The City of Natchitoches advises the public that Watson Street, at the intersection of South Drive, will be closed Monday, July 27 through Wednesday, July 29, 2015 in conjunction with the water and sewer line relocation construction project being conducted on South Drive. Watson Street will be closed, except to local traffic, from South Drive to Williams Avenue and from South Drive to East Seventh Street.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience while these improvements are being made and reminds everyone to please drive with caution through the construction sites.

Samantha Bonnette
Main Street & Public Relations Manager
City of Natchitoches
781 Front Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Tues – Sat 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Office: (318) 352-2746
Cell: (318) 471-0957

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LTC JAMES E. REICHEL, passed peacefully, on July 23, 2015 at 12:09 pm, with his loving family surrounding him. James Reichel was born on January 5, 1935 on the family farm in Russellville, MO. The farm to this day remains in the family. He graduated from high school from Laura Speed Elliot High School, (Boonville High School) in 1952. He attended Kemper Military School and Junior College. He graduated with an Associates Arts Degree and then transferred to South West Missouri State College in Springfield, MO. He played football on the SMS college team and was a member of Kappa Alpha Order for over 50 years. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Social Studies, with a Teaching Certificate. Upon graduation he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, United States Regular Army. He attended the Senior Reserve Officers Training Corp at SMS and entered the United States Army August 8, 1956. His overseas duties took him to Germany, 1959-1962. He had two tours of Viet Nam 1965-1966, and 1971-1972. He retired from the United States Army August 8, 1976, with the rank of Lt. Col. His Lt. Col insignia and rank was pinned by General Westmorland.

During his distinguished military career he received the following awards and schools: Basic Infantry Course, Airborne and Ranger School. While attending Ranger School, Jim was in the major film production of Darby’s Rangers. He attended the Associate Military Police Academy, Military Police Officers Advanced Course, The Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the Provost Marshal Military Police School.

Col. Reichel was with the 82 Airborne Division during the Detroit and Washington D.C. Riots. He was respected by those in the military, his students and friends, forming many lasting relationships to this day.

During his distinguished military career, he received the following awards: Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal (20LC), Meritorius Service Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaigne Medal, Air Medal, Viet Nam Counter Offensive Phase 1 and 2, Ranger Tab and Senior Parschitus Badge.

After retirement he came to Natchitoches to organize and establish the first Junior Army Reserve Officers Training Corps Program, at Natchitoches Central High School. Under his direction, NCHS was named an Honor School in the first year in a three state region, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. The Honors were awarded to the school for the next two years.

During the annual inspection by III U.S. Army Corps officers from Fort Riley, Kansas other achievements were the formation of the Cavalier and Cavalettes Drill Team. The JROTC Rifle Marksmanship Team and the ROTC Orienteering Team also won awards for competition.

Col. Reichel had the distinction of attending the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Instructors Course for Correctional Administrators at the American University Washington, D.C., and Law Enforcement Officers at Quantico, Virginia. He served as the Chief of Police of the City of Natchitoches, was a Criminal Justice Instructor at Fort Polk and Northwestern State University. He also taught for the Central Texas State College in Baumholder, Germany.

He also served as the Director of the Caddo Detention Center, Sheriff Office, Keithville, LA. Col. Reichel is a member of First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches and belonged to many different organizations in which he holds membership: A Life Member of District 10 American Legion, served Voices of Democracy Chairman for many years, a member of American Legion Post #10, Commander, V.F.W. #1962 Commander, 6th V.F.W. District Commander for many years. He belonged and supported Gideon’s, Masonic Bodies: Phoenix Lodge #38 of Natchitoches and was a Master Mason for over 50 years, a member of York Rite, Scottish Rite Temple of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, El Karuba Shrine, Shreveport, LA, and International Association of Chiefs of Police, American Corrections Association, Heroes of 1776 and Sojorners.

Many a time you could find Jim participating in local theatre and church productions; “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “The Butler Did it Again”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, The Last Supper” at First United Methodist Church, and “Louisiana Cavalier” at Grande Ecore Outdoor Theatre. Jim was also in the movie “Steel Magnolias” filmed in Natchitoches.

He was preceded in death by his parents Archie. P. Reichel (California, MO.) and Gladys Irwin Reichel, (Russellville, MO.) his brother Norman Irwin Reichel (7/4/2015).

He is survived by his loving wife Ethelene S. Reichel of 22 years, one daughter, Brenda K. Reichel and grandson James Keanu-Reichel of Honolulu, Hawaii. One Son, James E. Reichel II and his wife Susan, along with his granddaughters Ashley and Brittany Reichel of Boonville, MO. Loving step-daughters, Elizabeth B. Windham (Leslie Windham), Rhonda B. Kuhlmann (Lee Kuhlmann) and Sarah B. Maines (Tommy Maines). Additional grandchildren Zachary Kuhlmann, Jim Kuhlmann, Matthew Maines, Paula Geoghagan, Shannon Oberle, Melissa Maines, and seven step great grandchildren. Jim Reichel is also survived by his sister-in-law Tudie Reichel (Boonville MO.), and brother, Norris and Barbara (wife) Reichel of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches, LA, with Reverend Doug de Graffenried officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until service time at the church on Sunday. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital in Shreveport, The Wounded Warrior Project, or any charity of your choice.

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Worship is very different for those of us leading it.

First we can see you guys. The universal truth across all denominations is that people are creatures of habit. For the most part you sit in the same seat every Sunday. We have three services and the ministers have three seating charts locked in our minds. If you are a missing Methodist, we likely noted that in our mental seating charts. Our new worship guy rearranged the seats in our CrossRoads worship space. It has been hilarious watching folks discover their new seating arrangement. Most landed within five feet of their previous seats. Amazing!

We also notice other mundane things like light bulbs needing to be replaced. There are a couple of Exit signs that need replacement bulbs. So, while we are singing “Standing on the Promises” watching all the folks sitting on the premises, we are making mental notes for the church maintenance staff. We are also noting what comes next so there will not be any unplanned silence. Everyone knows that during the offering the preacher is mentally finishing the sermon.

Last Sunday, during the visual perusal of the worship space I made an amusing discovery. It seems that in putting Christmas up, one of the Chrismons (A chrismon is a Christian symbol representing Jesus Christ.) escaped the tree and landed behind the organ console. I don’t know why I looked back there but my visual daydreaming yielded that discovery. I have made a note to capture the elusive Chrismon and pack it away until the appropriate time.

I figured if Hobby Lobby can have whole sections of their store devoted to Christmas I can write about it in July. It won’t be long until the city will start decorating for the festival. Those are my two fall countdowns. The countdown to the first SEC football game and the countdown to Christmas festival decoration are benchmarks in my spiritual journey. I know that fall is coming when those two things happen.

How would our world be different if we had an outbreak of Christmas joy in the middle of the July heat?

Now sing along with me:

“Joy to the world, the Lord has come.”

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You should only dial ‘911’ in an EMERGENCY.

An EMERGENCY is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police department, fire department, or ambulance service. Here are some examples:
• A Fire
• A Crime, especially if in progress
• A Car Crash, especially if someone is injured
• A Medical Emergency which requires immediate medical attention

When you dial ‘911’, be prepared to answer the dispatcher’s or call-taker’s questions, which may include:
• The location of the emergency, including street address
• The phone number you are calling from
• The nature of the emergency
• Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experience by a person having a medical emergency.

*Remember, the dispatcher’s or call-taker’s questions are extremely important so that the right kind of help can get to you quickly. Be prepared to follow the instructions of the dispatcher or call-taker and DO NOT hang up until the dispatcher or call-taker instructs you to do so.*

If you dial ‘911’ by mistake, or if a child in your home dials ‘911’ when no emergency exists, do not hang-up because your call will result in an emergency response. Instead, simply explain to the dispatcher or call-taker exactly what happened.

NON-EMERGENCY
You may call the Natchitoches Police Department directly to report a NON-EMERGENCY or a situation that DOES NOT require immediate assistance from the police department.
• CALL: 352-8101 for a NON-EMERGENCY

By following these simple guidelines you will ensure that your emergency or non-emergency is immediately taken and that the proper first responders are dispatched to your location. The Natchitoches Police Department remains committed to providing all citizens of the City of Natchitoches the best emergency service.

Micky Dove Release Date: July 22, 2015
Chief of Police
Natchitoches Police Department

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Fire Chief Bryan Wimberly and volunteers with the Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 responded to a vehicle fire on Hampton Road around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22nd. The vehicle belonged to the Natchitoches Parish Health Department and was one of two vehicles used in the Parish’s mosquito control program. The fire started in the mosquito sprayer equipment and quickly spread to the rest of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by 10:00 p.m. Parish President Rick Nowlin responded to the emergency to check on the safety of the Parish employee and to ensure that the appropriate agencies were notified. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle was a total loss.

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The City of Natchitoches advises the public that Royal Street at the intersection of South Drive will be closed today, July 22 and July 23 in conjunction with the water and sewer line relocation construction project being conducted on South Drive.  Royal Street will be closed from South Drive to Williams Avenue and from South Drive to East Fifth Street.  Only local traffic will be allowed access.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience while these improvements are being made and reminds everyone to please drive with caution through the construction sites.

Samantha Bonnette
Main Street & Public Relations Manager
City of Natchitoches
781 Front Street
Natchitoches, LA  71457
Tues – Sat 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Office: (318) 352-2746

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Joe Cunningham, III

Secularism is a fascinating study. You watch devout secularists worship at the altar of man and, after they are victorious in their pursuits, they still claim to feel empty. They need more.

This happened after the Supreme Court’s decision on gay marriage. Several news outlets interviewed gay rights activists who were happy about the ruling, but didn’t quite know how to handle being “mainstream” now. They had nothing left to fight for. They are no longer counter-culture.

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, a young man who was by all accounts a normal guy picked up a deadly weapon and killed several Marines. His purpose, given all the information that’s coming out, is pretty clear: He was doing it in the name of militant Islam. He wanted something more than his amateur UFC competitions and earthly life.

Both of these examples have something in common – this devotion to secularism leaves one unfulfilled. The gay rights activist struggles to find something else to fight for. The militant Islamist finds himself craving something more fulfilling than what is here on Earth and turns to a religion. Because we have such a nationalized hostility toward Christianity, those looking for something else turn to other religions.

Hence the flight from the U.S. to the Middle East by Westerners. In the cultural void, they find something worth achieving. Something that is beyond here. They see a movement, filled with motivated warriors, who fight for something that is beyond here and beyond themselves. They see a chance to completely remake themselves into something better – and they take it.

That the culture is outward hostile to Christianity is not the whole problem, however. Christianity is simply not fighting back. Membership at church is dwindling across the board. As Christians, we have to do better about fighting back. There are many ways to do it, but it doesn’t start with overseas mission trips. It starts here, at home.

This is not so much a religious call to arms as it is a social and cultural one, but our morals as a nation have largely been dictated by Christian morality. Every time one of those morals is eradicated, the culture loses its way, going further and further into some cataclysmic void. We lose brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers, and more to other cultures that promise something we apparently no longer can. It’s entirely preventable, but it starts with our churches, and it starts in our backyard.

Joe Cunningham is a conservative commentator, Front Page Editor at RedState.com, and a teacher in south Louisiana. You can find him on Twitter at @joec_esquire.

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Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin has declared a State of Emergency due to the failure of the underground electric feeder circuit that serves the courthouse, old courthouse and the Live Oak Building on Sunday, July 19, 2015.

The declaration was issued because the loss of power is deemed a critical situation for the vital services provided by agencies located within these Parish facilities. They include, but are not limited to, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, the 911 Communications Center, the Coroner’s Office, the 10^th Judicial District Court and the Clerk of Court.

Electrical service was restored using a temporary overhead circuit installed by the City of Natchitoches Utility Department. Mr. Nowlin expressed his appreciation to the City for its assistance in getting the temporary service installed. Steps are being taken to construct a new underground feeder circuit. Thereafter, the temporary service will be removed.

Rick Nowlin

Parish President

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On July 20, 2015 the owner of Jeff’s Guns, Jeff Guilliams, 1580 Texas St. contacted the Natchitoches Police Department in reference to a gun theft. Mr. Guilliams informed the responding officers that two black male subjects along with a black female entered his business and he added that store personnel were distracted by one of the male subjects and the female while the other male reached behind the counter and took two pistols.

Members of the Natchitoches Police Department’s, Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU) responded along with an officer of the Traffic and Patrol Division. During the course of the officers’ investigation into the offense officers were able to review store video and obtain a vehicle description along with suspect information. A BOLO or ‘be on lookout’ for the suspect vehicle was issued. Members of CSU then located the suspect vehicle resulting in a felony traffic stop due to the potential of one or more of the suspects possibly being armed with firearms.

Members of CSU were then able to apprehend the primary suspect, Leandrew Evans, age 26, black, male, of 117 Tjoe St., Natchitoches, LA. Leandrew Evans was arrested one count of LA RS 40:1238.1 Possession of Legend Drug without Prescription, LA RS 40:982 Second or Subsequent Offenses, LA RS 14:67.15 Theft of a Firearm, and LA RS 14:95.1 Possession of Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies. Evans was later transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center where he awaits bond.

The case was later forward to the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division for further investigation more arrests may follow. If anyone has information in reference to the gun theft(s) you’re urged to please contact Detective John Greely of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (318) 357-3811 or you may contact the Natchitoches Police Department directly at (318) 352-8101. All calls shall be kept confidential.

The Natchitoches Police Department’s, Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU) is a specialized unit initiated by Chief of Police, Micky Dove to target problematic areas throughout the city in which citizens have reported increased criminal activity or quality of life violations.

Chief Micky Dove

Natchitoches Police Department                                                             Release Date:      July 21, 2015

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Historic Preservation is not only about saving old buildings that create a sense of place, it is also about saving our rich cultural heritage and best practices that have survived the test of time so that we can build on them for a better tomorrow.

When I moved to Natchitoches Parish four years ago it was because I was instructing LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) workshops for the National Center for Preservation, Technology and Training. At that time my entire focus was on the built environment and saving the historic buildings while also ensuring that they were resource-efficient and healthy. The more research I did on the rich cultural heritage in the area, the more I realized how interdependent the built environment was with the natural environment. Agriculture served as the economic engine for the community and as agricultural trends changed, so did the built environment. As farming became mechanized, the size of farms grew, the number of small farms diminished, jobs on the farm decreased and people had to move to the city to seek employment. This devastated our rural communities. Natchitoches is by no means exceptional in this. This trend impacted communities all over the country and the world. Many times we devise intricate plans to address our problems when the solution lies in quite simply returning to our roots. Many of the residents in Natchitoches Parish are only one and at most two generations away from the soil.

Case in point, Judy Allen. You may know Judy for her creole creations, custom jewelry sold at her store Natchitoches Beads on Texas Street. What you may not know is that Judy is an avid gardener. Judy grew up in Cloutierville with her parents and nine brothers and sisters. She recalls her father sharecropping in two different areas. He farmed with a mule and a plow from sun-up to sun-down. Looking back she acknowledges that, “We were poor, but we were a typical family. Everybody was poor. We were never hungry because everybody grew something and we traded.” She began to recite the crops that her father grew. “Chickens, pigs, cows, corn, peanuts, cotton, popcorn, turnips, irish and sweet potatoes, every green you can think of, cabbage, eggplant, lettuce, carrots, radish, cantaloupe, watermelon, pumpkins, beans, pinto, red and yellow snap, cucumbers, onions, peaches, plums, pecans, figs, pears,” she goes on and on. She mentioned that her aunt had the geese, ducks and guineas and another relative raised goats.

Now that she has retired after a successful career as a teacher in Michigan she has returned home to Natchitoches. When she returned, her mom was still growing a garden. The memories of having fresh produce flooded back and once again she is putting her hands in the soil. She asked her husband to build her some raised beds and her nephews helped put down the newspaper, fill them with compost and then pile on the mulch to help reduce weeds. Her hands are back in the soil and her bounty is being shared with family and friends. Most importantly, she is passing on her love of gardening to the next generation.

Judy does not grow her fruits and vegetables to sell but more and more people are realizing there is money to be made through the production of organic fruits and vegetables. You don’t need a lot of space to be successful either. Virginia State University is using the 43,560 project to educate beginning farmers and touts it as one of their more successful programs. Yes, that is grossing $43,560 from an acre of land or more specifically $1 per square foot.  This is one of the programs Campti Field of Dreams will emulate at the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Farm to educate beginning farmers, ranchers and value-added producers.

Campti Field of Dreams is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural communities through economic development. In addition to operating the Campti Historic Museum, we manage the Campti and Jackson Square Community Gardens and Marketplaces, and promote local artists with our artist showcase. The Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Farm is our newest initiative to facilitate local food production and agri-businesses in the Red River area. The timing is right! In the July edition of Southern SAWG (Sustainable Agriculture Working Group) it noted that Louisiana passed two pieces of “Good Food Legislation.” Sitting on the governor’s desk for signature is SB 184 which increases the “small purchase threshold” from $25,000 to match the federal limit, facilitating more “Farm to School” sales. This opens a whole new channel to small farmers. The federal limit is currently $150,000 which means that farmers will not have to compete with large corporations in the formal bidding process to sell to schools. HB 761 Urban Ag Incentive Zone Bill creates incentives for landowners to facilitate local food production throughout Louisiana and supports many of the current initiatives to improve our food security and economy through agri-business.

If you are interested in learning more, join us for the upcoming USDA NRCS Conservation and Soil Health Field Day on July 27^th from 4 – 8 pm at the Campti Historic Museum, 211 Edenborn Street, Campti, LA 71411. The event will feature Dr. Mike Lindsey, the State Soil Scientist, Chris Coreil, State Agronomist and Chris Ebel, Area Rangeland Management Specialist. You will learn about:

• The best soil to grow your fruits, vegetables and flowers
• Grass, legumes and forbs for grazing livestock
• Conservation measures on cropland
• Financial and technical support available through USDA Natural Resource and Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency

Refreshments for this event are being sponsored by the Louisiana Land Bank who will be on hand to share information on their programs including: YBS for Young, Beginning and Small Farmers. For more information, you may visit our website, http://www.camptifieldofdreams.org or call Donna Isaacs, Executive Director, at 318-332-7791.

For more information about USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, contact Dexter Sapp, (318) 473-7688.

Conservation and Soil Health Field Day FULL PAGE FLYER

USDA NRCS Conservation and Soil Health Field Day Press Release

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-Senator Long was unable to attend.

-The council approved entering into a Multi-Jurisdictional Consortium Agreement through the workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

A public hearing was held to hear any comments or objections relative to the adoption of:

1. The Council tabled the submission of an application for funding under the State of LA FY 2016/2017 LCDBG Program. Funding can be used for projects regarding: Sewer improvements ($1 million max), Water improvements ($800,000 max), Street improvements ($600,000 max), and Fire protection ($500,000 max). Projects will take place in low income areas in the parish.
2. The Council approved the Ordinance 06-2015 to request the judges in the 10^th to implement a $10.00 fee on every defendant who is convicted after trial or pleads guilty. (excludes traffic violations)

-The Council approved the adoption of the resolution confirming reappointment to the following boards.

1. Mr. William R. Zeigler for Natchitoches Parish Tourism Commission
2. Mr. Ludlow McNeely for appointment to Natchitoches Waterworks District 2 Board.
3. Mr. Henry Kinberger for the Natchitoches Parish Planning and Zoning Boards.

-The council approved the Ordinance 07-2015 to remove Parish Road 343-A known as Bud Boyd road located in Campti from the Parish Road Systems.

-The Council approved the Parish President to execute a revised Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of LA Office of Facility Planning and Control for the Coco Bend Road Project in association with the additional right- of way that will be required for proper construction of the road. $280,000 worth of State funds are being used to complete this construction. Local services have to match these funds with $93,000.

-The Council approved the President to enter into contracts as needed for the required action to be taken to complete the required right-of-way for this project.

-The council approved the Parish President to contract for the sale of timber removed from the newly purchased Parish property located at the intersection of LA-117 and LA-478.

-The Council approved for the Parish President to solicit proposals for the repair of voids on the north abutment bridge on the Johnson Chute Road and to execute a contract. Questions about Posey Road came from Veronica Hargrove as well as a petition from frequent travelers of Posey Road, asking the council to take action to repair the road. The funding and the equipment to make improvements is not available at this time.

-The Council approved the Parish President to execute an “Act of Transfer and Acceptance” between the Parish of Natchitoches and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for the transfer Parish of the DOTD right-of-way in the bypassed state route LA. 9, as described in the Act of Transfer and the Resolution Adopted by the Natchitoches Police Jury on Sept. 20^th, 2006.

Report from the Advisory Commission on Parish Roads:

Commission members presented the report beginning with a short disclaimer. The evaluation by the board was made with the date made available to them and their evaluation is not the only/ best solution.

90% of the 977 parish roads are in poor condition. A majority of the road operations are centralized in Natchitoches. The commission suggested two finance scenarios based on the conclusion that there needs to be and asset management approach and a maintenance plan needs to be created. There needs to be a system to monitor accountability of what is being done and what is being paid for and how. It was strongly suggested that road funds be placed in a restricted account and any use of the funds should be published. A website can be created for monitoring and transparency to keep the public informed of what is taking place and being worked on.

Some funding solution suggestions:

1. Add funds for maintenance personnel.
2. Reconstruct financing for equipment.
3. .5% sales tax parish wide
4. Add property value/ mileage tax
5. Enforce .5% tax for 5 years then phase in other tax

They hope to give voters the opportunity to decide.

-The council discussed the proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Campti Field of Dreams organization with the use of three tracts of Parish property for its Agri-business operations. This is an economic development project that has provided fresh fruit and vegetables to low income communities. They would like to expand and help support small business in sustainable agriculture want to utilize sites in Campti, Robeline, Coulterville, as centers for agriculture in that area.

-The Council approved the intro. Of ordinance #08-2015 a budget amendment for the 2015 Operation Budget. Basically a budget alignment. Council has a month to contact Mrs. Miley with questions.

-The approved holding an election in Fire Protection District 4 of the Parish of Natchitoches on November 21^st, 2015, to authorize the renewal of a special tax there in.

Reports:

1. Public works- There is a currently a shortage of inmates available to do outside work. A new group should be coming in soon.
2. OCS/Head Start- the program is on target according to program specialist. There are 259 children enrolled in the program. The summer feeding program started June 1^st and is currently feeding 451 children breakfast and 522 children lunch.
3. Treasurer- There are currently 104 inmates. Council received quarterly budget report.

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Weaver Pre-K Registration will be held on July 29th at 8AM and last until 3pm at Weaver Elementary.

Requirements:  Child must be 4 years of age by September 30, 2015.
Must have Birth Certificate, Shot Record, Social Security Card and a Utility Bill with you.

You may also sign up at the Natchitoches Parish School Board Monday through Thursday 8AM until 3PM starting on July 27, 2015

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Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches hosted NSU’s Head Volleyball Coach Sean Kiracofe and assistant coach Alicia Roth to speak to the club about the upcoming Demon Volleyball season.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies intercepted a Winn Parish man transporting approximately 1.1 pounds of suspected high grade marijuana traveling from Houston to Winnfield during a traffic stop on La. Hwy 6 West on Sunday evening according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

On Sunday evening July 19th at approximately 11:40pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division were patrolling on La. Hwy  6 West near Hagewood, La., when they stopped a 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as Demario Cortez Gilbert, 26, of the 900 block of Neil Wagoner Road, Winnfield, La.

Deputies say during the traffic stop,  Gilbert did not give his full name and they learned he did not have a drivers license.

Gilbert also appeared to very nervous and gave conflicting stories that lead them to believe criminal activity existed.

Deputies obtained permission to search Gilbert and the vehicle, discovering a duffle bag in the vehicle containing approximately 1.1 pounds of suspected high grade marijuana commonly called “kush” with a potential street value of over $8000.

Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents also responded to the scene to assist.

As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested:

Demario Cortez Gilbert, 26 of the 900 block of Neil Wagoner Road, Winnfield, La., transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, No Drivers License, and traffic offenses.

Gilbert remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

Sheriff Jones stated NPSO Deputies will continue to enforce traffic laws in Natchitoches Parish that may lead to the detection of illegal narcotics, weapons, and wanted person traveling through Natchitoches Parish.

A Task Force official believes the illegal narcotics was intended for distribution in Winn Parish.

A local wrecker impounded the vehicle.

Deputies J. Axsom and T. Pledger were assisted by Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force agents and deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division.

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Youngsters ages 7-12 spent Monday building robots and learning how to program them during Robotics Camp sponsored by Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology.  Instructor Curtis Desselles gave pointers to Glen Rainey, Wyatt Adair, Cameron Brunson and Hayden Bell whose robot is programmed to follow marked black lines.  The camp continues on Tuesday.  On Wednesday and Thursday, Desselles and ET faculty will host sessions for students age 13 and up.

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The National Weather Service in Shreveport, La. has issued a Heat Advisory until 7PM this evening.

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT
TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION
OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL
COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT
ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS,
STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM, STAY OUT OF
THE SUN AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

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The Town of Montgomery is under a Boil Advisory order until further notice.

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Over the past two months, the Parish of Natchitoches has experienced severe flooding due to the high level of the Red River. Much of the flood damage and citizen displacement from their homes has been the result of backwater flooding caused by the inability of certain bayous and creeks to drain into the Red River.

The Red River actually had two different flood peaks during this period. The first in late May was due to the heavy rains across Oklahoma, north Texas, southwest Arkansas and northwest Louisiana during the spring. These rains caused many of the reservoirs upstream from us to fill and eventually spill over into the Red River. The peak at Grand Ecore was approximately 9 feet above normal flood stage, leading to the widespread inundation of timber and crop land and the flooding of a number of homes. The second peak river stage occurred around the first of July. Although the high water mark was not as high as the first one, it also created problems for our citizens. This peak was made worse by the 10 to 15 inches of rain that fell when tropical storm Bill passed through the area in June. The reservoirs to the north of us that had been releasing water slowly to prevent damage downstream, had to suddenly release more water than planned.

As many of you are aware, there were approximately 25 different Parish roads and several State roads that were under water during this period. For some, it was just the inconvenience of having to take long detours to get where they needed to go. For others, it meant having to use a boat to get to their homes.

In anticipation of the river flooding, your Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness started meeting with the other Parish and State officials to coordinate actions before the first river peak occurred. Sand bags were provided to many families and some were assisted with the relocation of their livestock by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

We have continued to work with the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to coordinate our activities during the disaster recovery.

One of the major thrusts of our efforts was to get the President to declare the flood damage a national disaster and we met with Senator David Vitter and the State staff of Senator Bill Cassidy to enlist their support. Our Parish was one of the first parishes to declare the flood disaster on the local level and Governor Jindal quickly followed suit. We are pleased to report that the President has now issued the disaster declaration.

This is very important to Natchitoches Parish. Without the federal declaration, the total cost of repairs to our roads and bridges would have to be borne by the Parish. Based upon our preliminary assessments, that would have had a significant negative impact on our ability to maintain our roads for the rest of 2015 and well into 2016. With the declaration, we can go forward with the knowledge that the federal government will share in the costs of these repairs.

One word of caution is warranted. Our Public Works Department, Treasurer and other staff are working on the project data documents required to justify federal funds to be reimbursed to the Parish. Some of the damages may not be known until the passage of weeks or even months following the flood. Until we know the full scope of the damages and FEMA reviews and evaluates our submittals, we cannot be certain of the exact amount of funds we will be receiving.

While the President’s declaration included Natchitoches Parish in the list of Parishes eligible for assistance for public damage recovery, it did not include individual damage cases. It remains to be seen whether there will be enough damage to individual residences for those in the Parish to receive financial assistance. At this point, it does not look promising.

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The Natchitoches Parish Journal received this submission from Max Tucker. The views and opinions expressed are those of Mr. Tucker and not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.

Professional tattoo artists across the state are feeling disappointed by a system of laws that are ineffective when it comes to regulating illegal tattooing and unethical amateurs. The real public threat lies in the fact that it is all too easy to find the location of a cheap tattoo artist working out of some seedy and creepy basement or kitchen that’s neither clean nor sterile, that’s the real public threat. If the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals (DHH) refuses to do anything about unlicensed tattooers, they’re only succeeding in keeping the professionals honest.
“You have to maintain a professional license and all that implies, and yet the DHH offers no protections for those licenses,” said Max Tucker, owner of Nakatosh Tattoo Co. in Natchitoches. This means they will not and cannot go after the non-professionals, because the statutes as they stand have little or no penalties attached to them.
The only criminal offense in the statues is LA RS 14:93.2, which states if an artist tattoos or pierces a minor without parental consent, and even then, the complaint must be initiated by the parent.
A misdemeanor offense, this gives law enforcement the ability to make an arrest on those committing the offense; however, this is the only law governing tattooing. Tattooing that is not licensed or sanctioned should be illegal due to the numerous implications that this action causes. For instance, the health hazards associated with “in home” tattooing are astronomical.

The only other recourse available to the DHH is injunctive relief, a ban leveled by the DHH against a tattooer who refuses to comply with the regulations. Enforced for the first time last year and only against shops that were late on renewal fees, the length and consistency of this legal process makes its use as a regulating tool useless.
Micah Harold of Red Handed Tattoo Parlor in Shreveport agrees that the problem in the State is the DHH’s lack of action against illegal tattooers. “The professionals are heavily scrutinized by the state, while they let scratchers run rampant like rats.”

Harold said, “The message is clear. If you want to do anything you need money. They’re not concerned about public health. They prioritize profits over the concern for the health of its citizens.”

“You go to anybody in this world and if they don’t do the job you don’t pay them. Why am I paying this money,” asks Tucker. Coming from Oklahoma, where tattooing regulations require accountability and law enforcement is able to administer consequences, Tucker sees a need for change in Louisiana’s tattooing laws. The requirements to become a licensed tattoo artist include: going through the Red Cross to receive a certificate in first aid, CPR and blood born pathogens, pay a fee and provide a copy of a valid ID. This license encompasses tattooing, permanent cosmetics and body piercing. “These are three separate and wholly independent industries and it’s all just thrown into one little mixing pot,” said Tucker. “That aside, anybody can get licensed. There’s nothing that they ask for that proves you are a professional tattooer.”
Tucker explains how medical fields, electricians, ironworkers and pipe fitters have review boards to answer to, while none of it exists for tattooing, yet artists are required to maintain a license. “If having a license is what the state classifies as a ‘professional tattoo artist,’ then what does that mean for non-professionals,” asks Tucker.

A tattooer must have to have an apprentice license just to train in Louisiana. For people looking for a quick solution to replace years of training, tattoo schools like the one in Shreveport, trains unlicensed people and sends them out into the public. Training consists of four classes a year with approximately 18 students. “That’s a verified 72 people allowed to tattoo illegally, with no apprentice license, and the state and local law enforcement powerless to act. Now, take that number and guess how many are doing it from their homes with eBay kits,” said Tucker.
Inspections are also supposed to be done yearly. “In the eight years I’ve been tattooing in the Natchitoches and Shreveport areas I’ve had four health inspections,” said Tucker and fellow artist Ash Moore agrees. “In the five years I’ve been in Louisiana I’ve seen a health inspector in a shop three times and not once did they inspect” he said. “They’re not doing anything. They’re not providing a service, so what are we paying them for?”

Christy Scothorn, of Atomic Heart Tattoo in Lake Charles, started tattooing 15 years ago. She claims that the retired sanitation workers inspecting tattoo shops don’t have a lot of knowledge when it comes to tattooing. She sees the need for law enforcement’s involvement because illegal tattooing should carry a criminal offense. She also said that getting advice from established tattooers would be beneficial to the DHH when it comes in inspections and for the general public when it comes to stopping the spread of diseases due to unsanitary tattooing conditions.
“Getting someone sick is unethical,” said Scothorn. “There are two types of tattooers: Licensed ethical tattooers and scratchers.”

“I’ve always gone against illegal tattooing. I’ve been very outspoken about it and tried to get it to stop. I’ve repeatedly called Baton Rouge showing them hard evidence and trying to point them in the right direction and no one ever does anything,” said Tucker.

Another issue tattoo artists face is the consistent business of cover-ups. Tattooing since 2000, Harold said the sheer number of people doing horrible tattoos without any regulations is so overshadowing that it’s caused him anxiety. “Cover ups account for a large number of business, even if I can’t stand them,” Harold states. “When it comes to the public’s health and wellbeing no one deserves to get sick if they’re ignorant about going to a professional tattoo shop.”
Tucker has amassed thousands of photos of illegal and poorly executed tattoos within Natchitoches parish, all of which needed cover-ups. Each one testifies to the immense scale of illegal work being done within miles of his shop location. Now multiply that by 64 parishes across the state and the point is brought home. Add to that, the DHH’s own statistics, which rank Louisiana number three in the nation for HIV, and shows approximately 4.4 million cases of Hepatitis C. These numbers clearly make non-professional tattooing an immediate threat to public health and safety.

Harold describes his experience with the state as less than admirable, comparing lobbyists to car salesmen on the hunt for money. “It shouldn’t be about the money,” he said. “The motivation for us is to do the right thing.”
“The DHH offers no recourse to the plethora of illegal tattooing going on out there,” said Tucker. “As a tattooer I am a 100 times more likely to end up with a communicable disease. If I do everything I can to prevent myself from contamination, my clients have zero risk. I go above and beyond to uphold Louisiana’s sanitary codes. That being said, we have great statues on the books, but the only ones who come under condemnation are the ethical shops when it’s time to pay, not the hundreds who will never pay; the ones who hand out business cards and advertise on YouTube. “Why aren’t they actually protecting the public health and safety,” asks Tucker.

“If the DHH isn’t willing to go after people tattooing out of their homes then it needs to concede that it has no business regulating professional tattooers,” said Harold.
“We are not against the DHH or it’s workers,” said Tucker. “In fact we are their strongest supporters. We want to know that when we pay our yearly fees, that money is being used to properly regulate Tattooing in Louisiana. We want the statutes reexamined by the DHH, state officials and professional tattooers. We want local and Parish law enforcement, as well as the DHH, to have the ability to act against illegal activity. We should be consulted as to what is right and wrong and what changes should be made. Above all we want the state to take action in regards to illegal tattooing and if they’re unable to do so, they need to make is so that it can be handled on a local and parish level with the states guidance.”

For questions and comments feel free to contact:

Max Tucker
Nakatosh Tattoo Co
119 St. Denis
Natchitoches, La
71457
318-238-6824 work
318-609-2008 cell

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The Natchitoches Parish Council Meeting for the month of July will be held at 5:30PM, July 20. 2015 at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, 200 Church Street.  The meeting will be held in Room #211; the second floor council room.

Parish Council Meeting and Agenda – July 20, 2015

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Cane River Green Market is Natchitoches’ only farmers market. Open Saturdays on the downtown riverbank 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the spring and fall seasons.

The Cane River Green Market opens in 30 minutes! Come and see us! Fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, eggs, milk, and salsa plus handmade jewelry and crafts.

We Love Natchitoches!

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