Phonetic: /men·da·cious/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
A traffic stop on Interstate 49 resulted in the arrest of a Texas man on multiple drug and firearm charges, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the stop occurred on March 20 at approximately 10:47 a.m., when a deputy observed a 2025 Nissan Altima traveling northbound just north of Natchitoches at 90 miles per hour in a posted 75 mph zone.
The driver was identified as Corey D. Knox, 41, of Frisco, Texas.
During the stop, deputies reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A records check revealed Knox’s driver’s license was suspended and that he had a prior felony conviction. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of suspected marijuana, suspected oxycodone pills, and a Ruger 9mm semiautomatic handgun.
Knox was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. He was charged with possession of CDS I (marijuana), possession of CDS II (oxycodone), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, speeding, and driving under suspension.
Officials said the seized items will be submitted to a crime lab for analysis.
Knox has since been released on a $41,500 bond set by a judge in the 10th Judicial District Court and is awaiting a court appearance. The vehicle was impounded by a local wrecker service.
Deputy Lt. B. Smith made the arrest with assistance from Deputy Sgt. K. Padilla.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced that multiple defendants entered guilty pleas in Division B of the 10th Judicial District Court. Judge Desiree Dyess imposed sentences in each of the following cases:
Seankalyn Chatman, 27, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Simple Escape. Chatman was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration in the Department of Corrections.
Dangelo Brimsey, 27, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault w/Firearm and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Brimsey was sentenced to 15 years of incarceration in the Department of Corrections.
Tremondre Robinson, 29, of Hammond, pleaded guilty to Possession of Schedule II (Fentanyl). Robinson was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration in the Department of Corrections.
Derrick Terrell Demery, 41, of Natchitoches, pleaded guilty to Possession of Schedule II with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Demery was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration in the Department of Corrections.
Derrick Lloyd, 36, of Campti, pleaded guilty to Attempted Possession of a Firearm by Felon. Lloyd was sentenced to 7 years of incarceration in the Department of Corrections.
John Johnson, 56, of Cloutierville, pleaded guilty to Attempted Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon. Johnson was sentenced to 7 1/2 years of incarceration in the Department of Corrections.
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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that a roadway safety project impacting Natchitoches Parish received bids in March.
The project will focus on striping and pavement marker upgrades along Interstate 49 between Louisiana Highway 6 and a point approximately 0.75 miles south of Boyce. The improvements are intended to enhance driver visibility and roadway safety.
The apparent low bid for the work totaled $3,524,215.00. The project also extends into Rapides Parish as part of a regional safety initiative.
Transportation officials noted that infrastructure projects are prioritized based on roadway conditions, safety data, and traffic demands.
Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on April 18th from 9 am to 5 pm, and April 19th from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures crafted by talented artisans, savor a variety of delicious foods, sip on beer, wine, and other refreshing beverages such as fresh squeezed lemonade. Homemade ice cream returns to the festival this year as a long standing fan favorite as well as iron and wood works for your home and garden. We are also excited to feature local authors throughout the festival, along with live demonstrations that highlight traditional crafts such as basket weaving and quilting. These interactive experiences offer guests a chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Additionally, Randolph “Randy” Deaton will be presenting a special talk on Clementine Hunter on Saturday, April 18 at 11 AM. Guests are encouraged to bring any photos or personal stories they may have of Clementine Hunter, which can be scanned and added to his growing collection.
Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at: https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026. Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite paintings, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable desserts, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something special, there’s something for everyone to discover and cherish at the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival.
“We’d love for y’all to come out, shop, and support historic Melrose. Take in the views, check out all the vendors, and just enjoy a good day together at the festival. Tours of the Big House and African House will be available- so bring your friends and family and make it a day to remember, ” said Ariel Rachal event organizer.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!
For ticket information and event updates, please visit https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026
Media Contact: Ariel Rachal, EmailMelrosePlantation@gmail.com
About the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 52 years, the festival has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.
Students from Natchitoches Parish pursuing degrees through Northwestern State University’s School of Education were recognized during an Apple Pinning ceremony held March 24, marking their acceptance into teacher candidacy.
The ceremony honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in education and will now advance into upper-level education coursework.
Students from Natchitoches Parish recognized include:
The Voices 4 Autism Parent Support Group will host its Autism Awareness Walk and Fun Day on Saturday, April 25 at Natchitoches City Park.
The event, themed “The Best Walk on Earth, We Will Get There Together,” will begin with registration from 7-9 a.m., followed by lineup at 9:30 a.m. The walk will start at 10 a.m., with activities continuing until 2 p.m.
Participation in the event is free, with optional walking fees set at $20 for groups and $25 for children. Food and drinks will be provided for attendees.
For more information, contact Lela Harvey at 318-529-0638.
With home competition approaching Saturday, the Northwestern State track and field program collected three three Southland Conference weekly awards following its outdoor debut last weekend.
Sileena Farrell (women’s track), Kalen Beavers (men’s track) and La’Darion Dudley (men’s field) all took home SLC weekly honors, the league announced Wednesday.
It is the first time NSU has had three weekly award winners this season and first since April of 2025 when Elijah Rowe, Justin Craft and Samari Finney earned the awards.
The recent trio will be in action Saturday in Northwestern’s only home competition, the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational at the Walter P. Ledet Track and Field Complex, the final home meet for Farrell and the rest of her senior class.
Last Saturday at the Louisiana Classics meet in Lafayette, Farrell ran a personal-best 11.47 to win the 100 meter dash in a 39-runner field. The time is not only the top mark in the SLC, but also fourth in the South Central Region and 18th nationally.
Farrell was also a part of the 4×100 relay team that won the event at the meet with the top time in the SLC, fourth in the region and 25th nationally.
Also on the track, Beavers delivered once again. Fresh off being named SLC Indoor Male Athlete of the Year, the junior from Carencro won both the 100 and 200 and currently having the top outdoor times in the events in the Southland.
In the men’s 100, Beavers ran a personal best 10.20 to win the event before posting another personal best in the 200, clocking a 20.72.
In addition to leading the league in those events, he is No. 2 in the region in the 100 and sixth in the 200.
His 10.20 in the 100 is tied for the seventh-best mark in the nation early in this outdoor season so far and his 200 time is tied for 17th.
Dudley, a newcomer who is a junior, set a personal best in the shot put with a toss of 58-4.50 to win the event. His mark is tops in the league by a foot and a half.
His toss is fifth in the South Central Region and 19th nationally.
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
According to social media posts by national women’s college basketball reporters Wednesday, North Alabama is hiring sixth-year Northwestern State women’s basketball coach Anna Nimz.
Talia Goodman of On3.com posted the report on her X-account Wednesday afternoon. Neither institution immediately confirmed it, and Nimz did not post on her social media accounts. Mitchell Northam of USA Today sports, an Associated Press Top 25 voter, later posted that “multiple sources” confirmed the anticipated hiring of Nimz.
Scott Whittle, general manager of the North Alabama men’s basketball program, posted on his X-account, “Welcome to Florence @CoachNimz. North Alabama is hiring Northwestern State head coach Anna Nimz to lead the women’s basketball program.”
Goodman wrote “Nimz increased or matched the program’s Southland Conference win total in each of her seasons, culminating in 2025-26 with the program’s most single-season wins in 10 years and its most Southland victories in 22 years.”
Nimz, a former assistant coach at UT-Rio Grande Valley, completed her sixth season in Natchitoches with three consecutive SLC Tournament berths, the best string since five in a row from 2014-17.
She led the Lady Demons to the 2025 WNIT, finishing at 16-16, then this season increased the win total by two to 18. It was NSU’s first winning record in women’s basketball since 2015-16.
Northwestern finished with an 18-14 mark, reaching the Southland Conference Tournament quarterfinals a year after getting to the SLC semifinals in 2025.
NSU went 26-16 in SLC play the last two regular seasons, earning SLC Tournament fifth seeds both times. This year, Nimz’ team posted wins over the league’s top four finishers, including regular-season champion McNeese in Lake Charles, and tournament finalist SFA in Natchitoches.
Recent recruiting successes include signing 2025-26 Southland Player of the Year Vernell Atamah, last year’s SLC Freshman of the Year, and 2024-25 SLC Newcomer of the Year Mya Blake.
They were the Southland scoring leaders in the past two seasons, the first time Northwestern has had the league’s top scorers in back-to-back years.
Nimz rebuilt a program that lost its first 19 games in her first season, then won the season finale in a COVID-shortened schedule. Since then, Northwestern was 68-81 overall and 45-47 in conference games.
UNA is currently in the Atlantic Sun Conference, but is moving to the reconfigured United Athletic Conference that includes former SLC members Abilene Christian, Central Arkansas and UTA, along with Tarleton State, Eastern Kentucky, West Georgia and Austin Peay.
Nimz, who turns 40 next month, is a Kansas native who has eight prior seasons of head coaching experience at the junior college level.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Dylan Kyle Poche was born on March 10, 1997, in Natchitoches, Louisiana
In just 18 short years, Dylan left a mark far greater than time could measure. After his tragic and violent passing, Dylan’s family made a decision to hold his first memorial Bass Tournament on May 8th 2016.
Burt says, The event has grown bigger than we ever would have expected.
Each year, they host a memorial fishing tournament in his honor. Proceeds fund a scholarship through Northwestern State University, Dylan’s name continues to open doors and change lives for generations to come.
This year, a portion of tournament proceeds will also benefit Hope For Lydia
Registration Deadline: March 27, 2pm
Tournament Information: www.dylankylepoche.com
Online Registration: https://app.fishingchaos.com/tournament/421EecWiVrOyjr7ynXJz
10th Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Bas Tournament
Date: March 28, 2026
Location: Cypress Bend Park
Activities
•Kids Fishing from the bank
•Food for all
•Prizes/Raffles
•Kids Jumpers
•Live Band
By Salome Uribe-Cardona, Business Administration and Social Communication major
Latino Living, the official podcast of Northwestern State University’s Hispanic Student Journalist Association, announces production of Latino Living’s fourth season. This season marks year three of continuous production of Latino Living.
Latino Living focuses on conversations concerning issues affecting Latino communities while highlighting the Hispanic presence at NSU and in the Natchitoches area. The podcast also explores everyday challenges faced by Latinos, including cultural differences and the experience of adapting to life outside one’s home country.
Completely produced by college students, the podcast allows members to develop their skills in media production, storytelling and communication while challenging themselves each day to create meaningful and impactful content. Through interviews, discussions and personal stories, Latino Living provides a platform to promote cultural awareness and amplify Latino voices on campus and in the local community.
Isabel Rubio Juárez, a senior majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Administration, serves as the president of the Hispanic Student Journalism Association at NSU. Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, she is also the host of Latino Living, the organization’s official podcast that highlights Latino experiences and culture. Supporting her is Mayte Sierra, also from Guanajuato, Mexico, who is majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Spanish and serves as the co-host of Latino Living, helping lead conversations that amplify Latino voices on campus and in the Natchitoches community
HSJA encourages students to get involved in a community that values cultural exchange, diversity and representation on campus. By participating in the organization, students have the opportunity to connect with others, learn about Latino culture and develop skills in communication and media.
Through its initiatives and projects, including the Latino Living podcast, HSJA creates a space where Latino voices and experiences can be shared with the broader Northwestern State and Natchitoches community.
The latest installment of Latino Living can be viewed online at: youtube.com/watch?v=rjyaHXEhuzc&list=PLmKyRmhpTjb5kUCtzzn9kyXwDacwo1T9U
BOM Bank was proud to support the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma at their Chili Cook-Off fundraiser this past weekend on NSU’s campus! All proceeds from the event benefit the March of Dimes, Tri Sigma’s national philanthropy. This incredible organization is dedicated to ending preventable maternal health risks and deaths, preventing preterm birth and infant loss, and closing the health equity gap for families everywhere. We love seeing our team members give back—especially when it brings together current members and proud alumni of Tri Sigma! Pictured left to right: BOM’s Chloe Langlois, Maddie Downs, and Carrie Hough (Tri Sigma alumna), Allison Chevalier, BOM’s Claire Mayeaux, and Mallie Harper (Tri Sigma alumna).
The Natchitoches City Council convened its March 23 meeting to consider a full agenda that included a public proclamation, a rezoning appeal, zoning changes, ordinance introductions and final approvals, as well as resolutions tied to infrastructure work.
The meeting opened with Proclamation No. 015, introduced by Councilman Nielsen, declaring April 2, 2026, as World Autism Day and April as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Natchitoches. The proclamation recognized autism as a growing developmental condition and emphasized awareness and community support efforts. It also acknowledged the contributions of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and its local chapter for their advocacy and planned outreach initiatives.
The council then addressed Planning and Zoning Appeal Item No. 6 involving applicant and property owner Heath Nichols. The appeal reviewed a prior decision by the Natchitoches Planning and Zoning Commission at its March 4 meeting, which denied a request to rezone property on Cypress Avenue from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-2 (multi-family residential) for the development of multiple duplex units.
During the meeting, the applicant presented plans for a multi-structure duplex development and described the project as a managed residential investment. Public comments included significant opposition from area residents and members of the Historic District Commission, who raised concerns about density, traffic, drainage, parking, and preservation of the historic district’s character. Additional concerns were noted regarding proximity to Northwestern State University and potential increases in student housing activity.
After discussion, the council voted to uphold the planning and zoning commission’s denial, maintaining the R-1 zoning classification for the property and rejecting the rezoning request.
Under Planning and Zoning Final Item No. 7, the council approved Ordinance No. 009, which amends Ordinance No. 64 of 2001 to change the zoning classification of approximately 34.6 acres located on Old River Road. The property includes tracts described as part of a partition for heirs of Willie LaCaze. The rezoning was requested by Ace Commercial Properties LLC and will allow for the development of office space intended to support industrial operations.
Under Ordinances – Final, the council adopted Ordinance No. 008, which establishes a human trafficking prevention and reporting policy within the City of Natchitoches Personnel Policies Manual. The policy formalizes employee expectations and reinforces procedures related to identifying and reporting suspected trafficking activity.
Under Ordinances – Introduction, the council considered Ordinance No. 010, which authorizes the city to lease a tract of land and improvements located on the east side of North Street to the Natchitoches Coalition of Homeless. The ordinance outlines terms and conditions for the lease, authorizes the mayor to execute the agreement upon legal compliance, and provides for public advertising of the lease. The measure was introduced and will require future consideration before final adoption.
Under Resolutions, the council approved Resolution No. 016, authorizing the mayor to execute Change Order No. 3 for the contract between the City of Natchitoches and Regional Construction LLC. The change order pertains to the Fiscal Year 2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) street improvement project, Bid No. 0671, and results in a cost adjustment with no additional financial impact to the city.
The council concluded the meeting by announcing that the next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on April 13, 2026.
The City of Natchitoches has announced a temporary closure of Texas Street (LA-1 Business route) on Wednesday, March 25 for emergency sewer repairs.
The closure will begin at 8 a.m. at the 1539 address and will affect all traffic through the work zone. Officials said the repair work is expected to last one day.
During the closure, southbound through traffic will be detoured via the LA-1 Bypass. Northbound through traffic will be redirected using LA-6 Business routes, including Front Street and Washington Street, as well as the LA-6 North Bypass. Local traffic will be able to access the area using nearby city streets.
City officials are asking motorists to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time while detours are in place. The public is encouraged to use caution in surrounding areas and follow posted detour signage.
For additional information, residents may contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at 318-357-3850.
BOYCE — Natchitoches Parish residents making the drive south on Interstate 49 may have already noticed it… a large white construction tent rising from a freshly graded 672-acre site near Boyce, just 39 miles down the road, that could become one of the most significant economic development projects in Central Louisiana history.
The tent, along with graded earth and mobile construction offices on the property, marks the earliest visible stages of development on land purchased by Applied Digital Corporation in December 2025 for $26.9 million.
(Natchitoches Parish Journal Staff Photo… Construction activity is visible from Interstate 49 near Boyce, including a large white tent and graded acreage on the Applied Digital site.)
The facility, known internally as Project Lightning, is planned for approximately 672 acres and is intended to serve high-performance computing and artificial intelligence industries. The project anticipates creating 1,500 construction-related jobs and 200 new employees in its first year of operation, with an average annual wage of $65,000.
The property sits along I-49 just down from the Cleco facilities, a short distance from Boyce. Applied Digital, a Dallas-based firm listed on Nasdaq under the ticker APLD, designs, develops and operates digital infrastructure, cloud services and artificial intelligence facilities across North America. The developer often leases its completed facilities to major tech companies that operate massive computing networks, known as hyperscalers. No hyperscaler tenant has been publicly identified for the Boyce site.
England Authority Creates Special Subdistrict
In December 2025, Applied Digital purchased the 672-acre parcel near Boyce, west of Alexandria. In February, the England Authority… the Rapides Parish economic development district… approved the creation of England District Subdistrict No. 4, an overlay district that encompasses the property.
Louisiana Central, the regional economic development organization, has been coordinating with Applied Digital and state officials on the prospect and has begun discussions with parish taxing authorities about creating special incentives to attract tenants to the site. Amazon, Hut 8 and Meta have each struck payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements for their own Louisiana data center projects.
Louisiana Central CEO Chris Masingill addressed the authority board ahead of the February vote, describing the potential scope of the project as among the most consequential in the parish’s modern history… potentially surpassing major industrial investments dating to the 1950s and 1960s in terms of capital investment and job creation. He was explicit, however, that no agreement is in place and that the site remains an active prospect, not a confirmed project.
Power and Water
Masingill acknowledged Cleco’s role in the planning process, noting the utility’s cooperation as critical to the parish’s ability to compete for the project. The Louisiana Public Service Commission would maintain regulatory authority over any electricity generation required to support operations.
England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy said Applied Digital has been engaged in discussions with Cleco and that power arrangements are progressing, though whether new generation facilities would need to be built remains unclear.
On water demand, Hennessy said the impact would be modest. Applied Digital’s data centers use a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates coolant continuously, eliminating the need for constant water replenishment… a standard feature in modern data center design.
Residents raised concerns about utility costs and water usage at the February authority meeting.
Tax Status Changes
Tax records reflect the scale of what is being contemplated. The land carried annual parish taxes of roughly $3,900 when classified as Agricultural Vacant prior to 2026. Following Applied Digital’s purchase, the parcel was reclassified as Industrial Vacant, with its assessed value adjusted from $257,350 to $25,287,000. Estimated annual parish property taxes on the undeveloped land now stand at approximately $300,000.
Louisiana’s Data Center Boom
The Boyce site is one of several major data center projects now in motion across Louisiana. Meta is constructing a $10 billion AI campus in Richland Parish in northeast Louisiana. Amazon announced a $12 billion multi-campus project in Caddo and Bossier parishes in February. And Hut 8 is developing a $10 billion facility in West Feliciana Parish.
England Airpark’s Hennessy said his hope is that the Applied Digital project, should it materialize, will provide a significant economic boost for the region, similar to what Hut 8’s currently under-construction data center is expected to deliver for West Feliciana Parish.
No timeline for a formal project announcement has been made public. Applied Digital did not respond to a request for comment prior to publication.
— Natchitoches Parish Journal
Since taking the bench in 2020, Judge Owsley has served both the City of Natchitoches and Ward One with a steady commitment to fairness, respect, and accountability. The City Court oversees misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic cases, civil disputes under $25,000, evictions, and juvenile cases—areas that directly impact the daily lives of our community.
Judge Owsley has worked to ensure that every individual who enters his courtroom is treated with dignity and given the opportunity to be heard. Under his leadership, the court has taken meaningful steps forward, including modernizing operations through updated technology that allows for electronic payments and civil filings, making the system more accessible and efficient for the public.
He has also partnered with City Marshal Randy Williams to strengthen courthouse security, improving safety for both staff and citizens. In addition, Judge Owsley established a community service program for juvenile offenders—offering young individuals a constructive way to take responsibility and reconnect with their community. In 2025, he helped launch the FINS (Families in Need of Services) program, working alongside Anita Dubois to provide early intervention and support for families and at-risk youth.
Judge Owsley remains committed to serving Natchitoches with integrity, experience, and a continued focus on practical improvements that benefit the people he serves.
*Paid for by the Campaign to Re-Elect Judge Robert Owsley*
A mostly warm and dry forecast is expected across Natchitoches Parish through the coming days, with a brief cooldown this weekend and a slight chance of rain returning by Tuesday.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-80s and light south winds around 5 mph. Conditions remain mostly clear Wednesday night, with lows again in the upper 50s.
Thursday continues the warm trend, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s. South winds will increase slightly to 5 to 10 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with lows around 60.
Friday turns partly cloudy, with highs in the mid-80s. Overnight lows will dip into the lower 50s.
A cooler pattern arrives Saturday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the lower 70s. Saturday night will be mostly clear and cooler, with lows around 50.
Temperatures rebound Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the lower 80s. Sunday night will be partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s.
Monday will remain partly cloudy, with highs in the lower 80s. Cloud cover increases Monday night, with lows in the lower 60s.
By Tuesday, skies will be mostly cloudy in the morning before turning partly cloudy in the afternoon, with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs are expected to reach the mid-80s.
Overall, the week ahead will bring a mix of warm afternoons, cool nights and minimal rain chances until early next week.
