By Kent W. Peacock, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, Director of Creole Heritage Center

The Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University, in partnership with Cane River Creole National Historical Park and Cane River National Heritage Area, welcomed 10 middle school social studies teachers from across Louisiana to NSU and Natchitoches for a three-day institute.

“Our goal was to give teachers a better understanding of who are Louisiana Creoles and their vibrant heritage so they feel confident incorporating these essential parts of Louisiana and the United States into their classrooms,” said Dr. Kent Peacock, director of the Creole Heritage Center.

Attendees learned about and visited many of the heritage sites in Natchitoches Parish that continue to bring the heritage of Louisiana Creoles to life with the hope they would bring their students to the sites in the future or bring these sites and the stories they preserve into their classrooms via virtual programming. Sites that attendees toured included NSU’s Creole Heritage Center, Melrose on the Cane, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum and two of Cane River Creole National Historical Park’s sites – Magnolia and Oakland Plantations. A particular highlight was hearing from Creoles of Cane River themselves through visits to St. Augustine Catholic Church and the Badin Roque House, made possible with the help of members of the St. Augustine Historical Society, and in newly recorded interviews by Cane River Creole National Historical Park.

“The success of the institute has to be attributed to all the volunteers and staff at each of the sites we visited, as well as National Park Service Ranger Meghan Schill and community leader Gail Jones who handled the responsibilities to make the institute happen,” Peacock said. Attendees benefited, too, from presentations by Belle Heritage’s Dr. Elista Istre, a cultural heritage and education consultant of Creole heritage herself. Most helpful for the teachers who attended were lesson plans and resources for the classroom provided by Istre, some of which attendees tried out themselves on the institute’s final day.

Based on feedback from the participants, the Creole Heritage Center is looking into presenting the institute again in Natchitoches, as well as at other Louisiana locations to help highlight the local Creole stories and historic sites that exist throughout the state.

Information on the Creole Heritage Center at NSU is available at nsula.edu/creole.

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Kim Tolliver, Director of the NATCOM 911 Emergency Operations Center, is reminding the public to use the designated non-emergency phone number, 318-357-7850, for all non-urgent matters. This measure is crucial in helping emergency dispatchers keep the 911 lines open for true emergencies.

“Our emergency dispatchers must be available for life-threatening situations,” said Director Tolliver. “We ask the public to assist us by using the correct line when the situation does not require an emergency response.”

Examples of non-emergency calls include:
Complaint Calls
Stranded Motorists
Lost or found property
Requests for information
Reporting incidents that do not pose an immediate emergency or threat

Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency or requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance should continue to dial 911 without hesitation.

NATCOM appreciates the community’s cooperation in ensuring that emergency services remain fast and efficient for those in urgent need.

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On the afternoon of June 4, 1987, 22-year-old Marquisa Kellogg was working at the Grand Slam Restaurant, a once-popular eatery in the Madisonville neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio.  She had served cheese coneys to two men in their early 20s whom she considered friends.  She said she knew them “from the neighborhood.”  Marquisa and the two customers exchanged pleasantries.  There was no reason for Marquisa to suspect that this day would be any different than any other workday at the restaurant, but according to newspaper accounts from 1987, it all went wrong when the two men walked up to the cash register.  The men had a brazen plan to rob Marquisa’s cash register.  When they approached Marquisa, one of the men pulled a weapon.  Marquisa took one look at the robber’s weapon and fled from her post at the open cash register.  When she regained her composure and returned to the cash register, she found that it was short by $25 and called the police. 

Police arrived at the restaurant, spoke with Marquisa, and began interviewing other customers.  Police struggled to find witnesses to the crime.  Upon hearing Marquisa scream, customers turned toward the cash register and saw her run away, but no one actually saw either of the men take money from the cash register.  Was this part of the plan?  Did the robbers intentionally steer the other customers’ attention onto the fleeing cashier and away from the cash register to enable them to quickly snatch some money?  Was this their grand slam? 

Marquisa later said the police failed to take the robbery seriously.  You see, rather than using a weapon that most people would normally expect a robber to use, such as a gun or knife, this robber used a much smaller weapon which was only about an inch-and-a-half long.  The weapon that the robber used to frighten Marquisa away from her cash register long enough to take money from it was a harmless six-legged winged insect called a Cicada. 

In an interview in 2021, Marquisa said the robbery at the Grand Slam Restaurant which received national news coverage had been blown out of proportion.  She said it had all been a prank gone wrong, but her register was still short $25.  Police made no arrests in this case.  

 Sources:

1.     Wilmington News-Journal, June 5, 1987, p.1.

2.     News Journal, June 6, 1987, p.12.

3.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 19, 2021, p.A5.

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Meet Bruno! A fluffy, lovable, senior lab/golden retriever mix who would be the perfect companion for someone looking for a low-maintenance, easygoing friend.

Bruno gets along well with most dogs. He’s a smart pup who knows commands like “sit,” “down,” and “take a lap” with his low energy level. He really enjoys car rides where he can put his little nose out the window and take in all of the scents.

Bruno would thrive in a peaceful environment where he can relax and enjoy life. He’s fully kennel and crate trained, which would help make him a breeze to care for.

Independent by nature, Bruno is happy to spend time on his own but will light up at the chance to be brushed and scratched—it’s his favorite thing! If you’re seeking a loyal, mellow, and loving dog, Bruno is the one for you.
Ready to give Bruno the love he deserves? He’s waiting for you!

For more information about Bruno please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit our website npfauna.org

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By Prem Gongaju

I

For starters, it is good from the get-go to own a banana republic for the banging production of endless bananas. (In Hawaii, the pineapples were second to none; and “Climate crisis” jinxed the State of Florida from winning the title of Banana Republic.)

The credit, all of it, belonged to O. Henry, who, while holed up in the Republic of Honduras, peered “Through the Looking Glass” and discovered the Central American country of Anchuria.

Subsequently, O. Henry fathered the bitter-sweet phrase. Viola! We have got banana republic.

Fast forward to the current Tariff-ic situation in America, the public saw/heard the grilling of Commerce Secretary Lutnic by Rep. Madeleine Dean: You Can Not Build Bananas in America. She firmly held up the Exhibit A in her right hand, and said, You Can Not Build Bananas in America.

II

Perhaps O. Henry might be entertaining from beyond the grave that he rued his days in the greener pasture by dropping an M before [a]nchuria. Clearly he can see that this is the age of Manchuria.

The Manchurian Candidate – to be precise.

“The Manchurian Candidate” would have earned O. Henry the coveted literary pedestal of the prestigious kind, keeping his critics from panning his oeuvre. Frank Sinatra would have unveiled his bust before the gathering of American heroes who were the valiant defenders of “embattled human autonomy.”

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit deputies initiated a traffic stop on June 7 around 6:31 pm on a 2009 silver Kia SUV on South Drive in Natchitoches for expired registration according to officials from the Drug Enforcement Unit.

The driver, Brittany N. Jones, along with three passengers- Gary L. Peterson, Christopher Burks (Steven Burks) and an unidentified passenger—were detained for further investigation.

During the stop, deputies discovered that none of the occupants possessed valid driver’s licenses.

Christopher Burks provided false identification; however, he was later positively identified as Steven Burks. Further inquiry revealed that Burks had three active warrants, resulting in his arrest.

Agents also learned Jones and Peterson were wanted by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a camouflage bag containing approximately 18 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two firearms-a Hi-Point 9mm, and aSCCY CPX 9, 9mm.

Burks was charged with possession of the narcotics and firearms found inside the bag.

One passenger was released without charges.

*Steven Burks, 50, of Natchitoches was booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, 2-Counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of Narcotics, Resisting an Officer by Giving a False Name and Failure to Appear in the 10th Judicial District Court on prior criminal charges.

*Brittany N. Jones, 31, of Natchitoches was booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with Failure to Appear in Rapides Parish. Jones was also issued a citation for the Expired Vehicle Registration.

*Gary L. Peterson, 55, of Natchitoches booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged Failure to Appear in Rapides Parish.

The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.

Jones and Peterson are awaiting transfer to Rapides Parish.

Natchitoches Drug Enforcement Criminal Patrol Units were assisted by the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to a NATCOM 911 Center distress call on June 7 regarding two hikers lost off the Caroline Dormon Backbone Trail in Kisatchie National Forest in Natchitoches Parish.

911 operators were limited in obtaining accurate GPS coordinates due to a weak cellphone signal but gathered enough information to determine the hikers were likely in the area of the Caroline Dormon Trail.

At the time, the temperature exceeded 90 degrees with a heat index over 100 degrees.

Multiple units arrived on the scene and confirmed the location details. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and a Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 drone were deployed to assist. A coordinated ground and aerial search commenced, continuing throughout the afternoon.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., the two hikers were located, suffering from symptoms of heat exhaustion.

They were safely extricated from the forest and transported to an awaiting EMS unit for evaluation. Two members of Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 also experienced heat exhaustion symptoms and were treated on scene. All individuals were released without requiring further transport to a medical facility.
Sheriff Stuart Wright thanks all responding units for their quick response and dedicated efforts in today’s successful search and rescue operation.

Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities during high temperatures. Heat exhaustion can set in quickly, especially in remote areas where hydration and shelter are limited. Always carry adequate water, wear appropriate clothing, know your route, and let someone know your plans before entering wilderness areas.

The United States Forest Service was notified.

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Poll Question #1: In your Opinion – Should the Parish Government return to “in-house” operations of Parish Trash Collection (Current Operated by Waste Connection?)

Answer	Response
YES	27.26%
NO	72.74%

Poll Question #2: In your Opinion – is the Parish Government prepared and ready to assume operations of Parish Trash Collection?

Answer	Response
YES	14.69%
NO	85.31%

Poll Question #4: In your Opinion – has the Parish Council and Parish President approved all of the appropriate Ordinances, Amendments and Budget items to legally purchase assets, legally fund and legally operate the Parish Trash Collection operations?

Answer	Response
YES	15.96%
NO	84.04%

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Poll Question #4: In your Opinion – do you believe the Parish Government can operate the Parish Trash Collection operation from day one WITHOUT losing any money?

Answer	Response
YES	16.38%
NO	83.62%

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Number of participants who complete the form: 2,206

This poll was to gain insight among the readership of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  This is simply a snapshot-in-time of the opinions of our readership. This is NOT a scientific poll.

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Parish to discontinue use of third-party trash, waste collector

Waste Connections Bayou, Inc. Sets the Record Straight on Natchitoches Parish Trash Service Transition

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Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, June 9 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 St. in Natchitoches.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Employee Of The Month Nicole Oakes

SPECIAL GUEST: Charles Hall – Henry O. Flipper Foundation

PROCLAMATION:
Proclamation Declaring June 14, 2025 as “Birthday Of The United States Army” In The City Of Natchitoches.

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:

• Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Lot on South Side Sidney Street Being The West 20 Feet of Lot 3 and The East 20 Feet of Lot 4 of The David Pierson Lots (119 Sidney St.)

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

• Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches To Award The Bid For The South Williams Water Line Project (Bid No. 0675)
• Ordinance Declaring Certain Buildings Unsafe And Recommending That Same Be Demolished Or Put Into Repair To Comply With The Building Code, Authorizing Notice To Be Served, Fixing Hearing Date And Appointing Curator To Represent Absentees

RESOLUTIONS:

• Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, Jr., To Execute A Fourth Lease Amendment To Water Tower Option And Lease Agreement With New Cingular Wireless Pcs, LLC, Said Amendment Providing For An Extended Term, Providing For Consideration And Escalating Rent, The Ordinance Further Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.
• 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.
• Resolution Establishing Meeting Times And Places Of Natchitoches Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Waterworks District No.1.
• Resolution Appointing Stacy McQueary As Clerk Of The Council For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Appointing The Auditor For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Appointing the Fiscal Agent For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Designating The Natchitoches Times As the Official Legal Journal For The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.
• Resolution Appointing Members To The City Planning Commission For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Advertise For Bids For Equipment Replacement, Sludge Thickner No. 1, City Of Natchitoches Wastewater Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0674)
• Resolution Designating Thursday, June 19, 2025 As An Official Holiday For The Employees Of The City Of Natchitoches In Observation Of Juneteenth.
• Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Natchitoches Committing The Required Match Contribution For A Safe Streets And Roads For All (SS4A) Grant Application.
• Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Enter Into A Contract With Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC, For The Euclid Casualty Package Insurance Renewal Effective June 30, 2025 Through June 30, 2026.
• Resolution Authorizing Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., To Execute An Agreement With The Louisiana Office Of Community Development For The 2023 – 2024 Community Water Enrichment Fund Grant Application (CWEF) For Improvements To The Natchitoches Water System

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be June 23, 2025.

PAID CONTENT

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Join Marvin as he shares a letter received from Waste Connection regarding the Parish of Natchitoches trash collection.

• Parish President John Salter declined to appear.
•  

Paid Content

 

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The Krewe of Excellence participated in the Natchitoches Council on Aging’s Annual Fan Drive, donating more than 35 fans to help provide relief for senior citizens throughout the community.

The donated fans will be distributed by the Council on Aging to assist elderly residents in staying safe and comfortable during the hot summer months. This contribution supports ongoing efforts to meet the needs of vulnerable populations and promote wellness among local seniors.

The Krewe of Excellence’s involvement reflects its commitment to community service and making a positive impact in the lives of Natchitoches residents.

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The City of Natchitoches has officially kicked off its Summer Youth Program, offering local students the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience across various city departments.

Participants in the program will assist in areas such as parks and recreation, public works, finance, and other municipal offices. The initiative aims to help youth develop essential job skills, explore career paths, and contribute positively to their community during the summer months.

By engaging in meaningful tasks and learning from city staff, the students are building experience that will benefit them well beyond the summer. Residents may see participants actively working around town and are encouraged to show support as the youth gain practical knowledge and serve the city.

The program reflects the city’s continued investment in young residents by creating opportunities for growth, learning, and civic involvement.

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The City of Natchitoches will celebrate Juneteenth with a full day of festivities on Saturday, June 21, honoring freedom, culture, and community spirit with activities for all ages.

The celebration kicks off with morning events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MLK Recreational Center located at 660 MLK Drive. Morning highlights include a celebrity basketball game, an alumni matchup between Natchitoches Central High School and Lakeview, a fraternity game, and a spirited first responders game. In addition to the athletic events, attendees can enjoy dance showcases, a 3-point shooting contest, and a community health fair offering wellness resources and services.

Evening festivities move to the Natchitoches Riverbank from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring live zydeco music by Chris Ardoin & On Point Band, along with a high-energy DJ set from GODJ Chris. Families can look forward to fireworks, a Kids Zone, and a wide variety of food vendors and popup shops, creating a festive downtown atmosphere.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, follow the City of Natchitoches or event organizers on social media.

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Natchitoches Junior High is proud to announce the formation of Sigma Epsilon Alpha (ΣΕΑ), a groundbreaking Greek lettered academic fraternity and sorority exclusively for eighth-grade students. Sponsored by veteran English Language Arts teacher Dustie Rambin, ΣΕΑ is designed to celebrate and cultivate academic excellence, leadership, and community service among the school’s top scholars.

A New Tradition of Excellence
The idea of establishing Sigma Epsilon Alpha draws inspiration from the storied traditions of college fraternities and sororities, bringing their spirit of scholarship, empowerment, and achievement to the middle school level. The organization’s name reflects its core values:  
Scholars (∑): A commitment to academic excellence  
Empowering (Ε): Supporting and uplifting one another  
Achievement (Α): Pursuing personal and academic growth

“Our vision is to cultivate a culture of academic distinction in our school where high-achieving students are empowered, enriched, and inspired to reach their fullest potential—both in the classroom and beyond,” said Mrs. Rambin, who brings over 13 years of classroom experience and a passion for education and a recognition of the impact that student involvement has on creating a positive school culture to her role as sponsor.

Membership and Expectations
A brief synopsis of the criteria for membership is presented as follows:
Membership in ΣΕΑ is open to all eighth-grade students who:
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate mastery in math and ELA
Exhibit leadership potential and a commitment to community involvement
No more than three referrals within the school year and zero fights
Procure a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school staff member

Prospective members must complete an application, including an essay and a possible interview with current members, ensuring that each participant embodies the fraternity/sorority’s values.

Enrichment, Service, and Support
ΣΕΑ members are expected to assist and participate in community service projects, organizing school events, and engage in peer tutoring to assist other students in their academic endeavors. By honoring academic excellence and providing elite students with special privileges and enrichment opportunities, the club aims to inspire motivation, boost student confidence, and elevate the culture of learning throughout the school.

Fostering Future Leaders
Principal Bobby Benjamin, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the new organization. “Sigma Epsilon Alpha is more than just an honor society. It is a catalyst for building a school culture where academic achievement is celebrated and aspired to. As sixth and seventh graders see their peers recognized for their hard work, they’ll be motivated to set high goals for themselves. I am deeply grateful to Mrs. Rambin for her vision and dedication in bringing this program to life. Her leadership will ensure that ΣΕΑ flourishes and becomes a beacon of excellence at Natchitoches Junior High.”

By establishing clear expectations and providing visible role models, Sigma Epsilon Alpha will help cultivate future leaders and lifelong learners throughout the school community. The organization stands as a prestigious recognition program for the most dedicated scholars, while also serving as a source of inspiration for younger students to pursue academic excellence.

With Sigma Epsilon Alpha, Natchitoches Junior High takes a bold step toward creating a supportive, enriching environment where learning is celebrated, effort is rewarded, and every student is empowered to achieve greatness.

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Northwestern State University’s Art Department held the first of three art camps June 2-6 for area youngsters. Forty young artists between the ages of 5 and 11 will enjoy a week of creativity and learning as they work with NSU Art faculty and older art students.

In this week’s camp, the youngsters develop their creativity in several different areas from printmaking and self-portraits to sculpture. The third camp is for older artists, aged 12-18, and will teach more advanced art skills. The teens will choose among resources such as 3D printers, laser cutters/engravers, carving, printmaking and more. The instructors will be NSU Art professors, and the camp will be similar in style to actual classes at NSU’s Art Department.

NSU has been hosting these superb opportunities for young artists to learn, make new friends, and grow for over 15 years. A measure of the program’s success is that several camp alumni are now Art majors at NSU. If you would like more information about NSU’s Art Camps, feel free to contact Associate Professor Corbin Covher at covherc@nsula.edu.

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Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that has the potential to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees. In the latest iteration of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions. The OMV recommends that customers ignore and delete such messages.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:
· DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source
· DO NOT respond or send your personal information via text
· Delete all suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov
· Exercise caution with all communications you receive from anonymous sources
· Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source
· Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)

The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at http://www.expresslane.org.

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