The City of Natchitoches announced that repairs have been completed on a broken water line that caused a temporary outage near the Super 1 and Zippy B’s area at the intersection of University Parkway and the Bypass.
According to city officials, water service has been restored following the repair. However, customers who experienced low water pressure or were without water service during the outage are advised to boil their water until further notice.
The outage affected several businesses, including Super 1 Foods, Zippy B’s, Stine Home & Yard, First Federal Bank, and The Quad. Residents and businesses in surrounding areas also experienced disruptions in water service or reduced water pressure while crews worked to repair the leak.
City utility crews completed the repairs and restored service to affected customers. Officials thanked residents, businesses, and customers for their patience and cooperation during the repair process.
For additional information, contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.
One of college softball’s most accomplished coaches, Southern Arkansas’ Jason Anderson, is taking over the Northwestern State program.
Anderson has two NCAA Division II World Series appearances and 796 career victories, the second-most among active NCAA Division II head coaches and the 16th-most among active coaches across all NCAA divisions. Over 19 seasons as a head coach, Anderson has a 796-233 (.774) record while building championship programs at every stop of his career.
He was named the Hero Sports DII National Coach of the Year and NFCA Central Region Coach of the Year in 2016, while also leading the NFCA Central Region Coaching Staff of the Year for both 2016 and 2018.
His hiring was announced late Friday afternoon by NSU director of athletics Kevin Bostian, who conducted a rapid weeklong search to replace Jenny Fuller, who along with her associate head coach and husband Brad resigned last week after two seasons to become assistant coaches at her alma mater, Baylor, in his hometown of Waco, Texas.
The hiring timetable was urgent because the NCAA transfer portal opens Monday for softball. The Fullers signed several quality recruits for Northwestern before the Baylor opportunity developed after the unexpected retirements of two longtime assistants to 26-year Bears head coach Glenn Moore – a former Demon football player who got his coaching start under Rickey McCalister with the Lady Demons in the early 1990s. A core of 2025 NSU starters and top reserves is scheduled to return, led by SLC Pitcher of the Year Mattison Buster.
“We are extremely excited to announce Jason Anderson as the new head coach of our softball team,” Bostian said. “Coach Anderson brings a high level of energy to this position that our fans, current players and future recruits will notice in seconds. That energy, along with his ability to build a culture of success, displayed itself in the passion he showed for this position.
“Coach Anderson comes to Natchitoches with the reputation of being a program builder, a high-caliber recruiter and talent developer. He is the ideal candidate to continue the upward momentum within our program. We are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Natchitoches.”
Anderson comes to NSU after a remarkable 12-year run at Southern Arkansas that included seven Great American Conference championships, five consecutive appearances in the GAC Tournament championship game from 2022-26, 10 consecutive (11 total) NCAA regional appearances, three Super Regionals, and a pair of Division II Women’s College World Series trips.
“I appreciate and am thankful to President (James) Genovese, Kevin Bostian and the entire committee involved in the process for this opportunity,” Anderson said. “I’m excited about joining the Northwestern State softball family. It means a lot and something that I gave a lot of thought. I know there are a lot of good pieces in place and I am ready and eager to work with the student-athletes there, get after it and go compete for championships.”
The Muleriders won back-to-back conference tournament championships and complied a 48-9 record in 2026, marking the program’s third 40-win season in the past four years. Southern Arkansas produced three NFCA All-Region selections and an NFCA All-American this past season.
The 2025 campaign proved equally memorable as Anderson guided the Muleriders to a 43-10 record, a 28-4 mark in conference play and both the GAC regular-season and tournament championships. Southern Arkansas hosted an NCAA Division II Central Regional site and featured six All-GAC selections.
Pitcher Brinson Rogers earned a collection of national honors, including NFCA Division II Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-America recognition, while Anderson was named conference Coach of the Year.
Since arriving at Southern Arkansas in 2015, Anderson consistently fielded nationally competitive teams. His squads reached the NCAA Division II Women’s College World Series twice, including a third-place national finish in 2018. The Muleriders also held the No. 1 national ranking with a 22-2 record when the 2020 season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Anderson’s leadership, Southern Arkansas excelled in all phases of the game. His teams posted a batting average above .300 in eight different seasons, including a .347 mark in 2026, while his pitching staffs finished with an ERA under 2.50 in all but two seasons.
Anderson’s ability to develop student-athletes has been a hallmark throughout his career. He has coached more than 50 all-conference selections, more than 20 all-region and All-America honorees, a national player of the year, two national pitchers of the year, a national newcomer of the year, a CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year and multiple conference athletes of the year.
“The thing that made this job so appealing was the support for this program from the administration all the way down,” Anderson said. “I’ve known the Fullers for a long time and that was something they said that the support you get from the athletic director, the president and everyone to help us compete at the level we want to compete.
“If I was going to move on from a place that I’ve been for 12 years I wanted something I felt like I could come in and provide a good voice, set the expectation from day one of championship softball and have the support to match that in all areas of our program.”
Prior to Southern Arkansas, Anderson spent one season (2014) at Northwestern Oklahoma State and engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the country. The Rangers finished 41-15 after enduring more than five consecutive losing seasons, setting school records for wins, batting average, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs and walks.
The rapid transformation left a lasting impression on Missouri Western State Athletic Director Andy Carter, who hired Anderson while at NWSOU, crediting his leadership and culture-building ability as the driving force behind the program’s resurgence.
“Energy. You feel it. The way he talks, the way he comes into a room,” Carter said. “Talking to the parents, really positive energy. He’s there to help young people become better. He has the skill set to make it happen. He didn’t change our roster wholesale, but he brought enough higher-level students in, not just their talent but their energy and expectation level.
“He created a culture very, very quickly. Go look, we peaked that year – they haven’t been back to that – that was all because of the energy he brings every single day. When I watch the softball World Series, that just concluded, and I listen to their coaches talk, he’s the same. Sets the same standards, talks the same talk, walks the same walk. He can go to the highest level, if that’s what he wants to do.”
Before his stint at Northwestern Oklahoma State, Anderson guided North Alabama to a 40-win season and an NCAA Regional appearance in 2013, establishing multiple program records in the process.
Anderson began his head coaching career at Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas, where he compiled a 226-38 record in five seasons. He led the Mustangs to a National Christian College Athletic Association national championship in 2010 after a remarkable 52-1 season and earned NCCAA National Coach of the Year honors.
Anderson was also a five-time NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year and won at least 50 games in each of his final three seasons at Central Baptist.
Throughout his 19-year coaching career, Anderson has won 40 or more games 12 different times, guided his teams to 14 national postseason tournaments and never finished a season with a record below .500.
Originally from Houston, Anderson played baseball at Langham Creek High School. He began his college baseball career at Wayland Baptist where he earned All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors during his sophomore and junior seasons. He completed his collegiate baseball career at Arkansas Tech and graduated from there in 2001.
He and his wife, the former Renee Byford, have two children, Addison and Kyler.
A broken water line near the intersection of University Parkway and the Bypass has caused a temporary water outage affecting several businesses and surrounding areas, according to the City of Natchitoches.
The outage impacts Super 1 Foods, Zippy B’s, Stine Home & Yard, First Federal Bank and The Quad, formerly known as Frog Pond. Residents and businesses in nearby neighborhoods and surrounding areas may also experience a loss of water service or reduced water pressure while repairs are underway.
City utility crews are actively working to repair the damaged water line and restore service as quickly as possible. Water service will remain unavailable in affected areas until repairs are completed.
City officials thanked residents, businesses and customers for their patience and cooperation during the repair process.
For additional information, contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.
The Natchitoches Police Department has recognized Corporal Roy Lee as its Officer of the Month for May.
The department announced the honor on social media, congratulating Lee for his service and dedication to the community.
The Officer of the Month recognition is awarded to officers who demonstrate professionalism, commitment and excellence in carrying out their duties while serving the citizens of Natchitoches.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that beginning on Thursday, June 11, 2026, construction on an $84,124 pipe replacement project will begin on LA 117 in Natchitoches Parish.
This project will require the closure of LA 117 to replace a failed cross drain pipe located under the roadway near the intersection of LA 117 and Trash Rd (1.5 miles north of Provencal).
The work associated with this repair will require the road to be closed Thursday June 11th through Saturday June 13, 2026, weather permitting.
The removal and replacement of the 24” cross drain pipe is critical to ensuring adequate and proper drainage through the area, and helps prevent roadway flooding.
The project was awarded to Brudd Construction of Simmesport, LA.
This project was made possible by funding allocated from the Louisiana Transportation Infrastructure Fund (LTIF).
Permit/Detour section North bound traffic will detour east on LA 120, east on LA 478, north on I-49, and then west on LA 6 to LA 117.
South bound traffic will detour east on LA 6, south on I-49, west on LA 478, and then west on LA 120 to LA 117.
Join Marvin as he outlies “Changing the Rules” in our political election system in Louisiana.
Brought to you by Lance Lopez with Farm Bureau, the Harrington Law Firm, the Sharpco Hotel Group, the Mariner’s Restaurant and Local Businessman Pat Johnson;
It’s a six-hour drive from his home in Auburn, Ala., to Baton Rouge for Lyn Rollins, but he has his own comforts in LSU’s press boxes. (Photo by ADDISON EVANS)
(EDITOR’S NOTE: As Super Regionals begin this weekend, a classic voice of college baseball will be watching. Lyn Rollins has worked some Baton Rouge Regional assignments in years past, but nowadays his broadcast schedule wraps up with the end of LSU’s regular season. He’s weighing retirement, but will probably be back in August calling Tiger soccer and volleyball on ESPN+.)
By ADDISON EVANS, Journal Contributor
BATON ROUGE — Lyn Rollins arrives at Alex-Box Stadium early, as he always has, carrying his first Diet Coke of the evening, clutching the same worn brown briefcase that for decades has contained his neatly stacked game notes. He steps into the press box, his bright blue eyes scanning the monitors lined across the desk, his headset resting in place, waiting to begin the pre-game broadcast.
Around him, coworkers settle into their rhythm of preparing cameras, checking audio levels and lowering the deep blue SEC Network curtain for a backdrop in the announcers’ booth. His Diet Coke sits in front of him, but he still makes his way to the fridge for two more, a small routine that has outlasted nearly everything else in his career.
When he returns, he looks out to the empty rows of purple seats below him. Batting practice draws only a handful of fans. The sharp crack of baseballs to metal bats fills the air, echoing farther than it will once the crowd arrives. Soon his voice will fill it for many more watching at home.
Rollins’ real legacy is not anything he has said on air, but what his voice has come to mean to the people listening to it.
For decades, Rollins has been one of the defining voices of LSU sports, known for his “Lynisms,” a repertoire of colorful one-liners that have come to define him as a national treasure – cited by fans and media alike.
Here’s a sample:
“If Columbus would have had this wind behind him, he would have arrived in 1491.”
“You’re going to need a bloodhound, federal Marshall and a subpoena to find that ball.”
His most famous: “You can pucker up and kiss that baby goodbye! “
His career was not built in packed stadiums or bathed by television lights. It started during his undergraduate years at Northwestern State in a small radio station, KNOC AM in Natchitoches, where opportunity looked far less glamorous.
“They literally said, if you empty the trash cans… sweep the lobby… make sure the door is locked, the job’s yours,” Rollins said. “I thought I was in heaven to do it.”
It was not the job itself that mattered; it was the opportunity to be there at all. His mentorship, one he says deserves a capital “M,” under legendary broadcaster Norm Fletcher allowed him to learn by doing, even when that meant Fletcher stepping away mid-broadcast and leaving Rollins alone on the mic. Those moments, he says, were where confidence was built not by perfection but by being trusted to figure it out.
Rollins traces much of his foundation back to Northwestern. He credits former speech department head Dr. Edna West, known for her nationally recognized work in phonetics, for shaping the way he speaks, even if she never realized the impact of her influence. He also tips his cap to college chum and former Demon infielder Jim Hawthorne, an Anacoco native who helped him find his love for broadcasting baseball.
“Northwestern gave me a chance to develop on my own terms,” Rollins said. “It wasn’t like today where there are opportunities with the SEC Network, ESPN and streaming.”
Hawthorne found statewide acclaim on a faster track, taking over at LSU’s sports play by play man in 1983 and going through the golden era of Tiger sports until retiring in 2016. Rollins started calling LSU baseball games on TV a decade after his former classmate got to Baton Rouge, but now has lasted a decade after Hawthorne hung up his headset.
Rollins was briefly a sportscaster at KALB TV in Alexandria, his hometown, in the mid-1970s, but for the first two decades after college, he broadcast sports on radio stations – notably serving as the voice of two minor league baseball clubs, the Lafayette Drillers and the Alexandria Aces, along with a 10-year stint as the play by play man for Northwestern Sports. Living in Pineville, Rollins drew TV assignments in the mid-90s for LSU baseball on the Jumbo Sports Network, then baseball, football and more on Cox Sports Television, and TigerVision before the advent of ESPN+ and the SEC Network.
For much of his career, broadcasting was not a full-time job, requiring him to balance other work along the way. Through it all was his wife, Debbie, a librarian who supported him during those early years and remained a constant as his reputation and schedule grew.
Outside of broadcasting, Rollins’ life follows the same kind of balance. His mornings begin with black coffee, followed by some form of exercise — something he has done nearly every day since 1985, missing only three. What once meant long runs has shifted to walking or biking, but his discipline has never left.
Much of his time away from the game is spent outdoors, working in his yard in Auburn, Ala., where he and Debbie relocated to be near their son and his family. The move has improved his lawn care, and lifestyle: he’s paying attention to details he says he might have overlooked years ago. The pace is much calmer, which is a large contrast to the noise of game day in Baton Rouge.
Over time, Rollins developed not just a skill, but his philosophy.
“Honor the audience… whether it’s one person or a million… you owe everything you’ve got,” he said.
To Rollins, broadcasting is not just describing a game: it is creating an experience.
That belief shaped his style, one built on language, imagery and connection, and over time, it built something else: trust.
That trust extends far beyond broadcasting.
Over the years, Rollins has received letters from people he has never met, many of them from women with husbands and children describing how his voice became part of their lives during some of their hardest moments. Some wrote about husbands battling illness, explaining how, for a few seconds during a home run call, the game allowed them to forget everything else. Others wrote about their children who were inspired by his craft. Rollins keeps those letters in his briefcase as a reminder that it is so much more than just a game.
“For 30 seconds… they forgot about their illness… they were wrapped up in the game,” Rollins said. “The joy of being able to relieve somebody… just the realization that what we do means a lot to people. We don’t see that.”
To him, those moments define the meaning of his work far more than any award or recognition.
Back in the press box, the quiet doesn’t last long. The seats begin to fill, the noise builds and the anticipation of Tuesday night Tiger baseball takes over.
Rollins adjusts his headset, glances at his notes and leans forward slightly as the first pitch approaches.
For those in the stadium, it is another game. For those listening, it is something more. Rollins already knows how he’ll sign off when the day, still a long seventh-inning stretch away, comes.
What he’ll say: “You can pucker up and kiss this baby goodbye!”
He won’t spread those words tonight. As he has for decades, Lyn Rollins is the voice carrying his audience not only to LSU Sports, but to the picture he paints of the game.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Cane River Waterway Commission reminds all boaters operating on parish waterways that Louisiana law (La. R.S. 34:851.27) establishes and authorizes regulated speed limits and designated no-wake zones in specific areas, including under bridges, at public boat launches, and other marked locations throughout the parish.
A no-wake zone requires all vessel operators to reduce speed to the slowest safe speed necessary to maintain steering control while producing no wake. These restrictions are especially important in confined and high-traffic areas such as bridge crossings and boat launch areas, where vessel congestion, limited maneuvering space, and shoreline activity increase safety risks.
Boaters are advised that operating at excessive speed or creating a wake in these areas can result in dangerous conditions, including vessel collisions, shoreline erosion, damage to docks and ramps, and increased risk of injury to swimmers, anglers, and other waterway users.
Under Louisiana law, no-wake zones are enforceable and violations may result in citations and penalties. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with partner agencies, actively patrols area waterways to ensure compliance with all boating safety laws.
Just recently LDWF Enforcement Agents were patrolling checking compliance in No-Wake Zones.
Boaters are urged to:
• Observe and obey all posted no-wake zone signage and regulatory markers
• Reduce speed when approaching bridges, boat launches, and congested areas
• Maintain a safe distance from other vessels, docks, and shoreline structures
• Stay alert for swimmers, paddle craft, and anchored boats
• Operate vessels in a responsible and controlled manner at all times
Sheriff Stuart Wright and the Cane River Waterway Commission encourages all citizens and visitors to enjoy the parish waterways safely and responsibly.
“Safety on our waterways is a shared responsibility,” said Sheriff Wright. “Following no-wake zone laws under bridges and at boat launches protects lives, property, and ensures everyone can safely enjoy our rivers and lakes.”
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Cane River Waterway Commission reminds all boaters that adherence to Louisiana boating laws is mandatory and critical to maintaining safe recreational waterways throughout the parish.
Building toward defending last season’s Southland Conference championship, Northwestern State soccer head coach Ian Brophy has wrapped up his recruiting class with a pair of transfers, he announced Thursday.
The Lady Demons complete their 2026 roster with the additions of forward Iesha Rollins and defender Bonnie Miller.
The pair joins Rhiley Potteiger, Maliya Maldonado and Saki Tsuchiya as the transfers coming to Natchitoches this season.
Rollins, a native of Derby, England, comes to NSU following a season at Alcorn State.
With the Lady Braves, she led the team with six goals and was second on the team with 15 points.
Last season, she started 14 of the 16 games she appeared in. Her six goals came on the strength of hat tricks against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alabama State, the latter of which earned her SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Miller, a transfer from Lubbock Christian, started in 34 of the 36 games she appeared in during her two seasons.
She recorded one goal and one assist on the season with the goal coming in a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma Christian.
As a freshman in 2024, Miller scored two goals and dished out two assists, as she was named to the LSC All-Freshman Team.
Congratulations to Our BOM Bank Graduates! We are incredibly proud to celebrate five outstanding members of the BOM Bank team for graduating from the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at LSU!
The Graduate School of Banking at LSU is recognized as one of the nation’s premier banking schools, providing executive-level education focused on leadership, innovation, strategic growth, risk management, cybersecurity, and the future of the financial industry. For more than 70 years, GSBLSU has helped shape banking leaders from across the country. Their dedication to professional growth and commitment to excellence reflect the values we strive for every day at BOM Bank. We are proud to have leaders who continue investing in their knowledge to better serve our customers and communities.
Congratulations to:
Jacob Murchison
Aaron Savell
Drake Hale
John Sullivan
Luke Lucky
BOM’s Ken Hale, President and CEO, had the privilege of attending their graduation. Your hard work and accomplishments make the entire BOM Bank family proud!
Richard Lee Strother October 4, 1949 — May 9, 2026 Service: June 13, 2026 at 10 am at Blanchard Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them tonpjnatla@gmail.com
Emergency responders were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash in the 6400 block of U.S. Highway 84 near Clarence on June 4, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The crash was reported at approximately 5:05 p.m. Deputies with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, troopers with Louisiana State Police and personnel with Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to the scene.
Authorities said the crash resulted in non-life-threatening injuries.
Motorists traveling through the area were advised to use caution and remain alert to emergency personnel working at the scene.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies R. Thomas and T. Graves assisted with traffic control during the incident.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives have arrested a Natchitoches man in connection with two incidents involving the attempted forced entry of an occupied residence on the Coco Bed Road in Cloutierville, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On June 3, 2026, NPSO Detectives arrested Otis Sneed, 46, of Natchitoches, while he was incarcerated in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on unrelated matters. Following an investigation, Sneed was charged with Attempted Aggravated Burglary and Stalking.
On May 27, 2026, at approximately 9:15 a.m., NPSO Deputies responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Coco Bed Road after receiving reports of a man attempting to force entry into an occupied home while armed with a knife.
During the investigation, deputies learned the suspect allegedly arrived at the residence occupied by a female victim and her three juvenile children. Witnesses reported the suspect demanded entry into the residence and, after being denied access, allegedly used a knife in an attempt to pry open the rear door. The suspect then allegedly damaged a nearby camper belonging to a family member while attempting to gain entry.
Witnesses stated the suspect fled the area before law enforcement arrived. Deputies documented damage to both the residence and camper consistent with forced-entry attempts. The estimated damage to the structures was approximately $1,000.
Investigators also learned that deputies had responded to a similar complaint involving the same suspect at the same residence earlier that morning. In both incidents, the suspect reportedly left before deputies arrived.
The investigation determined that the suspect and one of the victims were previously involved in a dating relationship. Detectives gathered statements, photographs, and additional evidence that led to the issuance of criminal charges.
On May 27, at approximately 7:53pm, Sneed was arrested after the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office received reports of a suspicious person walking on La. Hwy 1 near Montrose. Deputies say upon coming contact with Sneed at that time, he fled but taken into custody a short time later.
As a result of the investigation, Otis Sneed was charged with:
Attempted Aggravated Burglary
Stalking
No injuries were reported during either incident.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the deputies and detectives involved in the investigation and reminded residents that victims of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment are encouraged to seek assistance from law enforcement and pursue protective orders when necessary.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies recently partnered with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Agents in the arrest of a wanted Robeline woman that resulted in a fishing violation and the seizure of illegal narcotics, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On Wednesday afternoon, May 27, 2026, at approximately 4:24 p.m., LDWF Enforcement Agents contacted the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance with a fishing violation on the east side of Cane River near the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches.
Upon making contact with a person fishing in the area, agents identified the individual as 32-year-old Hannah Sims, also known as Hannah Sharp, of Robeline. During the investigation, agents discovered Sims was fishing without a valid Louisiana fishing license.
A further records check revealed Sims was wanted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office since 2024 on charges of Criminal Trespassing, by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office since 2023 on charges of Possession of CDS Schedule I Narcotics, and had two outstanding warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office.
Agents and deputies also discovered Sims was in possession of approximately one gram of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
As a result, Sims was arrested and transported to the Natchitoches Detention Center, where she was booked on charges of Fishing Without a License, Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and the outstanding warrants from Natchitoches and Webster parishes.
Deputies say while transporting Sims to the Natchitoches Detention Center she began cursing and hitting her head on the patrol unit safety cage causing a minor laceration to her forehead. At the request of deputies, EMS responded to assess Sims in which she refused treatment.
The seized evidence will be submitted to the North Louisiana Crime Lab for analysis.
Deputies assisting LDWF Enforcement Agents included Deputy A. Middleton, Deputy A. Cheng, Deputy T. Hortman, and Deputy Lt. B. Smith.
Quick actions by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and the Provencal Marshal’s Office are being credited with rescuing a woman believed to be in danger and arresting an armed suspect during a domestic violence incident Tuesday night according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On Tuesday evening, June 2, 2026, at approximately 10:12 p.m., NPSO Deputies responded to a reported disturbance at a residence in the 2100 block of DeSoto Street in Provencal. Deputies arriving at the scene heard sounds indicating a possible altercation inside the residence, including what appeared to be a woman in distress.
Due to the circumstances and concern for the woman’s safety, deputies attempted to make contact with the occupants. After hearing continued distress from inside the home, deputies moved to a rear entrance where the door suddenly opened.
Deputies observed an injured female sitting near the doorway and a male standing behind her holding what initially appeared to be a hammer. The suspect, later identified as Wesley Movan, 33, of Provencal, refused repeated commands to exit the residence and surrender. Deputies then observed that the object was actually a hatchet approximately 18 inches in length.
Despite numerous commands to drop the weapon, Movan refused and assumed a threatening stance while holding the hatchet. Deputies deployed a less-lethal electronic control device, successfully disarming Movan and allowing deputies to take him into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, deputies observed visible injuries on the victim, including bruising and swelling around her eye, bruising on her leg, and damage to her clothing. The victim reported that she had been subjected to physical abuse, threats, and intimidation over several days and feared for her safety. She also stated she was unable to leave the residence or seek help due to fear of retaliation.
The victim was evaluated by EMS at the scene and declined transport.
Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigation Division responded to assist with the investigation. Evidence was collected, photographs were taken, and the victim provided a written statement.
Movan was transported to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and later booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.
Movan was charged with:
• Domestic Abuse Battery
• Domestic Aggravated Assault
• False Imprisonment
• Resisting an Officer
• Failure to Appear
Sheriff Wright commended the deputies, detectives, and Provencal Marshal’s Office for their swift response and professionalism in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.
The victim was provided with a Louisiana Victim Notice and Registration Form (LAVNS) to receive automated alerts via phone, email if the offender is released, transferred, etc.
If you know the victim of domestic abuse, contact law enforcement. Your information will remain confidential.
The City of Natchitoches announced that water service has been restored to most customers affected by the recent outage caused by a broken water line on Grand Ecore Road.
City officials said that while service has largely been restored, all customers in the affected area remain under a boil advisory until further notice.
The advisory will remain in effect until water quality testing is completed and the system is determined to be safe for normal use.
The City of Natchitoches apologized for the inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience and understanding during the repair and restoration process.
For additional information, residents may contact the Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.
Original:
A broken water line caused by a contractor working on Grand Ecore Road has resulted in a temporary water outage affecting several areas of Natchitoches Parish, according to city officials.
The City of Natchitoches said utility crews are on site working to repair the damaged line and restore service as quickly as possible.
Areas affected by the outage include all of Payne Subdivision, all of Sudbury Subdivision from Flora Street to the Grand Ecore Bridge, McCaa’s Mobile Home Park, Boston Fowler Road, Brickyard Road, Buck’s Grocery Road, Dawn Road, Grand Ecore Spur, Hargis Road, Holden Road, Industrial Avenue, Pridgen Road, Rex Waterwell Road, St. Saviour Church Road and Tauzin Island Road.
The outage has also temporarily interrupted the water supply to Clarence.
City officials said there is currently no estimated time for service restoration. Once repairs are completed, a boil advisory will be issued for affected customers.
The city is asking residents for patience as crews work to safely restore water service.
For additional information, residents may contact the Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.
A Mississippi man was arrested on multiple charges, including third-offense driving while intoxicated, after a traffic-related investigation in Natchitoches Parish led to the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling on La. Highway 1 South near Natchez at approximately 1:18 a.m. on May 29 when they observed a 2011 Chevrolet pickup truck stopped partially on the fog line with its emergency flashers activated. Deputies stopped to check on the vehicle and assist the driver.
The driver was identified as 27-year-old Wyatt R. Milnick of Utica, Mississippi. Deputies reported observing signs of impairment during their contact with Milnick. According to investigators, Milnick told deputies he was traveling from Pineville to Ruston, despite driving southbound, and admitted to recently consuming THC gummies. He also informed deputies that an AR-15-style rifle was inside the vehicle.
Deputies requested that Milnick perform standardized field sobriety tests, but he refused. Based on their observations, deputies arrested him without incident.
An inventory search of the vehicle reportedly resulted in the seizure of an open alcoholic beverage container, a glass smoking device commonly associated with narcotics use, a bottle containing suspected fraudulent urine and an American Tactical AR-15 .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle. The vehicle was later towed from the scene.
After arriving at the Natchitoches Detention Center, Milnick voluntarily informed deputies that he had a bag containing suspected methamphetamine concealed on his person. Corrections staff recovered approximately six grams of suspected methamphetamine from the groin area, according to authorities.
As the investigation continued, deputies obtained a search warrant authorizing the collection of a blood sample to determine the presence of alcohol or controlled substances in Milnick’s system. The blood sample and all evidence seized in the case will be submitted to a crime laboratory for analysis.
Milnick was booked on charges of third-offense DWI, possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and driving under suspension.
He remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center pending bond and court proceedings.
Deputy Cpl. N. Kerby was assisted in the investigation by Deputies A. Mays and K. Edwards.
Gov. Jeff Landry announced the signing of an executive order on June 2 that seeks to provide funding for teacher and support staff pay raises by reducing a portion of the state’s Minimum Foundation Program appropriation for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Under the order, the Minimum Foundation Program appropriation would be reduced by $168 million from what the administration describes as non-instructional spending. The funds would then be redirected to provide a one-time stipend of $2,000 for classroom teachers and $1,000 for support staff, along with associated employer retirement contributions, during the 2026-27 school year.
The proposal requires written approval from two-thirds of the elected members of both houses of the Louisiana Legislature before it can take effect.
“I promised Louisiana’s teachers a pay raise, and today we’re delivering,” Landry said. “For too long, teachers have been used as political pawns. That ends now.”
The executive order cites rising education spending despite declining student enrollment. According to the administration, Louisiana’s K-12 enrollment has decreased by more than 111,000 students since 1988, while inflation-adjusted per-student spending has increased from approximately $9,400 to about $16,500 per student.
The order also notes that many school districts maintain substantial unassigned fund balances and argues that educational funding should be directed more heavily toward classroom instruction and teacher compensation rather than administrative costs.
Landry pointed to recent academic gains as evidence that educators deserve additional compensation. The administration stated that Louisiana ranked first in the nation for reading growth and second for math growth for the second consecutive year. The state also reported being one of only two states performing above 2019 levels in math and the only state to exceed its pre-pandemic reading benchmark.
The governor’s office said approximately 51,000 public school teachers and 40,000 support staff could benefit from the stipend.
The order follows the failure of constitutional amendments proposed in 2025 and 2026 that would have dedicated savings from teacher retirement system debt reduction toward permanent salary increases for teachers and support staff.
If approved by the Legislature, the order would take effect July 1, 2026. The Louisiana Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education would be responsible for identifying where the reductions would occur while working with districts to minimize impacts on areas such as school security, transportation and food services.
State officials said districts may be encouraged to use available unassigned fund balances, where feasible, to offset reductions in funding allocations.
