Wishing you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!  We gather on this day to be thankful for what we have, for the family we love, the friends we cherish, and for the blessings that will come.

Happy Thanksgiving!
The Natchitoches Parish Journal
November 26, 2020

This year’s Employee Appreciation Luncheon for the City of Natchitoches looked a little different in the midst of a pandemic, but the City was able to serve its employees with a “togo” lunch on Nov. 25 to show its appreciation for all their hard work.

On Wednesday, November 25, 2020,  Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police and Towing Services were on the scene of a single-vehicle crash involving an overturned eighteen wheeler on La. Hwy 117 near La. Hwy 478 in the Vowells Mill area according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Wednesday afternoon at approximately 12:40pm, NATCOM 911 Center received 911 reports of the single-vehicle crash on La. Hwy 117 involving non-threatening injuries.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #4, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS and Natchitoches Haz-Mat responded to the scene.

The operator of the eighteen wheeler transporting chicken feed was transported by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Natchitoches Haz-Mat responded to the scene to survey the area because of diesel leaking from the fuel tanks.

By Steve Graf, Owner/Co-host: Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show

Well let’s take a survey, would you rather go bass fishing or deer hunting in the Fall? Hmmm… if you ask a diehard bass angler, he’ll say go bass fishing but if you ask a deer hunter, the answer is obvious. So why would someone choose bass fishing in the Fall over going deer hunting? The answer revolves around one thing for a bass angler…the Fall feeding frenzy! Bass this time of year are on the prowl and gorging themselves on shad. They’re eating shad faster than Jimmy Johnson taking the checkered flag at the Daytona 500.

But deer hunters are a breed unto themselves. They work long hours preparing food plots, filling up feeders and building deer stands. They spend hours reviewing photos off their game cameras and trying to figure out how they can outsmart Mr. Buck. Deer hunting involves a lot of preparation just like bass fishing. But bass fishing is more about adjusting on fly and changing with the conditions while deer hunters seem to accept the conditions and will attempt to wait for Mr. Buck to make a move. Deer hunters are people on mission…to put meat in the freezer and food on the table.

The Fall feeding frenzy is like no other time of the year as bass try to fatten up for the Winter as they go into more of a dormant mode with water temperatures dropping from the 70’s down into the lower 60’s. If you’re looking for some fun, tie on a shad-colored crankbait such as a Bandit 100 or 200 series, a SPRO Aruku Shad or maybe a Strike King 1.5 or 2.0 KVD crankbait. Spinnerbaits are also very effective in the Fall as well. It’s also some of the best top water action of the year with Pop R’s, Zara Spooks or a fast-moving buzz bait churning up the water. Fall bass fishing can be explosive and downright awesome when the bass are in this feeding mode.

So, if you ask someone what they would rather do, it all depends on if you ask a bass fisherman or a deer hunter. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook!

NATCHITOCHES:
Eric Evans
November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Ophelia “Tootsie” Dumars
November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Aquila Maxie
November 22, 1992 – November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Doris Ann Adams
November 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Ashisa Michelle Moore
July 9, 1977 – November 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Marilyn Kaye Laroux
January 15, 1943 – November 23, 2020
Service: Saturday, November 28 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

WINN:
Aaron Hardwell Jr.
September 4, 1981 – November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Elder Henry Bush
November 19, 2020
Service: Friday, November 27 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Natchitoches Fire Department received a dispatch from NPD reporting a structure on fire at 4343 University Parkway, The Dark Woods Haunted Attraction. Units from Central Fire Station and Station 3 responded to the structure fire. Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and found that the structure was fully involved with fire. Attack lines were pulled from Engine 3 and the fire was extinguished.

The City of Natchitoches Utility Department was contacted to disconnect the utility service, NPD assisted with traffic control and Fire District 6 assisted with their Rescue.

The fire remains under investigation at this time.

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Nov. 24 that the aggressive third surge of COVID-19 across all regions of Louisiana has made it necessary to impose tighter mitigation measures and step back to Phase 2 in order to protect public health.

The Governor’s updated Phase 2 proclamation, which is slightly modified from the summer, takes effect on Wednesday, November 25. It calls for reducing occupancy at some businesses, decreasing gathering sizes, limiting indoor consumption at many bars and urges everyone in Louisiana to avoid gatherings with people outside of their everyday households.

Cases are increasing, hospitalizations have climbed back up to more than 1,000, the highest level since August, and to date, the virus has claimed the lives of more than 6,300 Louisianans. According to the latest report by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Louisiana had 474 new cases per 100,000 people last week, which is higher than the national average for states, which is 356 per 100,000 people.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate, which has been in place since mid-July, will continue. In addition, Gov. Edwards encourages any business that can allow its employees to work remotely to do so. He has directed all state agencies to do the same.

“There is not a single region of our state that is not seeing increases in new cases, hospitalizations and growing positivity of COVID tests, and I am incredibly concerned by Louisiana’s trajectory and our ability to continue to deliver health care to our people if our hospitals are overrun with sick patients,” Gov. Edwards said. “The data clearly tells us that we have lost all of the gains we had made and that our current mitigation efforts must be increased in order to adequately slow the spread. Now is the time to make changes, and stepping back to guidelines that closely resemble our Phase 2 restrictions is a tough but necessary step to take in order to protect the public.

“It is absolutely vital that Louisianans take this third surge of COVID seriously. While there is hopeful news about the development of an effective vaccine, the reality is that we are several months away from being able to widely vaccinate the general population in our state. This virus is with us and we must continue all of the mitigation measures including wearing a mask and social distancing in order to stay safe. All of us working together can slow the spread of COVID and flatten the curve – indeed, we already have twice. We now have more than 1,000 patients in the hospital with COVID, wiping out months of progress and leaving our hospitals in a perilous place.”

MAJOR CHANGES

Gov. Edwards’ updated order will go into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and will run for four weeks. The Governor intends to keep these restrictions in place at least through the end of the year.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place. Major changes to Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.

All businesses, private and public sectors, are encouraged to use remote work where they can.

All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.

For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.

Retail businesses at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.

Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household. The State Fire Marshal will put out additional COVID mitigation measures to make services safer.

Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.

Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.

Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.

All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.

Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate is still in place.

As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase rapidly across the United States, the CDC says the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. If having guests to your home, limit the number of guests, have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. If celebrating indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible. Have guests bring their own food and drink and if sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.

Other Thanksgiving activities to consider include a virtual Thanksgiving meal with family and friends who don’t live with you, watching television and playing games with people in your household, online shopping, and delivering food to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others.

Everyone can make Thanksgiving safer by wearing a mask and staying at least 6 feet from others who do not live with you.

This Holiday Season Do What’s Best for You and Your Loved Ones
Being away from family and friends during the holidays can be hard. Hard choices to be apart this year may mean that you can spend many more years with your loved ones. When you talk with your friends and family about plans, it’s okay if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others.

Do what is best for your health and the health of your loved ones. Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, take care of your body, and stay active to lessen fatigue, anxiety, and sadness. This year spend time with those in your own household.

I have the coronavirus. By God’s grace my symptoms have been very mild so far and I pray daily that I am spared the worst of this serious illness that has affected so many across our state and nation in 2020. Without question, the virus can be deadly for the elderly and for those with underlying health conditions. I have personally lost friends to the virus, and I have had family members hospitalized for treatment. My heartfelt condolences and sincerest sympathies go out to all those who have tragically suffered loss at the hands of Covid-19.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, it is worth noting that three of the things we are usually most thankful for this time of year are in peril – our health, families, and freedom. We are seeing significant increases in the number of positive coronavirus cases across the country and here at home, prompting some Democratic governors and mayors to issue new stringent lockdown orders. Some of the emergency orders go so far as forbidding families from gathering for Thanksgiving, mandating mask usage inside private homes, and threatening fines and/or prison for those found in violation of these oppressive dictates.

It is critical that in the midst of dealing with this public health crisis that we do not allow our essential liberties and freedoms to be quashed by the false promises of security offered by authoritarian bureaucrats and overzealous politicians. We must balance public health concerns with our fundamental rights to worship, assemble, and earn a living. In many instances, the leftist politicians issuing these restrictive emergency orders have lost all credibility as they lend their support to violent street protests and dine maskless in swanky restaurants, while banning church services, closing schools, and ordering families not to gather for holiday celebrations.

I am concerned that we may soon see Gov. Edwards issue a renewed emergency proclamation that moves the state back to a more restrictive phase or even to a complete shutdown of the economy. While I appreciate the enormous pressure on the governor to protect the health of Louisiana’s citizens, I would urge him to consider that we are a free people capable of making our own decisions about the health and well-being of our families. As Americans, we are a fiercely independent people with an innate desire for autonomy and self-determination.

400 years ago this month a small band of Puritan settlers, fleeing religious persecution in Europe, landed at Plymouth Rock in search of better lives for themselves and their children. On November 21, 1620 the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, a short but profoundly important document that laid the foundation for our founding fathers to proclaim that governments “derive their just powers from the consent of the governed”, and that “it is the Right of the People to … institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” We must not allow fear of this virus to erode 400 years of freedom and self-reliance started by the brave souls who sailed across the Atlantic on the Mayflower so many years ago.
In November of 1621, one year after arriving in the New World, the Pilgrims would celebrate the First Thanksgiving in celebration of God’s providence and protection over their lives. I can confidently say that even in the midst of uncertain elections, devastating storms, and a deadly virus, the United States remains the greatest nation on the face of the earth and the defender of freedom across the globe. I pray that a year from now as we prepare to celebrate our 400th Thanksgiving Day, we are still a free and sovereign people who reside in that shining “City Upon a Hill” envisioned by those early Puritan settlers.

I hope that everyone in District 22 and throughout Louisiana can enjoy this Thanksgiving and take time to appreciate God’s blessings even during troubling times. And let us also consider the words from John Winthrop’s famous 1630 sermon as we leave 2020 behind us with hopes for a brighter future for our nation and state: “For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world.”

By Royal Alexander/Opinion

Yes, it is that serious. The hallmark of a legitimately functioning democracy in a free society is the honest exercise of the voting franchise by its citizens. Period. If people become convinced that their vote—the most powerful tool they possess to express themselves, their policy preferences, and to participate in our civic life—is not valued and protected, the rule of law will crumble. And when the rule of law is gone what results is chaos, anarchy, and the law of the jungle. Many people in this country already feel powerless and disconnected and if the hope and faith they place in their vote—their voice—is corrupted and destroyed, our nation cannot endure.

That is why what we have and are learning about the presidential election is so deeply disturbing. If even a fraction of the sworn affidavit testimony and other allegations that have surfaced since Election Day are true, this is the largest, most well-organized, and destructive fraud ever perpetrated on the American people. Win at all costs has costs and if this “election” is not challenged, fixed, and reversed we will have irreparably damaged our country. Americans may be disappointed with an outcome but if they feel the contest was conducted freely and fairly, they will accept it. But not if they believe it was rigged and stolen. Election officials are public officials, and they owe an honest accounting to the citizens they serve that their work was done according to law and with proper safeguards.

Perhaps the most upsetting thing is that we don’t know where to turn for justice. We now know most national media is highly partisan and no longer primarily concerned with pursuing objective, verifiable truth. In the past we would have relied on the FBI, but that agency’s leadership and moral authority have been compromised in the eyes of many Americans. The Department of Justice? Do we really have faith the DOJ would put America’s interests—and we the people—first, or is it also irredeemably politicized? Are there any federal agencies left that unquestionably put America’s interest first? Perhaps the U.S. Supreme Court will restore the constitutional order.

Jefferson wrote powerfully in the Declaration of Independence that government derives its “just powers from the consent of the governed” and when government no longer serves its essential purpose in protecting and preserving the freedoms and liberties of our citizens—our unalienable rights—it must be “altered or abolished.” In fact, it is our right and duty to “throw off such government…”

If this apparent theft of a national election is allowed to stand, it may spark the second American revolution. The great Silent Majority in this country, including the 73 million Americans who voted for President Trump, are simply not going to tolerate this. We should continue to pray for our nation and speak out demanding that justice be done—which includes continuing this investigation until every legal vote is counted, correctly and transparently.

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article or story of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.

OXFORD, Miss. – After a long offseason with plenty of changes along the way, Northwestern State women’s basketball returns to play on TONIGHT with the beginning of the 2020-21 season. The Lady Demons take on SEC foe Ole Miss to start the first season under new head coach Anna Nimz.

“Overall I’m just excited,” Nimz said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to have the girls on the court. Having the season pushed back a bit gave us a handful more practices, but you can only practice against yourself so much. Excited for the girls to be able to play someone new, albeit two Power 5 schools, but it’ll be a good and fun opportunity to get on the road with them.”

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Fans can hear the game locally on 92.3 FM The Fox.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

LUBBOCK, Texas – When the Northwestern State men’s basketball team tips of the 2020-21 season at 6 p.m. TONIGHT against No. 14 Texas Tech, it will mark a bit of a full-circle moment.

Eight and a half months earlier – 259 days to be exact – the Demons finished off a 79-62 win against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the first round of the Southland Conference Tournament in Katy, Texas, in what became the final NSU sporting event of the 2019-20 calendar.

“We’re extremely excited about getting to play,” said McConathy, whose team won seven of its final 10 games of the 2019-20 season. “We’ve been practicing a good, long while – like every other team in the country – without any scrimmages or exhibition games. The opportunity to play is what young people dream of doing.

The game can be heard on 95.9 FM Kix Country. Longtime announcer Patrick Netherton will handle the play-by-play call of the game on the Demon Sports Network.

Photo: Dalin Williams (35) and the Demons open the 2020-21 season Wednesday night at No. 14 Texas Tech. Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

By Brad Dison

Frank Gumm was the owner of the New Grand theater in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. His wife, Ethel, was a former actress, pianist and singer. Together, they had three daughters, Suzanne, Virginia, and Frances. Being the youngest, the family called Frances “Baby.” With the help of their mother, the three Gumm sisters developed their voices and their ears for music. Before her third birthday, Baby showed an aptitude for singing and dancing. Even at such a young age, Baby was persistent and practiced constantly.

Just before Christmas, 1925, Baby decided that it was time to make her performance debut on amateur night at her father’s theater. If her parents made any attempt to dissuade her, it failed miserably. She was a determined three-year-old. She selected a seasonal song and rehearsed it numerous times in front of the family on the stairs which led to the second floor of their home. On the evening of the performance, Baby wore a white dress donned with sprigs of holly for a seasonal flare. Someone led her onto the stage and showed her where to stand. She waited patiently and calmly behind the curtain. Perhaps she had not yet reached the age when stage freight develops.

The curtains parted and the public got their first glance at Baby. Seeing such a small child alone on such a large stage must have been a curious sight. The crowd probably thought the performance was going to be just another “cute” act at which they were supposed to politely smile and clap. The orchestra gave Baby a chord as a vocal cue. That was all she needed. Baby began singing the song and the orchestra came in right on cue. As she sang “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way,” the audience members’ eyebrows raised and their mouths dropped. Baby sang in perfect pitch, with perfect timing, and did not miss a single syllable of the lyrics. The crowd cheered as the song neared the ending and the orchestra played the last few notes. Baby’s successful debut was over, or so everyone thought.

As soon as the orchestra finished the last note, Baby began singing the song from the beginning again. The shocked conductor played along and led the orchestra through “Jingle Bells” a second time. Again, Baby performed it flawlessly. Just as before, the crowd cheered for Baby, but she was still not through. She started the song over and the orchestra played along again. She performed “Jingle Bells” the third time just as perfectly as her first two performances. Fearing that Baby would begin the song for a fourth time, her father marched out onto the stage, picked Baby up, and carried her backstage. Even over their cheering, the crowd chuckled as they heard Baby yelling from backstage, “I want to sing some more.” However, this was to be her only performance at her father’s New Grand Theater.

Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Lancaster, California, about an hour and a half north of Hollywood. Baby’s parents developed two different singing acts under different names. One act featured Baby’s sisters, while the other act featured her parents. For some unknown reason, Baby was not included in either act.

In 1926, when Baby was four years old, her parents enrolled her in a training program which prepared children for the stage. Baby’s talent and wit quickly drew attention. She tried out and got the feature role of Cupid in a production held in downtown Los Angeles. Vaudevillian performer Gus Edwards watched Baby perform and met her and her two sisters after the show. Their mother mentioned to Gus that Baby’s older sisters performed as a duo. Gus watched eagerly as Baby’s sisters performed a song from their act, followed by another song from Baby. At Gus’s suggestion, Baby and her sisters formed a trio.

The Gumm Sisters performed a wide variety of popular songs and became a popular act. “Gee, we had a lot of fun,” Baby remembered. “I was the smallest, so I was always in the middle with my arms around Suzanne and Virginia. If things seemed to be dull, I used to tickle them in the ribs. Virginia thought it was funny, but Suzanne took things more seriously. I certainly did catch it when we got off the stage.”

Ethel, acting as manager of the Gumm Sisters, drove the trio from California to Chicago to perform at the Oriental theater. “We were to have billing and everything,” Baby reminisced, “and did we get it! We no sooner arrived on the scene than we saw there, in lights on the marquee, a sign reading ‘The Glum Sisters.’” The girls were disheartened. George Jessel, another performer on the same bill, felt sorry for the girls. He suggested they change the name of their act. From then on, the trio performed under a new name. Soon thereafter, the trio dissolved when Suzanne, and then Virginia, married.

Baby, now twelve years old, went on vacation with her parents to Lake Tahoe. While there, she performed in a program at the lodge. A talent scout from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios happened to be at the performance. A few days later, the talent scout called and asked her to audition at the studio, as they were looking for girl singers.

Entering the grand gates of the movie studio would have intimidated most aspiring performers, but Baby remained calm. When she began singing at the audition, everyone within earshot stopped and listened. Baby had a “childish freshness, naturalness and enthusiasm.” More experts entered the room and she sang again. Then another group of experts listened. All of them agreed and suggested that Louis B. Mayer, head manager of MGM, give her an audition. Mayer, usually busy with a myriad of tasks, auditioned her on the spot. Baby sang beautifully and gracefully. Mayer immediately signed her to a film contract.

Baby went on to have a successful career in motion pictures, television, and as a recording artist. She starred as a farm girl from Kansas in one of the most beloved films of all time. You know Frances “Baby” Gumm by her world-famous stage name…Judy Garland.

Source:
1. The Atlanta Constitution, October 6, 1940, p.53.

St. Denis Art League Spring Festival Board of Directors held the 52nd Presentation and Ball at the Natchitoches Events Center on Nov. 7. King Jerry Darrell Pierce and Queen Renea Elizabeth Cunningham reigned over the event as Allie Ducote, Sophia Pleasant, Caroline Johnson and Mikayla Slaughter served as their Heralds. Ladies of the the Court made their debut presented by their fathers as family and friends watched the presentation from tables adorned with fairy lights and blue tulle. The 2020 Court included Chloe Longlois, Laina Martin, Maci Messenger Madalyn Peddy, Carlee Scott, Mary Scruggs, and Abigail Thompson.

Ushers included Julia Ferrell, Emma Broadway, Anna Catherine Coleman, Leah Swanstrom, Emma Grace Haecker, Sheridan Pesnell, Lillian Reynolds, Mackenzie Lipa, Emma Stewart, Abigail Guillet, Caylyn Peddy, Hope McConathy, Lily Anna Sklar, Anna Kate Jackson, Kadence Creamer, Sarah Thibodaux, and Abigail Ramian.

Full court: Chloe Longlois, Carlee Scott, Mary Scruggs, Caroline Johnson, Mikayla Slaughter, Queen Renea Cunningham, King Jerry Pierce, Allie Ducote, Sophia Pleasant,Maci Messenger, Abigail Thompson, Laina Martin, and Madalyn Peddy.

Teen Challenge will be on the riverbank stage Wednesday, Nov. 25 from 10 am – 6 pm for its Poinsettia Sale. Prices range from $10-20.

Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge exists to provide youth, adults, and families with an effective residential, biblically based solution to life-controlling problems. Its purpose is to produce graduates who function responsibly and productively in society, and who have healthy relationships in the workplace, family, church and community.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents arrest two suspects in connection to a drug related investigation.

According to a Task Force Official, on 11/20/20 Agents with the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a silver Chevrolet Impala in the 300 block of Hedges St. which is located inside the city limits of Natchitoches. During the traffic stop agents made contact with the driver, Reginald Thompson and his front passenger, Djonte Solitaire who were both residents of Natchitoches.

Agents, while advising the driver of the reason for traffic stop, observed an open white plastic bag that was in plain view on the front driver side floor board. Agents observed that the bag contained a black handgun and could smell the odor of green Marijuana emanating from passenger compartment of the vehicle. Agents secured the handgun for officer safety. The handgun was identified as a Glock 20 10mm AUTO handgun with a loaded 22 round magazine. Agents also located a clear plastic bag containing approximately 259 grams (9.1 ounces) of suspected Marijuana, a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance inside the white plastic bag. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 1 pint bottle of suspected Promethazine Syrup Plain and an additional loaded 10 round 10mm magazine.

After further investigation both subjects were placed under arrest and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center for booking. During booking the suspects were charged with the following offenses:

Reginald Thompson, 20 B/M of Natchitoches:

• La RS 40:966, Possession of Marijuana
• La RS 14:95E, Illegal Possession of a Firearm with CDS
• La RS 40:1060.13, Possession of a Legend Drug
• La RS 32:104, Turning Movements and Required Signals

Djonte Solitaire, 22 B/M of Natchitoches:

• La RS 40:966, Possession of Marijuana
• La RS 14:95E, Illegal Possession of a Firearm with CDS
• La RS 40:1060.13, Possession of a Legend Drug

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.

Release Date: 11/24/20

NATCHITOCHES:
Eric Evans
November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Ophelia “Tootsie” Dumars
November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Aquila Maxie
November 22, 1992 – November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Doris Ann Adams
November 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Ashisa Michelle Moore
July 9, 1977 – November 18, 2020
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Marilyn Kaye Laroux
January 15, 1943 – November 23, 2020
Service: Saturday, November 28 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Troy Clyde Gaddis
April 1, 1933 – November 21, 2020
Service: Wednesday, November 25 at 2 pm at Spring Ridge Baptist Church

WINN:
Stacy Harold “Pedro” Griffin
June 24, 1967 – November 22, 2020
Service: Wednesday, November 25 at 10 am at Piney Woods Christian Church

Mary F. Bemont
January 07, 1939 – November 22, 2020
Service: Wednesday, November 25 at 2 pm in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home

Aaron Hardwell Jr.
September 4, 1981 – November 22, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Elder Henry Bush
November 19, 2020
Service: Friday, November 27 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

RED RIVER:
Dr. James Aubrey Guin
September 02, 1942 – November 22, 2020
Service: Wednesday, November 25 at 2 pm at Ashland Baptist Church

Dennie Boyt was inducted into the Louisiana Fire Chief Hall of Fame. This is the highest award a chief can get in the state of Louisiana.

Boyt is a retired fire chief for the City of Natchitoches. In total, he completed almost 40 years with the Natchitoches Fire Department.

Natchitoches Fire Chief John Wynn spoke to Boyt’s service, leadership, and accomplishments.

“There’s no one more deserving than Denny,” said former mayor Wayne McCullen. “He’s an outstanding individual.”

By Reba Phelps

Glad tidings of joy will be had by all as the Christmas in the Park celebration planning is in full swing! The planning committee has been planning for months and this year will not disappoint their visitors.

The 27th Annual Goldonna Christmas in the Park will be happening Saturday, December 12th, beginning at 6:00pm. There will be a professional fireworks show that is sure to wow the crowd. Goldonna Baptist Church Youth will be selling funnel cakes for $5 each. There will also be corndogs and drinks.

“Social distancing and food purchasing will be organized for the safest of delivery to the public,” says Mayor Smith. “We want the public to enjoy the outdoor event but remain as safe as possible.”

The t-shirt fundraiser is well underway but it is not too late to order. The prices were arranged at a very affordable rate so everyone could enjoy a festival shirt this year. Short sleeve and long sleeve regular sizes (small-XL) are $13.50 each. Extended sizes (2x-3x) are $15.50 each. Shirts can be ordered by emailing Mayor Jennifer Smith mayorsmith2019@yahoo.com or call her at 318-413-7761.

Don’t forget there is a house decorating contest going on as well. Committee Chair, Cesa Day is your contact your entries. May the most festive house win.

Everyone loves a good raffle! Goldonna Elementary School is raffling off a ton of deer corn. Due to the unforeseen circumstances of quarantine of students, faculty and staff the raffle has been extended to December 16. With the drawing being held near the end of the season the winner will have the choice of one of the following options: one ton of deer corn, processing cost of deer (not to exceed the total monetary donations made for the original cost of the deer corn, or taxidermy cost (not to exceed the total monetary cost of the original deer corn donation).

Christmas in the Park Raffle tickets are available for the following prizes: Split the pot, Deer Camara, Deer Processing, Hand crafted cross, handcrafted wall and book decor, handmade crochet blanket, $80 photo shoot, and restaurant gift cards. Raffle tickets are only $1 per ticket. Tickets can be found at the store and with committee members; Cesar Day, Mayor Smith, Sheri Tyler, Victoria Walker, Amy Clark, Fonda Garner, Shannon Garner and Reba Phelps.

Rumor has it that the big man in a red suit will be visiting Goldonna soon! Stayed tuned for details.

Donations can be mailed to Village of Goldonna, Christmas in the Park, PO Box 216, Goldonna, LA 71031.

JOB TITLE: Mechanic I

DEPARTMENT: City Garage

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:  Will be required to provide maintenance and repairs to city vehicles and equipment. Must be able to operate a variety of diagnostic instruments, hand tools and electrical and air driven tools. Maintain records, prepare reports and other maintenance records of all vehicles and mechanical equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  High School diploma, or GED Equivalent. Minimum of (2) years related experience.

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 may be downloaded at www.natchitochesla.gov

Applications will be accepted through: December 1, 2020

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

By Cheri Dodd

It was a beautiful, crisp November evening. As a matter of fact, it was Saturday, November 21 – the night Natchitoches LIGHTS up the night for the first time in the Christmas season. We have visitors from near and far who are delighted to be a part of this tradition. Gumbo, a handsome 4 year old Boxer, and his family from Southeast Louisiana, were a part of those excited visitors.

The fireworks began, the town was thrilled…but not long after you could hear the chants throughout the riverfront and its side streets, “Gumbo!!! Anyone seen Gumbo????”

You know us Natchitoches residents are throwing our doors open, “Did someone say they wanted some Gumbo??”

No Sir/Madams, the Marlbrough family was in search of their cherished pup – Gumbo. The fireworks began, and he (uncharacteristically) escaped from his leash and collar and ran as FAR away as possible from that dreadful noise. The family was so beside themselves, he’d been to Mardi Gras parades, fireworks displays and mass gatherings hundreds of times – but tonight, he had other plans. They’d already been searching for an hour when they came upon residents, Diane Dodd and Pia Wyatt, in the area of Pavie & 2nd st.

Being the citizen/animal lover/PI that she is, Diane Dodd was ON THE DOUBLE (any of you that have a 4 year old know what that is from! ‘Paw Patrol, Paw Patrol’ ). She obtained a picture from Gumbo’s family, immediately posted it to Social Media and within hours had over 692 shares. Natchitoches residents came out in droves both on social media and physically driving through the neighborhoods in search of Gumbo. No one gave up! They continued to check in on the social media post to see if Gumbo had been found and then…

The sun rose and Monday morning became the best day for both Gumbo and his family. Nearly two days after Gumbo went missing, resident Ryan Steadman found him hiding under the Natchitoches Historic Foundations’ building on Second Street. Mr. Steadman notified Gumbo’s parent, Kerry Martin Marlbrough that Gumbo had been located and had left him with Silton Metoyer III at the Downtown Fire Station for safe keeping. Ms Marlbrough notified Diane Dodd who in turn immediately picked up Gumbo until his hoomans could make the trek back up to Natchitoches to get him.

We are happy to report tonight that Gumbo and his hoomans have been REUNITED! Their hearts are profoundly full of the love that Natchitoches showed to them through this very traumatic ordeal. They only left Natchitoches Saturday night without Gumbo because their grand baby had just been born prematurely, and they needed to be by their daughter’s side. What a wonderful ending to an amazing journey of Gumbo and his family. Thank you to all who participated in assisting in finding him – that’s what small town community is ALL ABOUT!