The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Tornado Warning for… Central Natchitoches Parish in northwestern Louisiana… Southwestern Winn Parish in north central Louisiana…
Until 1145 PM CDT

At 1103 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located 5 miles west of Natchitoches, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD…Tornado. SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT: Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

These dangerous storms will be near… Natchitoches around 1110 PM CDT. Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Calvin, Grand Ecore, Clear Lake, St. Maurice, Clarence, Hagewood, Provencal and Atlanta.

Recommended actions
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Motorists should not take shelter under highway overpasses. If you cannot safely drive away from the tornado, as a last resort, either park your vehicle and stay put, or abandon your vehicle and lie down in a low lying area and protect yourself from flying debris. Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!

Silas Akin, 60 of Readhimer, died March 24 at 9:42 am as a result of what is believed to be a medical emergency while operating his motor vehicle according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to reports of a vehicle off of the roadway on Hwy. 9 north of Creston. Upon their arrival they found Akin unresponsive.

The Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office was contacted. Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton pronounced Akin dead at the scene.

Deputies say the preliminary investigation, reveals that Akin was operating a 2013 Ford pickup truck traveling northbound on Hwy. 9 north of Creston near milepost# 8, when he apparently experienced a medical-related complication causing him to leave the roadway.

According to Natchitoches Parish Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton, the apparent preliminary cause of death appears to be a medical-related issue and not the result of a traffic crash.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office investigated the incident.

We extend our sympathy to the Akin family.

Repair work for the City’s Electric Crew may just be starting as winds have blown rotten limbs on power lines on Byrd Avenue and three poles on East Fifth near the fires station. One utility worker said it’s just getting started as the wind speed continues to increase, but he wants residents to be assured that the entire electric crew will do its best to restore power as they prepare to face a long night ahead.

Wiley Butler, National Weather Service official cooperative observer for the City of Natchitoches, shared the following information: Winds are blowing in Natchitoches from the South (170 degrees) at 23 MPH (20 knots; 10.3 m/s) gusting to 34 MPH (30 knots; 15.4 m/s). There’s a 90 percent chance of rain showers and storms, some possibly severe.

The Natchitoches Lions Club will hold a Fish Fry Fundraiser Friday, April 7 from 11 am – 1 pm. Meals are $10, which includes fish, hush puppies, fries, dessert and a water. Pickup will be at the Holy Cross Church Parking Lot on Second Street. Orders of five or more can be delivered.  Proceeds will benefit Lions Club projects. Lions members are also selling meals in advance. For more information contact Tina Reagan at 663-6782 or 357-0207.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase and intensify this afternoon over East Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Arkansas, and extreme Northwest Louisiana, ahead of a strong upper level storm system that will drift east into Southern Oklahoma. In fact, there is an ENHANCED risk for severe thunderstorms across portions of Northeast Texas, Southwest Arkansas, and Northwest Louisiana, with a SLIGHT risk in place for the remainder of the region surrounding the Enhanced Risk. A line of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to reach a DeQueen, AR to New Boston, Longview, and Jacksonville, TX line between 4-6 pm, a Prescott, AR to Shreveport, LA to Lufkin, TX line between 7-9 pm, and an El Dorado, AR to Ruston and Natchitoches, LA line between 10 pm and 1 am.

In addition, strong southerly winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph are expected areawide today and this evening. Thus, a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for the entire Four State Region from 10 AM today through 1 AM CDT Saturday. Winds will diminish as the showers and thunderstorms push east across the area this evening.

By Edwin Crayton/Natchitoches

When you’re lying on a bed sick, you’re not a Democrat or a Republican. You’re not a red state resident or blue state resident. You’re just a human being in need of good medical help. And that’s the way we as moral beings should see you. Neither race, nor politics or class or income, nor anything should determine whether you get the help you need. That is the promise of a free society: compassion for all. But it’s sadly, not the reality in America today.

The truth is your race, class and income do in fact determine the quality of healthcare you get or whether you get healthcare at all. Polls show in fact that one of the main reasons poor people—particularly poor minorities— tend to die of diseases like cancer is because they tend to see a doctor later than those who are better off and that means that by the time they seek medical help, it’s often too late. An article in the December 29, 2015 issue of the online version of the Washington Post said, “In the United States, access to primary care seems to be a matter of who can afford it. Poor children are much less likely than rich children to see a doctor or a dentist for outpatient treatment or checkups.” In short money is in fact determining who lives or dies in some cases. That kind of dreary fact is one of the things that drove concerned citizens nationwide and their political leaders to create affordable healthcare legislation.

Although I disagreed with President Obama on many moral issues such as his support for abortion and homosexuality marriage. ( I am pro-life, anti-abortion and as a Christian, I agree with the Bible that homosexuality is a sin and therefore should not be normalized, just as no sin should be.) However, I did agree with him on one moral issue: we in this country need affordable healthcare. I disagree with those who say it’s socialism to want to provide affordable healthcare for people. It’s not socialism to want to help people stay healthy and to want to make sure that who you are doesn’t determine whether you get decent healthcare or more drastically, whether you get to live or die. Not only is that Christian, but instead of being socialist, it’s as American as apple pie to me. Unfortunately, in Washington right now, there are many in both parties who don’t see it quite this way. The issue of healthcare reform is to them just another political football to kick around. And I believe both parties are guilty. When either party suggests something regarding healthcare, the other party seems determined to fight it. It’s almost as if they have agreed to oppose whatever idea the other suggests in order to spite them. The trouble with that kind of senseless strategy is that the public is paying for such nasty politics with its life, literally. Both parties need to calm down, realize the election is over and work on a good healthcare reform plan that works in a bipartisan way.

Healthcare is not about political issues. It’s about your mom getting a mammogram she needs. It’s about your husband or son getting a cancer exam that catches the problem in the earliest stage when it can be dealt with effectively. It’s about not losing a relative or friend simply because he or she could not afford to seek help. Denying people access to healthcare by denying real human beings the ability to afford medical help is criminal. That’s why as the Republicans come up with their version of healthcare reform it’s important that we as citizens give them input on what we expect this reform to look like. Write letters, attend public meetings, but make your voice heard. Whether we are on the right or left politically, we all need to get involved. Tell your political leader to work with the other party to create a good plan that works. Someone dying just because they don’t have money should never be acceptable to any of us. Healthcare reform should not be designed to win elections. It should be designed to heal people. All the people.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal received this submission. 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin announces that the Morgan Quick Road will be temporarily closed to all traffic beginning around 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 27, 2017.

The temporary closure is needed to allow the Parish Highway Department to replace a deteriorated cross-drain structure located approximately 1.3 miles west of the junction of this road with Old Hwy. 9.  It is anticipated that the duration of the temporary closure will not exceed two days.

The schedule for this work could be altered by inclement weather, in which case the road will remain open to traffic until such time as conditions allow the work to be performed.  In this event, a subsequent press release will be issued.

For additional details, please contact the Parish Highway Department at (318) 357-2200.

Northwestern State University will hold its spring break March 27-31. Classes will resume Sunday, April 2. Administrative offices will be open during the break.

Watson Library will be closed March 25-26 and April 1-2. The library will be open March 27 – 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. to noon on March 31. Watson Library will resume regular hours on Sunday, April 2.

The Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center will be open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 26. Operating hours will be from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 27-31 and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 1. Regular hours will resume on Sunday, April 2.

The other day we got cut off in Walmart.

That happens all the time in the parking lot. It doesn’t bother me because that is the way folks drive out there. I was cut off in the check-out line. It was Sunday afternoon and we were not in a hurry. We didn’t have much in our basket. We were walking up to a vacant register. Those are rare in Walmart. But there she was. Nothing on the belt by her register and she was standing there with a smile. I was grateful for our fortune as I turned into her line and prepared for a pleasant checkout experience. When coming up from the other direction was a lady, and I use that term loosely, with a full basket of stuff. She ran up and slammed her buggy against the register and started handing her items to the stunned Walmart employee. Wrong-Way Wanda came from the wrong direction. Her buggy was pointed in the wrong direction. She was standing at the plastic bag carousel of the check-out facility. Wanda handed the items out of her basket rather than placing them on the belt. Well she couldn’t. She hadn’t reached the belt yet. She stood there backwards, but she was first in that line!

I have now been cut off in the checkout line at Walmart.

Another nice employee in Walmart invited us into her empty checkout line.

This empty line was actually passed over by Wrong-Way Wanda. My bride was “preacher wife not pleased.” Preachers are cursed at times that we can’t curse at times. Preacher’s spouses have no such prohibition. My bride was talking loudly under her breath about the rudeness of some people. At this point I was in prayer, “Lord, get us out of here before this Walmart scene goes viral.” My bride once managed an apartment complex in Lubbock, Texas. It was late night and I was on the phone with her. I heard, “pop…pop…pop” in the background. I asked, “What was that?” She said, “Gunshots, let me go outside and see what happened.” My bride is fearless. She wanted to walk over and converse with Wanda about her buggy driving. I blocked her path by unloading our basket quickly.

We did check out and left the store before the rude, thoughtless, selfish, arrogant and not very nice Wrong-Way Wanda finished checking out her groceries. What the heck, there is no way to make the lady and what she did sound nice or even funny. It was low hanging fruit illustrating the decline of civility in our culture. I thought at the time that she might be fodder for an article. I was thinking about taking her picture, but she deserves some anonymity.

I have thought about her this week. Maybe she had an emergency. Maybe she had a sick child at home. Maybe she was late for work. You know, I am weary of doing that. Maybe she was simply rude and thought her hurry constituted a reason to be first at any cost. “C’mon man,” going backwards to a Walmart check out so you can be first in line. If she is your mom, wife or sister, I don’t want to hear from you. If you are Wrong-Way Wanda, call me, we’ll talk.

Wednesday I was in Sam’s in Alexandria. There are people still standing in the checkout lines in that Sam’s from the Christmas season. The checkout lines in that place are notorious even early when folks with Business Cards shop. I was in no hurry. Got my stuff and got in line. I was in line behind a guy who had one of those flat rolling pallets. It was stacked higher than he was tall. He had hundreds of dollars of stuff. It was one of those stacks that told he was in charge the food for a Scout jamboree or he was in charge of the concession stand at the baseball field. This dude had some merchandise. I pulled up and he saw my short stack and said, “Would you like to go ahead of me?” I thanked him and declined his offer. I said, “Go ahead, please.” He checked out and paid cash. I like cash and credit cards at Sam’s, they don’t slow things down.

The person behind me was fortunate as well. Not only didn’t I have much stuff, I turn all the stuff where the bar codes are upright. I checked out one hundred and seventy dollars in less than 30 seconds. The clerk thanked me for turning items with barcodes visible and making his job easier. I play this game to see how fast I can check out of Sam’s. It is one of my little quirky things. This was a ratio record, amount of purchase divided by checkout time.

A broad spectrum of human behavior is experienced in a check-out line. I pray that God would give me grace that when you share a check-out line with me, it would be a pleasant experience for all involved.

Can we be Christian even in the check-out line?

The legislative session is less than three weeks away. The Journal sat down with Representative Kenny Cox for a discussion of the issues that he sees are facing Louisiana. Those include doing something to reduce the incarceration rate in the state and funding for TOPS while making students accountable for their scholarships. Cox also expressed concern for the overall condition of the state budget.

Cox said “People in prison for non violent crimes are costing the state $36,000 to $46,000 per year and that is a large drain on the state budget. In addition Louisiana has a high incarceration rate.” Cox favors changes that move non-violent offenders from prisoners to being productive citizens. He said “It’s a budget, image and social thing. The money spent on incarceration could be put toward education to give them the ability to provide for their families. And it would improve the state’s image as well.”

On TOPS, Cox said perhaps the state should look at providing TOPS for students who will be working in job areas that are needed in Louisiana. And Cox adds “These are the things that we will fund. A students should have to spend three to five years working in the state after graduation. If a student does not do that, they should have to pay the scholarship back.” Cox says making the student accountable for the TOPS scholarship is something that is not done at present.

Another item Representative Cox is interested in is maintaining local services. Cox said “We have to budget funds to protect those agencies that provide service to people in local areas.”

There have been discussions around the capital on increasing the state tax on gasoline. On that, Cox said “If there is a gas tax it has to go for fixing our decaying road system. It has to be for that only. It has to be dedicated, But that will not help the rest of the budget.”

Another source of potential revenue is to tax oil and gas that passes through Louisiana ports. Cox said a use tax should be added, but that is not a popular issue with lawmakers. “If you use our port system and you use out pipeline facilities, we should be getting something for that” Cox added.

The regular session of the legislature will convene on Monday April 10th. It must adjourn no later than Thursday June 8th.

Gary Hardamon photos

The Northwestern State defense claimed the upper hand Thursday afternoon in an hour-long, 52-snap situational scrimmage at Turpin Stadium, turning the tables five days after the Demons’ offense piled up 587 yards in the first scrimmage of spring football practice.

The defense stymied the offense on 17 of 24 third down plays, including 14 of the first 16, and held the offense scoreless in two of four two-minute drill scenarios. The scrimmage was the 10th of 15 spring workouts, sandwiched with an hour of drills before the competition segment.

“It was really good to see the defense step up, although we didn’t think they played badly in the first scrimmage. The offense did a great job then, made some big plays, scored some points, but today it tilted the defense’s way,” said head coach Jay Thomas. “The offense did counterpunch and made some plays in the two-minute drill.”

Three quarterbacks combined to complete 15 of 29 passes for 174 yards, with one interception, by sophomore safety Malik Sonnier. The offense ran for 95 yards on 23 carries, including a 29-yard burst by Ronald Green.

Top tacklers included sophomore linebacker Ronald Malbrough (five tackles, three solo), sophomore end Brice Borgeson (four tackles, and a quarterback hurry), and sophomore linebacker Dezinarell Gray (four tackles, all solo).

“We had good intensity, came out with the right focus. You worry about that in practice 10, leading into spring break,” said first-year defensive coordinator Brad Laird. “Are there things to correct? Yeah, but we took a step today in the direction Northwestern State needs to go.”

Redshirt freshman Kenny Sears threw for 119 yards on 7 of 12 aim. Senior J.D. Almond went 6 of 12 for 38 yards while junior college transfer Clay Holgorsen was 2 of 5 for 17 yards and was intercepted.

Redshirt freshman running back Tyreik Campbell had the scrimmage’s only touchdown, a five-yard sweep that capped a six-play, 65-yard drive highlighted by Sears’ 38-yard strike into the wind to LSU transfer Jazz Ferguson.

Almond guided a nine-play, 57-yard drive including Green’s 29-yard run that helped produce a 25-yard Eric Piccione field goal.

Sophomore Jared West led the backs with 44 yards rushing on seven carries. Junior college transfer Marquisian Chapman topped the receivers with four catches for 30 yards, while Ferguson had two for 50.
The competition was sprinkled with several brief altercations as tempers flared.

“It got a little heated today,” said Thomas, who had both coordinators gather their troops at the end of the scrimmage to address the situation. “Don’t know if that was having spring break on the horizon, or the grind of three weeks of spring ball coming to the fore, but it gave us an opportunity to teach the guys how to be intense but disciplined. We will be disciplined.”

NSU students head out Friday afternoon for spring break. The Demons resume spring practice Monday night, April 3, with the 28th Annual Joe Delaney Bowl spring game Saturday morning, April 8.

Scoring plays:
Eric Piccione 25 field goal
Tyreik Campell 5 run (Austyn Fendrick kick)

Passing (15-29-1, 174 yards):
Kenny Sears 7-12, 119 yards; J.D. Almond 6-12, 38 yards; Clay Holgorsen 2-5-1, 17 yards.

Receiving (15-174):
Marquisian Chapman 4-30; Jazz Ferguson 2-50; Ronald Green 2-5; Tanner Ash 1-30; Kalen Meggs 1-19; Jaylen Watson 1-15; Tyreik Campbell 1-11; Gavin Landry 1-5; Bryson Bourque 1-5; Glenn Irons 1-4.

Rushing (23-95, 1 TD)
Jared West 7-44; Ronald Green 5-34; Nigel Dora 8-11; Kenny Sears 1-9; Tyreik Campbell 1-5, TD; Team 1-minus 8.

Defensive stats:
Ronald Malbrough 5 tackles, 3 solo; Brice Borgeson 4 tackles, 1 QB hurry; Dezinarell Gray 4 tackles, 4 solos; Dazarie Hall 3 tackles, 3 solo; Darian Raymond 3 tackles, 2 solo; Lionel Williams 3 tackles, 1 solo; Stanley Woodley 3 tackles; Nick Pierotti 3 tackles, 2 solo; Ian Edwards 2 tackles, 2 solo; Deshon Ficklin 2 tackles, 1 solo; Charlie Matthews 2 tackles; Zak Krolczyk 1 tackle, 1 solo; Manuel Mukes 1 tackle; Ricky Chatman 1 tackle; Deshon Hayes 1 tackle; Malik Sonnier, 1 interception; Ike Warren, 1 pass breakup; Lyn Clark, 2 QB hurries; Peyton Guidry, 1 QB hurry.

Northwestern State University and Campus Living Villages marked the beginning of the Varnado Hall renovation and reveal plans for the historic building that will be transformed into a 21st century living/learning community for students in the School of Creative and Performing Arts. From left are CLV CEO Gary Clarke, Dr. Greg Handel, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Chris Maggio, NSU’s acting president.

A Natchitoches Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on Texas Street March 19 at 7:30 pm. An open alcoholic beverages observed in the front cup holder and was determined to belong to the front passenger.

Other officers arrived to assist and located a weapon on the front floor board of the vehicle. Headquarters conducted a check on the weapon and it was confirmed stolen from the Natchitoches area. All occupants of the vehicle were then detained and officers continued to search the vehicle, locating suspected marijuana and two additional weapons, one of which was reported stolen from the Shreveport area. All three occupants were arrested and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with the following:

Billy Smith, 26, of Clarence, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS, and possession of a stolen firearm. Bond is set at $ 62,075.

Desmond Johnson, 22, of Ruston, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS, possession of a stolen firearm and open container. Bond is set at $32,500.

Lamarvis Jones, 23, of Shreveport, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS, and possession of a stolen firearm. Bond is set at $25,000.

Kelvin Miller B M 32 926 Amulet St., Natchitoches
Possession of Sch IV with intent; Probation Violation

Victor V. Taylor B M 20 137 Adrian Berry Rd., Robeline, LA Unauthorized Entry

Kennedrick J. Phillips B M 30 133 Waddell St., Campti, LA
Simple Possession of Marijuana; Resisting; Interference

Kimaneshia Richards B F 27 500 North St., #L-6, Natchitoches
Resisting w/Force or Violence; 2 cts Battery of Police Officer; 2 cts Resisting an Officer; Failure to Appear (Simple Criminal Damage to Property)

Donta Brimsey B M 18 214 Johnson Lp., Natchez, LA Probation Violation

D’Angelo Brimsey B M 18 500 North St., #K-4, Natchitoches
Simple Possession of Marijuana; Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm; Possession of Firearm in Presence of CDS

Ervin Walker B M 45 157 Plantation Pt., Natchitoches
Two cts First Degree Murder, Attempted

Adrian Smith B M 33 1318 Arlington St., Coushatta, LA Failure to Appear (No Drivers’ License; Reckless Operation)
Kimberly Benjamin B F 27 164 Pecan Ct., Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (No Seat Belt; Driving Under Suspension)

Carodja Queen B M 43 119 American Way, Natchitoches
Three cts Failure to Appear (Simple possession of Marijuana; No Drivers’ License; Ran Stop Sign)

Christiana Mitchell B F 21 167 Pecan Ct., Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (No Seat Belt; No Drivers’ License; Expired Registration)

Michael Rogers B M 19 500 Lakeview, #521, Natchitoches
Two cts Theft of Goods

Shaneda Armstrong B F 29 401 Main St., Natchez, LA
Failure to Appear (Right of Way; No Drivers’ License)

Deontre Colbert B M 21 100 N. Melrose Ave., Natchitoches
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Wilson Cox B M 20 100 Melrose Ave., Natchitoches
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Desmond Nash B M 32 1220 Mark St., Natchitoches
Stalking; Violation of Protective Order; Simple Criminal Damage to Property

Jayaka Frazier B M 33 208 Paula Ln., Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension)

Patricia Stampley B F 31 6596 Hwy 6, Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension)

Deandrea Petite B F 18 500 North St., #D-3, Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Speeding; No Drivers’ License)

Kennedy Blackman, Jr. B M 30 1120 Magnolia St., Natchitoches
Simple Assault

Juan Nance H M 43 152 Marie St., Natchitoches Aggravated Battery

Zachary Smith W M 22 100 S. Williams, #29, Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (One or No Headlights)

Gregory Burton B M 33 827 Jordan St., Natchitoches
Possession of Stolen Things

Bobby Newton B M 30 1121 Grace St., Natchitoches Theft
Dontavious Foster B M 19 1020 Lake St Theft

Averi Garner B F 19 175 Sam Sibley, #2307, Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Simple possession of Marijuana)

Kenya Vaughn B F 21 171 Hoover Rd., Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Lights When Required)

Pendrick Gillie B M 28 186 Johnson Lp, Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (No Drivers’ License; Ran Stop Sign)

Thomas Robinson W M 21 730 University Pkwy, Natchitoches Theft

James Graham B M 56 1010 Amulet St., Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (One or No Headlights)

Alyssia Finister B F 19 601 Hedges St., Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Simple Criminal Damage to Property)

Vincent Roberson B M 39 1305 Berry Ave., Natchitoches
Aggravated Flight; Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer; Resisting an Officer; Obstruction of Justice; Two cts Hit and Run; Open Container; Littering; Two cts Running Red Light; Three cts Running a Stop Sign; Careless Operation

Fredrick Tousant B M 29 500 North St., Natchitoches
Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer; 2 cts Battery on Law Enforcement Officer; Resisting; Public Intoxication

A Grappes Bluff man remains in LSU-University Health after suffering moderate injuries in a single-vehicle crash on Hwy. 480 near Campti March 22 at 11:53 pm, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS and Natchitoches Parish Fire District #9 responded to 911 reports of the crash.

According to LSP, the preliminary investigation revealed Preston Lance Tilley, 37 of Grappes Bluff was operating a 2013 Ford F-250 pickup truck, traveling westbound on Hwy. 480 approximately 1.8 miles west of Hwy. 486 near Campti when he apparently lose control of the vehicle leaving the roadway on the right side striking a tree on the passenger side. The vehicle then continued striking a tree head-on coming to a rest.

Deputies say upon their arrival along with EMS & Fire they discovered the driver partially trapped in the wreckage. They were able to free him without the use of extrication equipment.

Tilley was transported from the scene by EMS to Natchtoches Regional Medical Center and later transferred to LSU University Health, Shreveport in serious but stable condition.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

The crash was investigated by Master Trooper S. Pezant assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria. Any additional information will be released by Louisiana State Police.

 

The Natchitoches Chapter of the Brother’s Keepers Motorcycle Club (BKMC 17th) will hold its Second Annual Dream Run Motorcycle Rally Saturday, March 25 at the Natchitoches Parish Fairgrounds, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This family event is free and open to everyone, whether you ride a motorcycle or not. Among the activities offered will be the signature Dream Run – a 40 mile round-trip ride through the historic Front Street district of Natchitoches and along scenic roads by the river, ending up back at the Fairgrounds. There will also be silent and live auctions, raffles, a motorcycle show, vendors, great food and live music provided by Billy O’Con and the band Badd Apple.

The Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club was originally established in 2003. The organization has grown to over 36 chapters across the United States, and become international with chapters in Canada and Australia. The membership is comprised solely of firefighters – active and retired, paid and volunteer. It’s their goal to serve their communities not only through their service as firefighters, but also by volunteering and supporting local charities. The mission of BKMC Chapters as a whole is to support local and national charities, to promote safety and increase motorists’ awareness of motorcycles.

In 2014 BKMC 17 chose to use our signature annual fundraising event, the Dream Run Rally, to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children©, a healthcare system that has, since 1922, provided high levels of specialized care (burns, orthopedics, and spinal cord injuries) to injured children at absolutely no charge to the families. The Club’s decision to choose the Shriners Hospitals was an easy one to make. The Vice President of BKMC 17th had a firsthand experience with the Shriners healthcare system – his son was born with twisted feet and the Shriners Hospital in Shreveport was able to provide the orthopedic care necessary to correct the problem.

The name of the event says it all – it is our dream that no child will ever have to go without the specialized medical care needed because of the high costs typically associated with this care. The money raised through the Dream Run and other BKMC fundraising opportunities helps the Shriners Hospitals maintain their “no cost to the family” care. The Dream Run is counting on the demonstrated generosity of our community to come together and help make a difference in the lives of children with severe medical issues.

The following are the election dates for this year.  They are all Saturday elections and all parish wide.

March 25:

PW Prop. No. 1 (Library) – 8 Mills Renewal – PC – 10 Yrs.
PW Prop. No. 2 (Health Unit) – 3 Mills – PC – 10 Yrs.
PW Prop. No. 3 (Public Buildings) – 3 Mills Renewal – PC – 10 Yrs.
Road District No. 40 – 5 Mills Renewal – PC – 10 Yrs.

April 29:

PW School Sales Tax Dist. (Ex. Town of Campti) – 1/2% S&U Tax – SB – Perp.
Consolidated School Dist. No. 7 – $7.2M Bond – SB – 20 Yrs.
Fire Protection Dist. No. 5 – 7.19 Mills Renewal – BOC – 10 Yrs.

October 14:

Treasurer for State of Louisiana

November 18:

Runoff for Treasurer

Natchitoches was named among the nation’s top 100 micropolitans for economic development by Site Selection magazine, a leading economic development journal. A micropolitan is a statistical area with a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000. Natchitoches ranks at no. 51 out of 575 micropolitans nationwide, with three economic development projects. Those projects include Biomass Secure Power, Alliance Compressors, and Pilgrim’s Pride.

“We’re proud of this ranking, as it demonstrates the level of commitment we have in our area to developing our resources,” said Mayor Lee Posey, City of Natchitoches. “These projects add jobs, increase local capital and—most importantly—show we are a great place to invest.  The City is a major supporter of the Natchitoches Community Alliance (NCA), which has shown great promise in helping develop our assets, and I look forward to continued successes for our City.”

Biomass Power Louisiana, LLC, a subsidiary of Biomass Secure Power, is negotiating a lease for 90 acres of land at the Port of Natchitoches for the Phase I construction of a proposed torrefied biomass briquettes plant. The company plans to sell the torrefied biomass briquettes to power producers in Europe and Asia who require a sustainable substitute for coal.

Total construction costs for Phase I is estimated to be $49.2 million. Upon completion of Phase I, the plant will have a production capacity of 240,000 metric tons. In January, Biomass Power Louisiana, LLC received preliminary approval for up to $60 million in bonding authority with the Louisiana Bond Commission.  These funds will be used for construction and equipment for a manufacturing facility at the Port of Natchitoches.
Alliance Compressors and Pilgrim’s Pride are both modernization projects. Alliance Compressors manufactures compressors, primarily for air conditioners, with Emerson Climate Technologies as the majority and operating organization.   Alliance Compressors completed a $25 million modernization project that retained 460 existing jobs and added 100 additional jobs.

Pilgrim’s Pride Chicken Processing Plant in Natchitoches is completing $12 million in modernization projects that will retain 475 jobs in Natchitoches Parish.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on the Posey Road north of Natchitoches March 22 at 2:17 pm. Deputies say the operator of the 2005 Mack truck was uninjured. Troopers assigned to LSP Troop-E worked the crash.

NPSO: Release and Photo

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

FINE PAYMENT (F):
Jeroy Newton, 702 Brahma Dr, Natch, La – LM
Reginald Shields, 620 Genti St, Natch, La – No DL, Follow too Close
Kewanna Williams, 1208 Lakeshore Dr, Natch, La – (2) TBS
Celina Turner, 817 Merilyn, Natch, La – NSB, No DL
Devonte Aaron, 845 Posey Rd, Natch, La – (2) No DL, NSB
Brenda Fisher, Unit #2138, Campti, La – TBS
Primes Hill, 1405 Amelia St, Natch, La – DP
Amanda Irvin, 309 Eight Mile Loop, Natch, La – TBS
Jarvis Lacey, 170 Beverly Rise, Natch, La – SPOM
Dinesha Landrus, 500 North St Apt 14, Natch, La – TBS
Catherine Merritt, 400 Lakeview Dr #4304, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Ashley Phillips, 508 Hwy 153, Ashland, La – Exp MVI
Qynthia Phillips, 500 North St Apt M4, Natch, La – TBS
Brain Walker Jr., 520 Keegan St, Natch, La – SCDP
Early Antwine Jr., 1023 Berry Ave, Natch, La – Discharging Firearm
Jonathan Carter, 325 T Joe St, Nat, La – NSB, Driving Left of Center
Willie Easily, 298 Vienne Rd Lot 20, Natch, La – SPOM
Deneitra Goff, 903 Lennox Place, Natch, La– TBS
Terrence Hatchet, 219 Beverly Rise, Natch, La – Criminal Mischief
Jacqualine Jones, 910 West St, Natch, La – TBS

Trial (T):
Brittani Baker, 3400 University Pkwy #821, Natch, La – (2) SCDP
Latreyvon Durham, 1411 Dixie St, Natch, La – TBS
Brenda Hudson, 1324 Breda Ave, Natch, La – SPOM
Jordie McDaniel, 132 South Bend, Natch, La –TBS
Dylan Sowell, 117 Hwy 763, Mansfield, La – Underage DUI
Darrien Wilson, 100 Lakeview Dr #1001, Natch, La –Telephone Harassment
Ronald Campbell, 176 Riverbend Dr, Natchez, La – DUS

TBS – Theft by Shoplifting
SPOM – Simple Possession of Marijuana
SCDP – Simple Criminal Damage to Property
NSB – No Seat Belt
Exp MVI – Expired Inspection Sticker
SPDP – Simple Possession of Drug Paraphilia
No DL – No Driver’s Licenses
DP – Disturbing the Peace
DUS – Driving Under Suspension
NCR – No Child Restraint
DWI – Driving While Intoxicated
LM – Loud Music

I’ve always liked to write.  The first thing I ever wrote for the “public” was a story about some topic I’ve long forgotten, when I was in the fourth grade.

I remember that I asked Miss Johnson, a lovely silver haired lady who was a great teacher, if I could read my story to the class.  Wanting to encourage initiative from her young students, I suppose, she said I could.

The class seemed moderately interested in my story but when I asked Miss Johnson if I could write a new chapter each week, she demurred, obviously feeling that adhering to her teaching schedule was of a higher priority than hearing the stories of a future Fitzgerald or Hemingway.

Well, obviously I wasn’t a future Fitzgerald or Hemingway, just a future old newspaper man, as reporters or journalists were called back in the day.  I turned out to be much more comfortable with reporting facts rather than inventing characters of my own.

The funny thing is, that until my senior retreat at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge I intended to be a veterinarian rather than any kind of a writer at all.  The retreat was designed to be a time for prayer, contemplation and meditation. One afternoon during a break, I was in the cafeteria at the Manresa Retreat House, sipping a Seven-Up, when, like a bolt from the blue, I realized I wanted to be a newspaper man, not a doc who takes care of cats and dogs, as noble as the latter profession is.

So I majored in journalism at LSU, getting a good solid foundation in gathering facts and how to put them down on paper so that people would want to read what I wrote.

On Jan. 8, 1965 (the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans) I reported to work at the New Orleans Times-Picayune.  And for the next 41 years, until 2006, I was a newspaper man, though by the time of my retirement it would have been considered politically incorrect to call myself that.  It was the “man” part that would have offended the sensibilities of some, you see.

It was a heck of a ride.  I got to do things that most folks never get a chance to do, including covering hurricanes, earthquakes, landing on aircraft carriers, meeting presidents, movie actors and all sorts of interesting characters, both good and bad.  Perhaps my favorite years for everyday satisfaction were when I covered the criminal courts in Jefferson Parish.  For real, true-life human drama, there’s little that can compete with the moment when a jury comes back with a verdict in a murder case.

And now, retired to Natchitoches to get away from “hurricane alley” down south, I still get to express myself, now as a columnist, something I’d never really done during my years on the job in New Orleans.  It’s fun because from week to week I often don’t know what I’m going to write about until the last minute.  Sometimes I’ll be inspired with an idea while trying to get to sleep at night.  Other times I have to sit down and just come up with something.

But you know what?  As fascinating as my career was, like so many journalists, I was a would-be novelist.  I had ideas for several books that I was going to write when I retired, but just never got around to doing.  I fear they will stay in my head, rather than become reality.

My potential novel topics included the story of how a young southern college boy dealt with the assassination of John F. Kennedy (if it sounds like it might have been autobiographical it was); a novel centered around the Civil War in Baton Rouge and the siege of Port Hudson, with all kinds of interesting characters, and a supernatural horror story about the ghost of a murdered stripper in modern day New Orleans.

Three very different genres of writing, indeed, but those were my ideas.

Alas, as I said, you’ll likely never get the chance to read them because in my retired laziness I prefer reading other people’s books rather than doing the hard work that writing one of my own would entail.
But, heck, you never really know.  Or as they say in France, “On ne sais jamais.”