SHREVEPORT, La. – Samuel Holbert Brumfield a/k/a “Sammy B,” 35, of Many, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. Brumfield was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges.

An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on June 16, 2021 charging Brumfield with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Brumfield pleaded guilty to a charge of distribution of methamphetamine on September 28, 2021.

According to evidence presented to the court at the guilty plea hearing, law enforcement agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation in early 2021 in connection with the trafficking of methamphetamine in the Sabine Parish, Louisiana area.  Agents were able to identify Brumfield as the individual who sold approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine to another individual in the Sabine Parish area on April 26, 2021. The methamphetamine that was purchased from Brumfield was seized and taken to the crime lab where it was tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.

NPSO UPDATE
Good news to report. Mr. Honeycutt has been found by the Florien Chief of Police and family members in Sabine Parish. Thank you all for your assistance in helping Mr. Honeycutt’s family and law enforcement bring him back home safely.
Special thanks to media outlets. Post reached 31,000 people.

NPSO DEPUTIES LOOKING FOR MISSING ELDERLY HAGEWOOD MAN; SUFFERS FROM MEDICAL CONDITION THAT MAY IMPAIR HIS JUDGEMEnt

2/27/2022 (Hagewood)-Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are currently looking for an elderly man that left his residence near Hagewood on Sunday afternoon and has not returned according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Deputies are currently looking for a 1997 Toyota T100 pickup truck, gray in color, bearing La. License# W548935, occupied by 89-year-old Douglas Honeycutt, W/M, Hgt/507, Wgt/100, with black hair and blue eyes of Hagewood, La. Mr. Honeycutt wears glasses, and was last seen wearing a bluish-gray flannel shirt and dress pants.

Family members say Mr. Honeycutt left his home in the 7100 block of La. Hwy 6 West near Hagewood on Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:30pm to dump limbs at a dump site on the Shady Grove Road and he never returned home.

He was reported missing to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at approximately 7:41pm.
Family also confirms that Mr. Honeycutt suffers from a couple of medical conditions including one-that may impair his judgement.

Deputies are currently in the Shady Grove area and on La. Hwy 6 West looking for the vehicle and Mr. Honeycutt. His direction of travel is unknown. Deputies ask that if you see the vehicle which may be traveling slowly or Mr. Honeycutt to please contact the nearest law enforcement agency or the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-352-6432.

SOURCE: NPSO

This weekend may have been a tad cold and wet, but that did not stop the activities at Fort Jesup State Historic Site in Many.

Fort Jessup was built in 1822 and this May will mark the 200th anniversary of its completion. The bi-centennial celebrations started Friday, February 25 with a ceremony featuring Louisiana’s Lt Governor Billy Nungessor, State Representatives Rodney Schamerhorn and Lawrence Bagley, and State Senator Louie Bernard. Sabine parish had a large contingent with Many Mayor Robert Hable, Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, Police Jury members Mike McCormic & Stephen Steinke, DA Don Burkett and Judge Elizabeth Pickett. Representatives from Senator Kennedy and Cassidy’s office, as well as Congressman Johnson’s office, were also in attendance.

The fort was built in 1822 and named after Brigadier General Thomas Sidney Jesup and remained in operation until 1845. During its service, Ft. Jesup marked the westernmost edge of the United States, the boundary being the Sabine River. Soldiers from the fort patrolled the “No man’s land” that laid between the United States’ border and that of the Spanish Empire, preventing Spanish encroachment and protecting settlers.

Several well-known historical figures were associated with Ft Jesup. The man who was both its first and last commander, Zachary Taylor, was to be elected president and briefly served until his death early in his term in 1850. A young Army officer, Ulysses Grant, served briefly at the fort on his way to the Mexican-American War. One of the more notable non military persons to live at the fort would be Dred Scott, whose suit for his freedom was to be denied by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1850 in the infamous Dred Scott decision. There were many figures from the era who served at what was then the westernmost edge of the United States.

The main building at the Historic Site is a reproduction of the Officers’ quarters which serves as park headquarters, a museum, and a place to hold programs. Only one original building survives, a military kitchen next to the remnants of some stone columns which are all that is left of an infantry barracks.

While the area was not a formal military installation since its closing in 1845, both Union and Confederate forces camped at the site during the Civil War’s Red River Campaign in 1864. The Ft Jessup site was also to serve as a staging area for General Patton’s forces during the Louisiana Maneuvers as the U.S. Army readied itself for WWII. One of the more “modern” touches, if you will, at the fort is a bronze commemorative marker at the fort’s entrance. A careful look shows the bronze to be marred in one corner. That dent came from a collision from a tank taking a corner too fast and hitting it during the maneuvers.

The Interpretive Rangers who work at the site and volunteers who help in any number of ways do a wonderful job of bringing the past to life. The weekend’s events brought in two men from Columbia, South Carolina who were making a road trip to Montana. They heard about the event and came by
Saturday and were invited to join the reenactors at a period tea. The spontaneous hospitality of the staff and volunteers to visitors makes one proud to be a Louisianan. The Office of State Parks employees and volunteers are wonderful ambassadors for our state.

Saturday featured living history programs concerning topics such as open-hearth cooking, craft demonstrations and a demonstration of the state of medical science of the time that makes one truly grateful for modern medicine.

Louisiana is a remarkable place with a truly unique story. There are parks and museums throughout our area and the state with well prepared and educated staff ready to show you things about your community that you may have never known before. Get out and explore!

The sixth annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament will take place on Toledo Bend Lake on Saturday, March 26. First prize is $10,000. The event will also include raffles, DJ, bounce house for children, food and more. Funds raised will support the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation, which awards a scholarship to Northwestern State University.

Anglers can register Online at dylankylepoche.com.  Online registration deadline is March 25, 2022 at 9p.m.

On-site registration will take place from 2-7 p.m. Friday, March 25 at Cypress Bend Boat Launch and from 4:15-7:00 a.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Cypress Bend Boat Launch. Fishing starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. March 24. Rules and regulations are printed on the entry form.

Poche was born March 10, 1997, and was an avid outdoorsman who joined the Natchitoches Central High School Fishing Team and was an accomplished angler. After graduating from NCHS with honors in 2015, he enrolled at NSU to pursue a bachelor’s degree and joined the fishing team in the hopes of eventually becoming a professional angler. Poche tragically lost his life on Jan. 31, 2016.

Contact Burt Poche at (318) 652-3176 or (318) 652-7192 for more information.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is currently hiring Licensed Practical Nurses in the following departments:

• Courtyard of Natchitoches: Full Time, Part Time, & PRN
• Insights: Full Time
• Orthopedic Clinic: Full Time
• Walk in Clinic: Full time

Required Education and Experience

1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
2. Current State of Louisiana Nurse Licensure.
3. Current BCLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment. 
4. Current ACLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment. 
5. Current PALS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
6. Successful completion of arrhythmia course must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

NRMC Offers Great Salaries & Benefits.

To view and apply to these openings, please visit: www.nrmchospital.org/jobs/.

If you have questions or would like to speak to our Recruiter, please contact Larissa Cameron at 318-214-5819 or at larissa.cameron@nrmchospital.org

As I have written many times before, working in my small yard just brings the purest joy to my heart. Mind you, if you ride by my humble abode in the dead of winter you might would think that I was low on joy. There is simply much activity this time of year. The grass is an unattractive, crispy tan color that does not evoke much excitement. Leaves are missing from all of my pear trees and most of my shrubs are clinging to their winter coats and hibernating.

The last bit of shrubbery to bloom is my row of Dwarf Sasanquas. Some people call them “Shi Shi” or “Mini Camelias”. They normally pick up their buds in the fall and selfishly hold them tight until they burst open with the most vibrant pink hue. The hot pink show usually takes place the entire month of December. By the time my Christmas lights begin to fade as they are taken down, the Sasanquas are saying farewell to the last bloom.

As the days begin to get longer I will begin with my pre-Spring chores and spend more time in my yard. This past Sunday evening I was hit with the sudden urge to clean out a flower bed in my back yard. I made many trips to the curb with lifeless and colorless weeds and branches. With every step that was being tracked on my watch I could not help but notice how brown and dull everything was and how in just a few short weeks it would come back to life.

After my last trip to the curb I was putting up my chore paraphernalia and noticed a small, bright pink burst of color laying within the dormant branches of the Dwarf Sasanquas. Upon further inspection I saw that it was a newer, tightly held bud that was about to explode. I kindly spoke to the bud and told her that my wintery eyes truly appreciated her being a late bloomer. I was so proud of her for lying dormant all winter and patiently waiting for the others to put on their show before she made her exciting entry into the harsh winter winds.

Even if no one else on my street could enjoy her quiet beauty tucked away in the limbs, I enjoyed it enough for all of us. I was simply amazed at her strength and courage to bloom to the beat of her own drum.

At that moment I was reminded that the Bible is full of late bloomers and early bloomers. Sarah didn’t give birth until she was 90 years old. God bless her. David was a mere child when he faced down Goliath. Mary was only 15 years old when she gave birth to Jesus. Noah was around 500 years old when he built the Ark. There very few events in the Bible that actually took place in a normal time frame. It is almost as if the creator has a knack for creating the unexpected.

Before we were even created, the Lord already took into account how long it will take us to bloom. He has already logged in our doubt, disobedience and procrastinating ways when he purposed our life. He already knew what obstacles, divorces, grief, set-backs, delays, job losses, financial problems, and heart break would befall us when he was writing our story. None of this will keep us from blooming when it is our time. When the Lord has a purpose for you nothing can stop it.

Sometimes the latest blooms leave the biggest impact in the kingdom.

“There is a time for everything; and a season for every activity under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” – Romans 8:28

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Once is a nice surprise, twice in a row maybe a happy coincidence. Three straight? That’s more than respectable, it’s remarkable for David, vs. Goliath.

With its 4-2 win Friday night on very neutral ground – the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field in Arlington – the Northwestern State baseball team topped the Oklahoma Sooners. Worth noting, yes. A fluke? Not hardly.

Especially when you consider it was the third straight Power 5 win for the Demons of coach Bobby Barbier. They beat LSU in Baton Rouge last year, denying Paul Maineiri his 1,500th career win in his final home game as the Tigers’ coach, and put down the top 10-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville in 2019.

OU, LSU and Arkansas have decimal-point budgets. The Demons get by on decimals, mostly.

There’s a huge difference in resources when Barbier and his boys line up against a brand-name foe, but between the foul lines, you can’t tell it.

It was three years ago in Corvallis, Ore., that LSU had to pull off a miraculous ninth-inning rally to escape the Demons’ guillotine in the NCAA Regionals. That came one day after Northwestern blanked one of the top 40 winningest programs in college baseball this century, San Diego State. In its opener, NSU played eventual College World Series champ Oregon State more competitively than LSU did twice afterward in that regional.

Barbier was an Academic All-America first baseman and a first-team All-Southland pick a year later in 2005, when he helped Mitch Gaspard’s Demons reach the Baton Rouge Regional. He began his coaching career for Gaspard, first at NSU and then at Alabama when Gaspard succeeded another former NSU coach, Jim Wells, when the Bossier City native retired after 13 seasons steering the Crimson Tide.

With a 192-89 record from 1990-94 at his alma mater, assisted at times by both Gaspard and current Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco, Wells jumpstarted an amazing run of nine Southland Conference titles in 17 seasons (1991-2005) by the Demons. Contributing to that were current Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn (106-65 from 1995-97), current Mississippi State AD and former head coach John Cohen (146-84 from 1998-2001) and Gaspard (210-138 from 2002-07).

Barbier came back to Natchitoches as pitching coach for Lane Burroughs in 2015-16, when the Demons surged to a 40-18 Southland mark in two seasons, a span good enough for Louisiana Tech to tap Burroughs as its head coach. That’s worked out pretty well. So has the in-house promotion of Barbier.

Along with his team’s repeated dents inflicted on Power 5s, and the 2018 Corvallis Regional trip earned by the Demons’s first-ever Southland Tournament title, Barbier and his associate head coach, Chris Bertrand, have a salty collection of credentials.

Since 2018, NSU has had six MLB Draft picks, including the Southland’s highest in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The Demons have had an All-American in 2020 (rising Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Logan Hofmann), and Freshmen All-Americans Johnathan Harmon (2020) and Dante Stuart (2021).

Most impressively, Barbier’s bunch has posted the Southland’s top winning percentage since 2018, better even than the perennially strong Southeastern Louisiana Lions. They own wins in three of their last four against Burroughs and the Bulldogs, and have captured their last two against LSU.

NSU nearly won the series against the Sooners Saturday night, falling 2-1 in Arlington at Globe Life Park. Sunday evening, Oklahoma got a shutdown pitching outing and chipped away for a 5-1 victory.

Not anyone in the Demon dugout was proud. But going toe-to-toe with the Sooners in a three-game series signals Barbier’s Battlers are capable of big things again this spring.

Photo: by PATRICK NETHERTON

SABINE:
Mike Wilson
July 1, 1959 – February 24, 2022
Service: Tuesday, March 1 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

Dr. David Howard Horner
January 24, 1951 – February 23, 2022
Service: Monday, February 28 at 10 am at First Baptist Church of Many

WINN:
DONALD LEROY TARVER
June 12, 1930 – February 12, 2022
Service: Monday, February 28 at 12 pm

RED RIVER:
Brenda Wimberly Jones
December 19, 1944 – February 23, 2022
Service: Monday, February 28 at 2 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

Senator Louie Bernard joins Billy West Live to discuss the recent Legislative Session regarding re-drawing the Senate and House of Representative Maps

Senator Bernard updates the public regarding his new Senatorial District and the process of how the lines for not only his district was redrawn but also how Natchitoches Parish was divided into 3 separate House of Representative Districts

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced a $6,806,567 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Louisiana communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $9 million and will attract an additional $4 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Louisiana.

Water Distribution System Improvements (funded by CIF) | Natchitoches, LA:

The Sabine Parish Waterworks District No. 1 will use DRA funds to expand the Sabine Parish Waterworks District No. 1 distribution along Highway 485 and Lake Loop in Natchitoches Parish.

DRA Investment: $200,000
Total Investment: $456,000

City of Natchitoches – Keyser Avenue Lift Station Renovation (funded by SEDAP) | Natchitoches, LA:

The City of Natchitoches will use DRA funds to renovate the Keyser Avenue Lift Station. This investment is projected to create 30 jobs, retain 20 jobs, and affect 6,222 families.

DRA Investment: $400,000
Total Investment: $465,000

The 17 new investment projects will improve water and sewer systems, update transportation infrastructure, and support business development and job training in communities across Louisiana. These projects are expected to create or retain 675 jobs, train 224 individuals, and affect over 18,000 families.

“Born and raised along the Mississippi River, I know firsthand how vital the Delta Regional Authority’s ability to bolster community revitalization and economic prosperity within the Delta and Alabama Black Belt is,” said DRA Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham. “By strategically investing federal dollars into physical and human infrastructure, DRA helps alleviate the critical needs of the region in order to improve quality of life for our residents and foster future growth. I want to thank Governor Edwards and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation for their continued partnership as we work to level the playing field for our citizens.”

Funding for these projects is provided by the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), which provides direct investment into community-based and regional projects to support basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce training and education, and small businesses development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), which targets physical infrastructure projects that help build safer, more resilient communities in the Delta region. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Louisiana and its local development districts for program funding implementation.

Louisiana: FY 2021 Investment Snapshot

Number of Projects: 17
DRA Investment: $6,806,567
Total Project Investment: $15,867,807
Additional Capital Investment: $4,000,000
Jobs Created: 122
Jobs Retained: 553
Individuals Trained: 224
Families Affected: 18,875
“Louisiana is grateful to the DRA for this investment in our rural communities that are the backbone or our state and nation,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham understands the challenges faced throughout the Delta region, and I commend her for her strong advocacy work and am thankful to our congressional delegation for all of their support. The job training, business development and improvements to dated sewer, water and infrastructure systems are greatly needed and will positively impact the lives of thousands of individuals and families.”

“A huge investment to improve infrastructure and support Louisiana’s workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is great news for our state and thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill, we can expect to see additional funds in the near future.”

“Louisiana is grateful for the Delta Regional Authority’s $6.8 million investment in our state, including $1 million to boost the Central Louisiana Regional Port’s infrastructure, which will create new jobs and protect existing jobs,” said U.S. Senator John Kennedy.

“When we have a strong foundation we can count on, we can do great things,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02). “These DRA investments will help transform Louisiana’s workforce and infrastructure for the better, and will improve everyday life better for families across the state. Compounded with tens of millions in funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, we will soon see a new era of strength for Louisiana’s infrastructure and a consequent boost to our economy.”

“The Acadiana Regional Seafood Hub will help create jobs, support Louisiana’s seafood industry, and boost the local economy. This is a welcome investment from the Delta Regional Authority and combines with other federal funding to move this project forward,” said Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03).

“We greatly appreciate the Delta Regional Authority’s commitment to making public infrastructure and workforce improvements across Louisiana, and we are glad these investments will be put to good use,” said Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04).

“These strategic investments from the Delta Regional Authority are helping us continue to move the Fifth District forward,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05). “We appreciate the DRA making such a substantial commitment to our region, and we look forward to working with them and our state partners on projects in the future.”

“Supply chain issues are compounded by a driver shortage, and it is great to see Fletcher Community College helping to solve problems and create employment opportunities. This simulator is a great workforce training tool that will help us better train commercial vehicle operators on how to get products in the supply chain where they need to go more efficiently. We have to change the way we move people and goods on roadways to address our traffic and road congestion, improve safety, and make our state’s economy more competitive. This lab simulator will help keep Fletcher Community College and Louisiana trucking along, and I am looking forward to seeing all the positive outcomes from these funds announced today,” said Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06).

Other projects funded by CIF:

Cypress Street Drainage Improvements | Monroe, LA: The Ouachita Parish Police Jury will use DRA funds to replace a failed subsurface drainage pipe. This investment is projected to create 15 jobs and retain 15 jobs.

DRA Investment: $421,393
Total Investment: $468,217

Madison Parish Port Road | Tallulah, LA: The Madison Parish Port Commission will use DRA funds to reconstruct and widen approximately 7,500 linear feet of an existing access road to the existing Mississippi River port. This investment is projected to create 11 jobs and retain 180 jobs.

DRA Investment: $1,297,868
Total Investment: $1,618,132

Cypress/Slack Sanitary Sewer Improvements | West Monroe, LA: The City of West Monroe will use DRA funds to improve the sanitary sewer system in the Cypress/Slack Street area to eliminate blockages and overflows. This investment is projected to retain 15 jobs and affect 160 families.

DRA Investment: $398,954
Total Investment: $529,303

Central Louisiana Regional Port Reconstruction | Alexandria, LA: The Central Louisiana Regional Port will use DRA funds to retrofit and expand existing facilities and infrastructure to support organic biotechnology research & development and manufacturing for sustainable products, activating the foreign trade zone. This investment is projected to create 21 jobs, retain four jobs, and affect 21 families.

DRA Investment: $1,014,000
Total Investment: $3,841,414
Additional Capital Investment: $4,000,000

Harahan Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Project | Harahan, LA: The City of Harahan will use DRA funds to rehabilitate approximately 25 sewer manholes/1,360 feet of sewer lines along the Wilson/Huntley Street corridor. This investment is projected to retain 258 jobs and affect 2,859 families.

DRA Investment: $256,500
Total Investment: $331,500

Other projects funded by SEDAP:

Waterproof Wastewater Treatment Plant | Waterproof, LA: The Town of Waterproof will use DRA funds to assist at keeping the town free of standing sewer water and sanitizing the water output. This investment is projected to affect 270 families.

DRA Investment: $33,815
Total Investment: $33,815

Functioning Sewer Lift Stations | Ville Platte, LA: The City of Ville Platte will use DRA funds to replace all non-functioning Sewer Pumping System and Sewer Treatment Plant equipment. This investment is projected to affect 3,461 families.

DRA Investment: $307,000
Total Investment: $607,000

Train the Trainer; Support of Louisiana Municipal Association | Monroe, LA: The University of Louisiana Monroe will use DRA funds to continue to identify cohorts in Northeast Louisiana whose activities would benefit from using unmanned aerial systems in their operations. This investment is projected to train 100 individuals.

DRA Investment: $112,575
Total Investment: $133,615

Hudson Well Transmission Main | Farmerville, LA: The Union Parish Waterworks District No. 1 will use DRA funds to provide for well modifications and construction of a transmission main from the District’s Hudson well to the Spillway Production and Treatment Facility. This investment is projected to affect 568 families.

DRA Investment: $300,000
Total Investment: $330,000

DBA Franklin Medical Center Capacity Expansion | Winnsboro, LA: Franklin Medical Center will use DRA funds to expand ICU, Lab, and Surgery to improve capacity for highly infectious patients, efficient testing, and appropriate overflow for emergent patients with infectious disease. This investment is projected to create five jobs and retain five jobs.

DRA Investment: $509,000
Total Investment: $3,227,929

Village of Simsboro New Water Well | Simsboro, LA: The Village of Simsboro will use DRA funds to supply a new high-capacity water well and associated improvements. This investment is projected to create 13 jobs, retain 36 jobs, and affect 352 families.

DRA Investment: $476,673
Total Investment: $621,213

Village of Doyline Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements | Doyline, LA: The Village of Doyline will use DRA funds to improve its only wastewater treatment facility and establish a permanent source of electricity. This investment is projected to affect 325 families.

DRA Investment: $447,289
Total Investment: $523,289

Acadiana Regional Seafood Hub | Delcambre, LA: The Twin Parish Port District (Port of Delcambre) will use DRA funds to invest in land purchase, site development, and architectural and engineering fees for the Acadiana Regional Seafood Hub. This investment is projected to create 12 jobs and retain five jobs.

DRA Investment: $275,000
Total Investment: $1,348,480

Commercial Vehicle Operations Mobile Lab Simulator | Schriever, LA: The Fletcher Technical Community College Foundation will use DRA funds to develop a Commercial Vehicle Operations Mobile Lab Simulator to train the workforce in CVO at a faster and updated pace. This investment is projected to train 50 individuals.

DRA Investment: $100,000
Total Investment: $110,000

Lift Station No. 6 Rehabilitation | Farmerville, LA: The Town of Farmerville will use DRA funds to repair, rehabilitate, and improve sewer lift station number 6. This investment is projected to affect 1,222 families.

DRA Investment: $256,500
Total Investment: $296,500

Let’s continue our conversation from last week on what anglers should and should not do. Some of these topics we’re talking about are things the younger generation of anglers coming up have not been taught. As great as high school bass fishing is for the sport, this group of anglers needs some undivided attention on things that are important, like boat management and fishing etiquette on tournament day.

First let’s talk about things you should never do with your boat. With so many anglers on the water today, which has increased by the hundreds over the last 15 years, confrontations are occurring at an alarming rate. Just like road rage, now you have water rage. It’s only a matter of time before someone takes matters into their own hands and hurts someone who is basically innocent due to the fact they’ve never been taught boating etiquette. You should always respect another angler’s area that he’s fishing by idling past or around him. So many times, I see anglers get on plane way too soon which creates a 3-foot wake, which can result in throwing another angler out of his boat. Always idle past or out of an area slowly if it is being fished by other anglers. This is called respect and all anglers appreciate this jester. To add to this, never run too close to another angler either. I’ve seen several near misses with boats traveling 60 MPH or faster within 10 feet of another boat.

No one is impressed with your ability to run a bass boat like you’re in the Daytona 500. Always navigate your boat at a safe distance away (at least 20 yards) from other boats fishing that area. Now obviously there are times when this may not be possible, such as when anglers are fishing in a marina or a narrow creek channel. Even when you’re running in a creek channel and you come upon a boat that is fishing, shut down before you get to them. This eliminates a big wake that can throw the other boat up on the bank or into a dock or tree line.  For the most part, just be respectful…it’s really just common sense or common courtesy.  

            The next issue I see all too often is the lack of respect for the area or a stretch another angler is fishing. Every day I see someone pull up on another angler, shut off their motor (way too close) and create a 3-foot wake! Then they jump up on the front deck and start fishing on the same side of the pocket (or stretch) within 20 feet of another angler going in the same direction!  It’s as if they are wearing blinders like a horse in the Kentucky Derby! This is becoming a major problem today with guys competing for the areas that have proven to be productive over time. Every lake has popular areas that anglers know hold good quality fish. Not all areas on a lake or river are created equal, and good anglers who do their homework know where these are. If you’re going to fish the same area or stretch, fish away from me in the opposite direction. DO NOT go in front of me twenty yards and start fishing. This is called “cutting someone off” and it’s not right. It’s another one of those unwritten rules of bass fishing…. never cut someone off by fishing in front of them.

Now there is another situation that can occur, especially out on the open lake. All over most lakes there are brush piles that other anglers have put out in order to attract bass. With today’s electronic fish finders and forward-facing sonars, it’s easy to find these brush piles. This is where anglers get a little confused and frustrated. You have to understand that when you sink brush on a public body of water, it’s now considered community property and anyone can fish it. Unfortunately, the angler that has worked hard to put out that brush pile does not always see it that way and will go to extraordinary lengths to protect it. Many a feud has occurred on the water over who is entitled to fish it. The best advice I can give you on this…ask permission to share this area with the other angler if he got there first.  If he says “no”, then move on to another area to fish.

I hope you gained some knowledge and understanding today on some of the hot topics we are experiencing on our lakes and waterways. Again, as our lakes and waterways become overcrowded, we need more anglers to step up and try to educate the next generation on the ethics of bass fishing and how to conduct themselves. So, if you’re on the water and see youngsters doing things that aren’t right, exercise patience and feel free to educate them on the unwritten rules of fishing. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf 

BATON ROUGE- Due to recent dry conditions statewide being sufficiently alleviated following several rain events, State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, along with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, is rescinding the statewide cease and desist order for all private burning issued on February 15, 2022.

This rescind notice is effective as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

“I want to thank the public for its cooperation with this recent burn ban and for understanding the sensitive situation many communities and their first responders were recently facing with some very dry conditions,” said State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, “It never ceases to amaze me how supportive Louisianans can be to each other in times of emergency and I’m proud of how the majority of our state responded this past week.”

Residents should be aware that local and parish governments may continue their own burn bans at their will.

Where the burn ban is being lifted, the State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind residents that the only legal items you can burn in Louisiana are vegetation and ordinary yard waste items like leaves, tree branches, grass clippings, etc.

According to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, items NOT allowed to be burned include:

• Plastic and other synthetic materials
• Tires and other rubber products
• Paints, household and agricultural chemicals
• Asphalt shingles, heavy oils, wire
• Newspaper, cardboard and other paper products
• Buildings and mobile homes

The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that the Krewe of Dionysos Parade will be rolling through Natchitoches on Saturday, Feb. 26 beginning at 6 p.m. The parade will travel through East Natchitoches and the Natchitoches Historic District creating rolling street closures along the parade route.

There will be no parking on the river side of Front Street beginning at 6 am until the parade concludes.

The parking spaces adjacent to the buildings on Front Street will close at 1:30 pm until the conclusion of the parade.

The parade route is as follows: Depart River South Commons Parking Lot travel up South Drive to Keyser Avenue.  Jefferson Street to Front Street, then Washington Street to Texas Street, turn left on to Second Street and Ending at Touline Street.

The City of Natchitoches encourages all motorists traveling near the parade route to exercise caution and follow law enforcement instructions. Spectators are encouraged to exercise caution as floats and participants in the parade travel along the route.

For more information, please contact the City Hall at (318) 352-2772.

NATCHITOCHES:
Mary Louise Bobbitt Brasher
September 8, 1930 – February 15, 2022
Per her wishes, a private family interment will be held at her parents’ cemetery plots at Memory Lawn in Natchitoches.

Christopher Michael Payne
November 25, 1971 – February 18, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, February 26 from 9-10:30 am with the rosary at 10:30 am at St. Anthony Padua Roman Catholic Church, located at 911 5th Street in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, February 26 at 11 am at St. Anthony Padua Roman Catholic Church

Herbert John Bayoune
April 22, 1939 – February 20, 2022
Service: Friday, February 25 at 10 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

SABINE:
Theddie Ray Miller of Florien, Louisiana
April 10, 1936 – February 20, 2022
Service: Saturday, February 26 at 1 pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

WINN:
Louie Randall Creel
August 22, 1968 – February 22, 2022
Service: Saturday, February 26 at 3 pm at Southern Funeral Home

Linda Ann Wendt
September 13, 1940 – February 21, 2022
Service: Sunday, February 27 at 2:30 pm at New Hope Cemetery

Donald Leroy Tarver
June 12, 1930 – February 12, 2022
Service: Monday, February 28 at 12 pm

Phillip Matthew Allen
September 06, 1958 – February 21, 2022
Service: Saturday, February 26 at 1pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

Susan D. Hemphill
January 31, 1952 – February 19, 2022
Service: Friday, February 25 at 12 pm at Southern Funeral Home

RED RIVER:
James Winfred Bumgardner
March 10, 1937 – February 23, 2022
Service: Sunday, February 27 at 2 pm at Ashland Baptist Church

MANY, LA —The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission in partnership with the  Louisiana Office of State Parks, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, the Friends of Fort Jesup, and Cane River  National Heritage Area announces the kick-off of the Bicentennial Celebration of Fort Jesup. Set for  Friday, February 25th and Saturday, February 26th at Fort Jesup State Historic Site, the event will include living history demonstrations, cast-iron cooking, music, and children’s activities that celebrate the culture  of Louisiana’s Final Frontier. 

Fort Jesup became part of the claims of both the United States and Spain. When the Louisiana Purchase Treaty of 1803 failed to clearly define the western boundary of Louisiana, the United States and  Spain claimed the area as their own. The dispute gave rise to the “Neutral Ground,” an area where the  laws of neither nation were enforced. Soldiers and settlers were kept out, and rogues and outlaws ruled  the region. 

After the territorial boundary was finally fixed at the Sabine River by the Florida Purchase Treaty of  1819, the United States built Fort Jesup in 1822. Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Taylor established and  commanded the garrison, and Taylor’s troops managed to establish law and order in the Neutral Ground.  Fort Jesup remained an important military post for nearly 25 years. 

The kick-off celebration begins on Friday, February 25th with an official opening ceremony at 10:30AM  featuring remarks from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. The Louisiana State Fiddle Champion, Clancey  Stewart will perform, and an authentic frontier lunch will be served after the ceremony. Living historians  and reenactors will be on hand to demonstrate life on the Louisiana frontier. Local schools and  homeschool groups are invited to participate on this day, to reserve your group spot please contact Carrie  McCormic at 318-256-4117.  

The celebration continues Saturday, February 26th from 9AM to 5PM with living history demonstrations,  music and children’s activities. Both event days are open to the public. Admission charged Saturday. Fort  Jesup SHS is located just off Highway 6 near Many, LA at 32 Geoghagan Road. For more information,  please contact Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at 1-800-358-7802 or  

ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/Jesup. 

MARTHAVILLE, La -Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives continue to search for clues or any information in connection with the suspicious disappearance of Steven Burkett of Marthaville according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Steven W. Burkett, 49, W/M, described as 5’11”, 175 pounds, with medium length brown hair, and brown eyes of the 100 block of Eddie Williams Road, Marthaville was last heard from during the early morning hours of February 12, 2022.

Burkett was reported missing to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office around 11pm on February 13 by a female friend who reported his disappearance as “suspicious”. He was reportedly last seen driving a dark gray GMC 4X4 pickup truck with fender flares and a decal in the rear glass.

Detectives immediately began speaking with family and friends in an effort to gather additional information or any other specific information about Burkett.He has not been heard from. Last week, detectives executed a search warrant at Burkett’s residence on Eddie Williams Road near Marthaville searching for any additional clues or evidence.

NPSO Detectives, along with assistance from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, Many Police Department, Natchitoches Parish Fire District #7, cadaver dogs from Shreveport Fire Department, Ark-La-Tex K-9 Rescue, and retired Sheriff Victor Jones who volunteered his time and personal equipment searched three separate locations on Preston Hayes Road near Marthaville on foot, all-terrain vehicles and horseback looking for Burkett or any clues to his whereabouts.

Sheriff Stuart Wright said detectives are continuing to investigate Burkett’s disappearance and ask that if you have any information as to his whereabouts or disappearance to please contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.

Case Agent:
Detective Lt. Jonathan Byles
NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau
318-357-7830
318-352-6432

The Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission (Toledo Bend Lake Country) is seeking a Marketing & Events Coordinator. The Commission is a quasi-governmental organization. The mission of the Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission is to provide leadership in marketing Toledo Bend Lake Country as a highly desirable tourist and meeting destination and engage in tourism promotions, which result in increased overnight stays and in activities that improve the quality of stay of the visitor. Position qualifications include excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to work in fast-paced, ever-changing environment. A strong applicant should have demonstrated experience in developing and managing an annual budget, event planning, development of a tourism product, and knowledge of marketing including digital and print advertisement, and social media. A bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications, hospitality management or similar field is preferred. Salary ranges from $31,000 – $37,000 per year, depending on education level and experience, 50% of employee medical insurance premium provided plus vision and dental. Retirement IRA opportunity available. Physical requirements: must have a valid driver’s license, be able to lift and carry 40 lbs. and ability to maintain a flexible work schedule that includes morning, evening, and weekends. Includes approximately 10 overnight out of town trips for educational or promotional purposes. Application and job description can be downloaded at http://www.toledobendlakecountry.com/about, may be picked up at SPTRC office, 1601 Texas Hwy., Many, LA between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm or requested by emailing [Email hidden]. A completed application and resume must be received to be considered for this position. Completed packets (i.e., application with resume) can be emailed to [Email hidden] or dropped off at SPRTC office.

Application deadline is Tuesday, March 8, 2022, by 4:30 pm.

Benjamin Duane Rust (age-34) and Kyra Jordyn Lofton (age-23) both from Texas were arrested by Sabine County Texas Deputies Thursday night, February 17, 2022.

On the evening of February 1st, 2022, Lofton and Rust took over $200 worth of items from Toledo Town & Tackle without paying, according to the store surveillance video.

Still shots of the video were shared via the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s App and Facebook page on February 15th. Detectives received numerous phones calls and anonymous tips revealing the identity and location of Lofton and Rust within 2 hours. Further investigation determined the other male subject in the videos was not involved in the thefts.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Lofton and Rust and contacted the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies located Lofton and Rust and placed them under arrest Thursday night. Lofton and Rust were transferred to the Sabine Parish Detention Center this morning and both were booked for Theft < $1000 (Misdemeanor).

Lofton has an arrest in Texas for possession of controlled substance, according to her criminal history.
Rust has arrests in Texas for unauthorized use of vehicle, possession of controlled substance, injury to child, drug test falsification, evading arrest and aggravated robbery, according to his criminal history.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell thanks the public for their help in identifying these subjects. Sheriff Mitchell also thanks the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office for their help in locating and arresting Lofton and Rust.

SOURCE: SPSO

NPSO STILL ACTIVELY SEARCHING FOR 1ST DEGREE MURDER SUSPECT (KENDRICK COX)
2/20/2022

NATCHITOCHES, La -Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are still actively searching for Kendrick Cox of Natchitoches wanted for 1st Degree Murder in connection with the senseless murder of Joshua Humphries of LaSalle Parish according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
Cox, B/M, Age: 30, is 5’06”, 165 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair of the 100 block of Cherie Loop, Natchitoches, La. He may be wearing eyeglasses. Clothing description is unknown. He has been known to wear hoodies.

Cox is believed to be armed and dangerous.
James E. Morrow Jr., 30, of the 100 block of Payne Drive, Natchitoches remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1st Degree Murder and Unlawful Disposal of Remains.
No Bond.

Detectives remind the public if you are caught or in anyway assisting Cox while he is on the run you are subject to arrest.
Cox has been entered into the National Crime Information Center as a wanted murder suspect in Natchitoches Parish, La.

If you see Cox, do not approach him, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432, 911, your local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers of Natchitoches at 318-238-2388. You may remain anonymous and may receive a reward for information leading to his capture.

Case Agent:
Detective Sgt. Jared Kilpatrick
Natchitoches Parish SO
Criminal Investigations Bureau
318-357-7830