Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a west Natchitoches Parish man after he led deputies on a brief pursuit and crashed his vehicle south of Provencal on Saturday evening according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Saturday evening March 14 at approximately 7:45pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division were working stationary monitoring traffic in Provencal when they observed a Chevrolet pickup truck commit a traffic violation.

Deputies attempted to stop the maroon 2001 Chevrolet pickup truck, however, the operator failed to stop leading deputies on a brief pursuit on Lee Street, then onto La. Hwy 117 traveling south and turning onto Harmony Road where he eventually crashed into some trees.

The suspect attempted to flee again but was stuck in mud.

Daniel T. Gandy, 22, of the 2300 block of Desoto Street, Provencal was taken into custody without incident, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Flight from an Officer, Driving under Suspension, No Insurance, Altered License Plate, and General Speed Law.

Gandy remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond. State Police, Troop-E worked the crash.

The vehicle was impounded by a local wrecker service.

Deputy A. Llorence made the arrest.

By Brad Dison

At about 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night, February 22, 1964, Elmer Wright parked what newspapers described as his “1949 green car” on the street near his house in the 2800 block of Harford Road in Baltimore, Maryland. At about 3:00 a.m., Elmer heard his car crank up and leave. He looked out his window and watched in amazement as his car drove away. He called the police and reported his car stolen.

About fifteen minutes later, James Alderman drove the stolen car into a parked car at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Watt Street. Patrolmen Calvin Cason and Ralph Baker arrived on the scene shortly after and began investigating the crash. The officers spoke with the four occupants of the car, James Alderman, Robert Faison, and James’s two sisters, in order to learn how the crash happened. As the patrolmen spoke to the occupants, they heard the police dispatcher put out a bolo (be on lookout) for a stolen green 1949 car bearing license plate number AM-1265. The two patrolmen looked at the wrecked car and then looked at each other. They confirmed that it was the stolen car when they looked at the license plate number.

The patrolmen questioned the group about the car and they all assured them that the car belonged to James. To prove it, James locked one of the doors on the car, then unlocked it with his set of keys. He did the same with the trunk and ignition. The patrolmen assumed that James had stolen the car and assumed the owner had left the keys in the ignition. James was adamant that the car was his and argued that he had not stolen it. The occupants who had been with James were absolutely certain that the car belonged to James. Their arguments were silenced when the patrolmen showed them the license plate. All four of the occupants of the stolen car were amazed. This was not James’s car. His license plate number was CZ-6512.

The patrolmen, sure they had just caught four car thieves, questioned them at length. James told the officers that he had parked his car on the 2800 block of Harford Road, and, at about 3:00 a.m., he and his companions entered the car and drove away. Fifteen minutes later, they had the car crash. End of story.

This was certainly not the end of the story. The patrolmen arrested the four alleged car thieves and drove them to the police department. On the way, curiosity got the better of them and patrolmen drove down the 2800 block of Harford Road. Parked on the 2800 block was a car which looked exactly like the one involved in the car crash. It was the same year, make, model, and color. The only difference they could see was the license plate number. The patrolmen and the alleged car thieves stared in disbelief. The patrolmen pulled over and inspected the other 1949 green car. They tried James’s car keys and were shocked when they were able to unlock the car doors and start the car. The license plate on this car was CZ-6512.

James, his occupants, and the patrolmen all realized the amazing coincidence and James’s simple mistake. James saw what he thought was his car parked where he thought he had left his car. His keys unlocked the doors and started the car. As it was 3:00 a.m. and dark, James and his passengers were unable to see well enough inside the car to realize that they were in someone else’s car. Since the keys worked, they did not even give it a second thought.

Even as late as the 1960s, car companies used only a small number of locks keyed differently for their cars. Due to the number of paint colors, interior seat patterns, the large number of cars they sold, and the locations where the cars were sold, it would be almost impossible, the car companies contended, for an incident like this to happen. What were the odds?

Unfortunately for James, the odds were against him on this night. Had James not wrecked Elmer’s car into the parked car, the officers could have just returned the car to Elmer and forgotten the whole incident. However, since there was damage to the car, the patrolmen charged James and Robert, not with car theft, but with unauthorized use of the car. In court, both men plead guilty before Judge Albert Blum, and James explained the incident. Judge Blum was bewildered at the story and sat in silence for a moment which, to James and Robert, must have seemed like hours. Judge Blum said, “This is one of the most amazing coincidences in my life. And I’ve lived a few years. It is absolutely fantastic; it’s a story book situation.” Even though James and Robert plead guilty, the judge found them not guilty.

Source:
The Baltimore Sun, February 24, 1964, p.32.

There is no higher priority to the Natchitoches Parish Early Childhood Team than the health and safety of children, families, and staff. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel the April Preschool Screening and Pre-K Round-Up events.

Our next Preschool Screening and Pre-K Round Updates are in May. The events have been rescheduled and combined (see below).

Registration for the summer and fall 2020 semester is underway at Northwestern State University.

Northwestern State students can begin the registration procedure by checking the online schedule of classes through NSUConnect then meeting with their advisor. Students can sign up for summer and fall classes through NSUConnect based on the following registration schedule.

Graduate students, authorized ADA students with a permit, honor students with a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and 12 or more hours, active military, veterans, ROTC cadets and student-athletes can begin registering today.

Seniors can start signing up on March 17 and juniors can begin registering on March 18. On March 19, sophomores can begin scheduling summer and fall classes and freshmen and non-traditional students (adults 25 and over) with less than 30 hours can start registering on March 20.

Early registration for the 11-week summer session is through May 19. Students taking classes in the eight-week session can register through June 2. Early registration for first four-week summer session is available until June 2 and through June 30 for the second four-week session.

Registration for the fall semester is available through Aug. 16. Late registration will be held Aug. 17-25. Fall classes start on Aug. 17.

For more information on summer and fall registration at Northwestern State, go to nsula.edu/registrar.

 

Monday, March 16, 2020 1:27 PM
Natchitoches Parish, LA-6
Milepost 2.132 Bridge # 034-05-1292-2
Control Section 034-05

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that bridge number 034-05-1292-2 will be reduced to one lane for Emergency Repairs from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, weather permitting. This structure is on LA 6 over Youngs Bayou (westbound bridge) being 0.11 miles west of LA 1 Bypass in Natchitoches.

Permit/Detour Section
Bridge will be reduced to one 12’ lane. Please no wide loads.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Call (318) 561-5100 or (800) 542-3509 for additional information. 

Natchitoches Parish schools are serving up breakfast and lunch to students with a Feeding Program while students are at home until April 13 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

School Board member Billy Benefield, City Councilman at Large Don Mina and Mayor Lee Posey stopped by L P Vaughn to help with the curb side service for breakfast on March 16. Pictures are Jacqueline Lawson, Billy Benefield Jr., Orena Coutee, Don Mims, Sandy Irchirl, Lee Posey, and Nicki Thomas.

NATCHITOCHES:
James “Jimmy” Lofton
April 08, 1953 – March 15, 2020
Visitation: Tuesday, March 17 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, March 18 at 10 am at Friendship Church of the Nazarene, located at 88 Friendship Road in Robeline
Interment: Belmont Cemetery in Belmont

Dewayne Johnson
March 14, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Michael Hobbs
March 14, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Leo Collins, Jr.
February 24, 1950 – March 9, 2020
Service: Saturday, March 21 at 11 am at the Asbury United Methodist Church, located at 704 5th Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Campti Community Cemetery

Richard Lynch
March 6, 2020
Service: Saturday, March 21 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Shady Grove Community Cemetery

WINN:
Keaton Allen Hataway
August 12, 2000 – March 13, 2020
Visitation: Wednesday, March 18 from 11 am – 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Winnfield
Service: Wednesday, March 18 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church
Interment: Garden of Memories in Winnfield

Christopher Lane Clark
November 17, 1968 – March 14, 2020
Visitation: Tuesday, March 17 from 5-9 pm at Prosperity Baptist Church in Walters
Service: Wednesday, March 18 at 10 at at Prosperity Baptist Church
Interment: Woodland Cemetery of Jena

Nellie Peterson Hughen
April 8, 1940 – March 14, 2020
Visitation: Tuesday, March 17 from 9-10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, March 17 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Yankee Springs Cemetery near Goldonna

Inez Zeno
March 8, 1944 – March 9, 2020
Service: Saturday, March 21 at 1 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 117 MLK Drive in Winnfield
Interment: Union Hill Cemetery

Roberta “Bobbi” Russell
October 08, 1944 – March 08, 2020
Arrangements TBA

RED RIVER:
Candace “Candy” Lane Johnson
March 24, 1957 – March 12, 2020
Visitation: Tuesday, March 17 from 6-8 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, March 18 at 1 pm at Fairview Baptist Church
Interment: Fairview Cemetery

Kimberly Michelle Youngblood
September 25, 1988 – March 13, 2020
Visitation: Tuesday, March 17 from 6-8 pm at at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, March 18 at 2 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Martin Cemetery

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched a new interactive dashboard for tracking COVID-19 testing results in Louisiana. This new dashboard includes a heat map of the state along with a breakdown of positive cases by parish.

WATCH DASHBOARD HERE: COVID-19 Dashboard

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that lab tests have proven to be reliable and CDC confirmation of positive lab results is no longer needed. To reflect this change, the Department has removed CDC confirmed cases from the dashboard and now results are considered positive instead of presumptive positive. Additionally, the dashboard also includes positive results from commercial labs.

Kevin’s Gallery

One could find everything from crafts, food, plants and bellydancers Saturday, March 14 as the 20th annual Bloomin’ on the Bricks and 17th annual Art Along the Bricks festivals joined forces along Front Street. Downtown Natchitoches was filled with local residents and visitors eager to start the spring season off on the right foot. Bloomin’ on the Bricks featured a number of vendors with offerings ranging from ice cream and gardening supplies to expert advice from Louisiana Master Gardeners. The nearby Art Along the Bricks featured vendors with a wide variety of crafts and art works. A perennial crowd favorite returned as local tribal fusion bellydance troupe Indigeaux performed for the delighted crowd. The Natchitoches Humane Society’s booth was a surprise favorite, especially for children, as Pete and Pax, two baby possums the society is caring for until they can be released back into the wild, drew a crowd of delighted youngsters.

• 

• 

• 

• 

by Donald Gates

As I drive around town during the middle of the day, I see so many seemingly healthy men and women lounging on the porch or walking around the neighborhood talking on a cell phone. I see them in grocery stores buying items with food stamps. Not long ago I was behind a woman in the check-out line of a local store who placed two inexpensive items on the counter along with two food stamp cards and asked to pay for each from a separate card and receive a $100 in change from each card. She then went back into the store. Do you think she forgot to include some food items and went back for more? Or is she going to select items that are not eligible for payment with food stamps? Is this legal? The clerk, when I asked, responded “yes”.

Why aren’t these young, seemingly healthy, people working? Why are we taxpayers paying for free cell phones, food stamps and subsidizing enumerable other hand-outs? Certainly, there are many deserving poor people who must be helped and we must see that they are cared for but it seems that our government does a poor job in adequate vetting to insure that only the qualified become beneficiaries of public funds. We must do something to change this terrible waste of taxpayers’ money and potential talent. Hand-outs will never solve the problem. We must work toward establishing a system that rewards a strong work ethic. To do otherwise is to reinforce irresponsibility and create a family environment which perpetuates dependence on government handouts rather than personal responsibility. It is so sad that so many of our young men and women grow up with the attitude that the government will take care of them. They feel entitled and expect to be supported for their entire lives.

Can this cycle of dependency on the government dole be broken? You bet it can! I have seen situations where poor young people have been able, through a strong determination, to escape a cycle of poverty. They were able to develop psychological traits of personal responsibility and independence. They were not afraid of hard work and sacrifice because they had a goal—a better life. In most cases when they saw a successful person, it was not with envy but a desire to be like him/her—not hate but admiration. They were motivated to improve their lot in life. These individuals, because of their good work ethic, often encountered people who recognized their potential and were willing to assist them in their upward mobility. The assist was a hand-up not a hand-out.

I needed a summer job to help support my family between my junior and senior year in high school and my uncle Nelson was able to get me a summer job at the plant where he worked. Before I stared work, he gave me some good advice that was beneficial to me for the rest of my life. He said, “Always be busy because the boss will be watching”. Now he was not telling me just to look busy. He was telling me to do more than the job required and that those extra efforts would be noticed and remembered when a promotion became available. The job advancement, in effect, is a hand-up; a reward for a job well done! I have had many hand-ups from that first factory job and, as a soldier, a college student, a graduate student and a college professor. There was always a boss watching who observed my dedication to duty, sense of responsibility and serious work ethic and was willing to give me a hand-up. Please note that I define a hand-up as a reward and a hand-out as charity. One motivates upward mobility while the other stagnates ambition.

I have some advice for people who want to break the chain of poverty. The US Army has as its recruitment slogan, “Be all that you can be!”. I like it because it implies exactly what I was talking about above. Get a job. Develop a sense of responsibility for your own behavior. Get rid of that degrading belief of entitlement. Develop a work ethic that involves a willingness to go beyond the bare minimum requirements of the job. Study hard, work hard, be a good citizen and I promise you that there will be those in authority who will recognize your efforts as an asset to the organization and will be pleased to offer you a hand-up!

And remember what my uncle Nelson said, “Always be busy because the boss is watching”!

At this time the City of Natchitoches will still be in operation to offer assistance for families in need of guidance concerning Type III Childcare centers, CCAP, Tracking of Time Systems (TOTS) finger scans, Child Care Criminal background Checks (CCCBC) and open enrollment for Natchitoches Parish Early Childhood Network Programs. The best way to contact is via phone at 318-471-5240 or email at ametoyer@natchitochesla.gov.

The majority of Natchitoches Type III Child care centers will remain open with adjusted hours of operation to help accommodate families needing care due to work obligations. Please confirm with your provider what steps will be taken to ensure safety for all.

Louisiana Department of Education will do the following to assist families receiving Child Care Assistance (CCAP):

– Pay all authorized children the full weekly amount regardless of the number of days or hours they attended. (Full-Time will receive 22 units monthly, Part-Time will receive 20 hours weekly). You will NOT be removed from CCAP if child absences exceed 5 days.

– Waive copayments for families on CCAP. (This is based upon the State maximum assistance rate- check with your center to discuss any additional co-pay rates that are still required during this time)

– Extend family redeterminations for 3 months.

– Extend reporting deadlines for eligibility determinations.

– Children who have part-time authorizations will now be full-time

– CCAP applications will still be accepted and processed

If your children or anyone is experiencing any illness please remain at home. The most commonly-known symptoms associated with COVID-19 include: fever (83-98 percent), cough (76-82 percent), and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing (11-44 percent). Less commonly-exhibited symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and sputum production.

Dear members of the faith community of Louisiana:

Many of us have been grappling with the decision of whether to hold or attend in-person worship services tomorrow.

We heard from Governor Edwards’ office this morning. With the latest update, the spread of Covid-19 appears to be far more extensive throughout Louisiana than was understood even yesterday.

Health professionals and the Governor’s office are deeply concerned about worship services creating a circumstance to help fuel the spread of this disease. This is especially dangerous because so many of our worshipers are of the age most at risk of dying from Covid-19.

Louisiana currently has the third-highest rate of Covid-19 cases in the country. That is likely to get worse, not better, as testing becomes more widespread.

The disease likely has been spreading without detection for several weeks, which means it currently is present in every parish across the state.

We urge you to consider prayerfully that, if you hold or attend a service on Sunday, there is a strong possibility that one or more of your worshipers is carrying the virus. This is a strong possibility whether or not they are sick or showing any symptoms.

Under these circumstances, in-person services are very likely to help fuel the spread of the virus.

The chart below shows us how the experience of other countries – South Korea and Italy, particularly – offer wisdom to act responsibly and faithfully as a community.

What we’ve learned from those countries is that action that feels “bold” in the moment, such as the steps Italy took, may not be enough to slow down the spread of Covid-19.

What’s required in the early phases is action may even feel drastic. South Korea took those actions and it saved thousands of lives.

Thank you for considering our thoughts on this matter.

Yours in faith,

Together Louisiana

Together Louisiana is a statewide network of more than 250 religious congregations and civic organizations across Louisiana, representing more than 200,000 people. It is one of the largest grassroots organizations in the history of Louisiana.

Alexandria, La., March 14, 2020 — In response to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Executive Order issued Friday regarding statewide efforts in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) will be postponing all classes (Credit, Workforce, and Adult Education/WorkreadyU) on Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20, announced Chancellor Jimmy Sawtelle.

“CLTCC is devoted to providing high quality instruction and services within a safe, sanitary and secure environment,” Sawtelle said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work together to ensure the safety of our students and our communities.”

All CLTCC campus sites will be closed Monday, March 16. On Tuesday select employees will be notified to report to work. All faculty and staff will be required to report to work on Wednesday, March 18, to actively formulate plans for online delivery of instruction and alternate training schedules for unique programs of study.

Students will resume classes Monday, March 23, with online instruction. “In regard to the online classes, we want to stress our efforts to modify instructional delivery and college operations are centered on ensuring quality learning environments for students as well as safe work environments for faculty and staff,” Sawtelle said. “CLTCC personnel will continue to work with our state government and public health agencies as well as utilizing protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Students in programs that are ‘hands on’ such as Nursing and Welding may still report to their campus, yet classes will be modified to reduce personal interaction.”

For students who do not have ready access to high-speed Internet (broadband), CLTCC will provide access at all college locations to dedicated computer labs. “CLTCC intends to sustain operations at each location as appropriate, and we will provide appropriate precautions for the health and wellness of students per CDC recommendations,” Sawtelle said. “The administration is currently working to determine essential support services that will be needed specific to providing instruction, student services, workforce training, and finance and administration.”

Summary of Important Dates:
• Monday, March 16: CLTCC Closed
• Tuesday, March 17: Essential CLTCC Personnel Only
• Wednesday, March 18 – 20: All employees report to work with no classes for Students. • Monday, March 23: All employees report and classes resume (many classes resume on-
line.)

The Friends of the Natchitoches Parish Library (FONPL) are sad to announce that their annual book sale has been postponed. Considering the current pandemic, the sale will be held at a later date when the situation has improved.

“The Friends group believes that we, as community members, need to take all precautions in preventing the spread of illness,” said Tony Smith, President of the FONPL.

At the recommendation of the Louisiana Governor’s office, United Way of NWLA will close its office through April 13th and cancel all large events through June 2020. The United Way staff will work remotely in an effort to help slow the spread of the virus. Louisiana 211 will continue to serve as a resource during this time.

Louisiana’s statewide 211 network is now answering calls about COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. This network is best designed and staffed to handle the large volume of calls from Louisiana residents who are concerned and who have questions about the rapidly-spreading virus. United Way 211/United Way of Northwest Louisiana provides 211 services to northwest Louisiana as part of the Louisiana 211 Statewide Network.

Anyone looking for information about the COVID-19 outbreak can simply dial 211 or text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available. In addition to being able to call Louisiana 211 or to sign up for text messaging, residents can also get written answers to the most-asked questions by concerned citizens. The website is http://www.la211help.org.
“United Way of Northwest Louisiana works hard every day to ensure citizens in our region have access to 211, 24/7, including during times of uncertainty,” says Dr. Bruce Willson, President and CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “As this health and economic crisis continues to unfold, citizens can rely on 211 to access information on how to take proper health precautions.”

The Louisiana 211 statewide network provides multilingual services, as well as information for people who are hearing impaired. Sarah Berthelot, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of United Ways, coordinates statewide response efforts with 211 providers throughout Louisiana. “By working closely with the Louisiana Department of Health, our statewide network is equipped with accurate answers to the most common questions on COVID 19 at this time. Our robust system of call centers, text message capability, and websites gives people access to information that can help them make better decisions and best prepare for this health crisis,” Berthelot said.

This week, LDH provided Louisiana 211 with a comprehensive list of questions that have come into the original information telephone line. These include questions about testing for COVID-19, symptoms and treatment, and when to access medical help. Answers to all questions were provided by LDH’s medical leadership team.

Louisiana 211 is supported by United Ways throughout the state of Louisiana.

Kean Miller LLP is pleased to welcome J. Mark Miller as a partner in our Shreveport office located at 333 Texas Street, Suite 450, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101. Mark will practice in the business group, where he will represent clients in business and commercial transactions, business formations, general business counsel, mergers and acquisitions, real estate matters, successions, estate planning, interdictions and litigation matters.

Mark practiced in Natchitoches with Stamey & Miller, LLC for over 22 years and brings extensive experience as a transactional attorney and litigator. He began his practice in litigation which provided him with valuable experience in recognizing that litigation can often be avoided by eliminating or reducing risk at the contract and transactional stage. Mark shifted his practice to include transactional work representing clients in corporate transactions, business formations, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, contract preparation, contract negotiations, real estate transactions, commercial transactions, successions, interdictions and estate planning. Mark is a member of the Natchitoches, Shreveport, Louisiana State and American Bar Associations and is a Board Member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel.

Mark will continue to do work in north and central Louisiana and in particular, Natchitoches, so that he can continue to be a part of a community that he enjoys so much. Mark looks forward to continuing to assist those with legal needs in the Natchitoches area while providing the extensive resources offered by Kean Miller.

Kean Miller assists clients in a variety of service areas, including business litigation, construction, environmental regulation, permitting, class action defense, banking and finance, admiralty and maritime, products liability, emergency and incident response, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, intellectual property, patents and patent infringement, chemical exposure litigation, toxic tort defense, oil and gas, health law, medical malpractice defense, bankruptcy and reorganization, utilities regulation, labor and employment, state and local tax, legislative and administrative lobbying, estate planning, probate, municipal finance, and insurance coverage and recovery.

Mark may be reached at 318.562.2701 or mark.miller@keanmiller.com

The spring seasons have come to an end for all Northwestern State sports teams.

The Southland Conference announced Saturday that the league will cancel all remaining spring sports competitions and championship events, effective immediately. The decision was reached by the Conference’s presidential Board of Directors, in consultation with campus athletic directors, in full consideration of the health, safety and well-being of the league’s student-athletes, coaches, administrators, support personnel and fans on the league’s 13 campuses. Southland members have been monitoring national, regional and local developments related to the worldwide COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, and its impact on U.S. professional and collegiate sports, including Thursday’s announcement that NCAA Championship events will be canceled through the spring.

“With all my heart, I was hoping that as a conference and university, we would not have to get to the point of making this decision,” said Northwestern State Director of Athletics Greg Burke. “It has been made, however, meticulously and painstakingly in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff, as well as for others associated with our athletic program and, indeed, for the benefit of the greater good.”

­­

The Southland had previously announced the cancelation of all competitions through March 30, including its Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments this week. Now, in addition to the new competition and championship changes, athletic departments have also agreed to prohibit all team activities, organized or voluntary, through March 30. Beyond that date, campus leaders will make determinations on other immediate and longer-term issues, such as team practice opportunities and other activities. Athletic departments and Conference office staff will address future NCAA eligibility issues for current spring sports student-athletes, and other matters of importance to the membership. Further, as with any legislation action, the Conference’s Board of Directors reserves the right to reconsider previous decisions.

On Friday, the NCAA announced “it will be appropriate to grant relief for the use of a season of competition for student-athletes who have participated in spring sports.”

“The Southland Conference’s decision to cancel all spring sports competition, while very difficult, has been made based on what is always the highest priority on any college campus – the well-being and health of its students,” said Northwestern State President Dr. Chris Maggio. “I appreciate the leadership of Commissioner Tom Burnett, and the Southland Board of Directors, for their collaborative deliberation throughout the arduous process of addressing this unprecedented issue. It is certainly a disappointing time for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans but the health and safety of all is uppermost as we move forward.”

The Southland joins a growing list of NCAA Division I conferences that have canceled spring competitions, including the America East, Atlantic 10, Big 12, Big East, Big West, Colonial, Ivy League, Metro Atlantic, Mid-American, Mid-Eastern Athletic, Missouri Valley, Mountain West, Northeast, Patriot League, Southwestern Athletic, Summit League and West Coast Conference. Several other conferences, including Conference USA, the Ohio Valley, the Pac-12, the Sun Belt and the Western Athletic Conference, have suspended competitions indefinitely.

The Southland’s spring sports offerings include baseball, softball, beach volleyball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. The Southland Bowling League Championship, scheduled for March 19-22, has also been canceled.

Among the spring sports sponsored by the conference, Northwestern State competes in baseball, softball, women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field. The NSU Athletic Department will reach out to season ticket holders next week with next steps for refunds and/or deferrals.

“As an Athletic Director who cherishes relationships and connectivity with our student-athletes and who know so many of them and their families on a personal level, it is extremely difficult knowing how emotional and frustrating this news will be to them,” Burke said. “Our student-athletes have worked diligently to give their very best on the field of competition and to represent NSU in a first-class manner, which makes this development all the more disappointing to them and to our coaches, whose livelihood revolves around preparing these young men and women for on- and off-the-field success.”

The Northwestern State athletics Mental Health Committee has been and will continue to be involved and provide guidance regarding the impact this decision can have on NSU student-athletes.

Said Burke: “As a university and a department, we are committed to providing support for our student-athletes through this trying time. Together, we can and will get through this. In the meantime, it is prayerfully hoped that these measures have the impact for which they are intended and do indeed minimize the effects of COVID-19.”

NATCHITOCHES:
Carol Deloney
December 30, 1943 – March 12, 2020
Service held March 14

Dewayne Johnson
March 14, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Michael Hobbs
March 14, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Leo Collins, Jr.
February 24, 1950 – March 9, 2020
Service: Saturday, March 21 at 11 am at the Asbury United Methodist Church, located at 704 5th Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Campti Community Cemetery

Richard Lynch
March 6, 2020
Service: Saturday, March 21 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Shady Grove Community Cemetery

SABINE:
Agnes Pauline Brown of Hornbeck, Louisiana
June 3, 1926 – March 11, 2020
Service held March 15

WINN:
Roberta “Bobbi” Russell
October 08, 1944 – March 08, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Gary Eugene Tolbert
November 13, 1944 – March 14, 2020
Visitation: Monday, March 16 from 12-1 pm at Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield
Service: Monday, March 16 at 1 pm in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home

Thomas Jerry Martin
September 14, 1937 – March 12, 2020
Service held march 15

RED RIVER:
Candace “Candy” Lane Johnson
March 24, 1957 – March 12, 2020
Visitation: Tuesday, March 17 from 6-8 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, March 18 at 1 pm at Fairview Baptist Church
Interment: Fairview Cemetery

Michael Dewayne Tate
August 24, 1956 – March 11, 2020
Service held March 14

The courthouse is open. When you come, you will be asked at the security desk to have your temperature taken by scanning your forehead (pending arrival of scanners) and to clean your hands with the hand sanitizer provided. The other rules will be posted. Most of it, including the travel restrictions and if you have been sick are just common sense. Please follow them.

Many things can be done over the phone. The Clerk’s office number is 318-352-8152. If we can’t help, we will do our best to get you the number of the agency that can. Medical Specialists have advised us to ask if you have had a fever in the last 48 hours, if so, please stay home.

If you have a Civil or Criminal hearing scheduled and are unsure about it, please call your attorney. If you aren’t represented by an attorney, please call the judge’s office.

The Clerk’s office, open 8:30-4:30, will continue to process conveyances, mortgages and cancellations. We will continue to perform mortgage certificates and filing UCCs. Our records in both the vault and in the Civil Department remain available for the public to search. Our Civil and Criminal deputies are available and at your service. Again, if you would like to call first, please do. There are some things that our deputies will be happy to help you with.

We will continue to process Marriage Licenses, birth certificates and passports. If you are a veteran and lived in Natchitoches at the time of your discharge, call us and we will search for your DD214 and we will have it ready for you when you arrive.

We will continue to assist both Divisions of the 10th Judicial District. The Judges’ offices are open and will continue to serve you, with a few adjustments. A phone call to them if you are unsure of anything would be in order.

The Clerk’s office will also be preparing for the rescheduled municipal elections on June 20, 2020 with letters going out to the Election Commissioners that were chosen to work that election.

I and the employees of the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court office are proud to serve you. We appreciate Sheriff Jones and his staff including Sheriff-Elect Stuart Wright, District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington and his staff, our two Judges, Lala Sylvester and Desiree Dyess and the staffs, Assessor Dolly Mahoney and Assessor-Elect Tim Page and their staff, Parish President John Richmond and his staff and Parish Registrar of Voters Katherin Holden and her staff. They all want to keep things running as normal and safe as possible. I also would like to thank Winston Bridges and his staff for the incredible and continuous cleaning of the courthouse to keep our employees and the public as safe as possible.

Please help us adjust to the changes. We hope they are short term, but they are needed as we work to keep service, commerce, and access to justice moving forward.

Best regards,

David Stamey
Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court
Office number 318-352-8152

To READ and REVIEW:
Natchitoches: 10th JDC Press Release on the Coronavirus

Most Louisiana utility customers put at economic risk by coronavirus won’t have to lose service for missing a payment, thanks to an emergency order by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

The LPSC issued an order drafted by commission Executive Secretary Brandon Frey on Friday. It directs Entergy, Cleco and SWEPCO — and a host of other electric, natural gas, telephone, water and sewer companies regulated by the LPSC — to immediately stop disconnecting customers for non-payment of their bills.

The comprehensive order covers millions of utility customers across all parts of Louisiana. It only exempts situations where concerns of public safety cause a utility to disconnect a customer, such as a gas leak. It will remain in place until the LPSC changes or revokes it.

The order cites Gov. John Bel Edwards’ March 11th declaration of a public health emergency. It says: “Given the severity of these events, and the uncertain impact it may have on Commission-jurisdictional ratepayers, immediate action is required to ensure utility service is not disconnected for non-payment.”

The five-member LPSC was scheduled to meet Wednesday, March 18, but due to the virus that meeting has been postponed by Chairman Mike Francis. Frey said consideration of the LPSC emergency order and other agenda items will be postponed until the Commission’s April 15 meeting.

Foster Campbell, North Louisiana’s representative on the LPSC, said the public’s health and wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis requires access to drinking water, electricity and other utilities.

“Louisiana utility customers need the assurance their homes won’t go dark and cold as we fight this worldwide virus,” said Foster Campbell, North Louisiana’s representative on the LPSC. “We all hope for a swift return to normal life for our state and nation, but it’s hard to say how soon that will be.

“Until we recover, customers who miss a paycheck or two because of virus disruption won’t have to worry about utilities. They can catch up when the virus is overcome and their paychecks return to normal.”

The order only covers utilities regulated by the LPSC, including Entergy, Cleco, SWEPCO, Louisiana’s rural electric cooperatives, Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy, AT&T, CenturyLink and a host of other for-profit companies. It does not waive bills but merely postpones them until the emergency order is lifted.

Utilities operated by cities, parishes and non-profit water boards are regulated by local officials and thus are exempt from LPSC jurisdiction and the Governor’s order. However, some local governments, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans, are ending cutoffs for non-payment as well during the virus crisis. Customers of these utilities should contact local officials for more information.

The LPSC order stopping utility disconnections can be found on the websites of Governor Edwards and the Louisiana PSC (lpsc.la.gov).

Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 any child who is 18 years of age or younger will be able to pick up breakfast between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 am. Lunch will be offered between 11:00 am and 12:30 p.m. Monday – Friday at 9 schools. Staff will be available during these times at the front of each school to provide meals to go.

Parents can simply drive through for pick-up or children can walk to the feeding site; however, children must be present to receive the meals. They do not have to be a student at the school to receive breakfast or lunch.
The following sites will serve breakfast and lunch Monday, March 16, 2020 -Friday, April 9, 2020:

Cloutierville
East
Fairview
Goldonna
Lakeview
Magnet
Marthaville
NCHS
Provencal
Vaughn

Feel free to contact us at 318-352-2358.