The Campti Community will rally behind the 4th Annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 3 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Kingdom Life Center. Pre-Registration is required for this event. Register at the Kingdom Life Center on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 pm and on Thursdays from 6-7 pm. Completed forms must be received by Kingdom Life Center by Thursday, Aug. 1. For more information call Tarlisha Hudson at 318-554-9374. Kingdom Life Center is located at 3089 Hwy. 71 in Campti.
POSITION: Planning and Zoning Director
DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the coordination and administration of all activities in the areas of Planning and Zoning, including enforcing zoning and subdivision ordinances and policies, serve as Flood Plain Administrator to review development proposals for compliance with National Flood Insurance Program guidelines, conducts routine site surveys of projects and developments as required, serve as Administrative Liaison for the Historic District Commission and supervise the daily work and activities of department employees.
Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Land Use, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or similar degree and at least two years experience in a responsible administrative position.
CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St. or you can download an application on line at http://www.natchitochesla.gov
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through
August 6, 2019
THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
According to a 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health which was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration it was found that twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs when compared to the number of those who regularly used cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants. The same survey revealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives including those that were unknowingly removed from medicine cabinets.
Often citizens who have been prescribed medications to treat a particular ailment and reach a point where they are left with medications that are no longer needed. These citizens often discard these medications in their trash or flush them down their drains. Some citizens may choose to hold onto the medications for future use despite. Each of these decisions come with a potential for risks.
Citizens are often unaware that the choice to discard these medications in the their trash grant an abuser with access to these medications which might be harmful and result in serious injury or death. Citizens might be unaware that flushing or washing the medications down a drain or burying them in a yard could result in these chemicals being inadvertently transferred to a water supply that could be harmful to others and the environment. Citizens might be unaware that holding onto medications for future use after their expiration dates has its own risks. Medications that are expired may not be effective, change over time, and can be stolen or misused by others that can access these medications (i.e. children, grandchildren, friends, etc.)
It is recommended that all medications that are prescribed (controlled substances or non-controlled substances) and over the counter medications be disposed of properly. Proper disposal of these medications ensure that they are not abused and contributing to the growing number of overdoses.
The Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug would like to encourage the citizens of Natchitoches parish to dispose of their medications utilizing the NADDI Prescription Drug Drop Boxes that are located at the following locations:
Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office Main Office
200 Church St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Drop Off: M-F 8AM – 4:30PM
Natchitoches Police Department Main Office
400 Amulet St. Natchitoches.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Drop Off: Everyday 24/7
These NADDI Boxes have been in place for years and have been utilized quite successfully by to the public. Medications can be brought to the above listed locations and dropped into the secure box and they will be properly destroyed at no cost to the citizen.
There are some basic protocols regarding what can be dropped off at these locations and they are listed below:
Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances may dropped off.
Participation is anonymous and person dropping off medications will not be questioned or required to present identification.
Medications can be disposed of in its original container or by removing it from the container and disposing of it directly into the box. If the original container is used participants are encourage to remove any identifiers.
Liquid products, such as cough syrups should remain tightly sealed in its original container.
Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and syringes will NOT be accepted due to the potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.
Probation and Parole Agents and members of the Natchitoches Multi Jurisdictional Drug Task Force conducted an operation on July 11 aimed at apprehending subjects in the Natchitoches area who had active probation warrants. During the operation, agents traveled to various locations in Natchitoches Parish in an attempt to locate the wanted subjects. As a result of the operation, 10 individuals where placed under arrest.
Below is a list of the subjects arrested during the operation along with the charges they received.
Rahkeem Armstrong, B/M 26
Charges: Probation warrant.
Christopher Mooney, W/M 40
Charges: R.S. 40:967 Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine), R.S. 40:1023 Possession of drug paraphernalia, R.S. 40:982 Second or subsequent offenses, and Probation violations.
Melissa Olson, W/F 43
Charges: R.S. 40:967 Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine), R.S. 40:969 Possession of Schedule IV (Tramadol), R.S. 40:970 Possession of Schedule V (Codeine), and R.S. 40:1023 Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ronnie White Ardison, B/M 42
Charges: R.S. 14:122/F Public intimidation, R.S. 14:108 Resisting an officer, R.S. 40:1023 Possession of drug paraphernalia, and Probation violations.
Derrick Demery, B/M 35
Charges: R.S. 14:95.1 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Jacoby Helaire, B/M 38
Charges: Probation violation.
David Toney, W/M 32
Charges: Probation violation.
James Williams, B/M 33
Charges: Probation warrant.
Andre Sowell, B/M 25
Charges: Probation warrant.
Devonte Demars, B/M 26
Charges: Probation warrant.
Following their arrest, all subjects where placed into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center to await bond.
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 Sheriff’s Office.
In less than 30 days, the Northwestern State athletics department will welcome the 2019-2020 athletic year, which brings with a chance for success both inside and outside the athletic arena.
For the Demons and Lady Demons, that means attempting to improve on another stellar individual and team year of community service and engagement.
Northwestern State student-athletes donated 4,458 hours of community service during the 2018-19 campaign while NSU coaches and staff added an additional 1,810 hours of community service and engagement.
“With community service and engagement being long-term staples of the NSU athletic program, I am proud of our current student-athletes, coaches and staff for sustaining that platform by continuing to give of themselves for the benefit of others,” said NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke, who leads by example through his involvement in a number of civic and community service organizations.
“This focus is not something that started here a few years ago. Rather, it dates back well over a decade ago to a time when our ‘Victorious For Life’ program had its genesis, and community service was one of the main tenants of that program, which is designed to prepare our student-athletes for life after graduation through personal and career development.”
The continued largesse of community service hours falls in line with Burke’s core goals for the athletic department, and NSU student-athletes have received national recognition for their off-the-field endeavors.
Senior offensive lineman Chris Zirkle was chosen from more than 2,500 student-athletes as the Southland Conference’s male representative for the NCAA Leadership Conference, held in April in Orlando, Florida.
This past week, Zirkle was announced as a nominee for the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, giving Northwestern State its second nominee in the past four seasons (JeMarcus Marshall, 2016).
Zirkle’s recent honors continued the legacy that was enhanced with the introduction of the Victorious For Life program.
Since 2011, Northwestern State has seen linebacker Yaser Elqutub voted as the captain on the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and Demon basketball guard Sabri Thompson earn a spot on the 2017 Allstate National Association of Basketball Coaches Good Works Team, making him one of five Division I men’s basketball players selected that season.
“Servant leadership is an integral part of the leadership development process we work to incorporate in our student-athlete development programming on a daily basis,” Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development Kaitlyn McCanna said. “By participating in a variety of community service opportunities throughout the year, student-athletes are able to connect with the Natchitoches community and surrounding areas on a deeper level while hopefully developing a lifelong love of giving back.”
That fact is not lost on most NSU student-athletes, especially the members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
“My time on SAAC has been a constant learning process from first attending the meetings as a representative of the volleyball team to now being elected as its president,” senior Megan Lohmiller said. “I have learned there are so many opportunities to give back to our Natchitoches community. It truly does make an impact on the people living in this town. It shows that we athletes respect and appreciate all the support we receive from alumni, residents, students, and teachers. Community service allows us to give back to the ones who allow us to be student-athletes.”
Since the Southland Conference began the Steve McCarty Citizenship Award in 2007, Northwestern State student-athletes have taken home nine of the 26 such honors, a conference high.
Northwestern State has been honored for its department-wide commitment to service as well. NSU won the inaugural “Southland Strong” Community Service Award and has placed in the top four in four of the five years of the award’s existence.
“The student-athletes representing their individual teams in our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee have really taken this organization to a new level,” McCanna said. “This is the group that set the benchmark of reaching more than 5,000 hours of community service annually, and with the momentum of coming off close to 4,500 hours this past year, there is no doubt they’ll look to meet or exceed this goal in the upcoming year.”
It is a goal that brings a smile to Burke’s face.
“In my little Ohio hometown of Alliance, I watched my parents – while raising four children – dedicate time for the betterment of the community, and it was a lesson well-learned and one I feel is important to impart to today’s youth so they value the importance of ‘paying forward’ the opportunities they are provided,” he said. “It is especially pleasing to see the impact our student-athletes have on the Natchitoches community in ways which towns and cities without a university are not able to benefit.”
Photo Credit: NSU Athletics
BOM donated school supplies to the Concerned Citizens Association’s 2019 Back to School Bash. The event will take place on Aug. 3 at 9 am at Ross Williams Park in the Bailey Heights Community.
Pictured from left are Claire Mayeaux, Audra Edney (CCA Member), and Blaise LaCour.
NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
Billie Sue Lonadier Trissler
February 16, 1935 – July 21, 2019
Arrangements TBA
WINN PARISH:
Dr. Marvin Morgan Allen
April 18, 1930 – July 20, 2019
Service: Saturday, August 3 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Allen Cemetery in Winnfield
Robert L Spence
July 21, 1932 – July 22, 2019
Service: Wednesday, July 24 at 2 pm at Trinity Baptist Church
Interment: Woodland Cemetery
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
A controversial item for residents on the south end of Williams Avenue was tabled until the Aug. 22 City Council meeting at Monday night’s meeting, July 22. The item is an application by Ted Methvin to rezone 219 Williams Avenue from R-1 Residential to R-1 Residential, Special Exemption to operate a dental office. The question that best sums up the discussion: Do dentists make good neighbors? Residents seemed more concerned that allowing businesses to intrude within neighborhoods would erode the integrity of the historical homes and the overall community atmosphere. Methvin said this is not his intention. He asked for one month’s time to speak to the neighbors around the property in question. The residents at the Council meeting said they’ve already made up their minds.
Another property issue the Council addressed involved the Summertree Apartments on Second Street. The renovation project was intended to create housing for the homeless and homeless veterans. In May, 2018 Mayor Lee Posey said it looked like the project had fallen into bankruptcy. Representatives from the bank that now owns the property came before the City Council after they received a letter of intent to demolish the structures to comply with the City’s building code. They have engaged a new contractor and should get documents reissued in 1-2 months to complete the project, which has been estimated to last 6 months. The complex has 40 one-bedroom units with an income restriction of 60% of the area median. The complex is required to remain subsidized housing in order to utilize the tax credits initially approved for the renovation. Residents, City Council members, and the Mayor all voiced their concern for how a property like this located in the historic district may inhibit tourism, historic preservation and overall beautification efforts. However, because of the zoning classification and the existing structures, there’s nothing the City Council can do to stop the project from moving forward.
An interesting agenda item introduced at the meeting would approve an option agreement in favor of Cane River Solar LLC to lease a 171.22 acre tract of land situated south of the Pilgrim’s Pride Feed Mill in the Natchitoches Industrial Park for a three-year period to potentially operate a solar farm. A study needs to be performed to determine the feasibility of such a project, but Posey said it has potential benefits for Natchitoches.
Another property matter introduced at the meeting would extend the City limits to annex 87.3 acres of land located adjacent to Parc Natchitoches on University Parkway for future residential development by the land owner.
Other agenda items included:
PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:
Declare Certain Buildings Unsafe And Recommend That Same Be Demolished Or Put Into Repair To Comply With The Building Code: 1457 Washington Street, 1429 Washington Street, 717 Pavie Street, and 312 Second Street
PLANNING & ZONING – FINAL:
Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing
Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows:
Lots 9, 10 And 11 Of Readhimer Subdivision From R-1 Residential To R-1 Residential, Special Exception To Operate A Law Office. (1736 Washington St.)
ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Authorize An Agreement And Amendment To Easements Between Evans Family, L.L.C. And The City Of Natchitoches, Providing For The Asphalt Overlay Of A Gravel Road And Further Amending The Terms Of Existing Rights Of Way In Favor Of The City Of Natchitoches
Approve A Conveyance Of A 4.774 Acre Tract Of Land To Archie’s Towing Service, L.L.C., For $254,500
RESOLUTIONS:
Authorize The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana, To Enter Into A Cooperative Agreement With The Louisiana Department Of Veterans Affairs To Support The Cost To Operate And Maintain The Natchitoches Parish Veterans Service Office.
Approve The Assignment And Assumption Agreement And First Amendment To Lease Agreement Of That Lease Of Lot 1A Of The Natchitoches Regional Airport From Med-Trans Corporation To Air Evac EMS, Inc.
Authorize The Mayor To Accept And Execute A Grant Agreement From The Federal Aviation Administration For A Project At The Natchitoches Regional Airport
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be August 12, 2019.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that starting Wednesday, July 24, 2019, LA 6 between Sam Sibley Dr. and Caspari St., construction will begin on crosswalks across University Parkway. The public needs to prepare for intermittent alternating lane closures for the duration of this work. The work is being performed under permit by a private contractor for Northwestern State University.
Permit/Detour section
No detour will be required for this construction.
Safety Reminder
All construction activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
The Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club 17th, Natchitoches will serve up BBQ Plate Lunches Saturday, July 27 from 11 am – 2 pm or until they’re SOLD OUT at the BKMC 17 Clubhouse, located at 6756 Hwy. 6 in Hagewood.
Lunches include your choice of Slow-Smoked Chicken, Jim-Bo’s Juicy Burgers and Down Home sausage. Plates also include Bulldozer’s Kick-A$$ Beans and Lil’ Debbie’s Homemade Potato Salad, bread or bun, brownie and a drink. Plates are $10. Add a sausage for $2 more.
Nicole Connell, Child Trafficking Coordinator for the Children’s Advocacy Network, spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club on July 22. Nicole is a graduate of Natchitoches Central and earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Northwestern State University. Her presentation highlighted the increasing incidents of child trafficking in Louisiana and her responsibilities as a member of the Network. She outlined ways parents and grandparents can monitor their children and social media, friends and activities to provide protection. Nicole is available to speak to other groups about this devastating criminal activity.
Pictured with Nicole are past president Laura Rogers and President Michele Waskom.
Operations manager Jenny Hendrickson of BOM Bank and BOM Financial Services agency manager Reba Phelps successfully completed the 2019 Leadership School, “Growing our Next Generation of Leaders”, a six-month program that included online course work and five instructor led sessions focused on developing leadership skills and enhancing knowledge in various areas of banking.
The program provided by the Louisiana Bankers Association and held in Baton Rouge at The Bankers Center, hosts students from all over the state. The 2019 session marked the 10th year of the program.
The Louisiana Bankers Association is the professional trade association for commercial banks and thrifts in Louisiana. Founded in 1900, the LBA works to provide advocacy, communication, education and other services to its member institutions, and to provide banking information to the general public.
By Matt Vines/Assistant Sports Information Director
After injuring a tendon that effectively ended his Northwestern State career at the Southland Conference Championships in May, all sprinter Micah Larkins wanted to do was to get back on the track.
He did just that on July 12, running in his first professional meet and clocking a 10.18 in the 100 meters, continuing a trend of sub-10.20 times topped by his NSU wind-legal record of 10.12.
Larkins signed a professional contract with World Express Sports Management earlier this month, and after knocking off the proverbial rust in the professional meet in Houston, he faces the first real test Thursday.
The Haughton native will run in the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, as he tries to make a name for himself toward the end of this professional season.
The first round of the men’s 100 meters will be contested Thursday at 5 p.m. with the second round coming Friday at 6 p.m. and the Nike 100 meters finals going at 7:53 p.m.
“I worked off some rust in Houston in my first meet in two months, and I’m going to treat the USAs like any other meet,” said Larkins, a four-time NCAA All-American and a six-time Southland Conference champion. “But I’m a little nervous, and I hadn’t been nervous before a meet since my freshman year.
“The feeling of (being a professional runner) is surreal so far. It’s everything you’ve worked for since you were young. It’s a blessing and an opportunity that I’m going to take full advantage of.”
This week won’t be Larkins’ first appearance on a national stage with professional runners.
He competed at the USA Championships this past summer, finishing 23rd in the 32-man field with a 10.23.
“It’s exciting to step on that stage again,” Larkins said. “I can’t get intimidated. I’ll be running against the top guys in the country, from college to the pros.
“To compete on that level, you’ve got to have the mindset like you belong with the rest of them. I do feel like I belong, I want to make sure that they’re going to feel me.”
The USA Championships are a month later than usual this year, allowing Larkins to heal from his IT band injury suffered in May.
Larkins was a prime candidate to add to his All-American haul, likely boosting the men’s 4X100 relay to the NCAA Championships (the foursome was a tiebreaker away from qualifying without him) and being a potential national championship contender in the 100 meters.
“It was definitely hard to move past that, it’s been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do,” Larkins said. “To be in front of my home crowd for the last time and get injured, it’s hard put those things in the past.
“But a wise man once told me that time waits on no man, and I had to go hard in rehab and get past it. I have a bond with my teammates like (Tre’Darius Carr, Javin Arrington and Kieve Harry), and once you get that trust, it can’t be broken. They helped a lot, and my (sprints coach Adam Pennington) has been tremendous in helping me through this process. Those are the things you cherish.”
Pennington, who has played a huge role in Larkins’ development, said he has no doubt Larkins is capable of advancing at the USAs. Larkins enters the meet ranked 27th with seven of the top-end guys clocking sub-10s this season.
“His 10.18 in Houston – he had a terrible first 60 meters with an incredible finish,” Pennington said. “He might have run a sub-10 (seconds) with a better start, and a lot of that has to do with not running for eight weeks.
“This is the right place and the right time for him. He can get through that first round, and then anything can happen in the second round and possibly the finals. He’s ready and he’s healthy.”
Already one of the 32 fastest Americans, Larkins isn’t just chasing one of 16 second-round spots or one of eight finals spots.
He’s also seeking a 10.05 mark, the new and improved Olympic qualifying standard. Larkins’ grandmother is Korean and moved to the United States in her 30s. He would be eligible to compete for South Korea in the 2020 Olympics should he qualify.
“That’s what we’re working for,” Larkins said in an interview with Shreveport radio host Tim Fletcher as part of the show’s Fork ‘Em Friday slot featuring Northwestern State. “That’s the goal.”
Larkins will don the NSU jersey for the final time this week, but he says he’ll carry his Haughton High and Demon roots wherever he goes.
“Ever since I started running at Haughton, all you heard about was Joe, Joe, Joe,” Larkins said of the legendary Joe Delaney, who excelled at Haughton, was a football All-American and a part of NSU’s national championship 4X100 team, and was the AFC Rookie of the Year for the Kansas City Chiefs before drowning in an attempt to save three boys. “He’s the best athlete to ever come through Haughton.
“So breaking his Haughton (100 meters) record was big, it made me stand out. Following his footsteps by coming to NSU, being part of breaking his 4X100 record. I’m blessed to come out here and work every day to be a part of that tradition. I’ll be a Speed Demon forever.”
Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services
NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
Billie Sue Lonadier Trissler
February 16, 1935 – July 21, 2019
Arrangements TBA
RAPIDES PARISH:
Cmdr. (Ret) Richard Anthony Kelly
November 5, 1941 – July 19, 2019
Service: Tuesday, July 23 at 10 am at Mary, Mother of Jesus Catholic Church in Woodworth
WINN PARISH:
Dr. Marvin Morgan Allen
April 18, 1930 – July 20, 2019
Service: Saturday, August 3 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Allen Cemetery in Winnfield
Robert L Spence
July 21, 1932 – July 22, 2019
Service: Wednesday July 24 at 2 pm at Trinity Baptist Church
Interment: Woodland Cemetery
By Kevin Shannahan
Bandits, feuds, taverns and lodging that would make the Bates Motel look benign and Aaron Burr’s conspiracy against the young United States, all of these places and characters are just a few examples from the history of the “Neutral Strip”, a portion of land that stretched from just south of Keithville to the Gulf and from what is now western Natchitoches Parish and the parishes of Allen, Sabine, Vernon, Desoto, Beauregard, Caddo and Calcasieu.
This interesting time in our state and nation’s history was the subject of a presentation from The Cane River National Heritage Area’s Heritage Ranger, Michael Mumaugh, titled “Outlaws of No Man’s Land”, Saturday, July 20. The area got its name of “No Man’s Land” as a result of a border dispute between the French to the East and the Spanish to the West. There was essentially no effective government in much of the area. The “Neutral Strip” was home to a mixture of particularly hardy settlers, escaped slaves, soldiers of fortune, and some truly vicious predators.
The talk covered the era of roughly 1804 to 1881 and covered the timeline of people and events that shaped the area and its culture. At one time or another, France, Spain, Mexico, the United States and the Confederacy laid claim to parts of the area. Aaron Burr’s conspiracy against the United States almost split off a huge area of the recently acquired Louisiana Purchase and was thwarted largely due to a remarkably duplicitous US Army general who was a co-conspirator of Burr’s. He was also spying for the Spanish. He had second thoughts and betrayed the plot to President Thomas Jefferson.
The Cane River National Heritage Area is celebrating the history and culture of this unique part of our state and nation. This celebration will be marked by events and presentations from 2019 through the Fall of 2021. Come out and experience some of the history that has shaped our state.
Join Christ the King of Natchitoches for the second annual Cruisin’ with the King Car Show, which will be held Saturday, July 27 from 9 am – 1 pm on the Christ the King lawn, located at 305 Royal Street. There will be door prizes, free food and drinks, awards for People’s Choice, Best in Show and Pastor’s Choice Award.
All makes, models and years of cars and bikes are welcome!
In addition there will be a bouncy house and games for children, and the Kelli Roberts Band will play live!
Registration is FREE! There will be a free-will offering to help meet the needs of the poor of the community.
By Melanie Wilson
Saying goodbye is never easy but saying goodbye to the first person that called you momma is something completely different.
The baby came in October and we made it through the holidays. He turned one and we had a fun circus birthday with tons of family and friends.
In foster care there are things called “Family Team Meetings.” It’s a meeting of case workers, biological parents, sometimes other biological family members, lawyers, foster parents, and CASA workers. I think that is all but I might be forgetting someone. We had a team meeting in February and the decision was made that the child would be moving into his biological aunt’s home after his brother moved in and had time to settle.
I knew this day would come. Even though I really liked the aunt it was hard to hear that we were at the point for him to move but it would be awhile so I wasn’t going to waste time worrying about it. It was time to enjoy the last moments I had with that sweet funny baby, who was now a toddler.
I continued on everyday like normal. I decided to text the case worker one Monday in March to ask if the judge approved the plan and to see what the time line was looking like because we were trying to make Easter plans and a family vacation. The text I got back was not what I was excepting.
Let me say this first – I know caseworkers are overworked and not paid enough for the work they have to do.
The text message was that he would be moved next Monday. Like in 1 week? What? I messaged back saying I thought that was not the plan. Her explanation was not to my satisfaction and really upset me.
There was nothing I could do. I knew what I signed up for. I knew it would be hard. I just thought when a plan was made that is what would happen. Remember I am a planner and type a, so not sticking to the plan was not an option in my brain.
Anyway, in 1 week the baby would be gone. I decided we would not be sad but excited for him to be going to his aunt’s house. The week was rough. Rocking him to sleep every night, even though I had stopped doing that a long time ago, made me cry when I put him in his bed. I hugged and kissed him more than ever. We got donuts several times because that baby loved to eat. We got to go to the park several times that week. I made the most of the time I had left with him. My parents came for the weekend and we went to the zoo. At the end of church the preacher held him and the entire church prayed for him and his family for the next chapter. We had a big family/friend picnic on Sunday after church to celebrate the time we got to love on this sweet baby.
Monday came around. I brought the other baby to daycare so my mom and I could spend the last few hours we had playing. The caseworker was running behind so we got a few extra moments with him. We played and played and then he passed out. My mom and I each snuggled and rocked him till the caseworker got there.
Putting all of his stuff in the car was so strange but it was nothing like putting his carseat and then him into that van. Of course we started crying but sucked it back up to hug and kiss him. I told him how much I will always love him and how I will always pray for him. He gave me kisses and waved bye. There was no more sucking it up watching that van drive away.
That little boy changed my life and my family and friends’ lives forever. It was hard the next few days looking at his empty crib or finishing up laundry with his stuff in it.
I still pray for him everyday. I have gotten pictures of him recently and he has gotten so big and has already started potty training at 18 months.
It is hard loving so much but I am very comforted. He is in a great home with his aunt and brother. I know that I am comforted because God has my heart in his hands. God called me to be a foster mom and He will walk every step with me. He will help me love and nurture but He will be there when it is hard and my heart breaks.
DID YOU KNOW: In 2017 32% of foster children were placed in relatives’ homes. The state of Louisiana tries to place children in biological family homes when it is possible. It is believed to be better for the children to be with biological family but the state also gets more federal funds for each child in a biological home so it helps that child and others. It is up to the caseworker and home development to determine if a biological family member is what is best for the child.
Lakeview will hold registration for the 2019-2020 school year on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 11 am – 3 pm in the Lakeview High School Gymnasium. Students will complete registration forms, get their locker assignments, receive class schedules, learn about graduation pathways, receive school IDs and parking permits, complete health center forms, pay class fees and sign up for sports teams, clubs and organizations. Free hots dogs, drinks and popcorn will be provided.
On Sunday morning July 21 at approximately 7:30am, the NPSO 911 Center received a call from a private landowner reporting that while checking his property early this morning he discovered a burned van in a wooded area off of the Bethany Church Road north of Fairview Alpha in north Natchitoches Parish according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to the scene.
Deputies say upon their arrival, they discovered a 2005 Honda Odyssey Van totally burned.
The van was reportedly silver before it was burned.
A NLETS computer check revealed the van had been reported stolen in the Ringold area of Bienville Parish on Thursday morning July 18.
Detectives with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office are currently on the scene processing the crime scene to determine how the van was burned, it’s source and who may have dumped the vehicle in the area.
If you have any information contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office or State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The investigation is continuing.
Join us at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum for 5th Quarter: Natchitoches High School Coaches 2019 Season Announcements. This event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Head Football Coaches:
Brandon Helms—Lakeview High School
Byron Keller—Natchitoches Central High School
Aaron York—St. Mary’s High School
Discuss the upcoming schedule and share their projections for the 2019 season. Come by for a chance to meet and speak with the coaches and players while enjoying stadium style refreshments sponsored by Natchitoches Leadership Through Athletics Committee (NLTAC). This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 318-357-2492.