-2746 or email Janna Jenkins at [email protected].

McCart Plumbing, LLCStatewide Licensed and Fully Insured

Mike McCartLMP 1202

318-238-3838 Office318-332-4489 Cell

Backflow Installation and Testing

2270 Highway 6 EastNatchitoches, LA 71457

[email protected]

Reference Around The Town Newspaper

Automatic, Standard and Diagnostic Transmissions

Kelly Coleman & Spencer Coleman

1975 Highway 6Natchitoches, LA 71457

cell 318-663-9675

K. Coleman’sTransmissionsFamily Owned & Operated

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Rivers Builders Supply21435 Hwy 191

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Listing Agent: Ronald D. Brandon/318-471-5075

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EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

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A Longbow Cabin Retreatby Junior Johnson

Hopefully Spring “has sprung” and with the sight of beautiful flowers growing in the area I am convinced that it has.

Now everyone will be turning their attention to the end of school year and vacation.I know that my faithful readers understand why I always advocate exploring the beauty in our lo-cal area and I am convinced that we have more to offer here than ANY OTHER area in our State.I would now like to highly recommend a vacation place near Prim, Arkansas between Greer’s Ferry Lake and Moun-tain View in the heart of the Ozarks. It is less than a seven hour drive from Natchitoches, and still what I feel is “In Our Back Yard”...

The place that I am referring to is the Ben Pearson Longbow Resort. My hunting friends will recognize his name if they do any deer hunting with bows.....He is known as the “Father of Modern Archery”. Years ago he had a vision to build cabins in a canyon on his property for adventurous vaca-tioners who enjoy the outdoors. There are four Cabins in this canyon...the Longbow, Bushmaster, Bois’ D Arc, and the newest edition called Sover-eign. Ben Pearson did not have the opportunity to see the completion of his dream, but Ben, Jr. followed through with his Father’s wishes.

Should you chose to explore this adventure I will tell you in advance, since you will be in a deep canyon which takes about 15-20 minutes to drive DOWN the winding road to the bottom, there is NO CELL PHONE RECEP-TION and NO TELEVISION (there is a TV with CD Equipment should you like to bring some entertainment). This is HEAVEN ON EARTH for someone who needs to get away from it all and simply relax.

In June of this year I will be celebrating the 14th Anniversary of Marriage to my sweet Ginny. My darling wife is the one who chose the Longbow Resort for our Honeymoon, although we did not have our Honeymoon until later.

The Longbow is built into the side of a stone cliff and there is actual water seeping through a wall into a cleverly designed exit from the structure. There is a De-Humidifier to keep everyone in the cabin comfortable. The cabins are completely furnished and all you need to bring is your food & refreshments, and whatever else you may desire. Should you chose to be interested in exploring the wilderness you are welcome to bring your 4-Wheeler or any other recreational vehicle.

Everyone of my readers know the love that I have for my sweet Ginny, and I am overjoyed that I was not that “macho man” who would disagree with her Honeymoon choice. The Longbow is breathtaking as well as the other Cabins I am sure. If you happen to look into my suggestion of a vacation spot I will certainly stake my reputation that you and your family will have an exciting time..... the website for this marvelous place is:www.longbowresorts.com

The pictures in the article were taken by my talented wife Ginny...I have to add one final thought. When you see the picture of the waterfall, just imagine how comforting that sound is when you settle down for the night and listen to the water from the falls splashing into the stream below.

This following statement is not a solicitation by my friend and Publisher of this marvelous publication, but I personally would like for you make a statement of appreciation to Tommy O’Con and his extremely talented staff, regardless if you are a casual reader of this publication or one of his advertising customers, which I can assure you it was money well spent...God Bless you all!

Photo Credits: Ginny Johnson and Longbow Resort Website

pluMBinG, llCo’BAnnon

Glen o’BAnnon, ownerCommercial, New Residential, Repairs & Remodels

“Over 26 Years Experience”

318-332-8699 Licensed & Insured318-357-9462 Master Plumber

NUZIEBELL’SFLEA MARKET

FRIDAY - SUNDAY • 9 to 5Indoor Shopping

VENDORS WELCOME

Hand-Made Items

Yard Art

Pottery

Tools

Fishing Supplies

Antiques

Collectibles

Glassware

Jewelry

Signs

Used Furniture

Kitchenware

Sewing Notions

Bed Sheets

Garage Sale Items

and MORE!

6267 Hwy 21 East, Hemphill, Texas

GREAT LOCATION FOR GARAGE SALES

CALL 409-625-1606

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I’ve ended up where I

needed to be”....Douglas Adams


Sadie Bolton SawyerBook Sales $12.00 Each

Sadie Bolton Sawyer isassistant pastor at

Rock Island Baptist ChurchNatchitoches

CONTACT [email protected]

PayPal.Me/sadiesawyer318-352-1812

YOU CAN PURCHASE COPIES OF THE BOOK FROM

Sweet Fruit Delights628 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457

628 Front St. Natchitoches, LA

SWEET FRUIT DELIGHTS

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PLACe yOUR ORDeRS nOW318-352-5910

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GREAT LOCATION FOR GARAGE SALES

CALL 409-625-1606

IT’S COMING OUR BIGGEST WEEKEND OF THE YEAR.

THE 10TH ANNUAL EL CAMINO REAL

“SALE ON THE TRAIL” MAY 4TH & 5TH

WE WILL HAVE A YARD FULL OF VENDORS WITH A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GOODIES

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McCart Plumbing, LLCStatewide Licensed and Fully Insured

Mike McCartLMP 1202

318-238-3838 Office318-332-4489 Cell

Backflow Installation and Testing

2270 Highway 6 EastNatchitoches, LA 71457

[email protected]

MOTHeR’S DAy iSMAy 13TH


650 San Antonio Ave., Many, LA • 318-431-1503

FULL SERVICE RESTAURANTSteaks, Shrimp, Po-Boys, Pasta, Burgers

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M-F 7-5; Sat 7-12 318-256-9238

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BYLESBYLESBYLESMACHINE SHOP • EQUIPMENT SALES

WELDING &TRACTOR CO., INC.

Hillside AntiquesHillside AntiquesAntiques, VintAge And unique items

Open Thurs-Sat • 9AM-5PM

Facebook: Hillside Antiques [email protected]

318-581-6489318-332-8485

9222 Texas HwyRobeline, LA 71469

THE DYESS LAW FIRMPERSONAL INJURY • CRIMINAL DEFENSE

William Daniel Dyessattorney at law

207 Church St. #106Natchitoches, LA

(318) 352-5880

1035 San Antonio Ave.Many, LA

(318) 256-5667

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• Premium payable: EFT, Direct Monthly Bill or Debit/Credit Card • Payable Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annually or Annually• Select first billing month - Select billing day or billing week• Draft upon approval• Does proposed insured receive Social Security, Social Security Disability, SSI,

VA Retirement and/or VA Disability


Personal Auto, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs,SR22 & Mobile Homes

All Commercial Lines & Homeown-ers

Nell Wilson - Owner/AgentKatie Wilson - Office ManagerLadona chesson - AgentDawn Kay - Cashier/Receptionist

341-A South DriveNatchitoches, LA 711457

Phone: 318-357-9011Fax: 318-357-9012

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WALKINSWELCOME

CampbellCampbellMONUMENT COMPANY

Finest Memorials Since 1965 • Only Certified Memorialist in Louisiana

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Laser Engravings Done On SiteMember Monument Builders of North America

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Rose-NeathFuneral Homes, Crematorium and Cemeteries, Inc.

A TRUSTED NAME SINCE 1932ROSE-NEATH

BUDDY HEBERTManager

9891 TexAS HWy.MAny, LA 71449

(318) 256-0690FAx (318) 256-0696

[email protected]

Upcoming ClassesFor 14 Hours of Instruction

May 5

For 38 Hours of InstructionJune 4-7 • June 18-21

Please call 318-652-0382 or 318-642-0384

We humbly cherish each of you as our friends and we are here to serve you and to meet all of your driving school needs to the best of our ability. We haave opened our new offic and classroom at 317 South Drive in Natchitoches. This is next door to Fisher’s Sporting Goods in the Rivers Common Shopping Center. You can sign up for available classes by going online to www.platinumdrivingschool.org or by calling (318) 652-0382 or (318) 652-0384. Thank you for your business and may God richly bless you!

Platinum Driving School360 Valco Rachal Rd., Robeline, LA 1469(318) 652-0382 or (318) 357-9417

Russell Rachal, Owner/[email protected]

Ready for the

Open Road?

Tommy Steele, III • OwnerFree Pickup and Delivery (in town)

120A Williams Avenue Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-6044

Alex Laurent(318) 652-3507

Mowing • Raking • WeedeatingFlower Bed Work


Mitchell’s Barber Shop LLC60 Rebecca’s Circle, Zwolle, LA 71486

318-645-6001Men, Women and Kids

Tuesday-Friday 9 to 6 & Saturday 10 to 4

In God We Trust

Karen Mitchell Master Barber-Cosmetologist 318-663-5920

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Weather PredictorsNext time you see an ant or a spider, check out what it’s do-ing—it could let you know something about the upcoming weather. Check out our weather proverbs and prognostics about insects.

If ants their walls do frequent build, rain will from the clouds be spilled. Ants are busy, gnats bite, crickets sing louder than usual, spiders come down from their webs, and flies gather in houses just before rain.

When bees to distance wing their flight, days are warm and skies are bright; But when their flight ends near their come, stormy weather is sure to come.

Fireflies in great numbers indicates fair weather.

When hornets build their nests near the ground, expect a cold and early winter.

When cicadas are heard, dry weather will follow, and frost will come in six weeks.

When spiders’ webs in air do fly, the spell will soon be very dry.Spiders in motion indicate rain. When spiderwebs are wet with dew that soon dries, expect a fine day. Spider-webs floating at autumn sunset bring a night frost, this you may bet.

Leeches kept in glass jars are active just before rain.

The louder the frogs, the more the rain. Frogs singing in the evening indicates fair weather the next day.

CONTACT USAround The Town

Tommy O’ConPO Box 187 • Robeline, LA 71469

[email protected]

www.AroundTheTownla.wordpress.com

Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival Set for May 11-12Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival is held each year on the second weekend in May. Much of Zwolle’s and even the en-tire Toledo Bend area’s local industry once revolved around the logging business. Still today, the Zwolle area is dependent upon the logging industry. So it is fitting that just about a de-cade ago, a group of local leaders came up with the idea of the Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival.

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

Make plans to come out to this years festival which will be held on May 11 & 12 on the Zwolle Festival Grounds located at 1100 South Main Street in Zwolle.

For more information call Lela Malmay at 318-645-9317 or 318-471-2354. More details are on page 3.

TESTIMONIAL FROM ONE OF OUR LOYAL

ADVERTISERSHello Folks, Nanette Neel here from Nuziebell’s Flea Market in Hemphill, Texas. If you want the best bang for your advertising buck, look no fur-ther than Around The Town. I have reaped great results from advertis-ing in this “good news” publication. Most recently, it brought me a client from Coushatta, LA to rent a booth space. Tommy O’Con and his staff go above and beyond to make sure you get your money’s worth. Advertising in Around The Town is paying off for me. That’s why I’m committed to advertising for the next year with Around The Town..I love the paper and I certainly love the ad rates. You Will Too!- Nanette Neel, Owner Nuziebell’s Flea Market, Hemphill, TX

Our Pledge...Around the Town and it’s publishers seek to provide the people of this area with news and infor-mation about the current events and happenings in the categories of dining, entertainment, sports and the arts, while providing a venue for retail and com-mercial establishments, as well as local artisans, non-profit and service organizations to present themselves to the public. We also strive to feature some of the rich history and culture this area is par-ticularly known for.

Page 24| Around The Town May 2018ACTIVITIES PAGETHE CAJUN COOK

Crawfish Étouffée

RECIPE BY SOUTHERN LIVING

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine• 1 large onion, chopped• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper• 2 garlic cloves, minced• 1 pound peeled crawfish tails• 1 teaspoon salt• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour• 3/4 cup water• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley• Hot cooked rice

Step 1Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and next 3 ingredients; sauté, stirring constantly, 5 minutes.

Step 2Stir in crawfish and next 5 ingredients; cook 5 minutes. Stir in flour; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes.

Step 3Stir in water gradually; cook over low heat 20 minutes, stirring mixture occasionally.

Step 4Stir in green onions and parsley; cook 3 minutes. Serve over rice.Seafood markets sell frozen, peeled crawfish tails harvested in Louisiana or China. You can substitute peeled shrimp, but the color won’t be as intense.

GRANDMA’S 3-LAYER CUSTARD MAGIC CAKE

What is magic cake?Magic cake has been around for a while, but it’s been taking the internet by storm lately. It’s easy to see why!

It’s an easy cake recipe that yields an elegant, layered dessert simply by baking it in the oven. Your pour one batter into a cake tin, and then it comes out of the oven with 3 delicious layers? Must be magic!

The secret to magic cake isn’t magic, of course. It’s science. Magic cake separates into three layers for two main reasons: the batter is very liquid, and the cake is cooked at a low temperature. This allows the custard lay-ers to separate out during baking, leaving you with a lovely 3 layer cake!Ingredients• 4 eggs• 4 drops white vinegar• 16 ounces sugar• 1 tablespoon water• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract• 125 grams butter, melted• 3 cups flour• 2 cups milk, lukewarm• 1 pinch saltDirections1. Grease and flour an 8X8 square baking dish. Set aside.2. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. 3. Begin to beat egg whites and add vinegar. Beat until stiff. 4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together. 5. Add the water, salt, and vanilla extract as you continue to mix everything together. 6. Add the melted butter and continue to beat everything together. 7. Slowly add the flower and mix it in. 8. Add the warm milk and beat until it is well incorporated. 9. Fold in the beatened egg whites using a spatula or a spoon to mix it in gently.

Tip: Be sure not to overmix this part, you still want to see some of the egg white floating on top of the batter. 10. Pour your batter into your already greased and floured baking dish. 11. Bake your cake for about 60 minutes or until the top is golden and cake is still soft.

Let your cake cool in the pan for at least 3 hours before serving with pow-der sugar sprinkled over top.

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The RoseSubmitted by Roberta Hough

The following is a story that was forwarded to me by a friend. I don’t know if it is true or not, but the basic premise is one we should all follow. I hope you enjoy the story.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, ‘Hi handsome. My name is Rose.. I’m eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?’

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, ‘Of course you may!’ and she gave me a giant squeeze.. ‘Why are you in college at such a young, inno-cent age?’ I asked.

She jokingly replied, ‘I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...’

‘No seriously,’ I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

‘I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m getting one!’ she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a choco-late milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this ‘time machine’ as she shared her wisdom and experience with me..

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was liv-ing it up. At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our foot-ball banquet. I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, ‘I’m sorry I’m so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whis-key is killing me! I’ll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.’ As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, ‘ We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don’t even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-sev-en years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody! Can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets..’ She concluded her speech by courageously singing ‘The Rose.’

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year’s end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those months ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonder-ful woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can possibly be.

These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTION-AL. We make a Living by what we get. We make a Life by what we give.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

NSU Hosts 31st Annual Research Dayby Leah Jackson

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University hosted it’s 31st annual Research Day on April 12, an event that included a day of concurrent oral presentations, poster presentations, awards and a keynote address by Fulbright Scholar Dr. Patrice Moulton, a professor in NSU’s Department of Psychology.

Dr. Dennette McDermott, professor of flute in the School of Creative and Performing Arts was named this year’s winner of the Dr. Mildred Hart Bailey Faculty Research Award. Her research topic is “Something Lost and Something Gained: A Look into Historical Performance Practice of the 18th century.” The Bailey award is made for outstanding research or distinguished artistic performance and/or creative work substantially completed during the past three years.

Dr. James MacDonald, a professor of history in Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences, was named recipient of the Dr. Mar-ietta LeBreton Louisiana Studies Award.

The LeBreton award honors faculty whose research careers have been dedicated to research regarding Louisiana topics. Nominees must demon-strate a sustained record of research on Louisiana topics or projects that illustrate a significant connection to Louisiana. MacDonald was recog-nized for research on the historic local figure John Sibley, a surgeon and Indian Agent, who moved to Natchitoches after the Louisiana Purchase.Students Christina Arrechavala , a liberal arts major in the Louisiana Scholars’ College from Kenner, and Haley Jett, a biology major from Ana-coco, were winners of the Phi Kappa Phi Student Research Awards, which recognize outstanding research, distinguished artistic performance or creative work completed by a student or team of students while enrolled at NSU. Students in all disciplines are eligible

Arrechavala’s research topic is “Computational Docking of Teixobactin to Lipid II - a Novel Antibiotic Mechanism that Avoids Antibiotic Resistance.” Her faculty sponsor is Dr. Massimo Bezoari, professor of chemistry.Jett’s research topic is “Survey of Dirofilaria immitis Prevalence and Re-sistance to Preventive Medications in Natchitoches.” Her faculty sponsor is Dr. Cynthia Doffitt, professor of biology.

Isabella Jones of Saline was winner of the Student Design Award, pre-sented to student who created the winning design for the Research Day program cover and poster. Jones is majoring in Fine + Graphic Art with a concentration in graphic communications.

Moulton’s keynote, “A Developing Field in a Developing Country” pro-vided insight into her experience as a Fulbright Scholar in which she was selected to serve as a consultant and ambassador to Nepal to launch the country’s first degree program in counseling psychology.

NSU presented several awards during Research Day April 12, capping off a day of research presentations and poster session on topics that span the academic disciplines. Recognized were, from left, undergraduates Haley Jett and Christina Arrechavala, winners of the Student Research Awards; Dr. James MacDonald, winner of the Dr. Marietta LeBreton Loui-siana Studies Award; Isabella Jones, winner of the Student Design Award, and Dr. Margaret Cochran, chair of the NSU Research Committee and event coordinator. Not shown is Dr. Dennette McDermott, winner of the Dr. Mildred Hart Bailey Faculty Research Award.


The Old Robeline High building has been heavily vandalized over the last several years. Village Officials feel the need to demolish the building to provide for ample parking space for the new Community Events Center that are in the planning stages. The building served as both high school and cafeteria and is now beyond repair.

Village of Robeline -Progress in the MakingInmates from the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center assisted the Vil-lage of Robeline Wednesday, March 29th in a cleanup operation of the Old Robeline School Complex. Around The Town spoke with Robeline Mayor Bobby Behan who says plans are to clean up the old gymnasium and hopefully in the near future to utilize the facility for special functions.

Mayor Behan and town officials expressed their gratitude to Sheriff Victor Jones, Jr. for allowing the inmates to assist with the cleanup operations. Mayor Behan and the Town Council is focused on removing two of the buildings from the property and make major renovations to the former gymnasium to be utilized as a community center for family events, festi-vals, reunions, concerts etc.

(From L to R) Lt. Larry Willis, Jr., Travis Solitaire, Robeline Mayor Bobby Behan, Renaldo Gallow, David Nelson, Daniel St. Julien, Robeline PD Offi-cer Brad Raynes

Robeline Mayor Bobby Behan examines the remains of the Old Robeline High School Gymnasium with a great desire to conduct a major renova-tion of the building for a Community Center.

Shown is the inside of the Old Robeline High School Gymnasium. The school closed in 1980. Now Village Officials are making preparations to remodel the facility that will allow many different types of community events to be held.

What use to be the Robeline High School gym could soon take on a new look on both outside and inside. Mayor Bobby Behan visions a new Com-munity Center and festival grounds where the residents of the local com-munity can bring the entire family for special events.The gymnasium was in use until the Robeline High School was closed. The former Robeline public school (Mascot was the Bulldogs) closed in 1980 because of a federal desegregation order. Elementary pupils were consolidated with nearby Marthaville; high schoolers were bused to Natchitoches Central High School.

Pictured is the former Robeline Elementary School. Village of Robeline officials are contemplating on removing the building and utilize the space for a large parking area for the new community events center that is in the plans for the Village of Robeline.

The marker still stands at the site of the Old Robeline High School campus proclaiming that Robeline High School Served Well.


Sale on the Trail Scheduled for May 4-5Ready to “shop ‘til you drop”? The El Camino Real Sale on the Trail takes place the first Friday & Saturday in May along 144 miles of the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas. 2018 dates are Friday & Saturday, May 4-5. Make plans to drive the trail for yard sale bargains! Hop in your car and go along Hwy 6 in LA starting at Natchitoches and then west across Tole-do Bend Lake to Texas Hwy 21 into Milam, TX, and keep going for a great adventure and great finds!

Along the trail, shoppers will find new and used items sold by local busi-nesses and private individuals. If you are a shopping warrior, collector, or just looking for fun, a weekend shopping the trail is a wonderful way to take advantage of the beautiful spring scenery and historical markers along the El Camino Real de los Tejas. Designated as a National Historic Trail in 2004, El Camino Real de los Tejas has existed for more than 300 years. The Spaniards and the French who marked the trail were followed by early missionaries of multiple faiths and later by such men as Stephen F. Austin, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston. Keep up with the latest news on Facebook.

If you want to participate by having a garage sale or being a vendor, please call the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at 1-800-358-7802.

AROUND THE TOWN (318) 471-6948

[email protected] www.aroundthetownla.wordpress.com

Around The Town is published once a month by Tom-my O’Con, located at 114 Hennigan St., Robeline, LA. Locally owned and operated by Tommy O’Con.

The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement considered to be inappropriate for the purpose of this publication. Neither the publisher nor the advertiser will be responsible for unintended in-formation, typographical errors, etc., appearing in this publication. Any opinions expressed by writers or advertisers are their own and not necessarily en-dorsed by Around The Town Publication and/or Tom-my O’Con.

It is a blessing to be able to visit with you again on the state of our Parish Government. Things have been a little quiet this month, with the exception of the issue of the Home Rule Charter vs Police Jury form of government. It does not matter what name tag that a person applies to it, nothing will change with the manner that money is brought in.

With the current form of government, there are things in place that pro-hibit the taking of funds from any branch of the government and applying them anywhere that they are needed. Any money that has been allocated through the passing of taxes by the people, shall be spent in the area that they were passed for. The only way that any money can be redirected is by bringing the millages back before the people to be voted on and have them applied in another area.

In my last article, I stated that I felt that the Council had no voice on the decisions that were being made in certain areas. I further stated that we as a Council were not allowed to see all of the bids that are turned in, and the names of all applicants to department head positions and boards/commissions. A couple of Council members attempted to turn this around to get the heat off of them and to bring division to the Council once again, but to the contrary, President Nowlin has made these names available to the entire Council for our viewing. This is how responsible government is handled. We may have disagreements, but at the end of the day we agree that the best interest of the people is being addressed.

I am working closely with Mr. Nowlin on some projects that are going to to be great for the citizens of Natchitoches Parish. Just bear with me and look for things to change for your best interest.

Sincerely,

Russell RachalNatchitoches Parish CouncilDistrict 5(318)652-0382

Open Letter from Natchitoches Councilman Russell Rachel

DID YOU KNOW?“If you place a frog in a pot of boiling water, it will immediately try to scramble out. But if you place the frog in room temperature water, and don’t scare him, he’ll stay put. Now, if the pot sits on a heat source, and if you gradually turn up the temperature, something very interesting happens. As the temperature rises from 70 to 80 degrees F., the frog will do nothing. In fact, he will show ev-ery sign of enjoying himself. As the tem-perature gradually increases, the frog will become groggier and groggier, until he is unable to climb out of the pot. Though there is nothing restraining him, the frog will sit there and boil. Why? Because the frog’s internal ap-paratus for sensing threats to survival is geared to sudden changes in his environment, not to slow, gradual changes”.


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School of Business Adds Two Concentrationsby David West

Two new concentrations in Northwestern State University’s School of Business have been approved by the university’s Curriculum Review Committee, according to chairperson Lillie Frazier Bell.

A concentration in entrepreneurship will be available as part of the bach-elor’s in business administration along with a cyber security concentra-tion under the bachelor’s in computer information systems this fall.

“We are so excited about this new initiative for our School of Business as it addresses student and external demands to have this concentra-tion offered,” Dr. Carmella Parker, coordinator of special projects and outreach and assistant professor. “The entrepreneurship concentration is designed to help students become aware of and knowledgeable about entrepreneurial opportunities here in Louisiana. Currently, there is a need for our region to develop businesses as the area looks to expand economic development and opportunities for our students.”

Parker said the courses within the concentration are a step towards de-veloping a synergy between NSU and the economic region that could support the creation of new enterprises and enhance existing companies which may have positive impacts on our regional business community.

Courses include small business entrepreneurship, principles of invest-ments, financial statement analysis, purchasing and supply chain man-agement, management of electronic business, consumer behavior, and interactive marketing. These classes provide in-depth analysis of what an entrepreneur may need to be successful in starting a business. This concentration is in addition to existing concentrations in management, marketing, finance, international business and business analytics. The cyber security concentration will go along with existing concentra-tions in application development, networking & systems management, web development and core programming. Students pursuing the cyber security concentration will still complete all general education, business, and CIS classes common to all concentra-tions. However, they will also take eight specific classes designed to en-hance their skills in the cyber security area, according to coordinator of computer information systems Curtis Penrod.

“At the NSU School of Business, our faculty try to ensure we are staying connected to industry needs,” said Penrod. “This concentration is an-other example of where we are attempting to teach our students the skills they need to be successful in the workplace of tomorrow. As many people know, security in information technology has been a key issue in recent years. We want our students to graduate and utilize their skills to help organizations protect their information systems.”

Those eight classes in the concentration are essentials of network design & hardware, telecommunications & networks, certified ethical hacking, introduction to servers, enterprise operating systems, secure program-ming principles, introduction to information security, and cyber foren-sics. When taking these classes, students will earn certifications that prove their expertise in this area.

Penrod said students graduating with a bachelor’s in CIS with a con-centration in cyber security will earn the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Net+, CompTIA Server+, and CompTIA Security+. Graduates will be prepared to pursue occupations such as information security analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this occupation is forecasted to grow 28% between 2016 and 2026 with almost 30,000 jobs being added nationally in the coming years.

For more information on programs in the School of Business, go to busi-ness.nsula.edu.

For 25 years, Clayton Dyess has been touching hearts towards the Gospel of Jesus Christ – in Word and in song – freely giving his music away to all who desire.

Clayton and his wife, Alisha, are the founders of Music With A Message Ministry, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They are dedicated to blanketing the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through every form of media possible.

Clayton and Alisha are proud parents of nine children, with eight living at home; the oldest, married. From the beginning, Clayton’s music has been given away – free of charge – at store and gas station parking lots, retire-ment homes, and churches. Many lives are touched by this generosity, and, more importantly, by a sense of God’s presence within the songs as Clayton sings his unto the Lord.

People often approach Clayton, and his ministry partners, in the parking lots with tears in their eyes, as God’s Spirit ministers within the secret plac-es of each life moved by the Spirit and music.

Clayton gave his life to Jesus at the tender age of seven. As a teen-ager, he picked up a guitar and has been singing songs of Christ’s love ever since. He is called to go to places where people would least likely expect to en-counter the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many know Clayton as “the guy who sings at Walmart parking lots.”

Clayton seeks the Lord daily as to where he should minister. Keep up with Clayton’s travels and enjoy live broadcasts by following either his Face-book page or profile. Scheduled-in-advance happenings are listed on our


CLAYTON DYESS

MAY 2018 SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON

On April 2, 2018, internationally-recognized television evangelists, James and Betty Robison of Life Today, aired a special interview with Clayton Dyess and his mother, Vera. The program aired internationally on TBN, Daystar, NRB and several other satellite networks and television stations and online at https://lifetoday.org/video/music-with-a-message/.

Clayton shared his music and his life’s calling to minister on the streets, where people would least expect to encounter the gospel. His mother Vera Dyess shared her testimony as to how the Robison’s ministry has impacted her life.

Clayton and his ministry partner wife, Alisha, desire to blanket the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through every form of media possible. They believe that they are called to give their music away, free of charge, and have done so since the beginning of their ministry. Clayton trav-els with a box of CD’s, and sometimes DVD’s, for distribution on site. Through it all, God has been faithful to provide for Clayton, Alisha and their nine children! (Eight now at home with the oldest married and ex-pecting a child.)

Also on April 2, Clayton and Alisha’s 501(c)(3) organization, Music With A Message Ministry, Inc., gave more people the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ by releasing Clayton’s Jesus Is The Key music project and a pre-recorded salvation message via their new site, http://MusicWith-AMessage.Net. Listen to the music and the message at http://musicwith-amessage.net/music/.

James and Betty Robison Clayton Dyess and mother Vera

Life Today

Events page. Most Saturday’s are reserved for family-time and rest.Invite Clayton to your church or special event as a guest musician and/or preacher via our Contact page.

Thank you for your interest in Clayton and Alisha’s Music With A Message Ministry and for your prayers, shares and support!

Clayton Dyass Family


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Back To Your Roots 2018 Set for May 17-19, 2018Campti Field of Dreams, Inc. and the United States Department of Agri-culture Natural Resources Conservation Service will host, Back To Your Roots 2018, a Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Thursday, May 17 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Northwestern State University, Russell Hall.

Back To Your Roots 2018 is a conference designed to empower the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and value-added producers, with envi-ronmentally friendly tools and techniques, that produce more income. The conference features three internationally renowned speakers: Dr. Chuck Fluharty, President and CEO of the Rural Policy Research Institute (5/17), JM Fortier, Farmer and Author, The Market Gardener (5/18), and Joel Salatin, 3rd Generation Farmer and Author of several books includ-ing, “You Can Farm” (5/19).

The conference will begin on Thursday afternoon at the bicentennial farm, Oakland Plantation, followed by a welcome reception at the Nation-al Center for Preservation, Technology, and Training. The event will then move to Northwestern State University Russell Hall. Friday will feature a 1-day Master Class by JM Fortier, where he will share his techniques used to generate $150,000 per year on an acre and a half in vegetable production. Saturday will feature a 1-day Master Class with Joel Salatin where he will discuss in detail how his iconic farm Polyface works and speak in depth about access to land, finances, marketing, staff, partner-ships, fertility management, water management, grazing plans, fencing, and stacking. “Our goal is to provide participants with financially lucra-tive models that are replicable and scalable as we work toward rebuild-ing our local food system,” stated Donna Isaacs, Campti Field of Dreams Executive Director. The event will feature other federal, state and local partners and technical experts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and the LSU AgCenter. Optionalevents include a Farm-To-Table dinner with Chef Desi Bourgeois and a trip to Landry Vineyards for a tour, wine tasting and dinner.

Back To Your Roots, 2018 is free and open to the public but registration is required as seating is limited. For more information, please visit campti-fieldofdreams.org or call 318-521-4998.

Campti Field of Dreams is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in rural communities.

Donna L. A. Isaacs, LEED APExecutive DirectorCampti Field of Dreams, Inc.211 Edenborn StreetCampti, LA 71411Museum: 318-476-2990Farm: 318-476-2202Mobile: 318-521-4998Email: [email protected] Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10In his prayer, Jabez asked God to (1) bless him, (2) help him in his work by extending his lands, (3) be with him in all he did, and (4) keep him from evil and disaster. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God’s blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recre-ation. Obeying him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.

Boise Increases STEM Scholarship Supportby Leah Jackson

Boise Cascade Wood Products of Lena increased the amount of the schol-arships they award to students from central Louisiana who major in en-gineering technology or computer information systems at Northwestern State University. The new commitment doubles the amount awarded to two students each year to $1,000 per year. First preference is given to stu-dents from Northwood High School in Lena, then open to other Rapides or Vernon parish students. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better to qualify.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce that Boise Cascade has in-creased their scholarship amount per year,” said NSU Development Offi-cer Kimberly Gallow. “We are proud to continue the productive partner-ship Boise Cascade forged at NSU and thank them for their commitment to helping students.”

“Manufacturing companies such as Boise Cascade are in need of capable, energetic young professionals that can lead from the front and take con-trol of the wood products future,” said Tommy Peek, Human Resources Generalist for Boise’s Alexandria Operations. “Everything we do and ac-complish at Boise Cascade is driven by analytical performance gained only by the passion and dedication of its driving future. That future lies in the hands of the Demon Demographic.”

Peek said Boise Cascade is looking for young professionals that drive change not only on the analytical or spectral front of engineering, but in people and what it takes to gain emotional /cultural buy-in at the highest level. Those sentiments align with NSU’s commitment to working with industry partners to keep talent in Louisiana and strengthen the state’s economy.

“We believe that our highest, most cherished commodity in manufactur-ing is not the machines or the wood, but the people,” Peek said. “Our future leaders should have a passion for performance and team cohesion. They must have the aptitude and attitude to invoke change for the better-ment of the product we at Boise Cascade provide and the futures that we build. Boise Cascade wants you to engage, provide and lead change and performance at every level possible. This scholarship is our first step in providing that opportunity to future leaders in manufacturing.”

Boise Cascade manufactures and markets engineered wood products with improved structural characteristics that use wood fiber more effi-ciently. Boise Cascade owns and operates the world’s two largest lami-nated veneer lumber (LVL) and I-joist manufacturing plants in Alexandria and White City, Oregon. Using leading edge manufacturing technology, Boise Cascade’s engineered wood products are environmentally friendly and provide engineers, architects, designers and builders with cleaner, simpler and more efficient design options.

Boise Cascade’s Lena plant is home to the company’s manufacturing re-gional office. Located there is an engineered wood product facility and a plywood mill. The plant is one of the two world’s largest laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and I-joist manufacturing plants. Boise Cascade also oper-ates plywood mills in Oakdale and Florien. The company is a participant in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a comprehensive forest man-agement program that is a combination of environmental responsibilities and sound business practices.

“We are extremely grateful to Boise Cascade for their outstanding sup-port of our Engineering Technology programs,” said Dr. Jafar F. Al-Shar-ab, head of NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology. “Enrollment continues to grow in all our ET programs. Such scholarships represent a true manifestation of support to STEM-related fields. In addition, these scholarships will help us to meet the demand for technologists capable of using appropriate basic science including theory, mathematics and com-putational technology in support of Louisiana industry.”

The Northwestern State University Foundation serves the university, its students and faculty by securing financial resources to support scholar-ships, faculty development and academic programming. To learn more visit northwesternalumni.com.


NSU COMMUNITY INTEREST

Boise Cascade Wood Products in Lena doubled the amount of scholarships they will award to students pursuing STEM degrees at Northwestern State University. From left are Dr. Jafar Al-Sharab, head of NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology; Tommy Peek, Human Resources Generalist for Boise’s Alexandria Operations, and NSU Develop-ment Officer Kimberly Gallow.

Demons Rally at StateCapitolMore than 400 Northwestern State University students, faculty, staff and alumni participated in the University of Louisiana System’s Day at the Cap-itol/Live on the Lawn event Wednesday, joining groups from Grambling, Louisiana Tech, McNeese, Nicholls State, Southeastern, UL-Lafayette, UL-Monroe and University of New Orleans who rallied in Baton Rouge to encourage state lawmakers to support TOPS and higher education. The event included student group performances and remarks from students, administrators, lawmakers and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards to encourage the state legislature to prioritize funding for higher education. The University of Louisiana System is the state’s largest higher education system with over 92,000 students enrolled at nine institutions.

CONGRATULATIONSTO ALL

THE GRADUATES!


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