Vernon Parish Arrest Report 1/31/12

January 31, 2012

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Department has reported two arrest over the past 24 hours.

Brandon Muse, white male, 29, was arrested on charges of bench warrant: failure to appear by Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Dept.He remains in jail.

Rachell N. Digiorgio, white female, 25, was arrested on charges of bench warrant: failure to appearby VPSD. She remains in jail.

Sabine Parish Arrest Report 1/31/12

January 31, 2012

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department has reported one arrest over the past24 hours.

Michael Richardson, black male,51, was arrested on charges of simple criminal damage to property by Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department. He bonded.

Two Dead in Vernon Parish

January 31, 2012

Early this morning, a crash involving two vehicles has killed two men. Troopers responded to the crash around 4:10 am, which occurred on LA Hwy 28 West at LA Hwy 8.  The crash involved a 2000 International (18 wheeler), driven by Harold C. Durand (W/M 54 yrs) of Pollock, LA and a 2007 Mack (18 wheeler), driven by Joseph J. Winford (W/M 29 yrs) of DeRidder, LA.  The International was west bound on LA Hwy 8 when Durand failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of LA Hwy 28 West.  The International entered LA Hwy 28 West which resulted in the Mack colliding with it. Durand was not wearing his seatbelt and was initially listed in critical condition.  He was transported to Rapides Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. Winford was pronounced dead at the scene.  It is unknown if he was wearing his seatbelt. Routine toxicology tests are pending.  The crash remains under investigation. *The roadway is still closed at this time.  Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seatbelt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!” Troop E troopers have investigated four fatal crashes for the year of 2012, resulting in six fatalities.  Contact Information: S/T Daniel “Scott” MoreauPublic Information Officer  Louisiana State Police – Troop EOffice:  (318) 769-9USA (872)scott.moreau@dps.la.govwww.LSP.org

Basketball-Pleasant Hill vs. Ebarb 1/31/12

January 30, 2012

Live Coverage of the Pleasant Hill Eagles vs. Ebarb Rebels can be heard on 99.9 KTEZ Tuesday night, with tip off at 6 o’clock. Be Sure to tune in

Sabine Parish Arrest Report 1/30/12

January 30, 2012

The Sabine Parish Sheriffs Office reported 9 arrests over the weekend. Arrested were:

Kerri Vines, white female, 37, arrested on charges of sch IV by Many PD. She bonded.

Zachary Farnell, white male, 19, arrested on charges of dist of sch I by SPSD. He remains in jail.

Shannon Martin, white male, 35, arrested on charges of DUS, switched plates, DP by Loud music, no insurance by Florien PD.

Jarrett Rogers, white male, 33, arrested on charges of DWI, speeding, DUS by LSP. HE bonded

Damon Hollan, white male, 34, arrested on charges of bench warrant by SPSD. He bonded.

Paul Smith, white male, 41, arrested on charges of possession of firearm by convicted felonies, aggravated assault by Zwolle PD. He bonded.

Irvin Lucas, black male, 35, arrested on charges of speeding, wreckless operation by Fisher PD. He bonded.

Doris Pittman, black female, 38, arrested on charges of 2 Zwolle PD Pickups by Zwolle PD.

Daniel Snodgrass, white male, 25, arrested on charges of Many PD Pickup by Many PD. He bonded.

The Sabine Parish Detention Center is currently housing 116 inmates

Vernon Parish Arrest Report 1/30/12

January 30, 2012

The Vernon Parish Sheriffs Office reported 8 arrests over the weekend. Arrested were:

Miranda Thomas, black female, 23, arrested on charges of warrant by VPSD. She bonded.

Adam Outler, white male, 32, arrested on charges of cruelty to juvenilles by VPSD. He bonded.

Torrin Cook, white male, 19, arrested on charges of DWI, careless operation, driving under suspension by LSP. He bonded.

Amber Midgette, white female, 21, arrested on charges of cruelty to juvenilles by VPSD. She bonded.

Eric Mount, white male, arrested on charges of speeding 83/65, driving under suspension, warrant by LSP. He remains in jail.

Joseph Anderson, black male, 34, arrested on charges of domestic abuse battery by VPSD. He remains in jail.

Rhonda Alford, white female, 36, arrested on charges of speeding 77/65, DWI 1st by LSP. She remains in jail.

Jeffrey Graham,white male, 52, arrested on charges of bench warrant: failure to appear by VPSD. He remains in jail.

Tree planting at L.P. Vaughn

January 30, 2012

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University partnered with the City of Natchitoches and the LSU AgCenter to plant fruit trees at L.P. Vaughn Elementary in celebration of Louisiana Arbor Month.  The City donated two pear trees as a gift to enhance an on-going school gardening initiative coordinated through Northwestern State’s College of Education and Human Development.  L.P. Vaughn is Northwestern State’s professional development school.

“The fruit trees are a great addition to our school garden program and lessons about nutrition awareness,” said Dr. Michelle Morris, an assistant professor and a Master Gardener.   “The Master Gardeners in Natchitoches arelooking forward to teaching the children how to care for the trees. We hope the children can enjoy fresh fruit from the trees for years to come.”

Morris began the school garden project more than a year ago as a way to connect university students and faculty with at-riskyoungsters in an endeavor that combines elements of teaching, learning and volunteerism.  Creating a school garden lends itself to hands-on instruction in several academic disciplines, as well as nutrition and healthy eating habits, she said.  The initiatives align with Northwestern State’s commitment to service-learning and community volunteerism.

“Last year, the Louisiana Learn and Serve Commission provided start-up funds for a school garden and campus beautification activities,” Morris said. “ This spring, Youth Serve America and UnitedHealth worked together to provide funding to expand the service-learning activities.”

Morris and Dr. Terrie Poehl, assistant professor, are leading a project called Portion Distortion, which focuses on nutrition awareness and exercise. First grade students in Martha Fontcuberta and Alexandra Antwine’s classes at L. P. Vaughn are learning how to eat well-balanced meals with correct portion sizes. For the service activity, students will teach other classes in their school about healthy foods and will continue working in the garden and improving the school grounds for exercise. They are currently growing cabbage plants as part of a cabbage patch trail in schools across the state, a gardening program coordinated by the LSU AgCenter, Morris said.

“In the yearly CalorieLab obesity study Louisiana ranked fifth in the Fattest State Ranking,” Poehl said.  “Doctors have linked obesity to increased risks of a variety of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and heart disease. Children need to know the amount and type of foods to eat to remain healthy. This begins with students in this class learning about the types of food to eat and the difference between a serving and a portion.”

Poehl said Portion Distortion helps children learn the best foods to eat and proper quantities.

“The goal is to help all develop good, lifelong eating habits,” Poehl said.  “The nutrition knowledge could influence the children’s decision of the items to plant in their garden.”

Steve Roberts, Natchitoches Parish extension agent with the LSU AgCenter, distributed printed materials about trees to the classes and brought along Taylor Roberts, a Green Ambassador, to help plant the pear trees.

“They love the garden project,” Antwine said.  “In the last two years, we have touched on every single concept we’re supposed to teach – science, social studies and English/language arts — with hands-on learning.”

“The service aspect teaches them that they can make a difference in their community,” Fontcuberta added.

Earlier this month, in preparation for the tree planting, the elementary students learned about different types of trees, bark, leaves and seeds and how to read the growth rings of a tree to determine its age.  Planting fruit trees donated by the City enhances their service project by helping the environment and improving their school grounds, Morris said.

“The City of Natchitoches and Keep Natchitoches Beautiful are proud to partner with Northwestern State University, L.P. Vaughn Elementary, the LSU Ag Center and other local groups to celebrate Arbor Month in Natchitoches,” said Courtney Hornsby, Natchitoches director of Programming and Promotions.  “The City has been recognized for more than a decade as a Tree City USA and we take great pride in the care of our trees.Planting trees at L.P. Vaughn helps compliment ongoing efforts to educate our young people about the importance of protecting the environment.”

Ravon & Kylee cutline:
Green Ambassador Taylor Roberts helped Ravon Evans and Destiny Hamilton, first graders at L.P. Vaughn, plant a pear tree in front of their school.  They are students in Martha Fontcuberta’s first grade class.  At right is Dr. Michelle Morris, assistant professor in the Northwestern State University College of Education and Human Development, who is coordinating a school gardening project with help from the LSU Ag Center.

Tatyana & Destiny cutline:
Tatyana Lacour and Destiny Hamilton, first grade students in Alexandra Antwine’s class at L.P. Vaughn, turned dirt to cover roots of a pear tree at their school, with help from John Harris, horticulturist for the City of Natchitoches.  The City donated two pear trees to enhance a school gardening project.

News from Sabine River Authority of Texas

January 27, 2012

Toledo Bend Reservoir - Drought Advisory

Toledo Bend Division, Sabine River Authority of Texas
450 Spur 135, Burkeville, TX 75932
409/565-2273
January 25, 2012
 
ADVISORY #3

  

Persons having interests in Toledo Bend Reservoir are hereby advised that on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, the General Manager of the Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA-TX) changed the drought stage of Toledo Bend Reservoir from Moderate (Stage 2) to Mild
 (Stage 1) in accordance with the SRA-TX Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. Mild Water Shortage Conditions (Stage 1) exist when the water surface elevation in Toledo Bend Reservoir falls to and remains at
or below 165.1 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.) for fourteen consecutive days.

  

During a mild water storage condition, SRA-TX encourages voluntary water use reductions.  Each customer entity in turn will follow its individual measures for mild water storage condition.
 

Any updates on drought conditions will be posted on the SRA-TX website, www.sratx.org as they occur. Toledo Bend Reservoir lake level information is posted each business day on the website at link: http://www.sratx.org/basin/lake_and_river_conditions.asp. Daily reservoir elevations may also be obtained from Toledo Bend Division during business hours at (409) 565-2273.  

Interested persons can monitor near real-time Toledo Bend lake level data at the USGS website link:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/tx/nwis/uv/?site_no=08025350&PARAmeter_cd=00062,72020,00054.

To assist recreational users with safe access to the reservoir, SRA-TX provides a list of Toledo Bend Reservoir accessibility points on our website, www.sratx.org. The list displays public boat ramps on the Texas side of Toledo Bend Reservoir that are generally accessible at the specified lake level. Caution should be used when accessing the reservoir as successful access will depend on reservoir conditions and the type of watercraft being launched.   For more information on boat ramps, please call the Toledo Bend Division office at (409) 565-2273.

SRA-TX also advises everyone that the Antiquities Code of both Texas and Louisiana prohibit digging for or removal of any artifacts such as arrowheads, bones or pottery on public property. For more information on each State’s code, or to report any violators contact either:

Texas Historical Commission     (512) 463-6096

(www.thc.state.tx.us/rulesregs/rrstate.shtml)

Louisiana Div. of Archeology     (225) 342-8170 (www.crt.state.la.us/archaeology/legislation/chapter_13.aspx)

For more information, contact the Toledo Bend Division at (409) 565-2273.

Miss Northwestern - Lady of the Bracelet Pageant set for Feb. 4

January 27, 2012

NATCHITOCHES – The 54th Annual Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Pageant will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.  Tickets are $5. NSU students are admitted free with a current student I.D.

Ten Northwestern State students are scheduled to compete in the event, which is a preliminary for the Miss Louisiana Pageant. The pageant is sponsored by the NSU Student Activities Board. The winner will receive more than $8,000 in scholarships and prizes.

This year’s contestants are Rikia Ancar of New Orleans, Emily Daniels of Kentwood, Christine Davis of Ponchatoula, Harlie Dominique of Houma, Amber Jackson of Leesville, Falon Jackson of Mansura, Breyona Jones of Lake Charles, Kelli Lewis of Church Point, Tori Thompson of Houston, Texas, and Logan Wallace of Columbia.

            Ancar is a freshman psychology major in the Louisiana Scholars’ College. She is a recipient of the NSU Presidential Scholarship and the Patrick F. Taylor Award. Her platform issue is “Taking up the Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness.”

            Daniels is a freshmen nursing major. She is a member of the Demon Dazzler Dance Line and the Beta club. Her platform issue is “Encouraging Today’s Youth to Explore and Embrace Imagination and Creativity through Performing Arts.”

            Davis is a senior hospitality management and tourism major. She is a member of Blue Key Honor Society, Purple Jackets and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Her platform issue is “Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness.”

            Dominique is a pre-medicine major in the Louisiana Scholars’ College. She is a member of the Student Activities Board, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Kappa Iota and the NSU Diamond Dolls. Dominique’s platform issue is “Adoption: Saving Children from Child Abuse.”

            Amber Jackson is a junior secondary mathematics education major. She was a member of the Demon Dazzlers Danceline and the Catholic Student Organization. Amber Jackson’s platform issue is “The Children’s Miracle Network.”

            Falon Jackson is a junior nursing major. She is a member of the Demon Dazzler Dance Line. Her platform issue is “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

            Jones is a freshman nursing major. She is a member of the Purple Pizazz Pom Pon Line. Jones’ platform issue is “Continuing Education.”

            Lewis is a senior nursing major. Her platform issue is “Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness.”

            Thompson, a freshman secondary education major, is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and is a Freshman Connector. She is a NSU Presidential Ambassador. Thompson’s platform issue is “Volunteering – Everybody’s Doing It.”

Wallace is a junior health and exercise science major. She is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and is a lieutenant in the Purple Pizazz Pom Pon Line.Thompson is a member of the Student for Life group. Her platform issue is “Heart Disease. Education. Awareness. Recognition. Treatment. (H.E.A.R.T.).”

Feb. 1 is early registration deadline for “Creole in Vegas” event

January 27, 2012

NATCHITOCHES – Wednesday, Feb. 1, is the early registration deadline for the “Creole in Vegas” program in Las Vegas on May 11-12. The Louisiana Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University hosts the gathering at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. Event registration plus hotel reservations are available for $300 per couple until Wednesday. Rates for individuals and those under 21 are also available.  Detailed information and online registration is available at nsula.edu/creole<http://www.nsula.edu/creole>, on Facebook by searching “Creole in Vegas” or by calling the Center at (318) 357-6685.

            The event, “Creole in Vegas - Exploration of America’s Untold History,” will have opportunities for networking, education and entertainment. This event is open to anyone connected to the Creole culture, educators and researchers wanting to learn more about this unique culture and the general public.

The Creole Heritage Center focuses on the Louisiana-born culture, but its links are international.  Current registrants are from throughout the United States and from as far away as Australia.

Informational sessions Topics will include national impact of the Center; research, documentation and promotion of the culture; Creole family histories and genealogy; regional Chapters of the Center and more. A separate presentation, “Authors & Their Books,” will give participants an opportunity to interact with Creole cultural noted experts.  Entertainment will include a “Creole” slots tournament, Louisiana style banquet, Zydeco Dance Show and musical presentations.

Ten percent of all proceeds from this event will be divided between a designated school in Las Vegas and one in Natchitoches.

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