Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited seven subjects for alleged duck hunting violations in Natchitoches Parish on Jan. 26.

Agents cited Christopher Mayeux, 54, of Natchitoches, Drake Griffin, 20, of Natchitoches, Conor Jordan, 18, of Natchitoches, Frank Griffien, 51, of Natchitoches, Thomas Tubre, 50, of New Orleans, and Stephen Mayeux, 24, of Natchitoches, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area. Agents also cited John Methvin, 47, of Natchitoches, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area, possession of an untagged migratory game bird, aiding and abetting others in taking migratory game birds over a baited area and possessing over the limit of migratory game birds.

Agents documented a baited area in a bayou in Natchitoches Parish in mid-January. Agents setup surveillance on the area and on Jan. 26 observed the subjects actively hunting over the baited area.

Agents made contact with the subjects and found them in possession of 19 wood ducks. Of the 19 wood ducks, Methvin harvested four, which put him one over the daily limit of wood ducks. Agents seized the 19 ducks and donated them to a local charity.

This migratory game bird case has been filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution in Federal Court.

Agents involved in the case are Lt. Andrew Mitchell, Sgt. Harvey Pearce, Corporal Dustin Nash, Corporal Adriel Herrera, and Agent Logan Laffoon.

Provencal Elementary and Jr. High students were recognized as January’s Terrific Kids. Kiwanis Club member Craig Caskey had the pleasure of presenting certificates to these outstanding young achievers. Keep up the good work Panthers, we are so proud of you!

Front:
Jackson Bennett, Zoey Sanders, Delilah Hooper, Khloe Winslow, Memphis Shirley, Kingston Curry, McKenzie Jackson
Back:
Kiwanis Club Member Craig Caskey, Principal Diana Curtis, Eyeshaniah Slate, Aubree Lucas, Brooklyn Outlaw, Emma Wilson, Raleigh Pickering, Lucy Hannegan, Connor Townson, Ryleigh Vanhook, Coordinator Dwayne Poe

Not Pictured: Waylen Corbin

The Demon Brothers Booster Club invites the community to its annual Crawfish Boil, Spring Game, and Music Fest on Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM under the tent at the Delaney Bowl. This exciting event offers food, music, and football for a great cause—all proceeds benefit the Demon Brothers Booster Club.

Attendees can enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish and jambalaya for $50 per person or $90 for two. The event will also feature live and silent auctions, drinks, and live music from three incredible bands:

Paris Avenue – 90s alternative, rock, and pop.
Deep Water Rehab – Louisiana’s own rock and roll band.
Category 6 – A high-energy band performing hits from the 80s to today.
The day wouldn’t be complete without football! Fans are invited to cheer on Demon Football during the Delaney Bowl game.

This family-friendly event is open to the Natchitoches community, NSU students, and faculty. Tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased at demonbrothers.org (Venmo payments accepted).

Special Accommodation Rates:

Hotel St. Denis – $139
Comfort Inn Suites – $129

For those unable to attend but still wishing to support, donations can be mailed to:
824 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA, 71457

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable day of food, music, and fun!

The City of Natchitoches announces that soil boring work will be performed on Second Street from Church Street to Touline Street, and on Touline Street from Front Street to Fifth Street, on Monday, Feb. 3.

This work will be performed between the hours of 8 a.m. – 12 pm. One-lane, two-way traffic will be maintained by use of flaggers.

This work is part of a project to replace the existing deteriorated concrete pavement on these street
segments, for which the survey and design work has begun. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and to follow flagger instructions when traveling through this area.

Northwestern State football’s National Signing Day luncheon returns.

Demon head coach Blaine McCorkle will discuss Northwestern’s signing class of 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 5 at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant in Natchitoches. The cost for the luncheon is $20 and will include a choice of entrees from a select menu.

Included in the discussion will be the Demons’ fall signees, mid-year transfers and those who sign on National Signing Day.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum has officially reopened as of Jan. 31, welcoming visitors back after a brief closure.

While renovations continue in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame gallery, the museum is offering $1 off admission for guests.

Visitors can explore exhibits celebrating the rich history and culture of Northwest Louisiana while looking forward to exciting updates in the Hall of Fame section. Don’t miss this chance to visit the museum at a discounted rate!

Art has the profound ability to move us, inspire us, and connect us with our innermost emotions. From the strokes of a painter’s brush to the rhythm of a dancer’s feet, art transcends barriers and speaks a universal language. Each year on January 31, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day invites us to reflect on the emotional impact of art and its ability to shape and enrich our lives.

This day isn’t just about observing art but about engaging with it—whether through creating, exploring, or simply appreciating the beauty around us. Let’s delve into the significance of art, its emotional and cultural resonance, and ways to incorporate it into our daily lives.

The Emotional Power of Art

Art has a unique capacity to evoke emotions, whether it’s joy, sorrow, wonder, or nostalgia. Psychologists have long studied the relationship between art and emotion, finding that viewing or creating art can reduce stress, enhance mood, and even improve mental health.

• Painting and Visual Art: A vibrant painting can lift our spirits, while a dark, moody canvas might invite introspection. Take Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, for instance, which has captivated generations with its swirling skies and emotional depth.
• Music: A symphony or a simple melody can evoke tears or energize us with happiness. Songs have the power to bring memories to life and provide solace during difficult times.
• Dance: Movement has a way of expressing feelings words cannot. The fluidity of a dancer can tell stories of struggle, triumph, and everything in between.

Art is a mirror reflecting the complexities of human experience. Whether it provides comfort in hard times or celebrates life’s joys, its ability to touch our hearts is unmatched.

Inspiring Stories of Art

Art has inspired countless individuals and communities throughout history. Consider the story of Frida Kahlo, whose self-portraits expressed her physical and emotional pain while empowering generations of women. Or the role of music during the Civil Rights Movement, where songs like We Shall Overcome became anthems of hope and resilience.

Closer to home, local art scenes across Louisiana have transformed neighborhoods and communities. Murals in towns like Lafayette and New Orleans not only beautify public spaces but also celebrate the state’s rich culture, history, and heritage.

The Role of Art in Everyday Life

Engaging with art doesn’t require a trip to a museum or concert hall. Everyday moments can be filled with creativity and inspiration:

• Journaling: Writing poetry or prose can help process emotions and reflect on personal experiences.
• Photography: Capturing the beauty of nature or a bustling cityscape allows us to see the world through a new lens.
• Cooking: Yes, even cooking can be an art form. The way we combine flavors, plate a dish, or experiment with recipes reflects our creativity.
• DIY Projects: From knitting to furniture restoration, hands-on activities allow us to create something meaningful.

Art is everywhere—in the colors of a sunset, the arrangement of flowers in a garden, or the melody of wind chimes. By paying attention, we can find artistic inspiration in the most unexpected places.

How to Celebrate Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

1. Visit a Local Art Gallery or Museum: Louisiana is home to many artistic treasures, such as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans and the Alexandria Museum of Art. Immerse yourself in exhibits that showcase regional talent and diverse perspectives.
2. Support Local Artists: Attend a craft fair, purchase handmade goods, or follow local artists on social media. Supporting creators in your community helps keep art alive and thriving.
3. Take a Class: Explore a new medium, such as watercolor painting, pottery, or photography. Many community centers and art studios offer beginner-friendly workshops.
4. Host a Movie or Music Night: Watch a film that showcases artistic expression or listen to a genre of music you’ve never explored before.
5. Create Something: Dedicate time to an art project, no matter how small. Whether you sketch, bake, or write, the act of creating can be deeply rewarding.

Art in Louisiana: A Cultural Celebration

Louisiana’s vibrant arts scene is a testament to the state’s rich cultural tapestry. From the lively jazz music of New Orleans to the intricate craftsmanship of Cajun quilts, art in Louisiana reflects a blend of traditions and stories.

• Mardi Gras Parades: The floats, costumes, and masks are a stunning display of creativity and community spirit.
• Creole and Cajun Music: Instruments like the accordion and fiddle bring stories of resilience and joy to life.
• Cultural Festivals: Events such as the Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s art markets or local crawfish festivals often feature artisans showcasing unique works.

Exploring these local treasures not only supports artists but also strengthens our connection to the culture that makes Louisiana so unique.

The Lasting Impact of Art

Art isn’t just something to admire—it’s something that shapes who we are. It teaches us empathy by allowing us to see the world through another’s perspective. It provides a sense of community by bringing people together. And it gives us a way to express ourselves when words fall short.

This Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, take a moment to pause and appreciate the creative beauty around you. Whether it’s a favorite painting, a song that moves you, or a handmade gift from a loved one, art has the power to touch our hearts and inspire our souls.

By embracing art in all its forms, we celebrate not only creativity but also the shared human experience that binds us all.

A Hope for Lydia fundraiser will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 am at the Ashland Fire Department, located at 719 Highway 153 in Ashland. 

They will sell Bar-B-Que sandwich plates for $10 each. Pre-orders are welcome and deliveries will be made if local (Willing to travel further if 10 or more plates are ordered for one location). 

A Charbroil electric smoker donated by Fire District 2 in Goldonna will be raffled off as well (Winner does not need to be present to win). Tickets are $1 each. Contact an Ashland Fire Department member if you would like to purchase tickets.

There will be auction items to bid on that day as well.

Follow Ashland Fire District 8’s Facebook page for updates. 

All proceeds will go to Hope for Lydia. Lydia is the 2-year-old daughter of Kirk and Morgan Weaver Rachal who has been diagnosed with Sanfilippo, a disease known as Alzheimer’s in children. 

To donate to Hope for Lydia directly: www.gofundme.com/f/savelydia

Here is a look at the week of Feb. 2-8 at Northwestern State University

Feb. 3 – Men’s basketball vs. Texas-Rio Grande Valley, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 – Guest Artist: WeiShu Tsai, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #

Feb. 4 – Modern In Motion Gala, Riverside Reserve, 6 p.m.

Feb. 4 – Lift Every Voice, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #

Feb. 5 – Guest artists Dennis Parker and Dr. Young-Shan Su, Magale Recital Hall, 5:30 p.m. #

Feb. 6-8 – Modern In Motion, Riverside Reserve, 6 p.m.

Feb. 6 – Louisiana Piano Series International presents Boris Cepeda, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30pm | Magale Recital Hall #

Feb. 7 – STEM Day, Friedman Student Union, 9 a.m. – noon

# Livestream available at nsula.edu/capa/capalivestream

Since the establishment of the Natchitoches Parish Drug Enforcement Unit and its criminal patrol unit by Sheriff Wright, there has been a notable decrease in crime across the parish. The unit has been proactive in its efforts to combat crime, along with and enhancing community safety.

In recent weeks, the unit has made several arrests, contributing to this ongoing crime reduction initiative. Below is a list of individuals arrested by the unit:
1. Terrance McGaskey
– 14:95.E – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
– 14:95.1 – Possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS)
2. Jessica Roberts
– Felony arrest warrant through Louisiana State Police (LSP)
3. Fallon Davis
– 40:967.C – Possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine)
– 40:1023.C – Possession of drug paraphernalia
– 40:982 – Second or subsequent offense
4. Byron Johnson
– 40:967 – Possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine) – 40:1023 – Possession of drug paraphernalia
5. Jarvis O’Con
– 40:969.C – Possession of Schedule IV (Xanax)
6. Anthony Thomas
– 14:69.1 – Possession of a stolen firearm
7. Jeremy Rainey
– 40:967.C – Possession of Schedule II (crack cocaine)
8. Arthur Bernstine
– 40:966.A – Possession with intent to distribute –
-14:130.1 – Obstruction of justice
9. Bryant Remo – Warrants: 2
10. Edward Smith Jr. – Warrant
11. Kendarius Jones – Warrant
12. Ty Garrett
– 40:966.C – Possession of Schedule I
– 32:304.C – Tag light violation
13. Elbert Vaughn Jr.
– 40:966.C – Possession of Schedule I
– 14:95.E – Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS
– 40:1023.C – Possession of drug paraphernalia
– 32:300 – Open container violation
– 32:361.1 – Window tint violation
14. Deondra Brown – Warrant
15. Brittany Penegar – Warrant
16. James Lofton IV
– 40:967.C – Possession of Schedule II
– 40:966.C – Possession of Schedule I
– 40:1023.C – Possession of drug paraphernalia
– 32:361.1 – Window tint violation
17. Gary Robinson
– 14:79 – Violation of protective order
18. Shaquita Coleman
– 14:79 – Violation of protective order
– 40:967.C – Possession of Schedule II
-14:130.1 – Obstruction of justice
19. Kornerlius Ware
– 14:69.1 – Possession of a stolen firearm

The Natchitoches Parish Drug Enforcement (Criminal Patrol) Unit remains committed to actively patrolling the area and working diligently to reduce crime and the flow of illegal drugs in our community.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 First Responders with extrication equipment responded to a reported two-vehicle, head-on crash with injuries on Jan. 29 around 2:20 am on Hwy. 1, South of Montrose according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrived on scene finding the occupants of both vehicles suffering from moderate to serious injuries pinned in the wreckage.  Firefighters used extrication equipment to free the victims.

According to preliminary information from Louisiana State Police, a 2024 Ford Ranger driven by a 37-year-old Cloutierville man was traveling south on Hwy. 1, just South of Montrose. At the same time, a 2006 GMC Yukon driven by a 29-year-old Natchitoches man was traveling Northbound. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford Ranger apparently crossed the center-line striking the GMC Yukon head-on coming to a rest.

Both drivers were transported from the scene by EMS to an Alexandria trauma center with moderate to serious injuries.  Alcohol is considered a factor in the crash.

Deputies assisted LSP with traffic control until the road was re-opened around 4 am.  The crash investigation is ongoing. Deputies remind motorists that driving while impaired is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes. This can lead to injury or death. Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. It may save your life or the life of another person.

Tpr. D. Rice assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria is investigating the crash.

A reward is being offered by the owner for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons involved in the theft of a 32-foot flatbed gooseneck trailer near Chopin, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The trailer was reportedly stolen from private property in the 1300 block of Emmanuel Road just west of I-49 near Chopin on Jan. 3.

Deputies responded to the scene and gathered information for investigative purposes. The trailer has been entered into the National Crime Information Center as stolen.

Anyone with information should contact Major J. Byles of the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.  All information will remain confidential.

You can also report information to Crime Stoppers of Natchitoches at 318-238-2388. You may be eligible for a reward.  Crime Stoppers is not a law enforcement agency.

First-year head coach Jenny Fuller has been named to a short list as one of the best new hires in the country.

The new Northwestern State skipper was named the 10th best coaching hire according to D1softball.com across all Division I programs this past summer. The 2024 coaching carousel saw 50 programs changing hands at the top, including five Power 4 schools.

“I am honored to be included on a list like this, especially when there were so many hires made across the country,” Fuller said. “We’ve worked hard in our career for these kinds of chances and are thankful to all the people that have been a part of that success. Thank you to (NSU Athletic Director) Kevin Bostian for giving Brad (Fuller) and I this opportunity here at NSU. I just want to do what I can to live up to this honor, get this program back on track and do a lot of great things here.”

Fuller was named the 13th head softball coach at NSU on July 24, 2024.

She spent the past three seasons at Pittsburg State where she won more than 100 games, produced four all-Americans, six academic all-Americans, seven all-region players and 18 all-conference players during her tenure.

During the 2024 season, the Gorillas claimed a share of the MIAA regular season crown for just the second time in program history, and set a program record with 53 wins, including an impressive 23-3 mark in conference play. Fuller and her staff, that includes her husband Brad, were named the MIAA Coach of the Year following the historic season.

Prior to her time at Pitt State, Fuller spent three seasons at Northern State in Aberdeen, S.D., where in 2020, the Wolves won their first 10 games of the season and had a program-best 15-4 record before the season was canceled due to COVID-19.

In her first head coaching position, a NAIA-member Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee, she complied a 59-36 record in two seasons including a 30-13 mark in year one.

Through nine seasons as a collegiate head coach, Fuller has compiled a 249-171 (.593) overall record.

Fuller and the Demons open the 2025 season on Feb. 7 at the South Alabama Invitational.

JJoin Marvin regarding President Trump’s recently issued 2025 Executive Orders.

Special thanks to Rodney & Eddie Harrington, Lance Lopez – Farm Bureau, Sharpco Hotel Group and Pat Johnson.

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Mother Nature can do some strange things. She can send us enough heat in August to make us think we’re in the Sahara Desert. She can send us a drought as serious as folks have been experiencing in California; she can drench us with floods that virtually cover lakeside homes and wash out bridges on country roads.

It’s in winter, though, when she saves her neatest tricks. A plethora of song birds respond to the cold icy weather as having high metabolism they’re born with, they need plenty of food to keep their little motors running. My bird watching had gotten a bit boring during the mild winter so far. I love the cardinals, titmice and chickadees that visit my feeders every day but I eventually got tired of looking as I saw no other birds except for these three species.

Let the weather turn icy though like we’ve lived through for the past week or so, and the thickets give up the variety of birds where until now, they find all the comfort they need. Put out feed and here they come – purple finches, gold finches, blue jays, woodpeckers, fox sparrows and the occasional towhee. When we had a big snow a couple of winters ago with snow and ice covering my feeders, I put out feed on the floor of my back porch and it was like a zoo. My wife was less than enthusiastic about the mess the birds left as they gobbled down the seeds I had scattered on the porch, thanking me by leaving their droppings to be cleaned up.

When I was a kid growing up out on the rural route, getting to see and experience snow and watching the big flakes flutter down was a special treat. Goldonna seldom got snow but on those rare occasions when we did, it was like Christmas.

 One particular snowfall remains in my memory to this day. I don’t know what year it was but I was maybe 12 years old and we got a serious one. Next to our home was a pine thicket and the tender pine branches were bent to the ground with the weight of a foot of snow.

We had neighbors living just on the other side of the thicket with a path that led from our house to theirs. I dug through my photo files and found a photo of me standing on the path next to one of the snow-laden pines.

Enough about the past. Let’s look at what has been going on around our state with this recent artic blast. Although I don’t get as excited today as I once did at the prospects of getting to see snow, I admit I was just a tad disappointed when the weather folks said that north Louisiana might see a dusting of snow, if any at all, and that’s how it played out. I still enjoy watching big feathery flakes drift down, provided it’s all gone by tomorrow.

The rare phenomenon forecast for the southern part of our state was fantasy come to life when up to a foot of snow fell as far south as the Gulf Coast.

Beginning last Tuesday morning, the little kids in places like Houma, New Iberia, Hackberry et al got to play and romp in snow, something many of them had never seen.

My daughter, Cathy, lives just outside Baton Rouge in the city of Central and she sent me a video of their snow-covered yard with big feathery flakes still floating down. Six inches had fallen in her yard with another three inches forecast. I saw a photo of two guys on skis on snow-covered Bourbon Street, of all places! They actually had blizzard warnings for areas along the coast. Crazy weather for sure and all we have up here is a drab landscape to look at and frigid temperatures — but lots of birds.

I pledge to never complain about hot, dry weather again. I’m so ready for spring.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

All five of Northwestern State’s programs that compete in the fall saw at least an eight-percent increase of their rosters that were named to the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Fall Honor Roll, which was released Jan. 29.

Those jumps, which led to an overall increase of more than 13 percent across the department, helped lead all Northwestern student-athletes to post a 3.19 grade point average in the Fall 2024 semester.

That mark was the highest for the department as a whole since at least the Spring 2014 semester.

“Part of our athletic department’s mission is believing in the saying, ‘Rings, Diplomas and Leaders,’” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “We want all of our student-athletes to win a championship in their sport, earn a degree in the major of their choice and become leaders in the communities they serve. Our student-athletes’ performance in the classroom is a reflection of their commitment to making their Northwestern State experience a well-rounded one. It also serves as a testament to the work done by (Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development) Ventric Fletcher and his staff to establish a support system that has helped elevate our student-athletes’ performance in the classroom.”

Northwestern student-athletes have posted at least a 3.04 cumulative grade point average in seven straight semesters, dating to Fall 2021. The current 3.19 mark is the second straight semester with at least a 3.1 mark.

Overall, 108 of NSU’s 168 competing fall student-athletes were named to the SLC Commissioner’s Fall Honor Roll, which is composed of student-athletes who posted at least a 3.0 grade point average during the fall semester while competing in a conference-sponsored sport.

Northwestern’s contingent had 21 student-athletes who posted a 4.0 grade point average, led by 12 soccer players who were perfect in the classroom.

Volleyball had the largest year-to-year increase among fall programs, seeing 92.86 percent of its roster make the honor roll, a jump of 21.43 percent from the Fall 2023 semester.

Led by its group of 4.0 scholar athletes, soccer posted the highest percentage of members on the honor roll at 93.75 percent (30 of 32).

Both cross-country teams saw double-figure jumps – 19 percent for women’s cross country and 14.3 percent for men’s – while football raised its total by 8.56 percent, placing 50 percent of its 108-man roster on the honor roll.

Following a week in which she averaged 31 points per game, Mya Blake and Northwestern State welcomes UTRGV to Prather Coliseum on Thursday in a big contest in the crowded Southland Conference standings.

Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. and can be viewed on ESPN+.

The Demons (8-10, 5-4) have dropped three straight to arguably the top three teams in the league, but have had a chance to win late in all three, including the last two, which have come down to closing seconds at Stephen F. Austin and Lamar.

In the last two games, Blake averaged 31 points, 5.5 assists and five rebounds per contest, earning honorable mention SLC Player of the Week, despite the two tough defeats.

“Mya is a contagious kid,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “She is one of the best point guards I have ever coached. She is a little unicorn. She is great on the court and an on-the-court captain and quietly tries to make everybody better, leading the freshmen and constantly tries to put everybody in a good position. At the end of the day, she wants to win and she knows how to put the team on her shoulders.”

While Blake stole the show offensively, the defense held two of the conference’s best offenses to just 33.1 percent shooting overall and 20 percent shooting from deep.

Last time out, the 59 points were the fewest Lamar scored since scoring 52 in a loss to Cleveland State on Nov. 30. The overall shooting percentage is the worst output of the season for the Cardinals and only the loss to CSU (1-for-13) was worse from 3-point land.

After that performance against the 3-point shot, the Demons are now tops in the country in 3-point defense, allowing teams to shoot just 23.4 percent against them.

The overall defense is nearly as good, surrendering just 35.7 percent from the field, which is 18th nationally.

Against SFA the game previous to that, the Demons held the high-powered Ladyjacks offense to just 67 and a great shooting team to just 36.7 percent shooting overall and 26.1 percent from deep. It was the first time an opponent has held SFA below 40 percent shooting all season.

“We’re one of the top teams in several defensive categories for a reason,” Nimz said. “They are disciplined and they’ve bought in to the defensive philosophy. Mya has done such a tremendous job on that end of the court. The strides she has made since July defensively is just crazy. What she is doing is elite.”

The Vaqueros (10-11, 5-5) have lost three of the last four, but they have been right with their opponents in every single loss during the stretch. They dropped their last game 58-50 at Nicholls.

UTRGV is led by one of the best rebounders in the entire country, Charlotte O’Keefe, who averages a double-double both in all games as well as in SLC contests. The third leading rebounder in the NCAA hauls down 15 rebounds per game during conference play, which is far and away the tops in the league.

Expect a number of 3-pointers to be attempted in the game, as UTRGV ranks 41st nationally in triple tries (24.7), while Northwestern State is 63rd (23.3).

The Demons are coming off a game in which they made 10 3-pointers, the fourth time they have made double digit 3-pointers this season and first since Nov. 16 at Tarleton State.

It is the first game for Nimz against her former school, as she came to Northwestern State after being an associate head coach at UTRGV for two seasons under head coach Lane Lord. She also coached as a graduate assistant under him at Pittsburg State.

“I owe a lot to Coach Lord,” Nimz said. “He gave me my first start as a GA and he let me be really hands-on with scouts and being on the coaching side of it.

“He let me be really involved in scouts and in practice and allowed me to grow and has always allowed his staff members to grow within. He is a very good leader, in that regard, and then gave my first run at Division I at UTRGV and allowed me to be really hands-on in his program. I am incredibly grateful.”

Following the game, the Demons hit the road for three straight contests, starting Saturday when they travel to East Texas A&M for their first of two meetings this season with the Lions.