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)

Swingman Vontay Ott, who averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds and led his California high school team to its greatest season as a senior, became the first spring signee in the 2016-17 Northwestern State basketball recruiting class on Wednesday.

Ott led his Hesperia (Cal.) High School team to a 47-11 record in his final two seasons, 23-7 in 2016-17 as HHS made the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs for the first time in school history.
The 6-4 guard/wing player was first-team All CIF-Southern Section in Division 3A and has already been chosen as Hesperia’s “Male Athlete of the Year.”

Ott helped his team to Mojave River League championships in 2016 and 2016, winning league MVP honors as a junior and repeating as a first-team MRL selection as a senior. His team was 20-0 in MRL play in his final two seasons.

“It’s a great day to add someone with all the winning characteristics both on and off the court that Vontay possesses,” said Demons’ head coach Mike McConathy, who will enter his 19th season in charge of the NSU program next November. “Vontay is a young man that is very committed to getting better and hungry to learn in order to be great.  The leadership qualities he developed in high school will carry over into our culture.  ‘Championship Basketball with a Purpose’ is the theme of our program and he checks off all the boxes that fall under that checklist.”

Ott was an explosive player for Hesperia coach Calvin Tang. He had single-game highs of 30 points and 24 rebounds.
“Vontay has the ability to make plays in the open court as well as the halfcourt with his high-level athleticism.  We like versatile players and he can play several positions in our system,” said McConathy. “He is a lefty with a shifty gear that makes plays at the rim.  Defensively, he is long armed and plays very aggressive which fits our pressing style of play.”

Ott joins three members of NSU’s 2016-17 recruiting class who signed in November: 6-8, 265-pound post player Larry Owens of Monroe-Carroll, guard C.J. Jones of Monroe-Wossman, and swingman Caleb Starks from Lafayette Christian.

McConathy said Ott’s foundation with family, coaches and mentors positions him for success with the Demons.

“Vontay has been surrounded by great people which has led to all his accomplishments.  His parents (Brickey Moore and Jimmy Ott), Coach Calvin Tang, and Pat Pruitt as well as many others have helped prepare him for the great opportunity ahead of him at NSU,” said McConathy. “Vontay has a bright future.  He fits perfectly into our championship tradition.”

Additional members of the Class of 2016-17 are anticipated, he said.

The Demons are aiming for their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance this century next season, and their third NCAA Tournament victory. NSU has seven Southland Conference Tournament championship game appearances under McConathy, who has seen 90 percent of his players graduate.

By Kevin Shannahan

The Natchitoches Parish music education scene will not be quite the same next year after the retirement of Kenrick Foy after 26 years as an educator, with 12 of them at the helm of the NCHS marching band.

Foy graduated from New Orleans’ Jesuit High School and went on to Southern Univerity where he graduated in 1980 with a degree in Music Education. He spent a few years in and out of private industry, but was always being drawn into his first love, teaching.

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, Foy owned a custom furniture business that was wiped out by the storm. His eldest daughter was a student at NSU, so he and his family came up to see her. It was to prove fortuitous. While registering his youngest daughter at NCHS, the administration found out he was a band director and a job offer soon followed.

Foy built the NCHS marching band virtually from scratch. His leadership by example is evident in the superb halftime shows at every Chief’s home football game. In addition to playing for NCHS fans, the marching band is a staple of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade. They are also community minded. The band played for several years at the finish line of the Kasey Ragan Heart and Soul run. How many people can say they finished a 5k race with a marching band playing them on? At every performance, Foy could be seen in a coat and tie, quietly watching the young people he trained showcase their talent. Hard work, developing your God given talents and becoming better young men and women, Foy brought out those qualities in hundreds, if not thousands, of NCHS students over his tenure.

Foy is married and is the father of two sons and two daughters. He and his family will continue to make their home in Natchitoches after his retirement. A lifelong avid woodworker, he is the owner of Foy’s Custom Furniture and Cabinet Company. The NPJ thanks him for his service to our parish’s young people and wishes him and his family a long, happy and well earned retirement!

Albert Einstein’s once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

The Citizens for Democratic Action will honors educators who exemplify this quote at a Humanitarian Award Banquet Friday, April 28 at 7 pm at the MLK Center. Awardees are Paul Morgan and Pearl Payne. Nancy West Harrington will also be recognized with a Good Citizenship Award.

Paul Morgan began his education at Natchitoches Parish Elementary Training School and Central High School, Class of 1955. He continued his studies at Southern University and Tuskegee Institute where he obtained an undergraduate degree in biology and a graduate degree in chemistry, respectively.

He taught in Allen Parish for 7 years, then returned to Natchitoches where he served as an adjunct professor at Natchitoches Central High School, the Louisiana School for the Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) and Northwestern State University.

Paul, an active member of the First Baptist Church on Amulet Street, has many accolades and has continued to serve his community well.

Tickets for the banquet are $20 per person. For more information contact CDA President Harold Bayonne at 318-413-2064 or email haroldbayonne1@gmail.com.

Camp Quality executive director Alan Barth and American Cancer Society rep Danielle Cobb spoke to the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club at its meeting April 6.

Camp Quality serves around 900 children with cancer and their families every year with programs, experiences, and companionship, at no cost. It promotes hope and inspiration while helping children foster life skills and develop their full potential.

Kiwanian of the Month Awards (for the previous four months) were presented to Lee Waskom, Carey Ethredge, Dr. Haley Taitano, and Reba Phelps.

Pictured from left are LaCarsha Babers, Gaynell and Alan Barth (Camp Quality), and Reba Phelps.

Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women, who serve as public safety telecommunications.

“We get to help people,” said NSPO Telecommunicator Monique Guidry. Angela Crowe said the job keeps you on your toes. The job is a lot of the same, but it’s always different. While they work 12 hour shifts (a month of days then a month of nights) at the same desks, they never know what the calls will entail as the situation is always unique.

NPSO telecommunicators include Candie White, Patricia Dearborne, Angela Crowe, Tonya Reliford, Paige Martin, Kimberly Green, Lorena Ramos, Monique Guidry and Chief LaQuita Collins. NPD telecommunicators include Sybil Holland, Regine Sylvie, Nubia Charleston, Sabrina Williams, Diquan Johnson, Quantavia McCray, Terri Masson, Juankeitha Jones and Supervisor Brenda Henderson.

These first, first responders perform a full range of radio and telephone operational duties in the 24/7 911 facilities at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Natchitoches Police Department. They process and prioritize calls for police, fire and EMS assistance.

“The emergency call takers and dispatchers who serve Natchitoches Parish have always been the voice on the end of the line when our citizens call 911 for help,” said Willis Carter, 911 Director for Natchitoches Parish.

Carter said the two public safety-answering points for Natchitoches Parish answer an average of 25,000 calls per year, just in 911 calls. Some job requirements include a level head in stressful situations, an ability to multitask and split ear hearing and a keen eye to distinguish between priorities when it comes to the calls they receive.

“This is one of the most difficult professions you can have,” said Carter. “These dedicated professionals toil night and day, sometimes with little recognition, but work for the satisfaction gained by serving their community. It’s a calling.”

The first 911 call in the U.S., made some 49 years ago in Haleyville, Ala., marked the beginning of a new era in public safety. In recognition and to honor these mostly unknown and sometimes underappreciated public servants,  in the early 1990s, the national Association of Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO) asked Congress, through a formal proclamation, introduced by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), to create a “National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.”  That original proclamation followed the process of Congressional procedure, and in 1994 became a permanent day of recognition each consecutive year.

On behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Communications District Board of Commissioners, Chairman Micky Dove offers a sincere “thank you” and publicly recognizes the important role public safety telecommunicators play in keeping Natchitoches Parish safe.

“Telecommunicators are the calming voice in your time of need,” said Chief LaQuita Collins. “They’re someone to listen and someone to send help. They work behind the scenes to keep citizens safe.”

Northwestern State University will be closed on Friday, April 14 for Easter break. Administrative offices will reopen on Monday, April 17. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 18.

Watson Library and the Wellness Recreation and Activity Center will be closed April 14-16. The library and WRAC will reopen for regular hours on Monday, April 17.

Northwestern State University students Alba Maloff of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and Nicholas Fisher of Iowa won first place in Microsoft Office Solutions at the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) National Collegiate Conference in St. Louis. Harvey Briggs of Monroe was in the top 20 in Security. This is the 16th time in 17 years a NSU computer information systems major has won first place at the national competition.

Thirteen NSU students attended the conference along with Professor of Computer Information Systems Begona Perez-Mira, faculty sponsor of the university’s AITP chapter. More than 460 students and faculty from 48 colleges and universities attended the conference.

Maloff and Fisher were tested on their knowledge of Microsoft Access (database), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Powerpoint.

“All the parts make up 1 project so they are linked,” said Maloff, a senior computer information systems major with concentrations in app development and web development and a minor in music performance. “I used one of the queries in Access to create the Excel file, and then a part of the Excel was to be linked to the Word file and so on.”

Maloff believes national competitions are useful for students in the highly competitive computer information systems field.

“It is important for us to put ourselves out there and compare our knowledge to others,” he said. “A couple of months ago we were in regional competition and even though we did not place we learned from the experience and that helped us prepare for nationals.”

Northwestern State’s online bachelor’s program in computer information systems has been rated as the top information technology program in the country, according to Nonprofit Colleges Online. Program graduates are actively recruited by leading corporations throughout the country.

“NSU is preparing us to compete in the field,” said Maloff. But it is up to us to use that knowledge and expand it as best we can through research and through activities such as these competitions which the university and the CIS department greatly encourage us to attend.”

For more information on the AITP program, please contact Dr. Begona Perez-Mira at perezmirab@nsula.edu. To learn about the CIS program, go to cis.nsula.edu or e-mail cis@nsula.edu.

The Natchitoches Police Department has set up a “Safe Transaction Zone” in the parking lot of the headquarters located at 400 Amulet Street.

The goal of the “Safe transaction Zone” is to give citizens a safe place to complete on-line transactions.  Residents will be able to meet with buyers or sellers to show or purchase property in a safer way.

The parking lot is monitored by surveillance cameras 24 hours a day; however we request that transactions take place during daylight hours and that the designated parking spaces are utilized when possible.

By Joe Darby

This week let’s take a little walk down memory lane.

Who can recall the huge, ambitious drama, “Louisiana Cavalier,” presented at Grand Ecore for a couple of seasons beginning in 1976?

I just happen to have an original program as well as a press kit, because I did a story on the production for The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

You’ll have to be fairly well into middle age to remember it, because it opened 41 years ago. I know my girls would  have enjoyed it when they were a little older, but they were left with grandparents back in New Orleans because they were only 4 and 2 at the time.

If you go to the Natchitoches shooting range up on Grand Ecore, you can still see the old amphitheater where the productions were held.

As I said, it was an ambitious undertaking.  According to the Louisiana Cavalier program, the impetus for the show did not arise in Natchitoches, but in the person of a New Orleans woman, Mrs.  Edwin H. Blum.  Interesting aside here:  Mrs. Blum was never identified in the program by her own first name, but only by that of her husband.  Sign of the times.

Anyway, she was president of the Louisiana Council for the Performing Arts and thought Louisiana should have a spectacular outdoor drama, similar to others which were popular around the country at the time.  They settled on Natchitoches and the story of St. Denis, the almost legendary founder of our old town.  His life certainly lent  itself to drama.  I’ve written before about his life and although it was certainly an exciting one, I won’t repeat it again here.

It took Mrs. Blum and her cohorts several years to develop the concept and to raise funding, a total of about $700,000 in public and private monies.  Happily, the show was ready to go by 1976, America’s Bicentennial Year when history was certainly in vogue.

As stated, I came up with my wife to do a story for my newspaper and we thoroughly enjoyed the spectacular show.  The actors, costuming and background were all superb.

That was my first real visit to Natchitoches.  Front Street then was in somewhat sad shape, not nearly as thriving as it is now, but even then there were plenty of historic sites to visit.  I enjoyed the trip, little knowing that I’d end up here as a geezer.

“Louisiana Cavalier” ran for one or two years after 1976, but a combination of declining attendance, high production costs and nightly attacks of mosquitoes, finally did it in.

It certainly wasn’t the high price of tickets.  Ticket prices ranged from $3 to $4 on weeknights and $3.50 to $4.50 on weekends.  Not bad at all, not even for 41 years ago.  I’m guessing such a show now would charge $25 or $30.

The producers secured the talents of a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright,  Paul Green, to write the script.  Young actors from all around the country were chosen for the huge cast.  Trebor Lloyd, who had national acting credits, portrayed St. Denis, and Sally Longman of Columbia, Mo., was his wife, the fiery Emanuela Sanchez Ramon.

The program itself is fun to look through.   Being in the midst of the 1970s, almost all of the young men in the cast had long hair and many of the girls had somewhat of the air of flower children about them.

And they all did a fine job.  It’s too bad that the play couldn’t last.  There was some talk about reviving it for Natchitoches’ Tricentennial in 2014, but those plans never came to fruition.

But if you, like me, were there at the time, I expect you will also have some fond memories — except perhaps for those darned skeeters.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, the Office of State Parks and Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA) announce a cooperative agreement to operate Los Adaes State Historic Site in Natchitoches Parish. Under the new agreement, CRNHA will manage visitor services, create community outreach and educational programs, improve interpretive services and enhance the marketing and heritage tourism initiatives of the site.

The site will reopen to the public on Wednesday, April 26, and will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays – Saturdays. CRNHA will hold a grand reopening celebration on Saturday, May 6.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Cane River National Heritage Area, and have this historic site available to the public,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “Los Adaes is one of Louisiana’s many hidden treasures, and represents a key time in the state’s early colonial history.”

Los Adaes, the symbol of New Spain in Louisiana, was once the capital of the Spanish Province of Tejas (present-day Texas) and the scene of a unique cooperation among the French, the Spanish and the indigenous Native Americans. An area rich in archaeological finds, it thrives today as one of Louisiana’s most intriguing State Historic Sites.

“We are pleased to embark upon this new partnership with the State,” remarked Cynthia Sutton, CRNHA President. “As a National Historic Landmark, Los Adaes is an essential component to telling the story of Louisiana’s past and we are delighted to make it more accessible to the public.”

Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in public-private partnerships to preserve and promote the cultural and natural resources of the Cane River region. Premier partnerships include the National Park Service, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the City of Natchitoches, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association, and community partners throughout the Cane River National Heritage Area.

Los Adaes State Historic Site is located just off La. Hwy. 6, near Robeline. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1978, and became a Louisiana State Parks property in 1979. For more information about the site or about Louisiana State Parks, visit LaStateParks.com.

The budget will be the top item as the Louisiana Legislature opens it’s spring session. In an interview with The Journal, Senator Gerald Long said the three things lawmakers face are adequate funding for needed state services, cuts in the budget where needed, and to manage government more effectively.

In his district, Long said, “funding the TOPS program is one of the priorities. People want to know if their children can go to college and will TOPS be there to help pay for it. If the state is going to continue funding TOPS at the present level they will have to increase requirements.”

The Journal spoke also with representatives Kenny Cox and Terry Brown. Among options mentioned for keeping the TOPS program in place are increasing the grade point average (GPA) to qualify for TOPS and some system of having students pay back their scholarship. One way would be a requirement that the student work in Louisiana after graduation. Another option would be to require repayment if the student did not complete the educational program.

Another item of interest to Senator Long is funding for health care. He said, “Long-term health care in the state is tied to maintaining LSU Health Science in Shreveport. Long said, “For every dollar the state puts up the federal government will put up 4 or 5 dollars.

Long favors taking every step possible to reduce spending. He noted, “Under the leadership of Governor John Bel Edwards we have already cut $900,000,000 from the budget. The work of going through every department’s budget and cutting where they can is continuing.”

The governor has asked that the one-cent state sales tax enacted several years ago not be renewed. Long agreed saying “raising more taxes is a last resort.”

Community members dusted off their dancing shoes and pulled out their best moves to raise over $10,000 at the Dancing with the Sigmas fundraiser at Northwestern State University April 11.

Winners included:

Champions: Howard E. Conday Jr. and Jourdan Waddell “Every Little Step”

First Runner Up: Elliot Guidroz and Emily King “You Should be Dancing”

Second Runner Up: Dane Terrell and Ragan Aple “Can’t Stop the Feeling”

Third Runner Up: Brad Laird and Emily Rawls “Let Me See You Wop”

Best Costume: Daniel Page and Myranda Degraw “I Wanna Rock & Roll All Night”

People’s Choice: Brian Carroll and Madeline Mason “24 K Magic”

The audience voted for the People’s Choice Award by donations. Carroll and Mason raised $450 out of the total $1,000 in People’s Choice Donations.

Miss Congeniality Award: Myranda Degraw

Celebrity judges were Danielle Cobb, Dr. Greg Handel, Donna Motter and Jesse Taitano. The Awards for the event were sponsored by BOM and Alliance Compressors.

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Mr. Carey Scarborough
April 10, 2017
Final arrangements are pending at this time.

Evelyn Edith Garcie
August 31, 1922 – April 9, 2017
Funeral Services for Evelyn Edith Garcie, 94, of Keithville, will be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 2 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Richard Norsworthy officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, April 12, at 10 AM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home, Zwolle.

DeWayne Jeffery “D.J.” Lambert, Sr.
December 09, 1990 – April 9, 2017
Born in Natchitoches, DeWayne Jeffery “D.J.” Lambert Sr., 26 of Montgomery, will be remembered at his funeral services Thursday, April 13 at 1 PM at Northside Baptist Church in Montgomery with Rev. Donald Givens officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery, in Montgomery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday, April 12 from 5-9 PM, and again on Thursday, April 13 from 11 AM until time of services.

Lurline Lois Young
July 17, 1934 – April 8, 2017
Funeral Services for Lurline Lois Young, 82 of Many, will be held Saturday, April 15 at 1 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Pendleton Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Saturday, April 15 at 10 AM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel, Many.

John Wayne Davison
June 06, 1946 – April 10, 2017
Graveside funeral services will be held Thursday, April 13 at 11:30 AM at St. Maurice Cemetery with Rayford Fredricks officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. The family will receive friends at Southern Funeral Home Thursday, April 13 from 9-11 AM.

Riley Daniel DuFrene Sr.
August 27, 1941 – April 10, 2017
Funeral services will be held at 11 am Friday, April 14 at the Family Worship Center in Campti. Burial will follow at the Family Worship Center Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-9 pm Thursday, April 13 at the Family Worship Center located at 330 Sandy Point Road, Campti.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Natchitoches man in connection with the burglary of a Payne Sub-Division residence near Natchitoches April 10 at 12:42 pm.
NPSO Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division deputies responded to reports of a residential burglary in progress in the 100 block of Payne Drive in Payne Sub-Division near Natchitoches. They learned while speaking with the complainant, forced entry was gained through a front door.

The suspect reportedly fled out through a rear door into some nearby woods.
Items reported stolen were a bag containing approximately $10 dollars in coins and a
XBox playstation.

Deputies began processing the crime scene and gathering information for an offense report while others initiated a search of the nearby area.

Shortly thereafter, deputies took a suspect into custody without incident.
During a search of his person, deputies discovered the bag containing coins on his person.

Deputies arrested:
Leandrew Holden, 24, of the 200 block of Melissa Place, Natchitoches was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-count of Simple Burglary.

Holden remains in the detention center awaiting bond.

The XBox was also recovered.

Deputies assigned to Patrol Shift “A” and the Criminal Investigations Division made the arrest.