Nolton Causey and members of the First United Methodist Men’s Group in Natchitoches are hosting their second annual benefit tournament raise money for earthquake relief in Nepali.

This year’s second annual benefit tournament — the “Pull” Together Sporting Clay Tournament” on June 20 at the Natchitoches Parish Shooting Range — carries more urgency since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake April 25 in Nepal. That quake has been followed by thousands of aftershocks and another major quake on May 12 measuring 7.3 in magnitude.

“The proceeds from last year’s tournament went to provide scholarships for girls in Nepal,” said Causey, “and the money was raised for the elementary, junior high, high school students or further. This year we’ll use some of the money for earthquake relief.”

Entrants in this year’s tournament have the choice of making their checks ($125 individual registration or $400 for four-person team) to ENG (for scholarships) or ENG “Earthquake Relief.” Women and girls in Nepal, according to a United Nations report, are disadvantaged, and in the aftermath of a disaster, the risk of sexual violence, exploitation and abuse, trafficking and forced prostitution and marriage may be heightened.

What: “Pull” Together Sporting Clay Tournament

When: Saturday, June 20

Where: Natchitoches Parish Shooting Range, 635 Tauzin Island Road

Benefit: Empower Nepali Girls Foundation (scholarships and earthquake relief)

Sponsor: United Methodist Men of First UMC, Natchitoches

Registration: 8 a.m. (form: tinyurl.com/pulltogethertournament)

Shooting: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; shooters under 17 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian

Four-person team: $400

Individual registration: $125

Father-child cost: $200

Non-shooter lunch: $10

Contact: Nolton Causey, 318-352-6182

The Form: Pull Together Entry Form 2015

On March 17, 2014, the Natchitoches Parish Council passed Ordinance #06-2014 that added roads into the Parish System by taking in all roads that provide access to a cemetery and/or church. Those who attended the public meeting held for the Ordinance supported the action overwhelmingly and the Ordinance passed unanimously. Among the reasons offered in support of the Ordinance was that the Parish had been maintaining some of the cemetery roads for years; that some of these cemeteries were the final resting places for loved ones of Parish residents who can’t get access to their family plots without assistance from the Parish; and that some of the cemeteries date back to the Civil War and there is a need to preserve our history.

It is hard to argue against some of these points. And, the need to honor our dead should always be a matter of utmost importance and is not a subject to be disputed. However, there are some facts about Ordinance #06-2014 that were not presented at the meeting that the residents of the Parish should be aware of.

1. The Ordinance, in essence, is an unfunded mandate that puts cemetery and church roads in direct competition for the limited (and dwindling) resources of our Department of Public Works. It does not provide for a dedicated source of revenue for the maintenance of cemetery and church roads. The Ordinance also fails to restrict the level of maintenance that the Parish must provide to the cemeteries and churches. If a cemetery or church board calls the Parish for assistance on a monthly basis, they expect the Parish to do the work requested and cite the Ordinance as justification. The Ordinance mandates the Department of Public Works to pull equipment and staff off of public road maintenance jobs for the maintenance of private cemetery and church roads.

2. The Ordinance states that all cemetery and church roads being adopted into the System had been evaluated and found to meet the requirements of the existing ordinance for addition to the System. As the Director of Public Works stated for the record, that statement is false. Some of the cemetery roads had been evaluated but none of them met the requirements.

3. If you do a search for churches in Natchitoches Parish on yellowpages.com, you’ll find a listing of over 100 churches, a majority of which are located within the City of Natchitoches. Not only does the Ordinance not define what qualifies as a church, it doesn’t exclude those churches located within the boundaries of a municipality. Under this Ordinance, any group can declare themselves a church and require the Parish to maintain its access road regardless of how remote the area the church is located.

4. There are over 190 cemeteries in Natchitoches Parish. You can read about many of them at the website http://www.la-cemeteries.com. According to the website, 13 of them are located in Natchitoches. Again, the Ordinance doesn’t exclude those cemeteries located within the boundaries of a municipality.

5. The plight of abandoned or poorly maintained cemeteries is not unique to Natchitoches Parish. In 2003, the Town of Arcadia was cited by the Legislative Auditor’s Office for misuse of public funds when it discovered that the Town had been maintaining 3 private cemeteries. The Town sought an Opinion from the Attorney General Office in 2005 seeking guidance on how to legally maintain private cemeteries. In its Opinion 05-0131, the A. G. advised the Town that it must acquire ownership of the cemetery in order to maintain it legally. It could accomplish this through expropriation (the taking of property rights in the exercise of a governing authority’s sovereignty), acquisitive prescription (requires uninterrupted possession for 30 years without title or good faith), or through purchase of the property. Similarly, Winn Parish sought an opinion in 1990 defining the difference between public and private cemeteries with regard to the expenditure of public funds for their maintenance.

5. Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, St. Mary and St. Landry Parish have all created Cemetery Districts. The Districts give these five Parishes the right to acquire, establish, operate and maintain public cemeteries within the Districts. All of the Districts except for Rapides Parish allow for an ad valorem tax to support their District. Rapides Parish relies on donations and grants for the funding of its District. Both the Grant and LaSalle Districts prohibit acquisition by expropriation. And, St. Mary and Rapides Parish both exclude incorporated areas from their Districts.

6. At the meeting, Parish President Rick Nowlin stated that he wasn’t against the Parish’s assistance in maintaining cemetery roads but the Parish must follow the law. Ordinance #06-2014 does not accomplish this. Councilmen Chris Paige and John Salter both stated that some of these roads had been maintained by the Parish for years but there are no records to show that the roads were taken into the system through expropriation or purchase. So, one must assume that the roads were taken into the system by acquisitive prescription which begs the question, what other property has the Parish taken into its system without the landowners knowledge and consent?

Just because something was always done in the past doesn’t mean that we should continue to do it and it certainly doesn’t mean that it was legal. In light of the limited financial resources of our Department of Public Works, all residents of the Parish are encouraged to contact their Parish Councilman and ask them to fix this well-intended but ill-conceived Ordinance.

by J. Q. Collectif

NATCHITOCHES – Norm Hicks has missed very few Northwestern State football games, home or away, in the past four decades, just one way he’s a constant presence around NSU Athletics year after year.

The retired military veteran was pulled out of the crowd and into the spotlight recently as a highlight of the annual Demon Legends Dinner bringing together many loyal supporters of Northwestern State athletics at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel’s Riverdome. Hicks was presented the 2015 Joe Delaney Distinguished Supporter Award.

“A long-time supporter, Norm has continued to be more involved with our department, aiding our efforts in countless ways,” said associate athletic director Adam Jonson, executive director of the Demons Unlimited Fund. “He does much more than just provide financial support by assisting several sports in their fundraising efforts and displaying an extraordinary amount of passion for NSU.”

A few years back, Hicks shared the KZBL Radio “Biggest Demon Fan Award” with local educator Michael Landry, presented during the NSU basketball season. It’s unusual to scan the crowd at any home athletic competition and not find Hicks in some purple gear.

He’s also front-and-center helping with fundraisers, cookouts and other endeavors – including providing temporary housing at times for incoming coaches and staff, notably graduate assistants while they search for more permanent accommodations.

“I was very surprised, as I told Adam when I was presented with the award, because I think there are many other more deserving people,” said Hicks. “I’ve grown to have a great relationship with many of the coaches and staff members, and I’m pretty sure the blood in my veins is Demon purple. This is an awesome honor – it means a lot to me.”

Hicks has become especially close friends with third-year Demon head football coach Jay Thomas.

“Big Norm, he’s the best,” said Thomas. “He’s become like part of our staff, that’s how helpful he’s been. The bigger thing is he’s an even better friend to all of us, than he is a supporter, and he’s awesome in that regard. We enjoy him being part of our Demon family and we really love the guy.”

Officials with the La. Department of Transportation & Development report that La. Hwy 71 at the Saline Bayou Bridge at the Natchitoches/Winnfield Parish Line will be closing today around 1 p.m.

This to advise that we have closed Bayou Pierre due to high water and We have also included Hymes Road closure due to high water.

All roads listed still remain closed at this time.

Good Hope Road [water]

Johnson Chute Road, between Johnson Chute and LA-485 [water]

Allen – Marthaville Road, between Brandon Cotton Road and Durr School Road [water]

Old River on Cypress End [ water ]

We will provide further updates as they become available.  For more information, please call the Parish Highway Department at 318-357-2200.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that LA 1226, just north of the intersection of LA 1227 in Natchitoches Parish, is closed to all vehicular traffic, EFFECTIVE 6:00 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015, due to rising flood waters. This closure will remain in effect indefinitely.

Permit/Detour Section
There will be no detour.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Call (318) 561-5100 or (800) 542-3509 or 511 or visit www.511LA.org for additional information. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website, www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, the LA DOTD Facebook page, or the LA DOTD Twitter page, @Alex Traffic for further information.

Project Contact
Jerry Burnaman, Parish Maintenance Specialist
LA DOTD, District 08
318-880-4686 (cell)

The following story shared from the Washington Post could effect all of us in Natchitoches Parish.  For full story, please see link at the bottom of the page.

The U.S. Postal Service will have to roll back a portion of its largest rate increase in 11 years after a federal court ruled that the higher postage prices in place since January 2014 can’t be permanent.

Postal regulators had agreed to a 3-cent emergency postage hike for first-class letters, to 49 cents from 46 cents, after the Postal Service said it needed to recoup billions of dollars it lost during the recession. The 4.3 percent increase came on top of the customary 1.7 percent postage prices have risen to adjust for inflation.

But regulators set a cap on the amount of revenue USPS could recoup with the higher prices. The cap will be reached this summer.

FULL WASHINGTON POST STORY HERE

A special-called meeting of the Natchitoches Parish School Board on Monday, June 8, at 5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Central Office of the Natchitoches Parish School Board Office. – Press Release

Public Document from Thursday’s meeting.

The Red River is currently at a height not seen in Shreveport since 1945

As a result of a changing river over time, we continue to make adjustments to our daily river forecast based on new flow readings from the COE and the USGS. Here is the latest on the Red River flooding and forecast.

SHREVEPORT: Current Stage is 34.8 feet. Crest Sunday afternoon through Monday at 36.5 feet, and potentially above 36 feet for up to 5 days.

COUSHATTA: Current Stage is 36.1 feet. Crest Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday at 38.5 feet.

GRANDE CORE: Current Stage is 38.7 feet. Crest Thursday Afternoon through Friday at 42.5 feet.

GENERAL IMPACTS:

1. Some power may have to be cut to homes in Natchitoches Parish

2. Red Cross working with partners and local authorities to provide shelter and assitance.

3. Severe back water flooding of agricultural land along and adjacent to the river.

4. Possible loss of livestock (if not moved) and farm equipment.

5. Subdivisions may become cut off by flood waters, with some homes inundated.

6. Secondary roads may become inundated and cutoff.

7. Some railroads may become flooded.

8. Recreational activities will be limited on the Red River through the summer.

9. Sheriff’s office providing boats for evacuations.

10. City of Natchitoches to provide sandbags.

11. Natchitoches Parish Government to provide sandbags.

Today,  Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr. assigned extra patrols of areas of Natchitoches Parish
effected by the potential flooding of Red River and Black Lake.

These deputies will be assigned to areas that are currently experiencing high water conditions at this time.

Deputies will patrol these areas in an effort to reduce suspicious activity and to assist citizens if needed.

The latest advisory from NWS Shreveport on Friday, forecasts/crest on Thursday or Friday of next week at 42.5.

Flood Stage is 33 feet.  Current Stage:  38.7 Moderate.

Deputies will also be reporting current conditions of the flooding to NPSO 911 Center to forward to the Natchitoches
Office of Homeland Security & Office of Emergency Preparedness.

Press Release:NPSO

Northwestern State University Summer Dinner Theatre will present “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” June 10-13 and 17-20 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 6 p.m. and the show getting underway at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for dinner and the show. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (318) 357-4218 or (318) 357-4483.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is the second-longest running Off Broadway musical. The musical was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award as Outstanding Off-Broadway musical in 1997. The play explores everything you ever secretly thought about love, sex and marriage but were afraid to admit. Six actors play almost 60 roles in a collection of vignettes and songs that journey from first date through marriage and dating again late in life. Pia Wyatt is the director and choreographer and Dr. Corey Trahan is musical director.

“The play will have a number of situations that people can identify with,” said Wyatt. “Even though it is a light-hearted musical comedy, it will be quite challenging for the actors. They will play a number of different roles and will stretch their acting ability.”

The cast is Marissa McMickens of Pineville, Annie Dauzat of Watson, Grace Brumfield of Baton Rouge, Luke Matherne of Monroe, Austin Pecot of Luling and Chase Miller of West Monroe. Savannah Callais of Cut Off is stage manager, Erika Stanford of Opelousas is assistant stage manager and Mary Reed of Rogers, Arkansas, is costume designer.

Caption

The hit Off-Broadway musical “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” will be presented by Northwestern State University Summer Dinner Theatre June 10-13 and 17-20 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 6 p.m. and the show getting underway at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for dinner and the show. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (318) 357-4218 or (318) 357-4483. Members of the cast are, front from left, Marissa McMickens of Pineville, Grace Brumfield of Baton Rouge, Annie Dauzat of Watson, back from left, Austin Pecot of Luling, Chase Miller of West Monroe and Lucas Matherne of Monroe.

A flight from Seattle to San Francisco was diverted to Sacramento. The flight attendant explains that, since there would be a delay, the passengers were permitted to get off of the plane and re-board fifty minutes later. All the passengers took advantage of the opportunity, except for one lady who was blind. She was accompanied by her Seeing Eye dog, who had lain quietly underneath the seat in front of her throughout the flight. It was obvious she was a frequent flyer because the pilot called her by her first name.

He asked, “Kathy, would you like to get off and stretch your legs?”

She replied, “No thanks, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his.”

So, as he walked Buddy off the airplane, all the folks in the gate area came to a complete standstill. The pilot, wearing his sunglasses, was being led by a Seeing Eye dog.

Remember things are not what they appear to be.

For instance, if you walked into Toynbee Hall in the 1960’s you would notice a man who appeared to be a janitor. He scrubbed floors and toilets. His story is illuminating.

John Profumo, was the former Minister of War for Great Britain.

Profumo’s downfall began on the grounds of a grand English country estate where he watched a beautiful young woman emerge from a swimming pool. He asked who she was. He was told her name was Christine Keeler, a prominent English call girl. Profumo was so smitten with this young woman that he began a secret relationship with her. Unknown to him, however, she was also conducting an affair at the same time with the Soviet naval attaché in London  a member of the KGB. When the story finally broke and Profumo’s part in the whole affair was exposed, it became the most sensational sex scandal of the 1960s.

Profumo immediately resigned from the government. But curiously, he did not hit the talk show circuit. He did not contact Oprah to tell his side of the story. He did not sell his account to the National Enquirer. He did not seek a huge advance from Random House to spell out all the lurid details. In contrast to so many of today’s celebrities, he never sought public sympathy.

He understood how his recklessness had brought embarrassment to his wife and country and almost brought his government down. Not long afterward, he contacted Toynbee Hall, a charitable mission in the East End of London, and asked whether they needed any help. This blue blooded British aristocrat and long standing member of Parliament started scrubbing toilets and helping with the children’s playgroup. He would remain there for the next forty years. He disappeared amid the grimy tenements of east London and did good works till he died, and never again did he utter another public word. That was his way of achieving personal redemption for the public shame he had caused.

John Profumo took responsibility for his sin. He did not blame God. He did not blame society or his parents. He took responsibility. This is always the first step in dealing with any transgression. Call it what it is: Sin. Not a mistake. Not simply being human. It is sin. It is the worm in the human heart burrowing outward. Take responsibility for it.

We are so progressive and open minded we don’t have a mental construct of sin. Do you think this might explain all the crazy in our culture? Behind what makes news or appears to be the trending fad something dark is lurking.

Remember things aren’t always what they appear.

Tonight, a meeting of the Natchitoches Parish Road Advisory Commission was held at 5pm at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse.

Once the meeting was called to order, the minutes from the last meeting held on May 28, 2015 were approved and adopted.  Roger Williams outlined the content and framework of a Final Report.  Donna Isaacs gave a detailed report of their findings. (ATTACHED)

The Advisory Commission is recommending outright ownership of the Equipment used by the Natchitoches Parish Highway Department.  A copy of the worksheet used by the Advisory Commission is attached below.

Roger Williams and Alan McMurtry offered scenarios for Road Fund financing
(see Attached for complete report):

A.  Do nothing – not a real option.
B.  Restructure Financing, Grant Funding of Equipment and finding an additional 1.34 million per year to build to capacity.  Investment: $4.246 million per year.
C. A major capital improvement with a New Bond Issue. Parish would issue $80 million in municipal bonds for a comprehensive upgrade of infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.  (Detail Attached page 11)

It is the Advisory Commission’s finding that the additional revenue is required to properly construct and maintain the 818 miles of roads in Natchitoches Parish. No amount of economies or efficiency improvements or management decisions can appreciably improve the road situation absent additional revenues.

The Advisory Commission found NO sources of funds within the Parish budget that could be reapportioned to Road District #40.  If bond financing is utilized, the funds will be deposited with an independent trustee and disbursed pursuant to the trust documents.

The amount of funds required for either Scenario 2 of Scenario 3 above is $4,300,000.00 per year.  The current highway budget sources provide $2,900,000.00, leaving a shortfall of $1,400,000.00.

Potential new Revenue Sources Considered:

1.  Ad-Valorem Tax
2.  Sales Tax
3,  Fuel Tax
4.  Wheel Tax

Each of the potential new revenue sources were found to have advantages and disadvantages.

After due consideration, the Advisory Commission recommends an increase of 10 mills, Parish-wide, be submitted to the voters at the next available election.  The commission believes that sufficient new revenues will be gained to fund the required $1,400,000.00 shortfall.

A review of the elections called in Natchitoches Parish over the past 30 years indicate that Road District #40 millage has remained the same while other functions of government have been more adequately funded.

Natchitoches Parish Advisory Commission Report 06-04-15

Equipment Restructure Sheet

A memorial celebration of the life of Lynn Edward Estes, Sr. will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 06, 2015 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral home in Natchitoches. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, June 05, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Interment will follow the funeral services at Ramah Cemetery in Ashland, Louisiana.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Shirley Rose (Britt) McGee will be at 10 am, Saturday, June 6, 2015 in the chapel of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home.

Red River off the Grand Ecore Bridge

It is anticipated that the Red River at Grand Ecore, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana will crest this weekend sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning, June 8, 2015 at just over 40.5 feet.  Flood stage for the Red River at Grand Ecore is 33 feet.  Currently (06-03-15 Evening), the Red River is just over 37.8 feet and rising.  NPJ wanted to know if Natchitoches Parish is ready for the potential flooding coming our way?

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

The GOHSEP office is ready and on alert to assist with any request that may be asked of them.  You can contact the GOHSEP office at:

7667 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-925-7500
WEBSITE
EmergencyPreparednessGuide

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Natchitoches Parish Government:

On Monday morning, Natchitoches Parish Government President Rick Nowlin and members of the NPS Office of Homeland Security took part in a GOHSEP webinar in the Natchitoches Parish Civil Defense Room of the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse.   This meeting covered the Red River Rise and the backwater flooding issues that could impact Natchitoches Parish.

Rick Nowlin and Mary Jone – Civil Defense Room

In the event that sandbags are needed in Natchitoches Parish Area (outside of the City of Natchitoches) you can contact the Natchitoches Parish office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness:

Deputy Mary Jones
200 Church Street
Natchitoches, LA. 71457
318-471-2942
mjones@npsheriff.net

Rick Nowlin, Parish President
200 Church Street
Natchitoches, LA. 71457
318-352-2714
admin@npgov.org

Grand Ecore Bridge & Port – Georgia Hilton Airplane

NPSO – Deputy Mary Jones

City of Natchitoches:

Mayor Lee Posey reminds all residents to be cognizant of the rising water as it will continue to flood many parts of the Parish. Residents are encouraged to be proactive and take corrective measures. Please take time to check on neighbors, family and friends that live in low lying areas that may be affected by rising water. Free sandbags are available at the City’s Public Works Department located at 110 Mill Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

Mayor Lee Posey
716 Second Street
Natchitoches, LA. 71457
318-352-2772
cityhall@natchitochesla.gov

The following roads are still closed to traffic:

Received from a Reader of the Natchitohces Parish Journal:

Thanks to the Natchitoches Parish Department of Transportation for granting my request for placing this sign on my road. This is a growing trend around the state as well as the country. This sign cautions drivers that there is an Autistic child in this area and to slow down. Every year children with Autism and special needs are hurt, lost, or killed due to accidents, wandering, drowning, or leaving the house without warning. This is very common in children with special needs especially one the Autism Spectrum. The sign works! People are driving more carefully down my road these last few days. This gives me a sense of peace and a major feeling of accomplishment. I am very pleased my request was approved and fulfilled. Thanks again, Natchitoches Parish Department of Transportation!

NATCHITOCHES – All residents need to be cognizant of the rising water as it will continue to flood many parts of the parish. Residents are encouraged to be proactive and take corrective measures. Please take time to check on neighbors, family and friends that live in low lying areas that may be affected by rising water. Free sandbags are available at the City’s Public Works Department located at 110 Mill Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

For more information, please call City Hall at (318) 352-2772.

Contact: Mayor Lee Posey, City of Natchitoches

Phone: (318) 352-2772

E-mail: cityhall@natchitochesla.gov

NPSO, Natchitoches Office of Homeland Security and Parish Government attend LA. GOHSEP webinar in Civil Defense Center.

On Monday morning, Natchitoches Parish Government President Rick Nowlin, and officials with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Parish Government attended a statewide webinar with the La. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Prepardness (GOHSEP) concerning the Red River and backwater flooding issues that may potentially impact Natchitoches Parish.

Several state and parish agencies along with the National Weather Service took part in the webinar.

In the event, that sandbags are needed in Natchitoches Parish contact Deputy Mary Jones at 318-471-2942 according to Sheriff Jones.

Press Release: NPSO
06-01-15