The City of Natchitoches recognized several employees for their years of service at an Employee Appreciation Luncheon Nov. 21. Among those honored were retirees Cynthia Sutton (CRNHA, 10years), Crit Miller (Fire Department, 32 years), Mark White (Fire Department, 28 years), Robert Harris (Fire Department, 28 years), Ross Desadier ( Police Department, 21 years), Terrilyn Masson (Police Department, 24 years), and Clyde Williams (Public Works Department, 10 years).
The following employees were recognized for 10 years of service: Lisa Braxton, Latonya Burton, Shoneekqua Carpenter, Sophie Culotta, Chester Hurley, Dale Nielsen, Mark Scott, Steve Stinger, and Timothy Tousek.
The following employees were recognized for 15 years of service: Paul Albrecht, Kimberly Banks, Gordon Law, Tony Lodrigue, and Firal Robertson.
Darren Clark, Randy Lacaze, Thermon Mitchell, Jill Raynes, Kenny Penrod, Eric Rachal, David Samuel and Gary Taylor were recognized for 20 years of service with the City of Natchitoches.
Charles Brossette and Regina Walker were honored for 25 years of service.
Louis Williams was recognized for 30 years of service.
Those celebrating 35 years of service included Kevin Menou and Carter Moore.
A special recognition for 40 years of service was presented to Julius Armstrong and Susan Johnson.
In addition, a moment of silence was held for those employees and retirees of the City of Natchitoches who have passed away in the past year. Those remembered included Alvin Waters, John Below and Jerald Wayne Norsworthy.
A really hot cup of coffee, perfectly creamed, on a mild day with friends and family on my porch with absolutely no where to be. Watching my daughters tease each other mercilessly about every minor thing. A long conversation with my best friend twice a day. Taking a long walk when spring is doing its thing. A family get together in Zwolle with old stories that never get old and actually get funnier as time goes on. Spending time with family who do not share the same last name or DNA as me.
At this point in my life I find it so easy to pick out the everyday occurrences that cause my thankful heart to overflow with joy.
This has not always been the case.
Before my mother passed away in 2011 we had a daily ritual. She would call me in the mornings while I was getting the children ready for school. I would very politely inform her that it was not the best time to talk as we were usually running somewhat behind schedule.
She would always say, “don’t forget to call me.”
We may or may not have chit chatted once during the work day. Like clockwork, when I got home in the evening she would always call while I was cooking supper and wrangling kids. Again, I would have to let her know the timing was just not right.
She would end the call with, “don’t forget to call me.”
This went on for 12 years. Same calls. Same time. Mildly annoyed. Until one day it stopped.
One Friday afternoon in April, while I was extremely busy with my coworkers, getting ready for the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, my mother and father stopped by my office for a visit. I was already outside in the parking lot when they arrived so I introduced them to my friends that were with me. I had no idea that this beautiful windy spring day would be the last time I saw my mother alive.
The days and months that followed were riddled with extreme guilt over not being more grateful and appreciative of all of the time I had with my mother. For weeks I could not even bear to be in the house at dinner time because my phone was not ringing.
I would agonize over how many precious moments I had missed with my mother being irritated over the ill timed phone calls.
It took a very long time to forgive myself for not being more thankful and present in the moment with her. At the same time it also caused me to recognize my blessings and not take anything or anyone for granted. I believe the most grateful people in life are grateful because they have lost something before. If you haven’t experienced any type of loss it is truly hard to know what you are missing.
Unbeknownst to one of my good friends, she texted me the following information she received from her mother about being grateful.
Research shows that people that live with gratitude are more resilient emotionally, they have happier memories, and they are less envious. When you live with gratitude you are less self-centered, more optimistic and more spiritual.
Gratitude even improves your health. You have improved sleep, you are less sick, and you have increased energy. Socially, it makes you a kinder person with deeper relationships.
Having gratitude in your career makes your days more full of better decision making and increased productivity.
It is much more simple and peaceful in your heart when you look around and appreciate the big things in life and the tiny things. Sometimes the tiny things add up. Having lived with the loss of a parent and the loss of a marriage family unit it has caused many ups and downs but the root of the day always comes back to counting my blessings and appreciating family more than they annoy me.
Now, when I revisit the memories of my mother I choose to think what she really meant when she said, “don’t forget to call me,” was, “don’t forget to be grateful.”
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Dusty Good
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. Cmdr. Mike Moran applied the lessons learned from Natchitoches, Louisiana, to become one of the most elite surface warriors.
“My hometown taught me that it’s people that matter,” said Moran. “If you want to get anything done, it’s the relationships you have and learning how to work with different people to get things done.”
Those lessons, along with training and application learned during Moran’s 14 years of naval service, turned into an opportunity to teach the most innovative tactics of surface warfare at Surface Warfare Officers School, located in Newport, Rhode Island.
“Serving here gives me the opportunity to prepare the next generation of officers who have the watch on the ships,” said Moran. “We get to influence how training takes place for the future as well.”
Considered one of the Navy’s greatest assets, the instructors of Surface Warfare Officers School train and mentor the students who will use what they learn to lead sailors at sea. The students must pass a rigorous course structure in order to serve as surface warfare officers.
The mission of Surface Warfare Officers School is to ready sea-bound warriors to serve on surface combatants as officers, enlisted engineers, and enlisted navigation professionals to fulfill the Navy’s mission maintaining global maritime superiority.
Once service members finish training they are deployed around the world putting their skill set to work aboard Navy ships, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, mine warfare ships and littoral combat ships.
“At Surface Warfare Officers School, we are committed to training, developing and inspiring our Navy’s surface warfare officers,” said Capt. Scott Robertson, SWOS commanding officer. “Our graduates leave our courses ethically, intellectually, professionally and physically prepared to deliver professional leadership on every surface vessel in the fleet.”
Moran is a 2000 graduate of St. Mary’s High School and a 2004 graduate of the Naval Academy.
There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as an instructor and Moran is most proud of serving as executive assistant to the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii.
“Part of my time serving in Hawaii was the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor,” said Moran. “The day before the commemoration event, there was an older gentleman who walked into our office who stood at the window. We found out that the same man stared out the same window and watched the attack the day it occurred.”
The future of surface warfare is rapidly changing, so the course and materials at Surface Warfare Officer School are constantly evolving to create the most dynamic, lethal, safe and professional warfighting team for the Navy the nation needs.
“It is critical that students report to the fleet with the academic baseline required to perform as warfighters in today’s maritime environment,” said Lt. Matt Gallagher, the command’s public affairs officer. “SWOS training is at the epicenter of professional development for surface warfare officers throughout their careers.”
Surface warfare has been a part of world history for more than 3,000 years, and the United States has its stamp on that history with actions ranging from the American Revolution to modern day operations at sea around the world.
Moran is continuing a family tradition of military service.
“My dad and grandfather were in the Army, and my other grandfather was in the Navy,” said Moran. “I’ve had a lot of legacy of service in my family.”
As Moran and other instructors train future surface warriors, they take pride in what it means to serve their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me the chance to serve others,” said Moran. “Everyone has some talent and capabilities that define their life, so if I can use my talent to serve a greater good, then that’s me.”
Well-rounded athletes always are on coaches’ wish lists during recruiting season.
Third-year Northwestern State women’s basketball coach Jordan Dupuy is no different, although Dupuy wants equally capable people and students, something he said he believes he has found in signees Anessa Dussette and Karyn Ford.
“They bring versatility on both ends of the floor, the ability to play multiple positions on offense and defense,” Dupuy said. “They can score on all three levels. They have good size and the ability to be physical down low. I’m very happy with what we have on the court, but the thing is they will be very good representatives off the floor, in the community and in the classroom. I’m very happy with what he have, and I expect us to add more in the late signing period.”
Both Dussette (Manvel High School) and Ford (YES Prep Gulfton) hail from the greater Houston area.
“That area is rich in talent,” Dupuy said. “We’ve got to make sure we recruit that area hard. Dallas has been good to us as well. Opening up those doors in Houston will be good for our program.”
Dussette is a 5-foot-10 guard/forward who has put up tremendous numbers for Manvel in the early part of the 2018-19 season.
A two-time, second-team all-district selection, Dussette has poured in 18 points per game while grabbing 10 rebounds and handing out 10 assists for coach Bryan Harris’ Mavericks.
As a sophomore, Dussette was named Manvel’s “Big Dawg of the Year.”
“She brings great energy,” Dupuy said. “She’s a great teammate. If she needs to score, she’ll score. If she needs to rebound, she’ll rebound. She’ll step in and take a charge. She just loves to play. You need that energy and passion. It’s tough at this level, so you need that energy, especially from your younger players.”
Dussette is an honor roll student who holds a 5.0 grade point average at Manvel. She was named to the all-tournament team at the Peggy Whitley Tournament earlier this season.
“I chose NSU because not only is it close to home, but the environment is so family-friendly, and it’s somewhere I want to be,” Dussette said. “If I need anything, I know they’ve got me, no matter the situation. It is so safe and secure to where I know I won’t have a problem at all. Plus, I have family close to me to where I won’t be alone up there.”
Ford has family ties to the Lady Demons program. Her older sister, Ebony, lettered for Northwestern State in the 2012-13 season.
In her first three seasons, Ford averaged between 22.6 and 30.6 points per game while grabbing between 10.7 and 13 rebounds per game.
Through six games of her senior season, Ford has averaged 34.5 points and 15.7 rebounds per game while swiping 6.2 steals per game. All three totals would be career highs if she maintains them.
For her 88-game career at YES Prep Gulfton, Ford has averaged 27.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.4 steals and 2.4 blocks per game.
“She came to our elite camp and won MVP because of how well she played on both ends,” Dupuy said. “She was able to score from everywhere on the floor and also score with either hand over either shoulder. When you watch her, you don’t know if she’s left-handed or right-handed, especially in the paint. She can play within our system and will allow us to mix things up on both ends and create mismatches offensively.”
Like Dussette, Ford said NSU’s tight-knit atmosphere played a key role in her following her sister’s footsteps with the Lady Demons
“I loved the close-knit family atmosphere and how everyone supported each other no matter if they knew them or not,” Ford said. “The girls really made me feel like a part of the team already when I went on my visit, and I appreciated how welcome they made me feel.”
An honor roll student with a 3.3 GPA who also lettered in track, cross country and volleyball, Ford said she wants to follow her sister in her off-the-court pursuits as well.
“Because my sister went to NSU and majored in the same thing I want to (psychology), I already have a relationship with my academic advisor, Dr. (Jody) Biscoe, and we have a built-in trust,” Ford said.
The Northwestern State basketball team is finally home and nearly at full strength heading into two Prather Coliseum appearances, the first Friday evening at 6:30 against Alabama A&M.
The contest is the final for both teams in the five-game Men Against Breast Cancer Cougar Cup multi-team event. NSU ends a string of four consecutive road games, all defeats, bringing a 1-4 mark into the contest against the Bulldogs (0-4), who haven’t played since a 91-60 loss last Saturday at BYU.
The Demons remain at home next Tuesday to face neighborhood rival UL Monroe.
In their last three outings, the Demons have been hit by onslaughts after halftime that blew open contests at BYU, Rice and Houston. Those have spoiled solid stretches of play during the first half in each contest.
Coach Mike McConathy is hoping that playing a third game with a 13-man roster will provide some continuity for NSU, which picked up veterans Brandon Hutton, DeAndre Love and Jacob Guest in last weekend’s two-game swing through Houston.
Love has started his senior season with strong shooting in two games, averaging 11.5 points while making 10 of 16 overall including 3-for-4 on 3-pointers.
Senior forward/center Ishmael Lane, despite two straight subpar offensive outings at Rice and Houston, tops NSU with averages of 14.6 points and 7.2 rebounds.
Junior transfer John Norvel, who has not played since his senior season at Salmen High School, has made 10 of 23 from behind the 3-point circle and is scoring 9.0 per game.
Alabama A&M has three double-figure scorers, led by Jalen Reeder at 10.5 per game.
NSU is one player away from having a full roster for the first time since the 2015-16 season opener. Freshman point guard Brian White is recovering from a sprained ankle and hasn’t played yet this season, but is expected back soon.
“I was sitting in the Atlanta airport, waiting at Gate 32 to board a plane. Zones 1 and 2 were called; I stood, picked up my briefcase, and walked toward the line that was forming. As I passed a row of seats I heard a girl ask her mother, “Do I stand up now?”
Something about the girl’s voice got my attention. She was developmentally disabled. I kept walking, got in line, and boarded the plane.
I took my place in seat 7C. After I settled in, I looked up. There was the girl, coming down the aisle by herself. I was surprised to see that she was a teenager—she was so petite that she appeared almost frail. The seat in front of mine was hers.
Then “Animal House” boarded. A group of college students came down the aisle and took several rows of seats across from us. They were laughing, joking with one another, and having a great time. But above all else, they were being cool. Cool, you understand, was imperative.
Finally, the plane was pushed back and began taxiing. Ten minutes later the pilot announced that we were cleared for takeoff. He made the final turn onto the runway.
I looked up and saw that little head with brunette hair lean partway across the aisle. I heard the girl say to the college student across from her, “I get real nervous when we take off. Would you hold my hand?”
My eyes were riveted on the young man to see what he would do. Holding a stranger’s hand is not cool. After an initial nervous blush, he began to smile, and halfway across the aisle came that kid’s big ol’ hand. The girl’s tiny fingers grabbed it and squeezed.
There they held hands across the aisle, as our Delta jet was airborne.
There they held hands as I stared, also in disbelief, and memorized that sacred moment. I knew I was witnessing a sacrament.”
NSU– Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology will host its annual Robotics Competition and Smart Structures Show from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the Student Union Ballroom. The competition is open to all middle schools within a 200-mile radius of Natchitoches.
Participants will be able to test their computer programming skills and compete with other Louisiana students for prizes during a fun environment with educational experiences and social activities. The top three teams will receive cash prizes to be used to purchase technology for the classroom. Snacks will be provided.
This year, ET faculty are also organizing a smart structures show to provide opportunities for high schools and other organizations that are involved in robotics related projects to show their creativity at the event.
There is no registration fee for the competition or show, however, those interested in participating in the competition must register by submitting a letter of intent and a press/photo release form (for each team member) no later than November 16. Documents should be sent to Erin Bates at batese@nsula.edu.
BOM is a proud sponsor of the 2018-2019 SMH Lady Tigers Basketball team. Pictured on front row from left are Jensen Parker, Emily Maggio, Ragan Hale, and Hailey Seaman. On middle row are Makenzie Lipa, Maria Bienvenu, and Maggie Wheats and Kameron Bienvenu. On back row are Rachel Cunningham, Coach, Claire Mayeaux, Maggie Gilmore, Sarah Aviles, Carissa Kautz, Kelsee Bienvenu, Blaise Lacour, Carrie Hough, and Tom Collins.
Dolores Hall Tucker
July 7, 1932 – November 18, 2018
Service: Saturday, November 24 at 1 pm in Memory Lawn Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:
Matt W. Puckett
April 23, 1959 – November 19, 2018
Visitation: Friday, November 23 from 11 am – 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Friday, November 23 at 1 pm at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Rachal Cemetery in Lena
Oliver Menard Vanderhoeven
November 23, 1934 – November 19, 2018
Visitation: Friday, November 23 from 4-8 pm at Kramer Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, November 24 at 10 am at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, located at 2627 Horseshoe Dr. in Alexandria
Interment: Dry Prong Cemetery
SABINE PARISH:
Norma Jean Whitmer
February 20, 1938 – November 13, 2018
Service: Saturday, November 24 at 10 am at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Many
Interment: Braden Cemetery in Coloma, Missouri
RED RIVER PARISH:
Otis Elbert Moore
October 29, 1928 – November 21, 2018
Service: Friday, November 23 at 11 am at Mount Zion Cemetery in Hall Summit
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
During the Thanksgiving holiday period, millions of people across the US will be traveling the roads eager to spend time with family and friends. According to NHTSA, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes. Troopers in Louisiana will be focused on reducing the number of incidents on our highways in an effort to help people get to their destinations safely.
Last year in Louisiana during the Thanksgiving holiday period (November 22-27), there were over 550 crashes involving injury, and 15 people were killed in fatal crashes. Of those fatal crashes, nearly half involved impaired drivers. In an effort to decrease the number of crashes and keep our roads safe, the Louisiana State Police will be proactively patrolling our state’s highways during the holiday travel period. Troopers will focus on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and occupant protection.
Troopers will have a “zero tolerance” policy, and those caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be arrested. Motorists should know that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects.
Motorists are urged to contact the nearest LSP Troop by dialing *LSP (*577) if they observe others driving in unsafe manners – especially those who appear to be operating under the influence. Thanksgiving travelers can access real time information about road conditions, construction activities, and other critical incidents by visiting the LaDOTD 511 Traveler Information System website at http://www.511la.org. Information can also be easily found by dialing 511.
With the increase in Thanksgiving holiday traffic, motorists are urged to plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, ensure all occupants are properly restrained, and exercise patience on our roadways. By doing this we can help ensure everyone has something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!
Last weekend Mary and I had the privilege of attending a memorial service for one of Natchitoches’ true Steel Magnolias. And a very special service it was.
Other memorial services I’ve attended have consisted of family and friends of the deceased, sharing memories, both poignant and funny. Conna Cloutier’s service had those too, of course, but it also had music, singing and dancing. Not your everyday way to remember a loved one.
Some of you readers probably knew Conna better than we did, although we were lucky enough to make her acquaintance not long after we moved here. We met her through Bobby DeBlieux, her former next door neighbor on Front Street. When we visited Natchitoches, before we moved here, we would almost always stay at Bobby’s Tante Huppe Inn.
We met Conna and some of her circle of friends at parade parties and attended a couple of social events at her Front Street home. And, her daughter Marcie, was a faithful dog-sitter for us for a while.
We learned more about Conna from the comments made by some of her friends at the service. We learned that she was an avid lover of the arts, including theater and dance, a love that was paid tribute to by the performance of two young men who displayed their balletic talents at the service, held at First Presbyterian Church. The joy and expressive dancing performed by the young men, Asher Van Meter and Dwight Robinette, was a mirror of her love of life.
Other friends, including Michael Rorex, Richard Rose, Monty and Marsha Brown, Steve Wells, Chris Allen, Andrej Kurti and Sadoc Silva, celebrated Conna’s life in song and instrumental music. Monty and Marsha’s contribution was a Conna favorite, The Natchitoches Waltz.
One thing Mary and I did know about Conna was her love of animals, particularly dogs, an attraction that Mary and I shared with Conna. Several members of her loving “pack” were taken to the church and set up on the church’s front lawn, where they greeted those attending the service.
One of the tributes paid to Conna was by Juanita Murphy, who read a letter “written” by Lexus, one of the many dogs rescued by Conna over the years. Lexus’ “thoughts” in the letter brought a tear to many in the audience, as she, with a little help from Juanita, expressed the gratitude of the animals who have been given a happy home by Conna.
Others paying tribute to Conna’s memory included nephew D.C. Young, Sheena Simmons, Kelly Cohen Lavercombe, Allie Wilson, Marsha Brown, Fraser Snowden, Frank Douglas, Joanna Cassidy and Monty Brown. Their memories and anecdotes were a touching mixture of sadness, happiness and humor.
As I said earlier, I think Conna was a real steel magnolia — a lovely and attractive southern flower but one made of strong metal, able to withstand the slings and arrows of life’s blows. There are a number of such ladies here in Natchitoches, but the loss of Conna cuts their number. It’s a real shame when we lose one of our own very special blossoms.
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is by far the town’s biggest tourist attraction. The whole downtown transforms into a winter wonderland. Jill Leo, the Director of Festivals and Events for the Historic District Business Association (HDBA), estimates that throughout the festival’s six-week run 500,000 people will attend.
Leo said “kids are wowed” by the festivities and “parents and grandparents are eager to bring their kids and grandkids to recreate memories.” Residents and tourists alike, people of all generations, can enjoy the festivities.
Thousands of lights are strung all along the city, fake snow blows across the streets, and food and vendor booths will be set up throughout downtown Natchitoches. Santa is planning to visit, and this year, for the first time ever, reindeer joined him! The parade has new floats with new themes that are being kept a secret.
Lee Waskom, a member of the HDBA, said that it’s particularly exciting for the kids who get to participate in the parade. It’s something “they will always remember.”
The biggest attraction is the fireworks that go off every Saturday night during the festival. These fireworks are some of the biggest and most elaborate in the country. Both Waskom and Leo compare the show to Disneyland and Disney World pyrotechnics, the top two biggest firework displays in the United States. Waskom said the fireworks “definitely draw the biggest crowd,” bringing thousands of people to the banks of the Cane River to watch.
This year, the firework budget increased allowing $105,000 to be spent on fireworks for all six weeks of the festival. Over $35,000 worth of fireworks will be shot off on Dec. 1 for Festival Day alone.
So many people come to see the fireworks, but so few of them think about the behind the scenes work. Craig George, the person in charge of the firework display, explains that setting them up is “extremely time consuming” and requires a lot of labor. He works with 8-10 other people to set up the shows.
The “racks,” the wooden crates used to hold the mortars in place, are handmade and each rack is strategically placed along the riverbank. George said he and the other workers have an “internal map” of where the fireworks need to be positioned, since they’ve been setting up the festival for so many years. The setup usually starts on the Monday before the fireworks are scheduled to be set off and they gradually get each rack in place throughout the week. Once the bridge gets closed at 4:30 pm on Saturdays, last minute preparations begin.
Each year, new attractions are added to the festivities to keep things interesting for returning visitors. According to Leo, this year will feature water effects, including a “ballet on water” to give the festival “a new stand point.” The ballet on water will shoot directly out of Cane River, allowing the lights to dance and twirl across the surface for 45 seconds while the sparks glow. The other nautical firework sequences create a waterfall effect along the river, adding depth to the reflections of all the Christmas lights.
So much hard work is put into preparing for the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and each year thousands of guests love it. Everyone at the HDBA is looking forward to an amazing festival this year. Merry Christmas Natchitoches!
The Natchitoches Animal Shelter, located at 450 Fairgrounds Road, held a Tales to Tails Program Nov. 20. Over 20 residents and children came to read books, which were provided by the Natchitoches Parish Library’s Book Mobile. While reading books, they also helped socialize some of the dogs at the shelter. The cats got some attention too! The shelter plans on holding more of these events in warmer weather in 2019. But don’t worry if you missed this one. The public can volunteer to socialize the shelter animals at any time during the year. The public is also encouraged to come out and find a pet to adopt! Also, donations are always accepted for blankets, toys, Pedigree dog food and dog houses. For more information call 318-357-3885.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an Alexandria man during a traffic stop on Interstate-49 just south of Natchitoches on Saturday morning which resulted in the seizure of almost 300 ecstasy pills according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.
NPSO Patrol Division deputies were patrolling on Interstate-49 on Nov. 17 at 10:45 pm when they clocked a 2018 Nissan Altima traveling southbound, Speeding 90 miles per hour in a posted 75 mph speed zone.
Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as Steven Faulkner, 53 of the 3000 block of 6th Street in Alexandria.
Deputies say while conducting a NLETS computer check, they learned Faulkner’s drivers license was suspended.
Faulkner informed deputies that he didn’t know his drivers license was suspended but acted very uneasy and nervous leading deputies to believe criminal activity existed.
Deputies obtained permission to search Faulkner’s person and the vehicle.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered 3 cellophane bags containing approximately 298 ecstasy pills.
Faulkner was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule I Ecstasy with Intent to Distribute, Speeding 90/75 and Driving under Suspension.
The seized narcotics will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics identification and analysis, recent drug seizures of ecstasy has also shown the presence of methamphetamine.
Faulkner remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with bond set at $10,000 by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge.
The vehicle was impounded.
Deputies say Faulkner was traveling from Texas to Alexandria and believe the intercepted narcotics was intended for distribution in Rapides Parish.
Deputy D. Caballero was assisted by Deputy D. Sowell in the arrest.
Parish President Rick Nowlin has announced that the Parish Government offices will be closed Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, the Parish limb pit will be closed Thursday and Friday, and reopen Saturday for normal operating hours. Parish-wide bin sites and compactor stations will be closed Thursday and will reopen Friday for regular hours. Questions about Parish closures can be directed to the Parish Government at (318) 352-2714.
Daniel Efferson Jr., 54 of Natchitoches, was arrested on Nov. 18 by the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force following a long term narcotics investigation. During the investigation, NMJDTF agents along with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crime Unit were able to determine that Efferson was transporting large amounts of illicit narcotics such as Crystal Methamphetamine, Promethazine syrup, and high grade marijuana to Natchitoches from Houston Texas.
On 11/18/2018, Agents learned that Efferson was returning from Houston Texas with a large quantity of illegal narcotics. NMJDTF agents obtained a search warrant for Efferson’s vehicle when it arrived in the Natchitoches Parish. At approximately 1800hrs, Agents located Efferson operating a GMC Sierra truck on Highway 117 in Natchitoches Parish traveling towards Natchitoches and conducted a traffic stop in order to conduct a search on the vehicle. During the traffic stop, NMJDTF agents ran a narcotics detector canine on the vehicle where K-9 Misty gave a positive response of illegal narcotics near the gas tank area. NMJDTF agents detained the occupants per the investigation and the vehicle was towed to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center for further inspection.
At NPDC agents obtained information from Efferson that there were methamphetamine, Promethazine and marijuana in the gas tank. As a result of the search of the gas tank the following vacuum sealed packages containing illicit narcotics were located:
7 vacuum sealed Tupperware containers containing suspected crystal methamphetamine (4.5 pounds approximate weight)
4 vacuum sealed packages each filled with suspected high grade marijuana (2.1 pounds approximate weight)
9 vacuum sealed packages containing 18 bottles of suspected Promethazine syrup (2 gallons approximate volume)
Efferson was arrested and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on the following charges:
Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I Marijuana
Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II Methamphetamine
Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS V Promethazine
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.
Browse over 100 vendor booths at the Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 9 am – 4:30 pm at the Natchitoches Events Center, located at 750 Second Street in Natchitoches.
There will be gifts for the whole family, from adults to children. Vendors from a four-state area will offer items such as Chocolates by Robert Davis, Wine Cork Art by Cheryl Gianforte, Jewelry by Dawn Celles, Wreaths by Jean LauDonio, Pressed Flower Art by Rita Ford, Felt Creations by Suzette Turner, Pottery by Susan Rodrigue, and many more.
Chairman Cheryl Gianforte began the Christmas Craft Market 13 years ago. “The best part is everything offered at our craft market is handmade,” said Cheryl.
It’s that time of year again…and the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is ready to recognize Business Excellence!
Anyone can nominate a business. Is there a business that has gone above and beyond for their customers? Someone who goes out of their way to support local nonprofits? Or a business that has employees who are proud of their company? In our day to day interactions with local businesses, who comes to your mind for providing excellent customer service? Those are the businesses we want to hear about!
The Chamber will accept nominations through Dec. 17 for the following awards:
Best NEW Business (12 months or less in business)
Best Small Business (0-10 employees, both full and/or part time)
Best Medium Sized Business (11-24 employees, both full and/or part time)
Best Large Business (Over 25 employees)
NEW THIS YEAR! Best Non-Profit Organization
NEW THIS YEAR! Lifetime Achievement Award (recognizing leaders who have left an indelible footprint in our Community)
**Nominees must be Chamber member business (Excluding Lifetime Achievement Award)
Not sure if a business is a member of the Chamber? You can search for that business in our Membership Directory at http://www.NatchitochesChamber.com
Our Awards Banquet this year will be Jan. 24 from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Natchitoches Event Center. It will be an evening of Celebration, Recognition and Community and Business Excellence.
You may nominate more than one business, and for multiple categories. Tell us WHY these businesses stand apart from others? Below are some criteria to consider and include on your nomination form.
Award criteria for New, Small, Medium and Large business of the year:
Company management
Community service
Economic stability
Ethics and integrity
Growth of company
New jobs created for the community
Upward mobility for employees
Award criteria for Nonprofit of the year:
Organization purpose
Contribution to the community
Community service
Ethics and integrity
Upward mobility for clients
Award criteria for Lifetime Achievement Award:
Through this award, we seek to identify a leader whose long-term active engagement in our community has had a significant, positive economic impact locally. A Lifetime Achievement Award winner is a successful leader in a company, industry and in our community. Further, the Lifetime Award allows us to recognize a true pillar who will teach future generations by example. This award recognizes contributions over the entirety of a career, rather than, or in addition to, a single contribution.
Nominee has been active in the Natchitoches Area business community for at least 10-15 years cumulatively.
Nominee has been the leader of a Louisiana based company for at least five years (CEO, president, managing partner, etc.).
Each Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be selected from the field of nominees by a panel of independent judges made up of past select professionals and community stakeholders.
Individuals will not be honored more than once for this award.
On Nov. 8-11, the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) presented four performances of the Sophokles play “Antigone” in LSMSA’s Black Box Theatre, located in the school’s Center for Performance and Technology. The play was performed by the LSMSA Theatre Repertory Company.
Students who acted in the play were:
Anne Marie Higginbotham (’19), in the role of Antigone.
Chris Comeaux (’19), in the role of Kreon.
Lauren Mathews (’20), in the role of Ismene.
Camren Hohn (’19), in the role of Haimon.
Cydnie Andrepont (’19), in the role of Guard.
Caroline Adkins (’19), in the role of Teiresias.
Kaitlyn Thompson (’20), in the role of Messenger.
Sydney Sorbet (’20), in the role of Eurydike.
Caroline Koonce (’19), in the role of Chorus.
Arden Miller (’19), in the role of Chorus.
Technical crew students were: Donavan Dowden (’19), Caroline Koonce (’19), Mei Scott (’19), Esther Seo (’19), Casey Tonnies (’19), Max Anderson (’21), Reagan Brown (’21), Derek Dupre (’20), Ryan Guidry (’21), Kayla Olson (’21), Addie Soileau (’21), Kayu Southichark (’19), Abi LeBlanc (’19), Marisa Moreno (’21), and Mary Hutson (’21).
“In this translation, Thebes has just emerged intact from the ashes of war,” said Scott Theriot, LSMSA’s director of theatre. “Kreon, the newly crowned king, has decreed death for anyone who attempts bury the corpse of Polyneikes, the brother to Antigone and son to Oedipus.
“In ‘Antigone,’ the title character is determined to see her brother honored with a burial, and Kreon is determined to preserve order no matter the cost.”
The play was based off a modern translation by renowned poet Anne Carson. Students involved in the play had worked all semester prior to the show’s performance.
Courses offered in LSMSA’s Visual and Performance Arts department are vast and taught by highly-acclaimed instructors, many of whom have earned the highest degree in their field. For more information, visit http://www.LSMSA.edu/arts.
Each November, for the past several years, the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) has offered an opportunity for patrons to give back to the community and simultaneously reduce fines on their accounts. This year the NPL is offering “Fine For(GIVING),” an expanded program that will allow for donations all through November and December with many different items able to be donated.
Patrons can donate canned goods, which must be clean, unexpired, and at least 8 ounces, for a $2 reduction in fines per can. Donations will be given to local food banks, which see increased use during the holiday season. New and gently used jackets can be donated for a $15 reduction per jacket. These will be donated to the Natchitoches Parish Fire Department for local distribution. The NPL will also be accepting dog and cat food for a $2 reduction per can and $5 per 5 pounds of dry food, to be given to the Natchitoches Humane Society. New and Unopened toys will be accepted for a $10 reduction and will be given to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department. All of the above fine reductions may only be applied to overdue or late fines, not lost or damaged items, or other account charges.
For those with lost or damaged item charges (excluding laptops, mobile hotspots, and launchpads) the NPL will also be accepting new or gently used costumes for a $15 reduction or $5 if only a partial costume (mask/cape/etc.). This can be applied towards overdue fines, late fines, and non-electronic lost or damaged item charges, and costumes will be cleaned and circulated at the NPL next October.
All items may be donated at any Circulation Desk at the Main Branch (Natchitoches) or Northeast Branch (Campti) of the library.
CP-TEL is a proud contributor to Charity Runs, Inc. This donation will be used with the Annual Cajun Christmas in Memphis which helps provide a Christmas experience at the Ronald McDonald House to families with children undergoing treatment at St. Jude.
Pictured from left are Jerry & Michelle “Mo” Longlois with Charity Runs, Inc. and CP-TEL employee, Sandra Shaffer.
