Natchitoches Police investigate threat that led to the hospital being placed on lockdown
June 30, 2021 July 1, 2021 / NPJ
On June 29, 2021 around 7:30 a.m., an officer working security at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center was notified about a threat that was made the previous day. The nature of the treat led to the hospital being placed on lockdown while detectives investigated the incident. Detectives assigned to the case located the individual who made the comments and they determined that the threat was not credible. The hospital was made aware that the threat was not credible and resumed normal operations.
If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Trent Perritt at (318) 238-3914.
Remember all information given shall remain confidential.
Natchitoches Parish 911 Communications District selects new executive director: Kim Tolliver
June 30, 2021 June 30, 2021 / NPJ	/ 7 Comments
The Natchitoches Parish 911 Commission voted unanimously at a special called meeting on June 29 to approve the hiring of Kim Tolliver as the new executive director of the Natchitoches Parish 911 Communications District.
Willis Carter is retiring after 50 years in public safety. He commuted from his home in Webster Parish for his role as executive director, and Tolliver plans to do the same, although at Tuesday night's meeting she said the commute from Shreveport is substantial and the option for her to move to Natchitoches is on the table.
About Tolliver:
Tolliver was promoted in rank at the Shreveport Fire Department to Chief of Communications in January 2016. As Chief of Communications, she commands and is responsible for all aspects of a division that comprises administration, operations and information technology. The Fire Communications Division is a nationally accredited agency that provides a variety of support services on behalf of the Shreveport Fire Department and functions as Caddo Parish's "Gateway to Public Safety." This division operates as the initial recipient of all 9-1-1 calls originating within Caddo Parish, is responsible for processing all emergency and non-emergency requests for service received by the Shreveport Fire Department and the Caddo 9-1-1 system, and provides dispatching services for the seven Caddo Parish Fire Districts. Chief Tolliver manages a staff of 45 members and a budget of more than $3.9M Continue reading →
The R.W. Norton Art Gallery
4747 Creswell St. Shreveport
http://www.rwnaf.org/
Free and open to all ages
This installment of Kevin Hits the Road will take us to Shreveport's R. W. Norton Art Gallery. The gallery's extensive gardens, children's programs, and varied art collections make it an ideal destination for anyone in the area looking for a day trip only an hour or so drive from Natchitoches.
The gallery's art collection is incredibly eclectic, ranging from modern art to items from Ancient Rome and Egypt. The first thing a visitor sees upon walking in the door is a life size acrylic sculpture of the iconic Marilyn Monroe photograph of her holding her dress down over a grate. The next room holds Western themed sculptures and paintings by Remington, Russell and others. Then there is a Roman Army discharge set in bronze that is well over 1,000 years old. There are 16th century Belgian tapestries depicting Hannibal Crossing the Alps once owned by a French King, as well as collections of photography and WWI & WWII posters. There are over 400 paintings by 100 artists in the gallery's collection. The gallery also houses an extensive collection of rare firearms. The variety is simply amazing.
The R.W. Norton Gallery is also quite family friendly. There are educational programs for children as well as professional development opportunities for teachers.
There is more to the Norton Gallery besides a world-class museum. The Gallery is set in 40 beautifully landscaped acres of gently rolling terrain with over 15,000 plants. The walking path takes visitors past streams, waterfalls, trees and a wide variety of flowers. The botanical gardens are a superb way to cap off a visit to the museum or could be worth a trip by itself.
The R.W. Norton Gallery is one of our state's hidden gems. From art lovers of all ages to gardeners, the Norton offers something for everyone. It is worth a visit!
10U ALLSTAR BASEBALL wins 3rd place in Slidell All-Star Tournament!
June 30, 2021 June 30, 2021 / NPJ
At the beginning of June, Parks & Rec finished their Spring Ball league. As most are aware, usually Parks & Rec produces the All-Star teams of Natchitoches out of the Best of the Best from all age groups for both baseball and softball. This year was quite different due to the 2020 pandemic. Parks & Rec stated they would not be able to take on the financial and time consuming task of coordinating the All-Star teams. They would however support with liability insurance but that was all they could do. Knowing that this is a yearly tradition for both the boys and girls that simply could not be ignored, Coach Diane Dodd stepped 'up to the plate' and took on the giant task all on her own and coordinated every facet of the 10U girls and 10U boys All-Star Teams.
Join us in congratulating our 10U baseball team that went all the way to Slidell, Louisiana to represent Natchitoches in the 2021 All-Star Tournament. These boys played their hearts out in the grueling heat. They won their first game against the L.A. Swamp Bats 13-4 and their next game against the L.A. Trojans 20-3. They faced the L.A. Trojans again and defeated them 14-5. Eventually they entered into their 2nd bracket game against the Live Oak All-Stars and lost 6-7. Our boys finished the tournament with a 3-1 record placing them in 3rd place and qualifying them for the All-Star World Series. Coach Diane Dodd says, "If this hadn't been a 'single elimination tournament', our boys would have taken the entire tournament. They only lost by one point to the team that took the tournament (Live Oak All-Stars)."
Coach Dodd also commends all the parents of the boys saying, "As soon as I notified them that their sons made All-Stars and we needed assistance in seeking sponsors and monies to make this event a successful event, immediately the parents stepped up and within a week had collected all the funds! From tournament fees all the way down to socks and belts. Coach Dodd also gives a special thank you to the parents-turned coaches- who really took the handle since Coach Dodd had a prior commitment with her travel ball team the weekend of the All-Stars tournament. The Boys 10U All-Stars win would not have happened without Buddy Proctor, Russ Guilliams, and Nolan Jones stepping up and acting as Coaches and Mentors.
And lastly, to our sponsors who didn't hesitate to donate once they heard their donations were being used to make dreams happen for our young boys, we offer grateful hearts. When we come together as a community we sure can make things happen.
1. Rutledge Plumbing (Bill & Nancy)
2. Summer Designs ( Natchitoches La.) All-Star Logo Design
3. Mayeaux's Steak and Seafood
4. Pete Wardell (Natchitoches Family Eye Center)
5. Dave & Jennifer Thorton
6. Shannon & Tiffany Bolton
Front and back views of t-shirt on white background
Goldonna News – June 30, 2021
Tally Street in Goldonna is where you find Pastor Timmy Harris tending to his flock. Goldonna Assembly of God welcomed him as Pastor almost five years ago. His love for the community runs deep as this is where he was reared.
When asked what was one of his favorite things about his congregation was he replied, "Much like all other small communities I reckon it is set in its ways but I challenge the old ways prayerfully to get people to evaluate their own eternal security!"
He went on to share, "Life is only found in Jesus Christ death burial and resurrection. I believe people have to be challenged to do better in life, grow stronger in their faith and to insure that their faith is in the right thing. "Jesus"
Goldonna Assembly of God Church recently celebrated its 80th anniversary and recently completed an entire remodel. Pastor Harris and his flock are excited and they're looking forward to what God has in store next! They encourage all to come and join in worship. There are several opportunities listed below:
*Sunday Morning Sunday School starts at 9:45, Service at 11:00
*Sunday Night Services start at 5:00
*Tuesday Night Bible Study starts at 6:00, Training for Christian Life
*Wednesday Night Services start at 6:00 Study in Revelation
*Thursday Night Hour of Power, private prayer from 7:00 to 8:00
Pastor Harris invites you to come taste and see that the Lord is good!
They will also be hosting a men's prayer breakfast on August 14th starting at 8:00am. This will be a special time for the men of the community to meet and pray.
Winnfield Assembly of God will also be hosting a Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School starting July 19-23 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. Reverend Shaun Garner invites everyone in the area to join them. They will have Chi Alpha Students from LA Tech to help for their summer mission trip. Rev Garner can be reached at 318-413-7693 and there is a QR code below for online registration.
If you have news to report please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com
Opportunity: ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – NCHS
June 30, 2021 / NPJ
POSITION: ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
SITE LOCATION: NATCHITOCHES CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
SALARY: Starting salary: According to parish school salary schedule.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be certified or eligible at the time of the application according to Louisiana State Department of Education requirements and must have 5 years of teaching experience.
WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
310 Royal Street, P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
DEADLINE: Thursday, July 8, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume', official transcripts from institutions awarding degrees, a copy of Louisiana Teacher's Certificate with principal/education leadership endorsement, three (3) letters of reference, (one being from your immediate supervisor).
LSMSA students will benefit from newly signed articulation agreement with LSUS
The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts recently signed a course articulation agreement with Louisiana State University at Shreveport. This will ensure a smooth transition for LSMSA graduates into full-time study at LSUS by automatically transferring approved high-school credits into credit at the university.
"This agreement will allow our students to step into the college classroom with their potential maximized for success," said Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton.
The LSUS strategic plan includes the mission to develop partnerships with high schools to prepare students for postsecondary education.
"We envisage these partnerships as dynamic, based on meaningful intellectual exchange between our faculty and our partner high schools, with field trips, visiting speakers, and lecture series," said Dr Elisabeth Liebert, associate dean of Arts and Sciences at LSUS. "LSMSA prepares outstanding graduates. Many of them are eligible for LSUS's top-flight guaranteed scholarship, the Louisiana Scholarship, which offers full tuition, as well as a stipend to purchase textbooks."
The plan is to bring LSMSA students to the LSUS campus this Fall to explore their Cyber Collaboratory facilities.
"We hope that our articulation agreement – in addition to new facilities and cutting-edge technologies, such as our Cyber Collaboratory and HPE lab – will bring more of these top students to our campus," said Liebert. Continue reading →
NPSB Special Ed Community Outreach
The Natchitoches Parish School Board will hold its last Community Outreach Meeting via Zoom on Thursday, July 1 at 4 pm on Special Education practices in Natchitoches Parish.
Disability Rights Louisiana (DRLA)'s Managing Attorney, Jonathan Trunnell, will be discussing special education in schools and getting input from parents on special education practices in the Natchitoches Parish school system. We need your help in spreading this news on social media. Here is the zoom information:
You can visit this link to attend:
https://zoom.us/j/99182378657?pwd=K0J0WEprVFZXQUVrdklGUlB4ek1VQT09
If you have any questions, you can contact Jonathan Trunnell at 504-522-2337.
Oscar at Sea
By Brad Dison
In May of 1941, several months before the United States officially entered World War II, Nazi Germany's battleship Bismarck and a heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen scoured the Atlantic Ocean on a raiding mission to thwart Allied shipping between the United States and Great Britain. On May 24, the two ships entered into battle with two Royal Navy ships, the British battleship HMS Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser HMS Hood, nicknamed "the Mighty Hood," in what is now referred to as the Battle of Denmark Strait.
The battle has been memorialized in books, songs, films, and other media including Johnny Horton's 1960 hit song "Sink the Bismarck." In the song, Johnny Horton sang that "The Bismarck was the fastest ship that ever sailed the sea, on her deck were guns as big as steers and shells as big as trees," followed by the war cry "We gotta sink the Bismarck cause the world depends on us."
Within the first ten minutes of the battle, one of the Bismarck's "shells as big as trees" struck the Hood near one of its ammunition magazines. Within seconds, the Hood exploded with a violent shudder and sank. In less than thirteen minutes after the Hood fired its first shot, as Johnny Horton sang, "The Mighty Hood went down." Only three of the Hood's 1,418 sailors survived the sinking.
News of the Hood's fate was devastating to British moral, but they soon rallied. The Royal Navy was determined to sink the Bismarck. It became their prime target. Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered all ships in the region to search for the Bismarck. Continue reading →
Rotary Club learns about Northwest Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Dr. Gayle Flowers of Northwest Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center spoke to Rotary Club of Natchitoches on June 29. As a part of the federal government's Defense Logistics Agency, the Center began in 1987 for the purpose of expanding the economy of northwest Louisiana and serving free of charge 10 northwest parishes.
Pictured from left are Rotary President Paul Rinehart, Flowers, and President-elect Tommy Caldwell (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).
Dr. Christopher Lyles named director of the School of Biological and Physical Sciences at NSU
June 30, 2021 / NPJ	/ 2 Comments
Dr. Christopher Lyles has been named director of the School of Biological and Physical Sciences at Northwestern State University effective July 1. His appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Lyles has been interim director since 2019.
"Dr. Lyles has been a valuable member of the School of Biological and Physical Sciences since joining the faculty in 2015. His impact has grown tremendously over the past six years," said Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Biology Dr. Francene Lemoine. "I am extremely appreciative of the exemplary leadership Dr. Lyles has shown over the past two years as he directed the School. To keep such a large academic and service unit not only afloat but growing and thriving during the trying times we have faced recently is incredibly impressive."
Lyles has been a member of NSU's School of Biological and Physical Sciences faculty since 2015. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at NSU in 2004, a master's degree in marine and environmental biology at Nicholls State University in 2006 and a doctorate in microbiology from the University of Oklahoma in 2013.
"I thank (Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs) Dr. Greg Handel and Dr. Francene Lemoine for this opportunity," said Lyles. "I look forward to continuing to work with the faculty and the School of Biological and Physical Sciences and my colleagues throughout the university to continue providing strong academic programs for our students that prepare them for life after college."
The school offers bachelor's programs in applied microbiology, biology and physical science with several concentrations, pre-professional programs and an associate degree program in veterinary technology.
Lyles has been an active researcher, research mentor to undergraduate students and presenter. Since joining the faculty at NSU he has served on several academic committees and been involved with alumni outreach, grant-writing and service-learning projects.
As interim director, Lyles and faculty in the school have collaborated with the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences and other areas to develop a certificate program in Remote Systems Science and Technology. The program received a grant from AEP/SWEPCO for $90,000 to build a new drone laboratory in Kyser.
The school received a Board of Regents enhancement grant for $90,000 to purchase new analytical equipment for new experiential learning labs. Several new positions were developed in biology including two Grady Erwin Nature Reserve liaisons, coordinators for the departments of Biology and Applied Microbiology as well as Physical Science, and several faculty appointments to coordinate and supervise multiple laboratory classes.
Lyles encouraged faculty to find ways to teach online and 'flex' classes during the pandemic. This led to successful implementation of new online chemistry classes. Several new classes that focused on professional school preparation as well as increasing the number of natural science electives were added. The school also increased its community engagement as well as media presence.
"None of the accomplishments of the past two years would have been possible without the drive and determination of the amazing faculty in the School of Biological and Physical Sciences," said Lyles.
Northwestern State's Jackson named Southland Conference Women's Track Student-Athlete of the Year
Northwestern State sprinter Natashia Jackson won just about every possible Southland Conference honor with 19 career gold medals and the league's indoor 400 meters record along with seven different iterations of the conference's indoor and outdoor Athlete and/or Runner of the Year.
But Jackson draws attention to the "student" part of student-athlete as well.
The outgoing senior is the Southland Conference Women's Student-Athlete of the Year, the league announced Tuesday.
Jackson has maintained a 4.0 GPA in her master's program of homeland security this year after earning an undergraduate degree in psychology this December.
The Houston, Texas, native captured three gold medals and one silver at the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships, which increased her career SLC gold medal count to 19, second-most in league history.
She broke her own school 400 meters record twice, first at the SLC Outdoor Championships where she dove for gold to beat Stephen F. Austin's Imani Nave. Continue reading →
Notice of Death – June 29, 2021
NATCHITOCHES:
Randy Monette
June 26, 1966 – June 26, 2021
Service: Thursday, July 1 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Elvira Comite
Service: Friday, July 2 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Gabriel Clark
October 09, 1958 – June 28, 2021
Service: Arrangements TBA
Jett Houston Cook
December 05, 1919 – June 24, 2021
Service: Thursday, July 1 at 1 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Lawrence Spikes
Arrangements TBA
SABINE:
Jerry Carlton Lehr
WINN:
Edward Morris, Jr.
Service: Saturday, July 3 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 117 MLK Drive in Winnfield
Booker T. Chatman
Service: Wednesday, June 30 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 117 MLK Drive in Winnfield
Lois Corbitt
July 22, 1934 – June 25, 2021
Service: Thursday, July 1 at 1 pm at Iatt Baptist Church
Jo Nell Windham Stewart
Service: Friday, July 2 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church of Winnfield
City Council declares June 29 as Dr. Chris Maggio Day, encourages public to wear purple
The Natchitoches City Council presented Dr. Chris Maggio with a proclamation at its meeting Monday night, June 28, honoring him on his retirement as President of Northwestern State University and declaring June 29, 2021 as Dr. Chris Maggio Day in the City Of Natchitoches.
The City encourages the public to wear purple on Tuesday, June 29 to celebrate Dr. Chris Maggio Day in the City!
Dr. Maggio has served as president of Northwestern State University since 2017 and as a member of the faculty, staff and administration at NSU for 33 years. In honor of his retirement and dedication to the community, the City would like to dedicate this day to him and encourage all citizens to wear purple on this day.
Agenda items:
PLANNING & ZONING – FINAL:
Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing
Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows:
Lot Northwest Corner Front Street & Touline Street, 194.9 Feet Front Of Front Street By 162 Feet. (506 & 512 Front St.)
Mayeaux's Steak and Seafood
ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Award The Bid For The Runway 7-25 And Taxiway B-1 Reconstruction Project At Natchitoches Regional Airport
(Bid No. 0636)
Amend the 2021 – 2022 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues and Expenditures.
Approve The Terms And Form Of A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between The City Of Natchitoches And Natchitoches Community Alliance Foundation, Inc. D/B/A Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) Between The City Of Natchitoches And Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance Which Will Provide For A Facade Grant Program For Texas Street And Washington Street Corridors And Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.
Execute A Memorandum Of Understanding Between The City Of Natchitoches ("City") And The Boys And Girls Clubs Of Acadiana, ("BGC), Whereby BGC Will Operate Within The Ben Johnson Auditorium Providing Educational And Recreational Programming For A Period Of Three Years, Providing For Funding From The City For BGC Programming, And Providing For Other Matters Related Thereto.
RESOLUTIONS:
Enter Into A Maintenance Agreement, Including Mowing And Litter Pickup, With The State Of Louisiana, Department Of Transportation And Development, Office Of Engineering Beginning July 1, 2021 Through June 30, 2022.
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be July 12, 2021.
The Offices of the City of Natchitoches will be CLOSED Monday, July 5, 2021 in honor of Independence Day.
Wear purple TODAY in honor of Dr. Chris Maggio's retirement from NSU
Join the City of Natchitoches TODAY, June 29, to celebrate Dr. Chris Maggio Day in the City! Dr. Maggio has served as president of Northwestern State University since 2017 and as a member of the faculty, staff and administration at NSU for 33 years. In honor of his retirement and dedication to the community, the City would like to dedicate this day to him and encourage all citizens to wear purple on this day.
City Sneak Peak: Public Works Department Video
The Natchitoches Public Works Department works daily serving our great city. Check out this video for a small glimpse into their day to day operations.
The River Blackout Bingo Game – WINNER!
Join Trini & Ashley LIVE for River Blackout Bingo! Your chance to win begins at 7am Tuesday morning on 94.9 The River.
Chris Garlington stopped by to pick up is Blackout Bingo cash with Trini & Ashley. Chris had a Blackout Bingo on Thursday and was the first to call the River Line and claim the cash.
To obtain you Virtual Bingo Card, just TEXT the following and be ready to play. Card availability opens at 6:45am Tuesday morning. Cards are limited, so get your card ASAP!
TEXT "riverbingo" (all one word) to 21000
Trini & Ashley will start call the numbers starting at 7:15am.
If you have a Blackout Bingo, be the first caller to the River Lines: 318-581-4025.
The first Blackout Bingo to call and verify their card as a winning card wins the jackpot!
Natchitoches Parish: Federal Extension of Eviction and Foreclosure Moratoriums Extended
Gov. John Bel Edwards supports the Biden administration's extension of the federal eviction moratorium until July 31, 2021. He encourages all renters, homeowners and landlords who are experiencing ongoing economic hardship due to COVID-19 to take immediate steps to apply for state assistance that will help them address their housing challenges.
"We are grateful to President Joe Biden and his administration for extending this additional lifeline to those who are still struggling due to the pandemic," said Gov. Edwards. "It's important that everyone who needs this additional time act as soon as possible to secure state assistance or explore mortgage payment options because this is intended to be the final federal extension. While this will prevent evictions and ensure housing stability for another month, there are steps renters and homeowners who are struggling financially due to COVID-19 can and should take now to protect themselves from possible eviction or foreclosure beyond this extension. Later this summer, Louisiana will receive $146.7 million funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to assist homeowners economically impacted by the pandemic."
Renters and Landlords
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a one-month extension of the eviction moratorium for renters impacted by COVID-19 until July 31.
About 50,000 renters and landlords have already applied for assistance through Louisiana's Emergency Rental Assistance Program and similar programs administered by Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes. More than $10.7 million has been awarded to renters and landlords through the state-administered emergency rental assistance program. The program, which expanded in May to include utility assistance, provides funding support for past-due rent and utility fees dating back to April 2020, as well as future rent for eligible applicants. For more information about Louisiana's Emergency Rental Assistance program and how to access locally administered programs, visit LAStateRent.com or call 877.459.6555 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Federal agencies that back mortgages—the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Agriculture—have extended their respective foreclosure moratoriums until July 31, 2021. The Federal Housing Finance Agency also extended the foreclosure moratorium for mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac until July 31, 2021. While state programs for homeowner assistance are still in the planning stages, homeowners who are struggling financially can temporarily pause or reduce their mortgage payments by entering into a forbearance agreement with their lenders.
Forbearance allows homeowners to repay missed payments over time or when they refinance or sell their homes, and relief options depend on who owns or backs a mortgage, the programs they offer, and the eligibility criteria they set. To learn whether a mortgage is backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the federal government, homeowners can contact their loan servicer or search online. Homeowners without federally backed mortgages who are behind on payments are urged to contact their mortgage servicers to determine any forbearance options. Visit the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau website for more information on the moratorium extension and preventing foreclosure.
Under the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, servicers of federally backed mortgages must provide forbearance for borrowers with COVID-related hardships for up to two consecutive 180-day periods. HUD, VA and USDA will continue allowing homeowners to enter into COVID-related forbearance through Sept. 30, 2021, while homeowners with Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-backed mortgages also continue to be eligible for COVID-related forbearance. HUD, VA and USDA will announce additional steps in July to offer borrowers payment reduction options that enable more homeowners to stay in their homes.
Lastly, Louisiana is set to receive $146.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds later this summer as part of the Homeowner Assistance Fund, which is designed to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Louisiana is awaiting final guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department to launch the program.
NCHS Graduates: Diplomas are ready for pickup
2021 NCHS Graduates can pick up diplomas at NCHS beginning Tuesday, June 29 from 8 am – 2 pm each day. Students need to present an ID in order to receive their diploma and will need to sign for them when they come. NCHS can not give diplomas to parents without the student present.
Fourth Annual LA Young Professionals Conference to Be Held in Natchitoches
The Natchitoches Young Professionals, an initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, is set to host the fourth annual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference Friday, July 9th. The conference will be held at the Chateau Saint Denis, from 8 a.m. to 3p.m. Though the conference is marketed toward young professionals, professionals from all ages and industries are invited to attend the conference. The conference is to provide a full day of valuable professional development, along with the opportunity to engage in networking and idea-sharing with professionals from around the state.
"Employers and employees will both find real value in the session topics for this one-day conference.," states NYP Immediate Past Chair and Chamber Marketing Director Maggie Matuschka. "I think this is one of our best speaker lineups yet!"
Author, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champion, and licensed attorney, Dr. LaToya Burrell will deliver the keynote address. Burrell's keynote is entitled – "Understanding and Embracing DEI Efforts in the Workplace: Your Guide to Uncomfortable Conversations". Additional session speakers and topics are as follows:
"How to Crush Any Interview" with Jeremy Bennett, Owner of J Bennett Recruiting. Even if you're not looking for a job, you're always being interviewed. Whether it's a new job, a new location, or a promotion, be ready with training from an expert.
"Taking Learning & Leadership to the Next Level" with a Leadership Programs Panel featuring Anthony Moore, Josh Howard, Sheree Blanchard, and Van Erikson. The panel will discuss how leadership programs help transform your professional life and your community.
"Leading from the Cheap Seats" with Dr. Nikki Ceaser Small, Associate Dean of Curriculum and Assessment at Dallas College. Dr. Small will present on the importance of leadership no matter the position or title, and how that mindset can help you manage up or manage down.
"What's Your Social Status?" with Emily Zering, Instructor at Northwestern State University in the Department of New Media, Journalism & Communication Arts. Ms. Zering will discuss effectively launching your business on new and emerging social media channels.
"Rum Runners" with Dr. Tait Martin, President & CEO at Wildcat Brothers Distillery. Learn how to run with your brand story.
"Moving the Needle; taking an active role in the development of your community." with Kelsea McCrary. McCrary is the Director of Civic Design and the Cultural Districts Program for the Louisiana Division of the Arts in Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser's Office of Cultural Development.