Per the Governor’s order, District administration, school administration, secretarial staff, custodial staff, food service staff, and maintenance staff will report back to work on Monday May 18, 2020. All staff will be screened and will be required to wear proper PPE and follow social distancing guidelines.

All visitors, including teachers and other instructional staff will be required to provide their own PPE or not be granted entry. Visitors must contact school offices prior to admittance to make an appointment. Schools will be open but all doors will be locked.

This will continue until further updates from the Governor in regards to transitioning to Phase II.

The Natchitoches Farmers’ Market, a much loved feature of life in our area since 1999, held its first market since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Saturday, May 16 at the Downtown Riverbank. Ten vendors sold homegrown fruits, vegetables and homemade arts and crafts to a steady stream of visitors.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal was delighted to see Ms. Avery Austin of Dallas and Ms. Melissa and Megan Estopinal of Slidell who dropped by the Farmers’ Market while visiting their grandparents in Natchitoches.

The market will be open from 8:00 to 1:00 each Saturday on the Riverbank. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks must be worn in the market area. As our state opens back up for business, get out of the house, come by the market and help support our local farmers and artisans!

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As a result of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress passed and the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27. It includes funding allocations made to colleges and universities across the country. On April 9, the Department of Education issued the first guidance on CARES Act funding which instructed us how to apply for our funding. Later, on April 21, the Department of Education held an informational call and provided additional information, further guidance on the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

Below is the guidance provided by the Department of Education:

CARES Act funds are available to all currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students both full- and part-time who meet the following criteria as set forth by federal guidelines:

Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965
Students who have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus that have affected their cost of attendance (COA) and Students who are currently enrolled in the Spring semester at Northwestern State University and were not enrolled exclusively in all online programs prior to the COVID-19 emergency.

In other words, recipients must be eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs and must have expenses related to the disruption of campus operations because of COVID-19. The funds are designed to help students continue their academic progress and alleviate financial hardships that may have incurred during this crisis. Some of the hardships many of our students have incurred include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child-care.

Funds will be allocated to all eligible students based on the number of hours enrolled and need as determined by federal Pell grant eligibility. Non-Pell grant eligible student award amounts range from $118.00 for students enrolled in 1-credit hour to $534.00 for those enrolled in 21 credit hours or more. Pell Grant eligible student award amounts range from $130.00 for students enrolled in 1-credit hour to a maximum of $786.00 for those enrolled in 21 credit hours or more.

Process for receiving CARES Act funds:

You must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the NSU CARES Act webpage, www.nsula.edu/caresact.

You must have a completed 2019-20 FAFSA on file with NSU. ***

You must complete the Certification form on your MyNSU account. Only students who meet the eligibility requirements to receive CARES Act funding and have a completed 2019-20 FAFSA on file will receive a link to a certification form on their MyNSU account. These students must complete the certification by May 25. Agreeing to the certification on MyNSU, certifies that you incurred school related expenses related to coronavirus. Your certification allows NSU to automatically make awards to eligible students based on existing information on file at the University.

Once you complete the self-certification process on your MyNSU account, your funds will be posted on your student account and paid in the form of a direct deposit (if set up) or a paper check by US mail to your student address on file with the university. NSU plans to process payments beginning May 14 and continue every Thursday until May 28.

Students who have not completed a 2019-20 FAFSA and are eligible to complete one must do so by June 1, 2020 to meet this requirement. Beginning June 15, eligibility for funding will be evaluated and students who meet criteria will be notified for additional processes that must be completed.

We have created a CARES Act webpage, www.nsula.edu/caresact, with information, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions. Please send any questions about the NSU Cares Act student grants to caresact@nsula.edu.

We have worked to ensure that we are following federal guidelines and to make the process as quick and simple as possible to our students.

Sincerely,

Chris Maggio
President

The same value-packed Northwestern State football season-ticket packages fans have become accustomed to are on sale now along two new options.

For the first time, the Northwestern State Athletics Ticket Office is offering a flex pack that can be used across the five home games on the 2020 schedule.

The flex pack contains six vouchers to be used in any combination across our home schedule – Sept. 3 vs. Incarnate Word, Sept. 12 vs. Nicholls, Sept. 26 vs. Houston Baptist, Oct. 17 vs. Sam Houston State and Nov. 14 vs. McNeese – for $99. These vouchers, which include a season parking pass, can be exchanged for tickets the week of each game at the NSU Athletics Ticket Office, located in the NSU Athletic Fieldhouse, or at the east/southwest ticket booth the day of the game.

Another new option for the 2020 season is the introduction of the Demon Family Four Pack. For $200, families receive four season chairback tickets in Sections D or I as well as a season parking pass. Additional tickets in this plan are available for $50 apiece.

Memberships into Vic’s Kids Club sponsored by Super 1 Foods also are available for children in eighth grade or younger. Vic’s Kids Club members receive a free T-shirt, a swag pack of additional NSU and Super 1 giveaways and free admission to all home NSU athletics events. Membership is $35 for the first child and $30 each for any additional children.

The new ticketing offerings are joined by the traditional season-ticket packages: $115 for chairback seating ($105 with a military or senior citizen discount); $75 Young Alum chairbacks and $60 general admission.

VIP Suite tickets are available in all three boxes: Demon Den, Hell’s Hollow, and Devil’s Delight, and are $630 per seat (includes a donation to the Demons Unlimited Foundation). Each air-conditioned suite purchase comes with improved parking at Turpin Stadium, free food and drink and elevator access.

A single $5,000 private suite is also available on the sixth level of Turpin Stadium, and comes with the aforementioned benefits, along with parking in the VIP parking lot of your choice. For more information on gameday suites, contact Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Dr. Haley Taitano at 318-357-4278.

Additionally, NSU faculty and staff members have the option to purchase chairback season tickets for $75, excluding seats in Sections F and G. NSU students still will be admitted to games free with a valid student ID.

“Our goal has always been to get the most fans possible into Turpin Stadium to wildly cheer on our Demons,” said Assistant Athletic Director of Ticket Operations and Special Events Mike Jacklich. “These new packages offer many different ways to catch the action this year. From large families to the single-seat season-ticket holder, we want to offer the price point that works for any fan who wishes to yell and scream for our Purple Swarm.”

Beginning Monday, the NSU Athletics Ticket Office will resume in-person hours from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until further notice with operations taking place mainly from the window that opens to the exterior of the NSU Fieldhouse.  For additional information, call 318-357-4268.

The 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration slated June 25-27 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 17.

LSHOF Foundation CEO/President Ronnie Rantz, Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland and Louisiana Sports Writers Association president Lenny Vangilder made the announcement Friday morning. The LSWA founded the Hall in 1958 and has been its parent organization since.

The move follows the rescheduling of the LSHOF Foundation’s annual Golf Classic presented by Relief Windows to Oct. 4-5 at the Golden Nugget casino and golf course in Lake Charles. That event was initially slated for April, but consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay.

“Due to the uncertain times we are facing, it’s in the best interest of the 2020 inductees and all of their supporters to move the events until late this year,” said Rantz. “Although we are disappointed in having to delay celebrating this fantastic class during the normal summer weekend, we are very excited about hosting the three days of festivities in the middle of December, when Natchitoches truly shines brightest as the City of Lights.”

Rantz and Ireland expressed appreciation to city and parish officials, Louisiana State Museum personnel, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, and leadership and staff at Northwestern State University, along with other local partners and volunteers who make the induction events possible each year.

“Thanks to those who are vital to making our Induction Celebration so spectacular every summer, we’re captivated by the unprecedented chance to bring the Christmas beauty and charm of Natchitoches into our celebration,” said Ireland. “We forsee that the holiday joy that our guests will encounter can more than compensate for the disappointment of having to postpone our traditional dates on the last weekend of June.”

The 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be celebrated with the usual three-day slate of events culminating in the annual Induction Dinner and Ceremonies presented by State Farm Agents of Louisiana on Thursday evening, Dec. 17, at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The 2020 Induction Celebration begins Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15, with a nationally-televised (Cox Sports Television) afternoon press conference.

The press conference and a free public reception from 5-7 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, located at 800 Front Street, are presented by La Capitol Federal Credit Union.

Wednesday’s schedule begins around lunchtime with the Hall’s Bowling Bash pairing 2020 inductees and more sports celebrities, including past inductees, with patrons at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.

Wednesday evening, the third annual Rockin’ River Fest presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center will feature bands and fireworks over Cane River Lake in historic downtown Natchitoches in a free concert. The 2020 induction class will be introduced just before the fireworks show.

Thursday morning, Dec. 17, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Junior Training Camp, presented by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, will be held on the Northwestern State campus with 300 youth participating at no charge. Hall of Fame inductees will be the featured instructors for drills in football and basketball while healthy living initiatives and other positive lifestyle messaging will be presented to boys and girls.

Outdoorsman Phil Robertson, recognized internationally as the Duck Commander, and former LSU football coach Nick Saban, who won 75 percent of his games and the 2003 national championship in five seasons with the Tigers, join eight-time Mr. Olympia world bodybuilding champion Ronnie Coleman and another global sports figure, Sweet Lou Dunbar of the Harlem Globetrotters, among a star-studded group of competitive ballot inductees.

The LSHOF Class of 2020 also includes Pro Bowl football standout Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman, a star at UL Lafayette, along with two extraordinary basketball players: New Orleans native Kerry Kittles, a two-time All-America guard at Villanova who averaged 14 points in an eight-year NBA career, and Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball legend Angela Turner, a Bienville Parish native who helped her teams to four straight national championship game appearances including wins in 1981 and 1982.

Inducted as winners of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism will be LSU sports publicist Kent Lowe and Baton Rouge Advocate prep sportswriter Robin Fambrough.

Opelousas native Joan Cronan, one of college sports’ most influential administrators in her career as athletics director at the University of Tennessee, will be inducted as the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award winner.

Enshrined as the first recipient of the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award will be Shreveport-based broadcaster Tim Brando, whose pride in his home state has been evident throughout his four decades among the best in his business around the country.

The 2020 Induction Class will be showcased in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum, operated by the Louisiana State Museum system in a partnership with the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. The striking $23 million, two-story, 27,500-square foot structure faces Cane River Lake in the National Historic Landmark District of Natchitoches and has garnered worldwide architectural acclaim and rave reviews for its contents since its grand opening during the 2013 Hall of Fame induction weekend.

The museum reopens Saturday after closure during this spring’s shelter-in-place phase concluding Friday. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with admission prices $6 and under.

Adding to the 350 sports competitors currently enshrined, 19 winners of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership award and 64 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism, there are 433 current members of the Hall of Fame before this year’s inductions.

The 2020 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division will be participating in “Safe Boating Week” from May 16-22, which signifies the beginning of the spring and summer boating season.

LDWF will again be reminding all boaters to be safe, responsible and knowledgeable while on the water during this safe boating week. Safe Boating Week is a time for all boaters to inspect their vessels to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and that vessels are in good working condition.

LDWF agents will be out in full force as always during the week to perform boating safety checks, making sure boaters are practicing social distancing, and driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) patrols.

Each vessel should have enough personal flotation devices (PFD) on board for all occupants and a sober operator. LDWF regulations also state that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26-foot long. 

According to Governor John Bel Edwards’ Phase 1 order, outdoor activity including boating, all individuals should avoid groups of any size that do not allow for strict social distancing.

Alcohol use is one of the leading causes of boating crash incidents and fatalities on the water. Alcohol consumption impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. The penalties for DWI on the water are the same as on the road. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case.

LDWF also wants to remind anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 that they are required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower.

LDWF offers these classes free of charge statewide www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses. Since the safe boating course’s inception in 2003, over 118,000 boaters have been certified in Louisiana.

In 2019, Louisiana reported 20 boating fatalities. So far, in 2020 Louisiana has reported seven fatalities.

Beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, the Office of Motor Vehicles will begin providing limited office services at eleven locations across the state. The limited services include the issuance/renewal of driver licenses and/or identification cards, ordering a duplicate title, renewing vehicle registrations, and title transfers.

Customers are urged to continue utilizing the OMV website at www.expresslane.org for available online services such as driver license renewals, identification card renewals, official driving records, and duplicate registrations.

Customers are also encouraged to check their driver license status by visiting http://www.expresslane.org regarding flags, blocks, suspensions or disqualifications. If a customer has flags on their record, they must clear those flags prior to obtaining any OMV services.

These limited services will begin in a phased approach at the following locations:

Alexandria
Baton Rouge – Independence Blvd
Harvey
Houma
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Livingston
Mandeville
Monroe
New Orleans – Veterans Hwy
Shreveport

Please be aware that Facial Coverings (customers must bring their own) and Social Distancing are strongly encouraged at all locations for all OMV customers. In addition, offices will be complying with the 25% occupancy capacity during Phase One of Louisiana Re-opening.

If customers are seeking reinstatements, these will only be provided via phone, mail or a Public Tag Agency. Those customers seeking reinstatements must use one of the following options, with no exceptions.

OMV Call Center:
225-925-6146 – Option #3 (Call Center is already open to provide assistance)

OMV Mail Center:
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, La. 70896

Story by Matt Vines, NSU Assistant Sports Information Director

The Northwestern State women’s jumpers led a coalition of 10 individuals and one relay that were selected to the first-ever Louisiana Sports Writers Association Indoor Track and Field awards announced Saturday evening.

Graduate transfer LaTyria Jefferson shared Newcomer of the Year honors with LSU’s Symone Mason. Jefferson, who transferred from Kansas, was the only non-LSU student-athlete or coach to win one of the 10 superlative awards on the all-state collegiate track and field team.

The senior ranked third in the state in the high jump (5-10.5) and just missed the top three in the long jump (19-7.5). Student-athletes are recognized on the collegiate all-state team by posting a top-three mark in the state in an event.

NSU’s most recent Newcomer of the Year came in 2018 as sophomore Kie’ave Harry took the honor.

“She’s a big-time performer,” head coach Mike Heimerman said of Jefferson. “She came in and did exactly what we thought she would. We’re looking forward to seeing what she can do for us next year as well.”

With the outdoor season being canceled because of the novel coronavirus, this year’s Indoor team is the first of its kind in LSWA history.

NSU jumpers Jasmyn Steels and Lauren Clarke each had Louisiana’s best leaps in their specialty events.

Steels long jumped 21-2, the seventh-best mark nationally, before the 2020 NCAA Indoor Championships were canceled after Steels won the long jump national title in 2019.

Steels, who claimed the Louisiana Field Athlete of the Year, is making her second appearance on the all-state team.

Clarke is also making her second appearance on the all-state squad after making the state’s top triple jump mark (42-11.75).

Both Clarke and Steels won Southland Conference titles in those respective events.

Sophomore Annemarie Broussard caps the women’s field all-staters with the second-best pole vault in the state (13-9.25).

Senior sprinter Natashia Jackson is the only Lady Demon that appears in multiple events. Jackson’s Indoor Southland Conference records of 53.25 (400 meters) and 23.50 (200 meters) rank second and third in the state, respectively.

Jackson also was part of the Lady Demon 4×400 relay squad who clocked a 3:41.29 time that ranked second in the state. Joining her on that relay squad were Jayla Fields, Janiel Moore and Erin Wilson.

“I don’t know what else you can say about those ladies,” Heimerman said. “They are truly students of the game and really work to perfect their craft. They are phenomenal competitors, and these awards are more fruits of their labor.”

On the men’s side, sophomore Slavoski Wright makes two appearances on the All-Louisiana team.

Wright ranks third in the 800 meters at 1:54.22 and was a member of NSU’s 4X400 relay team, which stands third in the state (3:12.60).

“He has big things ahead of him,” Heimerman said of Wright. “He has room to improve and toughen up, but he’s going in the right direction. I’m very happy for him, and hopefully this helps him in that process.”

Junior Charles, a junior transfer from South Plains College, and freshmen Kennedy Harrison and Dejon Blake joined Wright on the relay.

Senior triple jumper Quindarrius Thompson ranked second in Louisiana with a jump of 51-3.

Sophomore shot putter Marco Arevalo is a second-teamer after a throw of 53-10.5.

The 14 overall representatives on the All-Louisiana team matched NSU’s 2019 total.

Natchitoches, LA, May 14, 2020 – The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is happy to announce mobile library services have begun! First, the Schoolmobile’s annual “Traveling Tales” has returned. Children will be able to pick up books at different locations around the parish Tuesday through Friday. Stops will include Creston Baptist Church in Creston, Ross Williams Park in Natchitoches, Provencal Elementary/Jr. High, Cloutierville School, First Baptist Church in Marthaville, and Dollar General in Natchez, among others. For a full schedule of stop dates and times please visit natlib.org.

The NPL’s Bookmobile will also be offering a modified schedule this summer to keep patrons safe from COVID-19. People in rural parts of the parish who are registered Bookmobile patrons may now call to request delivery of items to their door at 318-238-9231. The Bookmobile will not be at its regular stops but will instead be offering this red-carpet service to parish residents.

Also, anyone who is homebound may request Library Express services from the Bookmobile. Library Express offers bi-weekly delivery and return of items to those unable to travel to their local branch. Whether you are recovering from surgery, unable to drive, or cannot leave your home, you may call 318-238-9231 to request information on this library service.

These mobile services will allow for more patrons to take part in the NPL’s summer reading programs that will be beginning in a few weeks. 

New Orleans – The Louisiana Supreme Court issued two new orders dated May 15. Acting under the authority of Article V, Section 1 and 5 of Constitution of 1974, and the inherent power of this Court, and considering the continuing spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards’ renewal of state of emergency for COVID-19 and extension and modification of emergency provisions in Proclamation Numbers 58 JBE 2020 and 59 JBE 2020, President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, 2020, the Orders of this Court dated April 6, April 22 and April 29, 2020, and in consideration of ongoing public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to protect the constitutional rights and public safety of the citizens of the state by maintaining access to Louisiana courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued the following two orders.

The first Order addresses statewide court operations and reads as follows: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

Prior Orders: This Order shall repeal and replace the Orders of this Court dated April 6, April 22 and April 29, 2020.

Jury Trials: No civil or criminal jury trial shall commence in any Louisiana state court before June 30, 2020.

In-person proceedings: The prohibition on conducting in person proceedings is hereby lifted, and courts are authorized to conduct in-person proceedings on all matters. This authority does not extend to any matters suspended by executive action by the Governor, including but not limited to evictions. Courts must continue to take measures to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces, with minimum physical contact, to practice social distancing and limit in-person court capacity to 25% of the total capacity, as determined by the State Fire Marshall, counting both the number of employees and members of the public present in the building at one time. As this situation is constantly changing, courts are further instructed to follow all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control, the President and the Governor, and to further limit access to courtroom and other spaces to the maximum number of people set forth in any future guideline or official proclamation that may be issued. All matters should continue to be conducted with the use of video and telephone conferencing whenever possible.

Speedy Trial Computations: Given the public health concerns and the necessity of taking action to slow the spread of the disease, the continuances occasioned by this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. Therefore, the time periods of such continuance shall be excluded from speedy trial computations pursuant to law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure and the Louisiana Children’s Code, and presumptively constitute just cause.

The second Order extends filing deadlines for the Louisiana Supreme Court and reads as follows:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

All filings which were or are due to this Court between Thursday, March 12, 2020 through Friday, June 5, 2020 shall be considered timely if filed no later than Monday, June 8, 2020. Parties who are unable to meet this deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency may submit motions for extensions of time, supported by appropriate documentation and argument.

“The Louisiana Supreme Court perseveres in committed jurisprudence as it works to keep the safety and wellbeing of Louisiana’s citizens a priority.” said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.

Please note that the State Law limits number of people during the visitation period and attendance at the service to ten (10) or less and that social distancing be observed! This must be strictly enforced! Thank you in advance for your cooperation. It is designed for the safety of the family, our staff and the general public.

NATCHITOCHES:
Nancy E. Williams
May 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Lyvon Jennings
June 12, 1934 – May 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Jewel Jones Taylor
February 06, 1935 – May 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

RED RIVER:
Arthur Elijah Nealy, Jr.
July 22, 1945 – May 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

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.

By Reba Phelps

When you are an adolescent you will go to extraordinary lengths just to fit in and feel like you belong. To most children there is nothing worse than standing out from your peers. When I was growing up, I was no different. I wanted to blend in with my surroundings and appear as if I were the exact same as everyone else in my class.

But, I wasn’t the same. As much as I tried to deny it and hide it…. I was raised very poor. There is no way to sugarcoat it or put a spin on it. I was poe.

My siblings and I were always on free lunch and didn’t graduate to reduced lunch until we entered high school and my father surrendered to the ministry.

All of my friends, on the other hand, always seemed to pay extra for their lunch. Or least in my eyes they did. They always had extra recess money and did not mind sharing with me. Sometimes I would say I left my money at home, but they knew. Nonetheless, they always shared.

My friends also seemed to always be adorned in name brand clothes that did not come from a garage sale or the clearance rack. I was always comparing myself so I noticed when others had plenty and I had very little. I would recognize when someone had an extravagant Christmas or a large birthday party and I would constantly feel ashamed while talking about my meager presents.

I had even been known to lie on occasion about what type of clothes I had at home that my parents wouldn’t allow me wear out of the house. I didn’t say I was good liar. I just fibbed constantly trying to seem wealthier than I was.

The most peculiar thing was that I distinguished wealth by how much kids paid for their lunch. If someone paid full price for school lunch I just assumed they had stacks and stacks of gold bricks at home. If someone paid reduced lunch fees then I still knew they were richer than me. You can tell I obviously overthought things from a very young age.

I can remember going to the grocery store with my mother and being tickled (and somewhat embarrassed) at how she was so strategic with her coupons and her green stamps. Sometimes each child would have their own buggy and coupons if the sales were limited to a certain number of items per transaction. We would leave with free dishes and food for a month for as little as ten dollars. If there was one thing being poor taught me it was that you can get by with much less than you think.

They say that being poor builds character but you never feel like you are building anything when you are in the midst of poverty. It took me many years to realize that we were poor but still had a home and parental love and support. Poverty was just the balance in our checkbook but not the value of the love in our family.

I was also too foolish to even understand that my friends liked me regardless of the brand of my clothes or how much disposable allowance money I had in my pockets. I didn’t realize until I was much older that there is more to someone’s soul than the price they are willing to pay for their lunch or their clothes.

While God has blessed me tremendously, I can honestly say that I no longer compare my earthly treasures to those of others. I firmly believe I was raised poor for a reason and I do believe that God purposefully created in me a heart that will always to help provide for others, cheer for the underdog and celebrate other’s blessings, victories and successes.

God has the biggest sense of humor….I spent so many years being ashamed of free lunches and now in my professional years I will always attend meetings if there is a free lunch involved. If there is free food, my friends and I will be there. I will always, without fail, throw my business card in a fish bowl in hopes of winning that free lunch.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” – Philippians 4:12

The St. Denis Art League Spring Festival Board of Directors announces the Gentlemen of the Court for it’s 52nd Presentation and Ball.

13 young men will be presented as Gentlemen of the Court:

John Anthony Boyt is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Houston Thomas Boyt. He is the grandson of Mr. Bobby Glen Till and the late Mrs. Till, Mrs. Rose Turner Boyt and the late Mr. William Hunt Boyt. His sister, Emily Catherine was an Usher in 2014 and a Lady of the Court in 2016. His brother Jacob Cole Boyt was presented as a Gentleman in 2017. John is a Senior at NCHS.

William Scott Broadway is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Scott Broadway. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Ronny Glen Broadway, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ruel Gene Ferguson. He is a Senior at St. Mary’s High School.

Evan Blake Gandy is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Ray Gandy, Jr. He is the grandson of Mr. Dudley Marshall Bolton and the late Mrs. Bolton, Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Ray Gandy, Sr. Evan is a Senior at St. Mary’s High School.

Thomas Jackson Howell is the son of Mrs. Amy White Howell and the late Mr. John Donald Howell. He is the grandson of Mrs. Linda Graves White and the Late Dr. Thomas Edward White, Mr. Hugh Don Howell and the late Mrs. Howell. His brother, John Aaron Howell, was presented as a Gentleman of the Court in 2018 and his mother, the former Amy White, was presented as a Lady in 1988. Thomas is a Senior at St. Mary’s High School.

Marlan Damon LeGrande is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Mark LeGrande. He is the grandson of Mr. Marlan Woster Anderson, Mrs. Doris Kay Henry, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carroll LeGrande. His brother, Robert Yancy LeGrande was presented as a Gentleman of the Court in 2017. Damon is a Senior at St. Mary’s High School.

Flynt Tate Nelson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Flynt Nelson. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Van Ira Tate, Mr. Gordan Stanley Hernandez, and Ms. Dianne Flynt Rathburn. Tate is a Senior at St. Mary’s.

Brayden Samuel Poche is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Burton Poche, Jr. and Ms. Misty Ott. He is the grandson of Mr. Luther Burton Poche, Sr. and Ms. Dimple Parker Clevinger.

He is a Senior at St. Mary’s.

Caleb Andrew Snody is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Jerome Simpson. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Russell E. Gahagan, Jr., and the late Mr. David Masters McClung, Jr. Caleb’s mother, the former Joan Marteel McClung was a Lady of the Court in 1987. He is a Senior at St. Mary’s High School.

Dustin Kaden Stewart is the son of Mr. Bruce Stewart and Mrs. Sarah Stewart Nelson. He is the grandson of Mr. Donald Wayne Hodge, Mrs. Sharla Henley Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kenneth Stewart. He is a Senior at NCHS.

John Scott Waskom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Scott Waskom. He is the grandson of Mrs. Rita Hollier Fontenot, and the late Mr. Fontenot, Ms. Sara Sullenberger Waskom and the late Mr. John Denise Waskom. John’s sister, Carmen Nicole, was presented as a Lady of the Court in 2018. He is a Senior at NCHS.

Jordan Matthew White is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Patrick Miller and the late James Chad White. He is the grandson of Mr. James Ivan Thompson, Ms. Heather Gist Swenson, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Frank White. He is a Senior at St. Mary’s High School.

Austin Michael Withers Is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lee Withers. He is the grandson of Mr. Charles Michael Costello, Ms. Lynda Edwards Green, Mr. Willis Henry Patrick, and Ms. Judy Patrick Withers. He is a Senior at NCHS.

Dustin Lee Withers is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lee Withers. He is the grandson of Mr. Charles Michael Costello, Ms. Lynda Edwards Green, Mr. Willis Henry Patrick, and Ms. Judy Patrick Withers. Dustin is a Senior at NCHS.

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested Derek Tatum (B/M, 19 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for shooting an assault style rifle near Dean Street’s Ross Williams Park.

On May 14, 2020 around 11:11 a.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to Dean Street in reference to residents hearing several gunshots in the area. As officers arrived to Dean Street they were notified by a witness that Derek Tatum was walking around earlier in the area with an assault style rifle. Officers were able to locate Derek Tatum and the assault style rifle hidden in bushes near the park.

Derek Tatum was placed under arrest and was charged with Discharging a Firearm within the City Limits of Natchitoches.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to thank its citizens for helping keep their communities safe. It is through strong police community relations like this that can make all of our neighborhoods safe and quiet.

If you have any additional information in regards to this investigation please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

Anonymous Tips by Smartphone:
You may also provide tips that will be anonymous via our TipSubmit Product. Simply send the tip by using your smartphones (download the free application) or by texting (Text-A-Tip) to CRIMES (274637). Use NPDTIPS before typing your message. 

President John Richmond would like to inform all Parish residents that beginning Monday, May 18, 2020 and extending until further notice, all persons entering the Courthouse will be required to wear a facial covering, i.e., a mask, bandana, etc. This requirement is consistent with the guidelines established by Governor John Bel Edwards for the Phase 1 reopening for the state. Everyone entering the Courthouse will also be encouraged to adhere to social distancing guidelines meant to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Questions about Courthouse policies during the Phase 1 reopening can be directed to the Parish Government at (318) 352-2714.

A traffic stop near Clarence has led to the arrest of a DeSoto Parish man on traffic and felony weapon violations charges according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday evening May 13 at approximately 9:40pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Special Task Impact Patrol Unit were patrolling on US-71 near Clarence when they stopped a 1992 Jeep for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as 42-year-old Dennis L. Watson of Mansfield, La.

During the traffic stop, deputies smelled a strong alcoholic beverage odor and observed several firearms in the vehicle in plain view.

Deputies learned Watson’s driver’s license was suspended and he appeared to be impaired.

Deputies requested Watson perform a series of field sobriety test in which he refused.

Watson was placed under arrest.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies seized Hi-Point .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun with a obliterated serial number, two homemade gun suppressors, Remington .223 caliber rifle, a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun and a Ruger .22 cailiber semi-automatic rifle and some unidentified pills that will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.

A criminal background check revealed Watson had been convicted of a prior felony.

Dennis Levelle Watson, 42, of the 200 block of Amy Lane, Mansfield, La. was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with DWI-2nd Offense, Driving under Suspension, Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverages in a Vehicle, 4-counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number and Possession of Legend Drugs.

Watson also refused a chemical test for intoxication.

Watson has been released on a $56,500 appearance bond set by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge pending his court appearance.

Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division is also assisting in the ongoing investigation.

The vehicle was impounded by a local wrecker.

The Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division has arrest warrants for the following individuals:

Charlene Beaudion – Three Counts of Monetary Instrument Abuse
Patrick Bradford – Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Jerry Craig – Remaining After Being Forbidden
Rodney Frazier – Domestic Abuse Battery
John King – Attempted Second Degree Murder
Kelvin Miller – Battery of a Dating Partner
William Mitchell – Domestic Abuse Battery
JaMichael Pye – Two Counts of Violation of a Protection Order and Criminal Damage to Property
Brian Walker – Possession of Schedule II Narcotics

If you have seen any of these individuals please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (318) 352-5609. Do not attempt to apprehend or detain any of these individuals by yourself. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

A traffic stop in Natchez on Thursday evening led to the arrest of a prior narcotics offender according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday evening May 14 at approximately 9:00pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Special Task Impact Patrol Unit were patrolling in the Natchez community when they stopped a 2005 Volkswagon on La. Hwy 1 for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as 38-year-old Christopher Cody Lott of Natchitoches.

Deputies say during the traffic stop, Lott appeared very nervous and moving around leading them to believe criminal activity existed.

During a pat-down for officer safety, deputies felt an object in Lott’s pocket consistent with narcotics activity in which he immediately replied that’s not mine.”

Deputies recovered a pouch containing 3 bags containing 9 grams of suspected methamphetamine with a potential street value of approximately $900.00 believed to be intended for distribution in the Natchitoches area.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a glass pipe commonly used to smoke illegal narcotics.

Deputies arrested:

Christopher Cody Lott, 38, of the 300 block of Shoreline Drive, Natchitoches was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamines with Intent to Distribte-2nd Offense, and Possession of Drug Parapahernalia.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents assisted following the arrest.

Lott remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

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

The vehicle was impounded.

Report suspicious activity to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or Natchitoches Drug Task Force at 357-2248.

PHILLIP LEE JAMISON
DOB: 03/15/1967
Race: W
Sex: M
Hair Color: BALD
Eye Color: HAZ

CURRENT BOOKING INFORMATION
Charge: 40:1023
Description: POSSESSION DRUG PARAPHANLIA
Bond: $0.00

Charge: 32:361
Description: IMPROPER WINDOW TINT
Bond: $0.00

Charge: 40:967C
Description: PROHIBITED ACTS – SCHEDULE II; POSSESSION
Bond: $0.00

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place Thursday evening on July Street near Hill Street.

On May 14, 2020 around 6:22 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded to the 800 block of July Street in reference to residents hearing gunshots in the area. As officers arrived to July Street they were notified by witnesses that DeMontre Jackson, the suspect, got into an argument with another individual and pulled out a gun. When DeMontre Jackson pulled out the gun the individual hid behind his vehicle while being shot at. After being shot at the first time he was able to flee the area on foot while being shot at multiple more times.

Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for DeMontre Jackson (B/M, 26 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for Attempted Second Degree Murder.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to thank its citizens for helping keep their communities safe. It is through strong police community relations like this that can make all of our neighborhoods safe and quiet.

If you have seen DeMontre Jackson please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have any additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective William Connell at (318) 238-3911. Do not attempt to apprehend or detain this individual by yourself. DeMontre Jackson is considered to be armed and dangerous. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

Please note that the State Law limits number of people during the visitation period and attendance at the service to ten (10) or less and that social distancing be observed! This must be strictly enforced! Thank you in advance for your cooperation. It is designed for the safety of the family, our staff and the general public.

NATCHITOCHES:
Nancy E. Williams
May 15, 2020
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Omeria “Mickey” Dubois Lashley
February 25, 1938 – May 14, 2020
Service: Saturday, May 16 at 11 am in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel in Winnfield

RED RIVER:
Lynda Gayle Fairley Taylor
October 01, 1938 – May 14, 2020
Service: Saturday, May 16 at 3 pm at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Arkansas