The Natchitoches Parish Journal received this submission from  J. R.  “Randy” Stelly, Publisher of The Real Views. You may reach Randy at randystelly@yahoo.com.  The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article or story of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.

By Edwin Crayton

In a startling admission, Leo Walker, chairman of The Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation  (NCIF) has finally admitted that the foundation doesn’t know what actually happened to $19,500 in public monies. The admission, made at the July 12^thquarterly NCIF board meeting is the second disturbing revelation by the foundation that contradicts earlier statements regarding these funds.

For those unfamiliar with the situation involving this money, here’s a recap. In 2014, the NCIF was audited by the CPA firm Johnson, Thomas & Cunningham CPAs.  In a letter dated February 28, 2014, written to Judge Eric Harrington to summarize that audit the firm wrote, “We were able to determine that $19,500 had been transferred from the broker account to the account at First Federal prior to March 31, 2004. We had no records to show how this $19,500 was spent.  We contacted Ed Ward Jr., Arthur Welch, Eliza Jones, Andrew Vallien, and Sylvia Morrow, all present or former Board Members to see if any records could be re-established through memory. We conferred with you on February 19, 2014, and it was agreed that a conference call would be set up with the above persons and their legal representatives and John Winston, Robert Jackson and their legal representative to see if an agreeable solution could be afforded. This conference call was held on February 27, 2014, with most of the parties and estimated disbursement amounts were agreed upon in lieu of actual disbursement records.”

After reading that I was curious about two things. First, I could hardly believe I was reading that people were actually allowed to sit around and verbally recall what happened to as much as $19,500— “in lieu of receipts” as the letter says. And I was equally curious to know whether anyone had created a written document at that meeting detailing what they claim the money was used for. So I began to attend NCIF meetings and put that simple question to them. I asked several times whether there was a written document showing where the $19,500 went. I was told by the secretary Mildred Joseph that yes, such a document did exist and she gave me a file number which supposedly would give me that document.  But no such document was on file at the  Clerk of Court. In April of this year, I returned to the quarterly NCIF meeting and told the foundation this. At last, Chairman Walker stood up and admitted that such a document did not in fact exist. After months of trying to get my hands on a document I was told was on file, that was for me an eye opener.

Now NCIF had dropped another bomb. At the July 12 quarterly meeting I asked Mr. Walker when we the public could expect to have this information put in document form. He then admitted that the foundation didn’t know what actually happened to the money and added that the bank is searching for records. Walker said when they find out what happened to the funds, he’ll let me know. But here’s the problem. First, this new statement seems to  totally contradict the information in the auditor’s letter. In that letter I quoted, remember  it says that they agreed on most of the disbursement amounts “in lieu of actual disbursement records.” The letter gives the impression they verbally decided on where the money went. Yet, now the foundation is saying it doesn’t know where the money is. Which is correct?

This poses several other troubling questions as well. In the first place, why was the foundation allowed to recall “through memory” where $19,500 was spent? Did Judge Harrington agree to this or not?  Does that mean that now organizations that handle public money can lose track or mishandle funds and then just sit around and recall what they did with the money and somehow that’s good? What kind of precedent does that set? Is that right? Is that legal?

Next question: why did NCIF tell me there was a written document showing where the $19,500 was spent when in fact apparently that was not the case by their own admission? And how do you spend almost $20,000 of the public’s money in the first place and not have receipts, finding yourself in the position of having to ask the bank to tell you what you did with the funds?  Weird? Outrageous? Seems that the foundation should know what it did with those funds regardless of what the bank says or finds through its research. I’m not sure what the rules are for banks keeping records in the first place, but it’s odd and concerning that this merry go round is happening and there is zero accountability from so many parties involved and again,  for a quite large amount of public money which seems to have disappeared Houdini style—POOF! What indeed is going on here?

NCIF is in the midst of reforming its practices and is doing a good job in some areas. At the July meeting they announced they gave out more scholarships and aided the Natchitoches Council on Aging.  But their consultant pointed out to the board, their responsibility for keeping financial records on file too. That got my attention. They were told about the laws regarding keeping accurate records.   Yet, to comply with that directive, they’ve to deal with the 900 pound gorilla in the room: the mishandled $19,500 which they have not adequately accounted for.

Again after months and months of asking,  I ask again, what happened to $19,500 in public funds? And when will we the people, the public at long last see written documentation verifying where specifically that money went?

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

Jesus Christ speaking in The Book of John 8:32

New Media students at Northwestern State University arrived on campus and attended Student Media Workshops Aug. 18-19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old and new Christian Scholar 4-H’ers met to plan their 2016-2017 school year Aug. 8 at Grace New Testament Church. Officer positions, possible projects and a brief calendar of upcoming events were discussed. The next meeting is set for September when the demonstrations and fun really begins.

Attending the meeting on front row from left were Timothy Rodriquez, Katie Rodriguez, Sophie Rasmussen, Ramona Rasmussen, Emily Goings, Ethan Goings, Jacob Harris, Jeremy Hardy and Allison Goings. On middle row are Coleton Anderson, Grace Hardy, Malana Hardy, (hidden Kevin Rodriguez), Peter Rodriguez, Aeryn Fitts, Zoey Fitts, William Harris, Gidget Rasmussen, Michael Rodriquez, Samuel Wilkins and Bradford Morrison. On back row are William Morrison, Tayler Anderson, Wyatt Rasmussen, Audrey Rasmussen, Claire Coffey, Brittany Gregory, Lindsey Gregory and Rachael Gregory.

The Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomed the Louisiana Office of Tourism and several International representatives for a brief tour of Natchitoches Aug. 19. The group was on its way to Shreveport to attend the Lt. Governor’s Tourism Summit being held Aug. 23-25. After a tour of Melrose Plantation and the Louisiana Sports Hall of
Fame, the group met with Melissa Cloutier and Chris Post at the Natchitoches Events Center to hear a presentation on the future opening of the Chateau St. Denis Hotel. Before leaving town a stop was made at the Mariner’s Restaurant where they enjoyed a cocktail and appetizers overlooking beautiful Lake Sibley.

From left are Cory, Bus Driver for Red River Trailways; Gisela Perez, Travel South USA and LA representative for Brazil; Arlene Gould, Exec. Director NACVB; Mike Prejean, LA Office of Tourism; Jody Hanson, LOT and NOCVB representative for United Kingdom and Ireland; Geoffrey Hutton, Travel South USA and Louisiana representative for Australia and New Zealand; Marina Dupuy-Wedd, LOT and NOCVB representative for France and Belgium; Kirsty Dillury, LOT and NOCVB PR representative for UK and Ireland; Rita Hille, LOT and NOCVB representative for Germany, Switzerland and Austria; and Joanne Scalamogna, LOT and NOCVB international representative for Canada.

BOM collected items all week for the south Louisiana flood victims. Their customers Pastor Bradlen and wife Carloana Holden from Antioch Baptist Church #2 in Pleasant Hill donated to the great cause.

Students from Northwestern State University Elementary Lab School collected relief supplies to be delivered to south Louisiana last week in conjunction with a Natchitoches Parish 4-H initiative. From left are Madelynn Misuraca, Sarah Stephens, Kaylee Stacy, Caroline Church, Victoria Wiggins, and Mary Hannah Churchman. Items included water, canned food, blankets, sleeping bags, cleaning supplies and toiletries.

The catastrophic flood devastating Louisiana is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Hurricane Sandy four years ago in 2012.

By Javonti Thomas

“You’re welcome here once, you’re welcome here twice. We have an open door policy,” said Dr. Alvin Brossette, principal of East Natchitoches Elementary School at the school’s Open House.Over 100 students and their parents came to the event.

In his third year as principal he’s excited about the upcoming school year and his plans to raise the level of performance on state mandated testing.

Other staff members are excited for the new year. Master Teacher Cynthia Mason said, “I’m excited to have the students back into the classrooms this year.”

Brossette has challenged parents to become ambassadors for the school by getting them away from electronic devices and encouraging them to read more.  “I’m an educator first. I know what it takes to be successful in life. Parents, we’re like All-State. When you leave your child with us they are in good hands,” he said.

Visitation is Sunday evening with a 2 p.m. Monday funeral set for Northwestern State football team chaplain Carroll Long, a tri-captain of the Demons’ undefeated 1966 team and a member of the university’s Long Purple Line alumni hall of distinction.

Long, 72, passed away Friday evening ending a battle with cancer. The Winnfield native became the football team chaplain in 2009 after several years of involvement while he lived in Longview, Texas, and worked with the 2016 NSU football team during spring practice. He was also an active supporter of all of his alma mater’s athletic teams and the Demons Unlimited Foundation.

As a player, Long won the Demons’ “Coaches Award” for demonstrating leadership, character and serving as an example for his teammates, who voted him one of the three permanent captains of the 9-0 squad in his senior season. He played center for coach Jack Clayton’s Demons after being an outstanding center and linebacker at Winnfield High School.

Visitation Sunday is from 5-8 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center, with the funeral Monday afternoon at 2 at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

He is survived by his wife Susan and two daughters, Kimberly Long Wilcox and Melinda Long, and his twin brother, state Sen. Gerald Long.

“Carroll loved our players and coaches, and we all loved him,” said NSU head football coach Jay Thomas. “He was always front and center to offer encouragement, support, and wisdom. We will miss him on our sideline, in our locker room, in our coaches offices and in our lives. He and Mrs. Susan have been like family to everyone in this program for many years.”

A successful State Farm Insurance agent, earning a lifetime membership in the President’s Club, the highest honor for an agent, Carroll Long earned bachelor’s (1967) and master’s (1970) degrees in education from Northwestern.

He returned home to teach history and coach football and basketball at Winnfield, and was believed to be the first coach at a predominantly white north Louisiana high school, before desegregation, to play African-American athletes.

The Longs have been extremely active supporters of their alma mater. He served for many years on the NSU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

In 2014, Long was chosen to join the Long Purple Line, along with his twin brother.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating a private school vandalism in northwest Natchitoches Parish, which occurred Aug. 18 at 12:12 p.m.
NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to a reported vandalism at Bethel Christian Academy, located in the 1500 block of Union Grove Road in Pleasant Hill.
Deputies learned that someone threw a bottle through a school window and fired a round through an additional window causing damage.

Deputies processed the crime scene and completed an offense report turning the case over to NPSO Criminal Investigations for investigative purposes.
The investigation is continuing.

If you have any information or observed suspicious vehicles in the area the night of August 17th or early morning hours of August 18th, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or Detective Wyn McDowell at 357-7830.

 

Belles and Beauxs on the Bayou presented by Seersucker, Sandals and Sundresses will be held Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Events Center. This is a casual event with southern flare, benefiting the American Cancer Society. Honorary Chairman Stanley Chaddick will share his story and speak about his fight against cancer. Cane River Mutiny will provide live entertainment that is sure to get everyone dancing. Guests will indulge in Louisiana cuisine and browse auction items that are truly one of a kind.Come dressed in the southern tradition of seersucker or a sundress and strap on your sandals to dance the night away.

This party with a purpose raises money and awareness for the programs and services the American Cancer Society provides at no cost to cancer patients at local cancer treatment centers. This year, over 700 new patients were served by the office through free programs including lodging assistance, wig boutiques, cancer support groups and transportation assistance.

The American Cancer Society is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Tickets will be available at the door for $150 per couple and $75 per individual.

For information contact Taylor Williams, American Cancer Society Staff Partner, at Taylor.Williams@Cancer.org or (318) 219-4028.

 

Faculty and staff in Northwestern State University’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts completed Avid certification last week. Avid is industry-standard video editing software used in broadcasting and filmmaking. Learning the program will be useful to students in Level 1 and Level 2 film and video editing classes who are interested in working in newsrooms or experimenting with filmmaking, according to Collier Hyams, associate professor of communications and coordinator of New Media and Communication Arts. By establishing the university as an Avid learning partner, students will have the opportunity to take the Avid certification course and add that credential to their resumes. Skills in film and video editing also cross over into graphic communications/graphic design.

From left are Student Media Coordinator Daniel Thiels, Avid Master Instructor Carlos Rojanos, Emily Zering, instructor in New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts; Davey Antilley, director of NSU TV, and Hyams. Not shown is Mirla Enriquez, instructor of graphic communications in Fine + Graphic Art.

For information on New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts visit http://www.nsula.edu/newmedia.

Northwestern State University’s alumni chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity issued a challenge to other Greek and Registered Student Organizations to raise funds for Northwestern State students affected by flooding in south Louisiana. The challenge raised more than $3,000 in in three days with contributions from several Greek and student organizations and individuals with the total rising daily. From left are Tre Nelson, Sigma Nu vice president; Reatha Cox, director of First Year Experience; Sigma Nu alum Jason Campbell, NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson, Dr. Chris Maggio, vice president for The Student Experience, and Sigma Nu President John Sullivan. Funds will be used to purchase personal and school supplies for NSU students who lost their belongings in flooded homes. The university is collecting bedding, kitchen items, toiletries and school supplies to be distributed as the affected students are able to arrive on campus. For a complete list of items, visit nsula.edu/nsu4you.

Public Notice

Cane River Lake is currently at 98.2 MSL (2 tenths above pool stage). Rain still in the forecast. Spillway landing is now closed for safety reasons. Shell Beach, Washington Street, and Point Place Marina landings as well as the lake remains open to boating traffic. Questions and/or concerns please contact Betty Fuller at 318-617-3235 cell, 318-357-3007 office, 318-379-2878 home. Remember to boat Safe, Sober, and always Wear Your Life Jackets.

Sales Tax Collections Up, NSU Enrollment Up, Natchitoches Moving Forward

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce held the fifth annual Natchitoches Business Environment Presentation Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Student Union Ballroom on the Northwestern State University campus. About 75 business leaders gathered to hear guest presenters NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson, Parish President Rick Nowlin and Mayor Lee Posey.

The event provides important local data to members of the business community including tax collections, unemployment numbers and real estate trends. The presentations also included updates on major projects and upcoming plans at NSU and around the city and parish.

“We hope businesses use this information to help them determine future projects and assist with planning in our community,” said Chamber President Tony Davis.

Davis explained various trends with sales tax collections, the local real estate market, local employment and other impacting factors. “Overall, I think we have great momentum around Natchitoches, with personal wealth increasing, tax collections moving in a positive direction and our elected and community leaders working together proactively to address issues and plan for the future,” he said.

Natchitoches Community Alliance Vice President of Economic Development Mike Wolff unveiled the new website, NCA-La.com, and gave an update on the progress made by the Alliance over the past year. Wolff noted, “The need for a coordinated approach to economic development locally has been shown, and the support of the Chamber, the City, the Parish and the University show there is value to our work.”

Nowlin spoke on the importance of the parish in working with community forces to bring about positive change and noted the strong need to continue addressing new solutions to infrastructure needs.

Posey gave an update on the many projects that the city has underway including the riverfront improvement project scheduled for 2017, a new sports complex, park renovations and work to make Natchitoches a “Bike-Friendly Community.”

Henderson spoke on the significance of the relationship between the University and the community. He also spoke about the promising enrollment numbers and positive effects of the recent marketing efforts by the university.

By Natalie Covher

Kiwanis leadership team proposed the club take a new direction during their meeting Thursday, August 18 at the NSU recreation complex. The room was decked out in blue and yellow for the occasion.

The plan focuses on four goal areas that will help clubs, districts and the overall organization thrive for years to come as a positive force for good in the world.

The four goals are Inspiration, Impact, Image and Investment. The hope is that the four goals will add up to a stronger Kiwanis. Rodney Boswell spoke about inspiration and wanting to increase membership, develop leaders and focus on service. Dion Boyett spoke about encouraging members, empowering and supporting growth in service leadership programs, aligning relevant service with community needs and encouraging hands-on service projects.

LaCarsha Babers reminded members about image and that they are the most effective advertisement for the club. Nettles Brown spoke about the last “I” in the plan, Investment. He asked members to join the audit committee and exercise proper stewardship of resources.

It was proposed that the club reduce its dues and meet only on the first and third Thursdays of the month. They would also implement a rotation for the meetings: the first being a program, then social gathering, then a planning meeting and finally a service project.

“Dramatic changes are coming,” said Boyett. “It takes team involvement to bring meaningful service to our community with the focus being the kids.”

The Kiwanis School Uniform Drive is underway and will last through the month of September. Drop off locations included Waskom-Brown Associates and Bank of Montgomery. New and gently used donations are being accepted.

 

Two weeks ago, I was innocently watching a replay of last year’s SEC championship game. Even though I know who won the football game, I still was nervous watching it. I don’t like to be disturbed while I am nervously watching football game replays. Please don’t try to talk to me while I am nervously watching football, live or replays. I don’t listen very well. I will give you “the look.”

During a commercial, my bride said, “This furniture doesn’t work in this house, we need to start over.”

When I first started out as a Methodist minister, the churches furnished their Parsonages. There are many horror stories about Parsonage furniture. In the early 90’s, congregations exited the furniture business and allowed preachers to furnish their Parsonages. We have furniture from one church which said, “Preacher do you want the furniture in the Parsonage? We will sell it to you.” I still have some of “that” furniture.

Our furniture is eclectic. We have purchased pieces for the parsonages we have occupied. Each house was very different, so are the items of furniture. We have lived in six parsonages. We have furniture bought specifically for each house. The Natchitoches parsonage is huge, but we have filled it up with furniture. None of it would make any sense to an interior designer.

I asked my bride after the football game replay, “Do you want to call folks and tell them to come get our furniture? Do you want to have a garage sale? When are you thinking about doing this, in the next days or a decade from now?”

Then I said, “You know if the Methodists see all the furniture for sale they might think they are getting a new preacher and we don’t want to create any premature celebration of pastoral evacuation.”

She said, “I know, I haven’t figured it out yet. I think we need to start over.” I clarified that she was talking about the furniture and not the husband.

Of course the prospects of furniture shopping is much akin to planning a trip to Best Buy and your bride says, “While we are close can we go to Hobby Lobby?” In the legal world that is known as entrapment.

I agree that with the moves, the kids, the dogs and different architecture of each house, it is time to furniture shop. We need to consult professionals, because this will be the furniture of my OLD AGE. I want furniture guaranteed against “old people house smell.”

This weekend my daughter will be in town. She and her family were flooded out of their house in Baton Rouge last weekend. The water rose to four feet inside of their home. Everything they owned is at the curb waiting for the trash men to haul off.

I think my bride had some sort of premonition. There are pieces of furniture Allison loves because she and mom picked them out long ago. Her bedroom from High School is here in Natchitoches. We have her Chaise Lounge, officially known as “sexy chair.” Some of our eclectic furniture consists of items the kids had us “store” when they moved out of apartments into their homes.

Allison and Lucas had flood insurance, but are still starting over. As a parent all I care about is helping my kid anyway possible. If we sinners know how to love and care for our kids, do you suppose God knows how to care for His children? That is the secondary question of this article.

Years ago I pastored a church in Kenner. One weekend I was gone for a Methodist conference. During my absence, that Parsonage was burglarized. They took everything. Have you ever had your shoes and socks stolen? I think that event and a couple of others reminded me that nothing is mine. Not even these books that surround me at work are mine. I am simply using them for the time being. I long ago stopped writing my name in books. I have done over 500 funerals, I have seen no U-Haul trucks in the processions.

Floods, tornadoes, fires and even crime remind us that our possessions are not ours. Like the very life you enjoy this moment, everything is on loan to you from God. Take care of how you handle the Lord’s possessions.

The care of creation and possessions is called stewardship.

Are you a good steward of the goodness in your life?

That is the primary question of life.

Realizing that many families and schools across the southern region have been impacted by the disastrous flood waters this past week, LSMSA is reopening admission for students who live in the affected areas to offer a safe and secure residence and a strong foundation for academic success.

“We look forward to welcoming students from those parishes who have suffered devastating damages and are looking for a place to continue their children’s education,” said Dr. Steve Horton, LSMSA Executive Director. “LSMSA’s faculty and staff are ready to assist in any way possible so that these students’ educational endeavors are not interrupted or overlooked.”

Students in the affected areas are encouraged to visit http://www.LSMSA.edu/FASTrack to apply for immediate enrollment at LSMSA.

Most of the updates were short at the Natchitoches Historic District Development (NHDDC) meeting Thursday, Aug. 18, as organizations are busy preparing for events.
However, Van Erikson said the Northwestern State campus is full of activity as faculty and staff prepare for Saturday’s move-in event.

There were 1,383 new freshman as of Thursday, which is 9 percent above the college’s year-on-year enrollment numbers. Van said this total will increase within the next two weeks. Housing throughout the city is full, with a waiting list of around 200 students.
“This is a great problem for us to have,” he said. “So many students want to come to Northwestern.”

One reason housing is scarce this year is because Varnado Hall is being renovated. It will become a live-in residence hall for creative and performing arts students next year.
NSU’s football season opens Sept. 2 and volleyball begin Aug. 26.

Gayle Howell with the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) announced that the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival will be moved to April 22-23 this year.
Cynthia Sutton with the Cane River National Heritage Area gave everyone a photo of the design for the new billboards on I-49 on either side of the Natchitoches exit.

The board for the Jazz and R&B Festival decided to postpone the event until 2018. Cancelling the festival, which was set for April 2017, wasn’t what they wanted to do. Construction scheduled for the Rue Beauport Riverfront Project from January until October forced them to consider other options, but the board decided that taking the festival away from the riverbank wasn’t an option at all.

“We have heard over and over again that it wouldn’t be the same not being on the riverbank and that it would detract from the festival to move it,” said Rodney Harrington. “We felt we would lose the momentum we have built over the years. We plan to return in 2018 and kick off a new and improved festival the likes of which Natchitoches has never seen.”

The board will conduct events next year, including fundraising for 2018, to keep the festival in the public eye.

“We are excited about the plan for the riverbank,” said Harrington. “It will add to the success of the festival. We have seen the plans and the City sought our input about the seating and stage. It will only add to the festival experience and we feel one year off is a small price to pay for the long-term benefit.”

Robeline First Baptist Church will be collecting items for flood victims – items needed include: soap, shampoo and conditioner, tooth brushes and tooth paste, deodorant, combs and brushes, women’s hygiene products, disposable razors, chapstick or lip balm, toilet paper, can food or dry food, and water.

Donations can be dropped off at the covered entry to the Family Life Center. There will be someone there to receive the collected items this Friday night from 6-8 PM.

If you have any questions, please contact Christi Ray at 318-294-2174. As always, please help spread the word.

 

After surviving a flood of its own in March, Natchitoches Parish residents were quick to empathize with the victims of the flood in South Louisiana.

BOM, Natchitoches Parish 4-H, Spark Studio, Comfort Inn and Suites and Freedom Life Church are collecting items for the victims of South Louisiana. Drop off any items to any location of BOM and they will get it to FLC for their shipment, which will be sent off Friday, Aug. 19. Packaged sanitary cleaning items are in most demand.

The City of Natchitoches Water and Electric Department donated water and supplies.

A group of NSU Greek Alumni joined forces to raise money to assist flood victims. They are set up at the Watson Library on the main campus of NSU and are asking for non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, school supplies and any other items that will be needed to assist the flood victims. Donate online (https://www.gofundme.com/2jyun44). The funds raised will then be released to various shelters in or around the Baton Rouge area including Denham Springs, Watson, Central, Gonzales and other affected areas. All other Greek organizations or any other former alumni or students at NSU can join in this effort.

A NPSO flat bottom boat and ARGO an amphibious all-terrain vehicle, which travels by ground or water, were dispatched by the NPSO Aug. 13. The NPSO Search and Rescue team consists of Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies and members from Natchitoches Fire Districts# 6, 7, 9 and Natchitoches City Fire Department.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones deployed four additional NPSO Deputies Aug. 16 per request of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association Task Force to assist Sheriff Jason Ard and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Deputies with patrol operations in flood ravaged areas of Livingston Parish in south Louisiana.

The NPSO received reports that Livingston Parish has suffered horrific property loss due to the flood and over 75 percent of the parish is underwater.

David and Joy McGraw and Susan Begnaud are organizing donations to deliver to residents in affected areas. They’re partnering with U-Haul to transport items to areas in South Louisiana. Items can be dropped off at Church St. Inn in downtown Natchitoches or the Keepsake Self-Storage facility on the Hwy. 1 Bypass.