Krewe of Excellence will host Black Affair

Black Affair

The Natchitoches Krewe of Excellence will host a Black Affair Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 pm – 2 am at the Ben Johnson Auditorium. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tables are $15. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Hollywood. For table information call 318-652-1600. For tickets call 318-471-3373.

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NSU signs articulation to benefit ProStart completers, culinary arts students

LRA Articulation

 

Northwestern State University signed an agreement with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation that will allow high school students who earn the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement to transfer credits towards a degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism. The agreement will save time and money for high school graduates who intend to pursue a culinary arts concentration.

The articulation agreement was formalized with a signing Wednesday at NSU. Students can earn up to 12 credit hours

ProStart is a two-year program that introduces high school students to culinary techniques and management skills with an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills. ProStart is supported and operated by the LRA Education Foundation in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. ProStart programs are currently in place in 56 schools in Louisiana with about 1,400 students participating.

Rachel Bolotte, program manager ProStart in Louisiana, said she is focused on growing ProStart in Louisiana and concentrating on the quality of the progroam. The articulation agreement with NSU strengthens the talent pipeline for students seeking careers in Louisiana’s world-renowned food service industry.

“This agreement is advantageous for the students because it saves them a semester’s worth of classes when they already know the techniques and terminology and they know what is expected of them,” Bolotte said.

To earn The ProStart National Certificate of Achievement, an industry recognized certificate, students complete the two-year program, pass two national exams and work 400 mentored hours. Students who achieve the certificate are eligible for scholarship opportunities and course credits at more than 75 of the country’s leading hospitality and culinary arts colleges and universities.

To be eligible for the NSU credit transfer, students must have a high school diploma, a ProStart National Certificate of Achievement and must have received a grade of B or better in ProStart courses.

NSU’s HMT coordinator Connie Jones said the agreement gives students more options and accelerates their coursework. Many culinary arts programs in the U.S. are two-year programs, but students who seek a bachelor’s degree are able to take additional courses relevant to their career goals, such as business and marketing, hospitality services and travel and tourism.

For information on the HMT program at NSU, visit hmt.nsula.edu.

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Dean of Grambling State Theater to speak at LP Vaughn’s Dinner Theater Fundraiser

King David Godwain 2

The L.P. Vaughn School of Fine Arts and the L.P. Vaughn Elementary School will host a “Dinner Theater Thursday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 pm. Tickets are now on sale at the school office on 1500 Gold Street and from select teachers. Tickets are $25 a person or $35 for a couple.

Special guest speaker will be Dr. King David Godwin, the dean of the Grambling State Theater and Performing Arts of Grambling State University. He will be bringing students from his university to perform.

In addition to the dinner theater, the School of Fine Arts are also securing sponsorships from businesses and corporations in the community. Gold Sponsorships are $1,000, Silver, $500, and Bronze Sponsorships $200.

The School of Fine Art is in its 4th year as an after-school program. Students receive a $150 scholarship while paying $30 for 10 weeks of lessons. Scholarships are available for all Natchitoches Parish Public Schools. Registration begins Nov. 13 for L.P. Vaughn students and Dec. 4 for other parish public schools.

Music teacher, Danny Von Kanel is the director of the School of Fine Arts. Kristie Irchirl is the principal of L.P. Vaughn Elementary and Mr. Dale Skinner is the Superintendent of Natchitoches Parish Public Schools of which L.P. Vaughn is a member school.

Call the school at 318-352-2369 for information on tickets for the Dinner Theater, sponsorships, and/or School of Fine Arts.

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The third annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament

dylanpoche2016

The third annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Cypress Bend Boat Launch on Toledo Bend Lake.

First place at the fishing tournament will receive $7,000. Additional payouts will be made. Other activities include a DJ, raffles, a bounce house and food and fun for all ages. The entry fee is $150 (max two people per boat). There will be an optional Big Fish for $20 per boat.

For more information contact Burt Poche at 318-652-3176 or 318-652-7192.

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City Launches New Website To Promote Healthy Behaviors

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The City of Natchitoches launched a new website that will focus on promoting healthy behaviors to city residents. The new Ready, Set, Go website that launched earlier this month can be found at address: http://readysetgonatchitoches.com .

Ready, Set, Go is the City of Natchitoches’ initiative created to improve the health and wellness of residents through a three part plan. READY, seeks long term, sustainable solutions through the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council. The Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council will meet quarterly to address a variety of health and wellness issues in Natchitoches. SET, provides healthy nutritional options to the community through the Natchitoches Farmers Market, the Mobile Market and the Community Garden. GO, provides fun physical activity opportunities to the community through the Portable Park. Information, events, and ways to get involved with these programs can be found on the new website.

The Ready, Set, Go initiative is funded through a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.

The City of Natchitoches is READY to SET you up to GO healthy GO fresh and GO move.

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Register today for upcoming City Basketball League

Basketball League

Children can register through Dec. 4 for the City Basketball League, organized by the Natchitoches Recreation and Parks Department. Students must register by the Dec. 4 deadline to participate in the drafting process. A birth certificate is required for participation. A registration will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 am – 12 pm at the MLK Center.

“It’s important for children to experience youth sports because sports build character,” said Assistant Director of Recreation Jami LeBlanc. “Children experience interactions with other individuals that develop numerous life and fundamental skills. Through sports, young participants expand their motor skills such as running, throwing, and jumping.”

Age groups and Costs (included reversible jersey and shorts):
5-6 (co-ed): $40
7-8 (co-ed): $40
9-10: $40
11-12: $40
13-14: $40
There will be a $5 discount on the second child and every child thereafter

Draft Dates ($50 sign up cost due on draft night):
Dec. 5 at 5:30 pm for boys and girls ages 5-8
Dec. 7 at 5:30 pm for boys and girls ages 9-14

Participating in sports also helps children develop life skills through leading their team and communicating with their fellow teammates and coaches. They also understand life lessons about setting a goal and they start to understand their strengths and weaknesses. With the development of these different abilities, children utilize the skills at home and in school. Children learn to work with others on group projects and respect their parents and teachers as they do with their coaches.

Children will participate in different game settings and develop skills as they experience teamwork and develop friendships with their fellow players. Coaches will schedule practices during the week and games will be played in the afternoons and on Saturdays.

“Not only do youth sports develop skills, but it makes for a healthier lifestyle,” said LeBlanc. “Recreational sports is a fun way to exercise and increase strength, endurance, and flexibility. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain to help with a child’s mood and reduce stress as well as improve his/her academics.”

For more information about the upcoming basketball season or other sports programs, contact Jami LeBlanc at 318-357-3891. Register online at https://cityofnatchitoches.maxgalaxy.net.

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NHDDC encourages community to complete Branding Survey

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The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission and the City of Natchitoches have partnered with the Graham Group, a full-service advertising and marketing agency to create a brand identity and communications strategy for Natchitoches. A meeting was held Oct. 24 where Graham Group representatives introduced community stakeholders to the process of developing a brand for Natchitoches.

While deeply entrenched in its proud heritage, Natchitoches focuses on future growth and economic development.

“Currently, Natchitoches does not have an overall consistent brand to reflect the community today as a beautiful, tourism-based center. We need the community’s assistance in defining those things that make Natchitoches, Natchitoches, to help show our community, and those coming to our community what we have to offer,” remarked Van Erikson, NHDDC President.

The first phase of the project requires research and community input in evaluating what residents and visitors think is significant to our area. The goal is to have something completed by the beginning of 2018.

Residents and visitors are invited to complete a research survey found online at http://www.CaneRiverNHA.org/branding-survey. The survey will close on Nov. 13.

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Notice of Death – October 24, 2017

Notice of Death 2017

Zeffer Johnson
October 20, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Virginia Speaks “Ginny” Brown
January 05, 1937 – October 16, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 12-1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church near Georgetown
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church
Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

Emma Tousant
October 20, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Paul Rowland Edwards
August 2, 1961 – October 20, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, from 11:30 am – 2 pm
Service: Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 2 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park

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Council approves bidding for 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program

City Council_Oct 23

The agenda items were light at Monday’s City Council meeting, Oct. 23. One resolution authorized Mayor Lee Posey to advertise for bids for the 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program (SEE DOCUMENTS BELOW).

Other agenda items included:

Change zoning classification of 120 acre tract of land, being a portion of Rapides Drive and Railroad Street which has access at Rapides Drive, from I-A Industry Agriculture to I-1 Light Industry to construct a dedicated street-right-of-way

Change zoning classification of vacant land at the southwest intersection of University Parkway and Hwy. 3110 Bypass from R-1 Residential to B-3 Commercial for commercial development

Lease a warehouse located at the southern end of the ADM mill site, located between Mill Street and the railroad right-of-way, to Alliance Compressors. The company is currently in need of warehouse space and may have a continuing need for warehouse space over the next several years

Enter into a timber sale agreement with Cade Wood to sell timber on a 67.76 acre tract of land. The City recently acquired 100 acres more or less for the development of a recreational facility. A large portion of this is currently forested and will need to be cleared before construction can begin. The bid price for the timber sale of the 67.76 acre tract is $121,000.

Approve conveyance of a 15 acre tract of land with right-of-way access to Ledet’s Louisiana Seafood LLC for $57,500

Extend Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Cane River National Heritage Area for an additional 2 year term

Advertise for bids for dredging of Chaplain’s Lake

Execute change order to the contract between the City and Pat Williams Construction for the Rue Beauport Riverfront Project

City Council_StreetsCity COuncil_Streets 2

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City recognizes veterans for upcoming Veterans Day Service

Veterans PSA-Day-2017

The City Council presented a resolution to Robert Gillan at the City Council meeting Oct. 23, declaring Nov.11, 2017 as Veterans Day in the City. The citizens of Natchitoches and the U.S. live in freedom because of the contributions and personal sacrifices made by those who have served and by those now serving in the Armed Forces. The nation has fought and continues to fight battles around the world for the ideas of liberty and justice.

The public remembers with somber and grateful hearts those men and women who have served in the military with distinction and valor as sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines and offer their sincere prayers for those who continue to defend the principles on which the nation was founded. The community will endeavor to always honor the contributions and sacrifices of the millions of veterans who have, over the centuries, served in the military.

Natchitoches Parish is home to over 3,000 veterans. The City is proud to recognize the country’s veterans and extend the appreciation of its citizens to those who wear the uniforms of the U.S. Armed Forces and serve on the front lines, preserving freedom and liberty.

The City encourages all its citizens to observe and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions veterans have made while fighting for peace and defending democracy in the U.S. and abroad.

A Veterans Day Service will be held Saturday, Nov. 11 at 3 pm in the Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park, located at the corner of Second and Church Streets. The theme is ”Salute to Women Veterans.”

The program will include:

Master of Ceremonies – Truman Maynard

Opening Prayer – Rev. Lindy Broderick

Posting of the Colors – Lakeview High School Air Force Jr. ROTC

Pledge of Allegiance – James Gay

Singing of the National Anthem – Sara Puryear-Dunn

Veterans Day Introduction – Scott Stetson, USA (R)

Veterans Day Remarks – COL Linda Ferguson, Fort Polk, BJACH commander

Recognition of Women Veterans – Donna Masson

Moment of Silence & Taps – Dr. John Dunn

Update on Park Projects and Pavers – Donna Masson

Comments from the VFW/American Legion and Auxiliaries – Dee Fowler

DAR Patriotic Tree – Dr. Colleen Lancaster

Closing Prayer – Rev. Melinda Newman

* The Patriotic Tree sponsored by the St. Denis Chapter of DAR honoring
all area veterans will be on display in the lobby of the Downtown City Bank,
Nov. 2 -21.

For more information contact Grant Bowden at 357-3106 or Bob Gillan at
352-7746.

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Family establishes Dan and Nelwyn Poole Scholarship

Poole Scholarship pic

 

A Natchitoches family with deep roots in Northwestern State University Athletics has created a scholarship to benefit a student-athlete. Bill Poole created the endowed scholarship in honor of his parents, NSU alumni Dan and Nelwyn Poole.

The Dan and Nelwyn Poole Scholarship will be awarded either to a student-athlete who is an incoming freshman that will be used for summer school before his or her scholarship begins in the fall or to a former student-athlete who has finished out his or her athletic eligibility, but has not yet finished coursework to graduate.

Dan Poole, affectionately called Coach Poole, coached and taught in Natchitoches for many years, at Natchitoches Central High School and at Northwestern State.

“The ideal recipient would be someone who would not be able to attend college unless there was some help along the way,” Bill Poole said. “Maybe someone who needs help attending summer school when athletic scholarships don’t help. We’ve all received a helping hand in some way, we just want to give back so that others will have an opportunity to experience Northwestern the way that our family has.”

Both Dan and Nelwyn Poole attended Northwestern State from 1948-52 and both were Health and Physical Education majors, even though they both taught math most of their careers. While teaching in Natchitoches Parish, both were student teacher supervising teachers through NSU’s Department of Education.

Dan Poole loved football and asked Coach Harry “Rags” Turpin if he would go out for the team. Turpin issued him equipment and he played four years. After freshman football, he asked Coach H. Lee Prather if he could go out for basketball. Prather issued Poole some shoes and he played three years with the Demons. His favorite memory of athletics at NSU was being a member of the 1948-49 basketball team. Poole also joined the track team led by Coach Walter Ledet for four years, competing in high and low hurdles, high jump and the mile relay, now called the 4 x 400.

“It’s possible Dad is the only athlete, or one of a few, who played for Coaches Turpin, Prather and Ledet while they were head coaches. All three now have a facility named after them: Turpin Stadium, Prather Coliseum and the Ledet Track Complex,” Bill Poole said.

From around 1970-1990, Dan Poole was the keeper of the game clock at NSU home basketball games. From 1964-2010, he worked NSU track meets, usually as the Clerk of Course.

Nelwyn Poole was part of the Northwestern State swim team, which was a club sport for women, coached by Coach John Piscopo, who was also the gymnastics coach. She performed with the NSU Neptunes, NSU’s synchronized swim team, taught swim classes and worked at the Natatorium with a student employment scholarship. She passed her love of swimming on to all of her children.

Dan and Nelwyn’s daughters also earned degrees at NSU. Nancy Poole Hildebrand earned a master’s in nursing and is married to Bruce Hildebrand, son of former NSU Athletic Director Tynes Hildebrand. Cindy Poole Davis earned a degree in business administration and a master’s in education (sports administration). Bill earned a degree in building construction at Northeast Louisiana University, now the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The couple’s history also led to another Poole being involved with NSU Athletics. Grandson Daniel William “Will” Poole IV played basketball for Coach Mike McConathy, graduating in 2016 with a degree in math.

For information on contributing to the scholarship, supporting student-athletes or initiating a scholarship in honor or memory of a loved one, call the NSU Foundation Office at (318) 357-4414 or visit northwesternstatealumni.com.

Pictured are, on the front row, Autumn Poole, Nelwyn Poole, Dan Poole, Nancy Hildebrand and Tripp Davis. On the back row are Cindy Davis, Will Poole, Angela Poole, Bill Poole, Jim Davis and Bruce Hildebrand.

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BOM supports upcoming Law Enforcement Ball

BOM_Law Ball.jpg

 

BOM is a proud Lieutenant sponsor of the Ladies for Law Enforcement LEO Ball to be hosted Dec. 31 at the Natchitoches Event Center. This event is open to the public. Pictured from left are Carri Hough, Tara McKenney, Lesha Etheredge, Julie Sers, and Haley Taitano.

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Cane River NHA to host Archaeology Day at Grand Ecore Visitor Center

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Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA), will host Archaeology Day Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 am – 2 pm at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Grand Ecore Visitor Center.

The day-long event will celebrate Louisiana Archaeology Month with hands-on children’s activities and discussions led by two regional archaeologists. Tad Britt, Head Archaeologist with the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training will discuss his research of a “Pioneer Settlement Along the Red River: An Archaeological Investigation of a Mid-18th century Colonial Homestead near Natchitoches, Louisiana.” Britt’s discussion is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am.

At 11:30AM, Jeff Girard, Vice-President of the Louisiana Archaeological Society will discuss his most recent work on “The Discovery and Rescue of a 14th century Dugout Canoe on the Red River.” In June of this year, a remarkable prehistoric dugout canoe was discovered on the banks of the Red River north of Shreveport, Louisiana. At 10.2 m (about 34 ft.) in length, it is the largest yet discovered in Louisiana, and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. This presentation summarizes the challenges that confronted researchers and local volunteers for extracting the canoe from the riverbank and transporting it to Texas A&M university where it now is undergoing conservation.

“We also wanted to commemorate Archaeology Month for our youngest patrons and will have a drop-in ‘Archaeology Station’ set up between 10AM-2PM,” remarked Rebecca Blankenbaker CRNHA Director of Communications. Children will get to see and feel the amazing pottery designs of the Caddo Indians and make their own pottery craft. The whole family can participate in the “Decipher the past by looking through the trash!” activity, an experience that will introduce the research process of archaeologists studying the artifacts of past cultures and societies. Lastly, an Archaeology themed story time will take place at 1PM.

Archaeology Day is free and open to the public. For questions contact Cane River National Heritage Area at 318-356-5555.

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

vote-campaign-election
Nov. 18, 2017 Open Primary Election Polling places open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM

State Candidate Elections:

State Treasurer

Last Day to Register to Vote: in person and by mail is Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, 4:30 PM and Oct. 28, 2017, 11:59 PM for online voter registration.

Early Voting for all interested voters will be conducted in the Registrar of Voters Office:

Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, Monday, Nov. 6 through Thursday, Nov. 9, concluding on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 daily from 8:30 AM until 6 PM.

Absentee voting by mail is intended for voters who will be out of the parish on Election Day and the week of Early Voting or if a person is over 65, or if a person has a mobility impaired ID card (must provide a copy). Fax requests to: 318-357-2212 or Mail to: Registrar of Voters, PO Box 677, Natchitoches, LA 71458.

Last Day to Make a Written Request for an Absentee Ballot by Mail: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017.

Written Request Form can be downloaded at http://www.sos.la.gov under “Elections.” Click on the “Vote” link; click on “Vote by Mail;” click on “Application to Vote by Mail.”

Your written request must include: Voter’s Name, Voter’s Natchitoches Parish Address, Voter’s Date of Birth, Voter’s Social Security Number or Voter’s Driver’s License Number, the reason the ballot is being requested, the election date: (Nov. 18, 2017), address to mail the ballot to and the Voter’s Signature.

Ballots must be returned to the Registrar’s Office by 4:30 PM the day before the election. Military and Overseas: Ballots must be returned to the Registrar’s Office before 12 Noon on election day. Call 318-357-2211 for additional information.

11.18.17 Ballot

 

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SAR & DAR Chapters to Honor Revolutionary War Patriot – Antoine Prudhomme

Antoine Prudhomme 1764-1856

Antoine Prudhomme
1764 – 1856

The Natchitoches Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and the St. Denis Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will place bronze markers on the grave of Revolutionary War Soldier, Antoine Prudhomme. at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2017. The grave marking ceremony will take place at the American Cemetery, on Second Street,

Descendants of Antoine Prudhomme include many large and prominent local area families, including Cloutier, DeBlieux, Hertzog, Hughes and Lambre,

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Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra Fundraiser Concert

NCHS-Fundraiser Concert2017

The Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra will present a Fundraiser Concert on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 pm at Magale Recital Hall on the NSU campus.  The funds generated will be used to offset the cost of attending Orchestra Festivals (orchestra assessment) throughout the school year. Especially through their continued excellent achievement, 2016 Europe Orchestra Festival, Carnegie Hall Performance 2015, 2013, this year the orchestra has been invited to perform at the Capitol Orchestra Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on President’s Day, Feb. 19, 2018.

Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door for $10 each. For advance purchase contact any orchestra member or parent.

Donations will be greatly appreciated to support a student of your choice for the upcoming Washington D.C. trip. Checks may be made payable to NCHS Orchestra, 6513 Highway 1 Bypass, Natchtioches, LA 71457. For more information contact Syll-Young Olson at solson@nat.k12.la.us or 318-715-1318.

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Guilty verdict announced in case involving police chase, collision 

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A 10TH Judicial District Court jury convicted Darrell Derone Small of Clarence on Oct. 23 of one count of aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce.

District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington stated that a unanimous guilty verdict was returned at the conclusion of the three-day trial which was the result of an August 2014 crime that involved Small intentionally crashing his vehicle into a police vehicle in an attempt to evade capture. The crash injured three law enforcement officer occupants of the vehicle.

Members of the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force were previously notified by the Fort Worth (Texas) Police Department that Small was a fugitive from Texas and wanted for the crime of aggravated assault with a firearm. Through investigation and GPS tracking, the Fugitive Task Force learned that Small was at a residence in Natchitoches. The Fugitive Marshal Task Force contacted the Natchitoches City Police Department and Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdiction Drug Task Force for assistance. Thereafter, agents approached the residence Small was located, whereupon Small fled from the residence to his vehicle in an attempt to escape and thereafter intentionally crashed his vehicle into the vehicle occupied by the law enforcement agents.

After the guilty verdict was pronounced, presiding Judge Lala Sylvester ordered a pre- sentence investigation. A sentencing date will set a sentencing date upon completion of the pre-sentence investigation.

Harrington stated that aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce is a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Loren Lampert prosecuted the case.

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Notice of Death – October 23, 2017

Notice of Death 2017

Zeffer Johnson
October 20, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Virginia Speaks “Ginny” Brown
January 05, 1937 – October 16, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 12-1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church near Georgetown
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church
Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

Emma Tousant
October 20, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Champ Henry Huffman Jr
May 11, 1934 – October 20, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 24 fro, 9-11 am
Service: Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 11 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Paul Rowland Edwards
August 2, 1961 – October 20, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, from 11:30 am – 2 pm
Service: Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 2 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park

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Quiet Sunday evening turns to terror

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The Natchitoches Police Department received numerous reports of multiple subjects shooting at each other in the area of Reba Street Sunday afternoon, Oct. 22, shortly before 5 pm. While details are sketchy at this time the NPD learned that two innocent victims were injured in this heinous act. A five year old was shot in the lower calf and a three year old received an injury to her foot. Both injuries are non life threatening and the children were transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Further investigation also revealed damages to some of the apartments as well as three vehicles.

Detectives are thoroughly scouring the crime scene and have been able to identify possible suspects.

No further information will be released at this time as the investigation is continuing.

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A Life Playing the Blues: Celebrating Folklife Month in Louisiana With Hardrick Rivers

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Kevin’s Gallery

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northeast Louisiana History Museum hosted a living Louisiana legend Saturday, Oct. 21 as NSU’s Dr. Shane Rasmussen interviewed Hardrick Rivers before a capacity crowd of friends, family and blues fans about his life as a musician. His talk was combined with performances of several songs. Rivers’ lifetime spent perfecting his craft, willingness to help fellow musicians and the community and generous spirit led to him being named a Folklfe Ambassador for the Louisiana Folklife Commission.

Saturday’s event was part of a statewide celebration of Folklife in Louisiana Month.

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NPSO deputy inducted in Texas High School Hall of Fame

Merry Byers
Canyon High School in Texas inducted Merry-Johnson Byers in the Canyon High School Sports Hall of Fame Oct. 20.

Merry Johnson-Byers, graduated in 1978 after winning multiple state championships in basketball and track. She also is a national record holder in track and currently a deputy sheriff in Natchitoches Parish.

Chief Byers supervises the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Community Services Division which oversees Natchitoches Drug Court offenders, Domestic Violence, Families in Need of Services, Truancy, Juvenile Drug Court, and Holiday Food Baskets.

Congratulations Chief Byers in your induction in the Canyon High School Sports Hall Fame.

Chief Byers participates in the yearly NPSO physical fitness incentive and tests potential new hires on physical endurance before entering the training academy.

Chief Byers; her husband Louis Byers, Director of Operations for the Elite Radio Group; and their family live in Natchitoches.

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Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapter to hold ‘Falling in Love with Me’ Social Oct. 28

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The Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated presents its Falling in Love with me Social. This event is set to target young girls ages 10-13 or girls in grades 4-8. This social is focused on working with young girls on building self-esteem, learning how to love and embrace themselves, and also focus on finding their identity. Door prizes and lunch will be provided throughout the event. The social takes place on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 11 am – 1 pm at the John Below Boys and Girls Club.

This is a free event and casual attire is requested for all in attendance. For any questions please contact Chapter President Chrystal Davis (318) 289-9250, Chair Tiffney Allen (318)-471-2552, or Chair Kendra Braxton (601)-212-2121.

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