SHREVEPORT – Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education, says she loves attending commencement ceremonies at the state’s various colleges.

Reed soaks up the celebration and joy as graduates walk across the stage and pose for pictures with family members.

As LSU Shreveport’s commencement speaker for the university’s upcoming graduation Dec. 13, she’ll take an active role in celebrating with an institution that’s moving the Board of Regents’ “Louisiana Prospers” plan forward.

“Louisiana Prospers” is a road map toward 60 percent of the state’s working-age population (25-64) obtaining a post-secondary credential beyond a high school diploma, whether it’s a two- or four-year degree or some other form of professional certification. The state hit a record 51 percent this year, up nearly four percentage points from the plan’s start five years ago.

Reed will address an LSUS record graduating class of more than 1,550 graduates when she steps onto the Brookshire Grocery Arena stage.

“My message to our graduates is to seize this moment with the knowledge that you are prepared,” Reed said. “While earning a degree gives you content expertise, it also prepares you to adapt to changing environments, learn new things, discern opportunities and make an impact.

“Those skills will serve our graduates well, but focus on impact – to make a difference in something bigger than us individually. That’s the ultimate goal. It’s exciting to imagine the impact our graduates will have in various disciplines across our state and nation.”

Reed has made that type of an impact along her “zig-zaggy road” of a career “filled with amazing blessings.”

That road has traveled through Washington D.C. as the deputy undersecretary in the U.S. Department of Education during Barack Obama’s presidency and through Colorado as its leader of the state higher education system. She is the only female leader to have served as the head of multiple state’s higher education systems.

But Reed answered the call of her home state in 2018 when she assumed the top position with the Louisiana Board of Regents, something she hopes LSUS graduates will heed sooner or later in their own lives.

The Lake Charles native was named one of the nation’s Top 10 Black higher education leaders by Forbes Magazine in 2023 to top a long list of honors.

“Louisiana needs the talent that LSU Shreveport and all of our institutions are producing,” Reed said. “I hope the graduates will pursue their dreams in our state.

“We need them fully engaged in making a difference for Louisiana, where there are great jobs and wonderful communities. My hope is that every graduate finds meaningful work, wherever that takes them, and that at some point in their professional journey, Louisiana will benefit from their talent.”

Educational and training attainment can be a “lifeboat for Louisiana residents to literally weather any storm,” Reed said, strengthening the state’s education-to-employment pipeline that will create or attract more business to Louisiana.

Reed has found her passion in moving Louisiana’s higher education system forward, and she ultimately hopes graduates find their niche in whichever road they travel.

“Find your passion and work tirelessly to do what brings you joy,” Reed said. “There is nothing like knowing that you’re making a difference in an area about which you care deeply.

“And be prepared to fail, learn and keep going. Success does not come without some failure, but things do work out if we put in the effort and stay the course. Embrace the entrepreneur’s spirit – fail forward and act on the lessons that failure provides.”

Louisiana is gearing up for the return of one of its most beloved seasons: crawfish season. Experts are optimistic that the 2025 season will bring an early and plentiful harvest.

Todd Fontenot, a crawfish specialist with the LSU AgCenter, has been closely monitoring crawfish farms across the state. He shared that crawfish are emerging earlier than they did last year, setting the stage for a strong season ahead.

“We’re seeing a lot of newly hatched crawfish emerging now,” Fontenot said in an interview with WBRZ last week. “Last year, this didn’t happen until mid-December or even January in some areas. This earlier emergence is a very positive sign for farmers and consumers alike.”

The improved weather conditions and early activity in 2024 are encouraging signs for the industry, which plays a vital role in Louisiana’s economy and culture.

Friday, December 20 from 6 to 8pm, Jarrett Bailey will perform at Bailey’s Sandwich Shop. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy some great Christmas music. 

Martin Village Hall invites everyone to come see Santa Tuesday, December 17 from 6-8pm. Enjoy a cookie, cupcake and a cup of hot chocolate. Each child will make a craft sponsored by the Martin Painting Club and receive a goody bag.

Mark your calendars for ornament making with the staff at Mansfield State Historic Site on December 22 from 2-4pm. Participants will make Antebellum holiday traditional ornaments and enjoy hot cocoa.

Men of Courage Red River will not meet during December. The next Man Church will be January 9, 2025 at 6pm at The Shop, 1942 LA 507. 

Have an eye for photography? LSU AgCenter wants your best shots of lawn, gardens, flowers, trees and vegetables. The deadline for entries is April 30, 2025. Entries must be high-resolution digital images and submitted online here.

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For voters in Red River Parish the only thing on the December ballot are four constitutional amendments.

Read the following to understand what your vote means. 

Proposed Amendment 1

BALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to allow the supreme court to sanction a judge upon an investigation by the judiciary commission, and provide that the recommended sanction shall be instituted by the judiciary commission or by a majority of the supreme court, and to provide for the appointment of five members of the judiciary commission?

This amendment would add five new members: two chosen by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two chosen by the Senate President, and one chosen by the Governor. This would make this commission much more political and remove barriers to checks of power between branches of government. This amendment would require an investigation to take place before there can be any disciplinary action for judges and would add “malfeasance while in office” to the list of reasons for disciplinary action. Further, it would remove the confidentiality of the investigative proceedings.

A yes vote would add five political appointees to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, add “malfeasance while in office” to the list of reasons for disciplinary actions, and remove confidentiality of investigations.

A no vote would keep the current members of the commission without any new appointments, keep the confidentiality of investigations, and not add “malfeasance while in office” to the list of reasons for investigations.

Proposed Amendment 2

BALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to require that the legislature wait for at least forty-eight hours prior to concurring in a conference committee report or amendments to a bill appropriating money?

This amendment would add a 48 hour waiting period before legislators in one branch can vote to approve a bill that was changed in the other branch. Additionally, it would add a 48 hour waiting period for amendments to bills that allocate state money. This would give legislators more time to read the changes that were passed in the other branch.

A yes vote would: add a 48 hour waiting period before legislators in one branch can vote to approve a bill that was changed in the other branch, and require legislators to wait 48 hours before voting on bills that decide how to spend state money.

A no vote would: keep current rules for the legislative branch which allows branches to vote on bills as soon as they can, even without enough time for all legislators to read the bills.

Proposed Amendment 3

BALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to allow the legislature to extend a regular session in increments of two days up to a maximum of six days if necessary to pass a bill appropriating money?

This amendment would add five new members: two chosen by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two chosen by the Senate President, and one chosen by the Governor. This would make this commission much more political and remove barriers to checks of power between branches of government. This amendment would require an investigation to take place before there can be any disciplinary action for judges and would add “malfeasance while in office” to the list of reasons for disciplinary action. Further, it would remove the confidentiality of the investigative proceedings.

A yes vote would: allow the legislature to extend the regular legislative session by 2 days at a time to pass a bill that allocates state money.

A no vote would: keep current rules for the legislative branch which does not allow the legislature to extend its regular session, even if there are bills that have not been passed.

Proposed Amendment 4

BALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to eliminate mandatory tax sales for nonpayment of property taxes and require the legislature to provide for such procedures by law; to limit the amount of penalty and interest on delinquent property taxes; and to provide for the postponement of property tax payments under certain circumstances?

This amendment would add a 48 hour waiting period before legislators in one branch can vote to approve a bill that was changed in the other branch. Additionally, it would add a 48 hour waiting period for amendments to bills that allocate state money. This would give legislators more time to read the changes that were passed in the other branch.

A yes vote would: allow the state legislature to postpone property tax payments when there is a declared emergency or allow the tax collector to waive penalties for a good cause.

A no vote would: keep current rules for property taxes, allowing the local parish government to put a lien on the property and auction it at a tax sale, even during declared emergencies.

Source: powercoalition.org

BATON ROUGE (November 27, 2024)- State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is reminding Louisianans about safe home heating practices as our state prepares for the arrival of the strongest cold front of the fall season so far.

“The winter time is traditionally the busiest time for home fires, and unfortunately, when we lose most lives in those home fires,” said Adams, “We need every family to be aware of the fire hazards possible associated with home heating in order to avoid them.”

The SFM’s top home heating safety tips include placing space heaters 3-5 feet away from flammable items like blankets and comforters and plugging them directly into wall outlets as opposed to extension cords and power strips that can overheat and spark a fire. Also, it is advised not to leave candles or open-flame devices, including propane heaters, unattended or in use while sleeping.

In addition, Chief Adams wants to remind Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.

Green Monday is one of the retail industry’s busiest shopping days, usually on the second Monday of December (this year December 9). Like other major retail shopping days like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, it encourages people to shop online, buy last-minute Christmas gifts and take advantage of great deals.

Many people confuse it for an environmentally friendly holiday, but it actually marks the best day for online sales in December. The term was coined by eBay’s Shopping.com in 2007. “Green” refers to the money retailers make that day.

Many retail stores including Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer Green Monday deals. It has become more and more popular over the years with many websites also offering deals and discounts.

After Cyber Monday, Green Monday has grown to be the second biggest online shopping holiday, and spending has increased every year, with it now reaching over $3 billion.

You deserve a career where talent is recognized and rewarded. When your strengths meet our opportunities, great things can happen. Work and learn from the best in the industry in a fulfilling career with exceptional benefits at RoyOMartin. 

RoyOMartin-Plywood in Chopin, La. is hosting a job fair for production team members and industrial electricians in Natchitoches, La., on December 11, 2024, at the MLK Community Center. Attend one of two sessions, at 3:00 or 5:30 p.m. The starting pay for production team members is $16.74 per hour, potentially increasing your pay to $25 per hour. Industrial electricians’ pay is based on experience, up to $43 per hour. 

At RoyOMartin, people are our number one asset. We are committed to keeping them safe and well and supporting them as they learn and grow. That’s not just lip service. It shows in the variety of benefits and industry-leading employee-development programs we offer such as affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, our family medical clinic in Alexandria, La., supplemental insurance options, flexible spending accounts, retirement program and profit sharing, paid time off, and transportation assistance. That’s right, catch the bus each shift at the Shop-a-Lott “the Y!”  

Employee safety is RoyOMartin’s #1 priority. We believe that all accidents can be prevented with our “I Believe in Zero Now” (IBiZ) safety philosophy. Our team members are trained to work safely, from new-hire orientation through ongoing job-specific safety training, and each location has designated safety and occupational health professionals. That’s what makes us one of the safest plywood plants in North America.  

See why 750 people call RoyOMartin-Plywood their work family. Learn more about RoyOMartin’s open positions and apply at royomartin.com/careers. Take advantage of this chance to join the RoyOMartin team at the December 11, 2024, Natchitoches Job Fair at the MLK Community Center at 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. 

Jimmy was born in Atlanta, Georgia in November 1900, the second child of Eugene and Maybelle Mitchell. Maybelle wanted Jimmy to have an education and to have the best possible chances in life, as most parents do. From the time Jimmy was born, Maybelle read to the child. Once old enough to write, Jimmy began writing original stories of adventures in faraway lands. From childhood, through adolescence, and into teenage years, Jimmy continued to create vivid characters in worlds which were sometimes real and other times imaginative.

In September 1922, Jimmy got married against the advice of Maybelle and Eugene. John Marsh, a friend of the couple, was the best man at the wedding. Jimmy’s spouse, nicknamed “Red,” worked in a bootlegging ring and often drank more product than was sold. When juiced up on bootlegged liquor, Red liked to party, carouse, and turned violent toward Jimmy. In December 1922, after less than three months of marriage, Jimmy gave up. The marriage was over, but not legally. At first, Red refused to give Jimmy a divorce. Finally, with a loan from John Marsh, the best man at their wedding, Jimmy was able to get a divorce. Six months later, Jimmy married for a second time.

Jimmy went to work as a reporter for a newspaper called the Atlanta Journal. It was a nice job that Jimmy thoroughly enjoyed. Then, Jimmy injured an ankle which failed to heal as quickly as anyone expected. Unable to walk without crutches, Jimmy had no choice but quit the reporting job. Jimmy’s spouse brought armloads of books into the house to keep Jimmy occupied. Finally, Jimmy’s spouse’s patience was exhausted. Tiring of the constant trips back and forth between their apartment and the public library, Jimmy’s spouse said something to the effect of, “For God’s sake, can’t you write a book instead of reading thousands of them?” With that challenge, Jimmy began writing. For three years, Jimmy wrote, edited, fact-checked, and rewrote. Finally, in 1936, Jimmy published a book that became a bestseller and won the Pulitzer Prize. Three years later, a film was released based on Jimmy’s novel which is now considered one of the greatest films ever made.

Let me back up just a moment. Remember Jimmy remarried six months after the divorce? Jimmy married John Marsh, the best man at her wedding and the man who paid for her divorce. Her wedding? Her divorce? You see, when Jimmy was only three years old, her dress brushed up against an iron grate and caught fire. Luckily, she was unharmed, but the experience was traumatic for her mother who feared that the child’s clothing would catch on fire again someday and she would not be so lucky. From that moment on, her mother dressed her in boys’ clothing. Her brother mockingly nicknamed her Jimmy and, much to her chagrin, the nickname stuck. Jimmy was the nickname of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind.

Sources:

1. The Atlanta Constitution, December 6, 1936, p.12.

2. The Atlanta Journal, August 12, 1949, p.1.

3. The Atlanta Journal, August 16, 1943, p.1.

SHREVEPORT – Calling all forensic scientists and other professionals who work with DNA analysis equipment.

LSUS is hosting two Forensic Human Identification Training sessions Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 using Thermo Fisher Scientific’s QuantStudio 5 and Seqstudio Genetic Analyzer.

“This training provides a unique opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment used in forensic DNA analysis,” said host Dr. Vonny Salim, an assistant professor in biological sciences at LSUS who directs the biotechnology educational laboratory. “The training will provide valuable insights into the latest technologies in forensic DNA analysis, which can open doors for career advancement in forensic science, biomedical research, environmental science and other related fields that are exploring the latest advances in human genome analysis.”

The free training consists of lecture sessions in the morning with select participants receiving hands-on training on the actual equipment in the afternoon.

The Quantstudio 5 training will take place Dec. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon with hands-on training in the afternoon.

Seqstudio training will occur Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with hands-on training to follow.
Registration for both sessions ends Friday, and if participants want to attend the hands-on training following each session, reach out to Salim via email at vonny.salim@lsus.edu.

Participants can attend sessions one or both days and will receive a certification from Thermo Fisher Scientific based on the number of hours attended.

Danielle Jardel, field application scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, will conduct the training sessions in LSUS’s Collaboratory.

The training is free to participants thanks to funding support from the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network through an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medial Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, which provided for the purchase of both instruments and the accompanied training.

While Salim’s biotechnology educational laboratory has hosted similar trainings, this is the first time that members outside the LSUS community have been invited to participate.

“We are excited to collaborate and share the cutting-edge technology available at the LSUS Collaboratory with wider participants,” Salim said. “We aim to connect with scientists in the community who are working not only on human DNA but also on other big data-related fields, such as microbiome studies.

“These areas have broad applications in forensic anthropology, computer science, microbiology, and genetics. In addition to enhancing the technical skills of our participants, we anticipate that the training will foster collaboration with other labs engaged in DNA-related research.”

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is offering new, returning and transfer students an all-in-one resource for navigating the enrollment process.

Registration Rally 2025 will take place Jan. 9, 2025, on NSU’s main campus in Natchitoches where new students will be led through an orientation to learn about helpful campus resources and returning students can get help with registration.

“The registration process can be intimidating, so we’re offering Registration Rally for new and returning students where they can visit one-on-one with NSU personnel for clarity with degree plans, class scheduling, financial aid and any other questions they may have,” said Dr. Greg Handel, executive vice president and provost.

Registration Rally is open to entering freshmen, current students, graduate students and students who have taken classes at another university. Students can ask questions about what majors are right for them and how much it will cost to complete a degree.

“Registration Rally helps students check off all the boxes they need to get started, while also outlining where to go and who to ask when they need help with tutoring, financial aid, disability services or any other challenges that may arise,” said Van Erikson, director of Enrollment Management. “It’s a good start to a successful path to graduation and launching a career.”

To sign up for Registration Rally, visit https://nsu.la/registrationrally.

Over my many years of traveling the country and fishing tournaments, most places and the people that live there are usually friendly. Texas has always held a special place in my heart since I’m from there and there’s nothing like Texan hospitality. Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Arkansas also have some fine folks, but there’s one place you need to proceed with caution; that would be south Louisiana down on the Bayou.

Now let me clarify the last statement. South Louisiana folks, or Cajuns as they like to be called, are some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Most have never met a stranger and most have a big heart willing to share their dinner table with anyone.

But when you get into the swamps and bayous of south Louisiana, the demographics change over to a different kind of soul. These people who live on the swamp see the outside world as infringing on their way of life and do not welcome outsiders with open arms.

I learned this firsthand during a bass tournament just outside of Morgan City. There’s an area down there where Bob’s Bayou Black Marina is located and was the host for this tournament. The minute you pull up to this marina, it’s like going back in time. It has an earie feel to it and reminds you of the movie, “Deliverance.”

It has a feel that makes you very uncomfortable just getting out of the truck and going inside to pay the boat ramp fee. Locals at the ramp give you a look that simply asks, “Are you lost?” But as I entered the store, I noticed a photo on the wall that was signed by Bassmaster Classic Champion Kevin Van Dam (greatest bass angler of all time) which did make me feel a little more at ease.

Now being new to this area, I was looking for information; not about what the bass were biting, but where I could and could not run my 20-foot Ranger bass boat. I had heard stories about anglers getting in trouble in the swamp by fishing areas they were not welcome in.

The gentleman who owned the marina was more than willing to show me on a wall map the areas I should avoid at all costs. Due to horror stories of the past that were embedded in my brain, he had my full attention.

So, now that I had a good idea as to where I could and could not fish, I dropped my boat in the water and, without fear, headed out for a day of fishing looking for the winning stringer of bass.

Now if you want to get lost and test your navigational skills, venture into the swamp and bayous of south Louisiana! All I will say is this, “Thank the Lord for GPS!” Because I can now understand the stories I’ve heard of anglers getting lost. It truly is a maze of waterways and canals that seem to branch off in every direction like a state road map.

While fishing a stretch of a canal, I noticed a house, on stilts of course, just about 50 yards in front of me. As I approached this house, a man walked out holding a 12-gauge shotgun and looking at me in a not so friendly way. He asked me, “Son, are you lost?” I responded with a very kind, “No sir.”

He then informed me that I had two options, “Leave now or stay for dinner and never be heard from again!” I chose the first option and left that area never to return! It was nice of him to offer me dinner, but I did not want to stay for dessert.

I’ve also learned through other’s mistakes when dealing with these so-called swamp people. One such unwritten rule is to never enter a canal that has a gate at the front of it. Another fact is that one place you do not want to be after dark would be the Louisiana swamp! Ask Elite Series Pro Gary Kline who found out firsthand just how spooky the swamp can be when the sun goes down.

Gary also found out first-hand how unwelcoming swamp people can be when he was shot at while practicing for the Bassmaster Classic. So, the next time you’re headed for the bayous of south Louisiana, make sure you know the lay of the land and what areas you might want to avoid.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and just because it’s December, does not mean the fish won’t bite. You just need to slow down with your presentation and be a little more patient. You might not get as many bites, but the ones you catch will be good ones.

Steve Graf

Santa is making a stop at Adeline’s Bed and Breakfast for Cocoa and Cookies on December 8. Multiple times are available–1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Limited spots available. 

The 98th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches is Saturday, December 7. Celebrate the Christmas season in Louisiana’s oldest city. Enjoy the daylong festival filled with music, entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and the famous firework show choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake. Saturday Event Lineup includes: 7am-7pm: Mistletoe Market; 1pm: Festival of Lights Parade and 6pm: Fireworks over Cane River Lake.

Natchitoches Lighted Boat Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 14 at 5pm. See dozens of festively decorated boats glowing against the backdrop of the Cane River Lake. 

Minden churches will host The Live Nativity this Christmas Season in downtown Minden on Saturday, December 21 from 5:30-9pm. It is free and open to the public. It is a walkable event with multiple stations to experience the journey through Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus Christ. Golf Carts will be available to those unable to walk the route. 

Jack Moseley
December 15, 1947 – November 27, 2024
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11am at First Baptist Church in Coushatta.

Add Johnson
April 14, 1926 – November 30, 2024
Funeral services will be held Saturday December 7, 2024 at 11am at Summer Hill B.C. in Evelyn.

By Matt Vines, Journal Sports

COUSHATTA – Red River’s dominance in District 3-2A was rewarded this week with a bevy of all-district selections, including two Most Valuable Player honors.

Senior linebacker Jacob Kellogg took home the Defensive MVP after leading a Bulldogs defense that allowed less than eight points per district contest.

Junior quarterback Malique Smith vastly improved from the start of the season, earning Offensive Co-MVP honors with Mansfield running back Terrell Pegues.

They led a cadre of 10 first-team all-district selections with another nine making second team.

“Kellogg was the leader of our defense, and he set goals for himself week to week and also over the entire season,” said Red River coach Byron Keller. “He’s a hard-nosed, smart linebacker that led the defense to a district championship and playoff run.

“Smith’s maturation from spring football to the end of the season was a joy to be a part of. He progressed and worked hard to get better every day.”

Red River’s coaching staff was also dubbed Staff of the Year after guiding the program to its first district championship since 2005. Red River won a first-round playoff game, slapping Winnfield, 48-6, for its first postseason victory since 2021.

Joining Kellogg on the first-team defense was sophomore defensive lineman Jarvis Whitaker, senior defensive lineman Jayden Stewart, senior defensive back Jomello McDonald, junior defensive back Cameron Jones.

Accompanying Smith on the first-team offense was senior running back Mon’tre’veun Smith, senior receiver Jomello McDonald, senior offensive linemen Kalleon Demery and junior kick returner Warren Bowman.

Bowman was a second-team running back with junior Cedric Moody, junior receiver Carl Lewis, senior offensive linemen Rafe Suggs and Steven Wimberly, and freshman kick returner Lathyn Lewis.

Three Bulldogs earned second-team defense status with sophomore defensive end Johnny Jones, sophomore linebacker Nate Burton, and sophomore free safety Jaren Mitchell.

Eight more Red River players were honorably mentioned – Gaylon Brewer, Germiyah Williams, Jamarion Iverson, Karrington Owens, Quindon Kennedy, Zylon Newman, Ty Cole and Cam Hobley.

A Coushatta youth had the afternoon of a lifetime on Tuesday, December 3, when he ran the toy aisles as the 3-minute smile winner for KTBS.

Phillip “PJ” Sweeny took home carts full of toys and wowed the hosts with his charismatic poise throughout the day.

Sweeny is an 11-year-old who attends Red River Elementary.

Watch PJ gathering his toys in a clip from a KTBS Facebook post.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1YKVoHMdx4/

So many in Coushatta remember the gifted surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Rush. His years at Huckabay Hospital and beyond were important for patients and students who trained under him.

Dr. Jill Rush-Kolodzey, daughter, has made a name for herself as well in the medical community. Now, she and her family are making an important difference for children in our area. RRPJ reported on the development of the We Rock the Spectrum last month. This week, Saturday, December 7, the gym becomes reality.

Rush-Kolodzey told RRPJ, “We are very excited to announce the official Grand Opening of We Rock the Spectrum – Shreveport.” She wanted everyone in Coushatta to join and celebrate the opening of this safe haven to the Shreveport, LA community.

There will be food, fun, music, surprises, and exclusive discounts on open play packages.

Treats & refreshments will be sponsored by My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation! (20% of proceeds will be donated back to MBRTS to fund scholarships for special needs children visiting the gym)

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is excited to announce an opening for the position of Principal at Natchitoches Magnet School. This leadership opportunity is perfect for dedicated and qualified education professionals ready to make a significant impact on one of our district’s amazing schools.

Position: Principal

Location: Natchitoches Magnet School

Application Requirements:

Applicants must meet Louisiana State Department of Education certification requirements or be eligible at the time of application. A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience is required.

Interested applicants should submit a complete application packet, including:

• Letter of application Resume.
• Official transcripts from institutions awarding degrees
• Copy of Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate with principal/educational leadership endorsement
• Three letters of reference (one from the applicant’s immediate supervisor)

Salary: In accordance with the Natchitoches Parish School Board salary schedule.

Deadline to Apply: All application materials must be received by Monday, December 16, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

If eligible, apply at https://www.npsb.la/page/job-openings

For any questions or serious inquiries, please contact 318-352-2358 or LPage@npsb.la

About Natchitoches Parish School Board
The Natchitoches Parish School Board meets the challenges required to raise academic standards and positively impact student achievements throughout all of Natchitoches Parish. We are committed to a a policy of educating children by helping them to develop an awareness and appreciation for the achievements, problems and aspirations of all people in our culturally diverse society.

The probability of greater than 2 inches of rainfall will exist later from today and into early next week across much of the Ark-la-tex.

Rain chances today are near 100% before ending Thursday. 

Rain returns late Friday and continues through early next week. 

There is a 30 to 80% chance of at least 2 inches of rainfall over this time period in Red River Parish. Portions of the parish could see up to 6 inches before the rain comes to an end. 

As of publication, Wednesday’s forecast: Cloudy with periods of rain. Thunder possible. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 95%. Rainfall possibly over 1 inch. High 56F Low 48F.