The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC) met Thursday, May 21 via Zoom. The Commission members received an update from Rebecca Blakenbaker, executive director of the Cane River National Heritage Area (CRNHA) on the Go Natchitoches campaign, which is a collaboration between the CRNHA, the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association (HDBA), the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB), and Natchitoches Main Street. The campiaign was started on March 19 to support community businesses.

The NHDDC funded a film project with Zack Breau from Northwestern State University to create a series of videos focusing on travel and tourism, announcing that Natchitoches has reopened while inviting visitors to come back and inviting locals to explore their backyard. Video segments will focus on outdoor recreation, night life/young adult things to do, and more.

 

The campaign then needs visitor and community participation. When you’re eating, shopping, or exploring Natchitoches post all your pictures with the hashtags #gonatchitoches and #golocal. This will help people searching fro Natchitoches see everything the town has to offer.

The Main Street Office is planning a Freedom Festival for the Fourth of July in conjunction with KTBS. Organizers are moving forward with the event, but it’s hard to say what it will look like with things still up in the air. The idea is that KTBS will do live feeds in several cities and Main Street said they’ll have fireworks and possibly live entertainment. More information will be released on this event as the date approaches.

As far as the new budget, following up on last month’s meeting, nothing has changed. The Commission has reapplied last year’s budget to this year because at this point it’s all they can do. They don’t know what kind of financial hit they’re going to take along with everybody else in the state. There will be some carry over from this year, so hopefully that will help supplement the budget if there are any holes in it. The Commission understands some events may not occur for this next year’s cycle, which would also free up some additional funds. If an event does not occur, the NHDDC will have to ask for the money they funded to be returned. For the next budget an agreement will have to be signed to cover this.

EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE DUE TO HIGH WATER*

LA 485: Natchitoches Parish
2.0 miles North of LA 6 Intersection At Mallard Hill to Brandon Cotton Road
Control Section: 115-01**

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, (DOTD), advises the public that effective immediately that LA 485, 2 miles north of LA 6 Intersection at Mallard Hill to Brandon Cotton Road, is NOW CLOSED DUE TO HIGH WATER.

Permit/Detour Section
No detours are available at this time.

Travelers can find information regarding road closures by visiting the 511 Traveler Information by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information.

Parish President John Richmond announced today that all Parish Government offices, along with the Parish landfill, will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020 in observance of Memorial Day. Parish-wide bin sites and compactor stations will be open for regular business hours. For any questions about the Memorial Day closures, please contact the Parish Government offices at 318.352.2714.

Experience and familiarity personify the coaching staff for new Northwestern State women’s basketball coach Anna Nimz.

Nimz announced the hiring of Leasa Ailshie, Mike Brown and Mike Pittman on Thursday filling the coaching staff. The hirings are subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System, which governs Northwestern State.

When building the staff, Nimz wanted someone with ties to Louisiana.

She found that fit by adding Pittman, a New Orleans native and Grambling alum, to her staff.

“I am excited to have coach Pittman join the Demon family,” Nimz said. “He brings a lot of experience to the court both at the college and high school levels.

“He was part of turning around a college program and was a big help in signing very talented young student-athletes. I believe his dynamic personality will be a big asset in recruiting and fundraising. On top of that, he is from Louisiana and has established relationships with the coaches in the area.”

Pittman spent this past season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Alcorn State. He served in the same role the season prior at Paul Quinn College in Dallas after two years as the head coach at Kimball High School, also in the Dallas area.

With Alcorn, Pittman helped the Lady Braves lead the nation in three defensive categories — steals per game, forced turnovers per game and total steals, a trio of categories in which the Lady Demons have excelled as well.

A New Orleans native, Pittman began his coaching career in the Louisiana prep scene getting his start at North DeSoto High School before his first head coaching job at Grambling Lab.

Ailshie returns to the coaching sideline after serving two years serving as an assistant registrar at UT-Rio Grande Valley. She spent five seasons as the head coach at Jacksonville College before moving the UTRGV. Alisihie also was Jacksonville College’s director of athletics for her final two and a half years of her tenure.

“Coach A is a great addition to the Demon family, and we are thrilled to have her joining the team,” Nimz said. “She has played in the Southland Conference, sent players on from Jacksonville College to the Southland Conference and knows what it takes to have success in this league. Her ability to scout, scheme and develop players will be greatly utilized on the court during games and in practice.”

Ailshie began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at her alma mater, Sam Houston State, where she played for two seasons after transferring from Connors State. In June 2011 she began her career at Jacksonville College as an assistant coach, working her way to head coach in 2013 and athletic director in 2015.

As the head coach, Ailshie led the Lady Jaguars to a school record 21-win season in 2017-18, being named a finalist for Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year. She mentored four All-American players and 12 Academic All-Americans and produced a 100 percent graduation rate during her time.

Nimz added another familiar face to her in Brown. The two coached and rebuilt the program together at Kilgore College before Nimz departed for UTRGV and Brown to his most recent position as an assistant at Division II’s Missouri S&T.

“I am fortunate to have another opportunity to coach alongside Mike Brown,” Nimz said. “He was a huge part in helping us turn the program around at Kilgore College.

“There is nothing too big or too small for Coach Brown. He has an incredible work ethic that sets him apart from so many and I know that he will use that same determination to help this program.”

Brown brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to NSU with three stints as a head coach beginning in 1997 at Iowa Central Community College before moving to Upper Iowa University in 2005 and William Penn in 2010.

He has seen team and individual player success at each stop in his career, earning the Region XI Tournament Championship and Coach of the Year honor in 2000 — his first season as a head coach. He also coached Upper Iowa’s first Division II Freshman of the Year and All-Region players, led the Peacocks to their first national ranking and tutored a three-time All-American for William Penn.

“Each coach brings their own personality and strengths to the program,” Nimz said. “However, the qualities that stand out the most to me is each of their abilities to build trust amongst players, develop a respect that allows them to hold players accountable and their unwavering loyalty to the community, university and program.”

Pictured: New head coach Anna Nimz announces the hiring of (from left to right) Leasa Ailshie, Mike Brown and Mike Pittman to the Lady Demons coaching staff.

The recently completed 2020 wild turkey hunting season saw the largest reported harvest of birds since 2011, with 2,117 turkeys harvested based on required tag validation data, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced.

The season, which ran from April 4-May 3, was held during the current COVID-19 pandemic and was impacted by flooding along the Mississippi River, forcing the closure of seasons on some LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

The 2020 season harvest saw a 14.8% improvement over 2019 when 1,844 birds were harvested. It was the best season since 2011 when 2,580 birds were harvested. LDWF Wild Turkey/Small Game Program Manager Cody Cedotal said the 2020 season was like no other in Louisiana and many other states.

“With the entire state under a stay-at-home order during the time frame, reports indicated increased hunting pressure in some areas, but decreased pressure in others,’’ Cedotal said. “Reports and season assessments from hunters range from poor to very good.’’

Cedotal said it’s too early to tell yet if the increased harvest is a by-product of a season adjustment in Louisiana in 2018 or part of increased hunter effort across the state. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), on recommendation by LDWF, pushed back the beginning of turkey season in 2018 to allow for increased breeding opportunity, aimed at sustaining and increasing wild turkey populations statewide.

Results from the 2019/2020 Louisiana Big and Small Game Harvest Survey are expected in the next month and will allow for a comparison of the harvest index generated from that survey and an assessment of hunter effort for the 2020 season. This assessment will potentially shed more light on the reasons for an increased reported harvest.

In addition to increased harvests, reports from hunters indicated increased encounters with jakes (sub-adult males). Similar reports were noted in 2019.

“This is an indication of potentially good things to come for 2021,’’ Cedotal said. “However, the intense rain events we are experiencing in some parts of the state thus far in May are of immediate concern. These rain events could have a negative impact on reproduction for this year, causing increased mortality of young wild turkey poults.’’

• 

• 

NATCHITOCHES:
Walter Stewart Meziere, Sr.
August 8, 1940 – May 13, 2020
Visitation: 10 am until 11:30 am on the 23rd at St. Augustine Catholic Church with recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 11:30 am.
Service: 12 noon on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle, LA. Mass with honors provided by the Natchitoches City Police Department.

SABINE:
Effie Lee Brunk
January 16, 1929 – May 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Sue Moore
March 28, 1957 – May 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

June Cockerham Sanders
June 21, 1941 – May 18, 2020
Service: Friday, May 22 at 2 pm at Sanders Chapel Cemetery near Calvin

Clyde F. Swanson, Jr.
January 25, 1939 – April 26, 2020
Service: Sunday, May 24 at 2 pm in the Garden of Memories

Johnnie Jeraline Canerday Shelton
June 10, 1933 – May 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

 

A traffic stop in the Oak Grove community near Natchitoches on Wednesday evening led to the arrest of a north Natchitoches Parish woman on felony drug charges according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday evening May 20 at approximately 6:30pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Special Task Impact Patrol Unit stopped a 2006 Saturn passenger car on Bennett Loop for a traffic violation.

Defend Against COVID-19

Stay home. Follow the Governor’s Stay at Home Order. Only leave your home if it is necessary for essential work or for essential items.

Defend Against COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Recognize the symptoms. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Stay home especially if you are sick.

Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft. Social distancing means keeping 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others. This helps to prevent the spread of illness.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued the following statement on May 20 on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s selection of Dr. Cade Brumley as the new superintendent of Louisiana’s K-12 schools which serve 720,000 students statewide.

“The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education made an important decision today with the selection of the new state superintendent of education,” said Gov. Edwards. “First, I want to congratulate him. With Dr. Brumley at the helm, the Department of Education will continue efforts to improve student achievement and to provide high quality education for all Louisiana students. Cade has a record of success as a teacher, coach, principal and as a superintendent of two districts, Desoto and Jefferson parishes. What I know and appreciate about Cade is that as a leader he has a record of being inclusive. He has a seat at the table for everyone as he seeks and listens to input from all stakeholders. I look forward to working with Dr. Brumley to advance education in Louisiana. While the current public health emergency has certainly made our mission more difficult, education has never been more important.”

“BESE is to be commended for the transparent search it conducted for the new state superintendent. Despite the challenges faced because of COVID-19, the board was able to conduct a search and follow the timeline it had created pre-virus. I commend everyone who applied and especially the other finalists as going through the selection process is never easy.”

The Governor’s Order to begin Phase One and re-open the state has everyone anxious and concerned that this could lead to a refreshed outbreak contagion. In order to achieve the goals of returning to normal operations, while maintaining safety in our facility for you as we as our staff, the Court began the implementation of Phase One on Monday, May 18, 2020 @ 8:30 a.m.

The courthouse/courtroom are open to the public; however, the following restrictions apply:

You will be required to wear a mask to enter our facility. A place for disposal of any PPE will be provided as you exit the building.
Your temperature will be taken. If it is over 99.5 you will not be allowed inside.

You will be asked the following questions:

Have you had any symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks, including coughing, sneezing, or fever?

Have you been in contact with anyone in the last 2 weeks who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus?

Have you tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in the last 2 weeks?
An affirmative answer to any of these questions will require that we restrict your access to our facility, and may require that we refix your court date.

The 10th Judicial District Court intends to limit the number of visitors and only those persons who are scheduled on the court docket will be allowed in the courtroom. Persons attending court are strongly discouraged from bringing friends, family members, particularly small children unless absolutely necessary. The only exception is if the individual is being accompanied by a caregiver or interpreter.

There will be no jury trials before June 30, 2020 as per order of the Supreme Court. It will be determined at a later date precisely when jury trials will resume.

Starting Monday, May 18, 2020, the civil matters to be heard will be available in person, by telephone or video conferencing. Matters that will be heard in the courtroom will be staggered so there will be no cross-contamination of individuals.

Strict adherence to the court’s social distancing guidelines will be required.

SUMMARY OF COVID ORDER #7 RENDERED May 19, 2020:

A drive thru celebration for the end of the 2019-2020 school year was held May 20 outside the School Board Office. The Natchitoches Parish Early Childhood Network, which works with children from birth to age 4, wanted to show its appreciation for the 20 plus PreK teachers and support staff members that education children in the Parish. They were presented with treats and gifts as a way of saying “thank you” for all the hard work they do.

If you have a child that will be entering PreK for the 2020-2021 school year, sign them up at teachingtomorrownow.com.

Freshman Connection 2020 at Northwestern State University kicks off this week. The first three sessions of Freshman Connection will take place online May 21, May 28 and June 17. During the sessions, incoming freshman can meet with small groups, hear from administrators and attend interest sessions of their choice.

The virtual sessions will take place through WebEx, NSU’s video conference partner, and users will need access to a phone, tablet or computer with good connectivity. Information will be emailed to students with instructions on how to download the app and proceed to the schedule events.

“Freshman Connection helps incoming students transition from high school to college through meetings with small groups, talking to advisors and making friends with future classmates,” said Vanner Erikson, director of First Year Experience and Leadership Development.

Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m., followed by a welcome at 9 a.m. and N-Side group meetings at 9:15 a.m. An academic assembly will take place at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch break at 11:15 when students can visit with their Freshman Connectors and ask questions over lunch. Starting at 12:30, students can explore their choice of interest sessions, depending on their interests and/or concerns, such as academic advising, Greek life, student success, part-time jobs, campus security, first-generation college success, accessibility and disability support, ROTC, financial aid, living on campus and student banking, along with meetings for student-athletes, marching band members and spirit groups. The session will conclude with a Questions and Answer forum.

“We have set up an online booking system with advisors that puts students in one-on-one meetings with advisors virtually via Microsoft Teams. We have been advising and registering all Session 1 and 2 students, and we’ll move on to the rest in June,” said Katarina Haymon, assistant director of First Year Experience. “Incoming students will be able to participate in a series of engaging virtual small group sessions where they will meet classmates and get questions answered. Academic advising and registration will be designed with each student’s individual goals in mind. By the end of Freshman Connection, participants will be ready for the fall semester.”

Parent Connection will be held simultaneously and will focus on tips for parents on supporting new students as they transition to college, discussions and interest sessions, Erikson said.

Parents can follow a schedule similar to their student’s with sessions that address transitioning to college life, academic goals, banking, financial aid and a panel that will address social issues, time management, budgeting and adjusting to university life.

“Academic deans, directors, and department heads have worked collaboratively with the First Year Experience team to provide customized, one-on-one academic advising and registration for incoming freshmen,” said Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Through bookings, students schedule a meeting with their academic advisor, talk about options, are provided information about their major, and are then able to register for classes. This opportunity gives students the opportunity to be guided through the process, but also empowers them in their first steps with being part of our system. Students have the opportunity to look at Degree Works, which is a repository that allows advisors to place advising notes and shows both advisors and students the percentage of completion toward their degree.”

Students who need assistance with technology issues, should email or call the Student Help Desk at (318) 357-6696.

An in-person Freshman Connection on the Natchitoches campus is tentatively set for July 9, but plans could change. Additional virtual sessions are planned for the Alexandria campus on Tuesday, June 23, at the Shreveport campus on Thursday, June 24 and at the Leesville campus on Tuesday, June 30. Erikson urged students to continue to check their email for updates.

Erikson said the face-to-face games and activities that are normally the highlight of Freshman Connection will be part of Freshman Connection 2.0, an early move-in experience planned for Aug. 12. This will include the Freshman Follies, organization browse, pep rally and other activities.

For more information, contact Erikson at eriksonv@nsula.edu or Haymon at haymonk@nsula.edu.

A comment left by a Journal reader on a Facebook post has Natchitoches residents choosing sides and it all revolves around Miss Orabell Lewis. The comment that started it all was a complaint against Orabell dancing on the sidewalks, claiming this portrays a negative image for Natchitoches. Many people rallied behind Bell, defending her as a free soul and an important part of the community.

Setavion Combs, who’s working toward a degree in Mass Comm at Northwestern State University, saw this as a call to tell the true story of Orabell Lewis. He set out to interview her so people could hear first hand why she does what she does. With a little help from NSU student Colin Fontenot, Combs published the video on his Youtube page, Smack TV.

“I know how it feels to have a perception about you that isn’t true,” said Combs. “I have been in Natchitoches years and I knew nothing about her except what people would gossip about. I have a platform on my YouTube channel so I thought I would give her the light to tell her story and shed light on who she is as a person and as a known figure in Natchitoches.”

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education named Northwestern State University alumnus Dr. Cade Brumley state superintendent of education Wednesday. Brumley will replace John White, who resigned earlier this year.

“As a Louisiana native, I am extremely honored to be selected by a student-friendly BESE,” Brumley said. “Louisiana may not be the largest state in the union, but we have a big table for collaboration. I look forward to bringing people together to collectively move our state forward. We are primed for continued improvement, drawing on successes of the past and the promise for our future. I will fight for our children, families, and communities each day. They deserve our best.”

During his career Brumley has served students as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, district leader and superintendent, most recently as superintendent of Jefferson Parish schools since he was unanimously appointed to that position in 2018, and as superintendent in DeSoto Parish schools from 2012-18.

Brumley earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance with a minor in social studies at Northwestern State in 2002, a master’s in education administration from LSU-S in 2004 and a doctorate in education leadership at Stephen F. Austin in 2007.

He began his career as a teacher and coach in Caddo Parish before serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and later principal in Sabine Parish. During his tenure in DeSoto, schools there vaulted from being ranked 49th in the state to ninth.

In Jefferson Parish, Louisiana’s largest school district, Brumley implemented changes that included expanding the parish’s Spanish-language offerings for new arrivals, changing some traditional middle schools into K-8 schools and reorganizing the central office. Brumley also helped marshal business leaders and teacher unions to convince voters to endorse a 10-year property tax hike to raise pay for teachers and other employees. That increase, combined with another $5 million in cost savings enacted earlier, increased starting teacher salaries from about $41,000 per year to about $46,000, the second highest in the New Orleans area.

Brumley is also a graduate of the Harvard Superintendents Academy and author of “Leadership Standards in Action: The School Principal as Servant-Leader.” He is a dynamic public speaker, a triathlete and marathoner.

Brumley has remained involved at Northwestern and currently serves on the board of director of the NSU Alumni Association.

Brumley was honored by NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development in 2015 when he was named an Outstanding Young Professional in Education, an award that recognizes outstanding young professionals who made contributions in Pre-K through higher education or to the profession of education through teaching, research or community service.

Brumley is married to the former Toni Vail, who earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at NSU in 2000 and 2002. They are parents to two sons.

“We offer hearty congratulations to Dr. Brumley, an educator, administrator and advocate with a demonstrated history of leadership whose first priority has always been the students he serves,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “We are proud that one of our own will assume this role and we believe that a bright future is ahead for the children and youth of Louisiana.”

Brumley is one of three NSU alumni to serve as Louisiana’s superintendent of education. T.H. Harris, who served in that role from 1908-1940, was enrolled at Louisiana State Normal College, as NSU was then known, in 1893. William “Bill” Dodd, who served from 1964-72, graduated in 1934.

The Natchitoches Parish School District will hold a Virtual Teacher Job Fair on Wednesday, May 27 from 1-3 pm. Applicants should have their resumes ready to submit to principals. Join the Zoom Meeting with the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5887600535?pwd=RVMvVmFQWjNmZDZOQk1oZzNhZ0ZoZz09

Meeting ID: 588 760 0535

Password: 582044

The Fulbright program will host a free global panel regarding COVID and online education beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 28, according to Dr. Patrice Moulton, president of the Louisiana Fulbright chapter.

“Fulbright in the Field: Digital Education, COVID-10 and the Future of Teaching and Learning” is a free virtual workshop and panel discussion with experts in the field about online learning and how the pandemic is transforming education.

The event is free and open to anyone interested.

Registration is available here: https://nsu.la/EdDigitalAge.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

The Fulbright program provides participants who are chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

Moulton, a professor of psychology at Northwestern State University, received a Fulbright Award in 2017 for her work in Nepal, where she served as a consultant and cultural ambassador while launching the country’s inaugural degree program in counseling psychology.

NATCHITOCHES:
Walter Stewart Meziere, Sr.
August 8, 1940 – May 13, 2020
Visitation: 10 am until 11:30 am on the 23rd at St. Augustine Catholic Church with recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 11:30 am.
Service: 12 noon on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle, LA. Mass with honors provided by the Natchitoches City Police Department.

William “Bill” Archie Mooty
August 9, 1936 – May 18. 2020
Service: Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 1:00 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home; with visitation prior to the service starting at 11:00 am.

SABINE:
Effie Lee Brunk
January 16, 1929 – May 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
June Cockerham Sanders
June 21, 1941 – May 18, 2020
Service: Friday, May 22 at 2 pm at Sanders Chapel Cemetery near Calvin

Clyde F. Swanson, Jr.
January 25, 1939 – April 26, 2020
Service: Sunday, May 24 at 2 pm in the Garden of Memories

Johnnie Jeraline Canerday Shelton
June 10, 1933 – May 19, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Based on the erroneous facebook post and subsequent comments concerning one of our officers, and her arrest for speeding in Winn parish, The Natchitoches Police Department is releasing the following statement:

On May 14 th at 9:46 P.M. Natchitoches Police Officer Brittany Byrd was stopped for driving 100 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone by Sheriff Cranford Jordon on Hwy 84 in Winn Parish. As per their standard operating procedure, she was arrested and booked into the Winn Parish Jail and was released on a $10,000.00 Bond. According to Sheriff Jordon himself, she did not attempt to flee nor did she ever tell them that she could not be arrested.
No Police Officer is above the Law. Off.

Byrd will have to answer for her transgressions in Winn
Parish. Additionally, Off. Byrd is under investigation by the Natchitoches Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit for potential policy violations. As this is a personnel matter, the Natchitoches Police department will have no further comments.

Approved for release by Chief Dove 5/20/2020

Defend Against COVID-19

Stay home. Follow the Governor’s Stay at Home Order. Only leave your home if it is necessary for essential work or for essential items.

Defend Against COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Recognize the symptoms. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Stay home especially if you are sick.

Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft. Social distancing means keeping 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others. This helps to prevent the spread of illness.

The official Phase 1 guidance for businesses is in the process of being released to the business community. Those who have registered on OpenSafely.la.gov have received the document pertinent to their business type directly in their email addresses.

For others who are interested in viewing the guidance, including your staff, a text hyperlink on the front page of OpenSafely.la.gov, titled “Download Phase 1 Documents,” is available. Simply click “Download Phase 1 Documents” to view and/or download the business use of your interest. In the meantime, the nine guidance documents that have been sent out are attached to this email. These are the same that are accessible on that public link on the front page of OpenSafely.

A traffic stop near Natchitoches on Monday evening led to the arrests of two people and seizure of suspected marijuana and methamphetamine according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Monday evening May 18 at approximately 10:41pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division were patrolling on La. Hwy 3278 just west of Natchitoches when they stopped a 2003 Chevrolet SUV for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as 24-year-old Dylan D. Davis of Natchitoches, La.

A passenger in the vehicle was identified as 36-year-old Tasha Stewart of Marthaville, La.

During the traffic stop, deputies learned Davis’s driver’s license was suspended.

While deputies were speaking with Stewart, they observed a small suspicious package in plain view in the vehicle.

When deputies asked Davis what was in the package, he informed them to open it and check.

Deputies discovered a small amount of suspected marijuana in the packaging.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies observed Stewart suspiciously moving around as she stood outside the vehicle in front of patrol units.

Deputies then observed Stewart attempting to step on suspected methamphetamine she allegedly discarded on the ground. Deputies then observed a bag containing suspected methamphetamine underneath the patrol unit.

Deputies seized approximately 31-grams of suspected methamphetamine with a potential street value of approximately $3000. The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.

Deputies arrested:

Tasha Stewart, 36, of the 600 block of Olive Road, Marthaville transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Criminal Obstruction of Justice.

Stewart remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.

Dylan D. Davis, 24, of Natchitoches transported to the NMJDTF, charged with Simple Possession of CDS I Marijuana issued a misdemeanor citation and released pending his court appearance.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents also assisted in the investigation following the arrests.

The vehicle was impounded.

Involved in the arrests were: Deputies M. Smith, J. Creighton and Sgt. R. Ross,

By Kris James

Happy Wednesday Stylers! Two things I never speak about in public are religion and racism, so don’t worry this article is NOT about racism. It’s about the growth of spirituality.

While millennials may be leaving their family traditions for a variety of reasons, it seems that the desire for a spiritual outlet still burns brightly. Have you maintained the religion you grew up in, or are you searching for something that resonates with you on a deeper level? Do you ever feel a contradiction between a secular self and a spiritual self? If so, how do you balance those two sides? It’s okay if you ask yourself these questions.

I’m religious-less for now but open to anything that feels honest. I was raised Baptist and was baptized but I never quite felt comfortable in the church. And I have my reasons but while in college I studied multiple world religions in the hope of increasing my empathy toward worldviews that were different from mine. I realized that so many religions are about the same things at their core: being kind, believing in something bigger than yourself, and fighting for what you believe is good and right.

When I tell people that I meditate or burn sage and talk about energy manifestation, they tend to believe that I trust these methods to be real. That’s not necessarily the case, I believe that anything that makes you a kinder, more empathetic person and allows for deeper self-reflection is a valid practice. I’ve found my deepest mediations through conversations with loved ones. Horoscopes are fascinating and I have The Pattern app on my phone, but I don’t rely on the alignments for reasoning. Energetic awareness that helps guide or change a thought pattern can be very healing.