
September 1, 2026

News Articles


A Natchitoches man has been arrested after he allegedly called the Natchtioches Parish Sheriff’s Office, falsely reporting that he had shot his girlfriend near Natchitoches according Sheriff Stuart Wright.
At approximately 1:07 a.m. on Aug. 31, NPSO 911 dispatchers received a call on an administrative telephone line from a male who stated twice, “I done shot my girlfriend,” before disconnecting the call.
Dispatchers immediately attempted to call the number back several times; however, the calls went directly to voicemail, which had not been set up.
Recognizing the potential seriousness of the call and the possibility that someone may have been injured and in need of immediate medical assistance, NPSO communications personnel immediately began working to identify the caller and determine his location.
Dispatchers searched prior Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) records associated with the telephone number and located a previous call connected to a residence in the 2800 block of Louisiana Highway 494. Deputies were immediately dispatched to that location to conduct a welfare check.
While deputies were responding, dispatchers conducted additional research on the telephone number and searched prior CAD records for other possible locations associated with the number.
During the investigation, NPSO dispatchers were also able to establish communication with the male caller through Text-to-911.
During the text conversation, the male refused to identify himself or provide his location. He continued to claim that he had shot his girlfriend but stated that she was “OK” and that he intended to wrap the wound with a towel.
Dispatchers repeatedly attempted to persuade the caller to provide his location and allow deputies and emergency medical personnel to respond, explaining the potentially life-threatening dangers associated with a gunshot wound. The male continued to refuse assistance and declined to provide information that would assist authorities in locating him.
As communications personnel continued communicating with the caller, an NPSO patrol supervisor contacted detectives assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit for assistance in locating the cellular device.
Through investigative technology, HTCU detectives were able to develop information indicating that the cellular device was in the area of a residence in the 100 block of American Way.
Deputies responded to the residence, where they located the cellular device believed to have been used to make the original call. A male identified as 25-year-old Kydarius A. Brown of Natchitoches was located in the residence and taken into custody while deputies continued their investigation.
Deputies continued their investigative efforts and made contact with the alleged shooting victim, confirming that she was safe and had not been the victim of a shooting.
Brown was taken into custody without incident and eventually arrested on one count of False Communication with Intent to Cause an Emergency Response.
Brown is currently on felony probation.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended NPSO 911 Communications personnel, responding deputies, patrol supervisors and High Tech Crime Unit detectives for their coordinated efforts in attempting to quickly locate the caller and any potential victim.
“This was a call that had to be treated as a potentially life-threatening emergency from the moment it was received,” Sheriff Wright said. “Our dispatchers continued working every available avenue to identify and locate the caller while deputies were responding and checking possible locations. Their persistence, combined with the assistance of our High Tech Crime Unit and responding deputies, allowed us to locate the telephone and a person connected to this investigation.”

The City of Natchitoches is putting recently awarded Clearance and Demolition Grant funding to work. The grant provides critical resources to remove structures that have deteriorated beyond repair and may pose safety, health, environmental, or neighborhood concerns.
As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to eliminate blighted and unsafe structures, strengthen neighborhoods, and improve the overall quality of life for residents, 14 properties are being demolished and cleared across the City.
“This funding is about more than tearing down abandoned buildings. It is about investing in our neighborhoods and creating opportunities for what comes next,” said Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. “Every unsafe structure we remove helps us create a cleaner, safer and more attractive Natchitoches while opening the door for reinvestment and revitalization.”
Through the initiative, the City is targeting qualifying properties that have been identified as vacant, abandoned, severely deteriorated, or otherwise unsafe. Lathan Construction, which was recently awarded the work to clear the properties, began demolition activities Aug. 10. The work includes demolition of approved structures, removal and disposal of debris, and clearance of the properties in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
The project supports the City’s broader efforts to:
The City recognizes clearance and demolition are important first steps, but the long-term goal is to move properties from blight to opportunity by supporting redevelopment and encouraging uses that contribute to stronger, more sustainable neighborhoods.
Residents may see demolition crews and equipment operating at approved sites as the current phase of work continues. The City asks residents to exercise caution around active demolition areas and comply with posted safety restrictions.
The City of Natchitoches will continue identifying opportunities to leverage grant funding and other resources to address deteriorated properties, improve neighborhood conditions, and support strategic reinvestment throughout the community. For more information about the project, contact the City of Natchitoches Office of Planning and Zoning at (318) 357-3840.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Deputy Joshua Wolf, assigned to the NPSO Youth Services Division, recently graduated from the 49th Louisiana D.A.R.E. Officer Training and is now a certified D.A.R.E. Officer.
Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington addressed the graduates reminding them to set examples for the students they teach.
NPSO Youth Services Division Lt. Derick Turner attended the graduation ceremony in support of Deputy Wolf and represented the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office during the event.
D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a nationally recognized program that brings specially trained law enforcement officers into classrooms to provide students with education and skills designed to help them make safe, responsible, and informed decisions.
D.A.R.E. officers receive specialized instruction preparing them to work directly with students in the classroom. The program focuses on topics that include good decision-making, resisting peer pressure, communication skills, drug and alcohol awareness, bullying prevention, and building positive relationships between young people and law enforcement.
As a certified D.A.R.E. Officer, Deputy Wolf will now be able to bring these lessons into Natchitoches Parish schools while continuing the Youth Services Division’s mission of building positive relationships with students, educators, and families.
The NPSO Youth Services Division works closely with schools throughout Natchitoches Parish, providing School Resource Officers, youth education programs, and other initiatives designed to promote school safety and encourage positive interaction between students and law enforcement.
Sheriff Stuart Wright congratulated Deputy Wolf on completing the training and earning his D.A.R.E. certification.
“Deputy Wolf’s certification is another valuable addition to our Youth Services Division and our continued commitment to the young people of Natchitoches Parish,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright. “Programs such as D.A.R.E. give our deputies an opportunity to interact with students in a positive environment while providing them with information and decision-making skills that can benefit them throughout their lives. We congratulate Deputy Wolf on this accomplishment and look forward to the positive impact he will have in our schools.”

Library Sets Free September Programs for All Ages
The Natchitoches Parish Library has scheduled free programs for children, teens and adults in early September at its Main Branch and Northeast Branch in Campti. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Main Branch hosts a needle felting class for adults at 6 p.m., a painting program for children ages 9 to 12 at 6 p.m., and teen game night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Belly dancing classes for teens and adults begin Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6:15 p.m. and continue weekly through October, ending with a performance at Witch Way to Main Street. Pokeno for adults is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Northeast Branch in Campti. Ongoing weekly programs include story time for young children and caregivers Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Spanish classes for adults Wednesdays at 6 p.m., both at the Main Branch.
America 250 Celebration Set for Sept. 26 at Fort St. Jean Baptiste
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site and the Cane River Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will hold an America 250 celebration at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the fort, 155 Jefferson St. The program includes the Natchitoches Central High School JROTC, patriotic music, a flag folding ceremony, a reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and tours of the American and Catholic cemeteries. Admission is free for ages 6 and under, $6 for ages 7 to 61 and $4 for ages 62 and older. Parking is available at the Riverside Reserve lot. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic basket.
NSU Part-Time Job Fair Set for Sept. 15
Northwestern State University’s Career Center will host its annual Part-Time Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. The fair connects students of all majors and classifications with local employers offering part-time jobs, internships and flexible schedules. Scheduled employers include RoyOMartin, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, BOM Bank and Cane River National Heritage Area. Students register through Handshake. Employers may register through Sept. 8. Information is available from Job Location and Development Officer Natalie Mangandi at mangandin@nsula.edu.
STEM Day Registration Open for High School Students
Northwestern State University’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will host NSU STEM Day from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 25, on the Natchitoches campus. The event is open to students in grades 9 through 12 interested in STEM fields and related careers and includes hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to meet STEM faculty and students. Registration is open through Sept. 20 at nsula.formstack.com/forms/nsustemday.
Ten Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot
Louisiana voters will decide 10 proposed constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot, alongside the parish, municipal and judicial races for which qualifying closed Aug. 7. Amendment text and ballot language are available through the Secretary of State’s office and the Legislature.
August Brought 11 Straight Days Above 100 Degrees
A high pressure dome that moved from Oklahoma across North Texas into North Louisiana produced 11 consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures in the Natchitoches area during August. The heat coincided with the burn ban that remains in effect across much of the region and with the extended dry conditions behind it.
ROAD CLOSURE: U.S. 84 at Bourbeaux Bayou
U.S. 84 over Bourbeaux Bayou, just east of the Village of Clarence, remains closed until further notice. DOTD said the condition and size of the box culvert require the roadway to stay closed for the safety of the traveling public. The department is developing a contract and seeking emergency funding to allow a contractor to replace the existing culvert with a new structure. Motorists should prepare for an ongoing closure and detour. DOTD said a more definitive timeline will be provided once available.

Dr Julian Bailes joins Billy West Live to discuss the recent findings published in the British Medical Journal with disturbing statistical findings in former NFL players and why the quest for a living diagnosis of CTE is so important
https://www.bmj.com/content/394/bmj-2026-100526
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The Natchitoches Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is now underway, giving local fans a chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.
Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Natchitoches Parish high schools and key regional games. This week’s round concludes Friday, Sept. 4, so there is still time to make your picks and get in the game.
Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.
Participants can submit their picks online through the NPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Natchitoches Parish.
Opens in a new tab.
Contest Rules & Details

JOB TITLE: Maintenance
DESCRIPTION:
Not a heavy-duty job.
Wash cars when finished, no detailing!
Able to transport cars to and from locations for repairs!
Good driving record,
A Jack of all trades, working with a class act company!
SALARY: Salary depends on experience!
CONTACT: Come by and apply at Ronnie’s Collision Center 209 Ralph St.
PHONE: 318-352-5959.

The LSU AgCenter will host a free four-part beekeeping series this fall for individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of successful beekeeping.
The first meeting will be held Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Natchitoches Parish Library.
The series is designed for beginners, and no prior experience is required.
Topics will include beekeeping basics, essential equipment, hive health and management, honeybee biology and life cycle, honey harvesting, seasonal hive management, and question-and-answer sessions covering common beekeeping challenges.
No registration is required, and all are welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Randall Mallette with the LSU AgCenter at 318-357-2224 or rmallette@agcenter.lsu.edu.

MONROE — The Northwestern State Demons volleyball team looks to build on their momentum from the win they picked up over Grambling Saturday as it travels to face in-state rival ULM this evening at 6.
The Demons (1-2) defeated Grambling (1-2) Saturday afternoon 3-1 as senior Jade Longlad had a career high 47 assists while Elsie Sanchez and Amber Craig both had 15 kills to lead the Demons.
Northwestern recorded 64 kills which was the most by the program since Oct. 31, 2024, when the Demons had 69 at home in a 3-2 win over Houston Christian.
NSU will take on a familiar foe in ULM (1-2) as the two teams have met 59 times in history with ULM holding a 30-29 lead. The Warhawks defeated the Demons last season at Prather Coliseum 3-0. Despite the loss, the Demons are 11-4 in their last 15 against the Warhawks.
“This will be a good in-state game,” said second-year head coach Ben Kaszeta. “It will help us to learn to prepare for our single game days. ULM is a very comparable program with a good history. We’ll see if our young kids can go out and compete with a Sun Belt opponent.”
NSU will also look to ride the hot hand of sophomore Emmarie McFarland. The Alvin, Texas native recorded her 20th career double-digit dig match with three straight as she finished with 52 for the weekend.
The match can be seen on ESPN+ with a subscription. Fans can also follow live stats online or follow the NSU volleyball twitter page @NSUDemonsVB for play-by-play of Tuesday’s match.

Beginning today, season ticket holders will get first dibs on seats for the LSU at Northwestern State women’s basketball game Sunday, Dec. 6 in Prather Coliseum, NSU officials said Monday.
Returning season-ticket holders will have priority for purchasing season packages, and their seats will be held for renewal until single-game tickets are placed on sale Oct. 1.
New orders for Northwestern men’s and women’s basketball season tickets will be available beginning this morning, offering supporters a chance to see the Demons and Lady Demons 31 times.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Northwestern State Athletics Ticket Office at 318-357-4268, visit www.NSUTickets.com or come to the ticket office, located in the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Fieldhouse, in person between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Northwestern will host 16 women’s basketball games, highlighted by a visit from Kim Mulkey and her LSU Tigers — the first SEC team to come to Natchitoches since the 1997-98 season.
Purchasing season tickets will secure seats for that matchup with the Tigers.
On the men’s side, the Demons will play 15 times on Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum, the most home games for a Northwestern men’s squad since the 2014-15 season.
Each team will play 11 home games against Southland Conference teams, including home doubleheaders against McNeese (Dec. 19), LSU-New Orleans (Jan. 2), UIW (Jan. 16), Nicholls (Jan. 23) and Feb. 27 (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi).
Additionally, there will be a split home doubleheader Jan. 30 with the Lady Demons hosting Stephen F. Austin followed by a matchup of the Northwestern men and East Texas A&M.
Season-ticket packages begin at $145 for general admission and also are available in reserved seating ($415) and courtside VIP seating ($685). Pricing for courtside seats and reserved seating include donations to the Demons Unlimited Foundation.
Season-ticket holders in reserved and courtside VIP packages also receive complementary food and drinks at each home game.

Northwestern State University’s Transition to RN pathway provides experienced allied health professionals an opportunity to pursue an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and registered nursing licensure while building on their previous health care education and experience.
Offered at NSU’s Shreveport, Cenla and Leesville campuses, the Transition to RN pathway is designed for licensed or certified health care professionals, including licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics, respiratory therapists, occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants. Students complete the pathway in three consecutive semesters through a combination of online coursework and in-person laboratory and clinical experiences.
Krystyna Tabor, MSN, RN, director of the Transition to RN pathway, said the pathway provides a more direct route for allied health professionals such as LPNs, medics, paramedics, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants and respiratory therapists to pursue nursing education.
To qualify, students must have completed an allied health or nursing certificate or degree program, worked full time for at least one year in that health care field and hold a current, unencumbered certificate or license to practice.
Tabor said students entering the pathway bring valuable health care experience, including caring for patients and responding to challenging situations.
“Those medical professionals tend to deal with the pressure a little bit better,” Tabor said.
After completing the pathway, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN. Passing the examination allows graduates to become licensed registered nurses.
“They can work in any environment that any other registered nurse can work in,” Tabor said.
Jackson Taylor of Bossier City is a paramedic enrolled in the Transition to RN pathway. Taylor plans to continue working as a paramedic after becoming a registered nurse and eventually hopes to attend graduate school and pursue training to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Taylor said his experience as a paramedic gives him a foundation he can carry into nursing while the nursing pathway can broaden the knowledge and skills he brings to emergency medical services.
“Paramedics are trained to a high level and nursing is also trained to a high level, and I feel like we can benefit from that,” Taylor said. “I feel like a nurse wanting to be a paramedic would be able to take care of their patients better, and a paramedic wanting to be a nurse would be able to take better care of their patients.”
“This is going to be a good program to have in the area because our paramedics in Shreveport-Bossier are really well trained, and this will be a good way to learn to take care of patients better on the ground and in the air as well,” Taylor said.
Tabor said the Transition to RN pathway expands access to nursing education for health care professionals whose previous education and experience can provide a foundation for registered nursing practice.

Dolly Rebecca Parton, beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and one of the most treasured figures in American music and culture, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.
Born on January 19, 1946, in rural East Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth of twelve children and grew up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. From those humble beginnings came a voice, a talent, and a spirit that would eventually reach nearly every corner of the world.
Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Dolly became one of country music’s most recognizable and influential artists. Her extraordinary gift for storytelling gave the world songs that became part of the American soundtrack, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. Her unmistakable voice, quick wit, larger-than-life style, and genuine warmth allowed her to connect with generations of people far beyond the boundaries of country music.
Her talents extended well beyond the stage. Dolly became a celebrated actress, author, businesswoman, and entrepreneur while remaining deeply connected to the Tennessee mountains and the people who helped shape her. Yet among her greatest accomplishments was the generosity she showed to others.
Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, founded in honor of her father, millions of books have been placed into the hands of children around the world. Her philanthropy also supported education, disaster relief, healthcare, and countless communities and individuals throughout her lifetime.
For all the awards, records, rhinestones, and worldwide recognition, Dolly’s greatest legacy may be the way she made people feel. She encouraged people to dream bigger, laugh at themselves, remain true to who they were, and extend kindness wherever possible. She never seemed to forget where she came from—and because of that, people from every walk of life felt as though they knew a little piece of her.
Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025. Their famously private and enduring marriage remained one of the most cherished parts of her life.
The little girl from the mountains of Tennessee grew up to become an American icon, but she never lost the heart that made the world fall in love with her in the first place. Her songs will continue to be sung, her stories will continue to be told, and the kindness she put into the world will continue through generations of lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dolly’s extraordinary legacy of generosity and her lifelong commitment to children and literacy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through the program, books are provided each month at no cost to children from birth to age five, helping Dolly’s love of reading and learning continue to reach future generations.
Memorial donations may be made directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Click here to Make a Donation in Memory of Dolly Parton
A message from the family of Dolly Parton: Click here to watch video

December 17, 1970 – August 18, 2026
Toni passed away peacefully at her adored home in Fredonia, New York, surrounded by loved ones, on August 18, 2026.
Born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on December 17, 1970, Toni grew up with a vibrant energy that lit up every room. During her time at St. Mary’s School, she discovered her love for cheerleading and being a flyer. She cherished those memories throughout her life, and whenever she spoke of her days flying high with the team, her eyes would light up with a radiance that no one could forget. She graduated Lufkin High School, Lufkin, Texas with Honors.
She is survived by her beloved partner in life, Kathy Kupla, her sons, Preston Greer and Nicholas Stein, her mother Sandra Ladd and husband Douglas Ladd, her special Aunt Kaye and Uncle Bill Yancey and cousins, Don, Mike, Pat Yancey and Kristi Yancey Jeffcoat with loving family across Texas and beyond. Toni was preceded in death by her beloved father, William Donald “Billy” Salim (known fondly as “Popeye”).
Toni earned her Registered Nursing degree from East Tennessee State University, embarking on a devoted, lifelong medical career. Throughout her years in oncology, orthopedics, and surgery, she was known as one of the most dedicated, selfless, and hardworking nurses in the field. Her drive and talent extended into entrepreneurship as well, leading her to own and operate a successful business writing medical and legal content.
Above all else, Toni’s greatest pride and joy were her two sons, Preston Greer and Nicholas Stein. As a mother, she was deeply devoted, actively present, and poured her heart into raising her family. She taught her sons the value of an unwavering work ethic, resilience, and how to do the right thing no matter the cost. She deeply adored her sons holding immense pride in everything they achieved, and her spirit will undoubtedly be watching over them with a proud smile.
Toni showed everyone around her what true strength looked like. She was a bright and shining star who proved that no matter how hard you fall, you can always pick yourself up, overcome any obstacle, and build a successful, meaningful life.
Toni lived fully and loved deeply. Over the years, her journey took her from Texas and Tennessee to Florida where she shared 17 wonderful years with her lifelong partner, Kathy “Babe” Kulpa and eventually to the peaceful town of Fredonia, New York. She loved the simple beauty of life: watching bald eagles soar, feeding the deer in the evening, taking trips to Canada, listening to music, camping, and enjoying the sparkle of a new day. She was a devoted football fan and watched as many games as possible. A woman of warmth, humor, and style, she loved the color pink and the artist Pink. Toni was an inspiration to many and a comfort to all. Though her family misses her dearly, they take comfort in knowing she is at peace, likely sharing a laugh and sitting right next to Dolly Parton.

By Brad Dison
Where are the flying cars that engineers began promising us as early as the 1940s? In 1946, Popular Mechanics magazine predicted that flying cars would become commonplace soon. Nearly 40 years later, Doctor Emmett Brown in the Hollywood film Back to the Future told Marty as they were preparing to hit 88 miles per hour, “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” That was in 1985 and flying cars are still not commonplace. What happened to the flying cars that we have been promised for generations?
During World War II, Theodore “Ted” Hall proposed a flying car that could be used in commando-type raids but he was unable to convince the military of its practicality. Following World War II, Ted worked with Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation to build flying cars for the masses. They began with the Convair Model 116, a two-seater crude car body with detachable wings and tail. Test pilots completed more than 65 flights in the Model 116 before Ted began working on a more marketable model called the Model 118 (see photo above).
The Model 118 had a more refined plastic car body, a 26½ horsepower car engine, a more powerful Lycoming airplane engine, and could comfortably transport four people. Convair planned to produce 160,000 of the Model 118s and expected to sell many of them to airports to use as rental vehicles.
On November 15, 1947, test pilot Reuben Snodgrass flew the prototype Model 118 for the first time, and it performed splendidly. Three days later, pilot Snodgrass and flight researcher Lawrence Phillips flew the flying car over San Diego, California, on what was supposed to be a one-hour flight to test the engine’s calibration. A few minutes into the flight as they were enjoying what had been a flawless test, the engine sputtered and died. All attempts to restart the engine failed. Pilot Snodgrass was familiar with the area and glided the flying car toward the hard-caked mud flats near South Bay. It was a textbook landing for the first 200 feet, but pilot Snodgrass did not see the four-foot-high embankment until it was too late. In the crash, pilot Snodgrass suffered only minor bruises, but Phillips suffered a fractured shoulder. The car portion was destroyed, but the wing and airplane engine were repaired and used on further test flights. Although public interest in the flying car was initially high, it was not high enough. The company cancelled the flying car.
The reason the Model 118 flying automobile was never made available to the public was not because of a design flaw, not because of something the pilot did, but something he did not do. On that cool November day, the Convair flying car crashed because… it ran out of gas. Pilot Snodgrass was a careful pilot who always used a preflight checklist to avoid accidents such as this. After the crash, Pilot Snodgrass went over the checklist more carefully one item at a time. He remembered vividly checking the fuel gauge which showed to be full. Then, he realized his mistake. It was a simple mistake that anyone could make. Pilot Snodgrass had checked the fuel gauge, the car’s fuel gauge. He had not checked the airplane’s fuel gauge.
Sources:
1. The Fresno Bee, November 12, 1947, p.1.
2. The Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1947, p.14.
3. Holdenville Daily News, November 20, 1947, p.4.

Phonetic: /pe·nu·ri·ous/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
marked by or suffering from penury
penurious peasants and fisherfolk
given to or marked by extreme stinting frugality

Billie Louise Gass Gibson
Service: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 10 am at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery in Hagewood
John Dale Ray
Service: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 10:30 am at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hagewood
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.



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

A hay field fire near Clarence burned approximately 6 acres and some farm equipment before it was contained, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
At 4:10 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 3, with mutual aid assistance from Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 9, were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to a reported hay field and farm equipment fire in the 200 block of George Thomas Road near Clarence.
There were no reported injuries.
The fire was contained by 6 p.m.
Deputy S. Kennedy was on scene on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the Alexandria Police Department and to the family, friends, and former colleagues of retired Alexandria Police Chief Darren Coutee, who passed away on Aug. 26.
Chief Coutee dedicated many years of his life to law enforcement and public service. We join the law enforcement community in honoring his service and remembering the contributions he made throughout his distinguished career.
Retired Chief Coutee will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Cloutierville following funeral services on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Sheriff Stuart Wright and the men and women of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office offer our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sympathy to Chief Coutee’s family, friends, and the Alexandria Police Department during this time of sadness.
Rest in peace, Chief Coutee. Thank you for your service.