Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit deputies initiated a traffic stop on June 7 around 6:31 pm on a 2009 silver Kia SUV on South Drive in Natchitoches for expired registration according to officials from the Drug Enforcement Unit.

The driver, Brittany N. Jones, along with three passengers- Gary L. Peterson, Christopher Burks (Steven Burks) and an unidentified passenger—were detained for further investigation.

During the stop, deputies discovered that none of the occupants possessed valid driver’s licenses.

Christopher Burks provided false identification; however, he was later positively identified as Steven Burks. Further inquiry revealed that Burks had three active warrants, resulting in his arrest.

Agents also learned Jones and Peterson were wanted by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a camouflage bag containing approximately 18 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two firearms-a Hi-Point 9mm, and aSCCY CPX 9, 9mm.

Burks was charged with possession of the narcotics and firearms found inside the bag.

One passenger was released without charges.

*Steven Burks, 50, of Natchitoches was booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, 2-Counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of Narcotics, Resisting an Officer by Giving a False Name and Failure to Appear in the 10th Judicial District Court on prior criminal charges.

*Brittany N. Jones, 31, of Natchitoches was booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with Failure to Appear in Rapides Parish. Jones was also issued a citation for the Expired Vehicle Registration.

*Gary L. Peterson, 55, of Natchitoches booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged Failure to Appear in Rapides Parish.

The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.

Jones and Peterson are awaiting transfer to Rapides Parish.

Natchitoches Drug Enforcement Criminal Patrol Units were assisted by the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to a NATCOM 911 Center distress call on June 7 regarding two hikers lost off the Caroline Dormon Backbone Trail in Kisatchie National Forest in Natchitoches Parish.

911 operators were limited in obtaining accurate GPS coordinates due to a weak cellphone signal but gathered enough information to determine the hikers were likely in the area of the Caroline Dormon Trail.

At the time, the temperature exceeded 90 degrees with a heat index over 100 degrees.

Multiple units arrived on the scene and confirmed the location details. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and a Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 drone were deployed to assist. A coordinated ground and aerial search commenced, continuing throughout the afternoon.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., the two hikers were located, suffering from symptoms of heat exhaustion.

They were safely extricated from the forest and transported to an awaiting EMS unit for evaluation. Two members of Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 also experienced heat exhaustion symptoms and were treated on scene. All individuals were released without requiring further transport to a medical facility.
Sheriff Stuart Wright thanks all responding units for their quick response and dedicated efforts in today’s successful search and rescue operation.

Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities during high temperatures. Heat exhaustion can set in quickly, especially in remote areas where hydration and shelter are limited. Always carry adequate water, wear appropriate clothing, know your route, and let someone know your plans before entering wilderness areas.

The United States Forest Service was notified.

Poll Question #1: In your Opinion – Should the Parish Government return to “in-house” operations of Parish Trash Collection (Current Operated by Waste Connection?)

Poll Question #2: In your Opinion – is the Parish Government prepared and ready to assume operations of Parish Trash Collection?

Poll Question #4: In your Opinion – has the Parish Council and Parish President approved all of the appropriate Ordinances, Amendments and Budget items to legally purchase assets, legally fund and legally operate the Parish Trash Collection operations?

Poll Question #4: In your Opinion – do you believe the Parish Government can operate the Parish Trash Collection operation from day one WITHOUT losing any money?

Number of participants who complete the form: 2,206

This poll was to gain insight among the readership of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  This is simply a snapshot-in-time of the opinions of our readership. This is NOT a scientific poll.

Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, June 9 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. to discuss non-agenda items. The City Council meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and will be reserved to only items on the Agenda.  The public is invited to both the pre-council meetings and council meetings with the understanding that items not on the agenda will not be discussed at the scheduled council meetings, but the public is welcome to discuss any topic at the pre-council meetings.  The City Council Meetings are held at the Natchitoches City Council Chambers, located at 716 Second St. in Natchitoches.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Employee Of The Month Nicole Oakes

SPECIAL GUEST: Charles Hall – Henry O. Flipper Foundation

PROCLAMATION:
Proclamation Declaring June 14, 2025 as “Birthday Of The United States Army” In The City Of Natchitoches.

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:

• Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Lot on South Side Sidney Street Being The West 20 Feet of Lot 3 and The East 20 Feet of Lot 4 of The David Pierson Lots (119 Sidney St.)

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

• Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches To Award The Bid For The South Williams Water Line Project (Bid No. 0675)
• Ordinance Declaring Certain Buildings Unsafe And Recommending That Same Be Demolished Or Put Into Repair To Comply With The Building Code, Authorizing Notice To Be Served, Fixing Hearing Date And Appointing Curator To Represent Absentees

RESOLUTIONS:

• Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, Jr., To Execute A Fourth Lease Amendment To Water Tower Option And Lease Agreement With New Cingular Wireless Pcs, LLC, Said Amendment Providing For An Extended Term, Providing For Consideration And Escalating Rent, The Ordinance Further Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.
• Resolution Fixing The Time, Day, Date And Place Of Regular Meetings Of The City Council Of The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.
• Resolution Establishing Meeting Times And Places Of Natchitoches Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Waterworks District No.1.
• Resolution Appointing Stacy McQueary As Clerk Of The Council For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Appointing The Auditor For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Appointing the Fiscal Agent For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Designating The Natchitoches Times As the Official Legal Journal For The City Of Natchitoches For The Next Twelve Months.
• Resolution Appointing Members To The City Planning Commission For The City Of Natchitoches.
• Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Advertise For Bids For Equipment Replacement, Sludge Thickner No. 1, City Of Natchitoches Wastewater Treatment Plant (Bid No. 0674)
• Resolution Designating Thursday, June 19, 2025 As An Official Holiday For The Employees Of The City Of Natchitoches In Observation Of Juneteenth.
• Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Natchitoches Committing The Required Match Contribution For A Safe Streets And Roads For All (SS4A) Grant Application.
• Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Enter Into A Contract With Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC, For The Euclid Casualty Package Insurance Renewal Effective June 30, 2025 Through June 30, 2026.
• Resolution Authorizing Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., To Execute An Agreement With The Louisiana Office Of Community Development For The 2023 – 2024 Community Water Enrichment Fund Grant Application (CWEF) For Improvements To The Natchitoches Water System

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be June 23, 2025.

PAID CONTENT

Join Marvin as he shares a letter received from Waste Connection regarding the Parish of Natchitoches trash collection.

• Parish President John Salter declined to appear.
•  

Paid Content

The Krewe of Excellence participated in the Natchitoches Council on Aging’s Annual Fan Drive, donating more than 35 fans to help provide relief for senior citizens throughout the community.

The donated fans will be distributed by the Council on Aging to assist elderly residents in staying safe and comfortable during the hot summer months. This contribution supports ongoing efforts to meet the needs of vulnerable populations and promote wellness among local seniors.

The Krewe of Excellence’s involvement reflects its commitment to community service and making a positive impact in the lives of Natchitoches residents.

The City of Natchitoches has officially kicked off its Summer Youth Program, offering local students the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience across various city departments.

Participants in the program will assist in areas such as parks and recreation, public works, finance, and other municipal offices. The initiative aims to help youth develop essential job skills, explore career paths, and contribute positively to their community during the summer months.

By engaging in meaningful tasks and learning from city staff, the students are building experience that will benefit them well beyond the summer. Residents may see participants actively working around town and are encouraged to show support as the youth gain practical knowledge and serve the city.

The program reflects the city’s continued investment in young residents by creating opportunities for growth, learning, and civic involvement.

The City of Natchitoches will celebrate Juneteenth with a full day of festivities on Saturday, June 21, honoring freedom, culture, and community spirit with activities for all ages.

The celebration kicks off with morning events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MLK Recreational Center located at 660 MLK Drive. Morning highlights include a celebrity basketball game, an alumni matchup between Natchitoches Central High School and Lakeview, a fraternity game, and a spirited first responders game. In addition to the athletic events, attendees can enjoy dance showcases, a 3-point shooting contest, and a community health fair offering wellness resources and services.

Evening festivities move to the Natchitoches Riverbank from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring live zydeco music by Chris Ardoin & On Point Band, along with a high-energy DJ set from GODJ Chris. Families can look forward to fireworks, a Kids Zone, and a wide variety of food vendors and popup shops, creating a festive downtown atmosphere.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, follow the City of Natchitoches or event organizers on social media.

Natchitoches Junior High is proud to announce the formation of Sigma Epsilon Alpha (ΣΕΑ), a groundbreaking Greek lettered academic fraternity and sorority exclusively for eighth-grade students. Sponsored by veteran English Language Arts teacher Dustie Rambin, ΣΕΑ is designed to celebrate and cultivate academic excellence, leadership, and community service among the school’s top scholars.

A New Tradition of Excellence
The idea of establishing Sigma Epsilon Alpha draws inspiration from the storied traditions of college fraternities and sororities, bringing their spirit of scholarship, empowerment, and achievement to the middle school level. The organization’s name reflects its core values:  
Scholars (∑): A commitment to academic excellence  
Empowering (Ε): Supporting and uplifting one another  
Achievement (Α): Pursuing personal and academic growth

“Our vision is to cultivate a culture of academic distinction in our school where high-achieving students are empowered, enriched, and inspired to reach their fullest potential—both in the classroom and beyond,” said Mrs. Rambin, who brings over 13 years of classroom experience and a passion for education and a recognition of the impact that student involvement has on creating a positive school culture to her role as sponsor.

Membership and Expectations
A brief synopsis of the criteria for membership is presented as follows:
Membership in ΣΕΑ is open to all eighth-grade students who:
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate mastery in math and ELA
Exhibit leadership potential and a commitment to community involvement
No more than three referrals within the school year and zero fights
Procure a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school staff member

Prospective members must complete an application, including an essay and a possible interview with current members, ensuring that each participant embodies the fraternity/sorority’s values.

Enrichment, Service, and Support
ΣΕΑ members are expected to assist and participate in community service projects, organizing school events, and engage in peer tutoring to assist other students in their academic endeavors. By honoring academic excellence and providing elite students with special privileges and enrichment opportunities, the club aims to inspire motivation, boost student confidence, and elevate the culture of learning throughout the school.

Fostering Future Leaders
Principal Bobby Benjamin, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the new organization. “Sigma Epsilon Alpha is more than just an honor society. It is a catalyst for building a school culture where academic achievement is celebrated and aspired to. As sixth and seventh graders see their peers recognized for their hard work, they’ll be motivated to set high goals for themselves. I am deeply grateful to Mrs. Rambin for her vision and dedication in bringing this program to life. Her leadership will ensure that ΣΕΑ flourishes and becomes a beacon of excellence at Natchitoches Junior High.”

By establishing clear expectations and providing visible role models, Sigma Epsilon Alpha will help cultivate future leaders and lifelong learners throughout the school community. The organization stands as a prestigious recognition program for the most dedicated scholars, while also serving as a source of inspiration for younger students to pursue academic excellence.

With Sigma Epsilon Alpha, Natchitoches Junior High takes a bold step toward creating a supportive, enriching environment where learning is celebrated, effort is rewarded, and every student is empowered to achieve greatness.

Northwestern State University’s Art Department held the first of three art camps June 2-6 for area youngsters. Forty young artists between the ages of 5 and 11 will enjoy a week of creativity and learning as they work with NSU Art faculty and older art students.

In this week’s camp, the youngsters develop their creativity in several different areas from printmaking and self-portraits to sculpture. The third camp is for older artists, aged 12-18, and will teach more advanced art skills. The teens will choose among resources such as 3D printers, laser cutters/engravers, carving, printmaking and more. The instructors will be NSU Art professors, and the camp will be similar in style to actual classes at NSU’s Art Department.

NSU has been hosting these superb opportunities for young artists to learn, make new friends, and grow for over 15 years. A measure of the program’s success is that several camp alumni are now Art majors at NSU. If you would like more information about NSU’s Art Camps, feel free to contact Associate Professor Corbin Covher at covherc@nsula.edu.

Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that has the potential to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees. In the latest iteration of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions. The OMV recommends that customers ignore and delete such messages.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:
· DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source
· DO NOT respond or send your personal information via text
· Delete all suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov
· Exercise caution with all communications you receive from anonymous sources
· Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source
· Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)

The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at http://www.expresslane.org.

The Natchitoches Police Department has been made aware of scammers who are attempting to defraud citizens out of money by posing as police officers. This is a common phone scam and the suspects are “spoofing” the phone number of the Natchitoches Police Department and are using the actual names of our officers. When scammers spoof a phone number it appears on the recipient’s caller ID as if the call is coming from the police department.

The Natchitoches Police Department would never contact any citizen in an attempt to receive any money for fine payment or for active warrants over the phone.

If you receive a phone call from a scammer never give them any personal information and end the call immediately.

If you have received a fraudulent phone call from a scammer posing as a police officer or if you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.

The NPJ confirmed with the Natchitoches Police Department that the body of a deceased person was found in the area of the Washington Street Boat Launch on June 5. No foul play is suspected. No further information is available but a press release will be issued as the investigation continues.

The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present the program “Fiddlin’ with the Finest! A Celebration of Louisiana Folk Fiddling” on Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at the Many Depot Museum at 750 Highway 171 Bypass in Many. The event is free and open to the public.

Three past Louisiana State Fiddle Champions, Clancey Stewart, Joe Suchanek, and Ron Yule, will discuss the importance of the folk fiddling tradition with Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and professor of English at NSU. Live music performed throughout the program will include various regional fiddle styles accompanied by demonstrations of fiddle stick playing and twin fiddling. A Q&A session on participating in fiddle competitions will follow. Fiddlers of all skill levels are invited to bring their instruments for a jam session with the invited musicians.

This year’s Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will take place as part of the 45th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, to be held on Saturday July 19 at 1 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall on the NSU campus. Fiddlers may compete in the championship or non-championship division as well as in the twin fiddle category. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside the Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the Festival main stage in Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, Cleco, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana.

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to nsula.edu/folklife.

The poll will run until 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025 when the link will no longer be active. The purpose of this poll is to gain insight to our readers opinions regarding the PARISH OF NATCHITOCHES TRASH COLLECTION within the Parish of Natchitoches (NPG).

Waste Connections Bayou, Inc. Sets the Record Straight on Natchitoches Parish Trash Service Transition

The Natchitoches Original Music Showcase (NOMS) returns for its second event on Saturday, June 7 beginning at 5 p.m. with an exciting lineup of original musicians and songwriters on St. Denis Street in downtown Natchitoches for a night of live music, local talent, and community connection.

Founded by Zach George, a local musician, and Mike Morton, owner of Laughing Sam’s Discs on St. Denis Street, NOMS was born out of a desire to foster original music by forming a community of artists and music lovers.

Featured Performers for June 7 Showcase:

Coming in Crutch
A punk/alternative rock trio from Natchitoches with a ‘90s edge, Coming in Crutch features founding members Zach George and Leif Nation on drums and guitar. Their sets are high energy, loud, and unapologetically fun—with shots and brewskis never too far behind.

Terry Diffey
Born and raised in Jonesboro, Terry started playing guitar at 13. “I try to write simple stories for simple people,” he said. With a focus on storytelling and heart, Terry brings an earnest Americana vibe to the stage.

Ghostridge
Known offstage as Kat Wilkinson, ghostridge is a singer/songwriter from Patterson. A former frontwoman of the band Open House—who opened for Mariah the Scientist and Emotional Oranges—she now performs indie originals and produces her own music, available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Organizers say the goal is to grow each year, attract more diverse performers, and bring a true music culture back to Natchitoches—one that includes younger audiences, fresh voices, and a wider variety of musical styles.

Whether you’re into folk, rock, indie, R&B, rap, or classical, NOMS welcomes all genres. To learn more, follow NOMS on social media @Natchitoches Original Music Stage. Organizers are still welcoming local sponsors who want to support original music and help the event continue to grow.

The NSU Summer Dinner Theatre will present “I Love You to Death: A Speakeasy Mystery” June 17-21 and June 24-28 at The Venue on Front Street located at 530 Front Street In Natchitoches. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and the show starts at 6 p.m.

A.A. Fredericks Auditorium is undergoing a system remodel, so the dinner theatre shows are in a different location this year.

“This has allowed us to take a different approach to the show,” said Director Robert Richoux. “The show will take place at the Venue on Front Street, which means there is no stage, and the cast will be in and out of the audience to make you feel even more connected and immersed in the world of the play.

“I Love You to Death: A Speakeasy Mystery” was written by Robert J. Leblanc. In the play, a boxer, a gangster, a rival, a tortured vaudevillian, a woman on the prowl and a pair of star-crossed lovers enter the Irish Lyon Social Club. Who will leave the speakeasy alive? The jazz plays, illegal liquor flows and the bodies and suspects start piling up in this tale of crooked deals, jilted lovers, betrayal and mayhem. Try to pin the suspect with the crime to find out who did the deed in “I Love You to Death.”

The cast is Halle Ortego of Lake Charles as Siobhan Delaney, Shay Beatty of Shreveport as Iva Delaney, Tyler Sibley of Alexandria as Romeo Montano, Angel-Lena Wade of Colfax as Teresa Capo and Jezek Maxwell of Longview, Texas, as Sean “The Lion” Delaney.

“This show was chosen because of the venue,” said Richoux. “I wanted the Venue on Front Street to take on the role of the scenery, and this will allow you to really feel like you are in a speakeasy. The show is very funny, the cast is going to be amazing, and we want you to have a great time with us.”

The next Summer Dinner Theatre Show will be “A Fifties Doo-Wop Snapshot” on July 22-26 and July 29-August 2.

Tickets are available HERE.

For more information, call (318) 357-4483.

Here is a look at the week of June 8-14 at Northwestern State University.

June 8-14 – Summer and Fall 2025 semester registration available via NSU Connect

June 9 – Start of 8-week summer session and first 4-week summer session

June 9-13 – Summer Art Camp, “Medieval Madness,” Department of Fine and Graphic Art, Room 205, New Wing, Performing Arts Complex, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

June 11 – Flight Forward, Russell Hall, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

June 12 – Freshman Connection, Natchitoches campus

June 14 — “Fiddlin’ with the Finest,” Many Depot Museum, 750 Hwy. 171 Bypass, Many, 11 a.m.