Northwestern State University and South Louisiana Community College signed an agreement to benefit criminal justice students who complete their associate degree and want to continue on a journey to a bachelor’s degree. SLCC Chancellor Dr. Natalie Harder and NSU’s Acting President Dr. Chris Maggio formalized the 2+2 articulation agreement Wednesday. This plan is designed for students to complete two years at SLCC followed by two years at NSU.

“Articulation agreements like this one are a win for both schools, our students and our state. SLCC and Northwestern State are preparing students to be work-ready upon graduation. This benefits our local and statewide law enforcement and corrections industries and our economy,” Harder said.

Agreements such as this save students time and money as they transfer credit hours from the two-year community college to the four-year university, administrators said.

“The memorandum of understanding provides that SLCC students who complete a prescribed curriculum in criminal justice courses can file an intent to transfer to Northwestern State to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Maggio said.

“This allows students to transfer their quality two-year degree to a quality four-year program. This seamless transfer of credits between institutions maximizes the students’ efforts in their course of studies and allows them complete their degree in an efficient manner,” said Joe Morris, head of NSU’s Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Science. “Both institutions serve the needs of their constituency and are responsive, student-oriented organizations that prepare their students to become productive members of society as well as promote the academic and improvement in the quality of life of citizens in their region.”

Northwestern State also offers a partial tuition exemption for students employed full-time as public safety officials enrolled as criminal justice majors.

SLCC’s Criminal Justice program provides students with a foundation of the American criminal justice and corrections systems. The program is expanding with day and evening course offerings and for the first time, Criminal Justice courses will be offered at SLCC’s St. Martinville campus in addition to the Lafayette campus this Fall.

“Offering courses in communities across Acadiana is a response to the need of our local law enforcement agencies,” said Paige McGee, head of SLCC’s Criminal Justice Department. She noted several agencies were interested in the program for their officers.

“It makes sense to partner with these agencies to prepare the local workforce and it makes sense to partner with four-year universities like NSU so that our students have a smooth transition to a bachelor’s degree,” said McGee.

St. Mary’s held elections for Student Coucil Officers and Class Officers for the 2017-2018 school year. The following are the election results:

Student Council:
Erica Hubbs – Secretary
Dylan Bennett – Parliamentarian
Sarah Gilmore – President
Jeremy Friedel – Vice President
Treasurer – George Ingrish

Senior Class Officers:
Bailey Shelton – Treasurer
Lauren Vienne – Girl Rep
Makenzie Methvin – President
Madison Menou – Vice President
Katelynn Yopp – Secretary
Aaron Howell – Boy Rep

Junior Class Officers:
Hailey Seaman – President
Kale Eversull – Boy Rep
Walker Jackson – Secretary
Claire Guillet – Treasurer
Sara Loach – Girl Rep
Caroline Stokes – Vice President

Sophomore Class Officers:
Mary Scruggs – Secretary
Isabella Peluso – Vice President
Brady Poche – Boy Rep
Carissa Kautz – Girl Rep
Emily Maggio – President
Madison Lester – Treasurer

Freshman Class Officers:
Matthew Gewin – Secretary
Thomas Watkins – Boy Rep
Michael Guillet – Treasurer
Madeline Godfrey – President
Graysen Bates – Vice President
Jensen Parker – Girl Rep

Spraying grass in 5-6 targeted areas in the city limits of Natchitoches to stunt its growth didn’t turn out the way the City expected it to.

The spraying was originally used because the City was told it would have a positive long-term affect by decreasing the amount of times workers would be required to mow certain areas, like the median and right-of-ways along University Parkway, close to I-49. The chemical is designed to stunt growth, kill weeds and promote healthier future growth of the grass.

However, the overall process didn’t work as residents began to question why there were huge sections of dead grass along the roadways. According to Mayor Lee Posey, the City is asking for a reimbursement and will look into sowing seeds for grass if it fails to grow back.

On Thursday afternoon, Northwestern State University Presidential Leadership students presented Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies with thank you cards and a free coffee from those who accepted the “Blue and Brew Challenge” for law enforcement.
The Blue and Brew Challenge is a challenge for those that accepted to pray and think about law enforcement officers daily.

Each individual deputy with their assigned call number was given an individual card signed by a person who accepted the challenge thanking them for their service, thinking and praying for them each day.

Luke Conway, Hannah Gaspard, Courtney Sarpy, Klein Pearce and Mikenzie Maley all took part in this humbling act of kindness.

From all of us at the NPSO, we thank each and everyone of you for your thoughts, prayers and support of law enforcement.
“Great job NSU”

Members of the Bailey Heights Community in Natchitoches presented plaques in recognition of First Responders Appreciation Day for all law enforcement services provided to the citizens of Natchitoches Parish. Representatives included Johnny Barnes, Terrance Johnson, Bobbie Conley and Linda Queen.

The following groups received plaques:
Natchitoches Fire Department
City of Natchitoches Police Department and 911 Division
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Office and 911 Division

The rules were explained before the hunt began. The hunt for Easter eggs that is. Children filled the yard of a home on Parkway April 14, filling their baskets with hand-dyed eggs. Sharon Gahagan and her family started this Easter Egg Hunt tradition 35 years ago. The number of children grew from nine little girls to over 400 children of all ages. The reason for the hunt was to create something to look forward to for families to enjoy. While the hunt isn’t held at her home anymore, Sharon said she’s glad the tradition continues.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park is hosting an AmeriCorps NCCC crew for a project at the park’s Magnolia Plantation unit thru April 18. AmeriCorps NCCC is a national service program that strengthens communities and develops leaders through residential, team-based national and community service. Teams work on service projects, helping communities meet their most compelling needs while developing its members personally and professionally. The AmeriCorps team will build a new trail and wayfinding system throughout Magnolia Plantation to provide safe and accessible access to the site and its historic structures.

Cane River Creole NHP staff will provide the needed direction, supplies, training, and tools to the AmeriCorps crew to complete the new trail system. Working alongside the AmeriCorps crew, park staff will provide guidance and direction about how to route and build the network of trails. The park uses a rubber mat system for its trails, which has been previously installed at Oakland Plantation. The mat system requires minimal ground disturbance, a hard yet flexible surface for wheelchairs, and blends into the cultural landscape with minimal visual intrusion. One small trail footbridge will also need to be built in low-lying areas with standing water. In addition to the trail system, an informational kiosk and wayfinding signs will also be erected at key locations to aid visitors navigating the site. Once completed, visitors and local residents will have a new trail system to use for recreational opportunities.

According to Park Superintendent Carrie Mardorf: “Using an AmeriCorps crew to complete this work will not only complete a critical project that would otherwise take years to complete, but also create awareness that the NPS increasing operational and preservation efforts at Magnolia Plantation. This trails and wayfinding project will be a kick-off to other projects and site improvements at Magnolia expected within the next 1-5 years, thus fostering relationships with the surrounding local community and plantation descendants.”

In addition to working with National Park Service staff, AmeriCorps crew members will have an opportunity to also learn the history of the area through interactions with family descendants with ties to Magnolia Plantation. Cane River Creole NHP anticipates also partnering with the Cane River National Heritage Area to increase awareness of the project within the community.

s

Northwestern State University and Louisiana State University – Eunice formalized two agreements to facilitate the transfer of credits for student pursuing degrees in criminal justice and unified public safety administration.

One memorandum of understanding provides that students who complete the associate of science degree in criminal justice at LSU-E can transfer all credit hours to NSU for partial fulfillment of a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice.

The agreement will help both traditional and non-traditional students seeking an opportunity to transfer to a four-year program that will accept LSU-E’s criminal justice credits.

The second MOU will allow students who complete LSU-E’s associate degree of applied science in fire and emergency services with a concentration in emergency services technology to transfer credit hours to apply to a bachelor of science degree in unified public safety administration at NSU.

Administrators say the partnership will benefit both traditional and non-traditional students who wish to continue on towards a baccalaureate degree program, increasing their skills and marketability.

By Wanda St. Andre

Well, I promised my 1964 Bolton classmates a story, and I’m about to deliver on that promise. We have all heard the saying that “it’s a small world.” Never has that particular phrase struck so close to home for me as it did almost two weeks ago.

My husband and I were sitting at a table in a dining facility onboard the cruise ship “Island Princess.” Also with us were close friends who travel with us on cruises. Two other couples were at the table, too, where we were waiting to be called to the tender that would take us to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. One couple soon left when their numbers were called.

We continued our conversation with the remaining couple, and just a few moments later, another couple joined us at the table. The talk went on, and the newest man asked me if I was from Texas. I told him no, that I was from Louisiana. It then came out that he had lived in Alexandria, which was my hometown growing up. He said that he went to school there, so I naturally asked him which school. He replied that he had gone to Bolton. My jaw hit the floor when we both soon realized that we had graduated in the same year together!!

Further conversation was stopped when my group was called for the tender, but a few days later, he and his wife met my husband and me for about an hour. We were able to see each other again soon, and also were in the same line getting off the ship at the end of the cruise.

What were the odds that he and I would be in the same place at the same time after all these years? He seemed to remember my last name, but I had difficulty placing him. We took a picture that day, and later, took another one which I am posting. And, for you curious BHS 1964 grads……his name is Alan Kaiser. He was at our 2014 reunion, but I never met or talked to him then. Maybe some of you will remember him!

I enjoyed talking to him and getting a taste of his sense of humor. At our last meeting, I thought I never would stop laughing! Anyway, that’s my story and I hope my FB friends and fellow classmates enjoy reading it!!

Cane River Creole National Historical Park announces a regular schedule of free spring programs at Oakland Plantation and expanded spring hours at Magnolia Plantation. National Park Service rangers and volunteers will present a daily talk at 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. tour at Oakland Plantation.

The 12:30 p.m. talk will focus on the role and lives of generations of plantation workers at Oakland and will take place at the slave/tenant cabin. The cabin talk will be followed at 1:00 p.m. by a tour of the Oakland Main House which will focus on the 200 year history of the plantation. Main House tour will begin at the Plantation Store. There are no regularly scheduled tours of the grounds of Magnolia Plantation at this time, but grounds tours can be arranged by calling 318-352-0383, ext. 200. All programs are free to the public. Oakland Plantation is located at 4386 Highway 494, Bermuda (Natchez), LA 71457.

The Oakland Plantation grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Magnolia Plantation grounds are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through April 30. On May 1 the Magnolia Plantation operation hours will expand to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/cari or call the park at 318-352-0383, ext. 316.

Christian Worship Center, located at 1513 Hwy. 494, will hold an Easter Eggstravaganza this Saturday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny, play in the bouncer, eat free hot dogs, win prizes and hunt for 1,500 Easter eggs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring an easter basket.

HAMMOND – Aside from the familiarity with its opponent, the Northwestern State baseball team will have a bit of a different weekend.

When the Demons head to Southeastern Louisiana for a three-game series that begins Thursday night at 6 p.m., they will play on a Thursday night for the first time this season.

Throw in a Friday night game (6 p.m.) that marks Northwestern State’s first appearance of the season on Cox Sports Television and there are plenty of nuances to the Demons’ fifth Southland Conference series of the season.

“It’s always good to be on TV and let people around the state see the brand of baseball we play and our conference plays,” said first-year head coach Bobby Barbier, whose team’s three-game series at Kansas in March was televised on ESPN3. “Our conference does a great job of bringing in good players and playing tough schedules. Hopefully, they’ll see that Friday.”

While CST’s attention will focus on Friday, the Demons (10-21, 3-9) are tuned in to the series opener when sophomore right-hander Nathan Jones (3-4, 5.55) will match up against Lions junior right-hander Mac Sceroler (5-1, 3.20).

The Demons have dropped five straight conference games, two of which have been decided by one run. The most recent in the streak was a 3-2 loss Sunday at Stephen F. Austin when the Lumberjacks scored twice in the ninth to complete a weekend sweep.

Barbier said his team could take away some key lessons from a rough weekend in Nacogdoches.

“(SFA) has that belief that they can’t lose,” Barbier said. “We’ve scuffled some, but we’ve got to develop that belief. The only way to do that is by doing that, by making plays to win the game. It takes some guys longer than others, but we’re going to get there.”

The Lions reached the halfway point of their conference schedule at 8-7 in conference play and 20-12 overall.

Southeastern Louisiana has won 13 of its 16 games inside Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field, producing a true home-field advantage the Demons will try to dent. The Lions have won both of their conference series at home, going 4-2 against Lamar and McNeese.

“I know they got beat two of three at Corpus last week, but that’s always a tough place to play,” Barbier said. “They’re good. We recruited a bunch of their guys, so we know them. (Head coach) Matt (Riser) and I are really good friends. They’re good, and they’ll be ready to go. They’re always competing for something at this time of the year.

“We’re competing for something, too. We’re trying to do our best to play our best game on Thursday. Let’s go out and play our best game and let the chips fall where they may.”

The Demons have lined up the same starting rotation they used for the first time against Stephen F. Austin.

Right-handers Evan Tidwell (1-4, 6.55) and Austin Reich (0-1, 6.75) will follow Jones in the rotation with Tidwell starting Friday and Reich taking the ball in Saturday’s 1 p.m. series finale.

Reich made his first Southland Conference start this past weekend, working four scoreless innings in the series finale at Stephen F. Austin.

“I thought he kept his composure,” Barbier said. “You don’t want to see five walks, obviously, but it was nice to see him under control. What Austin can do is get poor swings with his fastball, because it is so good, and his developing breaking stuff. Hopefully, he can build on that.”

Series Probables
Thursday: Northwestern State RHP Nathan Jones (3-4, 5.55) at Southeastern Louisiana RHP Mac Sceroler (5-1, 3.20)
Friday: Northwestern State RHP Evan Tidwell (1-4, 6.55) at Southeastern Louisiana RHP Corey Gaconi (2-3, 3.130
Saturday: Northwestern State RHP Austin Reich (0-1, 6.75) at Southeastern Louisiana RHP Carlisle Koestler (1-2, 5.45)

St. Mary’s award winning FBLA team participated in District Contest at Northwestern State University Feb. 3.  Led by the now three time state qualifying Current Events Team, St. Mary’s had 56 students placing in one or two events including Excellent, Superior and First Place.

Students who placed Superior, qualifying for State:
Brittany Turner in Advertising
Thomas Howell in Agribusiness
Kathryn Lee in Business Calculations
Brady Poche and Jack Wright in Computer Applications
Dylan Bennett in Health Care Administration
Madison Lester in Introduction to Information Technology
Sarah Gilmore, Maddie Menou and Ryan Sampite in Marketing
Ryan Sampite in Organizational Leadership
Claire Guillet, Sara Loach, Hailey Seaman and Caroline Stokes in Parliamentary Procedure
Haley Stewart in Public Speaking
Wes Manuel in Spreadsheet Applications
Sarah Aviles in Personal Finance

Those winning First Place in their competition and qualifying for State were:
Behrend Behrendsen in Computer Applications
Anne Evans, Mary Hannah Hendrix and Madelyn Peluso in Emerging Business Issues
Jay Parker for Mr. Future Business Leader
Aaron Howell in Insurance and Risk Management
George Ingrish in Organizational Leadership
Elizabeth Jackson, Zac White and Jay Parker in Current Events
Jeremy Friedel, Aaron Howell and David Thibodaux in Sports and Entertainment Management

Those scoring Excellent rating:
Matthew Nelson, Addison Shelton, Cole Zeagler, Kale Eversull, Reagan Hale, Emily Maggio, Isabella Peluso, Faith Maxey, Bailey McConnell, Hailey Seaman, Matthew Thibodaux, Abigail Wheat, Caroline Bishop, Maria Bienvenu, Maci Messenger, Mary Scruggs, Erica Hubbs, Elizabeth DeVargas, Olivia Miller, Lauren Vienne, Jeremy Friedel, Peyton Bolton, Hannah Deranger, Chole Longlois, Caitlyn Taylor, Walker Jackson, Haley Stewart, Sarah Stamey and Sydney Leger.

Pictured on front row from left are Jeremy Friedel, Elizabeth Jackson, Mary Hannah Hendrix, Haley Stewart, Anne Evans, Madelyn Peluso and Ryan Sampite. On middle row are Sarah Aviles, Madison Lester, Kathryn Lee, Sara Loach, Claire Guillet and Caroline Stokes. On back row are Jack Wright, George Ingrish, Daivd Thibodaux, Wes Manuel, Brady Poche, Dylan Bennett, Brittany Turner, Maddie Menou, Sarah Gilmore, Zac White, Jay Parker, Thomas Howell, Aaron Howell and Behrend Behrendsen.

The City of Natchitoches will hold a public hearing at 5 PM on April 24 at the Natchitoches Arts Center on Second Street. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain views on the housing and community development needs of the City and to discuss the submission of an application for funding under the State of Louisiana FY 2018 – FY 2019 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program.  The following items will be discussed at the hearing:

A.         The amount of funds available for proposed community development and housing activities;
B.        The range of activities available that may be undertaken, including the estimated amount of funds proposed to be used for activities that will benefit persons of low and moderate incomes;
C.        The plans of the City for minimizing displaced persons as a result of activities assisted with such funds and the benefits to be provided by the City to persons actually displaced as a result of such activities; and
D.        The City’s past performance on LCDBG projects funded by the State of Louisiana.

All citizens, particularly low and moderate income persons and residents of slum and blighted areas of the City are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that a three day notice is received by the City.

Those citizens unable to attend this hearing may submit their views and proposals until May 9, 2017 in writing to:

City of Natchitoches
Post Office Box 37
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
Honorable Lee Posey, Mayor

The Master Gardeners of Natchitoches Parish met on April 12 and enjoyed an informative presentation by Corkey Bruce from Natchitoches.  Corkey described “Proven Winner” plants – those top performing plants that thrive year after year, proving to be disease-resistant and tolerant of our heat and humidity.  Natural Springs ensures they have these plants on hand each season – make sure you ask during your next visit.  Corkey then gave the group advice on caring for container plants.  Remember: it is easier to recover from under-watering vs. over-watering.  If you are unsure, invest in a moisture meter.

Peggy Fisher attended the meeting to remind attendees about Hodges Gardens State Park, located along Hwy 171 between Many and Leesville.  The Master Gardeners decided to use next month’s meeting date (May 10, 2017) as a field trip to Hodges Gardens.  Attendees should bring money for admission (and the gift shop), a sack lunch, and wear comfortable shoes.  For information about Hodges Gardens, visit http://www.hodgesgardens.net .

Finally, LSU AgCenter Cooperative Extension Office is pleased to announce a Master Gardener class starting in June.  The 10-week course meets once a week with an extensive and well-qualified list of presenters.  Contact the parish office at 318-357-2224 for more information.  If interested, the deadline for class registration is May 12, 2017.

For more information or for daily tips on North Louisiana gardening, please “like” the Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NatchitochesMasterGardener/

Natchitoches Police Department Officers responded to a medical emergency on Klaire Circle shortly after 10 p.m. on April 8.  Officers arrived and spoke with a witness who advised her neighbor knocked on her door and advised his brother was injured and she called 911.

The victim, a 12 year old male, had an injury to the head that was later determined to be a gunshot wound. He was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and was later airlifted to University Health in Shreveport. At last report the victim was in critical condition.

No suspect information is available at this time and this case is currently under investigation by The Natchitoches Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.
If you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Townson at (318) 357-3852.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

UPDATE:
After further examination medical staff confirmed that the victim was not suffering from a gunshot wound, but from blunt force trauma. The victim remains at University Health and is in stable, but critical condition.

Long hours and steadfast dedication on the part of the Detectives of the Natchitoches Police Department resulted in an arrest in the above captioned case.
 
 
On April 13, Natchitoches Police Department Detectives booked Braylan Bayonne the 18-year-old brother of the victim. Both the victim and Braylan Bayonne are Natchitoches residents. Bayonne was charged with attempted first degree murder and was transported to The Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

I learned touch typing in the ninth grade. I still type reasonably fast.

I received a learner’s permit in the tenth grade and I still drive a car reasonably fast.

I don’t think about either while I am doing them. If you have been behind me in a car, perhaps you have speculated about that.

Typing is habitual. I do it every day. Right now I am working on two sermons and two of these articles. I hope I don’t get things crossed up.

Driving is habitual. I do that every day as well. I have noticed that my driving skills are not as sharp as they once were. Part of that I blame on age. I don’t see as well at night as I once did. My reflexes while still cat like, are like a slow fat Tom cat who has been eating inside food for years.

I type alone. No one stands over my shoulder and watches me type. I do face a weekly deadline for my articles to be published. I can take as long as I wish to type an article provided that they arrive before the aforementioned deadline. When I make a mistake typing, I hit the backspace or delete button and the mistake is erased. Actually the page I am typing on now, doesn’t really exist. It is the reproduction of a page and letters appearing on a computer monitor. Is it real? Is it something else? I will allow you to ponder that existential twist as you dye your Easter Eggs.

When I drive, I’m sharing the road with other folks. For the most part, folks know how to handle a vehicle. Some drive too slowly for me, but I’m learning to take my time and relax. It is part of giving up “running.” I have reached the stage where walking is moving fast enough through life. The other thing about drivers is distracted drivers. Yesterday on I-49 I was passed by a young person doing at least 90 mph. She was texting away as she blew past me. I prayed for her safety and the safety of her passengers. I have noted that guys on the phone tend to drive slower than the posted speed limit. I guess that proves that we are not able multi-taskers. I will note that mistakes while driving are costly and dangerous.

I’m a faster typist than my High School days. It is a skill that doesn’t seem to diminish with age. I did the math yesterday and discovered that over my career I have typed over five million words. My fingers want some time off. I have enjoyed most of what I have typed. There are a couple of letters that stand out as exceptions. I hit send and I should have hit delete.

Over the same period, I have driven 935,000 miles. I don’t text and drive so I can’t count words typed while driving. I drive just as fast as I always have. My right foot contains ample amounts of Pb. Notice I didn’t count the number of speed greetings I have received from various law enforcement agencies.

I enjoy writing and driving. Writing is great mental exercise. When I drive, I get windshield time. I have time alone to ponder and consider. I have time to pray and listen to God. Although I’m not as good a driver as I once was, I still enjoy it. I’m looking forward to one of those self-driving cars so I can look at flora and fauna while I “drive.” I can also finally type in a moving car!

Sunday is Easter. The message is the same. Christ is risen!

Writing and driving are just two things I enjoy doing. Easter promises that the enjoyment of life continues eternally. Someone said that heaven is like an everlasting worship service. NOT! Heaven is living. It is living without fear, sickness, pain, disappointment, guilt and sin. Resurrection life is really living! Easter is our promise that in Christ we will have that kind of life.

I have typed enough words for this article.

A month-long investigation by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies in connection with a vehicle burglary in Provencal has led to the arrest of a Natchitoches man according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

The investigation began on March 5 when NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to a report of a vehicle burglary in the 100 block of Maple Street in Provencal.

While speaking to the complainant, deputies learned while she and a friend were attending Sunday church services, someone entered her friend’s 2014 Toyota RAV parked in the parking lot taking her Vera Bradley wallet containing credit cards, and an Apple Iphone 6 cell phone.

Deputies processed the crime scene and gathered information for an offense report.

Deputies assigned to Patrol Shift “C”, also collected video surveillance in undisclosed locations identifying a potential suspect vehicle and person of interest.

The case was turned over to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division for investigative purposes.

Over the course of the next two weeks, detectives learned that six unauthorized purchases were made on the complainant’s stolen credit cards amounting to $566.59 in the Natchitoches area.

Information gathered by High Tech Crime Unit detectives was disseminated among the patrol division to BOLO for the vehicle.

On April 7, an off-duty deputy assigned to the Patrol Division Shift “A” recognized the vehicle from intelligence reports, obtained a license plate number and contacted detectives with the information.

Detectives were able to positively identify a suspect as Dennis Quinn Jr., with that information and video surveillance evidence.

That afternoon, detectives executed a search warrant at Quinn’s residence on West Court Drive in Natchitoches at which time he was taken in custody.

Quinn was transported to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division to be interviewed.

While interviewing Quinn, detectives say he confessed to the vehicle burglary.

As a result Dennis Quinn Jr., 34, of the 1600 block of West Court Drive in Natchitoches was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with 1-count of Vehicle Burglary, 5-counts of Illegal Transmission of Monetary Funds and 5-counts of Unauthorized Use of a Access Card.

Quinn, who has nine prior arrests in the Vernon and Beauregard Parish areas, is also facing probation violation charges. No bond has been set.

Sheriff Victor Jones said this just goes to show you that no matter where you park your vehicle, as in this case at religious services, always remember to secure your vehicle and place important items such as purses, wallets, cell phones, etc., in a locked glove box or the trunk”.

Criminals look for easy access and targets to commit crimes.

Detectives say the investigation is ongoing. Other arrests may be possible.

Chief of Detectives Greg Dunn said both the Patrol and Investigations Division did an outstanding job collecting evidence, and sharing information that led to an arrest in this case.

Detective V. Kay was assisted by Deputies R. Ross and A. Llorence in the investigation.

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):
Jimmy Carter, 529 Keegan St, Natch, La – TBS
Temika Payton, 430 Howell St, Natch, La – DP
Timothy Pier, 428 Sanford St, Natch, La – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Elizabeth Sheppard, 833 Jordan St, Natch, La – Unlawful Sale Alcohol/Under 21
Anitra Taylor, 115 Sabine St, Natch, La – Simple Battery
Lekeshia Willis, 316 Duplex St, Natch, La – Simple Assault
Quannisha Braxton, 100 Hazel Dr Apt 110, Natch, La – Improper Tag, Speeding
Billy Greggs III, 123 Ann St, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Aqualious Harris, 500 North St #K4, Natch, La – Maximum Speed Limit
Christopher Hilbun, 103 Boudreaux St, Natch, La – Right of Way, DUS
Henry Malancon, 308 Daffodill St, Goryville, La – No DL
Lewis Melancon, 1408 Davis St, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Alvin Petite, 500 North St, Natch, La – Unlicensed Driver, Traffic Devices
Tysheena Coleman, 420 B Mcdobson, Natch, La – Unlicensed Driver
Karly Williams, 298 Vienna Rd #2, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Sheniece Melancon, 1408 Davis St, Natch, La – No DL
Ebone Culbert, 230 Fairgrounds Rd Apt 13, Natch, La – TBS
Dequan Evans, 1436 Stella, Natch, La– Unlicensed Driver
Sarah Zeringue, 414 Sibley, Natch, La – Obstructing Public Passages
Laphiama Yeargin, 124 Ann, Natch, La – Discharging Firearm

Trial (T):
Shaterrica Demars, 201 Pierson St, Natch, La – Theft
Nelsoner Bush, 509 Scott Loop, Natch, La – TBS, Resisting an Officer
Brittany Johnson, 119 South Bend Dr, Natch, La – Remaining on Premises
Loyd Brown, 500 North St Apt G-3, Clarence, La – Simple Battery
Tremain Johnson, 341 Duplex St, Natch, La – Unauthorized Use of Access Card
Jonathan Shepperd, 109 Julian Circle, Natch, La –SPOM
Calvin Clark, 1204 Pavie St, Natch, La – DP, Domestic Abuse Battery

Philip J. Lang W M 33 757 Robeline Provencal Rd, Robeline, LA
Molestation of a Juvenile

Frank Bailey B M 23 487 Midrose Trail, Dallas, TX
Five cts Failure to Appear (Maximum Speed Limit; No Drivers’ License; Simple Poss. of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Illegal Window Tint)

Victoria Carhee B F 17 425 Rue DeGabriel, Natchitoches
Two cts Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Jerica Kelly B M 24 1109 Texas St., Natchitoches
Two cts Possession w/intent CDS I Marijuana; Ran Stop Sign; Obstruction; 2nd or Subseq Offn

Alexis Baldwin B F 21 1230 Old Robeline Rd, Natchitoches
Simple Criminal Damage to Property

Kenneth Bryant, Jr. B M 24 717 5th St., Natchitoches
Possession of Schedule I; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Kandice Duncantell B F 26 500 North St, #Q-1, Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Unlicensed Driver; Improper Turning; Expired License Plate)

Andrianna Doty B F 17 702 Brahma Dr., Natchitoches
Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Arianna Perry B F 17 440 Fairgrounds Rd., # 46, Natchitoches
Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Demontre Jackson B M 23 309 Airport Rd., Natchitoches Theft

Rodney Frazier B M 38 196 Saida St., Natchitoches
No Drivers’ License; Two cts Stop Signs; Two cts Turn signals; No Insurance; Flight from
Officer; Failure to Appear (No Seat Belt; Unlicensed Driver; No Drivers’ License)

Katrice Brimsey B F 28 500 North St, #K-4, Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Unlicensed Driver: Expired Inspection Sticker)

Bobby Houston B M 40 234 Carver, Natchitoches
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Theft

Bernard Miles B M 23 3800 University Pkwy, #414, Natchitoches
Possession Schedule I w/intent (Marijuana); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; No Seat Belt; No Drivers’ License on Person

Tori Triggs B F 20 3800 University Pkwy, #414, Natchitoches
Possession Schedule I w/intent (Marijuana); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession Schedule I w/intent (Marijuana)

Jermaine Lacaze B M 35 320 Winona, Natchitoches
Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon; Illegal Carrying of Weapons

Drucilla Craig B F 25 1405 Grayson St., Natchitoches
Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Michael Remo B M 56 186 Sorgee Rd., Natchitoches
Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Alvin Bolden, Jr. B M 26 313 Primrose St., Natchitoches
Failure to Appear (Simple Possession of Marijuana)

Sheila Cheatwood W F 51 218 Abraham Rd., Cloutierville, LA Stalking

Edith Roy W F 58 166 Sonny Black Rd., Saline, LA Theft of Goods

Chansy Demars B F 29 500 North St., Natchitoches
Aggravated Battery

Carnelius Daniels B M 22 823 MLK Dr., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Impeding Flow of Traffic)

Chris Lacour B M 45 952 Hwy 495, Cloutierville, LA Theft of Goods

Tamala Hale B F 36 383 Miller Creek Rd., Many, LA Theft of Goods

Carnelius Daniels B M 22 825 MLK Dr., Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Johnnie Price B M 58 1107 Berry Ave., Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Aeneid Green B F 43 138 Airport Rd., Natchitoches DWI (1st); Failure to Signal; Driving Under Suspension; Improper Lane Usage

Addie King B F 46 1009 Clarence Dr., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (No Child Restraints; One or No Taillights)

Royal Flakes B M 36 295 Jordan Ferry Rd., Coushatta, LA Two cts Resisting by Force; Two cts Obstruction; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Joe Tousant B M 50 500 North St, #P-7, Natchitoches Theft

Dyneshia Raymond B F 26 423 Lafayette St., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension; Ran Stop Sign)