For the past few weeks, Mr. Rockett’s eighth-grade Talent Visual Art students at Natchitoches Junior High School have been immersed in a creative project that combined imagination with artistic skill. Each student designed an original character, crafting a unique backstory and visual representation. The culmination of their hard work was a presentation of their designs, where they showcased their characters to professional artist and professor Zaire McPhearson.

Ms. McPhearson, an accomplished artist and faculty member at Winston-Salem State University, took time to meet with the students and share her own experiences as an art student. She discussed her journey through both undergraduate and graduate art programs, offering valuable insight into what it takes to pursue a degree in the arts. In particular, she emphasized the importance of developing specific skills and staying focused on the craft.

The students were not shy in asking thought-provoking questions about the art world. Among the queries, one student asked, “What specific skills or techniques should I focus on developing before starting an art program?” Another inquired, “What do you look for in a successful art student, and how can I stand out in the program?” These thoughtful questions reflected the students’ genuine interest in learning more about the art profession and what it takes to succeed.

Following the Q&A session, each student had the opportunity to present their character designs to Ms. McPhearson. The artist provided professional feedback, offering advice on everything from composition and character development to the storytelling aspects of their designs. She was impressed with the students’ creativity and the quality of their work, noting that their presentations were as polished as those of college students.

As the session came to a close, Ms. McPhearson expressed her enthusiasm for staying connected with the students. She hopes to meet with them again in the future to see how their artistic skills continue to grow. 

This experience not only allowed the students to gain valuable feedback from a professional in the field, but it also inspired them to continue exploring the possibilities of art and design.

There are a lot of hunters that can look back on Thanksgiving with fond memories. It’s not just about the food and football, but about their hunts as well. While some hunt ducks, quail or squirrels, others head for their favorite deer stand on Thanksgiving morning. Today we’ll go back in time during the early ‘70s on a hunt I’ll never forget.

Every year as far back as I can remember, my favorite time to go hunting was on Thanksgiving morning. There was just something special about this day and waking up early knowing that three good things were going to happen that day. First, I was going deer hunting looking to shoot a good buck. Next, I knew there would be one heck of a Thanksgiving spread waiting for me after the hunt.

This would be a meal that would include my mom’s tasty cornbread dressing, fresh brown gravy, candied sweet potatoes, green beans, hot butter top rolls, deviled eggs, and either a pan roasted turkey or, every once in a while, she would shake things up with oven baked Cornish hens. To wash all this down you could choose grape Kool-Aid or sweet tea. For dessert, there was a choice between sweet potato or pecan pie, along with mom’s famous fruit salad (which was better after Day 3) covered in homemade whipped cream topped with walnuts.

As you can see, there was no shortage of food. But the third thing I looked forward to, that Thanksgiving Day would not be complete without, was a Dallas Cowboys victory. Nothing was more satisfying after a great meal than watching the Cowboys destroy their opponent.

Let’s talk about a Thanksgiving hunt I will remember forever … my first buck at the age of 12. This particular morning the temperature was in the mid 40s with sunny skies predicted. It was a great morning for blowing smoke with your breath as you sat on your deer stand. But this day had a different feel, a feeling of anticipation because the weekend before, I had already seen the buck I was after.

It appeared to be a solid mature eight-point buck that I hoped would make his presence known. But for some odd reason, I decided not to sit in my stand which was in the woods at the top of a hill overlooking a creek. There was also a game trail crossing this creek that deer were using on a regular basis.

So, I set up at the base of a huge pin oak tree just 20 yards off the game trail. It wasn’t long (30 minutes) before I heard the sound of something crashing through the woods headed directly in my direction. As I peered through the dense wood cover, I saw the huge buck crossing the creek and coming straight at me. Then halfway up the hill, the big eight-point stopped and locked up as if he knew something wasn’t right.

I knew at this point the deer had probably gotten wind of me. I sat motionless with the buck looking in my direction about 30 feet away pawing at the ground. At one point it was as if we made actual eye contact. While this seemed like an eternity, I don’t think I took a breath for at least two minutes.

Finally, the buck looked back in the direction he came from and that’s when I raised my Remington 308 rifle and fired one shot. The buck jumped in the air and whirled around and headed back across the creek. I thought, “Surely, I didn’t miss that buck!” He was the biggest buck in the county in my eyes! But then I heard him hit the ground, confirming that I had made a clean shot.

The man I was hunting with, who was a good friend of the family, heard my shot and came immediately. We slowly walked towards the deer as we crossed the shallow creek and there he was, a really nice mature eight-point buck that I thought was the same deer I had seen the weekend before.

To say this was my favorite Thanksgiving ever would be an understatement! I was so excited and could not wait to show the deer to my family and friends. This is just one story of many that so many hunters get to experience during this time of year.

It’s also another reason for all of us to be thankful, not just for the opportunity to go hunting, but for the time we get to share with each other.

‘Til next time, good luck, good hunting, and I would like to wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Floyd Anders Antley Jr., 72, passed away peacefully in Lafayette, Louisiana, on November 24th, 2024. He was born on March 2nd, 1952, in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Floyd Antley Sr. and Rose Ebert Antley.
 
Floyd spent his early and adolescent life growing up in Natchitoches where he attended grade school culminating in his graduation from Natchitoches High School in 1970. He was a proud member of the 1969 Natchitoches High School Red Devil football team that captured the school’s first and only Football State Championship. He enjoyed reminiscing and celebrating with his teammates every year at their annual reunion in Toledo Bend, Louisiana. He had many friends from that team that he remained life-long friends with.
 
Following high school graduation, Floyd attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches for a few semesters before changing courses and beginning a career on offshore supply vessels. He worked his way all the way up to captain and enjoyed years of sailing the Gulf of Mexico here in the United States but also the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea in the Middle East.
 
Following his years at sea as a captain, he returned to Louisiana where he met Penny Elaine Powell. They were married on June 2nd, 1984, in Natchitoches, Louisiana and had two children. They started their lives together in Morgan City, Louisiana. They moved to New Iberia, Louisiana in 1985 when Penny took a position at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. They moved to Lafayette shortly after in 1986. The first of their children, Floyd (Andy) Antley III, was born in September of 1988. Floyd had another career change around this time where he entered politics. He worked on many successful campaigns including John Breaux’s US Senate run, Billy Tauzin’s US House of Representatives run, and Kenny Bowen’s Lafayette Mayoral run in 1992. After the successful Lafayette Mayoral election, he remained as a Chief Aid to the Mayor on Kenny Bowen’s staff from 1992-1996 where he also welcomed his second child, Lorrie Beth Antley, in January of 1994.
 
Following Kenny Bowen’s term expiring in 1996, Floyd then went to work for Patrick and Mike Leblanc at Louisiana Correctional Services where he served as their Operations Manager and oversaw their 7 private prisons at the time ranging from Tensas Parish, Louisiana all the way to Brownsville, Texas. Floyd finished his career working alongside Lafayette City Marshal’s Nicky Picard and Brian Pope. He retired from the Marshal’s office in 2018.
 
Floyd was an avid LSU fan. He became a football season ticket holder in the 1980s and continued attending games up until 2023 when he travelled to Orlando, Florida with his son Andy, and grandson Anders, to watch the Tigers take on the Florida State Seminoles. He passed his love and passion for the LSU Tigers and sports to his son and in turn his grandson. He loved to spend weekends at the ballpark watching Anders baseball, football, or basketball games. He was a constant fixture, always cheering his grandson’s teams.
 
Floyd loved all his grand babies so much. They were his pride and joy. He loved to support all of them in anything they did and was eager to talk about them with anyone he met. He had a total of 4 grandchildren including his son’s three children, Floyd Anders Antley IV, Scarlett Jane Antley, and Sawyer Elaine Antley, and his daughter Lorrie’s little girl, Jade Rose Darby. He will be dearly missed by all.
 
Floyd was the eldest of three children. He is survived by his two younger brothers, who he loved very much. Gary Dwayne Antley of Lufkin, Texas and Rickey Lynn Antley of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Both credit Floyd for helping make them the men they are today and always being the one they turned to as their older brother.
 
Survivors include former wife of close to 30 years Penny Powell, Cindy Wigely, brother Rickey Antley, brother Gary Antley, sister-in-law Robin Antley, son Andy Antley, daughter-in-law Whitney Antley, daughter Lorrie Antley, and Shane Darby.
 
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Rose Antley, stepmother Ione Antley, nephew Rickey Antley Jr, and nephew Matthew Gilbert.
 
Floyd left explicit instructions that he did not want a funeral or memorial service, and the family is respecting those wishes. Floyd will be cremated with his ashes left in the care of his loving family.
 
Floyd’s family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses at Lafayette General Medical Center, Dr. Molly Thomas, Dr. Scott Boniol, and Dr. Otis Barnum for their tremendous care.

Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market is coming to Natchitoches on November 30th. The Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market will celebrate its 20th year in operation on Saturday, November 30th from 9 am – 4:30 pm at the Natchitoches Events Center at 750 Second Street in Natchitoches. This event is free and open to the public.

There will be gifts for the whole family, from adults to children. Over 110 vendors from a four-state area will come to Natchitoches to sell their wares.

“The best part is everything offered at our craft market is handmade,” said organizer Cheryl Gianforte.

BOM donated Thanksgiving food items to Monica Evans for her 3rd annual Holiday Drive on Nov. 23. Turkeys, hams, canned goods, and other Thanksgiving essentials were distributed to families in need.

On November 27, meat lovers across the country celebrate National Craft Jerky Day, a day dedicated to the art of crafting premium, small-batch jerky. This tasty snack has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a method of preserving meat, evolving into a gourmet treat that showcases unique flavors and artisan techniques.

Jerky’s history dates back to ancient times when cultures worldwide dried and cured meat to extend its shelf life. However, the rise of craft jerky has elevated this simple snack into a culinary experience. Artisan producers focus on quality, often using grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, or exotic meats like venison, elk, and even bison. Small-batch production allows for precise flavoring and attention to detail, creating a jerky that’s as much about taste as it is about nutrition.

The explosion of creative flavor profiles has been a key factor in jerky’s resurgence. Sweet and savory classics like teriyaki and hickory-smoked remain staples, but modern artisans are pushing boundaries. Spicy options such as sriracha-infused jerky and ghost pepper varieties cater to heat lovers, while experimental blends like coffee-rubbed or maple bourbon jerky offer bold, unexpected tastes. Vegan jerky made from mushrooms or jackfruit has even entered the market, appealing to plant-based eaters.

Beyond flavor, craft jerky appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking high-protein, low-sugar snacks. Many producers emphasize all-natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives or artificial additives.

National Craft Jerky Day is a time to savor the creativity and care behind this age-old snack. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sweet, or smoky, there’s an artisan jerky to match your palate. This day serves as a reminder of how far jerky has come—from survival food to a gourmet indulgence.

As millions plan for the traditional Thanksgiving holiday celebration around the country, Natchitoches Parish residents were invited to get a FREE turkey and a chance to win various prizes (through a ticketed drawing) on Nov. 24. “Fly Care” Committee, chaired by Dallas area resident and Natchitoches native-Kendrick “Fly” Robinson, organized the third annual event which was held in the parking lot at First Baptist Church-Amulet.

“Helping the Natchitoches community at-large and in particular my immediate neighborhood is my sincere passion,” Robinson said.

Over 120 turkeys were available and donated by the Committee at the conclusion of the church’s worship service.

“Kendrick has an awesome give back spirit,” replied the Rev. Thomas E. Carter, Sr. as hundreds stood in line, listened to recorded music-waiting to receive the meat product, prizes and fellowship. Throughout the year, the Committee assists with awareness opportunities and multiple community enhancement services. Many of which are donor closed.

Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams lauded Robinson’s efforts as he shared his appreciation for what the Committee does through the miles. “We appreciate everything current residents and former residents-like Kendrick and the committee tend to do to help enhance our community,” the mayor said.

The Committee has been working on two additional projects in Natchitoches which includes an ongoing Christmas toy drive-aiding the Natchitoches Area Jaycees and a Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) effort for elementary school students.

Pictured: Kendrick Robinson, “Fly Care” Committee chairperson and Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr.

The Natchitoches City Council got in the Christmas spirit at its Nov. 25 meeting as it met Miss Merry Christmas, Layla Johnson, and her Christmas Belles Anderson Kelly, Destanee Stewart, Campbell Morrow, Ayla Payne, Bess Stewart, and Huntar Goings.

Council members also met Natchitoches Christmas Angels: Londyn Mae Tucker – Pre-K, Mary Beth Chasteen – K, Averi Bouchie – 1st, Madaylynn Barnhart – 2nd, Chloe McIntosh – 3rd, Zoey Solomon – 4th, Milleigh Aton – 5th, Hadley Mayeaux – 6th, Anistyn Rhodes – 7th, and Anna Marie Rawls – 8th.

The Council also approved the following agenda items:

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Approve A Memorandum Of Cooperative Endeavor Between The City Of Natchitoches, The Red River Waterway Commission And The Natchitoches Convention & Vistors Bureau To Promote The Use Of The Red River For The Kingkat Fishing Tournament

Approve The Granting Of A Right Of Pipeline Servitude And Easement In Favor Of Atmos Energy Corporation Over And Across Property Owned By The City Of Natchitoches, And Located In Section 84, Township 9 North, Range 6 West, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, Approving The Form Of The Pipeline Servitude And Easement And Further Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Pipeline Servitude And Easement And Any Other Related Documents; And Further Providing For Advertising

Revoke The Dedication Of A Portion Of Trudeau Street, A Portion Of Touline Street Which Are Situated In Sections 44 And 48, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, City And Parish Of Natchitoches, Declaring That The Said Portion Of Trudeau Street And The Said Portion Of Touline Street Are Abandoned And The Dedications Revoked, Providing For An Effective Date Of The Ordinance, And Savings Clause

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Accept And Approve The Power Supply Agreement For Sale Of Power And Energy Between Louisiana Energy & Power Authority (LEPA) And The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Power Supply Agreement On Behalf Of The City

Approve A Hydropower Pooling Agreement By And Between Louisiana Energy And Power Authority And City Of Natchitoches, And Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, Jr., To Execute Same

Approve That Instrument Titled Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between The City Of Natchitoches And David L. Dauzat, Sheriff Of The Parish Of Avoyelles Which Agreement Provides For Cost For Housing Of Male And Female Pre-Trial Inmates In Accordance With La. R.S. 15:706; Prescribing Terms And Conditions For Said Agreement, And Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, Jr. To Execute Same.

Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan For Use By The City Of Natchitoches To Assist The Historic District Business Association With Funding For Additional Security For The 2024 Christmas Festival Season; Authorizing The Execution Of Any And All Documents Necessary To Properly Effectuate Such Purchases; And Otherwise Providing With Respect Thereto.

RESOLUTIONS:

Advertise For Bids For FY 2023 LCDBG Street Improvements (Bid No. 0671)

Substitute An Associate Counsel With Consent Of The City Attorney For The City Of Natchitoches

Enter Into Addendums And An Amendment To The Joint Agreement With The Natchitoches Parish School Board And Natchitoches Parish Government

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be December 9, 2024

The Natchitoches Central boys and girls basketball teams rolled to season-opening wins Monday in the 19^th Annual City of Lights Thanksgiving Classic, and will wrap up the two-day tournament tonight with the girls playing Oakdale at 7 followed by the Chiefs against Ringgold at 8:30

Both the main gym at NCHS and the practice gym, where election voting takes place, are being used for the tournament. Admission is $10, cash at the door.

In the main gym, the 10 o’clock game today matches girls teams from Denham Springs and Haughton. Boys squads from Ruston and H.L Bourgeois play at 11:30, followed by a 1 p.m. girls game between Parkway and Rosepine. Southwood and Pineville boys play at 2:30, then girls from Mansfield and Anacoco meet at 4 and boys from Anacoco and Sulphur collide at 5:30.

In the practice gym, games also start at 10 with a girls game between Winnfield and Loyola, followed by boys action at 11:30 pitting Loyola against Barbe. A 1 p.m. boys game matches ASH and Byrd with the final game in the practice gym at 2:30 with the girls from South Beauregard and Ringgold tipping off.

Monday’s results:

Boys

NCHS 84 Loyola Prep 49

Barbe 52 Southwood 41

Sulphur 70 C.E. Byrd 38

ASH 58 H.L. Bourgeois 54

Bossier 64 Ruston 37

Pineville 38 Ringgold 35

Girls

NCHS 46 Winnfield 13

NCHS 47 Rosepine 14

Parkway 50 Denham Springs 18

Haughton 43 South Beauregard 41

Oakdale 65 Mansfield 50

Ringgold 40 Loyola Prep 15

Northwestern State University was announced as one of nine recipients of the University Affiliate grant program for 2024. This is made possible with funding from a five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico “Trash-Free Waters” grant. A total of $45,000 in reimbursement grants will fund projects, focused on recycling and reducing the use of single-use plastics, for the nine University Affiliates. 

Funded projects include:

• Dillard University: Reusable water bottles and campus education
• Grambling State University: Side-by-side terrain vehicle for campus recycling pick-up
• Loyola University New Orleans: Recycling station, tilt truck, and signage
• Northwestern State University: Water bottle refill station and reusable water bottles
• Southeastern Louisiana University: Water bottle refill stations and campus education
• Tulane University: Water bottle refill stations
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Recycling bins and reusable tote bags
• University of Louisiana-Monroe: Water bottle refill stations
• University of New Orleans: Water bottle refill station and reusable water bottles

These projects will result in a reduction of single-use plastic use on campus, a reduction of litter on campus and in waterways, a reduction of waste, an increase in recycling, and an increase in awareness of water quality issues caused by marine debris.

“It’s fantastic to have so many groups around Louisiana pitching in and helping the effort to clean up our state! The commitment and passion for litter prevention from our University Affiliates is something to be proud of,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We need to change the culture and habits in this state so we can let our light shine for all to see the beauty we have to offer. Through this grant, our University Affiliates are on the road to doing just that.”

The Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate program was developed in 2021 in response to a growing interest in sustainability, waste reduction, and litter prevention at the university level. University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with Keep Louisiana Beautiful as a sub-recipient, secured a $500,000 five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant to create and launch the program, develop a litter assessment app, develop educational training videos for campus communities, and fund grant opportunities for University Affiliates.

KLB University Affiliates include Dillard University, Grambling State University, Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana-Monroe, University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

By Brad Dison

Every year on November 26, dessert lovers come together to celebrate National Cake Day, a sweet homage to one of the most beloved treats worldwide. Cake, in its many forms, has a rich history and holds a special place in cultures across the globe.

The origins of cake can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Early cakes were more like dense, bread-like creations sweetened with honey. The word “cake” itself comes from the Old Norse word kaka, and the modern versions began to evolve in Europe during the 17th century when baking techniques improved and sugar became more accessible. Today, cakes range from elaborate layered confections to simple homemade treats, each with its unique twist.

Cultural interpretations of cake vary widely, showcasing its universal appeal. In France, the gâteau represents elegance, with the rich Opera cake and light mille-feuille as staples. Italy’s panettone, a fluffy holiday fruitcake, brings warmth to festive gatherings. In Japan, matcha-flavored sponge cakes blend traditional tea culture with Western baking. Meanwhile, in the U.S., cakes like red velvet and birthday cakes topped with buttercream have become iconic.

Some cultures use cake for ceremonial purposes, such as wedding cakes symbolizing prosperity and unity. In Mexico, the Rosca de Reyes is a ring-shaped cake enjoyed during Epiphany celebrations, while in Greece, the Vasilopita cake is baked with a hidden coin for New Year’s good fortune.

National Cake Day isn’t just about indulging in dessert—it’s an opportunity to appreciate the artistry, history, and cultural connections tied to this timeless treat. Whether it’s a slice of cheesecake or a piece of tiramisu, cake continues to bring people together, one delicious bite at a time.

By Prem Gongaju

I lived among the New Englanders, aka the Yankees, for a quarter of a century and I lived the second quarter of a century among the folks of Yoknapatawpha County, so to speak.

 “Separated by a Common Language”, a Shavian wit in circulation among the John-Bullied citizens on both sides of the swamp, which, I dare say, applies in good demographic as well as democratic measure among the Americans bifurcated by the Mason-Dixon line.

But my tongue betrays not for favoring either of the lingual flavor: Neither do I “park mah car” nor do I “pahk the cah.” My tongue smacks of the flavor of its own with its distinct tenor and tone, piquantly. You may call it Pepper X-y, after the recently crowned His Hottest Majesty in the Scoville Chilidom by the kingmakers at the Guinness, leaving the dethroned Carolina Reaper distraught by the wayside to reap what it sowed.

By and by, I am fixing to explain the Peoria steeped in the spicy stew of southern hospitality.

After working more than a quarter of a century among the crème de la crème issues of Pelican humanity in the living-learning community at the Louisiana School, I earned the privilege to call Natchitoches the Peoria of the south.

In the American cauldron of cultural gumbo, each entity, while smothered in the rue of common humanity, entertains its unique sense and essence of cultural recipe tattooed in the linings of the lungs that belonged to the voyagers famished for the host in the promised land as well as the stolen souls hauled in chains through the Middle Passage. Remembrance of things past offered, each a much needed momentary stay in the sordid saga of man’s inhumanity to man. The collective memory must not die. “To forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time,” says Elie Wiesel.

Hark the noble words of the wise man of Yoknapatawpha County: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.” The collective soul of a people must prevail.

I believe that “the ding-dong of doom” shall not clang; I believe that people shall rise and shoulder the chariot of democracy when the bell tolls. When the bell tolls, they shall know instinctively that it tolls for them.

A case in point: The denizens of Natchitoches had the front row seats as the drama for the mayor’s office played out in accordance with the rules and regulations pertaining to the runoff election on the stage of the City of Light. I like to think that the two qualified candidates—incumbent Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. and the former Mayor Lee Posey—befit the microcosmic model for the nation as a whole. Both candidates conducted their constitutional rights that were beyond reproach. And the former Mayor’s conciliatory notes afterward proved a classic example of grace under pressure. Mr. Lee Posey helped restore my faith in the fair and free election under the aegis of democracy. For no man is above the law.

Hence the question: Will it play in Peoria? And I say unequivocally: Yes, it will. And it is playing in the Peoria of the Pelican State of Louisiana.

District Attorney Billy Joe announced the dispositions on Nov. 21 for 10 felony cases in Division “B” of the 10th Judicial District Court:

Jocelyn Crenshaw, 33, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to second degree cruelty to a juvenile. As a result of her guilty plea, she was sentenced to 25 year of imprisonment at hard labor.

Primivito Delgado, 33, of Gloster, previously pleaded guilty to attempted failure to register as a sex offender in 2023 and was placed on felony probation. However, Delgado violated the terms of his probation by committing additional crimes during the probation period. Following a probation revocation hearing, his probation was revoked, and he was ordered to serve the original five-year hard labor sentence.

Joseph Brown, 20, of Campti, previously pleaded guilty to aggravated battery in 2023 and was placed on felony probation. However, Brown violated his probation by testing positive for an illegal substance. Following a probation revocation hearing, his probation was revoked, and he was ordered to serve the original three-year hard labor sentence.

Keshia Farley, 48, of Campti, previously pleaded guilty to violating a protective order in 2023 and was placed on felony probation. However, Farley violated her probation by contacting the protected person. Following a probation revocation hearing, her probation was revoked, and she was ordered to serve the original two-year hard labor sentence.

Darion Mitchell, 29, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a stolen firearms. Mitchell was sentenced to four years of incarceration.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jason Methvin. Judge Lala Sylvester presided over the cases.

Demario Davis, 33, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to possession of Bromazaline, a Schedule I controlled substance. At the time of his arrest, authorities seized multiple illegal narcotics and $4,901 in cash. As a result, Davis was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and the seized cash was forfeited to the state of Louisiana.

Jacoby Barrett, 31, of Coushatta, pleaded guilty to three charges: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, simple burglary, and failure to register as a sex offender. For the firearms conviction, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and an additional two years were added for the other charges, totaling 12 years of incarceration.

Treyvious Blackman, 23, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Dewondre Powell, 24, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Tavaris Smith, 22, of Many, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Seaman. Judge Lala Sylvester presided over the cases. 

Donald Hodge
4148 Palm Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

In a welcome move this year, the Louisiana Legislature extended the deadline for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against responsible entities—including schools, churches, and state-run facilities—until June 14, 2027.

This extension provides a crucial opportunity for survivors to hold those who have caused harm accountable. If you or someone you know has been affected, it’s essential to understand your rights and take action within this timeframe.

I’ve had 20 years of litigation experience, including in the area of child sexual abuse. Additionally, I am a licensed Private Investigator in Louisiana.  I am currently seeking information on specific instances of additional abuse at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.

Please contact me for additional information at 225-800-7124 (voice or text)

attorneydonaldhodge@gmail.com

Public Notice

Letter to LSMSA with notice to of Preservation of Evidence

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION regarding the destruction of evidence and perjury by Dr. Steve Horton and LSMSA.