June 30, 2025
Month: June 2025
Train, commercial vehicle crash temporarily bloc highway in Chopin
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 responded to the scene of a crash on June 27 around 4:36 pm involving a train and a commercial vehicle on Louisiana Highway 490, east of I-49 near Chopin.
The crash occurred just west of the Martco Plywood Plant and resulted in a temporary road closure. No hazardous materials were involved.
Although there were no reported injuries at the time, emergency medical personnel from Natchitoches Regional Medical Center were dispatched to assess the driver of the commercial vehicle. Louisiana State Police also responded to the scene.
Motorists in the area were advised to use alternate routes, and Martco employees were directed to access the mill via a detour.
Wingstop Sign installed at Walmart Plaza in Natchitoches
A Wingstop location is expected to open in the Walmart Plaza shopping center in Natchitoches, according to a recent announcement by Stirling Properties. While no official details have been released regarding an opening date, a sign for the restaurant has been installed on the building, indicating progress on the new addition.
No further information has been made public at this time.
Local deputy meets legendary coach Nick Saban at Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction
During a special evening at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Benjie Phelps had the unique opportunity to meet legendary college football coach Nick Saban and his wife, Terry Saban.
Coach Saban was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding coaching career and lasting impact on the sport of college football. Among his many accomplishments, Coach Saban led both the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide to national championships, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game.
Deputy Phelps was assisting with security at the event and, as a devoted Alabama fan, was especially honored to meet Coach Saban in person.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Deputy Phelps said. “To meet someone who has had such a profound influence on the game and on so many lives, including mine, was truly unforgettable.”
The induction ceremony brought together sports legends, community members, and fans from across the state to celebrate Louisiana’s rich athletic heritage. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office was proud to play a role in supporting the event and ensuring the safety and success of the evening.
Congratulations Coach Saban and all of the inductees.
Pugh earns Mac Russo/Jack Brittain Award, Pellegrin also gets prestigious honor
Highlighted by Jason Pugh earning the Mac Russo/Jack Brittain Award and Ronnette Pellegrin taking home the Marty Mulé Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Hero Award, the Northwestern State sports information staff dominated the LSWA awards spotlight this weekend.
The awards started during Saturday night’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction when Pellegrin was surprised with the honor, which recognizes her remarkable impact on the LSHOF over the past two decades. Only LSHOF chairman Doug Ireland, who has been in his role since 1990, has served the Hall longer than she has.
Pellegrin, who has been the NSU sports information administrative assistant since 2005, was honored by the Hall of Fame for her work and dedication to help Natchitoches put its best foot forward for hundreds of guests each year during the LSHOF Induction Celebration. She was spotlighted and surprised with the honor Saturday night in front of 884 people in the Natchitoches Events Center and a live statewide TV audience on Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
It is only the third time since the Mule’ award was first presented in 2013 that it has been issued.
Sunday, Pugh began the Louisiana Sports Writers Association annual awards brunch at Merci Beaucoup by being with the prestigious Mac Russo/Jack Brittain Award, which is awarded to an individual who “contributes to the progress and ideals of the LSWA.”
Originally named the Russo Award, the LSWA renamed the honor the Mac Russo-Jack Brittain Award following Brittain’s passing in July 2023. Brittain won the award in 2017 for his longtime support and involvement with the LSWA, and his ever-present hospitality mode ay time an LSWA member visited Natchitoches and especially during Hall of Fame and LSWA convention activities.
Pugh joins 2001 recipient Ireland, who was NSU’s SID from 1989-2019, and Pellegrin and her husband Dr. Charles Pellegrin (2014), on the list of Russo/Brittain Award winners.
It was one of four awards given to Pugh to go along with two won by Brad Welborn and in the general contest by Ireland, who was named state Sports Writer of the Year after earning recognition in eight LSWA writing categories for 2024 content. Ireland writes for the Natchitoches Parish Journal and Shreveport-Bossier Journal, and serves NSU as a special assistant to president James Genovese.
Pugh took home the top spot in Division II for his story on NSU baseball’s twin brothers Brooks and Bryce Leonard drawing inspiration from their mother’s breast cancer fight.
He finished second both for his recap of the heartbreaking football loss to Prairie View A&M in the 2024 home opener, as well as his baseball game notes for the regular season finale series against in-state rival McNeese.
Welborn, the assistant sports information director, showed his talent in both writing and graphics by picking up third place finishes in both.
In writing, he placed third for his Fork Cancer story on volleyball’s Ashlyn Svoboda, who honored her grandfather’s memory wearing an orange jersey as the libero to commemorate her late grandfather’s battle with leukemia.
He also took home a third-place finish with one of his many tremendous graphics.
Standard-raising 2025 LSHOF class brought acclaim to Louisiana in many different ways
The lens through which much of the nation views Louisiana was on full display Saturday night inside the Natchitoches Events Center as the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame welcomed in its 12-person class of 2025.
“A lot of people look at this state through the athletic programs at LSU,” said seven-time national champion college football coach Nick Saban, whose first title came in 2003 at the helm of the Tiger program. “When we were there, we raised the bar and the standard.”
The standard raising and bearing celebrated Saturday night did not begin and end with Saban nor did it end with on-field or competitive accomplishments.
Joining Saban in the induction class was one of his first recruits – West Monroe offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth. Whitworth followed his two national prep titles and three state crowns with a 2003 national championship at LSU and a four-time Pro Bowl, 16-season NFL career that culminated in a Super Bowl victory that came three days after he took home the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Saban lauded Whitworth as epitomizing what the coach wanted his players to become in their post-collegiate career.
Whitworth attributed that to his home state’s culture and what it instilled in him during his formative years in northeast Louisiana.
“Culture is shared belief and values,” he said. “When you have that, it makes it special. I always want to make things better than I found them, and I have been given the blessings and ability to do that. Anything I’m a part of, it will be better because I’m there. The people I do it with are what matters most. That’s our way of life.
“When I think of being at West Monroe, I think about my parents and my teammates’ parents. When we were really successful, they were feeding the whole team and the coaches are pouring into us. At LSU, it was the same thing. You’re just further away from home, but it was a new home. Moms were having us over to eat. Dads were taking us to lunch, asking us what we wanted to do after LSU. It was a support system. Once you get to the league, you have to be the support system. Could I share the values I learned from Louisiana? Making others feel valued. Can you spread that love? Making everyone feel special and feel a part of something sets you up to be successful. That’s our way of life in Louisiana.”
Being that support system for others came naturally to Whitworth and was on display long before his 16-year NFL career that saw him help redefine the legacy of left tackles at football highest level.
“He always poured into other guys,” West Monroe strength and conditioning coach Kirk Frantom said. “Whit was always in tune with his body and always wanted to perform at his highest level, but it wasn’t just the competitiveness. It was the servant’s heart he has.”
Whitworth’s legacy extended to his final NFL stop, winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, a franchise that allowed him to lead almost in lock step with head coach Sean McVay. Whitworth’s relationship with McVay has been well documented, and the two remain close after Whitworth’s retirement from the game.
“Whit always said this is a blessing, not a burden, and that’s the approach he took every day,” McVay said. “He’s the only person to wear the Walter Payton Man of the Year patch and go out and win a Super Bowl to go out. He is the epitome of a special one and of a Hall of Famer.”
While at LSU, Whitworth shared campus with another transformative force – one that came in a much smaller package than his hulking, 6-foot-8, 330-pound frame.
For the second straight year, the Hall opened its doors to a female LSU student-athlete who changed the trajectory of program in Baton Rouge. One year after women’s basketball’s Seimone Augustus walked into the Hall, 14-time All-American gymnast April Burkholder gained entry into the state’s sports shrine.
Just as Augustus did, Burkholder’s presence turned the Pete Maravich Assembly Center into the place to be when LSU competed.
“It was the same time that LSU women’s basketball landed Seimone,” said Hall of Fame coach D-D Breaux, who coached Burkholder throughout her LSU career. “There was so much gain and so much reward with April. She brought a real professional, polished look, a style and a self-confidence in the kind of gymnastics she wanted to do. The program continued to grow. The crowds continued to grow. She was the start of that.”
The All-American honors and the 2006 NCAA beam championship almost never happened. Burkholder faced injuries that threatened her career starting at age 2 with a concussion and a fractured skull.
There were two compound fractures and three surgeries on one of her arms. Amputation of that arm nearly happened.
Yet, Burkholder pushed through and became the standard bearer for an ascendant program that reached a national championship peak in 2024.
“My parents said at one point, ‘We’re OK if you don’t want to do gymnastics again,’” Burkholder said. “I said, ‘What would it all be worth? What would it be for?’ That’s what makes it all worth it. Grit, perseverance, it teaches you throughout your entire life. It teaches you life skills you use forever.”
In five seasons, Saban took a 3-8 team and turned it into a national championship, securing LSU’s first national crown in 45 years in 2003.
His first recruiting class included Whitworth with whom he shared induction Saturday. The pair was instrumental in helping broaden the horizons and setting new standards at LSU.
“You can’t recruit the type of players he did without the ability to connect,” said former LSU and Dallas Cowboy standout Marcus Spears. “Moving from tight end to defensive end was difficult at 17, 18 years of age. I trusted him blindly and he turned out to be right. There are hundreds of those stories. He has had consistency in his work and elevated people.”
Saban elevated the LSU program to that 2003 national champion, which he said gave him the best feeling in his professional life to that point.
What has transpired in the 21 seasons since also has made Saban flush with Bayou State pride even as he stood across the gridiron from the purple-and-gold clad Tigers.
“I’m proud of the fact that we contributed to the iconic brand LSU has and the state of Louisiana has,” he said. ‘All of us, when we get rid of the self-imposed limitations and accomplish something of significance, it establishes a new horizon. The next time you accomplish it, it’s a new horizon. Then, it becomes the standard, the example for other people. Transformational leadership helps other people reach those horizons as well. I’m really, really proud every time I see LSU. It was a great rivalry (with Alabama), but I’m always proud because we did something to raise the bar and the program has been outstanding ever since.”
Natchitoches Junior High School launches African American Culture Club
Natchitoches Junior High School proudly announces the establishment of its African American Culture Club (AACC), a vibrant student organization committed to promoting and enhancing students’ understanding of African American culture and history. Under the leadership of Addoree Stuckey, a distinguished educator with strong ties to the Natchitoches community, the club is poised to enhance the school’s extracurricular activities.
Stuckey, the club sponsor, contributes a remarkable combination of expertise and enthusiasm to her new position. Stuckey holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Education, plus 30 additional hours from Northwestern State University. She has dedicated the past 17 years to teaching middle school English Language Arts in Natchitoches Parish. She currently teaches sixth-grade English Language Arts at Natchitoches Junior High and serves as an adjunct lecturer and mentor teacher for Northwestern State University.
Stuckey asserts that the AACC will be crucial in the lives of all students at NJH. The African American Culture Club is significant for all NJH students, as it offers an opportunity to commemorate and deepen their understanding of African American culture and history. She stated that our students will focus on cultural knowledge, leadership, and community service through various activities and workshops throughout the academic year.
The AACC aims to create an inclusive environment that enables students to participate in various enrichment activities. Club members shall engage in:
Engagement in cultural activities that honor the art, music, cuisine, and traditions of African American heritage.
Workshops focused on education and etiquette to enhance knowledge and life skills.
Events featuring guest speakers who impart their experiences and views as leaders and professionals.
The AACC will also present the schools Black History Month Celebration to commemorate the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
Stuckey noted that these events will be essential in cultivating community relationships, fostering cultural pride, and promoting mutual understanding among our students.
Principal Bobby Benjamin conveyed his delight and endorsement for the new group, emphasizing its importance for the entire school community. The African American Culture Club offers an opportunity for all students to acknowledge our contributions to the nation, the state, and the culture of the Natchitoches region. Principal Benjamin expressed his goal that this group will foster inclusivity among NJH students, faculty, and parents.
Natchitoches Junior High School is boldly promoting inclusivity, respect, and cultural pride with the establishment of the African American Culture Club. The AACC, with its diverse programming and dedicated leadership, is well-positioned to remain a vital component of student life, fostering a more cohesive and empathetic school community for the foreseeable future.
Louisiana makes historic leap toward healthier future
Louisiana made history this week with two of the most transformative health bills in the nation. Governor Jeff Landry joined by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senator Patrick McMath and other health freedom advocates at Pennington Biomedical Research Center for a press conference and official signing of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Bill and the Ivermectin Access Bill. In addition to the bill signings, Governor Landry submitted a formal waiver request to the federal government to reform Louisiana’s SNAP program, prohibiting the use of benefits on sugary sodas, candy, and processed junk food, while rewarding the purchase of fresh, nutritious options.
“This fight is about our kids, our health, and the future of our state,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “We’re done letting chemicals, corporations, and career bureaucrats decide what’s best for our families. In Louisiana, we’re putting parents back in charge, putting real food back on the table, and giving people the tools to take their health into their own hands. I would like to thank Secretary Kennedy and Senator McMath for their hard work to make our country and Louisiana healthy.”
Senator Patrick McMath, author of the MAHA Bill, echoed the urgency: “Louisiana ranks 43rd in the nation for heart disease and diabetes, and 40% of our adult population struggles with obesity. The people are demanding action, and we’re delivering. This bill gives families the power to make informed decisions and breaks the grip Big Food and Big Pharma have had on our state for too long.”
Background on Legislation:
Louisiana’s MAHA Bill (SB 14) introduces long-overdue reforms to improve the state’s health outcomes, including banning artificial dyes and harmful preservatives in school meals, requiring physicians to complete nutrition education, and mandating food manufacturers and restaurants disclose dangerous ingredients like seed oils. The legislation is backed by overwhelming public support—86% of Louisianans support the bill, and 98% agree consumers deserve transparency about chemicals and additives in their food. The MAHA Bill also passed unanimously in both chambers, a powerful, bipartisan statement that Louisiana is united in putting health and transparency first.
The Ivermectin Access Bill (SB 19) empowers adults across the state to obtain ivermectin directly from pharmacists under a standing order from the Department of Health. The bill includes patient protections, immunity for pharmacists and helps eliminate barriers to low-cost, long-trusted treatments.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies support Juneteenth celebration in Natchez
Deputies from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office provided assistance during the Juneteenth parade and festival held in the Village of Natchez. Acting on behalf of Sheriff Stuart Wright, deputies worked alongside Natchez Mayor Patsy Hoover and the Natchez Police Department to help facilitate the event.
Deputies assisted with traffic control, public safety, and logistical coordination to ensure the celebration ran smoothly and safely for all participants and attendees.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized its ongoing commitment to community engagement and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. Support for events such as the Natchez Juneteenth celebration reflects efforts to promote safety and partnership across the parish.
Natchitoches Thomas Apartments will reopen the wait list
Natchitoches Thomas Apartments will reopen the wait list and begin accepting applications on July 1, 2025.
Applications can be picked up at the site or downloaded from the website on and after July 1:
https://www.natchitochesthomas.com/
Completed applications will be placed on the wait-list based on the time and date received.
Lions Club donates fans to Council on Aging
The Natchitoches Lions Club contributed fans to the Natchitoches Parish Council on Aging for their Annual Fan Drive. This yearly initiative aims to provide fans to local community members.
Donations can be dropped off at the Natchitoches Parish Council on Aging, located at 1016 Keyser Avenue. All contributions are appreciated and will go toward helping seniors manage the rising temperatures.
Seniors in need of a fan are encouraged to call 318-357-3250 for assistance.
SCAM ALERT: Fake DMV text circulating, Parish Officials urge residents to ignore
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and local officials are warning residents about a fraudulent text message scam falsely claiming to be from the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The text, which has resurfaced this morning, falsely states that recipients have unpaid traffic tickets and threatens enforcement penalties beginning June 29.
The message reads in part:
“Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 29… Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket… Pay Now: https://expresslane.sim-lyj.loan/pay”
This is a scam. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) does not send payment demands via text message, nor does it threaten license suspension or legal action through unsolicited digital communication.
DO NOT:
Click any links included in the message
Provide any personal or financial information
Respond to the text in any way
DO:
Delete the message immediately
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Visit http://www.expresslane.org for official Louisiana OMV information
Residents who may have interacted with the scam link or entered sensitive information should contact their financial institution immediately and monitor their accounts for suspicious activity.
Notice of Death – June 29, 2025
Walter Floyd VanHook
December 5, 1947 — June 21, 2025
No service information listed
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com
June 27, 2025
INDICTMENT: Rodrick T. McIntosh; 5 Felony Counts – Attached
On this the 18th day of June, 2025, the Grand Jury of the Parish of Natchitoches, Tenth Judicial District, State of Louisiana, charges that RODERICK T. McINTOSH, at and in the Parish, District, and State aforesaid, committed the offense of THEFT (FELONY) IN EXCESS OF $25,000.00 (5 COUNTS), as defined by Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:67(A)(BX1).
PUBLIC RECORD ATTACHED FOR REVIEW/DOWNLOAD
UPDATE: Rodrick T. McIntosh arraignment on 4 new charges
UPDATE
June 26, 2025, in a 10th Judicial District Court, Rodrick T. McIntosh was arraigned on four (4) new counts which apparently have a different fact pattern then the previous charge in regards to fraudulent practices in his real estate business.
Court: 10th Judicial District Court, Natchitoches, Louisiana
Judge: Desiree Dyess
For the State: Amanda Todd & Darwin Miller from the LA Attorney General’s Office
For Rodrick T. McIntosh: Howard E. Conday *
Bond: $200,000.00 bond with special conditions
* Mr. McIntosh’s attorney for the first charge back in March 2025, Ms. Andree Jacques, filed a motion for severance stating that she did not have a contract for the four additional charges. Judge Dyess granted the motion for severance and Natchitoches attorney Howard E. Conday appeared for McIntosh for the purposes of the arraignment.
ORIGINAL
Natchitoches Parish realtor arrested following fraudulent practices investigation
A criminal investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Bureau has led to the arrest of local realtor, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
The investigation began after a former client reported alleged fraudulent practices conducted by Rodrick T. McIntosh, a realtor based in Natchitoches. Detectives launched an inquiry into the matter, which resulted in Rodrick T. McIntosh, 39 of Natchitoches, being arrested on March 7 and booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with 1-count of Felony Theft.
McIntosh currently remains in the detention center awaiting bond.
Detectives executed a search warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Judge at McIntosh’s residence near Natchitoches on Friday morning, related to the investigation.
Sheriff Wright emphasized that this investigation is separate and unrelated to a story posted by a local social media outlet earlier on Friday.
“The investigation into McIntosh’s alleged actions is ongoing, and we remain committed to gathering facts and ensuring accountability,” said Sheriff Wight. “This case is entirely independent of other reports circulating on social media.”
The investigation is still active, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
If you have any information, you would like to share with case investigators contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 357-7830.
**All Persons are Presumed Innocent until Proven Guilty in Court or by Administrative Process**
Tractor destroyed in fire on Bermuda Road, no injuries reported
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 responded to a report of a farm tractor fire on June 26 around 2:57 pm in the 1000 block of Bermuda Road, south of Natchitoches.
According to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, the tractor was a total loss. No injuries were reported.
The scene was cleared after emergency personnel ensured the fire was fully extinguished. Lt. B. Smith and Deputy T. Freeman responded on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.
Parish Council: June 26 Special Called Meeting
The Natchitoches Parish Council held a very brief Special Called meeting on June 26 to pass the following agenda item:
Council approves a Resolution in Payment in Lieu of Tax Agreement in Accordance with a Term sheet; Requesting the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority enter into said Payment in Lieu of Tax agreement; and providing for other matters with respect thereto.
FAUNA Pet of the Week
The FAUNA Pet of the Week will vary from its usual format this week. We’re offering an opportunity to help not only an animal in need, but also to assist someone from our community.
These cats (along with two others not pictured) were the pets of a senior veteran who had to give them up because he lost his home. They were his constant and only companions, and he is heartbroken and wracked with worry about them and their fate of euthanasia if no one steps in to help. They are frightened and confused in their current environment, but their friendly and loving personalities will return with a little TLC.
This man served his country, and FAUNA would like to honor him by finding a home for his pets. He is carrying a heavy burden, and our goal is to alleviate at least this component of his stress.
FAUNA does not have a facility to house cats and all of our cat fosters are full. Consequently, these cats are not in FAUNA’s care, but we are on a mission to try to help place them.
If you want to give any of these pets the life they deserve, please email npfauna@gmail.com.
Relationships, gratitude at heart of Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025
By JONATHON ZENK, Written for the LSWA
During Thursday afternoon’s introductory press conference for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, a couple sentiments were common threads — gratitude and relationships.
Memories and stories were shared by all the inductees, or those speaking on their behalf, as they reflected on the state where they built a legacy that led them to the honor they will officially receive Saturday night during the induction ceremony televised live on Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
Today the scene shifts to Alexandria’s Four Seasons Bowling Center for the Mardi Gras Bowling Bash then returns to Natchitoches where the evening offers the free Rockin’ RiverFest concert from 6-10:30 on the downtown Cane River Lake stage, including inductee introductions at 9:15 followed by a 10-minute sports-themed fireworks show.
Saturday’s activities begin with the Junior Training Camp led by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans marketing staff from 9-11 a.m. at the Webb Wellness Center on the Northwestern State campus.
Two more inductees will join the festivities. LSU and NFL star Andrew Whitworth arrives today after his daughter’s dance recital last night in Los Angeles. His LSU coach, Nick Saban, has been filming AFLAC commercials in Los Angeles and will arrive Saturday for the induction ceremony. Whitworth and Saban helped lead the Tigers to the 2003 national championship.
Relationships are a major theme during every induction, so it made sense Thursday afternoon that college chums Glenn Guilbeau and Herb Vincent were at the podium early in the chain of inductees.
“I am real proud of my friendship with Herb,” Guilbeau said. “We’ve been able to get along, dating back to when we were both at LSU at the same time.
“It was great to follow Herb’s career from the New Orleans Breakers in the USFL to the SEC. He’s been a great friend to have.”
Guilbeau, a two-time Louisiana Sportswriter of the Year, will receive the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.
LSHOF Foundation President & CEO Ronnie Rantz, a Menard High standout who pitched for LSU’s first two College World Series champions in 1991 and 1993, recounted a joke played on Guilbeau, who was working at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk when hometown hero Rantz played for the Tigers.
Rantz was pitching well but Vincent exaggerated when he called Guilbeau in Alexandria claiming Rantz had a no-hitter going late in a midweek game. Guilbeau quickly hung up, called the paper’s editors and told them be ready for a big story — before Vincent called back moments later saying while Rantz had a good outing going, it was not a no-hitter.
“Glenn hung up the phone before we could tell him it was a joke,” Vincent said. “We tried to figure out how to call him back to tell him to stop and wondered how long do we let this go? Finally, we called him back and told him the truth.
“That was when we realized Glenn would believe anything if he took the bait that Ronnie was throwing a no-hitter at an LSU baseball game.”
Vincent, now in his 12th year as an associate commissioner of the SEC, will receive the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.
While those two had a relationship in the workplace, other inductees didn’t have to look so far for their big relationships.
In 1990, Rags Scheuermann was inducted into the LSHOF as a legendary Delgado Community College baseball coach.
After 35 years, Rags will be joined by his son, Joe. They become the fourth father-son combination in the Hall.
The younger Scheuermann has won a state-record 1,207 games as the Delgado CC baseball coach and has led the Dolphins to five JUCO World Series appearances.
“It is special being a father-son duo in the LSHOF,” he said. “You grow up and you have idols — my dad was my idol. I just wish he was here. You follow somebody and you try to emulate him. I remember sitting on his lap in the dugout. The fact that we’re in it together is special.”
While Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier dominate the present-day WNBA, former Louisiana Tech star Vickie Johnson walked so the current trio could run. The Coushatta native, currently an assistant coach with the Atlanta Dream, played in the WNBA’s inaugural season.
“The WNBA started in 1997, and I was one of the original 32 players in the league and I was placed in New York with some amazing players, Teresa Weatherspoon, Rebecca Lobo …. We didn’t make a whole lot of money, but it wasn’t about that. It was about the next generation and now you see the league’s growth with Clark and Angel Reese.”
Johnson was a two-time All-American for the Lady Techsters before playing 13 seasons in the WNBA. In her 13 seasons, she averaged 10.4 points, set the WNBA record for minutes played in a career, and made a pair of WNBA All-Star teams.
Krewe of The 9 launches hydration campaign this summer
Working with local mediums (print and electronic) of the media and utilizing social media, Krewe of The 9-has launched a hydration campaign encouraging Natchitoches residents to stay hydrated this summer.
Realizing the body (on average) is 60% water and staying properly hydrated helps to keenly regulate temperature, lubricate joints and aggressively deliver nutrients to cells, the krewe recently launched the “Stay Hydrated, Healthy and Happy” campaign. Partnering with Super 1 Foods on University Parkway at the Highway 1 By-pass, the krewe will provide public service announcements weekly regarding hydration and share by word of mouth the importance of staying hydrated in the midst of the high temperatures and the expectancy of three digit temperatures throughout the summer. Super 1 will provide residents with an opportunity to register for a case of water to be given away (at the University Parkway location) every Friday until the second Friday in September.
Pictured: David Cadwallder-Super 1 store director, Rose Rock, Yolanda Bobb, Tristen Vaughn-Super 1 associate, back row: Matthew Craig, Tan’Keia Palmer, Kenesha Coats, Carmella Parker and Ernie Davis.
Krewe of Excellence recognizes JAG students
The Krewe of Excellence recognized Natchitoches Junior High-Frankie Ray Jackson School JAG students at their June meeting. Genesis Conday, TaJarrius Bowers, MyCayah Roberson and Mariah Holliman (not pictured) won first place during a JAG National Competition in Indiana that was help this past Spring. Their JAG instructor, Jacqueline Rainwater(not pictured) has lead these incredible, awesome and dedicated group of scholars. Krewe of Excellence’s President, Erika Ayatey and members presented e ach student with a certificate of excellence and a gift card to show how proud of them we are and we wish them continued success.
Pictured: Erika Ayatey, Genesis Conday, TaJarrius Bowers and MyCayah Roberson.