TROOP E NEWS RELEASE
February 12, 2020

Natchitoches Man Killed in Late Afternoon Crash

Natchitoches Parish – Late Tuesday afternoon, a crash involving two vehicles killed a man from Natchitoches, LA. Troopers responded to the crash around 5:00 p.m., which occurred on Louisiana Highway 6, east of Louisiana Highway 117.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that a 2006 Mercedes-Benz, driven by 78-year-old Robert L. Lowery Jr., and a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 18-year-old Tanner Hale Thompson of Marthaville, were traveling westbound on Louisiana Highway 6. For reasons still under investigation, Lowery Jr. attempted to make a U-turn in the middle of the roadway. As he started this turning maneuver, the Chevrolet impacted his vehicle.

Lowery Jr. sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Thompson sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated. Routine toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists to always be aware of your surroundings. Taking a moment to evaluate the safest avenues and giving yourself enough time and distance to avoid critical errors can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop E Troopers have investigated five fatal crashes in 2020, resulting in six fatalities.

Contact Information:
S/T Casey Wallace
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 239-0912

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Robeline Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, NPSO Rescue, Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 Rescue and La. DOTD also responded to the scene to assist with extrication and traffic guidance, etc.

The A+ Coalition, an initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce that the committee has selected an educator as the first recipient of the 2020 Technology in Education grant. Wendi Worsham, an Allied Health/EMR/EMT teacher at Natchitoches Central High School will be awarded the funds for a multi-touch, interactive smart table. This Smart Table will allow for the Allied Health and EMR students to utilize 3D technology to virtually travel through the human body.

At NCHS, the Allied Health/EMR program enrolls approximately 120 students per year and approximately 65% of those students become certified EMRs. Worsham plans to engage her students with the Human Anatomy Atlas software that allows students to view and manipulate thousands of images of the human anatomy. “Nationwide, statewide and more importantly parish and citywide, there is a shortage of emergency medical personnel, as well as fire and law enforcement personnel (all of which benefit from EMR training,” Worsham writes in her application. “I feel that the number of students becoming certified, using this technology, will increase 10-15%.”

The A+ Coalition formally recognized Worsham as the recipient of the Technology in Education Grant at the Natchitoches Parish School Board meeting on Thursday, February 6.

“We are excited that through this grant, we will have a lasting impact on the students who are working to fill such an important workforce gap in our local and state economy,” states Chamber President and A+ Coalition committee member Laura Lyles.

The A+ Coalition, an education initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, offers a platform for organizations and individuals to get involved, stay informed, and give of their time and resources to make an impact on and advance education in Natchitoches Parish. The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Apluscoalition.com Natchitocheschamber.com

Northwestern State’s fall athletic programs turned in another strong semester in the classroom, placing 95 student-athletes on the Fall 2019 Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, which was announced by the conference Monday morning.

NSU’s representation placed it fifth among the conference and second among Louisiana schools in the Southland as the conference announced its honor roll, recognizing 935 student-athletes who posted 3.0 semester grade point averages while participating in football, volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s cross country.

Abilene Christian led the conference with 139 selections, followed by Central Arkansas (115) and Incarnate Word (100). McNeese (99) and Northwestern State rounded out the top five teams.

Completing the 13-team league were Houston Baptist (89), Southeastern Louisiana (89), Nicholls (80), Stephen F. Austin (68), Lamar (66), Sam Houston State (66), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (41) and New Orleans (27).

Northwestern State produced 22 of the 179 Southland Conference competitors who posted a 4.0 grade point average in the Fall 2019 semester.

Among the conference’s 11 football-playing schools, Abilene Christian led the way with 75 selections, followed by UIW (51) and Northwestern State (46).

The Lady Demons placed second in women’s soccer honorees with 25, trailing only Abilene Christian (30).

Four of the five NSU programs produced multiple student-athletes with 4.0 GPAs, led by soccer with eight: seniors Kayla Bomben and Jayden Wheeler, sophomore Norma Trejo and freshmen Rachel Brandt, Hallie Field, Savannah Hall, Madeline Scott and Isabel Shanahan.

Six Demon football players posted 4.0 GPAs: graduate student Chris Zirkle, seniors Shelton Eppler, Blake Stephenson and Tyler Rapp, junior Gavin Landry and freshman Patrick Heard. Five volleyball players were among those with 4.0 GPAs: senior Megan Lohmiller and Alexis Warren, junior Darria Williams, sophomore Skylar Besch and freshman Haley Hoang.

The NSU cross country program produced three student-athletes with 4.0 GPAs: Lady Demon senior Sydney Cowgill and freshman Olivia Slayter and men’s junior runner Blake Cantrell.

The 95 student-athletes on the conference honor roll made up 55.2 percent of NSU competitors in the fall. In addition to the 22 4.0 GPAs, another 34 NSU competitors had GPAs of between 3.5-3.99.

Volleyball enjoyed the highest percentage of its roster making the honor roll (11 of 12, 91.7 percent) while soccer (25 of 28, 89.3 percent) was second. Four of the five programs saw an increase in student-athletes named to the honor roll from Fall 2018. Overall, the department saw an increase of 4.4 percent of its student-athletes earn at least a 3.0 GPA.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

Reba Phelps, Natchitoches Parish School District 6 representative is a sponsor of the NSU Educators Rising State Conference to be held February 19, 2020.

Educators Rising Louisiana, formerly known as Future Educators of America (FEA), is the non-profit student organization and/or class for middle and high school students interested in the field of education-related careers.

235 students are expected to attend this event and it will boast 21 speakers.

“It was a complete honor to support this initiative that will encourage students to become educators,” said Phelps. “Conferences like these are imperative as there is a nationwide shortage of teachers.”

This is the first Educators Rising State conference to be held in Louisiana. Pictured with Phelps is Katrina Jordan and Jessie Church

More information is available at https://www.educatorsrisinglouisiana.org/.

Former men’s and women’s basketball players are invited to watch the Northwestern State Demons and Lady Demons surge toward the Southland Conference Tournament with a joint basketball reunion Saturday, Feb. 15.

The reunion starts at 11:30 a.m. in the east concourse of Prather Coliseum ahead of the basketball doubleheader against McNeese. Lunch will be served at noon.

Former players will receive a free ticket to the doubleheader (women’s game starts at 1 p.m.) with the opportunity to buy additional tickets for $5.

The matchup will be the final home Saturday game for the Lady Demons, who will honor its six seniors and one senior manager.

Guards Gabby Bell, Kira Bonner and Nia Randall along with forwards Jasmyn Johnson, Jocelyn Scott and Victoria Miller will be recognized for their NSU careers.

Both the NSU men (10-12, 7-6 SLC) and women (6-16, 3-10 SLC) are coming off road wins at Houston Baptist.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Marcia Bolton at 318-357-5891.

PHOTO CREDITS: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

The Red Stick Rug Hookers are in town for their 4th Annual Hooking Convention. Mayor Lee Posey made sure to stop by to welcome the ladies to Natchitoches. They booked the Church St. Inn and they’re hooking and stripping everywhere.

Today, Feb. 12, from 2-6 pm the public is invited to a showcase at the Church St. Inn featuring the amazing work these ladies have produced over the years and to shine light on the projects they’re currently working on.

The terms “strippers” and “hookers” refers to the tools of the trade. A cutter strips the wool and the women have a hook to pull the strips through their background fabric. They make beautiful hand-hooked rugs of all types with floral, geometric, whimsical, patriotic, holiday and animal designs. Some “hookers” design their own rug patterns while others purchase patterns from designers.

A Shreveport man seeking a ride near Chopin on Monday evening was arrested by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies on Texas fugitive charges according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division were patrolling in south Natchitoches Parish on Monday evening at approximately 10:45pm when they observed a suspicious male at a Chopin business.

Deputies say while talking with the male, identified as Eric D. Brown of Shreveport, La., they learned that he was traveling from the Marksville area to Shreveport.

Brown told deputies had been dropped off at the business a short time earlier.

Deputies planned to assist Brown by giving him a ride to the Natchitoches Truck Stop but before they placed him in the patrol unit, they ran a National Crime Information Center Wanted Person Check.

Deputies learned Brown was wanted by the Harris County (Houston) Sheriff’s Office since January 21, 2020 on 2-Counts of Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

Eric D. Brown, 45, of the 400 block of Oak 7, Shreveport, La. was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center as a Texas Fugitive-2 Counts of Possession of Dangerous Drugs.

Brown an alleged identified gang member with an extensive criminal history remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting extradition to Texas.

Reserve Deputy D. Putman made the arrest.

Northwestern State University Director of Publications and University Printing Beth Mann is the 2019-20 inductee into the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame.

Mann, a 1975 graduate in advertising design from NSU, has had a 30-year career in graphic design including the past 17 years at Northwestern State. She was a graphic designer at the Louisiana Technical College in Natchitoches from 1990 to 2003 after 13 years as a floral designer in Natchitoches. In 2012, the university honored her with an Nth Degree and in 2016, she was among NSU faculty and staff recognized with Above and Beyond awards.

Mann is the 17th alumnus, faculty member, administrator or organization to be welcomed into the CAPA Hall of Fame.

“I am really humbled by this honor. I feel I’m here doing my job just like everyone else,” said Mann. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for my Alma Mater doing what I love.”

Mann credits many of the faculty she learned from as an undergraduate with preparing her for a successful career.

“I had wonderful art professors that taught me the design knowledge I needed to apply to my employment as a floral designer for 13 years and graphic designer for 30 years,” said Mann, who is retiring in April. “Because of them, I have been able to meet the challenges that I faced in day-to-day expectations with confidence I did not have before attending NSU.”

Scott Burrell, director of the School of Creative and Performing Arts said Mann is known for her creativity, diligence and patience when dealing with demanding projects or last-minute requests.

“CAPA and the University are so fortunate to have someone with her skills and creativity. We are very honored to have her as the 2019-2020 inductee to the CAPA Hall of Fame,” said Burrell. “Beth has been integral to the workings of the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Not only is she a great collaborator with CAPA faculty, staff and students, but she really goes out of her way to make everything look amazing whether its calendars, posters or programs. She is such a gifted artist.”

Former NSU Director of Informational Services and the NSU Press Don Sepulvado occasionally worked with Mann when the university had work done through the local state printing office at the Technical College. When Northwestern State determined it needed a full-time graphic designer, Sepulvado selected Mann.

“Over time, I observed Beth helping others with their various printing tasks. She was then and is now a team player,” said Sepulvado, who spent 30 years at NSU. “Beth’s pleasant personality and graphic creativity influenced thousands of publications during her tenure. Her interaction with clients provided them both with a daily dose of inspiration in the power of digital design possibilities.”

During her career at NSU, Mann has created hundreds of flyers, brochures, magazines, posters, programs and other publications that enhanced the university’s image, promoted upcoming events and aided in marketing and student recruitment.

“I appreciate her ability to take an idea and make it come to life.,” said Director of Student Affairs Reatha Cox. “Her professionalism and creative talent are clear to anyone. But it’s her positive attitude that have made her a favorite among faculty, staff, students and even professionals all across the country. She has helped our students who have served on regional, state, and national boards and committees shine.”

Many of those programs and posters helped promote plays, concerts, exhibitions and events in the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Her work is evident throughout the halls of the A.A. Fredericks Center for Creative and Performing Arts.

“Beth has created numerous artistic posters and program covers for creative performances in the vocal area as well as flyers used for recruiting,” said Associate Professor of Voice Terrie Sanders. “I am always amazed at the skill and creativity she displays in providing a final product that perfectly represents our specific area. Her artistic work is always beautiful and current.”

Matt DeFord, head of the Department of Fine + Graphic Arts marvels at the way Mann has adapted to the changes in her field since she earned her degree.

“I imagine her first design jobs were literal cut and paste. Now she works with widely used creative software that changes all the time and she has kept up with these updates admirably,” said DeFord. “Beth has been an amazing resource to our department. She is a consummate professional. Projects brought to her are completed quickly and are well-designed. She asks all the right questions up front and the job gets done right.”

Happy Wednesday Stylers! Do you remember when sweatpants used to be the unofficial sign for giving up on life? Well that can’t be said anymore. Maybe it’s the birth of a new wave of feminism, or maybe athleisure has finally taken over, but sweatpants aren’t just accepted now, they’re welcomed, celebrated even. That is, of course, if you wear the right ones. Sure, you don’t need to be showing up to a wedding or a meeting in a pair of sweats. But in your house, on a plane, or even sitting in a coffee shop? Sure!

I remember when I would only get my granny sweats for Christmas but, thanks to the new takes on the classic sweatpant, there are new slim versions in modern fabrics that look like you actually put some thought into your look. They’re a bona fide essential for pretty much everybody’s closet. And thanks to those stretchy materials and that elastic waistband, they’re seriously comfortable whether you’re just lounging around or heading out for the day.

It’s no secret that styling a pair of sweatpants in a sophisticated fashion can be tricky, and even more so difficult when trying to think outside the box. But wearing sweats, joggers or track pants doesn’t have to be boring. Style a classic blazer over your sweatpants for an instant upgrade. Try different shades or even pairing your joggers with heels.

Let these ensembles stir up some new looks.

Style Tip: Dress up your joggers with a pair of pointy-toe pumps for and instantly elevated ensemble.

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Parish President John Richmond has announced his intention to make appointments and reappointments to the following boards and commissions which have vacancies or members with expiring terms:

Planning Commission
Fire District #1 (Cloutierville area)
Fire District #5 (Natchez area)
Fire District #6 (Natchitoches area)
Fire District #8 (Ashland area)
Fire District #10 (Powhatan area)
Water Works District #1
Water Works District #2
Hospital Service District
Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve

Any resident interested in serving on a board or commission should submit an application to the Office of the President. Additionally, current members who have expiring terms are encouraged to apply for reappointment. Applications may be picked up at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, located at 200 Church Street, or by contacting David Kees, Jr., Executive Assistant to the President, at (318) 352-2714, or by sending an email to dkees@npgov.org.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Airport Commission Meeting will take place on; Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 5 pm at the Airport Terminal Building and not its usual date of; Feb. 17 due to observing the Presidents’ Day holiday.

NATCHITOCHES:
John Earl Martin
December 30, 1939 – February 10, 2020
Visitation: Thursday, February 13 from 12-2 pm at Westside Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Service: Thursday, February 13 at 2 pm at Westside Baptist Church
Interment: Fort Jesup Cemetery in Fort Jesup

Mary Elizabeth Poleman Keyser
August 22, 1922 – February 07, 2020
Visitation: Thursday, February 13 from 6-8 pm at Blanchard – St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, February 14 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Interment: Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Natchitoches

Will Scott
February 14, 1968 – February 9, 2020
Visitation: Friday, February 14 from 12- 2 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, February 14 at 2 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Oma Schelette Solice
April 6, 1929 – February 9, 2020
Visitation: Wednesday, February 12 from 5-9 pm and Thursday, February 13 from 8-9:30 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, February 13 at 10 am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches

Roy Lee a/k/a “Bo-Diddly” Thomas
September 25, 1940 – February 4, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 15 at 11 am at the Evergreen Baptist Church in St. Maurice
Interment: Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery

Leonard Lynch
April 9, 1945 – February 8, 2020
Arrangements TBA

RAPIDES:
Rebecca Alexander
January 7, 1948 – February 8, 2020
Ida M. Daigrepont
October 21, 1929 – February 5, 2020
Service: Saturday, February 15 at 1 pm at Alexandria Memorial Gardens
Arrangements TBA

WINN PARISH:
Rev. Gary Lynn Wright
June 8, 1947 – February 10, 2020
Service: Friday, February 14 at 10 am at Zion Baptist Church

Ella Elizabeth James
August 9, 1929 – February 8, 2020
Service: Friday February 14 at 2 pm in the Henderson-James Hill Cemetery near Boyce

TRAFFIC ALERT

At 6:45pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, Natchitoches Parish Rescue, Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6 and La. DOTD remain on the scene of a two-vehicle injury crash on La. Hwy 6 West near Coldwater Baptist Church according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The road is blocked. Traffic is backed up in both directions.

Hobby Lobby is coming to Natchitoches. The Natchitoches City Council introduced an ordinance to create the Economic Development District D to levy a 1% sales and use tax on a 7.5 acre tract of land for the construction of a 50,000 sq ft Hobby Lobby with a few store units in the front of it. This project will be located on Keyser Avenue between the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home and Chili’s. The projected opening date is May 2021.

The estimated amount of time the district will be in place in order to make this project work is about 10-12 years. After that the Tiff district will go away. This ordinance will be up for final voting at the Council’s meeting Monday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 pm.

In other business, an open house for Parc Natchitoches will be held Thursday, Feb. 13 at 5 pm. The City has already been handed the keys and will hold a bigger opening on April 4 for the big kick off of League play.

Another ordinance was introduced to authorize a concession agreement with Lasyone’s Meat Pies Inc. to handle concessions including food, beverages, confections, merchandise products and other similar items. Mayor Lee Posey hinted that while there will be the regular ball park food one might expect, there will be other special food options. They’re even considering implementing a notification system where you can take a pager with you to be notified when your food order is ready.

In other business, Air Evac EMS Inc. came before the Council again to reintroduce an ordinance to lease Lot 7, Lot 8 and Lot 20 of the Natchitoches Regional Airport. The company was originally looking at leasing a different lot, but realized there was power and water run to an existing pad at the airport. Their projected date of operation is around the end of April.

Other agenda items included:

PROCLAMATIONS:

Proclaim February 2020 as African American History Month in the City

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Award Bid For Natchitoches Event Center Roof Replacement Project to Southern Roofing and Vinyl Siding LLC of West Monroe in the amount of $235,000

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Award Bid For LA – 6 West Turn Lane And J-Turn to Regional Construction LLC of Natchitoches in the amount of $232,288

Authorize A Lease Of That Area Under Fence At The Natchitoches Regional Airport For Hay Operations With James Russell Stacy

Enter Into A Lease Of A 25 Acre Tract In The Industrial Park For Hay Operations With James R. Stacy

Enter Into A Lease Of A 29.7 Acre Tract In The Industrial Park For Hay Operations With M & M Farms Of Cane River, LLC

Authorize A Beverage Agreement In Favor Of Shreveport Coca-Cola Bottling Company, To Provide Beverages At Parc Natchitoches

Amend The 2019-2020 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.

Amend The 2019-2020 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.

Amend The 2019-2020 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.

RESOLUTIONS:

Approve The 2020 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Audit Report For The City Of Natchitoches.

Authorize The Mayor To Advertise And Accept Bids For Water Treatment System Renovations, Backwash Effluent Transfer System.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, February 24, 2020.

The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed Monday, February 17, 2019 in honor of President’s Day

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested three juveniles in connection with two burglaries that took place at Natchitoches Powersports.

Over the past two weeks the Natchitoches Police Department has been notified of two burglaries that took place at Natchitoches Powersports resulting in over $10,000.00 worth of property being stolen. The stolen property includes five ATV’s and one dirt bike.

Detectives were able to positively identify the three juveniles on video surveillance and they were arrested without incident.

Two of the juvenile suspects have been charged with two counts of Simple Burglary and were placed in the Ware Youth Center where they are awaiting bond.

The other juvenile was charged with Simple Burglary and was released to their guardian.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to remind its citizens to please note the brand, model and serial number on all valuable items and firearms. The serial numbers can help officers identify your items and get them back to you.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or an emergency please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Trent Perritt at (318) 238-3914 of Detective Rudy Glass at (318) 357-3858. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

Officer John Greely
Natchitoches Police Department

PRESS RELEASE: February 10, 2020

Teacher of the Month: Sarah Blanchard

Ms. Blanchard was selected as Teacher of the Month for January because of her students’ amazing LEAP scores. She is a very effective teacher and Lakeview is proud to have her in the Math Department. She loves teaching and interacting with her students day to day and watching them grow. When not at school, she can be found with her kids and family. They love to hike, ride bikes, and cook or just snuggle up and read a good book together.

High School Student of the Month: Donavon Carries

Donavon is very polite and is a hard worker who always completes his tasks on time. He strives for accuracy and detail in everything he does. Donavon is very helpful to others and has a great attitude. He enjoys fishing and playing football and would like to be a professional football player in the future.

Junior High Student of the Month: Braylee Layfield-Bruce

Braylee is an outstanding student who puts a lot of effort into her work. She never complains and is a good friend to others. She is responsible and does not hesitate to help her friends without being asked to do so. She enjoys being in the band and playing the xylophone. In the future, Braylee wants to be a nurse.