POSITION: Controller – Finance Department

DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of routine and complex clerical and administrative skills in the Finance Department. Responsible for supervising all functions of the payroll department, all functions of the accounts payable department, including monthly sales tax, balancing cash, invoice processing, airport credit card report, monthly sales tax and 1099’s. Train other employees in the Finance Department. Assists in monthly, quarterly and year end reports. Monitors and performs the daily operations in relation to various employee benefits offered including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement and other benefits offered to employees.

Sets up new vendors and account codes in the GMBA system.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant shall have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or related field or 4 years of experience in municipal accounting and finance work.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine Street, 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 may download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Lakeview Jr/Sr. High School Boys Basketball team will give back to the community on Friday, June 17 from 5-7 pm with a community clean-up project. These young men, along with their coaches will assist the Payne Subdivision Community to SUPPORT A LITER FREE COMMUNITY. As parents, grandparents, community leaders, we want to show these young men that it’s important to give back to the community that supports them, not only as a team, but as young men striving to stay on the right path. For additional information and to volunteer, contact School Board Member Pastor Steve R. Harris or Ja’Lesia Mims. Asking everyone to meet at Tony’s Bodyshop.

NATCHITOCHES:
John W. Bailes
August 27, 1936 – June 8, 2022
Service: Tuesday, June 14 at 11:30 am at Marthaville Cemetery

UPDATE:

From Fire Chief John D. Wynn, Jr.

On Sunday, June 12, 2022, the City of Natchitoches Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at The Mariner’s Restaurant. Engine 1, Engine 3, truck 1, Rescue 1 and C2 were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters arrived on scene and found flames showing through the roof. A call back page for all off duty firefighters was sent out and Fire District 6 was requested for mutual aid. No further details available at this time and no reported injuries from this incident.

ORIGINAL:

An NPJ reader submitted these photos showing an early morning fire at the Mariner’s this morning. the fire started around 4 am Sunday morning.

June 12, 2022

The Northwestern State University Men’s Basketball team, under first year coach Corey Gipson, is preparing for success both on, and off, the court with a series of events intended to give back to the community. The team recently held a “Demons Dine and Ditch” event Friday, June 10 at a local BBQ restaurant.

The team grilled hot dogs and burgers for anyone in the community to enjoy free of charge. The team gave away over 150 dinners to neighborhood residents and passing motorists. This dinner is just one of a series of events the men of NSU basketball have held for our community. The team held a camp at Provencal Junior High and has helped serve meals to our city’s homeless population at the Ben D. Johnson Center. In the upcoming months, the student athletes will be hosting a camp at the Ben D. Johnson Center, reading stories to children at parish library story-time and cleaning up litter at Parc Natchitoches.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to the NSU Men’s Basketball team as they and Coach Gipson embark on the upcoming season. May it be injury-free and victorious! Fork ‘em Demons!
The men’s basketball program will host it’s first home game on November 10, tipoff time to be determined.

From baked goods to sunflowers and dog treats, this Saturday’s Natchitoches Farmer’s Market saw six young businesspeople join the Farmer’s Market’s usual lineup of food and crafts. The youngsters took part in the market’s Mini-Makers Day, which is designed to encourage entrepreneurship in young people. The Natchitoches Parish 4-H’ers were also on hand, as they are each week, selling their superb produce. The riverbank stage also featured bagpipes and Scottish Country Dancing as part of the market’s varied programs of family entertainment.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend all of the young people who participated in the Farmer’s Market Mini-Makers Day as well as the 4-H’ers and dancers. As you have fun, you also learn valuable lessons that will serve you in the future.

The NSU Summer Dinner Theatre will present the sci-fi murder mystery “It Came from Outer Space” on June 14-18 and 21-25 on the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium stage. Sean Bartley is the director.

“It Came from Outer Space” details the voyage of the starship Natchitoches. The ship’s mission is to explore new worlds, search out new life and boldly go where no man has gone before with the Captain, his sidekick, number two and a cast of characters. The show is appropriate for those in high school and up.

Members of the cast are Drew Davis of Livingston, Jackson Holoubek of Shreveport, Mia Claire Huffman of Pineville, Josie Oliva of Raceland, Virginia Tudor of Alexandria, Derek Walle of Prairieville and Phoenix Woods of Lafayette.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner service starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 which includes a meal (soup, salad, entrée, dessert, tea, coffee) and the show. A cash bar will be available. The price does not include a suggested gratuity of $8 per guest. Dress is casual. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com by searching for NSU Summer Dinner Theatre. For more information, contact Yolanda Britton at (318) 357-4483 or email brittony@nsula.edu.

Gov. John Bel Edwards sent a letter on June 10 to the Senate President and Speaker of the House explaining why it is premature to cancel the Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature set to begin June 15, 2022, which the Governor called after the Middle District Court ruled that the maps of Louisiana’s congressional districts drawn by Republicans in the legislature violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Late Thursday, the Fifth Circuit issued an administrative stay of the Middle District Court’s injunction directing the Legislature to draw new maps. However, the court also requested briefings be filed by the parties regarding the stay request by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 10. Given the expedited timeline, there will likely be additional action by the Fifth Circuit on the stay request before the session is set to begin on June 15th.

The Governor’s letter advised the Speaker and the President that, while he is not rescinding the special session call at this time, he will rescind the call if a stay from the Fifth Circuit is in place as of 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14th.

In the letter, Gov. Edwards states:

“I remain hopeful that the Fifth Circuit will vacate the administrative stay and allow Judge Dick’s well-reasoned decision and injunction to remain in place. I believe the legislature can and should meet next week to enact maps that create a second majority minority district. Further, while I am mindful of the costs to the taxpayers as pointed out in your press release, it is clear that the state would have saved the unknown thousands of dollars being spent on out-of-state lawyers if the legislature had originally enacted maps that comply with the Voting Rights Act and the standard of fundamental fairness. It is not too late for the legislature to do the right thing. However, while I am Governor, I also remain an officer of the court, and I respect the Fifth Circuit’s authority over this matter. Should the Court retain a stay over Judge Dick’s decision, I agree that further action of the legislature should be delayed until the Fifth Circuit can review the merits of her decision.”

As of now, the Special Session will begin on June 15, 2022 and must adjourn by 6 p.m. on June 20, 2022.

AGENDA:

Opportunity: Program Manager at Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches

General Description:

The Program Manager is responsible for general overseeing of the WRC client program, general center needs, and additional special events. This position is a core and intricate component of our team environment and has a passion for serving in direct client impact. The Program Manager will be a familiar face to many of our clients that we see on a daily basis and able to lead volunteers well.

The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches exists to educate and empower individuals to  make life-affirming choices. A cornerstone nonprofit organization in North/Central Louisiana as a free  and confidential resource dedicated to pregnant women; our services include prenatal education,  lifestyle skills, ultrasounds, material assistance, childbirth education, breastfeeding education, car  seat safety classes, child safety classes, peer counseling, and more. 

Position Described:

1. The Program Manager is a part-time employee of the Women’s Resource Center. 

2. Maintain and support an open commitment to Jesus Christ, promote the sanctity of human life, be an active member of a local church, and agree with the WRC principles and statement of faith. 

Qualifications:

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university is preferred.
2. Proficient in technology (Google Voice, Microsoft Excel and Word, Databases)
3. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, and be standing for long periods of time.
4. Ability to operate office equipment including a computer, printer, and scanner.
5. Ability to understand safety procedures and make logical decisions with HIPAA compliance.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
7. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare detailed and accurate monthly reports.
8. Ability to diffuse difficult situations and manage client loads (not limited to but including: abuse, coercion, trauma, etc.) with high levels of compassion.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of TANF, Medicaid Guidelines
2. Two (2) years of nonprofit experience.

Principal Activities:

1. Client Needs: Peer-counsels clients confidentiality when needed, giving empathetic support to make life-affirming decisions. Managing the text-line, communicating with clients on next appointments, scheduling referrals and birth follow-up visits. Updating and keeping inventory of all literature to most current education. Supervisor of documentation in charting for complete information. Enters client information into appropriate databases weekly.
2. Volunteer Advocate: Trains and interviews all new volunteers for all positions (counselors, front-desk, administration, etc). Supports, encourages, and assists volunteers. Monitor progress of those training.
3. Special Events: Christmas Festival Morning (December), Celebration of Life Gala (September) Run Baby Run (May), Annual Giveaway (2x a year, April and October). Assists team with planning Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Christmas Party.
4. Other duties as assigned.

Compensation:

This is a part-time position, from Tuesdays-Thursdays, with the occasional Monday and Friday for class days and special events. The range is $16-18 an hour based on qualifications and experience.  

Acknowledgements:
Minimal travel required in the birth follow-up visits at NRMC. The above statements are intended to the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties, education/experience/skills requirement of the position at any time.

Email resumes to wrcnatchitoches@gmail.com by June 24th, 2022. Interviews will take place on June 27th, 2022 or unless stated otherwise.

Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, June 13 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. to discuss non-agenda items. The City Council meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and will be reserved to only items on the Agenda.  The public is invited to both the pre-council meetings and council meetings with the understanding that items not on the agenda will not be discussed at the scheduled council meetings, but the public is welcome to discuss any topic at the pre-council meetings.  The City Council Meetings are held at the Natchitoches City Council Chambers located at 716 Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana. 

Any Citizen that wishes to observe the City Council meeting live may do so at:

https://www.facebook.com/NPJNatLa
                                                                        

A G E N D A

#035   Nielsen​ Ordinance Authorizing The Issuance By The City Of Natchitoches,  State Of Louisiana Of Its Taxable Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2022, In An Amount Not To Exceed Nine Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($935,000), Prescribing The Form, Terms And Conditions Of Said Bond;  Providing For The Payment Thereof; Entering Into Certain Other Covenants And Agreement In Connection With The Security And Payment Of Said Bonds; Selling Said Bonds To The Clean Water State Revolving Fund;  Authorizing The Execution Of A Loan And Pledge Agreement And Other Loan Documents With The Louisiana Department Of Environmental Quality;  Providing For The Delivery Of The Bonds To Said Department; And Providing For Other Matter In Connection Therewith.

#036   Smith ​Ordinance To Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan For Use By The City Of Natchitoches To Provide Assistance To Households In Maintaining Housing Stability And To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.

#037   Harrington​ Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, To Execute A Lease With Option To Purchase  For The Lease And Eventual Purchase Of Tract Located At 1608 Texas Street,  From John Barry Guillet, Said Lease Providing For A Three Year Term With An Option To Purchase At Any Time During The Term Of The Lease, To Provide For Advertising, And A Savings Clause.

#038  Petite​ A Third Supplemental Bond Ordinance Authorizing The Issuance By The City Of Natchitoches, State Of Louisiana Of Its Taxable Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2022, In An Amount Not To Exceed Nine Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($935,000), Prescribing The Form, Terms And Conditions Of Said Bonds; Providing For The Payment Thereof; Entering Into Certain Other Covenants And Agreements In Connection With The Security And Payment Of Said Bonds; Selling Said Bonds To The Clean Water State Revolving Fund; Authorizing The Execution Of A Loan And Pledge Agreement And Other Loan Documents With The Louisiana Department Of Environmental Quality; Providing For The Delivery Of The Bonds To Said Department; And Providing For Other Matters In Connection Therewith.

#039  Harrington​ Ordinance To Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan For Use By The City Of Natchitoches To Provide Funding For Infrastructure Improvements And To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.

  #049   Elie​​ Resolution Fixing The Time, Day, Date And Place Of Regular Meetings Of The City Council Of The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.

  #050   Petite​ ​Resolution Establishing Meeting Times And Places Of: Natchitoches Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Waterworks District No.1.

#051   Smith​ Resolution Appointing Stacy McQueary As Clerk Of The Council For The City Of Natchitoches.

#052   Petite​​ Resolution Appointing The Auditor For The City Of Natchitoches.

#053   Elie​ Resolution Appointing the Fiscal Agent ForThe City Of Natchitoches.

#054   Nielsen Resolution Designating The Natchitoches Times As the Official Legal Journal For The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.

#055   Harrington Resolution Authorizing The City Of Natchitoches, Parish Of Natchitoches, State Of Louisiana To Incur Debt And To Issue Not To Exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) Aggregate Principal Amount Of Revenue Bonds, In One Or More Series; Providing Certain Terms Of Said Bonds; Making Application To The State Bond Commission; Employing Bond Counsel And Other Professionals; And Otherwise Providing With Respect Thereto.

Eighth Grade: Principal’s List

Jocelyn Jade Warren
Kimberlee Grace Moak
Blaine Truly Mitchell
Maggie Lou Jordan
Addison Raeann Greer

Eighth Grade B Honor Roll

Cheryl Ann Watley
Payton Lane Trichel Malmay

Continue reading →

Juneteenth has emerged as the newest holiday in the United States. There are mixed messages on what is an appropriate celebration of the holiday. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum scheduled a Juneteenth Program for Saturday, June 18 at 2 pm. Dr. Michael T Snowden, NSU Vice President of Inclusion of Inclusion and Diversity, will present Juneteenth: The Beginning of a New Freedom, sharing his thoughts on why Juneteenth is an important American historical event. Dr. Snowden will use his dry sense of humor and clarity to explain the history of Juneteenth and its connections to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lastly, he will impart words of wisdom on how to effectively commemorate and proactively promote the spirit and legacy of the Juneteenth celebration.

Please visit our FLASH Facebook page or call (318) 357-2492 for more information.

Free and open to the public.

The Varsity Football team at St. Mary’s Catholic School will host a Tiger Youth Football Camp on June 27-28 from 9-11 am at the St. Mary’s football field. Campers should wear cleats/tennis shoes and t-shirts with gym shorts and bring water, a good attitude and great effort!

The camp is open to all in grades K-8 for the 2022-23 school year.

The cost to attend is $50 and registration and payment will be accepted until the first day of camp. For more information, please contact Head Football Coach, Aaron York at ayork@smstigers.org.

On June 2, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to modify rules regarding freshwater recreational yo-yos, trigger devices, trotlines, limb lines, jugs, and all other passive fishing devices containing a hook or hooks. The proposed changes will modify existing rules and will be applicable statewide. The intent of the rule is to decrease litter, provide accountability to passive gear, and reduce risk to resource users, fish, and wildlife.

The following modifications to the existing rule are proposed and will be published in the June 2022 Louisiana Register:

• The proposed rule is applicable statewide.
• The proposed rule includes freshwater recreational yo-yos, trigger devices, trotlines, limb lines, jugs, and all other passive fishing devices containing a hook or hooks (hooked passive gear).
• Waterproof tags with name, fishing license number, and phone number must be attached to all hooked passive gear. Tag information may be written directly on the device.
• All hooked passive gear must be rebaited every 24 hours, and hooked, entangled, or ensnared fish and wildlife must be removed.
• No metal object may be driven or attached to the water bottom, stump, tree, or shoreline, except for those located above the water that are affixed to a private pier, dock, houseboat, or other manmade structure which is designed for fishing. Metal anchors not attached to the bottom are permitted.
• The existing prohibition on driving any (metal or non-metal) objects in the water bottom on Black Lake, Clear Lake, Prairie Lake, Caddo Lake, Chicot Lake, D’Arbonne Lake, Lake St. Joseph, and Lake Bruin is included in the proposed rule.
• Objects driven or attached to the lake bottom, stump, tree, or shoreline used to hold passive gear shall not be wider than two inches by two inches or two inches in diameter, and shall be removed when not in use.
• Trotlines are limited to 150 hooks total per person and a cotton leader must be used on each end of a trotline.

To view the full notice of intent, or to submit written comments relative to the proposed rule, contact Robby Maxwell, Inland Fisheries Section, 1213 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70601, or via e-mail to: rmaxwell@wlf.la.gov prior to July 29, 2022. Following the public comment period, the Legislative Oversight Committees will have a 30-day period to review the amended rule and a summary of public comment provided by LDWF. If this rule is finalized, the amended regulations will be effective in the fall of 2022.

St. Mary’s Catholic School Varsity Cheer Squad attended the Universal Cheer Association Camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. The four day camp focused on crowd leading, skills training, leadership and team bonding. The thirteen member squad took the top three awards at the Final Day Competition, earned both Gold and Blue ribbons for squad evaluations, had four squad members chosen as UCA All-Americans and two squad members who received Pin It forward awards. The awards were as follows:

1st Place Camp Dance Routine
2nd Place Cheer
Gameday Camp Champs
Overall Superior Gold Ribbon, Camp Dance
Superior Blue Ribbon
Big Banana Spirit Award
Spirit Stick
2 Pin it Forward Leadership Awards: Caroline Godfrey and Sophia Hogg

In addition, four team members were named UCA All American Cheerleaders. The cheerleaders that receive this honor are invited to perform at special events across the country. Seniors receiving this honor were Caroline Godfrey and Anna Peluso. Juniors awarded this designation were Gabby Godfrey and Sophia Hogg.

The squad is coached by Barbara Jackson, Charlie Gandy and Ashley Methvin.

Pictured below are (Front row, left to right): Co-Captains Caroline Godfrey and Anna Peluso. Back row: Coach Barbara Jackson, Addison Price, Ella Hardee, Jillian Coleman, Ainsley Armstrong, Sophia Hogg, Gabby Godfrey, Baylea Johnson, Destanee Stewart, Georgia Kate Philen, Jaycie Creamer, Kylie Bennett and Coach Charlie Gandy.

NATCHITOCHES:
John W. Bailes
August 27, 1936 – June 8, 2022
Service: Tuesday, June 14 at 11:30 am at Marthaville Cemetery

RED RIVER:
Johnny “Hobo” Marvin Williamson
September 27, 1953 – June 10, 2022
Service: Monday, June 13 at 10 am at the Pentecostals of Martin, located at 159 Kellogg Rd in Coushatta

The Natchitoches Parish Library’s Summer Reading Program continues to provide summer family fun with “The Dinosaur Experience” held at the downtown riverbank Thursday, June 9 as over 100 children and their parents enjoyed the show. While the show takes considerable liberties with the evolutionary timeline separating mammals and dinosaurs, the reason is to provide a fun interactive experience. As the only owner of several pet T-Rexes in the state said, “Every paleontologist began as a kid fascinated with dinosaurs.” The children had an exciting time seeing the dinosaurs in their library books come to life.
The library will be sponsoring family orientated fun each week throughout the summer as part of its popular Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities”, an appropriate theme for the world of possibilities our library system offers our children, and indeed all of our residents.

Ever been sitting at home at night with the family watching television when you hear something in the attic, something bumping and crawling around?

This happened to a Ruston family recently when they discovered that a screen-covered vent to the attic had been compromised. Checking to see what was making the noise, they were shocked at what they found. A mama raccoon had decided the attic was a good place to give birth to babies. Three tiny baby raccoons were discovered, removed and placed in a cat carrier.

A wildlife rehabilitator, Stacy Eagles, was contacted. She came and picked up the babies to do with them what rehabilitators do; nurture and raise them until they’re ready to be returned to the wild.

This piqued my interest so I located Leslie Greene, a wildlife rehabilitator from Farmerville to discuss just exactly what and why and how someone in her profession goes about doing what they do.

“By definition,” Greene began, “our job is to save injured, displaced or orphaned wildlife. Some of the animals I have dealt with include raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, foxes and beavers.

“To qualify to become a wildlife rehabilitator, you have to be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and you have to work under someone already licensed for a year. Then you must have the proper equipment and facilities for animals with which you will be working, and develop a working knowledge of medications and antibiotics needed to care for animals that are injured,” Greene said.

An official with LDWF has to come and inspect the applicant’s facilities before a license is granted. Greene is 3-4 years into her very unique business.

Her interest in baby critters started when as a youngster, she had an orphaned baby raccoon that she raised.

“I became very interested in this little guy and my interest grew until I decided I wanted to do what I could for other juvenile wild animals,” she said.

Greene added that from January through late spring, wild animals are giving birth to offspring during the busiest time of year for a rehabilitator.

“It’s a 24-7 job. I get calls frequently to help out in a situation involving recently-born wildlife that have encountered problems,” she added.

One of the more interesting and heart-warming situations Greene has encountered is ongoing. Recently, she had to rescue three baby beavers. She’s raising them.

“I am having so much fun with the little beavers and find they are quite social animals. They make sounds almost like a human baby, are very social and need the emotional touch and bonding I am only too glad to give them,” said Greene.

While some animals can be released back in the wild in shorter times, beavers take quite a bit longer. Red foxes, for instance, can usually be released within six months, gray foxes five months, raccoons nine months. It can take beavers up to two years before it is safe to return them to the wild.

“Beavers live in family units with parents and older siblings and it takes up to two years before they’re ready to leave the den and go looking for their own pond. I don’t mind,” she said, “because these little fellows are so much fun.”

What to do if you find a raccoon in your attic or find a baby squirrel that fell out of a nest? Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. You can find Leslie Greene on Facebook. She’ll do the rest.

(Natchitoches)-Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the May 26 shooting death of Darnell Jermaine Browder of Campti according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Friday June 3 at approximately 6:33pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Darrion Lamar Simmons, 20, of the 200 block of Pasture Road, Campti, La., at his residence without resistance.

Simmons was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Felony Theft over $1500.00.

Sheriff Wright said the arrest stems from an active ongoing investigation involving the collection of evidence, execution of search warrants, recovery of 4 stolen all terrain vehicles , autopsy findings and interviews of several sources which led to sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal arrest warrants signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge for the arrest of Simmons.

Detectives say the investigation is still ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

Additional arrests are possible.

The homicide investigation began on Thursday morning, May 26, 2022, at approximately 10:30am, when NATCOM 911 Center received reports of a male laying at the end of Roberson Street near the St. Paul Methodist Church in Campti, La.

Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to the scene.

Paramedics arrived on scene, discovering an unresponsive deceased male.

NPSO Deputies arrived on scene requesting assistance from the Criminal Investigations Bureau and Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Stuart Wright, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, NPSO Detectives, Campti Police, Agents with the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.

Detectives say Darnell Jermaine Browder, 39, of the 200 block of Juzan Street, Campti, La. was identified and pronounced dead at the scene by Natchitoches Parish Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton.

Clanton stated Browder died hours earlier as a result of gunshot wounds. The death was ruled as a homicide.

Detectives spent most of the day, processing and photographing the crime scene for evidence and canvassing the area speaking to residents asking for any information or if they observed any suspicious activity during the early morning hours.

The body was sent to Shreveport for an autopsy.

The following day, sheriff’s detectives traveled to Shreveport to attend the autopsy.

Simmons remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with bond set by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge over $1 million dollars.

Multiple detectives were involved in the investigation assisted by the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau.

If you have any information regarding the homicide of Mr. Browder contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 357-7830 or NPSO Homicide Case Agent Detective Sgt. Derrick Sowell at 357-7830 or the Stolen Property Case Agent Det. Captain D. Winder.

We extend our sympathy to the Browder family.