Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office are on the scene of a body found underneath a bridge on the Grappes Road near Fairview Alpha in north Natchitoches Parish according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

The NPSO 911 Center received a 911 call Aug. 6 at 1:12 pm from a couple traveling through the area reporting a body underneath a bridge on Grappes Bluff Road approximately ¼ quarter off of Hwy. 480.

Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to the scene discovering a body beneath the bridge.

Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office and Natchitoches Parish

Coroner’s Office responded and currently remain on scene.

Crime Scene Technicians from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office who specialize in collecting crime scene evidence is responding to process the crime scene.

According to Natchitoches Parish Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton, the body will be sent for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

It appears the body has been underneath the bridge for possibly a week.
The scene remains active. No identification has been made on the body.

Both Natchitoches Parish and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office are currently actively investigating missing person cases, however, at this point we will not speculate to identification until the body has been examined and identified by a forensic pathologist.
Sheriff Victor Jones said we are working in the early stages of this investigation with assistance from the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office,

Natchitoches District Attorney’s Office and Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office therefore information at this point is limited as we continue to investigate and process the crime scene.

We ask that the public stay away from the crime scene while detectives work the scene and collect evidence.

If you have any information regarding this investigation please contact the NPSO
Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830 or the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-932-4221.

Several hundred young scholars and their families got ready for the upcoming school year at the Back to School Expo held Thursday, August 3rd at the Natchitoches Events Center. There was a lot to do and see as 15 booths from the parish schools and community partners educated parents on the different services offered to students and families. Student groups kept spirits high as cheerleading squads did routines as music played throughout the event.

The fair was about more than learning and getting ready for the upcoming year. Each of the first 100 students to enter was given a backpack filled with school supplies. The district’s migrant education program gave away several car seats. Louisiana State Trooper Scott Moreau was on hand to promote child safety seats – and just as importantly as having a seat – how to properly install it. Trooper Moreau in State Police Troop E runs one of several safety seat fitting stations in the area. This is a free service that will make sure your child is as safe on the road as possible. He may be reached at 318-769-9577. The City of Natchitoches Recreation Department was on hand to spread the word about the various sports leagues the city offers.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is excited about the opportunities the upcoming year offers and wishes the parish’s young people all the best.

 

The Half Price HookUp store will open at 10am today.

Offers include:
Hana Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Magnolia’s Diner
Café’ Demon – NSU
Maglieaux’s Riverfront
Checker’s

If you would like to receive our Half Price HookUp text alerts for offers from area restaurants, send a text message “hphn” to 779-48.  You will get notifications of which restaurants are offering the Half Price HookUp.

You may make your purchases from the online store and beat the rush!

Just click this link: Half Price HookUp Store

Cards may be picked up on Monday between 9am and 3pm at 213 Renee Street in Natchitoches.

Don’t miss out. There are a limited number of cards offered by each merchant.

PAID NOTICE

By David J. Holcombe, M.D., M.S.A.

Every spring, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation publishes their “County Health Rankings” report, which ranks all 64 parishes in Louisiana according to “Health Outcomes” and “Health Factors.”

“Health Outcomes” measures morbidity and mortality (premature death, low birthweight, and poor self-reported physical and mental health days). “Health Factors” include a wide variety of indicators: “Health Behaviors” (smoking, obesity, inactivity, drinking, STDs and teen birth) and “Clinical Care” (uninsured rates, availability of providers, preventable hospital stays and screening tests for diabetes and breast cancer).

Health Factors also include: “Social and Economic Factors” (high school graduation rates, poverty, violent crime rates, injury deaths and single-parent households) and “Physical Environment” (air pollution, drinking water violations, housing problems and long commutes).

The health outcomes demonstrate a cause and effect relationship, with poorer factors generally resulting in worse outcomes. How do parishes in Central Louisiana stack up against others in the state? Results show there are three groups:

Best outcomes:
LaSalle 16/64
Vernon 17/64
Grant 20/64

Middle group:
Rapides 36/64
Natchitoches 38/64
Avoyelles 41/64
Winn 44/64

Lower tier:
Catahoula 58/64
Concordia 61/64

This has held true for several years. The unhealthiest parishes are along the Mississippi River, similar to counties across the river.

Since health factors and health outcomes are so closely related, you would expect a similar grouping for health factors. For the most part, that does hold true, but not completely.

Best outcomes:
LaSalle (17/64
Rapides (18/64)
Vernon (20/64)
Grant (24/64)

Middle Group:
Natchitoches (41/64)
Winn (47/64)

Lower Tier:
Avoyelles (53/64)
Catahoula (57/64)
Concordia (59/64)

Avoyelles has better outcomes than would be predicted by their health factors, while Rapides is the exact opposite.

What’s obvious from looking at these statistics is their stability over time, with only a few positive trends. Grant has improved its health factors, as have LaSalle and Vernon Parish. There have also been improvements in outcomes in Grant (probably related to increased access to care.) Otherwise, both factors and outcomes appear to be rather static, notably for Natchitoches Parish and not unlike Louisiana’s national health rankings.

While there is merit in looking at individual parishes/counties, it’s important to put these statistics in the context of Louisiana results when compared with other states. Alas, in the latest America’s Health Rankings, Louisiana ranked 49/50 overall (47/50 in outcomes and 49/50 in health factors).

While we have a host of poor results (40/50 or worse for obesity, inactivity, smoking, chlamydia (STI) rates, occupational deaths, violent crime, lack of insurance, and preventable hospitalizations, among others), we have very good rankings for adolescent vaccinations (12/50 or better) for meningococcus and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis). Vaccinations have always been a Louisiana bright spot, mostly related to LINKS (Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids) and our strict “no shots, no school” policies. Such favorable statistics for one aspect of health prove that improvements can be made with the proper programs, policies and adequate investments. Louisiana is not doomed to be last.

Another bright spot for Central Louisiana is its very low infant mortality rates. CENLA (OPH Region VI not including Natchitoches Parish) can boast a rate of 4.7 infant deaths/1,000 live births. This is the lowest in Louisiana and lower than the national rate of 5.9/1,000. The state rate is 7.7/1,000. CENLA health units have among the highest coverage of contraceptive needs among all state parishes (over 30% satisfaction of needs and higher than state goal of 20%.) Natchitoches Parish falls in OPH Region VI (Northwest Louisiana), which lags behind in infant mortality with regional rate of 9.0/1,000. This is higher than national and state rates.

Our state and parish statistics often hide tragic disparities in outcomes between groups based on income and education (often complicated by race). These disparities, as persistent as they have been, should be targeted for elimination by health providers, policy makers and civic leaders in all locations. Let’s hope we can build on our strengths and continue to improve health factors and their resulting health outcomes. Partnerships and persistence will help us raise our regional and state rankings so Louisiana will no longer be located at the bottom of the health statistical barrel.

Dr. David J. Holcombe was born in San Francisco, Cali. in 1949. He attended medical school at the Catholic U. of Louvain in Brussels, Belgium. After residency in Internal medicine at a Johns-Hopkins affiliated clinic, he and his wife moved to Alexandria in 1986. After 20 years with a prominent internal medicine clinic, he transitioned to public health in 2007. He writes extensively about medical and non-medical subjects.

 

Les Amies will host its annual “Pack the Bus” School Supply Drive Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 am – 2 pm at the Natchitoches Walmart. Members will collect student, teacher, classroom and cleaning supplies, which will be donated to all Natchitoches Parish Schools. Individuals and business representatives can stop by and make a supply or monetary donation and help Les Amies give back to the community. The ladies of Les Amies hope the residents of Natchitoches Parish will join them to Pack the Bus with school supplies!

 

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Natchitoches Community Care, Professional Home Health and Legacy Hospice hosted its 2nd Annual Back The Blue Breakfast Aug. 4 for Natchitoches Law Enforcement, EMS and Fire at Natchitoches Community Care on Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches.

Natchitoches Police Department officers attended the Louisiana State Police motorcycle operations certification class July 10-21. This intensive 80 hour course covered slow speed maneuvers, high speed maneuvers, weight distribution and braking. Further courses of training included curve negotiation, defensive driving techniques, tactical traffic stops and off road maneuvers. Training went on in the grueling heat and in the pouring rain. Chief Dove commends these officers and their dedication.

The motorcycle division of the NPD has a vital role in serving the community. Their ease of mobility affords the officer quick access to crash scenes when seconds may count. Their ability to blend in to their surroundings makes it harder for violators to see them when in a role of traffic law violation detection. In this mode, the Natchitoches Motor officers respond to areas often reported by residents of various communities due to speeders or careless operators and attempt make the neighborhoods safer through traffic enforcement.

By Jason Pugh, Assistant SID

Tickets are available for the new-look Northwestern State Athletic Scholarship Auction, which will be held Aug. 26 at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The biennial auction, which has been renamed “Meet the Demons,” begins at 5 p.m. and will feature the traditional live and silent auctions, which benefit more than 350 Northwestern State student-athletes. Bank of Montgomery is the presenting sponsor of the event.

This year’s event will give attendees a chance to meet and interact with Demons and Lady Demons student-athletes from all of Northwestern State’s 14 athletic programs.

“The Scholarship Auction event has been a staple of the NSU athletic tradition since 1989 and has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars to support our student-athletes,” said NSU Athletic Director Greg Burke, who was the department’s chief fund raiser when the event originated. “This year’s event promises to be as exciting as ever in terms of unique and attractive auction items and at the same time, the format tweak will enable our supporters to better engage with the student-athletes who will be the beneficiaries of their generosity that night and throughout the year.”

While the event is three weeks away, there is one item already up for grabs, a special edition half-NSU, half-LSU football helmet autographed by current Tigers head coach and N-Club Hall of Famer Ed Orgeron at http://www.nsudemons.com/auctions.

The night begins with the “Meet the Demons” social hour from 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., there will be a live auction and at 8:15 there will be the “Final Five” drawing in which five tickets from an allotted 100 tickets will be drawn. The five chosen tickets will have a choice of splitting 50 percent of the ticket sales or holding a drawdown to determine one winner.

Tickets for the Final Five drawing are $100 each.

The silent auction will conclude at 8:30 p.m., capping the night.

Tickets are available for $75 per person or $125 per couple. Reserved tables are available for $500 and there are $1,000 VIP sponsorships open as well. VIP sponsors receive premium seating for eight, recognition on http://www.NSUDemons.com and on NSU athletics’ various social media platforms and eight endless margarita cups.

For more information, contact Director of Development and Engagement Erica Conover at 318-357-4295 or by email at conovere@nsula.edu. Additional information is available at www.nsudemons.com/meetthedemons.

Mallory McConathy, a junior biology major at Northwestern State University, has been named a student member-at-large on Alpha Lambda Delta’s National Council.

Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society that recognizes students in their first year at a college/university for academic success.

McConathy, who is from Stonewall, was installed at the organization’s annual National Council meeting in Providence, Rhode Island. The National Council is responsible for making policy decisions for the national organization. The Council is made up of three administrative members, four professional members-at-large, three student members-at-large and a historian.

“I decided to seek this position when I realized I could help better an organization on a national level,” said McConathy. “I knew that Alpha Lambda Delta had so much to offer me, as I had to offer it. I will be able to bring new ideas to the table to assist in the continuing growth of Alpha Lambda Delta. Along with ideas, I will bring a student point of view that will hopefully give insight of what inspires and motivates college students to want to succeed in not only academics, but in all areas of their life.”

McConathy is the service chairman for NSU’s Alpha Lambda Delta chapter. In the community, she is active in Hope for Paws, the Special Olympics, NSU Food Bank, Natchitoches Boys and Girls Club and area senior citizen projects. On campus, McConathy is also the vice president of new members for Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, a mentor in NSU’s President’s Leadership Program, an orientation leader and a member of Blue Key and Purple Jackets.

“Getting involved in organizations has made college an unforgettable experience,” said McConathy. “I have made many memories, connections and impacts throughout my journey. Just in my first two years, I have grown into a confident, aspiring young woman that I never knew I could be before coming to college. The organizations I am a part of, such as Alpha Lambda Delta, have given me open doors to explore my potential and what exactly I am capable of.”

As a member of the National Council this year, McConathy will chair the Order of the Torch committee. She will also serve as a member on the Chapter Relations, Expansion, Graduate Fellowships and Long Range Planning committees. McConathy will serve on the National Council until June 2019.

“Her enthusiasm for any worthwhile project is contagious and her ability to transcend this energy to motivate others to achieve their full potential demonstrates her positive and very successful leadership style,” said NSU Alpha Lambda Delta Chapter Advisor Reatha Cox, “Mallory has been essential in helping the NSU chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta define goals, projects and academic initiatives for the coming year. We are taking the chapter to a new level, and she is helping us achieve success.”

Founded in 1924, Alpha Lambda Delta has over one million lifetime members and is present on more than 275 campuses nationwide. Alpha Lambda Delta’s mission is to “encourage superior academic achievement, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their unique roles in society.”

When NSU’s Advance Program ended it’s 3 week session July 29, Boy Scout Troop 60 was on hand to assist the students and their families with the move-out. Troop 60, sponsored by First United Methodist Church Natchitoches, helped carry luggage from the dorm rooms to the families’ cars. Over 150 students from Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Colorado and California attended the Advance Program, now in its 29th year of giving students a summer to remember.

Troop 60 meets every Thursday at 7:00 at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches. The Troop is currently on summer break and will start up again when school starts. Helping the Advance Program students move out of the dorm was one of several community service projects the Scouts have worked on. They have also worked at the Cane River Food Pantry loading boxes of food into recipient’s cars. Troop 60 is open to any young man between the ages of 11 and 17. One does not have to be a member of FUMC to be a Scout or leader in the Troop.

Yvonne Cecile Barron
January 1, 1940 – August 2, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 10 am at Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home Chapel

Johnnie Freeman
December 15, 1947 – August 4, 2017
Arrangements TBA

John William (Bill) Reeves
August 9, 1965 – August 4, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 5-9 pm in Oak Grove Baptist Church in Rhinehart Service: Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2 pm in Oak Grove Baptist Church
Interment: Alexander Cemetery in Manifest

Rebecca Rowell Garner
January 17, 1949 – August 3, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home and Sunday, Aug. 6 from 1-2 pm at First Assembly of God Church Service: Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2 pm at First Assembly of God Church
Interment: Goldonna Cemetery

Darenn Helire
July 4, 1963 – August 1, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Helen Mae Drewett Johnson
November 22, 1918 – July 15, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Kathy Spencer
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 pm at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: New Morning Glory Cemetery in Mansfield

Markzaulous Lewis
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 pm at Edan Worship Center in Shreveport
Interment: Springville Cemetery in Coushatta

Helen Futch Audirsch
December 7, 1947 – July 29, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at First Baptist Church in Winnfield

Ethel Lewis
July 23, 1948 – July 31, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Chapel in Winnfield
Interment: Oak Ridge Cemetery

Phillip Jefferson, Jr.
July 28, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery near Cloutierville

Cherry Braden-Davis
February 10, 1959 – July 29, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 fro, 9-11 am at Agape Love Center, 1515 Texas Street in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at Agape Love Center
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Masie Turner
May 10, 1920 – July 27, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 8-10:15 am at the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church near Clarence
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church
Interment: Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church cemetery

Etta E. Edwards
November 8, 1918 – July 26, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at the Pilgrims Rest B.C. in Winnfield

Natchitoches Parish District Attorney, Billy Joe Harrington announced the guilty plea relating to a 2016 Homicide in Natchitoches Parish. Andrew Jacob Wallace, 20 years old from Natchitoches, Louisiana pled guilty to Manslaughter in the January 2016 death of Dylan Poche of Natchez, Louisiana.

On the evening of January 31, 2016, Dylan Poche and others had gathered at the boat launch across the Sibley Lake One-Stop on Highway 504 in Natchitoches.

During the same evening, Wallace approached the gathering at the boat launch on three separate occasions after having arrived in a vehicle driven William Holman.

When the defendant arrived at the boat lunch for the third time that evening, Wallace exited the vehicle and eventually engaged in a physical fight with Mr. Poche. During that fight, Wallace pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed Poche once, resulting in this death.

District Attorney, Billy Joe Harrington said, “This incident is a tragedy for Dylan’s family and the entire community who are close to them.” “Moreover, I hope our young people can see how disagreements can quickly escalate to violence, sometimes with a fatal outcome.” My hope is that the resolution of this case will bring some healing and closure to the community and especially the families.

Assistant District Attorney, J. Chris Guillet prosecuted the case before Judge Harry Randow, who was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to preside over the case.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Robert S. Noel, II from Monroe, Louisiana,

Wallace is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2017 upon the completion pre-sentence investigation by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

It’s been a long road to balance the Natchitoches Parish School budget, but it seems the end is in sight. At the School Board meeting Aug. 3, Superintendent Dale Skinner said there was some overstaffing because he was trying to raise the score for the district. While the district went from a C to a B last year, the $1 million deficit had to be addressed.

Personnel and program cuts were necessary. Realigning the staffing of the school system, included decreasing the number of non-certified longterm substitutes, combining programming and reassigning personnel.

For a list of personnel changes SEE DOCUMENT BELOW.

Harry Graham and Joella Wilson-Collins voted against approving the transfers listed in the personnel update and Emille Metoyer voted against approving the administrative changes listed. Both passed by majority vote.

“We feel we haven’t done anything that will hurt the schools,” said Skinner. “It may just mean we’ll have to work harder.”

A decision involving Cloutierville is being held up because the school board is waiting on US Federal Judge Dee Drell to approve their request to allow students living in the C-1 area to attend schools inside the Natchitoches City limits. Currently 150 students are being bussed to Cloutierville. There are 130 students who live in the area for a total student population of around 280. Skinner said he should have an answer from Drell Aug. 7.

The citizens of Natchitoches will have the opportunity to vote on a proposition Oct. 14 , which focuses on renovations and new construction to positively position all District 9 schools for the future. The proposition is to fund $18 million in 20 year General Obligation Bonds.

Contestants are being sought for the 2017 Natchitoches Queens Scholarship Program to be held Sunday, Sept. 17 at 3 pm at the A.A. Fredricks Auditorium at Northwestern State University. The Natchitoches Queens Scholarship Program includes the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant, the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant, the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant, and the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant.

The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in the 12th grade in a Natchitoches Parish school. Participants compete in scholastic achievement, interview, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will be crowned Miss Merry Christmas and will receive a cash scholarship and other prizes and awards.  Christmas Belles will also be selected from the pageant. Miss Merry Christmas will serve as the official hostess of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival.  She and the Christmas Belles will represent Natchitoches at various events throughout the holiday season.

The Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in grades 9-11 in a Natchitoches Parish school. Participants compete in scholastic achievement, interview, casual wear, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will receive a cash scholarship and other prizes and is eligible to compete in the Teen Princess Louisiana Pageant in summer 2018.

There is a $75 entry fee to enter the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant and a $50 entry fee to enter the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant. There must be at least 10 girls entered in the Miss Merry Christmas pageant and 5 girls entered in the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant for each pageant to take place. All applications and entry fees for the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant and the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant must be returned to the Main Street Office at 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, no later than Friday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m.

The Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in the twelfth grade through age 24 by December 31, 2018, enrolled in high school or college, or meets the state residency requirement. Participants compete in interview, fitness in swimsuit, talent, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will be crowned Miss Natchitoches City of Lights and will receive  $1,000 In-Kind Scholarship to Northwestern State University, $7,200 In-Kind Scholarship to Louisiana College, official Miss America Local Crown, custom embroidered sash, appearance package and much more. The winner must be available to attend Miss Louisiana State Meeting in April, 2018 and the Miss Louisiana State Competition in June, 2018 held in Monroe.

The Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant is open to young ladies who will be 13 by April 13, 2018 and not older than 17 by July 31, 2018. Participants will compete in interview, fitness in sportswear, talent, evening wear and onstage question. The winner will receive official Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Local Crown, custom embroidered sash, appearance package and go on to compete in the Miss Louisiana Outstanding Teen Pageant.

There is a $100 entry fee to enter the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant, and participants for the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant will be required to raise $100 in Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals donations in lieu of an entry fee. All applications and entry fees for the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Pageant and the Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Outstanding Teen Pageant must be submitted to pageant director Gregory O’Quinn via email at gregoquinn78@yahoo.com or mailed to 6801 W 70th Street #44, Shreveport, LA 71129 by Sept. 8.

All applications can be downloaded electronically here:

Miss City of Lights Application

2017 Natchitoches Queens Pageant Entry Form

For more information contact Janna Jenkins at (318) 352-2746.

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A public servant and beloved family member, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff K-9 Diesel, a 9-year-old German Sheppard, passed away July 27. Diesel was a retired K-9 from a Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Josh Axsom had a hand in training and working with Diesel on the SWAT team before he moved back to Natchitoches.

When Diesel was retired from his work in Florida, the Sheriff’s Department reached out to Josh to see if he’d be interested in giving Diesel a forever home. Josh is a reserve deputy for the NPSO, so Diesel came out of retirement as a drug dog and tracker being utilized by the NPSO and Natchitoches Police Department.

Josh and Diesel were on call 24/7 and Josh said Diesel loved his job. “He was a one-in-a-million kind of dog,” said Josh. “My six-year-old son grew up with Diesel and now there’s no Diesel at home.”

Josh said Diesel was instrumental in saving his life in 2012 during a shooting incident. It was a crazy situation, but if Diesel hadn’t bitten the suspect things may have turned out differently.

“There’s been so many times he’s saved my life, sometimes just with his presence,” said Josh. “I’m glad for the opportunity to work with him with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Diesel will be missed.”

Harris Wilson Jr., better known in Natchitoches and around Northwestern State University as Coach Black, will be honored with a reception to recognize his heroics in rescuing his niece from his burning home last month.  The devastating fire destroyed nearly everything in the family’s home, but there were no serious injuries.  Wilson made it outside, then realizing his mother and niece were not out of the house, went back in.  They made a narrow escape through a window at the back of the house.

Sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, the reception will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 in the Stroud Room of the NSU Field House. The public is invited to attend.   At the reception, Modern Woodmen’s Natchitoches chapter will award Coach Black with a $100 grant to present to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, the charitable organization of his choice.

Since the fire, the Natchitoches community poured out support for the family by contributing to a GoFundMe account managed by the Demons Unlimited Foundation.  Athletics administrators and coaches gathered clothing and other items for the family.

Wilson has been a fixture with NSU Athletics for more than 20 years. He was given his nickname Coach Black by his father when he was a small child and for most of his adult life, he has played a role in inspiring coaches, administrators and student-athletes at Northwestern State.

Contributions can still be made to the GoFundMe Account by clicking on the following link:  https://www.gofundme.com/stand-united-with-coach-black.

For additional information, contact Dr. Haley Taitano, Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator, at blounth@nsula.edu via email, or by telephone at (318) 357-4278.

I have noticed that people are speaking softly of late. Actually I have noticed this strangeness for a while. If I am eating lunch with someone their voice tends to get very quiet, so quiet that in dining establishments I have hard time understanding what they are saying to me. Since people are talking more softly these days, I have become adept at reading their lips as they are speaking. It helps me understand their softly spoken words. When I am on the phone, I have no visual clues. I almost won’t answer the cell phone because hearing is such an issue.

When the cell phone rings these days I pray for a shouter. I hope that someone is so miffed that they talk very loudly into the cell phone. I have observed that if they think I’m stupid, they will talk both loudly and slowly. That is the best of all worlds. I don’t really need to understand these phone calls; I spend most of the one-sided conversation, grunting in agreement with what they are telling me. Most of the shouters live on or near one of our great Natchitoches Parish roads.

My bride talks to me about my weakening listening skills. Her mantra has become, “you don’t listen to me.” I have tried to respond to her that I don’t hear most of what she says to me. She has a nasty habit of talking to me when Alabama has the football and it is third and seven on the LSU twenty yard line.

Speaking of hearing, I hear the sounds of football returning. I am rejoicing greatly. The dark period is almost over; we are less than a month away from kickoff. I don’t care who, we are going to be playing football again. If you want your team to win this year, come to First Methodist I am offering the laying on of hands, anointing with oil and fervent prayer for your team. You must be present to receive the football prayer.

I had a secretary once who could not hear. I was told by church members that when Ellen smiles it means she is not hearing a word you are saying. It seemed that Ellen smiled all of the time. When she would leave messages for me that involved phone calls they were always amusing and very often incorrect. I had an associate pastor who was decades past retirement. He couldn’t hear even with his hearing aid. One day, he forgot the name of the dearly beloved we were burying. I couldn’t bail him out by whispering in his ear. I had to say loudly, “Her name is Helen Jones.” From then on I made sure he had the name of the dearly departed written down.

The take away in this noise is that I have concerns that I am not hearing God. There is often too much noise in daily life. Even in prayer, we have such a long prayer list that by the time we tell God everything that is on our minds, we don’t have time to be quiet and listen to Him. I’m great at telling God stuff, I’m not so good at listening to His “still small voice.” The Hebrew behind that English phrase is better translated “the sound of utter silence.” Ponder that phase in your heart.

God speaks, most clearly in Jesus. He speaks. I confess that I need to do a better job of finding ways to listen for the “sound of utter silence.”

How is your heart hearing?

By Alec Horton, Editor-in-Chief
Republished courtesy of The Current Sauce

Two Northwestern State University students were arrested at approximately 10 p.m. July 27 for alleged possession of drugs, one with intent to sell.

According to the Natchitoches Police Department, Braden Jett was arrested and charged with possession of schedule one drugs with intent to sell, possession of schedule two drugs with intent to sell, posession of schedule four drugs with intent to sell and possession of drugs. His bail was set at $10,000.

Austin Maxwell was arrested at the same time as Jett for possession of psilocybin mushrooms, and his bail was set at $5,000.

Both men are affiliated with NSU’s chapter of Sigma Nu, and the national fraternity provides the following statement:

“Sigma Nu Fraternity was made aware of the recent arrest of two Northwestern State University students who are members of the Mu Rho Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at the University. The Fraternity has suspended the Fraternity membership of these two individuals, pending the outcome of applicable adjudication procedures.”

NSU is unable to provide information on the ongoing investigation at this time.

“We are cooperating with [Natchitoches] and University Police to determine any additional action that the university should take,” said Shayne Creppel, Director of Greek Life.

Kiwanis member Jared Kilpatrick with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office spoke to the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club at its meeting Aug. 3 about home security and personal safety.
Some tips include:
Update windows
Keep the lawn groomed
Use light as an advantage
Make it look as though someone is home
Don’t neglect a garage
Trust neighbors
Advertise the security system

Louis Patrick Hyde
January 29, 1954 – August 1, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 4 from 11 am – 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Friday, Aug. 4 at 1 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Jessie Donald Longoria 
August 2, 2017 – August 2, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 4 at 1 pm at First United Pentecostal Church of Zwolle
Service: Friday, Aug. 4 at 2 pm at First United Pentecostal Church of Zwolle
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

Darenn Helire
July 4, 1963 – August 1, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Donna (Dinner) Marie Stockburger
April 9, 1959 – July 27, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 4 from 8:30-10 am in the Kramer Chapel
Service: Friday, Aug. 4 at 10 am in the Chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria National Cemetery

Helen Mae Drewett Johnson
November 22, 1918 – July 15, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Kathy Spencer
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 4 from 7-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 pm at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: New Morning Glory Cemetery in Mansfield

Markzaulous Lewis
Visitation: Friday, Aug. 4 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 pm at Edan Worship Center in Shreveport
Interment: Springville Cemetery in Coushatta

Helen Futch Audirsch
December 7, 1947 – July 29, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at First Baptist Church in Winnfield

Ethel Lewis
July 23, 1948 – July 31, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Chapel in Winnfield
Interment: Oak Ridge Cemetery

Phillip Jefferson, Jr.
July 28, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery near Cloutierville

Cherry Braden-Davis
February 10, 1959 – July 29, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 fro, 9-11 am at Agape Love Center, 1515 Texas Street in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at Agape Love Center
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Masie Turner
May 10, 1920 – July 27, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 8-10:15 am at the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church near Clarence
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church
Interment: Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church cemetery

Etta E. Edwards
November 8, 1918 – July 26, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 am at the Pilgrims Rest B.C. in Winnfield

Congressman Mike Johnson delivered a Congressional update at a Town Hall meeting Aug. 2.

Questions from the public touched on social security, medicare, cancer research and tax cuts.

Johnson recently drafted a Commitment to Civility document, which was signed by the 55 freshmen members of Congress as of January. While the seed of this endeavor was small, there are now 120 signatures.

The house is passing the following major legislative priorities:
Landmark VA reform
Pay raise for our troops
Historic regulatory relief to rein in Washington DC
New tools to end human trafficking
Resources to fight the opioid epidemic
Sanctions on hostile regimes
Increased energy resources

Regarding Louisiana, Johnson said that while the state is relatively poor economically, it contributes a lot to the country. It has the most natural resources of any state and the port in New Orleans is a huge economic engine.

 

Johnson represents nearly 760,000 residents of 15 parishes in the northwest and western regions of the state. Mike was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 10, 2016, by the largest margin of victory in his region in more than 50 years. He was appointed to the powerful House Judiciary Committee and two of its subcommittees – the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations. He also serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, and on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations as the vice chairman. He was also appointed to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.