1981 Ruby Lee Calhoun vs, Natchitoches Parish School Board

The mood was tense as the Natchitoches Parish School Board met Tuesday, June 20 at another special called meeting. The room was once again packed to capacity with principals, teacher and concerned citizens attending. Unlike the past few meetings, not all of the board members were present. Board members Metoyer and Graham did not attend.  The meeting was called with three items to discuss – the first item, to receive and consider  bids for the Marthaville Elementary/Jr High renovation project was withdrawn as the business office needed to contact “The one and only bidder” to resolve questions about the bid. The third item to consider was releasing Eric Smith, Lakeview Agriculture teacher, of his educational sabbatical obligation. It passed unanimously.

It was the second item of the night that drew the most interest, however. Mr. John Pierre, attorney for the plaintiffs in the 1981 Ruby Lee Calhoun vs, Natchitoches Parish School Board desegregation lawsuit made a presentation to the board concerning the unitary school petition. Mr. Pierre spoke at length about the various factors behind the suit that the judge will consider, such as student assignments and minority teacher recruitment and retention.

VIEW THE MEMORANDUM
Memorandum

VIEW THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Settlement Agreement

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is making the entire school board meeting available at the link below for you to review and judge for yourself.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is making the entire Community Meeting at Winnfield Funeral Home available at the link below for you to review and judge for yourself.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents arrested Timothy Moore, 34, June 7 on narcotics charges in Campti.  NMJDTF agents along with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force were investigating the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive in the Campti area when they came into contact with a vehicle fitting the description of a vehicle occupied by the fugitive.

During this traffic stop agents located several subjects who were known by agents to be on probation.  As a result of the stop agents located 19.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine on Moore.  The vehicle was also occupied by Wesley Smith, 30, and Jamie Phillips, 37.  Other drug paraphernalia items were also located.

All occupants were charged with the following and placed in NPDC awaiting bond.

Timothy Moore
Possession of CDS II with intent to distribute Methamphetamine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Probation Violation

Wesely Smith
Probation Violation

Jamie Phillips
Probation Violation

The Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force would like to thank the Citizens of Natchitoches for their support.  Many times an investigation begins with a simple phone call or tip from a concerned citizen.  For this reason the Task Force encourages all citizens to report any crimes in their neighborhoods anonymously by calling 318-357-2248, The Natchitoches Police Department, or the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Federal Highway Administration held a public meeting June 20 in support of the safety and mobility recommendations contained in the LA 6 Feasibility Study.

The study considers safety and mobility improvements with the LA 6 corridor, extending from just west of its interchange with I-49 east, approximately 2.2 miles to tis intersection with LA 3278.

The plan is conceptual, considering short-term implementation improvements as well as long-term corridor planning in conformance with access management principals. There were several build alternatives presented and other development alternatives for consideration.

Two improvements have been identified for implementation. Alternative 1 shows the intersection between LA 6 and Why. 504 operating as a signalized intersection. Alternative 2 shows it operating as a RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn) intersection. Alternative 3 shows it operating as a roundabout geometry intersection.

Representatives of DOTD and the project team answered questions and discussed issues related to the location and design features of proposed improvements, the relocation assistance program, and other matters of interest.
Public comments will help the DOTD determine how to proceed with the project.

Written statements must be submitted to the address below and postmarked by Friday, June 30, 2017. Written statements also may be submitted through that date by electronic mail directly to LA6stagezero@neel-schaffer.com. All comments must include the name and address of the person commenting.

LA 6 Feasibility Study
Attn: Nick J. Ferlito, Jr., P.E., PTOE
Neel-Schaffer, Inc.
10000 Perkins Rowe, Suite G360
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

SEE THE PROJECT HERE:   
LA 6 Feasibility Study – Natchitoches 2017

The Natchitoches Parish Library will host “Generations of Struggle: Perspectives on Race and Justice from Reconstruction to the Present” beginning July 5 from 6-7:30 pm. Registration is required for this 4-week program that centers on the experience of African Americans since the Civil War.

Dr. Mark Melder and Dr. Sarah McFarland will present perspectives on three critically acclaimed works and help spark conversation:

Slavery By Another Name, a documentary film that spans 1865 to 1954, and traces the development of the post-Reconstruction criminal justice system, Jim Crow, and segregation.

A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines, a novel about centered on the lives of African American men in a small Louisiana town that earned Gaines a National Book Critics Circle Award.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a memoir that received a 2015 National Book Award.

The discussion programs will serve to sustain the conversations that began with the public programs funded through the LEH’s support of “Purchased Lives.” This continued engagement is crucial in deepening the humanities-based conversation around race in Louisiana and the nation. The LEH developed the syllabus for “Generations of Struggle” in partnership with Cheylon Woods, Assistant Professor and Archivist/Head of the Ernest J. Gaines Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Dr. Kara Tucina Olidge, Executive Director of the Amistad Research Center at Tulane University.

Dr. Mark Melder grew up in Natchitoches, the son of teachers, Dr. Ellis Melder and Coach Trent Melder.  He served in the Marine Corps and after leaving the service, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at NSU, and then his Master’s and Ph.D. at LSU in Criminology. He has published research on militia movements and his doctoral dissertation examined racial differences in female perpetrated intimate partner homicide. He teaches courses on race and ethnicity, gender, crime, social movements and terrorism in the Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences Department at NSU.

Dr. Sarah McFarland is Professor of English at Northwestern State University, where she teaches American literature and theory and coordinates the MA in English program. Raised in Los Angeles, Sarah earned her BA in American Literatures at Cal State University and did her MA and PhD at the University of Oregon before moving to Natchitoches.

The program is made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. To reserve a place in this program and free copies of both books to be discussed, please call the NPL at 318-357-3280.

The Natchitoches Police Department completed their 29th Reserve Academy and held a graduation ceremony June 15 at the Natchitoches Arts Center.

Natchitoches Police Department graduates were Officer Albert Tuiel Jr., Officer Christopher Cayer, Officer Daniel Durr Jr., Officer Danny Hatcher, and Officer Shemaria Lewis. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office graduates were Deputy Ann Wade and Deputy Joseph Dyson. Northwestern State University Police Department graduates were Officer Flint Greer and Officer Matthew Ward. Coushatta Police Department’s graduate was Officer William Fitzpatrick and Powhatan Police Department’s graduate was Officer Gregory Blake.

The combined efforts of The Natchitoches Police Department and The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department made this Reserve Academy a success.

Reserve Academy instructors were Reserve Commander Sergeant Jeff Townson, Lieutenant Nikeo Collins, Lieutenant Billy Meziere, Lieutenant Travis Johnston, Lieutenant Stan Williams, Sergeant Steve Rachal, Corporal Kevin Price, Corporal Trent Perritt, Assistant Chief Jesse Taitano, Sergeant Ronnie Ross, Sergeant Jonathan Roberts, and Deputy Garrett Murchison.

Reserve Police Officers are critical to community policing, and are an important asset to the department they serve. During the eight week Reserve Academy cadets completed training in search and seizure, building clearing, traffic stops, firearms and defensive tactics. Cadets were also certified in chemical weapons and taser usage

Chief Dove congratulates the graduating class and would like to thank all the instructors for their hard work and dedication in making this program a success.

By Junior Johnson

After Pete had retrieved one of the canoes, Harold LaCaze and his friend Andrew Hernandez began their trek slowly down Cane River pulling the other two. Harold had a brother, Pershing, who operated a small trading post at Monett’s Ferry, and the plan was to meet and inquire about the missing owners.

Pershing was well known and it would not be suspicious since Harold was his brother. They could possibly gain information as to where Captain John Winston and his two thugs were located.

Then Pete arrived back at the Johnson home he and his brother Noah did their chores and helped Aiden and Dylan care for Reverend Cryer, who was recovering nicely from the surgery performed by Doctor Scruggs.

At the Lodrigue home plans were being made for a way to capture John Winston once he was located.

During the War of Northern Aggression John Wesley, Tony, and John Levy had been captured by Union Forces at the Battle of Henderson’s Hill, and were held as Prisoners until the War ended. All three had served in the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry under Col. William Vincent.

Tony and John Levy thought it might be a good idea to contact their friends David and Donald Roque who served with the Isle Brevelle Rangers that were attached to the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry. They escaped safely from the scrimmage at Henderson’s Hill, and now farmed on their family’s property in Isle Brevelle, located upriver between Cloutierville and Natchitoches.

The Rangers were a fierce regiment and saw a lot of action during the Red River Campaign of the War.

Tony and John Levy thought the Roque brothers could be easily convinced to get some of their Ranger friends who still lived in the area together to help capture Winston.

Levy Lodrigue and the Deputies thought this was a good idea. Abslom Johnson suggested the Lodrigue boys make a trip to Isle Brevelle for a visit with the Roque’s.

During a period when Captain John Winston was sleeping from the effects of the chloroform administered to him, his two hoodlums, along with the leader of Robber’s Roost, had constructed a litter to pull Winston up the bluff overlooking Cane River, and make him comfortable as possible until it was safe for him to travel.

While plans were being made to move the evil John Winston, Harold and Andrew had arrived at Pershing LaCaze’s Trading Post near the Ferry.

While the canoes were being secured, Harold began telling his brother about finding them unattended up river. He did not want to divulge the real reason they were there to avoid putting Pershing and his family in danger. He and Andrew had already developed a plan to get the information their journey took them on.

As Harold and Pershing were exchanging pleasantries, two riders on horseback came to a thundering stop by the Trading Post. They were leading another horse with no rider, but draped across the saddle in a blanket, there appeared to be a body.

As the two riders hurriedly dismounted, they rushed to where Pershing LaCaze and his brother Harold were standing.

They informed Pershing that the body on the third horse was that of their old friend, the Doctor. What was going on at Monett’s Ferry?

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish Government and other Parish Officials participated in online webinar from the National Weather Service concerning Tropical Storm Cindy June 20.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Louisiana. Flood producing rain and strong winds are expected to begin today and continue through the middle of the week. Cleco crews, along with contractor crews, are on stand-by, prepared to respond to possible weather related outages.

SUMMARY AS OF June 20 AT 9 PM:
———————————————-
LOCATION…26.2N 90.3W
ABOUT 250 MI…400 KM SSE OF MORGAN CITY LOUISIANA
ABOUT 350 MI…560 KM SE OF GALVESTON TEXAS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…45 MPH…75 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…STATIONARY
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…997 MB…29.44 INCHES

A Flash Flood Watch has been posted for all of Northern Louisiana beginning at 7 pm Wednesday and continuing through 7 am Friday. Newly formed Tropical Storm Cindy in the Central Gulf of Mexico will continue to move northwest over the next 24-36 hours and is expected to make landfall somewhere near the Southeast Texas or Southwest Louisiana Gulf Coast.

The storm will then move inland across Northeast Texas or Northwest Louisiana and has the potential to produce excessive, flood producing rainfall before its remnants exits our area early Friday Morning.Widespread 4-8 inch rainfall amounts will be possible with isolated higher totals across the Watch area beginning Wednesday Night and continuing through early Friday Morning.

GHOSEP is currently being staffed around the clock and is coordinating with state agencies, parish officials and first responders who are putting resources in place for citizens who may need assistance.

State and parish governments have mobilized various agencies to provide resources when and if needed. The Louisiana National Guard has moved high water vehicles and helicopters into areas that could potentially flood. FEMA is moving 125,000 meals and 200,000 liters of water into the state and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is prepared to support any requests from the affected parishes.

State officials strongly encourage individuals to avoid attempting to cross high water in vehicles.

Margaret Jordan “Sister” Wells
December 15, 1927 – June 18, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, June 21 from 9-10:30 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Service: Wednesday, June 21 at 11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

James Aubrey Baker
September 11, 1926 – June 18, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, June 21 at 1 pm at Calvary Baptist Church
Service: Wednesday, June 21 at 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church
Interment: Saturday, June 24 at 11 am at Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid, OK

Katie Adams Jones
June 5, 1934 – June 19, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, June 21 from 10 am – 2 pm at Georgetown Baptist Church
Service: Wednesday, June 21 at 2 pm at Georgetown Baptist Church
Interment: Olla Cemetery, in Olla

Drew Lewing
November 19, 1938 – June 19, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, June 22 at 5 pm at Spring Ridge Baptist Church
Service: Friday, June 23 at 10 am at Spring Ridge Baptist Church
Interment: Belmont Cemetery

Debbie Longoria Oxley
June 18, 1960 – June 20, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, June 21 at 4 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Service: Thursday, June 22 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

Thomas James Watson
September 20, 1922 – June 16, 2017
Funeral services will be held in California

Much like a video game developer tests an emerging product, Northwestern State University professor Jason Powell is searching for bugs and fixes this summer in the Computer Information Systems program’s latest course — CIS 4200 Game Development.

NSU offered the game development course for the first time this summer, and Powell aims to mold the class into a permanent CIS elective in the near future.

“The course came about because a lot of students expressed interest in game development,” Powell said. “Current NSU students and potential students at recruiting events asked about a game development course because they heard some other universities were offering courses if not concentrations in game development.

“This is an exploratory course. We’re going to be learning and experimenting — discovering a lot of things.”

Powell projects the course to be offered again in Spring 2018 and Summer 2018, and then be included as an elective in one regular semester and likely every summer.

Students interested in enrolling need to have an idea for a game they will strive to develop over the duration of the semester

“I don’t ask them many questions about their game because the information is proprietary — it’s their work and their copyright,” Powell explains. “The first step is project planning — something that all industries tell us is important for students to have.

“The student plans out the entire semester themselves, and then I hold them to their deadlines.”

Powell said it’s not likely that a students will finish developing an entire game in one semester, but he’s looking for students to be creative and plan and execute a project while having fun diving into game development.

“It’s real-world situations, it comes to planning a project and then revising that plan if a student can’t complete it,” Powell said. “Students will use skills like programming, creativity, user interface, marketing, constructing a narrative and deal with legal issues like copyright.

“Developing a video game requires working in a multi-disciplinary environment with skills from programming to graphic design. Employers like CIS people with technical skills, but they also want people who can relate to and work with others as well as be creative.”

Powell leaned on professors in graphic design, marketing, business law and English when developing the course.

Students will also submit tutorials on concepts they learned to aid current and future students, building a foundation of information after a few semesters.

The class also leads into an augmented/virtual reality course Powell is hoping to add in the future.

The class will use Unity 3D and C Sharp programming language software.

“Students will see that it’s easy to get started on something with this software because it takes care of a lot of the game physics for you,” Powell said. “The most important thing is for students to have fun with it.”

For information on Northwestern State’s Computer Information Systems program, visit cis.nsula.edu.

Now is the time to prepare for possible storm impacts in the area. Check your bottled water supply, flashlight batteries, gas for generators in case of electrical outages and keep cellphones charged.

The Natchitoches Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Government, Natchitoches Police Department, Natchitoches EMS, Natchitoches Parish Fire Districts, NSU officials, LA. DOTD, and other government entities have been invited to attend a special National Weather Service Special Weather Webinar at 3:15pm in the Civil Defense Room this afternoon to learn and discuss potential impacts of the upcoming weather event.

Stay tuned to the Natchitoches Parish Journal and local RADIO for additional updates.

By Ida B. Torn/Opinion

I’ve been binge watching “The Newsroom” this past week. The show is about a fictional news show but the events that they cover were real. I’m fascinated by the show for two reasons. First, it demonstrates just how difficult it is to convey what is going on in the world without interjecting one’s own biases. Second, it’s a great reminder of the events that have transpired within the last decade and how much those events did or did not change the trajectory of America’s future.

One of the story lines for the show was of the longest lasting protest in America’s history, which started in September, 2011. Without getting out your device and Googling it, can you remember the name of the organization behind the protest? If you can name the organization, would it surprise you to know that the group is still in existence?

Protests are generally sparked by a great sense of ANGER. Anger can be a great motivator but it can also be dangerous. Too often, anger is not properly channeled and it morphs into APATHY. Our local news has been filled with events that have a direct impact on our daily lives that we should all be greatly concerned about yet there is no clear plan for changing the trajectory of our Parish.

The Louisiana Economic Development announced this past Friday that Geismar, LA is getting a $10 million packaging facility. In its initial phase, the facility will create 28 new jobs with an average annual salary of more than $58,000 plus benefits. It’s anticipated that the facility will generate an additional 47 indirect jobs.

The press release really angered me. Get out a map and look for Geismar and you will know why. Why didn’t Natchitoches Parish get this facility? Could it be that our School District is on the verge of financial ruin and there is the very real possibility that we’re going to see schools close in the next year or two? Maybe it’s because the Parish struggles month after month to come to a satisfactory resolution over the performance and employment of one person. Or maybe it’s because the digital image that emanates from our Parish is one of anger and apathy.

All around us, communities and parishes are benefitting from economic development. It seems to me that they all have one thing going for them that we don’t – ACTIVISM. We can choose to get together and actively campaign for the future of our Parish or we can let our anger get beaten down to apathy and we’ll one day be just like that group of protestors that everyone remembers but can’t call by name – still in existence but completely irrelevant.

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.

The Natchitoches Parish Council held its first regular monthly meeting under the new order and rules established by Ordinance passed the previous month.
Prior to adoption of the Agenda, the Council voted to remove awarding the bid for Winn Rock Screenings as the Council had previously authorized the Parish President to award the bid and also removed the Executive Session concerning the employment of the Head Start Director, April Wade. However, the removal of items from the Agenda did not shorten the length of the meeting.

Reports of Department Heads was moved to the beginning of the meeting. Nick Verret, Director of Public Works, reported that the plans and cost estimate for Coco Bed Road were complete and that the first draft of the construction proposal would be submitted to FP&C by the end of this week. Mr. Verret also reported that the Parish had $110,498 in funding available from the Safe Routes to School Program. The funds are available for
use through September, 2018.

Councilmen de Graffenried, Bedgood and Rachal voted in favor of introducing Ordinances for the purpose of creating four new Road Districts. Councilmembers Hoover and Paige voted against the introduction of the Ordinances. The proposed Ordinances will be discussed at a public hearing at the Council’s July meeting.

Residents from Hampton Road were on hand to ask the council to vote in favor of creating the Hampton Road Improvement Fund. The amendment to the Operating Budget is necessary for the Parish to receive funds from the Red River Waterway Commission for the improvements project. The creation of the Fund also included an amendment that moved funds from other areas of the Department of Public Works’ budget into the Fund, at the request of the Parish President, to allocate $187,000 for the Parish’s match on the project. After a lengthy discussion on why other Parish road improvement projects, such as Coco Bed Road and Payne Subdivision, should be moved down on the priority list in favor of Hampton Road, the item failed for lack of a motion. The failing of the item made null the request to authorize the Parish President to solicit Qualification and Experience statements and design, plan development, and construction engineering and inspection work for hard-surfacing of Hampton Road.

Another hotly debated item on the Agenda was the creation of a position for a part-time Parish Engineer. Upon closing of the Public Hearing, Councilman Doug de Graffenried made a motion to amend the Ordinance to cap the salary of the new position at $50,000 per year. The Ordinance passed with only Councilman Paige dissenting.

The Parish Council also let the award of a contract to Vector Disease Control Inc. for mosquito control services fail for lack of a motion. Had the contract been awarded, Vector would have provided trapping, testing and larvaciding services to the Parish in conjunction with the Parish’s adulticing efforts.

The introduction of an Ordinance to move the request of the Head Start Policy Council meetings to the Parish Council Board Room failed even though the Policy Council voted in favor of making the change. The Parish Council did vote to approve the School Calendar for the 2017-2018 School year.

Additional Parish business was voted on as follows:

Council to consider re-appointing Ms. Linda Jenkins to the Natchitoches Parish Library Board.
MOTION PASSED

Council to consider Adoption of Ordinance 16-2017 to adjust Revenue of Insurance Claims, to add line items for expenses for: Building and Grounds, Winn rock Screenings and to adjust line items of gravel, Winn Rock and Bottom Ash.
MOTION PASSED

Council to consider adopting Resolution 018-2017 permanent Change of Polling Places:

PRECINCT 1-4 AND l-4A (OLD MAGNET SCHOOL) TO NCHS BOYS GYM ALONG WITH PRECINCTS 1-9 AND 1-9A, 200 HWY 3110, NATCHITOCHES,LA 71457

PRECINCT 3-1 (MARTHAVILLE HERITAGE BUILDING) TO MARTHAVILLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURC ACTIVITIES BUILDING LOCATED AT LA HWY 120, MARTHAVILLE, LA 71450

PRECINCT 4-9 (LLAMB HEATING AND AIR BUILDING) TO CHRISTIAN WORSHIP CENTER LOCATED AT 1513 HWY 494, NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457
MOTION PASSED

Council to consider adopting Resolution 019-2017 for temporary change of Polling Place:

Precinct 4-3 (St. Augustine Church Hall moving to 4-1 The Cypress Jury Voting Building, due to scheduling conflict at St. Augustine.
MOTION PASSED

Council to consider a Resolution 020-2017 to scarify Shady Grove South Road.
MOTION PASSED

Council to consider approving a resolution approving the issuance, sale and delivery of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) of Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2017, of Fire Protection District No. 4 of the Parish of Natchitoches, State of Louisiana.
MOTION PASSED

Council Approval of Settlement/Compromises, and Authorization for the Parish President to sign the Receipt and Release in the lawsuit captioned Morgan v. Natchitoches Parish Council, et al, currentlu pending in the 10th JDC, bearing Docket No. 87,534-a.
MOTION PASSED

Council to consider approving a COLA increase for Head Start employees in the amount of $23,048.00
MOTION PASSED

 

The Lakeview High School Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) cadet corps graduated five freshman cadets from the 2017 AFJROTC Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) conducted June 10-17 at the University of Louisiana in Monroe. The course included over 180 cadets from 18 high schools representing Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi.  Lakeview’s AFJROTC Instructors, Major (Ret) Bob Kellogg and TSgt (Ret) Kenny Minchew, and two Lakeview AFJROTC Junior Cadet Training Officers, Cadet Major Haley Garrison and Cadet 1Lt Mason Harper were part of the training cadre during the 7-day in-residence course. This year’s course marked the 43rd year the Bossier Parish School Board has hosted this course.

The curriculum and training allowed each cadet to develop their potential as an effective leader and team member.  Lakeview Cadets Chayton Friday, Joshua Graham, Salem Johnson, Anna Smith, and Nicholas Wiggins received 90 hours of Aerospace Science instruction and 30 hours of Military Leadership training.  Academic seminars included goal setting, orienteering, and principles of flight.

In addition to the academic instruction, the cadets also competed in drill competitions, physical fitness, flight challenges, a water survival practical exercise, the Camp Minden obstacle course, rappelling, archery, a ropes course, and an orienteering competition.  The cadets also participated in a day-long career day and open house at Barksdale Air Force Base and visited the replica Vietnam War Memorial that was on display in Bossier City. The course concluded with a formal parade and graduation/awards ceremony.

 

A Powhatan man arrested in November of 2016 in connection with the theft of a John Deere farm combine near Powhatan has been arrested again-this time in connection with the theft of a John Deere farm tractor in Cloutierville according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

NPSO Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions deputies responded to a reported theft at Churchman Farms, off of La. Hwy 1 in Derry June 16 at 4:38 pm.

Deputies arrived on the scene and while speaking with the complainant learned that a 2006 John Deere 6420 Cabover tractor with a front loader had been stolen from a field in the Cloutierville area. Deputies processed the crime scene, took photographs, collected physical evidence and gathered information for an offense report.

Chief of Investigations, Detective Greg Dunn, recalled observing a John Deere tractor matching the stolen tractor earlier in the day abandoned in a field off of La. Hwy 491. Detectives confirmed it being the stolen tractor.

Information led detectives to a person of interest identified as Carl Mobley Jr., who was arrested in November 2016 for Felony Theft in connection with the theft of a John Deere farm combine near Powhatan. The case is still pending in the 10th Judicial District Court with an expected court date of next week according to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office.

While interviewing Mobley, he allegedly confessed to the theft and showed detectives where he had the key hidden. Mobley, 18, gave an address in the 200 block of North Railroad Street in Powhatan. He was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with one-count of Unauthorized Use of a Moveable valued over $10,000.

Mobley remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond. The tractor was released to the owner. Involved in the investigation and arrest were: Chief of Investigations Greg Dunn, and Sgt. B. Dalme assisted by Deputy T. Fatheree.

The Natchitoches Lions Club held its Awards and Installation Banquet June 19. Life Membership Certificates were presented to Sophie and Hyland Packard with special pins, engraved identification cards and commemorative coins. Joshua Pierson was recognized as New Lion of the Year and Wayne Ragan was recognized as Lion of the Year.

Officers installed for 2017-18 included President Dr. Cheryl Stoker, First Vice President John Godfrey, Second VP Crystal Stewart, Third VP Brenda Stamey, Immediate Past President Tina Ragan, Secretary Kelli Sampson, Treasurer Brandon McKee, 1-Year Board Members Heather Fredieu and Peggy Gilbert, 2-Year Board Members Chad Hancock and Carol Green, Lion Tamer Mildred McTyre, Tail Twister Josh Pierson and Membership Chair Laura Teddlie.

Outgoing Club President Tina Ragan presented Service Pins to the following Lions who served in one or more projects for 2016-17: Sonny Evans, June Durr, Lisso Simmons, John McTyre, John Godfrey, Bernie Harris, Peggy Gilbert, Sarah White, Mary Hooper, Eric Gilmore, Laura Teddlie, Corey Poole, Susan Hilton and Vallery Washington. Gene Spillman and Sunny and James Arceneaux received tumblers in recognition of their work as flag captains and top sellers during fundraisers.

Lions Club International is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Ragan presented Centennial commemorative pins to board members with high service hours and fundraiser sales. This included Second Vice President Cindy Chester, Treasurer Jack Fletcher, First Year Board Member Brenda Stamey, First Year Board Member and Flag Captain Brad Ferguson, Second Year Board Member and Cub Sight Chairman Heather Fredieu and Lion Tamer Mildred McTyre.

Perfect Attendance pins were presented to Tina Ragan, Don Brown, Dr. Cheryl Stoker, Mimi Stoker, Kelli Sampson, John McTyre, Brandon McKee, Cindy Chester, Wayne Ragan, Sonny Evans, Josh Pierson, Jack Fletcher, Lisso Simmons, Chad Hancock, Sophie Packard, Hyland Packard, Brad Ferguson, Carol Green, Michele Waskom and Grady Ebert.

Several Lions received a Centennial Commemorative pins and key chains featuring the 2016-17 President’s Appreciation Medal. Receiving these “We’d Be Lost Without You” tokens were Chad Hancock, Brandon McKee and Don Brown.

Other Lions received Dream, Hope, Trust and Love Key Chains, including Mimi Stoker, Carol Green, Cheryl Stoker, Michele Waskom and Kelli Sampson.

 

Carla Bond joined the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches after having a long successful career as a teacher and vice principal. She grew up in Mansfield and graduated from Northwestern State University. She is married to Kevin Shannahan and has a grown daughter and two precious grandchildren.

“I found a wonderful church home when I joined FUMC Natchitoches,” she said. “I never imagined I would get involved with so many activities. When I met James Poole he said, ‘You need to be a Stephen Minister.’ Next thing I knew I was in St. Louis learning to be a Stephen Leader. I also met Linda Clark and she said, ‘I have a small group that I would like you to join.’ And now 16 years later I am still in a small group with Linda.”

Carla has learned to meet and greet new people and she loves doing that. She has become involved in Stephen Ministry, Intercessory Prayer Group, Crafters with Purpose, Eucharistic Ministry and Kids Hope USA. She also learned that she can cook for large groups.

“The rest of the staff in the office are an amazing group of people,” she said. “We learn from each other, lean on each other and are there for others to lean. I can think of no other place I would rather be.”

Kenneth Methvin
November 13, 1935 – June 18, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, June 20 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel
Service: Wednesday, June 21 at 1 pm at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Entombment: Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum

Audry Jastram Drumm
January 1, 1930 – June 16, 2017
Per her wishes, there was a family only viewing. A graveside service in New Orleans will be held at a later date.

Diane Pikes
December 6, 1950 – June 17, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, June 24 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, June 24 at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel at 11 am
Interment: Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery

Phyllis Eley McCoy
October 14, 1928 – June 18, 2017
Service: Saturday, June 24 at 10 am at Bolton-Teagle Cemetery

Johnnie Earl Ross
November 16, 1939 – June 14, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Gary M Jenkins
Nov 17, 1946 – Jun 16, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, June 21 from 5-8 pm at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:30 pm in the Kramer Chapel
Service: Thursday, June 22 at 3 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park at a later date

Deborah Henderson Collier
December 29, 1948 – June 10, 2017
Service: Friday, June 23 at 2 pm at The New Life Evangelism Center of Natchitoches, located at 4810 University Parkway

Kevin’s Gallery

The Natchitoches Parish Shooting Range was the scene of good-natured competition as 56 shooters in 14 teams vied for bragging rights in the 3rd annual Pull Together Clay Shoot sponsored by the United Methodist Men Saturday June 17th.

The United Methodist Men sponsor the shoot every year around Father’s Day as a fun event for a worthy cause. The money raised is donated to Empower Nepali Girls, a non-profit whose mission is

“…to empower and support neglected, marginalized, and at-risk girls and young women in Nepal, especially those who are at greatest risk to be forced into early marriage, sold into sex slavery, or abandoned as orphans. We provide scholarships, mentoring, career guidance, and subsistence for children who would not have the opportunity to attend school and pursue future careers in medicine, engineering, business, teaching, and other professions….” http://www.empowernepaligirls.org/

The popular Clay Shoot, in its third year, raised over $6,600.00. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography. Anyone may download and photos they wish. If you do take one you like, please consider a donation to this worthy cause.

Kevin’s Gallery

It’s getting hotter as summer kicks off, and that can only mean one thing-time for football camps! Lakeview Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Lebronte Hoover’s, Edge Sports Performance hosted its inaugural junior high football camp on the field of the Frankie Ray Jackson Junior High. Twelve young men, aged 10 to 14, from FRJ, Lakeview and Leesville spent the morning polishing their skills under the watchful eyes of coach Hoover and his staff of current and former college players. They started off with drills to build their speed and agility and went on to work on offensive and defensive fundamentals. The young men will play for their junior high teams in the fall and then go on to their high school teams. After that-who knows what the future will hold!

 

A New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Junior Training camp, sponsored by Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office, will be held Saturday, June 24 at the NSU Wellness & Recreation Complex. Girls and boys ages 6-16 will receive insight on how to be a champion on and off the field as inductees share their personal stories of what is required to be a success in all aspects of life. Limited space is available so register today at LaSportsHall.com

NPSO Deputies arrest Bossier City man during 27 Mile Pursuit in Natchitoches Parish
A Bossier City man clocked speeding on Interstate 49 near Natchitoches on Sunday afternoon led Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies on a 27-mile pursuit before he was stopped and arrested in the Campti community according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

On Sunday afternoon June 18 at approximately 12:09pm, Detective Amber Shirley assigned to a special detail on Interstate 49, clocked a red 2013 Ford Mustang, traveling northbound, speeding 107 miles per hour in a posted 75 mph zone near the Waterwell exit south of Natchitoches.

Deputies say when they attempted to stop the Ford Mustang, the operator failed to stop leading deputies off of Interstate 49 onto La. Hwy 478 traveling east to La. Hwy 1, turning left traveling northbound into Natchitoches then around the Natchitoches Bypass exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour.

The violator then turned right off of the bypass onto Texas Street traveling to Washington Street, turning left, continuing out to La. Hwy 6 traveling eastbound towards Clarence.

During the pursuit, NPSO 911 dispatchers contacted the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance near the Natchitoches-Winn Parish line on US-84 but when NPSO deputies learned that no Winn Parish deputies were in the immediate area, the pursuit was terminated.

Shortly thereafter while NPSO deputies were still in the Clarence area, the Ford Mustang returned traveling northbound on US-71 at a speed in excess of 100 miles per hour failing to stop going around a patrol unit on the shoulder.

As the pursuit continued into the Campti City Limits, deputies observed the suspect vehicle exit US-71 and eventually enter Cox Street where they were able to block the vehicle in and take the driver and passenger into custody without incident.

There were no injuries.

As a result deputies arrested:
Dakota Dean Walburn, 20, of the 200 block of Crossroads Blvd, Bossier City, La., was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-count of Speeding 107/75 on I-49, 2-counts of Resisting by Flight, 1-count of Speeding 100+/55 on La. Hwy 478, 1-count of Speeding 100+/55 on La. Hwy 3110 Bypass, 1-count of Speeding 100+/55 on La. Hwy 6 East, 1-count of Speeding 100+/55 on US-71, 1-count of Passing on the Shoulder, 1-count Careless Operation of a Vehicle, 1-count of Stop Sign Violation and 1-count of Failure to Yield.

Walburn remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

The passenger was released without criminal charges.

Deputies say Walburn traveling from Alexandria to Bossier City could not give them a reason for leading them on the pursuit.

The vehicle was impounded.

Detective Shirley was assisted by deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division.

NPSO: Press Release and Photos

Two Southland Conference championship tournaments, in volleyball and softball, will return to Natchitoches and the Northwestern State campus in 2018-19.

The Southland Conference’s Championships Committee awarded the host sites along with other 2018-19 tournament locations during the recent conference spring meetings in Frisco, Texas.

It will be the ninth time NSU’s Lady Demon Diamond has hosted the Southland’s softball tournament, the last coming in 2015. A few months earlier, NSU’s Prather Coliseum was the site of the 2014 Southland volleyball championship for the first time.

“NSU is appreciative of the privilege to host these two upcoming Southland Conference championship events,” said director of athletics Greg Burke. “It is positive any time our teams can compete in their own facilities but even more so in conference tournaments which include an NCAA postseason berth for the winner.

“On an even broader scale, bringing these events to Natchitoches provides a boost to the local economy and creates additional exposure for our historic and charming community,” he said.

Eight volleyball teams from the 13-team Southland qualify for the single-elimination league tournament. Eight teams also comprise the double-elimination softball conference tournament field.

“As has been the case in the past, NSU will place much emphasis on maximizing the student-athlete and fan experience for these events,” said Burke. “We look forward to working with the Southland Conference office to that end.”

Since Burke became director of athletics in August 1996, NSU has hosted 29 conference championship events: softball (8), soccer (6), cross country (6), outdoor track and field (3), men’s basketball (2), baseball (2), women’s basketball (1) and volleyball (1).