A recent traffic stop by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies led to the arrest of a Natchitoches man on felony drug and weapons charges according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were patrolling on Hwy. 6 East in the Grand Ecore area on Feb. 26 around 8:15 pm when they stopped a Nissan Altima for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as Brenton Holden, 30 of Natchitoches.

Deputies say while speaking with Holden and a passenger in the vehicle they smelled a strong marijuana smoke odor.

When deputies asked Holden about the marijuana smoke odor, he appeared very nervous allegedly informing them that he recently smoked marijuana.

Deputies suspected criminal activity obtaining permission to search the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered and seized, a bag containing approximately 25 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a loaded Taurus G3C semi-automatic 9mm handgun, a loaded Glock 42 semi-automatic .380 caliber handgun, weighing scales and other drug paraphernalia.

Deputies also learned Holden was wanted by the 10th Judicial District Court on an outstanding Natchitoches Parish Bench Warrant for Simple Cruelty to Animals and by the Natchitoches City Court on a Failure to Appear Bench Warrant.

Deputies say Holden allegedly confessed that the seized evidence belonged to him.

Holden was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine, Illegal Possession of Firearms in the Presence of Controlled Dangerous Substances, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 2-Counts of Failure to Appear and traffic offenses.

Holden remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond. The seized evidence will be turned over to the Northwest La. Crime Lab for analysis. The unidentified passenger was released without charges.

Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents are assisting in investigation. Lt. B. Smith, Deputy A. Middleton, and Deputy J. Creel made the arrest.

As Councilman-at-Large, my promise to each and every citizen of the City of Natchitoches is to work my hardest to further strengthen and develop a vibrant and inclusive community where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every opportunity is accessible to all.

A Councilman-at-Large holds a unique position of responsibility, representing the interests of an entire community rather than a specific district. To excel in this role, several key principles will guide my actions and decisions:

• Inclusivity: As Councilman-at-Large I promise to prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that all voices within the community are heard and represented. I will actively seek out diverse perspectives and engage with citizens from various backgrounds to understand their needs and concerns.
• Transparency: Transparency is essential for fostering trust and accountability in governance. As Councilman-at-Large I promise to be open and honest in my communications with citizens, providing clear explanations for my decisions while actively seeking feedback from the community.
• Accessibility: Accessibility goes hand in hand with inclusivity. As Councilman-at-Large I promise to always be approachable and accessible to all residents, making myself available for meetings, community events, and public forums. I will be responsive to inquiries and concerns, ensuring that each citizen feels heard and valued.
• Integrity: Integrity is the foundation of effective leadership. As Councilman-at-Large I promise I will uphold high ethical standards, acting with honesty, fairness, and integrity in all my dealings. I will prioritize the public good over personal interests and will be the first to hold myself accountable for my
• Collaboration: Collaboration is key to achieving positive outcomes for the community. As Councilman-at-Large I promise to work collaboratively with fellow council members, government officials, community organizations, and stakeholders to address complex issues and find solutions that benefit everyone.
• Advocacy: As a representative of the community, I promise to be a strong advocate for the interests and concerns of every citizen. I will actively champion policies and initiatives that promote equity, justice, and the well-being of all residents.
• Accountability: Accountability is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in government. As Councilman-at-Large I promise to be accountable to the community, regularly reporting on my activities, making decisions transparently, and accepting responsibility for my

By adhering to these principles, should you honor me with becoming your Councilman-at-Large, I promise I can effectively fulfill this role as a representative of the people, working to build a stronger, more inclusive, and equitable community for all residents.

We Can Do Better. Harold Bayonne for Councilman-at-Large #33

NOW CLOSED

Cathy Langley has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Cathy is an Air Force brat, calling England and Louisiana her homes. Cathy began her career in banking during high school and has been in the industry over 20 + years, working in every area in the bank. Cathy started at City Bank in September, 2020 when Natchitoches opened the Shreveport Loan Production office. She is a Loan Processor and the area Marketing Director for Shreveport/Bossier. Cathy is at our newest location in Bossier City. Cathy is a long time member of the Louisiana Literacy Volunteer program. In her free time, Cathy enjoys spending time with family and friends and 2 her pups, Bud and Buster.

Northwestern State begins its final home weekend of the season with another key game on Thursday night.

The Demons (10-16, 6-9) secured their spot in the Southland Conference Tournament with a win at HCU this past Saturday. But with four teams all within one place of each other in the conference standings, matchups, and perhaps more importantly, momentum can be gained starting on Thursday.

NSU hosts Nicholls (13-14, 7-8), one of two teams currently tied for the fifth seed in the tournament, at 6:30 p.m. in Prather Coliseum. Thursday’s game is a Blackout night for the Demons and their fans with the first 50 fans who enter receiving a free T-shirt. All fans are encouraged to wear black shirts to the game.

The goal against the Colonels will be much the same as it has been for the past several weeks and what it was in the first meeting between the two teams 28 days ago – ball security.

NSU turned the ball over 20 times in the game in Thibodaux, including a costly one on its final possession down by one point, and before Saturday’s game at HCU had more than 15 turnovers in four straight games. The Demons lost all four of those games.

Against the Huskies, the Demons had their second lowest turnover total since the middle of January with 13 and came away with the 64-55 win. It was the fifth win in seven conference games this year when NSU has turned the ball over 15 times or fewer.

“It’s something we talk about in practice, something we work on in practice and do all the things,” head coach Anna Nimz said about ball security. “We teach and reteach and watch film but at the end of the day it’s something we have to get done on the court. We have a goal every game we want to meet and for the first time in five games we did that. There’s a direct correlation there. The more chances you have to score, the better your odds are of winning the game.”

Even with the higher-than-preferred turnover totals, the Demons have been in games deep into the fourth quarter throughout the conference schedule. A three-point loss at Nicholls with, a seven-point game at Southeastern, a five-point game against A&M-Corpus Christi, another eight-point game against Southeastern in Natchitoches were all games the Demons lost and ones where they had 18 or more giveaways.

The Colonels turned their opportunities into 19 points against NSU in the first meeting, something that is now baked into their DNA under first-year head coach Justin Payne.

“Those kids are bought in to what Coach Payne is doing down there and they are working hard,” Nimz said. “I think their biggest skill set is how tough they are and just how gritty they are. We lost by three down there but we gave away a ton of points and that’s hard to come back from. But to give that many points away and still only lose by three means we’re doing a lot of things right. We’ve just got to limit those turnovers because they are a team that absolutely capitalizes on them.”

Prior to the late second dramatics that led to a Nicholls win, the Demons nearly had their way with the Colonel defense with assists on 60 percent of their made shots in the game. Karmelah Dean scored 13 points with four assists and Jiselle Woodson added four more helpers and one of five players with more than eight points in the game.

Nicholls was led then and continues to be propelled by one of the best sophomores in the conference in Lexi Alexander. She had 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting against the Demons and is fresh off a 28-point, 15-rebound performance in their win against Texas A&M-Commerce.

She was named Southland Player of the Week after averaging a double-double on the week. She has turned in three double-doubles in the past four games, just missing four straight with nine rebounds against UIW a week ago Thursday.

Containing Alexander will be near the top of the Demons’ game keys for a win on Thursday, that and controlling the ball against a feisty Colonel defense.

“All year it has been about committing to fixing us,” Nimz said. “We’ve had some good practices so far this week. We have to go into Thursday with confidence and know that we have to come in and get that game and split with them. They’re a great team and they’re going to bring it.”

Dear Editor:

Position: Airport Manager

Description: Directs, Coordinates and Supervises all day to day operations and activities related to the Natchitoches Regional Airport.

Qualifications: Broad knowledge of such fields as Accounting, Marketing, Business Administration,  Finance, etc. Equivalent to a four-year College degree, Plus 5 years related Airport Management experience and/or training.

Contact: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department, 750 Second St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches LA 71458-0037.

Applications may be picked up at the Event Center or you can download an application at www.natchitochesla.gov and turn into Human Resources at the Event Center when complete.

Deadline to Apply: March 15th, 2024

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Natchitoches Police Department is currently accepting applications for its upcoming Civilian Police Academy.  The upcoming Civilian Police Academy will start March 19 and will last for approximately eight weeks.  Classes will be held in the evening on Tuesdays at the Natchitoches Police Department Training Center. 

While attending the Civilian Police Academy members of the class will undergo training in offense and arrest report writing, D.W.I., juvenile crimes, evidence collection, use of force, traffic stops and other police related training. 

If you are interested in applying you can pick up an application starting today thru March 12, Monday thru Friday between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Natchitoches Police Department located at 400 Amulet Street.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, sign a waiver form and pass a background check.  This is a great opportunity for citizens to learn what it is like to serve as a Natchitoches Police officer. 

Congratulations to the Kiwanis Terrific Kids for the month of February at M.R. Weaver Elementary: Kiwanian Tiffany Gourdon, Jonas Hardison, Gregory Tyler, Zayden Phillips, Rodrick Hamilton, Amana Payton, Logan Loucious, Paxton Wallace, Bri’Asya Cummings, Kennedy Robinson, Jermany Burton, Jermany Jackson, Billie Williams, Carlos Mejia, Mariah Horton, Legend Sam, Brooklyn Smith, Mya Holloway, Ja’Liyah Brown, Ava Howard, and Jade Thomas.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to thank Quilts for Cops for providing quilts to Officer Gavin Watson, Officer Gregory Stewart and Officer Summer Carter who were recently injured in the line of duty.

The LSU AgCenter in Natchitoches will host a Master Gardener Class starting in April. The class will meet on Mondays starting April 1. The cost is $150 which covers all class materials. For more information or to get registration papers, contact Randall Mallette, county agent, at 357-2224. Registration is due to the AgCenter office by March 18. This class is great for any level of gardener, including topics ranging from fruits and vegetables to soils, weeds and bugs taught by agents and specialists from across the state. After completing the class, students are invited to join the local Master Gardener Association. 

For more information contact Randall Mallette, County Agent, at the local LSU AgCenter Extension Office 318-357-2224. You can also visit us on the web at www.lsuagcenter.com or at 624 Second St.  

District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced the enhanced sentencing of a three-time convicted felon who escaped custody from authorities shortly after the conclusion of his trial for a previous escape.

Kennth Hardy, 34, of Natchitoches, was convicted for simple escape in April. He was sentenced to five years at hard labor. Upon the conclusion of the trial, Hardy briefly escaped authorities while being transported back to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. He was quickly recaptured and charged again with simple escape.

As a result of the conviction, the District Attorney’s Office filed a habitual offender bill of information alleging that Hardy was a three-time convicted felon, seeking to enhance his sentence. A hearing was held on Feb. 21 in the 10th Judicial District Court on the habitual offender motion. Judge Desiree Dyess sentenced Hardy to 20 years at hard labor. A trial date of May 13 has been set for the second escape charge. First Assistant District Attorney Cloyd Benjamin, Jr. prosecuted the case. 

While the state is NOT under a burn ban, State Fire Marshal Bryan J Adams is strongly encouraging Louisianans to avoid any outdoor burning practices this week until conditions become less concerning.

Continuous, elevated winds coupled with mostly dry conditions across the state have led to an increase in brush fire calls for local fire departments. Several of these calls have escalated into large and dangerous wildfires that involved response from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

“Even though the current conditions are nowhere close to what the state experienced last summer, we need everyone to understand the ingredients for dangerous fires are in place right now,” said Adams, “These fires are resulting from small outdoor burn piles getting quickly out of control. They are proving to be challenging for firefighters and have destroyed properties.”

Open, outdoor burning is defined as setting fire to any trees, branches, grass, leaves, brush, or debris by private property owners for non-commercial purposes. If outdoor burning is unavoidable at this time, safety tips include:

• Ensuring weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, are safe for burning
• Confirming open burning is legal in your area
• Establishing a burn pile at least 75 feet from any structures
• Creating a 5-foot wet control line around the area
• Avoiding the use of flammable liquids to ignite a burn pile
• Remaining vigilant over the fire with a water source nearby at all times
• Alert a loved one or neighbor of your activities or conduct them with help
• If the fire does get out of control, call 911

The boys basketball teams from Natchitoches Central, St. Mary’s and Lakeview all advanced Tuesday night from the second round of the LHSAA state playoffs, moving on to Friday night state quarterfinal games.

Lakeview and St. Mary’s will play those games at home. NCHS will travel to Denham Springs.

Tuesday, NCHS topped visiting West Monroe 58-48. The Chiefs (28-7), seeded fifth in the state’s Non-Select Division I bracket, dumped the No. 21 Rebels and now will face fourth-seeded Denham Springs on the road.

Lakeview, seeded No. 1 in Non-Select Division IV, held off No. 16 Ferriday 78-72, building a 20-point lead before the Trojans rallied. The Gators (25-6) will host eighth-seeded Welsh Friday night in the quarterfinal round.

St. Mary’s overpowered Opelousas Catholic 65-29 and rolled into the Select Division IV quarterfinals. The No. 4-seeded Tigers (25-8) have won 17 of their last 18 going into a home game Friday evening against fifth-seeded Lincoln Prep.

There was plenty of opportunity to be found for NSU students nearing graduation at the university’s career fair held at the Friedman student union Tuesday, February 27. The fair featured 40 employers, ranging from a mix of governmental agencies to private industry. Over 150 students took advantage of this opportunity to meet with recruiters and jump-start their careers after they earn their degrees.

NSU will also be sponsoring a career fair in the month of March for teaching positions.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of the career fair is the positive impression NSU alumni have made on their employers. Many of the recruiters were alumni who have done well and have been sent back to help recruit for their firms. Alumni doing well and making a good impression creates opportunities for the next generation of graduates.

Congratulations, Heather Fredieu has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Heather was born and raised in Kingwood, Tx. She has been employed with City Bank since 2014. She started as a Paying & Receiving Teller at the University Branch and later moved to the Main Branch where she became the Internal Auditor.

In 2023 Heather was promoted to Assistant Compliance Officer.

Heather lives in Campti with husband Chad and daughters Braylee, Ava, and Meredith. She is a member of the Freedom Life Church in Natchitoches. Heather enjoys weekends at the ball fields and hanging out with family and friends.