District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced the sentencing in a second degree murder case and two court of appeal rulings in two other cases. A. L. Simmons, 23 of Campti, was convicted by a jury in June of second degree murder for a 2020 robbery and shooting in Clarence. Simmons robbed and shot the victim after receiving a ride from the victim to a convenience store in which he later demanded money and a ride to Campti.

Judge Lala Sylvester sentenced Simmons to a mandatory life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jason Methvin and assisted by Assistant District Attorney J. Chris Guillet.

Additionally, Harrington announced that the Third Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction and sentencing of Freeman Tucker. Tucker was convicted by a jury in 2022 of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge Lala Sylvester sentenced Tucker to 20 years at hard labor and a $5,000 fine. The appellate court upheld the prison sentence and ordered a hearing to determine the defendant’s ability to pay the fine. Assistant District Attorney J. Chris Guillet prosecuted the case.

In a separate case, the court of appeal affirmed the conviction and the revised sentencing of O’Shay Hicks. Hicks pleaded guilty in 2017 on charges of forcible rape and second degree kidnapping. Judge Lala Sylvester sentenced Hicks to 30 years at hard labor for forcible rape and 15 years at hard labor for second degree kidnapping. In the appellate court ruling affirming the sentence, the court noted the crimes committed by Hicks were “exceptionally violent and heinous.” Assistant District Attorney J. Chris Guillet prosecuted the case. 

The 2023 NSU Folklife Festival saw the long-awaited return of one of its most popular events – the Gumbo Cookoff. This year saw a fierce culinary battle as the different chefs filled the air outside of Prather Coliseum with a tantalizing aroma. After the judging took place, festivalgoers were able to enjoy cups of gumbo from each contestant and vote on their favorite.

Joel Sylvie won in the seafood category.

Laurie and Merryll Smith took top honors in the Poultry Plus category.

Natchitoches’ own Elvin Shields was the People’s Choice

The Gumbo Cookoff is more than a cooking contest. It is a celebration of one of Louisiana’s signature foods and a symbol of the many parts that come together to make our state the uniquely wonderful place that it is.

Kevin’s Gallery

NSU’s Prather Coliseum was transformed into the finest musical venue and restaurant in Louisiana for the 2023 Folk Life Festival, July 22. Thousands of festivalgoers packed NSU’s Prather Coliseum to be entertained by an eclectic variety of musical acts and presenters from all over Louisiana and surrounding states. In addition to the music, over 65 vendors from Louisiana and surrounding states sold books and crafts as well as educating festival goers on various Louisiana and Native American folk way. Festivalgoers who ventured outside could see a blacksmith from the LSUS Pioneer Heritage Center demonstrating blacksmithing as well as a representative from the West Baton Rouge Museum in period dress demonstrating laundry day in the days before machines.

NSU alumna and educator on Native-American culture Rhonda Gauthier was named as the honorary Chair of the 2023 Folklife Festival. She was joined onstage by her fellow 2023 inductees into the Louisiana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists. This accomplished and eclectic group ranged from Ms. Gauthier to Country Musician Hugh Harris and the Broussard Family Jure. Jure is a hauntingly beautiful style of African American folk music. Dr. Lisa Abney, retiring NSU faculty member and longtime fixture of the Folklife festival since its inception, was given the “Folklife Angel Award.”

The festival is a long-standing favorite as evidenced by its loyal following. Many of the attendees and performers have been coming for years. The loyal following and the festival’s new friends kept the dance floor moving and the concerts well attended.

The Folklife Festival, now in its 43rd year, is designed to showcase, preserve and perpetuate Louisiana’s unique culture. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Louisiana’s Cultural Gumbo”, a fitting theme for our state’s unique mixture of cultures. For a modest admission fee, the Natchitoches/NSU Folk Festival features a solid day of superb music, crafts, food and above all, fun.

Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, July 24 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. 

AGENDA:

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:  Miss Louisiana Makenzie Scroggs

FIRE DEPARTMENT:  New Fire Prevention/Education Project

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

#039   Nielsen Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches To Award The Bid For Professor M. Richardson Park Improvements (Bid No. 0661)

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

#040    Smith Ordinance Adopting A Policy Regarding The Use Of Mobile Devices And To Amend And Reenact The Personnel Policies Manual Of The City Of Natchitoches To Amend A Section Entitled “Mobile Device Policy”, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.

#041    Harrington Ordinance To Amend Chapter 31 Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Natchitoches In Order To Allow For The Operation Of Ride Sharing Applications In Compliance With The Statutes And Regulations Of The State Of Louisiana And To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.

#42   Elie Ordinance Amending The 2023-2024 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.

#043   Nielsen An Ordinance To Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan To Complete The Construction Of Certain Properties In The City Of Natchitoches That Are Essential To Public Health And Welfare And To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.

RESOLUTIONS:

#70   Smith A Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Advertise And Accept Bids For The 2023 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0663)

FINANCIAL REPORT – Clarissa Brown-Smith

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, August 14, 2023.

Hello Community Partners,  

It is with mixed emotions that I’m writing to share some upcoming changes in leadership at Cane River Creole National Historical Park.  After serving as superintendent for Cane River Creole since 2016, I have accepted the permanent superintendent position at Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, effective September 10. As you know, I’ve been splitting my time between Vicksburg and Cane River Creole, and after two years on the road, I am looking forward to being settled in one place. However, it is difficult to leave Natchitoches and the Cane River community—an area that I have grown to love.  

I have enjoyed working and collaborating with you on a wide variety of projects over the past seven years, particularly seeing the restoration of the Texas & Pacific Railway Depot and the Magnolia Plantation boundary expansion come to fruition.  It was an honor to be able to represent the National Park Service here in Natchitoches and be part of such exciting opportunities to preserve African American history. Natchitoches is a great place to live, and you made my time here incredibly special.  

During this time of transition, the National Park Service will be actively searching for and involved in selecting a new superintendent for the park.  Given Cane River’s diverse multi-cultural history related to slavery and segregation, please know that the hiring process may take some time as we’re committed to find the right candidate. Because of this, there will likely be a series of acting superintendents that come and go in the upcoming months. As community partners, I value your ongoing support and collaboration, and I ask that you give the incoming superintendent(s) the same level of support you gave me.  

Thank you again for your partnership over the past seven years. 

With much appreciation,  

—

Carrie A. Mardorf

Superintendent

Vicksburg National Military Park (Acting)

Cane River Creole National Historical Park

The Office of Motor Vehicles announced that they have retained Norton LifeLock to offer one year of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for Louisiana residents impacted by the recent MOVEIt data breach. The complimentary 12-month package includes LifeLock Standard™ identity theft protection.

To activate your membership online and get protection at no cost to you, please see enrollment instructions available at nextsteps.la.gov. OMV will also be emailing notices to individuals with an email on file whose information was involved in the incident.

Additionally, OMV has established a toll-free call center open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to answer questions that individuals may have. If you believe your information was involved and have questions about this incident, please call (866) 861-8717.

These resources are being offered in response to the MOVEIt data security incident announced last month that involved personal information of individuals who were issued a Louisiana driver’s license, identification card and/or vehicle registrations.

OMV encourages all Louisianans whose information was involved in this incident to actively monitor for the possibility of fraud and identity theft by reviewing your financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. If you notice any unauthorized activity, contact the relevant financial institution or the credit bureau reporting the activity immediately.

For more information on how to protect your identity and a list of FAQ, visit nextsteps.la.gov. To read the official notice posted by OMV, visit expresslane.org.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video might be worth 10,000.

Case in point – click on the video above to get a look at the food, fun and frolic that everyone involved will enjoy at lunchtime this Friday, July 28, in Alexandria, in the only out-of-town activity during the three-day 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s big party starts Thursday evening with the La Capitol Federal Credit Union Welcome Reception, free to all from 5-7 at the LSHOF Museum on the Front Street traffic circle in downtown Natchitoches.

Then the scene shifts to Alexandria and Four Seasons Bowling Center for the Celebrity Rock N Roll Bowling Bash presented by BOM. Everyone is encouraged to wear their finest Rock N Roll gear and come ready for tons of fun, along with plenty of food and an open bar.

To enter or get more information visit LaSportsHall.com and click on the Induction Week button, or call 318-238-4255.

The bowling party will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch catered by Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux for everyone in the house – bowlers and spectators. That’s right – you don’t have to bowl to enjoy the party. Admission is $50 for adults and $25 for youth to mingle, eat, and watch the action.

Bowlers can enter as individuals ($100) or as a team ($400). Teams can be four people paired with a celebrity, or five friends playing without a celebrity.

The headliners on the lanes Friday will be the Class of 2023 LSHOF inductees, including Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte, WNBA All-Star Alana Beard, retired LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri, 14-year MLB pitcher and personality Paul Byrd, Atlanta Braves third base coach and former Texas Rangers World Series manager Ron Washington, and LSU and NFL star wide receiver Wendell Davis.

Among the other celebrities will be previously inducted Hall of Famers and Louisiana sports stars, including many who may ultimately be inducted in future years.

The five-person teams warm up and play a 10-frame game, with the top team winning prizes. The top five individual bowlers and top five celebrities will have playoffs. The bowling party will wrap up about 2 o’clock, in plenty of time for everyone to make it back to Natchitoches for that evening’s free Rockin’ River Fest starting at 6 on the downtown riverbank stage, and the VIP Taste of Tailgating inside Mama’s Oyster House and the Blues Room beginning at 7.

One of the most festive events of the Induction Celebration, the Celebrity Rock N Roll Bowling Bash presented by BOM is an event fit for the avid bowlers or those who just like to have fun. There’s still time for you and your pals or family to join the party.

The Northwestern State football team found a bit of balance on the 2023 Preseason All-Southland Conference Football Teams that were released Friday morning.

The Demons placed three of their six members on the first team and three on the second team as chosen by league coaches.

Two of Northwestern State’s first-team selections are on offense – sophomore tight end Travon Jones and senior wide receiver Zach Patterson – while junior safety Kevin Davis Jr. earned first-team honors on defense.

A 6-foot-7, 220-pounder from Miami, Florida, Jones earned first-team All-Southland honors after catching 20 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown in his first season in Natchitoches.

Patterson was the Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and a second-team All-Southland pick after catching 83 passes in his debut season. That total placed the 5-11, 180-pound product of Corinth, Mississippi, second in NSU single-season history in receptions. He enters the 2023 season 17 catches shy of 10^th place in Demon career history.

Davis Jr., a 6-foot, 190-pound junior from Freeport, Texas, ranked fourth on the Demons with 51 tackles (six for loss) and added his first career interception and a forced fumble during the 2023 season.

The Demons’ trio of second-team selections all came on offense – running back Scooter Adams, wide receiver Ke’Nard King and offensive lineman D’Andre Richard.

Adams, a 5-9, 180-pound senior from Hallettsville, Texas, was third on the team in rushing yards (244) and sixth in receiving yards (220) while providing his customary big-play ability. Adams had a pair of receiving touchdowns that covered at least 80 yards, including an 84-yard scoring grab against Southeast Missouri State that stands as the sixth-longest passing play in school history.

A 5-10, 170-pound junior from Houston, King showcased his big-play ability in his first season as a Demon, ranking second on the team with a 15.7 yards per catch average, highlighted by a 59-yard touchdown grab against Southeast Missouri State. He also had a clutch fourth-down catch to keep the game-winning drive alive against Nicholls.

Richard, a 6-3, 300-pound junior from Baton Rouge, was part of an offensive line that allowed the Demons to pass for 268.9 yards per game a season ago, the second-highest total in the Southland and the 18^th-best nationally.

Davis, Richard and King all earned the first All-Southland honors of their careers.

The Demons kick off the 2023 season Sept. 2 at UL Lafayette in a 6:30 p.m. start.

The accolades keep rolling in for Sanaria Butler. 

The school record holder earned a spot in the NCAA championships and for doing so, she was named co-Louisiana Sports Writers Association Freshman of the Year, the organization announced Friday. 

Butler and LSU’s Brianna Lyston each tallied five votes to tie the voting. 

Student-athletes reach the All-Louisiana team by posting a top-three mark in their respective events. The superlative awards were voted on by the sports information directors of the Louisiana institutions. 

Butler leads a total of nine on the All-Louisiana team. 

The native of Port Arthur, Texas, earned a spot on the team in the 400-meter dash, recording the second-best time in the state with a school-record 52.19, which she broke at Baylor, one week after breaking the same record. 

Butler also was a member of the 4×400 women’s relay team that earned a spot on the team, along with Vanessa Balde, Sian Weller and Maygan Shaw. The school record of 3:35.77, set during the Southland Conference Championships, was the second-best performance among Louisiana schools during the season. 

She earned one vote for the All-Louisiana Women’s Track Athlete of the Year. 

The women’s 4×400 relay team was one of the three relay squads to make an All-Louisiana spot. Balde and Shaw—along with Victoria Byrd and Lynell Washington—were on the 4×100 team that also finished second in Louisiana this season with a time of 44.91. 

Joining Butler on the team in the 400 is Shaw, whose time of 52.73 placed third in the state this season. 

The final of the three relay teams to make the All-Louisiana team is the men’s 4×100. The quartet of Austin Simoneaux, Destine-Unique Scott, Cyrus Jacobs and Simon Wulff finished third in the state in the event with a time of 39.51, which they ran at the Battle on the Bayou in March. 

In the field events, Djimon Gumbs is the only NSU athlete to be on the team in two different individual events, doing so in the discus and shot put. 

Gumbs posted the top distance in the discus in the state in 2023, tossing a 205-11 at the Cowboy Relays to open the outdoor season, which earned him a spot on the All-Louisiana Team. 

If that wasn’t enough, the junior finished second in the shot put with a throw of 63-1.5, trailing only LSU’s John Meyer on the team. 

Like Butler, the duo of freshmen on the men’s side have been making noise as well, as both Randy Kelly (high jump) and Adam Lindo (long jump) reached the all-Louisiana teams. 

Kelly, a native of Blythewood, South Carolina, posted a third-place finish in the high jump by clearing 6-11.5, which he cleared at the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational and matched at the SLC Outdoor Championships. 

Southeastern Louisiana’s Slavko Stevic and UL Monroe’s Ali Eren Unlu tied for the top spot, clearing 7-3.25. 

In the long jump, Lindo also finished with the third-best jump in the state this season, posting a 25-0 at the West Texas Last Chance Meet, which earned him a spot at the NCAA East Regionals. 

Gold medalist in the pole vault Madison Brown earned a spot on the All-Louisiana Team by clearing 12-7.5, which won her the gold at the SLC Outdoor Championships. 

LSU took home seven of the 10 superlative awards solo and tied two others, including the women’s co-Freshman of the Year with Butler. 

The lone superlative award that LSU failed to win was the women’s coach of the year, which went to Xavier Yhann Plummer, who took it by a single vote over Mike Heimerman and LSU’s Dennis Shaver. 

Complete honors list for the LSWA All-Louisiana Track and Field Team: 

MEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – GODSON OGHENEBRUME, LSU
Voting – Oghenebrume 10, Cody Branch (Dillard) 1, Rodney Heath Jr (LA Tech) 1 

MEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – TZURIEL PEDIGO, LSU 

Voting – Pedigo 8, Seth Alexander (Xavier) 2, Jeremy Nelson (Louisiana) 1, Ali Eren Unlu (ULM) 1 

MEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR – MATTHEW SOPHIA, LSU 

Voting – Sophia 5, Coulaj Eans (Xavier) 3, Jeremy Nelson (Louisiana) 3, Jamie Sancho (LA Tech) 1 

MEN’S NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR – BRANDON HICKLIN, LSU 

Voting – Hicklin 11, Jayden Sloan (UNO) 1 

MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR – DENNIS SHAVER, LSU 

Voting – Shaver 8, Nile Legania (Dillard) 3, Lon Badeaux (Louisiana) 1 

WOMEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – MICHAELA ROSE, LSU 

Voting – Rose 10, Sanaria Butler (Northwestern State) 1, Kevell Byrd (Dillard) 1 

WOMEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (TIE) – KRISTEN O’HANDLEY, TULANE; MORGAN SMALLS, LSU 

Voting – O’Handley 5, Smalls 5, Eunice Ilunga Mbuyi (ULM) 2 

WOMEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR (TIE) – SANARIA BUTLER, NORTHWESTERN STATE; BRIANNA LYSTON, LSU 

Voting – Butler 5, Lyston 5, Maria Bienvenu (Louisiana) 2 

WOMEN’S NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR –SHANI’A BELLAMY, LSU 

Voting – Bellamy 7, Jacqueline Pokuaah (Louisiana) 3, Rebecca DeKay (UNO) 1, Claudine Raud-Gumiel (ULM) 1 

WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR –YHANN PLUMMER, XAVIER 

Voting – Plummer 4, Mike Heimerman (Northwestern State) 3, Dennis Shaver (LSU) 3, Nile Legania (Dillard) 1, Adrian Myers (Tulane 1) 

The complete list of Best Times for the 2023 outdoor track season by Louisiana schools: 

ALL-LOUISIANA TRACK AND FIELD BEST TIMES 

100 Meters (Men) 

Godson Oghenebrume, LSU – June 9, 2023 – 9.90 

Da’Marcus Fleming, LSU – June 9, 2023 – 9.97 

Brandon Hicklin, LSU – June 7, 2023 – 10.12 

Rodney Heath Jr., Louisiana Tech – May 14, 2023 – 10.12 

100 Meters (Women) 

Favour Ofili, LSU – May 11, 2023 — 11.17 

Thelma Davies, LSU – March 29, 2023 – 11.19 

Tionna Brown, LSU – March 17, 2023 – 11.33 

200 Meters (Men) 

Da’Marcus Fleming, LSU – April 22, 2023 – 20.22 

Dorian Camel, LSU – May 26, 2023 – 20.23 

Jamie Sancho, Louisiana Tech – April 28, 2023 – 20.64 

200 Meters (Women) 

Favor Ofili, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 22.58 

Thelma Davies, LSU – April 14, 2023 – 22.64 

Brianna Lyston, LSU – May 25, 2023 – 22.75 

400 Meters (Men) 

Eugene Omalla, Southeastern – May 4, 2023 – 46.06 

Ashton Hicks, LSU – April 14, 2023 – 46.24 

Sean Burrell, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 46.38 

400 Meters (Women) 

Ella Onojuvwevwo, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 51.85 

Sanaria Butler, Northwestern State – April 21, 2023 – 52.19 

Maygan Shaw, Northwestern State – April 21, 2023 – 52.73 

800 Meters (Men) 

Alex Selles, LSU – April 13, 2023 – 1:47.68 

Javon-Taye Williams, Southeastern – April 8, 2023 — 1:48.64 

Nicholas Scott, Southern – April 22, 2023 – 1:48.84 

800 Meters (Women) 

Michaela Rose, LSU – April 13, 2023 – 1:59.08 

Cindy Bourdier, LSU – May 25, 2023 – 2:03.09 

Lorena Rangel Batres, LSU – April 8, 2023 – 2:03.53 

1500 Meters (Men) 

David Bove, LSU – April 13, 2023 – 3:39.42 

Alex Selles, LSU – April 13, 2023 – 3:42.82 

Aaron Gilliam, Tulane – May 14, 2023 — 3:45.27 

1500 Meters (Women) 

Lorena Rangel Batres, LSU – April 13, 2023 – 4:11.61 

Michaela Rose, LSU – April 13, 2023 – 4:11.98 

Cindy Bourdier, LSU – April 13, 2023 – 4:20.90 

5000 Meters (Men) 

Bradley Makuvire, Tulane – March 23, 2023 – 13:57.67 

Aaron Gilliam, Tulane – March 23, 2023 – 14:27.84 

Louden Boudreaux, Louisiana – April 18, 2023 – 14:31.42 

5000 Meters (Women) 

Rebecca DeKay, UNO – April 14, 2023 – 16:58.31 

Sorcha Moloney, McNeese – April 22, 2023 – 17:09.34 

Haley Salsbury, Louisiana – April 15, 2023 – 17:19.29 

10000 Meters (Men) 

Bradley Makuvire, Tulane – April 13, 2023 – 28:50.61 

Gilbert Kimutai, McNeese – May 4, 2023 – 30:44.53 

Jacob Kipkogei, McNeese – March 29, 2023 — 31:07.44 

10000 Meters (Women) 

Sophie Daigle, Louisiana – April 13, 2023 – 34:19.08 

Rebecca Dekay, UNO – May 4, 2023 – 37:31.24 

Sorcha Moloney, McNeese – May 4, 2023 — 37:44.95  

100 Meter Hurdles (Women) 

Alia Armstrong, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 12.31 

Leah Phillips, LSU – May 27, 2023 – 12.86 

Shani’a Bellamy, LSU – May 25, 2023 – 12.98 

110 Meter Hurdles (Men) 

Matthew Sophia, LSU – May 24, 2023 – 13.53 

Jorim Bangue, UNO – May 4, 2023 – 13.87 

Loubert Dagrin, Louisiana – April 28, 2023 – 13.89 

Jordan Thompson, Southern – May 6, 2023 – 13.89 

400 Hurdles (Men) 

Sean Burrell, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 49.32 

Omri Shiff, Southeastern – March 25, 2023 – 50.81 

Javed Jones, Louisiana – May 11, 2023 – 50.96

400 Hurdles (Women) 

Shani’a Bellamy, LSU – June 10, 2023 – 55.58 

Leah Phillips, LSU – April 14, 2023 – 56.56 

Garriel White, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 58.01 

3000 Steeplechase (Men) 

Kolyn Saltzman, UNO – April 13, 2023 – 9:01.55 

Arturs Lapins, Tulane – April 13, 2023 – 9:02.64 

Rojs Puks, ULM – April 22, 2023 – 9:38.83 

3000 Steeplechase (Women) 

MacKenzie Callahan, Tulane – April 26, 2023 – 10:24.50 

Ariana Jimenez, UNO – April 13, 2023 – 10:31.11 

Ella Chesnut, LSU – March 29, 2023 – 10:34.02 

4×100 Relay (Men)  

LSU (Hicklin, Camel, Fleming, Oghenebrume) – May 11, 2023 – 37.90 

Louisiana (Jones, Crockett, Appiah, Booth) – June 7, 2023 – 39.38 

Northwestern State (SImoneaux, Scott, Jacobs, Wulff) – March 25, 2023 – 39.51 

4×100 Relay (Women) 

LSU (Armstrong, Ofili, Lyston, Davies) – May 11, 2023 – 42.92 

Northwestern State (Byrd, Washington, Balde, Shaw) – March 25, 2023 – 44.91 

Louisiana (London, Bridgen, Robinson, Spates) – April 22, 2023 – 45.13 

4×400 Relay (Men) 

LSU (Camel, Burrell, McKay, Hicks) – May 11, 2023 – 3:03.16 

Southeastern (Omalla, Omalla, Shiff, Jackson) – May 4, 2023 – 3:06.48 

Louisiana (Hoyte-Small, Scott, Jones, Fergusson) – May 11, 2023 – 3:08.32 

4×400 Relay (Women) 

LSU (Onojuvwevweo, Rose, Phillips, Douglas) – May 27, 2023 – 3:31.51  

Northwestern State (Weller, Shaw, Balde, Butler) – May 4, 2023 – 3:35.77 

Louisiana (Spates, Bridgen, Noel, Johnson) – March 31, 2023 – 3:45.63 

High Jump (Men) 

Ali Eren Unlu, ULM – May 11, 2023 – 7.3.75 

Slavko Stevic, Southeastern – April 15, 2023 – 7-3.25 

Randy Kelly, Northwestern State – May 4, 2023 – 6-11.50 

High Jump (Women) 

Morgan Smalls, LSU – April 8, 2023 – 6-1.25 

Katrine Olsen, Southeastern – May 4, 2023 – 5-9.75 

Taylor Davis, Louisiana – April 15, 2023 – 5-9.25 

Pole Vault (Men) 

Beau Domingue, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 17-4.50 

Nick Russell, Louisiana – April 22, 2023 – 16-7.25 

Kameron Aime, LSU – March 17, 2023 – 16-6.75 

Pole Vault (Women) 

Emery Prentice, LSU – April 22, 2023 – 13-1 

Jordan Brown, Louisiana – April 28, 2023 – 12-8.75 

Madison Brown, Northwestern State – May 4, 2023 – 12.750 

Long Jump (Men) 

Brandon Hicklin, LSU – March 29, 2023 – 26-1 

Ji’eem Bullock, LSU – April 14, 2023 – 25-2 

Adam Lindo, Northwestern State – May 12, 2023 – 25-0 

Long Jump (Women) 

Morgan Smalls, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 21-1.50 

Olaia Becerril Alvarez, ULM – March 30, 2023 – 20-9 

Jacqueline Pokuaah, Louisiana – April 15, 2023 – 20-6.5 

Triple Jump (Men) 

Apalos Edwards, LSU – April 22, 2023 – 53-5 

Jeremy Nelson, Louisiana – March 25, 2023 – 51-4.25 

Seth Alexander, Xavier – May 26, 2023 – 50-6 

Triple Jump (Women) 

Eunice Illunga Mbuyi, ULM – March 29, 2023 – 44-7.50 

Jacqueline Pokuaah, Louisiana – May 11, 2023 – 42-9.75 

Taylor Davis, Louisiana – May 27, 2023 – 41-11.25 

Shot Put (Men) 

John Meyer, LSU – May 11, 2023 – 67-3.25 

Djimon Gumbs, Northwestern State – March 11, 2023 – 63-1.50 

Marcus Francis, McNeese – May 4, 2023 – 58-1.0 

Shot Put (Women) 

Maren Butler, Tulane – May 12, 2023 – 51-4.25 

Kristian Jackson, Southeastern – March 25, 2023 – 50-7.25 

Ashari Jones, McNeese – McNeese – March 23, 2023 – 47-11.25 

Discus (Men) 

Djimon Gumbs, Northwestern State – March 11, 2023 – 205-11 

Claudio Romero, LSU – March 25, 2023 – 201-1 

Jaden James – LSU – March 17, 2023 – 184-4 

Discus (Women) 

Kristian Jackson, Southeastern – April 22, 2023 – 178-5 

Maren Butler, Tulane – April 28, 2023 – 156-2 

Reese Grossie, McNeese – May 4, 2023 – 155-5 

Hammer (Men) 

Terrell Webb, Southeastern – April 8, 2023 – 210-3 

Jonathan Witte, LSU – April 22, 2023 – 197-0 

Tyler Challis, McNeese – May 4, 2023 – 187-2 

Hammer (Women) 

Mariah Lee, McNeese – May 4, 2023 – 196-8 

Chloe Hernandez, McNeese – April 15, 2023 – 177-3 

Sydney Lake, ULM – April 15, 2023 – 168-9 

Javelin (Men) 

Tzuriel Pedigo, LSU – June 9, 2023 – 261-9 

Callan Saldutto, ULM – May 11, 2023 – 241-8 

Jackson Rimes, LSU – March 17, 2023 – 226-11 

Javelin (Women) 

Marin Bienvenu, Louisiana – May 25, 2023 – 169-11 

Mann Barras, Louisiana – March 29, 2023 – 156-1 

Emma Bacilla, Louisiana – April 28, 2023 – 153-6 

Heptathlon (Women) 

Kristen O’Handley, Tulane – April 20, 2023 – 5802 

Margot Temines, Tulane – May 12, 2023 – 5515 

Claudine Raud-Gumiel, ULM – May 11, 2023 – 5265 

Decathlon (Men) 

Bailey Couch, ULM – May 11, 2023 — 6453 

Luke Benoit, Louisiana – May 11, 2023 — 6223 

Logan Broussard, McNeese – May 4, 2023 – 6062 

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum was host to a dedicated crowd of history lovers Friday, July 21 for this month’s installment of the popular “Lunch & Learn” program concerning the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training’s (NCPTT) documentation of Louisiana’s surviving Rosenwald School buildings.

The talk was given by NCPTT intern John Richardson, a Morehouse College psychology major from Philadelphia. He is spending the summer working at the center and learning about its preservation mission. Mr. Richardson was on a team documenting the buildings using laser equipment to produce a 3-D model.

The schools were financed by Sears executive and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald who would match money raised by local sources. The facilities were built to provide schools for African American children. The schools were built from common designs and would arrive in kits similar to the Sears houses then sold by Sears. Over 5,000 of the schools were built throughout the South, with 395 of them in Louisiana. Of those, 18 are still standing, one serving as a community center in Powhattan. There is also one, standing after a fashion, below the waters of Toledo Lake.

The Rosenwald Schools, who at one point were educating about a fifth of the African American children on the South, were built from 1912 to 1932. They fulfilled a vital function of providing educational opportunities during a time of segregation and discrimination when there were little or no opportunities for African American families to educate their children.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal trusts that Mr. Richardson enjoyed his time in Natchitoches and found it productive. We also wish him all the best as he returns to Morehouse College to complete his studies.

District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today the sentencing in an armed robbery case in the 10th Judicial District Court.

In May, Jaleel Tousant, 25 of Natchitoches, was convicted of principal to armed robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon for a 2020 armed robbery that occurred on Short Seventh Street in Natchitoches. The defendant, and two other co-conspirators, were armed with handguns when they intended to rob the victim at their home. During the robbery, one of the co-conspirators shot and killed another victim who was at the home during that time. A third victim was also shot, but survived their injuries.

Prior to the robbery conviction, Tousant was previously convicted of home invasion, accessory to aggravated burglary, battery of a correctional facility employee, and illegal possession of stolen things.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Desiree Dyess sentenced Tousant, who unsuccessfully requested leniency and a minimum sentence, to 75 years of incarceration at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

“This egregious and horrific crime is a tragedy for the victims, their families, and our community. We must continue to stand strong against these senseless acts of violence and the criminals who perpetuate these crimes,” said District Attorney Harrington.

Assistant District Attorney Richard Bray Williams and Special Assistant District Attorney, Clifford R. Strider, III prosecuted the case. 

The Natchitoches Police Department arrested two juveniles Wednesday afternoon for simple burglary and theft of a firearm.

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Dorothy Street on July 19 around 12:47 pm in reference to a residential burglary.  Upon officers arrival they were told that two juveniles gained entry into the home and removed a firearm.

Officers were able to locate the two juveniles later in the day and they were placed under arrest without incident.  The adolescents were later transported to a juvenile detention center.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.   

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,500 for the arrest of an offender.

The Louisiana Gumbo Cook-Off is returning to the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on Saturday July 22, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. In honor of this year’s festival theme, Celebrating Louisiana’s Cultural Gumbo, the festival will see the long-awaited return of the Gumbo Cookoff, in which professionals and hobbyists alike can compete in any of three categories and demonstrate their cooking skills.

Registration and the Cooks’ Meeting will take place at 8:00 am. Tasting and judging will begin at 12:30 pm with winners be announced at 2:30 pm. There is no fee to compete in the Cookoff. Gumbo must be cooked on-site outside of Prather Coliseum.

The Gumbo Cook-Off is the Louisiana Folklife Center’s way of celebrating the state’s unique and storied foodways, as well as the rich culture behind the cooking of gumbo. The ways of preparing gumbo and the ingredients used are as varied as the people who cook it, so there is no better way to embody this year’s festival theme of Celebrating Louisiana’s Cultural Gumbo.

For all those times you’ve wondered what it would be like to visit with sports stars you see on TV or read about, you get the opportunity free of charge next Thursday evening at the La Capitol Welcome Reception kicking off the 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.

You can be right there at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street (at the traffic circle) in Natchitoches. No need to dress fancy, just enjoy food and refreshments and music and a world-class museum, mingling with sports stars and their families from 5-7 next Thursday evening, July 27, at the museum.

Adding to the excitement — one of America’s most prized sports trophies will be on display on the second floor. Billy Cannon’s 1959 Heisman Trophy will be in the house through the weekend festivities, courtesy of the Cannon Trust, as a cornerstone of the museum’s months-old Heisman Trophy exhibit that showcases the state’s four winners: Cannon, John David Crow (1957), Joe Burrow (2019) and DeVonta Smith (2020).

But the spotlight is squarely on the Class of 2023, which includes a two-time Super Bowl MVP (Eli Manning), a women’s basketball superstar with Natchitoches roots (Alana Beard), a College World Series-winning LSU coach (Paul Mainieri) and three more LSU sports heroes (big league pitcher Paul Byrd, NFL receiver Wendell Davis and two-time USA track and field Olympian Walter Davis).

There’s another Pro Bowl NFL star, former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte. For fans of the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers, Ron Washington will entertain you – he managed the Rangers to the World Series in 2010 and 2011, and as the current third base coach for the Braves, he was also in that role when Atlanta won the 2021 Fall Classic. He was also third base coach in Oakland during the “Moneyball” years (he’s a featured character in the movie headlined by Brad Pitt).

Meet the amazing 86-year-old Walter Imahara, a Japanese-American who became a world-class weightlifter for decades – while running a Baton Rouge floral business, and serving in the United States military in the early 1960s. Another Baton Rouge hero is M.L. Woodruff, who won 11 state championships coaching baseball for Parkview Baptist.

Sports journalists Bruce Brown (Lafayette) and Lori Lyons (New Orleans/Houma) have covered many amazing games and highly-accomplished athletes, including plenty of LSHOF members, in their careers and will be inducted next weekend as well.

The Welcome Reception is also a wonderful chance to stroll around the 27,500-square foot museum, which has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Lots of display items have been rotated into exhibits, and there’s a new Kim Mulkey exhibit showcasing the LSU women’s basketball coach.

A frequent reaction from first-time local and area visitors: “I didn’t realize it would be this great! I can’t believe I haven’t been here already. I’m bringing friends next time.”

That’s the same sentiment for the entire Induction Celebration, which includes a free Friday evening Rockin’ River Fest concert on the downtown riverbank stage, and a free Junior Training Camp Saturday morning, July 29 with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans teaming with Hall of Famers to provide activity and instruction to kids ages 7-17 (no charge, but registration is necessary at LaSportsHall.com).

You’re invited to all the fun. Visit LaSportsHall.com to get more information and the schedule of events, make online ticket purchases and Junior Training Camp reservations, or call 318-238-4255 for participation opportunities for ticketed events.

Natchitoches Junior High-Frankie Ray Jackson School unveiled the 2023 Football Schedule for the upcoming season.

With tremendous community support, the football team aims to build upon the success of the previous year. Mark your calendars for the Jamboree, set to take place on Aug. 31 at 6 pm at the Natchitoches Junior High Stadium, located at 1621 Welch St. Tickets are $5 per person.

Sept. 7 – Home Game vs Provencal @ 6 PM

Sept. 12 – Home Game vs Pineville Jr. High @ 6 PM

Sept. 14 – Game @ Many Jr. High @ 6 PM

Sept. 21 – Home Game vs Calvary @ 6 PM

Sept. 28 – Home Game vs Leesville @ 6 PM

Oct. 3 – Home Game vs Magnet/Lab @ 6 PM

Oct. 5 – Game @ Alexandria Middle @ 6 PM

Oct. 12 – Game @ St. Mary’s @ 6 PM