Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP SVU) conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of 42-year-old Anthony T. Lacaze of Natchitoches.

In August 2026, LSP SVU received a complaint regarding the exchange of goods for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and sexual favors by juveniles. As a result of the investigation and information obtained, an arrest warrant was acquired for Lacaze. The arrest warrants were issued for indecent behavior with a juvenile (three counts), contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile (three counts), production of CSAM, and felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. On September 9, 2026, Lacaze was arrested and processed into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.  

LSP SVU works to rescue and seek justice for the victims of crimes involving the exploitation of children and the trafficking of humans for sex or labor. The public plays an important role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through an anonymous reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be found by visiting http://la-safe.org/and clicking on the “Suspicious Activity” link.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene of a commercial vehicle that became stuck on a soft shoulder on U.S. 84 east of Clarence on Sept. 8 around 9:20 pm, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said it appeared the driver of a 2024 Volvo truck was attempting to turn around before the road closure when the vehicle became stuck off the road on a soft shoulder.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies, Louisiana State Police and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded on Sept. 9 at 1:16 p.m. to a reported two-vehicle crash with non-life-threatening injuries on Hwy. 1 at Hwy. 494/120 in Cypress, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

One person was being transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The road was partially blocked on Hwy. 120 at the intersection of Hwy. 1.

Troopers assigned to LSP Troop E-Alexandria were investigating the crash.

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Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 held parish-wide fire training Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, with a focus on communication skills.

The training emphasized the importance of clear, effective communication on scene to keep crews coordinated, ensure accurate information reaches command and help keep responders and the public safe.

The training also focused on reducing confusion during high-pressure situations and strengthening teamwork among departments working side by side.

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The Cane River Waterway Commission will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 15, 2026, at 1483 Hwy. 119 in Natchez, Louisiana 71456.

The Cane River Waterway Commission, pursuant to RS 42:14/42:19A, will allow a public comment period prior to action on an agenda item upon which a vote is to be taken.

The agenda includes:

• Call to Order
• Roll Call
• Approval of Minutes from Meeting dated Aug. 18, 2026
• Approval of Financials — Bank Statements and Cunningham Investments
• Public Comments
• Executive Session

New Business:

• RMB Update — Mitchell Mayfield
• CRWW Office Update — Erika Cedars
• Fishing Tournaments — Asking the public to notify the commission when they are having a tournament, for patrol purposes. The commission needs to know when, where they are coming out of, who is in charge and a contact number, and approximately how many boats. Thirty days’ notice.
• Bill Allen — Natchitoches Parish Council Member
• Melrose pump
• Gazebos — Shell Beach Bridge

Old Business:

• Spray Update
• Auction Information
• Signage

Cane River Waterway Commission
1483 HYW 119
Natchez, Louisiana 71456
318-663-8815

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special assistance is needed, contact CRWC at 318-663-8815 describing the assistance that is necessary.

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Four students from Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) in Natchitoches were chosen alongside 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists as part of the 73rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Those students were Ian Meyers (’27), of Mt Hermon; Traylor Nagem (’27), of Monroe; Luke Naylor (’27) of Kenner; and Alison Key (’27) of Natchitoches. 

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $29 million that will be offered next spring.

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s National Merit Semifinalists and the tremendous work that led them to this achievement,” said Dr. Jason Anderson, Executive Director of LSMSA. “These students embody the curiosity, determination and pursuit of excellence that make the LSMSA community so special. We are proud to celebrate this moment with them and look forward to seeing where their talents and ambitions take them.” 

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning a Merit Scholar title. Finalists will be notified in early February. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2027 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in late March or April and concluding in July. 

LSMSA is Louisiana’s preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances. For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu.

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To the Editor

When I was a child, I loved the library. It was always there, open and welcoming, just at the end of the short bicycle ride. There was a wonderful world inside: books, magazines, newspapers, that seemed to have the answers to everything I wanted to know.

Within was the even more wonderful world of people who guided me from one book, and one idea, to the next. There were people who shared my interests, and opportunities to know and to grow in the company of people also drawn to the wonders of books and ideas.

Information has become more available, and acquiring it is certainly different from the way it was then. However, the nature and importance of community and sharing ideas has, if anything, become even more important.

One of the great blessings of our city is our public library.  Pacesetting in acquiring, presenting, and disseminating information, it retains an inspired vision of learning and sharing among all members of the community, and throughout the lifespan.

This is Library Card sign-up month.  Please get and frequently use this free, infinitely invaluable resource. It is a gift that we give to each other a gift we give to ourselves.

Yours sincerely,
Frank Fuller

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LSU football greats Leonard Fournette and eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson, along with Tiger baseball legends Aaron Hill and Ryan Theriot, head a star-studded nine-member group of competitors’ ballot inductees chosen for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction next summer.

The LSHOF Class of 2027 also includes two-time Triple Crown-winning jockey Robby Albarado; transformational Northwestern State and Alabama college baseball coach Jim Wells; one of the state’s most successful high school football coaches, Hank Tierney; the cornerstone of the 1985 Final Four ULM women’s basketball team, Lisa Ingram; and another LSU and NFL standout, Pro Bowler Henry Thomas.

The new class will be enshrined next June 24-26 at the Hall of Fame’s home in Natchitoches to culminate the 68^th Induction Celebration. Ticket information for the seven events over three days of festivities is available at the LaSportsHall.com website.

A 40-member Louisiana Sports Writers Association committee selected the 2027 inductees completing a three-week process. The panel considered 144 nominees from 23 different sport categories on a 34-page competitors ballot, with 58 reaching the final phase of deliberations.

Also spotlighted next summer will be three other Hall of Fame inductees from the contributors categories selected and announced later this year. 

Peterson ranked among college football’s best players before embarking on a tremendous 13-year NFL career. At LSU in 2010, he won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender and the Thorpe Award as the top defensive back – becoming the first LSU player to win those two prestigious awards. Peterson made the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons (2011-18) and was a three-time AP first-team All-Pro (2011, 2013, 2015). He was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s.

The consensus No. 1 player in the 2014 recruiting class from St. Augustine in New Orleans, Fournette earned All-American honors as an LSU sophomore after notching school single-season records of 1,953 rushing yards and 22 TDs. He broke the school single-game record with 284 yards on 16 carries in a 38-21 win over Ole Miss. Fournette played seven NFL seasons with Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and Buffalo, helping the Bucs win Super Bowl LV. 

Thomas was a standout defensive tackle for LSU, helping the Tigers win the SEC in 1988, and in 14 NFL seasons as a three-down interior defensive lineman. He made the Pro Bowl in 1991 and ‘92 and earned a second-team AP All-Pro nod in 1993 after recording 23 sacks in that three-year stretch with the Minnesota Vikings and was named one of the “50 Greatest Vikings” in the franchise’s 50^th anniversary season in 2010. 

Hill, a California native, played shortstop for LSU from 2001-03, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2001 and first-team 2003 All-American honors and SEC player of the year accolades. He played 13 MLB seasons with Toronto (2005-11), Arizona (2011-15), Milwaukee and Boston (2016) and San Francisco (2017), was an AL All-Star in 2009 and became the first player in MLB history to win a Silver Slugger award in both leagues – accomplishing the feat with the Blue Jays in 2009 and D-Backs in 2012. 

Baton Rouge native Theriot came out of Broadmoor High to play shortstop for the Tigers from 1999-2001. He helped Skip Bertman chalk up the last of his five College World Series titles in 2000 when he scored the walk-off game-winning run in LSU’s 6-5 victory over Stanford. Theriot was named to the CWS All-Tournament team. Playing three infield and two outfield spots, he hit .281 in eight MLB seasons, helping St. Louis win the 2011 World Series and getting another Series championship ring a year later in San Francisco.

Albarado, who died this summer and will be enshrined posthumously, retired from active riding with 5,222 wins (30^th all-time) in 2021 after 32 years in the saddle, which started in 1990 at Evangeline Downs. With a .440 in-the-money percentage, his mounts earned more than $221 million, 19^th all-time. Albarado won two Triple Crown races and was in the money on eight other occasions. He had three career Breeders Cup wins.

Wells, a Bossier City native, was inducted in the American Baseball Coaches’ Association’s Hall of Fame in 2023. The Northwestern State graduate and former Skip Bertman assistant ranked among college baseball’s top coaches in a 20-year career at his alma mater (1990-94) and Alabama (1995-2009).  Wells transformed downtrodden programs at NSU and Alabama. 

Tierney, a head coach for 40 seasons at Archbishop Shaw, West Jefferson and Ponchatoula, is in his 50th overall year of coaching. He entered the 2026 season sixth on Louisiana’s all-time wins list (340-125), six victories shy of fifth. He guided Shaw to its first state title in 1987 (Class 4A) and added another in 2024 (Division II Select) and has seven LHSAA Prep Classic appearances overall.

Ingram was a two-time all-American center who led ULM to the NCAA Final Four in 1985, was the pivotal figure on the great Northeast Louisiana Lady Indian teams which compiled a 102-15 record from 1981-86. Ingram, a native Floridian, is ULM’s and the Southland Conference’s all-time scoring leader with 2,601 points and is also ULM’s career rebounds leader with 1,173. An 18-year veteran of pro basketball overseas, Ingram was among the first to play in the WNBA.

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By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Assistant AD for Communications

During Jim Wells’ time as Northwestern State’s baseball coach, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame was housed on campus in Prather Coliseum – a vast difference from the globally-renowned structure in downtown Natchitoches at the north end of Front Street that now houses the Pelican State’s athletic legends.

While that two-story, 27,000-square foot building opened nearly two decades after Wells did his own construction job with the Demon baseball program, Wells will be able to call it home beginning next June as part of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2027, a group that was announced Wednesday morning.

Wells and the other eight competitive-ballot inductees – along with three additional award winners who will be announced at a later date – will be enshrined during the 2027 Hall of Fame weekend June 24-26 in Natchitoches.  He becomes the 21st competitive-ballot inductee from Northwestern, which also has produced seven Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism honorees.

“I’m trying to take it all in right now,” said Wells, a Bossier City native whose home-state coaching career included stops as the head coach at Shreveport’s Loyola College Prep and as an assistant on Skip Bertman’s early LSU staffs (1987-89).

“I sure look forward to it, and my family really looks forward to it. Thank God it’s 10 months away before we have to figure it out.”

It may take Wells, who coached Northwestern from 1990-1994 before a 16-year run as the head coach at Alabama, most of the time between now and the June 26 induction ceremony to work through the emotions of returning to a place that means so much to him personally and professionally.

That time frame stands in stark comparison to how quickly Wells put his stamp on the programs he led and the short amount of time he turned those teams into juggernauts.

Taking over a Demon program that had struggled through nine straight losing seasons and 11 without a winning season, Wells engineered a 17-win turnaround in his first season and delivered a Southland Conference title and first-ever Division I NCAA regional berth in 1991, his second season.

That SLC title began a run of three league championships in a four-year span.

“I remember interviews when he got the job where they said it was a four-to-five-year overhaul before we would be competing on a conference level, and we won the conference in our second year,” said Glenn Maynor, one of Wells’ first recruits who pitched four seasons for the Demons from 1990-93. “We won it in (19)91, then we won it again in ’93, which was my senior year, and they won it again the next year.”

Wells’ Natchitoches turnaround was based on the twin ideals of work ethic and attention to detail. It resulted in a remarkable 192-89 overall mark in five seasons at the helm of the Demons, a program-record .683 winning percentage, and three of Northwestern’s nine SLC regular-season titles.

It did not take long for word of Wells’ success to spread and to serve as a recruiting tool.

“I’d seen what was going on down there in Natchitoches through my brother,” said Demon 1994 All-American pitcher Reggie Gatewood, whose late brother, Jim, was part of Wells’ coaching staff. “After my second year at another D-I school, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I called my brother, and he said, ‘Whatever you think is going on here, if there’s an opposite to what you’re experiencing right now, that would be it, but just so you know, it’s not easy. It’s demanding. It’s physically and mentally tough. He’s focused on one thing, that’s winning.’

“That’s why I will walk through flames to get there (next summer). I knew he was going to get the best out of me. He was going to make me do things that normally I wouldn’t want to do, like run those extra miles, do all the physical things.”

Gatewood helped the Demons earn an at-large NCAA Tournament berth in 1994 – the second regional berth for Wells at his alma mater.

Across 20 years as a head coach at Northwestern and Alabama, Wells posted an 817-411 overall mark, collecting 14 overall NCAA Regional berths (1991 and 1994 at NSU), five conference titles (three SLC titles with the Demons) and three College World Series berths at Alabama. In 1997, Wells led the Crimson Tide to the CWS title game against his mentor and former boss, Skip Bertman, and LSU.

Wells’ impact on the Demon program has continued. Prior to Wells’ arrival, the program was 659-867-14, a 43.2 percent mark. In the 32 years since he left for Alabama following the 1994 season, Northwestern has won 55.1 percent of its games.

“It’s such a proud baseball program, and he started that,” said former Demon skipper Mitch Gaspard, whose first full-time college coaching job came under Wells at Northwestern. Gaspard went to Alabama with Wells, returned seven seasons later to lead NSU to great success, then succeeded him as Alabama’s head coach in 2010.

“Obviously, he had a formula of how he wanted to get the program built up and start the winning tradition there. It was in the relentless way he went about his work. 

“I owe my entire career to Jim Wells – the places I got to go and the things I got to do – were all because of Jim. I’ll never forget, I’m 23 years old and sitting in the stands at Texarkana Junior College – ironically Dave Van Horn (who succeeded Wells at Northwestern) was the head coach at Texarkana. Jim said, ‘Hey, I think I’m going to get my first full-time assistant at Northwestern State.’ He said, ‘Would you be interested?’ My old high school coach was one of the assistants at USL (now UL Lafayette), Emrick Jagneaux. He said, ‘You need to get with that guy. He’s hot and he’s going places.’”

Those places are landmarked with trophies and reputations that helped land Wells in the N-Club Hall of Fame, the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and now the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

“I think he’s one of the most underrated college coaches of the last 30 years,” Gaspard said. “That’s just how good he was. He always did it with class. You talk to people in that era, guys like Mike Bianco (the Ole Miss head coach, who preceded Gaspard as Wells’ assistant at NSU), and those guys will tell you the same thing. Even though he’s in multiple Halls of Fame, and now the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, I don’t know that he ever got the flowers he deserved for his coaching prowess and how he built programs.”

Wells’ stint as the head coach at Loyola College Prep in Shreveport started his career, one that kicked into gear when Wells joined Skip Bertman’s LSU staff, and the lessons Wells learned in Baton Rouge made their way with him to Natchitoches.

Bertman, who passed away in August, will be in Wells’ thoughts as he joins the shrine that already includes his mentor, competitor, contemporary and friend.

“Skip’s not far from any of our minds, those of us who have been around him,” Wells said. “Certainly so soon after his passing, I still haven’t quite gotten over that.”

Some 30-plus years after leaving Natchitoches to resurrect another program, a piece of Wells will permanently be part of the community that means so much to him and his family.

“I tell (my family) that I want to go back home (to Louisiana), and I’m still trying,” he said. “I’m still trying to get back there. It’s been almost 40 years it seems like. Louisiana is just so special to me, and home is so special to me. Bossier and Natchitoches, where my family and my wife’s family is from, that makes it much more special.”

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

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The Northwestern State soccer team is a confident group following its first victory of the season and aims to continue this evening as the Demons will honor five student-athletes for Senior Day as Arkansas-Pine Bluff visits.

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. and can be viewed on ESPN+. The ceremony is also being streamed  following the game.

NSU (1-5) is honoring forwards Emily Gundin and Iesha Rollins, midfielder Riley Stern, defender Emma Pethel and goalkeeper Saki Tsuchiya following the conclusion of the contest.

Paige Baumgartner is also a part of the class, but she took part in Senior Day festivities last season.

The group helped the Demons record win No. 1 of the season this past Sunday, 5-2 over Louisiana Tech.

“This is a great group of seniors,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “Riley was here before I even got here and Emily was a part of that first recruiting class for me and both have been great leaders for us. Paige and Emily have been a huge part of our success the last three years, helping us win the league last year, and Iesha and Saki have come in and become big contributors for us this year.”

The seniors combined for three goals and three assists, with Baumgartner scoring twice and Stern dishing out two assists.

With her goal against Jackson State as well as her two goals against the Bulldogs, Baumgartner earned the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week, her second career weekly award.

“It was great to win the player of the week,” Baumgartner said. “It was great to win the game on Sunday and I think the goals gave our team a lot of confidence and it helped us score those final three goals to win. I think that will spark our offense as we move forward and hopefully into conference play.”

Pethel has enjoyed her time with NSU, filled with tremendous memories, but is ready to make more as this season moves along.

“In addition to winning the regular season championship, that win over Texas will always stick with me,” Pethel said. “I am excited for what’s to come, as we try to get another championship this year.”

With the win over Louisiana Tech, the Demons have gone 12 straight home games without being beaten. With one more win or tie against UAPB, NSU ties the school record for most consecutive unbeaten home contests with 13, set from 2004-2006.

Overall, during the Brophy era, NSU is 19-3-4 at the Demon Soccer Complex.

UAPB (1-3) lost its only contest so far against a Division I opponent against Nicholls, but Brophy knows an unfamiliar team can pose challenges.

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Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Campti will be celebrating its 195^th Anniversary on Sept. 13, with Rosary at 8:30 a.m., Mass at 9 a.m. and will conclude with brunch immediately following.

Everyone is invited to celebrate this joyous blessing bestowed upon our community. 

History of Nativity of BVM:

In 1831, land for a chapel in the town of Campti was donated by Miss Frances Crichet. This new chapel was blessed and dedicated in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin by Father Jean Baptiste Blanc of Natchitoches on September 8, 1831. 

The congregation grew and in 1850, construction began on a new church under the direction of Father Philbert Jourdain, later named as pastor on October 19, 1851. Difficulties with the contractors forced Father Jourdain to retire to a monastery in France. A mortgage was negotiated and the church remained as a mission of Natchitoches until 1856 when Father Jean Baptiste Avenard was assigned as pastor. He succeeded in paying off the debt and helped to see his parish through the dark days of war and reconstruction. Campti was burned by Federal troops in 1864, but the church survived intact. 

Following their initial arrival in the Diocese of Natchitoches in the late 1880s, the Sisters of the Divine Providence established localized “convent schools” or small parochial schools adjacent to rural parishes and in 1894, the sisters established St. Cecilia’s school in Campti. Under Bishop Desmond, the parish was placed under the care of the Dominican Fathers in 1940. 

Facing shifting regional demographics and the consolidation of Catholic education across the Diocese of Alexandria, St. Cecilia’s school permanently shut its doors in 1965. 

Today, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the last remaining wood-frame antebellum church in the diocese. In 2003, Bishop Sam Jacobs designated the church in Campti as a Proto-parish in the Diocese of Alexandria with rank and title granted in perpetuity. Meaning it was an original parish within the Diocese of Natchitoches before it became the Diocese of Alexandria in 1910. 

Nativity Church also serves the mission of Our Lady of the Rosary, Black Lake.  

Paid Content

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Robert Paul Taylor
A graveside service to bury his urn at Emmanuel Cemetery in Chopin, LA will be announced at a later date.

Alma Natasha Rachal (Tasha)
Service: Saturday, September 12 at 2 pm at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Sandra Rachal
Service: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Willie Mae Kennedy
Service: Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 2-4 pm at RAMS Church on Fairgrounds Road in Natchitoches

Mary Blount
Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 2 pm at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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Due to a water main break and resulting water outage, L.P. Vaughn, Natchitoches Jr. High and Natchitoches Provisional Learning Center students were dismissed beginning at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.

NSU E-Lab and NSU Middle Lab students were dismissed at 11:15 a.m., followed by Natchitoches Central High School students at noon.

Students were released by bus or parent pickup. Natchitoches Central High School students who drive themselves to and from school were permitted to leave campus at dismissal.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board said updates were being posted in real time as each school was affected in an effort to get students home as quickly and safely as possible.

The school board said it will provide an update regarding Sept. 10 as soon as more information becomes available.

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Parish Government offices at the Courthouse located at 200 Church Street closed on Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. due to having no water service to the building. Offices will reopen tomorrow, Sept. 10 at 8 a.m. contingent on restoration of water service.

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The City of Natchitoches is currently experiencing a water outage affecting portions of the west side of Natchitoches.

City crews are actively working to identify and repair the issue and restore water service to affected residents and businesses as quickly as possible.

At this time, there is no estimated timeframe for when water service will be fully restored. The City will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the patience and understanding of residents while crews work to resolve the issue.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Natchitoches’ official communication channels for the latest updates.

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Northwestern State University’s main campus in Natchitoches dismissed classes at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 due to low water pressure, possible water outages and issues with City of Natchitoches water that could affect the campus.  The campus will remain closed for the rest of the day.  

NSU’s Child Development Center, Elementary Lab and Middle Lab Schools will dismiss at 11:15 a.m. 

Classes at NSU campuses in Shreveport, Alexandria, Leesville/Fort Polk and Marksville will take place as scheduled.  

Iberville Dining Hall will remain open for lunch hours.  Chik-Fil-A on University Parkway will be closed.  

Students should monitor NSU’s social media channels and www.nsula.edu for the current information on the closure and possible reopening. 

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The City of Natchitoches Planning and Zoning Department approved 41 permits during the month of August with an application value of $824,936.

See Full Report Here:

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A Grant Parish Sheriff’s deputy noticed a vehicle stopped in the middle of Hooper Road and turned around to check on it. The vehicle then sped away at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit that traveled through Grant, Rapides, Winn and Natchitoches parishes before coming to an end.

When the pursuit began, another deputy went to the location where the vehicle had been parked, where a drone landed nearby. Attached to the drone was $31,000 worth of methamphetamine.

Deputies learned the occupants of the vehicle were attempting to smuggle the methamphetamine into the federal prison using a drone. When the two men fled in the vehicle, the drone’s battery eventually began to run low, causing it to return to the location from which it was launched.

Leroy Rocha, 35, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was arrested for principal to aggravated flight from an officer, principal to reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of fentanyl and criminal conspiracy.

Javier Hernandez, 31, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was arrested for taking contraband into a penal institution, aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Both men are affiliated with the Mexican street and prison gang Tango Blast.

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The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested the following individuals over the past week:

• Demija Beaudion – Armed Robbery
• Shanika Bretell – Possession of Stolen Things
• Audrey Brown – Simple Battery
• Kassie Caskey – Failure to Appear
• James Davis – Remaining
• Tyrone Jackson – Resisting and Theft
• Kenneth Mitchell – Theft, Resisting and Simple Battery
• Priscilla Parker – Cruelty to Animals
• Joshua Pearrie – Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia and Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault
• Michael Rachal – Possession of Stolen Things
• Stafford Simmons – Resisting
• Jannette Small – Simple Battery
• Jeremiaz Solitaire – Possession of Stolen Firearms
• Brittany Tousant – Forgery of a Certificate of Insurance Identification Card
• Ashley White – Theft

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 $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

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Natchitoches Parish will see mostly sunny and hot conditions Wednesday, with highs in the mid 90s and southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with lows in the mid 70s.

Thursday will be partly cloudy in the morning before becoming mostly cloudy, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will again reach the mid 90s, with light and variable winds. Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with lows in the lower 70s.

Friday will be partly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will be in the mid 90s. Friday night will bring a slight 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with lows in the lower 70s.

Saturday will be partly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, increasing to a 50% chance in the afternoon. Highs will reach the mid 90s. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with lows in the lower 70s.

Sunday will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the morning, followed by a 30% chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will be in the mid 90s. Sunday night will be mostly clear with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening and lows in the lower 70s.

Monday will be partly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will again be in the mid 90s.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board approved a $1,218,861.60 stipend proposal for employees during its Sept. 8 board meeting.

The payment will be made as a single payment on Oct. 26 to all employees who received the stipend last year and are actively employed as of Oct. 19, 2026. The stipend amounts will be either $2,000 or $1,000, depending on the employee, and are gross amounts before taxes and other deductions.

The board also approved a proclamation recognizing Sept. 12 as Emma Robinson Williams Day. Williams was a longtime educator in Natchitoches Parish and would have turned 100 years old on that date. The request was made by her family to recognize her work and contributions.

The board approved items A through H on the executive report, most of which involved updates to the school board’s policy manual.

Discuss and consider updates to NPSB Facility Usage Agreement.

Discuss and consider adoption of NPSB Policy, Protection of Criminal Background Information.

Discuss and consider adoption of NPSB CHRI Policy.

Discuss and consider approval of 26-27 Pupil Progression Plan.

Discuss and consider NPSB Wellness Policy.

Discuss and consider NPSB Behavior Health Policy.

Discuss and consider revised NPSB Code of Conduct Student Handbook.

Discuss and consider NPSB Family Engagement Plan.

Regarding the facility usage agreement, the superintendent said the updated information and process will be presented to principals at the Sept. 15 principal meeting. The district is also working on an online application process that would have the principal approve the use of a facility before the request reaches the district office.

During informational reports, federal programs staff reported that grant applications that were under review at the time of the previous report have since been accepted with minor comments to be addressed during the next amendment.

A question was raised about students arriving late to school because of bus delays and missing breakfast. School offices should notify the cafeteria when a bus is running late so staff can hold breakfast or prepare quicker items for the students.

Collections for the first month of the new fiscal year were 3.1% above the same month of the prior year.

The board adjourned following the meeting.

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The Natchitoches Historic District Commission considered a number of renovation, signage, demolition and property improvement requests during its Sept. 8 meeting.

The commission approved an application from Citibank and Trust for renovations and a new sign at 146 St. Denis Street. Representatives said the bank had been working on the sign update for approximately eight to nine months.

The original application called for an 18-by-37-foot sign on the brick wall behind the bank. After discussions with the bank and the commission, the proposed sign was reduced to 14 by 17 feet. The sign will be centered on the existing wall between St. Denis and Horn streets.

Representatives said the sign incorporates elements representing Natchitoches history and the community, including the bank’s history, nearby historic landmarks, the Christmas Festival and the movie “Steel Magnolias.”

One commissioner said the application was submitted July 26, before the City Council passed its moratorium concerning murals. The commissioner said the sign could be viewed as a mural but ultimately moved to approve the application. The motion passed without opposition.

The commission then considered improvements at 123 St. Denis Street, known as Taylor Park.

The commission approved existing wrought-iron fencing and lighting at the park. Henry Taylor said the wrought-iron pieces used at the front of the park were original pieces that had been repurposed.

The commission also discussed the park’s existing stage, fencing and portable storage building. Commissioners said they did not object to having a stage in the park but expressed concerns about the materials and styling of the existing structure.

Taylor agreed to look at painting and sealing the stage and potentially adding greenery or other improvements. The commission asked him to return next month with plans for the stage, fencing and storage building.

The commission also discussed string lighting in the park. The lights were described as LED lights that come on at dusk. Commissioners did not object to the lighting.

Regarding the portable storage building, commissioners said it could not remain in its current appearance within the historic district. Taylor said the building was being used to store umbrellas, tables, chairs and a battery-powered mower. He said he was willing to look at options such as constructing a frame and adding greenery to make the structure less visible.

The commission approved the application with the understanding that plans for the stage, fence and storage unit would be brought back for review.

An application for signage at 216 University Parkway for Dean’s Oncology was ratified after the commission determined the administrative work met the applicable parameters.

The commission then approved a new roof for the Bishop’s residence at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Father Irene Sengelamy represented the church and said the project is part of the second phase of renovations to the Bishop Montault residence. The roof will be replaced with a white-colored material consistent with what is currently on the building.

The church also requested permission to display a vehicle as part of a fundraiser for St. Mary’s Catholic School. The request was for a display beginning in October and continuing through mid-December.

Commissioners noted that the historic district ordinance allows temporary signage for 60 days. Because the proposed display would extend approximately two weeks beyond that period, the commission approved an amended request allowing the vehicle to remain for two and a half months.

The commission then considered a demolition request involving property at 111 and 112 Second Street associated with the Anthony Ned Maggio Estate. Chalon Olivier Ahbol told commissioners that her father, George Olivier, established a furniture company on Second Street in 1966. She said an adjoining lot contains a deteriorated facade without a roof and that some of the brick has fallen.

Ahbol said she was considering purchasing the property and wanted assurance that the structure could be demolished so she could continue plans for Olivier Woodworks. She said the property could eventually provide parking and that she envisioned improving the remaining building, including a new awning, cleaned brick, repainted woodwork and new columns.

The commission agreed that the demolition could be approved should Ahbol purchase the property, but clarified that the future owner would still have to file the required application before demolition. The commission’s approval would then allow the demolition application to proceed, subject to the applicable six-month period following approval of the actual application.

The commission also discussed the proposed renovation of the City Park pool. The first phase of the redesign would include civil engineering, site development and foundation work. Funding had not yet been secured. Commissioners said they needed to see plans for the proposed renovation, particularly because the project would eventually involve architectural changes to the park and pool. Staff was directed to contact the architectural firm and obtain plans and images for presentation at the commission’s October meeting.

The commission also discussed a proposal that had been presented to the City Council regarding additional murals in the historic district. Commissioners were informed that the City Council had proposed a six-month moratorium on new murals within the historic district. The matter was expected to come before the City Council for consideration at its next meeting.

The commission adjourned following the discussion.

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