Notice of Natchitoches Parish Council Meeting on August 17, 2015 at 5:30pm.
Meeting Notice and Agenda for Council Meeting August 17, 2015
News
News Articles
Natchitoches Treasures Nomination Now Being Accepted
NOMINATIONS FOR 2015 NATCHITOCHES TREASURES REQUESTED
NATCHITOCHES – The City of Natchitoches is seeking nominations for 2015 Natchitoches Treasures. The Natchitoches Treasures are an elite group of Natchitoches residents of retirement age who have made a lasting contribution to the community through their generosity, service, volunteerism and spirit.
Natchitoches Treasures have been selected each year since 2008. Natchitoches Treasures for the year 2014 included Mrs. Sharon Gahagan, Coach Leon Johnson, Mrs. Edwina Mudrick Lewis, Mr. Charles J. Roque, Dr. & Mrs. Randall Webb, and Mrs. Carol Wells.
Potential Natchitoches Treasures may be nominated by members of the Natchitoches community. Nomination forms are available at the Natchitoches Main Street Office located at 781 Front Street. Nominations must be submitted to the Main Street Office no later than Friday, September 25 at 4:30 p.m.
A ceremony honoring the 2015 Natchitoches Treasures will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at the Natchitoches Events Center.
For more information about Natchitoches Treasures, please contact the Natchitoches Main Street Office at 318-352-2746. You can view/download the nomination form below:
2015 Natchitoches Treasures Nomination Form
NCHS Open House on August 18, 2015
NATCHITOCHES CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
The OPEN HOUSE for Natchitoches Central High School has been set for Tuesday August 18, 2015 at NCHS in the school Atrium on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
Parents are invited to the annual Open House at Natchitoches Central High School. This is an opportunity to meet with administration and teachers of NCHS. Refreshments will be served. Parents will be able to go to the classrooms and see the teachers. Each parent will be given a schedule and follow a mini version of the students day. All parents are encouraged to attend. The parents roll in a student’s education is very important. The administration of NCHS would like to meet the parents and discuss the school year.
Bill Gordy
Principal NCHS
318.352.2211
Natchitoches Parish Port Commission Board Meeting – August 17, 2015
AGENDA
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
Activity Report
Treasurer’s Report
Old Business
Discussion regarding status of projects
Project Fuel
ADA Expansion
New Business
Red River Flood Update
Executive Session
Personnel Matters
Litigation Matters
Potential litigation
Natchitoches Parish Port Commission v. DeBlieux & Kelly, Inc., Case No. 73,994B, 10th Judicial District Court, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Other Business
ADJOURNMENT
Natchitoches Parish Port Commission Regular Meeting
Time of Meeting: 8:30 AM
Date of Meeting: August 17, 2015
Place of Meeting: Natchitoches Parish Port Commission
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
Regular registration starts Monday at Northwestern State
Regular registration for the fall 2015 semester at Northwestern State University will begin Monday, Aug. 17 and last until Sunday, Aug. 23.
According to Vice President for the Student Experience Dr. Chris Maggio, prospective students who have not started the admissions and registration process still have time to be admitted and schedule fall classes.
“The faculty and staff at Northwestern State are here to help anyone who is considering enrolling with us this fall,” said Maggio. “We will do whatever we can to guide them through the process and make sure they have a good start to the semester.”
Students who have not previously enrolled at Northwestern State can begin the process at nsula.edu/recruiting or by calling (318) 357-4503.
“The Office of University Recruiting can also assist by providing a tour of the Natchitoches campus and answering any other questions a prospective student may have,” said Director of University Recruiting Jana Lucky. It’s an exciting time to be at Northwestern State and we don’t want anyone to miss out because they think it may be too late to enroll for the fall semester.”
Early registration for returning students is available through Aug. 16 through NSUConnect, which is available through the university’s homepage at nsula.edu.
Parish Public Works post schedule for August 12, 2015.
GRADING
Ranch Rd
Cades Camp Rd
Greenhead Rd
Eight Mile Loop (Ditching)
Preston Hayes Rd (Ditching)
Good Hope Rd
Note: One operator is still out from surgery. One grader is being returned today and another one is being picked up. Therefore, we have two grader operators off today.
POT HOLE REPAIRS
Hart Rd
Pardee Rd
Rice Rd
Goldonna Rd
Note: Pot hole patching truck is out of service due to mechanical issues.
BUSH HOGGING
Foshee Ranch Rd
Lime Kiln Rd
Shady Grove Rd
Benjamin Point (Side-boom)
Rachal Camp Rd (Side-boom)
Clyde Harper (Side-boom)
Note: One of our tractors we use to bush hog with is still down. Waiting on parts.
GRAVEL/MATERIAL ON ROADS
Gravel on Marthaville-Allen Rd
Note: One dump truck broke down
OTHER ROAD ISSUES
Culvert repair on Albert Scallion Rd
Drainage work on Pardee Rd
The Happy Warrior
Joe Cunningham, III
Joe Cunningham is a conservative commentator, Front Page Editor at RedState.com, contributor to The Hayride, and a teacher in south Louisiana. You can find him on Twitter at @JoePCunningham and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jcunninghamwrites.
This past weekend, I got to see several presidential candidates live on stage and even get to meet with a few of them with a much smaller group than the nearly 1000 attendees of the annual RedState Gathering. Given the number of quality candidates in the Republican field, this election cycle is poised to be one that has a lot of focus and emphasis on ideas, which is great for the country as a whole.
One thing I would like to discuss, however, is what happens when we take this political stuff way too seriously. A modern-day icon of conservatism, Andrew Breitbart was hated by the Left and adored by the Right for his beliefs and the actions he took to further his cause. As I discussed in a recent post at RedState, I largely came into the political writing arena without ever having really witnessed Breitbart’s rise. However, many people who got to meet him and even know him well have become my friends in the meantime, and each one of them has something in common – like Breitbart, they have adopted the persona of the happy warrior.
The happy warrior is someone who can charge into a grim situation with a smile on his or her face, not letting the bleakness of a situation get him or her down. Far too often, we allow ourselves to get too wrapped up in politics, get too angry about what’s going on (or, in some cases, what isn’t going on), and we end up living miserably. People have become too slavishly devoted to their ideology and have rejected, often times, alternative views to the point where we get irrationally angry when they are brought up.
It is so important in this day and age – the age of social media and permanency on the Internet – to maintain a sense of humor. It’s important to not let ourselves get too wrapped up in ourselves and our “side.” My Twitter page (@JoePCunningham) is about 90% politics, sure. But the other 10% is me writing jokes, retweeting other jokes, or just chatting with the friends I’ve made through this whole process. I cannot imagine a more depressing life than being 100% devoted to politics. Not even politicians, consultants, and pundits do that.
Most importantly, it is key that we maintain faith in something other than ourselves and our opinions, and those of other people. Politics at times has become a golden calf at whose altar we worship rather than focusing our thanks and prayers toward God (or whatever deity you may believe in). If you choose to be invested in politics, I certainly don’t blame you. It’s interesting and compelling. However, never stop being a happy warrior as you fight for whatever cause you think is worth it. Life is too short to let yourself get too serious about something so fleeting as a political thought.
NPSO – Dogfighting Operation near Marthaville
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a Natchitoches man in connection with a possible dogfighting scheme near the Marthaville community in Natchitoches Parish; while another is being sought according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.
On Thursday evening August 6th at approximately 11:15pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division were patrolling on La. Hwy 120 near the Natchitoches-Sabine Parish line in Marthaville, La., when they observed suspicious activity at a vacant mobile home.
Deputies say recent burglaries in the area, prompted Deputy Kenny Vines to stop and investigate the matter further.
While checking the area, deputies came in contact with a person in the driveway identified as Kerry T. Kahey.
Deputies say while speaking with Kahey they asked him if he was alone he responded “yes” although they could hear additional activity behind the residence along with dogs barking which made the deputy believe criminal activity existed.
Shortly thereafter, deputies made contact with an individual identified as Ronald Payne.
Both subjects were acting extremely nervous.
Additional NPSO units were enroute to assist.
While the deputy was in his unit attempting to obtain background checks on both individuals, Payne who has an extensive criminal history began walking towards the deputy, while Kahey ran to a nearby Ford F-150 grabbed an unknown object and ran into some nearby woods.
When additional units arrived on the scene to assist, they observed suspected marijuana in plain view on the seat of the truck.
While deputies were attempting to locate Kahey, they observed several trails and several pit bulldogs stacked in various areas around the property including other items commonly used in dogfighting operations.
Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force agents also responded to the scene.
Deputies continued to search the area for Kahey but were unable to locate him at that time.
Deputies applied for and obtained a search warrant for the property and buildings signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge.
During a search of the mobile home, property and buildings, deputies seized thirteen (13) pit bulldogs varying in ages, some with minor visible scarrings, two dog treadmills to build animal strength and speed, assorted chains,harnesses,pulleys, assorted vitamins, protein, a unknown substance believed to be creatine to build muscle mass, 1000 watt generator, portable kennels to transport dogs and a Black Diamond AR-15 semi-automatic rifle stolen in a theft at Nichols Store in Many, La. on March 26th, 2015.
The Ford F-150 is also being held as evidence. The weapon will be released to Many Police at a later date. The dogs were transported from the scene by NPDC animal control and are currently being housed at the Natchitoches Detention Center.
Animal control officers report the dogs are friendly to humans but do attack the other dogs on sight.
As a result of the investigation, deputies have arrested:
Ronald C. Payne Jr., 44, of the 1500 block of Pauline Street, Natchitoches, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Dogfighting, Cruelty to Animals, Possession of Marijuana-2nd Offense, Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Probation Violation.
Payne remains in the Natchitoches Detenton Center with bond set at $55,000.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are still looking for the second suspect that fled in the woods in dogfighting investigation:
Kerry Turman Kahey, B/M, 37, Hgt/511, Wgt/240, Hair/Blk, Eyes/Brown, with tattoos on his Right arm, Left forearm, Left arm of the 100 block of Rock Creek Road, Marthaville, La. with ties to the Natchitoches and Sabine Parish wanted by the NPSO for Dogfighting, Cruelty to Animals, Possession of Marijuana, and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
If you see Kahey, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or your local law enforcement agency.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Carey Etheredge of the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies previously uncovered a dogfighting operation near Natchitoches on April 17th, 2015 when twenty-three bulldogs were seized resulting in two arrests.
Involve in the investigation and arrest were: Deputy Kenneth Vines, Detective Carey Etheredge assisted by the NPSO Patrol Division, Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and Many Police Department.
The New Hotel in downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana
Parish Public Works Department publishes road work schedule for 08-11-15
GRADING
- Morgan Quick Rd
- Mammy Trail Rd
- McDonald Camp Rd
- Old Bethel Rd
- New Roads Rd
- Lynch Rd
- Harvey Calhoun Rd
- Marthaville-Allen Rd
- Abraham Rd
- Bay Springs Rd
- Lena Rd
Note: The grading department is short-staffed by one employee today and one grader is temporarily out of service for maintenance issues.
POT HOLE REPAIRS
- Ponderosa Rd (with Patching truck)
- Lake Loop (cold mix)
- Powhattan Streets (cold mix)
BUSH HOGGING
- Julia Ann Rd
- Johnson Chute Rd
- Posey Rd
- Cloud Crossing (Side-boom cutter)
- Hart Rd (Side-boom cutter)
Note: One bush hog tractor is temporarily out of service for maintenance issues.
GRAVEL/MATERIAL ON ROADS
- New Roads Rd
- Kochinsky Rd
- Marthaville-Allen Rd
- Weaver Cemetery Rd
Electrical Power being restored on East 5th
East 5th and Henry – strong winds this morning.
Photos: L. Alan McMurtry
Storm on August 11, 2015 – Natchitoches, Louiaiana
Scenes from the storm that hit Natchitoches, Louisiana this morning:
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Storm August 11, 2015
East 5th and Henry
Deep Northwestern State receiving corps confident offense can match record-breaking 2014
Northwestern State receiver Ed Eagan makes a catch over a Sam Houston defender during a 2014 game. (Gary Hardamon)
by Matt Vines
Northwestern State’s passing offense in 2014 prolifically set 23 different program records behind the quick release of senior quarterback Zach Adkins.
NSU will have a new signal caller under center this season, but the other half of the passing equation – the receiving corps – returns nearly intact for the 2015 campaign.
That experienced group, which returns its top four pass catchers and eight of the top 11, aims to duplicate an effort that resulted in single-season program records of 2,864 passing yards, 262 completions and a 67.2 percent completion rate.
“That’s most definitely (the challenge for us,),” said junior receiver Shakeir Ryan, whose 38 receptions ranked second on the team. “Where they’ve got us ranked in the Southland Conference (fifth in the coaches’ preseason poll and sixth in the sports information director poll) is a challenge, too.
“We’re hyped up, amped up about that. We feel like we’ll do just as good (as last year).”
Senior Ed Eagan has already etched his name on several NSU receiving records (73 receptions in a single season, 13 catches and 238 receiving yards in single games), and he’s likely to add more marks early in the 2015 season.
Eagan, who began his college career as a cornerback, is eight receptions shy of breaking NSU’s career mark (126, Derrick Doyle, 2003-06) and 1,164 all-purpose yards shy of the school’s career record (5,025, Toby Zeigler, 2002-05).
The humble Eagan brushes off record talk, adding he’s just as excited to be a leader of a veteran receiver corps looking to make its own mark.
“It helps to have other veterans around you, because you compete and make each other better,” said Eagan, whose 6.1 receptions per game led the Southland and ranked 24th in the country. “To have other guys know what they are doing, they help you out and you help them out.
“We have some younger guys that bring a lot to the table, too. They can come in and help when we need a break, and they can work their way into starting roles on this team, too.”
Eagan added 908 yards and six touchdowns in 2014 as a versatile target that stretches the field at just 5-foot-10.
Other veteran targets include senior Cody Jones (29 catches for 353 yards and six touchdowns) and junior Tuff McClain (35 catches for 430 yards and four touchdowns).
Jones said the receivers joke with Eagan about the likely records, but Jones and others know they’ll get their chances to make plays.
“You know it will come your way. You just have to play your role,” Jones said. “If the play calls for you to block, you block. If it calls for you to run a route, you run it hard because sometimes it’s opening something up for another teammate.
“We’ve gotten better at sticking together (as a unit). If one of us has a drop, which is rare, we’re right there picking each other up. It’s easier to play when you’ve got guys like that.”
Receivers coach Derrick Foster said defenses can’t just focus on Eagan.
Aside from proven veterans, receivers like senior Brandon Monrose (missed 2014 with a broken ankle), sophomore Bobby Chan-Chan (transfer from NAIA-member Georgetown College), junior transfer William Mafi II (All-American at San Joaquin Delta College), sophomore Bryson Bourque (two catches for 32 yards) and sophomore Cameron Lazare have made plays in offseason scrimmages.
“There’s a competition every day. For the starters, it’s their job to keep, but if you let the next guy behind you take your job, then it’s your loss,” Foster said. “We can only put three or four (receivers) out there at one time, but at the end of the day, we’re the same group, and we’re pushing each other for greatness.
“All the weapons we do have allow us to mix it up a little bit. We can change the pace a little bit and throw a different guy out there so the defense can’t adjust to just one guy. That’ll help us with the depth we have on this team, and we’ll use that as much as we can.”
Chan-Chan (6-0) and Mafi II (6-2) add size and deep-play attributes to an otherwise smaller unit.
But Foster added that tight ends like senior Zach White (seven catches for 80 yards and a touchdown) and sophomore Chase Hawthorne are pass-catching threats across and down the field as well.
“They can open up the field for us,” Foster said. “White and Hawthorne are big bodies with soft hands, and guys like (freshman Charles Vaughn III) and Damian Boone have potential, too.”
Including pass-catching threats at running back like junior De’Mard Llorens (18 catches for 177 yards and two scores) and senior Daniel Taylor (10 catches for 63 yards), the Demons return the vast majority of their receiving offense.
Twenty of NSU’s 28 touchdowns, 214 of the team’s 262 receptions and 2,379 of the 2,864 receiving yards accumulated last year were produced by returners.
Along with a relatively experienced offensive line and a deep running back stable, the receivers want to prove that the NSU offense will produce no matter who’s under center.
PRACTICE NOTES: Demons don full pads for first time Tuesday
Northwestern State has participated in several thud practices in which some contact is allowed, but the familiar sound of full pads will ring out Tuesday for the first time.
Demons head coach Jay Thomas, who is entering his third season, says Tuesday’s practice will set the tone for the rest of the week.
“(Monday) was our best day by far, and it’s credit to those guys fighting through extreme heat,” Thomas said. “We know (Tuesday) will be another hot day, and we’re excited about seeing where our guys are at this point.
“It will be a great lead-in for the rest of the week, and hopefully we can work toward Saturday, the date of our first scrimmage.”
Northwestern State receiver Cody Jones runs away from a Southern defender during a 2014 game. (Gary Hardamon
Cane River Lake Water Issues – 08-10-15
Cane River Lake is now experiencing low water issues. The lake is now at 97.0 MSL. The Spillway and Washington street landings are now closed for safety reasons. Shell Beach and Point Place landings remain open.
At this level please use extreme caution as debris that was safely under the waterline is now exposed and/or just barely under water and could cause property damage to watercraft hulls and/or props.
The project to pipe water from Red River into Cane River Lake is under construction, with a projected project completion set for the summer of 2016 pending no further delays. The project has experienced some delays from the flooding earlier this year. The project is estimated to cost 6-7 million dollars.
Questions and/or concerns please contact Betty Fuller 318-617-3235 cell, 318-379-2878 home, 318-357-3007 office. Remember boat safe, sober, and always wear your life jackets!
City Council Meeting 08-10-15 – Natchitoches
Planning & Zoning – Introduction
#40: Amending Ordinance No. 64 of 2001 by changing the zoning classification of the following property:
A 1.926 Acre Lot On Louisiana Highway 1, Louisiana Highway 1223 And Woodyard Drive, Located In The City Of Natchitoches, In Section 74, Township 9 North – Range 7 West From B-2 Commercial To B-3 Commercial To Create One Parcel For Future Commercial Development. (620 South Drive) Luther W. Lott, Jr.
#041: Amending Ordinance No. 64 of 2001 by changing the zoning classification of the following property:Lot 77 Foot Front North Side Ragan Street, North By Fredericks, East By Henry, West By Rachal Heirs From R-1 To R-1, Special Exception To Operate A Bed And Breakfast Business And For Office Use. (220 Ragan Street) Nancy and Bill Rutledge. Special expectations to be approved with the stipulation that the office is used for a psychologist office within the hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
Ordinances- Introduction:
#042: Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Lease In Favor Of Cane River Aviation, And Further Providing For Advertising Of The Lease And An Effective Date.
#043: Ordinance Approving The Purchase Of Tract Of Ground On The Eastern Right Of Way Of Jefferson Street From C. Rodney Harrington And Janis A. Harrington, For The Consideration Of Ten Thousand Dollars. The council has determined that acquiring the property is in the best interest of the city and its citizens.
Resolutions:
#064: Approved- resolution designating Friday, September 4, 2015 as an official holiday for the employees for the City of Natchitoches for Labor Day weekend.
#065: Approved- Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute Change Order No. 1 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Crocker Construction, LLC, For The LA Highway 6 West Water Main Extension Project (Bid No. 0563). The contract sum will decrease in the amount of $2,482.00 and the revised contract total will be $44,190.60.
#066: Approved- Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Crocker Construction, LLC For The LA Highway 6 West Water Main Extension Project (Bid No. 0563).
#067: Approved- Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute Change Order No. 1 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And T & D Solutions, Inc. For The Electrical Distribution Along La 478 To I-49 (Bid No. 0561). The sum of the contract will be increased by this Change order in the amount of $5,356.98 and the revised contract total will be $45,356.98.
#068: Approved- Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Certificate of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And T & D Solutions, Inc. For The Electrical Distribution Along La 478 To I-49 (Bid No. 0561). Inspection has been completed.
#069: Approved- Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Sunstream, Inc., For The Underground 13.8 kV Primary Dist. Cable Replacement In The Vicinity Of Kelly, University, Kingston, And Piermont Project (Bid No. 0566).Inspection has been completed
#70: Approved- Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement With The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) for improvements at the Natchitoches Regional Airport (Rehabilitate Fuel Farm)
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be August 24, 2015. A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. to discuss water rates. Brian Wimberly will be in attendance.
The City of Natchitoches offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2015 in honor of Labor Day.
Parish Public Works Department publishes road work schedule.
The Natchitoches Parish Public Works Department announces that it has scheduled the following road maintenance work for August 10, 2015
GRADING
a.. Weaver Cemetery Rd (grading and ditching)
b.. Paul Jordan Rd
c.. Water Turkey Ranch Rd
d.. Posey Rd
e.. Mims Rd
f.. Preston Hayes Rd
g.. Nelson Rd
h.. Bay Springs Rd
i.. Lena Rd
j.. Dubois Rd
a.. Weaver Cemetery Rd (grading and ditching)
b.. Paul Jordan Rd
c.. Water Turkey Ranch Rd
d.. Posey Rd
e.. Mims Rd
f.. Preston Hayes Rd
g.. Nelson Rd
h.. Bay Springs Rd
i.. Lena Rd
j.. Dubois Rd
Note: The grading department is short-staffed by one employee today and one grader is temporarily out of service for maintenance issues but should be up
and running later today.
POT HOLE REPAIRS
a.. Repairing Many-Marthaville Rd. with Mini-hoe and black rock
b.. Lake Loop and Mallard Hill (patch with cold mix)
c.. Collins Rd (providing pot hole patching truck is functional)
a.. Repairing Many-Marthaville Rd. with Mini-hoe and black rock
b.. Lake Loop and Mallard Hill (patch with cold mix)
c.. Collins Rd (providing pot hole patching truck is functional)
Note: Only one pot hole patching crew is available today. The pot hole patching truck will be used if maintenance repairs are completed.
BUSH HOGGING
a.. Eight Mile Loop
b.. Streets in the Campti area (side-boom cutter)
Note: One bush hog tractor is temporarily out of service for maintenance issues.
Contractor Announced for the new hotel in downtown Natchitoches, LA.
This morning Mayor Lee Posey released the name of the Contractor for the New Hotel in Historic Downtown Natchitoches. The contractor for the hotel is Donahue Favret Contractors, Inc. and their representative is Mr. Patrick Descant.
If you have any questions regarding the hotel project, please call Mayor Posey at 318-352-2772
NSU football practice – shoulder pads on
Shots from Saturday morning’s practice in Turpin Stadium, the first practice in shoulder pads for the Demons in preseason camp. The team does not practice Monday.
Photos Courtesy of Gary Hardamon/Northwestern State.
Junior running back De’Mard Llorens breaks free past sophomore linebacker Lyn Clark (5)
Freshman running back Nigel Dora
Senior safety Chase Collins
Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Ben Norton
Junior quarterback Daniel Hazlewood hands to junior running back De’Mard Llorens
Sophomore receiver Cameron Lazare in a drill
Let’s support the family of Officer Thomas LaValley.
This is a state wide event. All restaurants in the Louisiana market are participating in this event. Give Back to the family of Officer Thomas LaValley.
From Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones
On behalf of Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones, Chief of Police Micky Dove, City of Natchitoches Fire Chief Crit Miller, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Police Department, Natchitoches Fire Department, Northwestern State University and the Citizens of Natchitoches Parish, we honor the service of Fallen Shreveport Police Officer Thomas LaValley.
This morning the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office along with City of Natchitoches Police Department, City of Natchitoches Fire Department, Sabine Parish Deputies, Village of Natchez PD, Robeline PD, Many PD, Natchitoches Fire District 6 , Natchitoches Fire District #7, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS Paramedics, numerous other agencies and citizens of Natchitoches Parish gathered to pay their respects to the fallen officer as they traveled through Natchitoches Parish to south Louisiana.
We extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to Shreveport Police, the family and friends of Officer Thomas LaValley.
Ponderings with Doug – August 7, 2015
I told Stephanie’s daughter all about the interstate exploits of her mother. If you didn’t read last week’s article you are lost as a he haint in high weeds. Stephanie and I spent quite a bit of time swapping yarns. I have several Stephanie stories. Her daughter got some insight into what mom was like “back when.”
Stephanie tried to do a back flip off of the bleachers at East Jefferson High School. She didn’t complete the flip. She landed on her arm and fractured it. She is famous for that adventure. She was rushed to the hospital by the school. Her dad was called. When he arrived in the ER he asked if Stephanie was being treated. Before the receptionist could answer, dad heard Stephanie using very loud very colorful language. He said, “Never mind, I hear her.” Of course half the church had shown up at the ER waiting room by this time to pray for the preacher’s kid. They were privy to her colorful language too. Sometimes there is nothing like being the parent of a preacher’s kid. You have to wonder where do preacher’s kids learn their words.
Stephanie and I also talked about her wedding. After all my Stephanie stories I had to do her wedding. It was glorious. I used my best matrimonial glue and so far it is sticking. She is all grown up now. She has a daughter in High School who doesn’t get away with anything, because of all the things her mom did. Stephanie is one of the big wigs at one of the hospitals in New Orleans. Her colleagues at work see her as cool, calm and professional.
Her life turned out better than her adolescence predicted.
She did tell me something sad while we were gabbing at her grandmother’s visitation.
She said, “I’m homeless.”
I knew she was not talking about her residence but her church.
She unfolded a story of not fitting in and the messages being “theological lectures with little point to them.” She is looking for a new home. I’ve known Stephanie for nearly 30 years. She is a ball of fire. She wants a church that will not extinguish the flame but encourage her to use that fire for Jesus.
Do you feel homeless, restless or tired? I know of a place where the ball of fire will not be extinguished and you will be home.
NPSB Meeting – The New Junior High has another new name – The Natchitoches Junior High – Frankie Ray Jackson
Superintendent Report
After meeting with the Parish attorney and Federal judge, the Board has been instructed to work out issues and get along for the sake of the Parish schools. The Board will be visited by an external source sent by the judge to work with the Board on their relations and problem solving.
Requests for Leave: Approved
Aaron Beaubouef, Sarah Dyson and Vincent Bahm, Natchitoches Central High School, travel to Louisville, Kentucky October 26, 2015 – November 1, 2015, to supervise students competing in Nation FFA Competitions.
Finance, Facilities, Services & Insurance Report
Board approved the 2015-2016 Healthy Behavior School District Grant from the Rapides Foundation in the amount of $23,850 for twelve months.
Board voted to approve the proposal to enroll Natchitoches Parish Schools in the Community Eligibility Program. 6 or 7 schools that are of the 62.5% qualified for this program, will be able to provide free breakfast and lunch to all of their students. The program will last for 4 years. The proposal can be finalized and started when the annual budget report is finished, and the expected start date is September 1st.
Executive Report
- The 2015-2016 Pupil Progression Plan will be voted on at the next meeting.
- Discussion of changing the name for the new junior high school was added to the Agenda. The Board voted unanimously to change the name of the junior high school to Natchitoches Junior High – Frankie Ray Jackson.
- Board members agree that they can do a better to job to discuss issues and make proper decisions according to what is right and best for the children of Natchitoches Parish. Some disagree on bringing someone in from the outside to help deal with the relation issues, but Mr. Skinner made clear that the person will be coming at least once and the cost may be close to $10,000 for him to do so. Racism among the Board members was mentioned and addressed by others who stated that their opinions regarding the new junior high had nothing to do with race. Some members felt that changing the name of the school was offensive to the community and to the family members.