Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection Districts #6 and #10 with extrication equipment were dispatched by NATCOM 911 Center to reports of single-vehicle crash on Nov. 22 around 6:06 am with injuries and entrapment on La. Hwy 1 just north of Powhatan according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Units arrived on scene finding the sole-occupant of the vehicle suffering from what appeared to be moderate non-life threatening injuries trapped in the wreckage.  Firefighters used extrication equipment to free the driver.

Air EVAC Lifeteam #160 helicopter was requested and responded to the scene.

Deputies say the preliminary investigation, revealed that a 20-year-old Minden woman operating a 2021 Kia Sport was traveling northbound on Hwy. 1 North of Powhatan when for reasons under investigation exited on the left side of the road. The vehicle continued to travel off the road for several feet, striking a culvert before going airborne then overturning several times coming to a rest on its left side.

The driver was airlifted from the scene to a regional trauma center for treatment of injuries.

This information is preliminary as the investigation continues by Troopers assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria. NPSO Sgt. C. Olliff, Deputy A. Coon, and Deputy J. Wilkerson assisted with traffic control.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) agents, together with personnel from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and the NPSO Patrol Bureau, executed search warrants on Nov. 20 in the 300 block of Pearl Street and the 100 block of Kaffie Drive according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The warrants were the culmination of a lengthy investigation into narcotics trafficking at both locations.
During the execution of the warrants, officials made contact with multiple individuals at the Pearl Street location. A search of the residences yielded approximately 4.3 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, along with multiple drug paraphernalia items, suspected synthetic marijuana, and suspected marijuana.

Following the searches, the following individuals were arrested:

Cedric Washington, 45, of the 300 block of Pearl Street — Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Anastasia Watson, 35, of the 100 block of Kaffie Drive — Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and Obstruction of Justice.

Both Washington and Watson were transported to and booked at the LaSalle Correctional Facility.
The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis.

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The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday morning on South Drive.

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of South Drive on Nov. 23 around 11:24 am in reference to gunshots in the area. Upon officers arrival they located a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers on scene immediately began to render aid while other first responders were arriving to the area. The victim was transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and later airlifted to a hospital in Caddo Parish for further treatment. The victim is listed in stable condition.

Investigators with the Criminal Investigation Division and members of the Violent Crime Task Force were called to the scene and spoke with several witnesses. They also collected several pieces of physical and digital evidence that will be sent to the crime lab for forensic analysis.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to thank the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance at the crime scene.

This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective William Connell at (318) 238-3911. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

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Natchitoches began a fun new holiday tradition Sunday, November 23 with the inaugural Natchitoches Heritage Christmas Festival Parade, sponsored by the Lagacy Project of Louisiana, a group founded by local civic leader Ms. Kettevon Triggs Roque.

The parade featured twelve units consisting of dance schools from the local area, Alexandria and Lafayette. The Grand Marshal was Natchitoches native Dr. Travis Batiste. Dr. Batiste is a 2007 NCHS alumni who obtained three degrees from NSU before going on for his doctorate. He also taught algebra at his alma mater, NCHS. Dr. Batiste is currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Admission and Recruitment for Clark Atlanta University in Georgia. He was joined in the parade by Natchitoches High’s 1965 All State Basketball player Ms. Gloria Ibn-Mohammed. Of course, the major VIP of the parade was the man himself, down from the North pole, Santa Claus. Santa and his elves delighted children along the route with candy and Christmas cheer.

The inaugural Natchitoches Heritage Christmas Festival Parade was a resounding success. It is a welcome addition to the best time of year in our community!

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DONALDSONVILLE – The St. Mary’s football team was overpowered Friday night in the second round of the LHSAA Select Division IV playoffs, falling 62-9 at Ascension Catholic.

The outcome halted a five-game winning streak by the Tigers (6-6), who had upset ninth-seeded St. John’s 30-14 a a week earlier just 24 miles from Donaldsonville.

But that magic wasn’t rekindled as fifth-seeded Ascension Catholic, which had earned a first-round bye, improved to 9-2 with its seventh consecutive win.

The Tigers got a 37-yard touchdown pass from A.J. Johnson to Cole Yopp, the conversion kick from Carter Hogg, and also scored a safety.

Second-year coach Kedrin Seastrunk’s Tigers played seven of their 10 regular-season games, including all the non-district contests, against teams that reached the playoffs. All but one advanced to the second round and District 1-3A champion Logansport is in the Non-Select Division IV quarterfinals.

Six seniors led the way: Blaise Conant, Chalin Gandy, Tucker Johnson, A.J. Lavespere, Haiden Nelson, and Yopp.

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DESTIN, Fla.— The Northwestern State women’s basketball team is focusing on its defensive discipline heading into tonight’s game against Virginia in the two-day Emerald Coast Classic.

First up for the Lady Demons (3-2) is UVA (4-1), their third power conference opponent of the season. Another of those, Nebraska, is also in the tournament.

Tipoff is at 7:30 at Raider Arena on the Northwest Florida State campus. Fans can watch the game on FloSports.

“We’ll have to up our level of discipline,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “That is probably something we’ll be harping on for a while, and that is to be expected. It’s not going to be perfect right now, but we should be finding better possessions in our defensive discipline.”

The Demons are coming off back-to-back 100-point performances, the first time NSU has accomplished that feat since 1993.

Friday night at home, NSU overcame a sluggish start to dominate Arkansas Baptist. The Demons scored just 14 points in the first quarter before scoring 89 in the final three periods to roll 103-52.

In those two games, the Demons drained 32 triples, the most they have made in a two-game stretch in program history.

NSU is led by Vernell Atamah, whose 23 made 3-pointers are the second-most in the NCAA and tops in the nation in 3-pointers per game with 4.6.

The Cavaliers have three players averaging double figures, led by Kymora Johnson (16.6 ppg). Tabitha Amanze (10.8) and Paris Clark (10.2) also average in double figures for a team that scores nearly 80 points per game outscores its opponents on average by more than 33 points per contest.

Northwestern plays either Nebraska or Purdue Fort Wayne on Tuesday.

NSU MEN:  Friday night in Phoenix, the Demons battled Grand Canyon for stretches, but a pair of extended Lopes runs proved too much to overcome in an 85-72 road loss at GCU Arena. 

“I think we’re the best 1-5 team in the country,” head coach Rick Cabrera said. “I’m extremely proud of the way our guys fought. I despise losing, but we competed, we put ourselves in position to win a game and, most importantly, my team got better today. That’s all I can ask for.” 

NSU (1-5) was within 74-66 with four minutes left, but Grand Canyon (3-2) pushed away on its homecourt.

Cabrera, whose Demons play host to last year’s SWAC regular-season champion Southern next Saturday afternoon at 1, came home from two West Coast games encouraged.

“The teams we’ve played are NCAA Tournament-caliber teams, and it’s only going to help us when it’s time for conference,” he said. 

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Over 400 people from throughout our community came together at NSU’s campus to support Lydia Rachal Saturday November 22 at the Fun Run for Lydia fundraiser. The event was family fun for all ages. In addition to the 1 mile and 5K runs, there were inflatable castles and face painting for the younger set. Cheerleaders from St. Mary’s were joined by NCHS Chiefettes and Maroon Line members in cheering on the runners and throwing up clouds of colorful powder for the runners to pass through. DJ Wrinkle Free Entertainment kept up a lively flow up music to keep spirits high while Morrison Farms served up delicious burgers for the runners and their families.

The race shirts featured a chicken in running shoes. This logo reflects Lydia’s affection for animals, especially her chickens and captures the event’s spirit of lighthearted family fun.

People from all over our area and indeed the entire country as word spreads have rallied to the side of Lydia, a local three-year-old girl diagnosed with San Filippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that attacks the central nervous system and is terminal. There is presently no cure, but Lydia’s parents were able to report some wonderful news as well as a challenge they and 14 other families with children affected by San Filippo Syndrome are facing. There is a clinical trial open for Lydia and the 14 other children. In order for the trial to proceed, the families need to raise 3.8 million dollars by December 1st. If they successful, the trial can proceed, and the pharmaceutical company will make enough of the treatments for all 15 children under the FDA’s “Compassionate Care” provisions. The families have thus far raised over 3 million dollars, leaving $800,000.00 to go. It may be an uphill battle, but they are undeterred.

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Natchitoches Junior High’s JAG program continued its commitment to community service this November by collecting and donating more than 300 pairs of socks to the residents of Natchitoches Nursing & Rehab Center.

Throughout the month, JAG members led a school-wide initiative to gather new socks in a variety of sizes and styles, recognizing the importance of providing warmth and comfort to local seniors during the colder months.

This project not only met a practical need but also helped the members experience the value of giving back, showing compassion, and staying connected to

Natchitoches Junior High JAG is proud of its members for their leadership and dedication to serving others. This month’s community service initiative reflects the program’s mission to build responsibility, empathy, and strong civic engagement.

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Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market is coming to Natchitoches on Nov. 29. The Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market will celebrate its 21st year in operation on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 am – 4:30 pm at the Natchitoches Events Center at 750 Second Street in Natchitoches. This event is free and open to the public.

There will be gifts for the whole family, from adults to children. Over 110 vendors from a four-state area will come to Natchitoches to sell their wares.

“The best part is everything offered at our craft market is handmade,” said organizer Cheryl Gianforte.

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Diana Francis Frank, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A lifelong resident of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Diana was deeply rooted in the community she loved and served throughout her life.

In her early years, Diana was an active member of several service and social organizations, including The Jaycee Jaynes, Natchitoches Service League, Les Amies, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Committee, and the St. Mary’s School Board. She was also a devoted and longtime member of Natchitoches First United Methodist Church.

Diana lived a life filled with creativity, friendship, and personal growth. During the years her daughters played tennis, she became an avid tennis player herself and formed many lifelong friendships on the court. She later developed a deep love for golf and enjoyed the game for many years.

Her artistic talents shone through in many forms—pottery, which she studied at Northwestern State University beginning in the 1970s and continued until just a few years ago; painting, which she enjoyed throughout her life; and gardening, where she found comfort and joy spending time in her yard. Diana also expressed her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through her frame shop, Sincerely Yours, which she owned and operated for several years.

In her mid-40s, after moving to Shreveport, Louisiana, Diana achieved one of her proudest accomplishments: returning to school and earning her degree in Finance. After moving back to Natchitoches, she joined the Purchasing Department at Northwestern State University, where she worked with dedication until her retirement in 2018.

Diana had a big heart, and she prioritized family above all. She cherished a close circle of lifelong friends who loved her deeply and walked beside her throughout the many seasons of her life.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn Powell Frank; her father, W. F. Frank, Jr.; and her sister, Lana Scott.

Left to honor her memory are her daughters, Dawn Hearron Anderson (Robbie) and Paige Hearron Moore (Charlie); her grandchildren, Bailey Anderson and her boyfriend Elliott Gianforte, Jake Anderson (Whitney), Coty Moore (Brianna), and Mackenzie Moore Carter (Trever); and her great-grandchildren, Kash Anderson, BlakeLynn Anderson, Luna Moore, and Kohan Carter.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michelle Mayeaux for her many years of devoted care, and to Pinnacle Hospice for their kindness and compassion in Diana’s final days.

Visitation will be held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Diana will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, resilience, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on in her family, her friends, and the community she cherished.

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Phillip Jean-Louis Jr. and Carlos Hartwell will hold the 12th Annual “Come Give Thanks With Us” Turkey Drive on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 12-2 p.m. The event will take place at the John Below Center, 1320 Dixie Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457. Early arrival is encouraged, as free turkeys will be given to the first 200–250 families, while supplies last.

Since 2014, The Gloria Project, Inc. has served Natchitoches Parish and surrounding areas by providing families with take-home meals during Thanksgiving. Over the years, the project has grown; most recently, it expanded to give away turkeys to families in need. 

Get Involved:

To Volunteer or Donate: Contact Carlos at (318)609-0766 or Phillip at(337) 852-4242

Sponsor: Contributions help ensure turkeys and sides are available for families

Phillip Jean-Louis Jr. and Carlos Hartwell expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support over the years: “We couldn’t keep this going without you. Your generosity helps us make sure families in Natchitoches Parish experience joy and fullness during Thanksgiving.”

Join them this Sunday for a meaningful day of giving and gratitude.

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This morning LIVE on Talkback Natchitoches, Latorria Freeman and Pastor Steve Harris raised over $1,000.00 in cash, checks and promised donations to help Save Lydia!

Background:

Race Against Time: Louisiana Family Fights to Save 3-Year-Old Daughter from Fatal Disease

Natchitoches family seeks $6 million to fund life-saving treatment for daughter with rare genetic disorder

When Morgan and Kirk Rachal brought their daughter Lydia home three years ago, doctors said she was perfect. For 18 months, life in Natchitoches, Louisiana, seemed complete as big sister Heidi delighted in her new best friend.

But on April 4, 2024, everything changed. Lydia was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome type B, a rare and terminal genetic disorder with a life expectancy that typically doesn’t extend past the teenage years. 

The diagnosis came through an unlikely source—a TikTok video. Morgan’s mother sent her a clip of a little girl who looked like Lydia. When Morgan learned about the child’s terminal diagnosis, she researched the disease and recognized symptoms in her own daughter: frequent ear infections, sleep disturbances, and a distended belly.

Despite odds of 1 in 70,000, their Natchitoches pediatrician ordered testing. A week later, the results confirmed Morgan’s worst fears.

Sanfilippo Syndrome causes the body to lack a crucial enzyme needed to break down sugar molecules, leading to toxic waste buildup throughout the body and eventually the brain.  Often called “Childhood Dementia,” children gradually lose everything they’ve learned before death.

Brain damage typically begins around age 3 or 4, giving the Rachals roughly a year to act. But there’s hope: a treatment option has emerged through clinical trials. The family needs $6 million to fund it—$3.8 million by December 1, 2025—with treatment potentially available by summer 2026.

Their GoFundMe campaign has raised over $1.4 million. All donations to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation are tax deductible.

“We can’t just sit back and accept that she is going to die with knowing there are treatments out there,” Morgan said. “This is our last chance to save her life before brain damage begins.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/SaveLydia

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center on Nov. 20 around 9:21 am to a reported single-vehicle crash with possible injuries on Hwy. 486 near Campti, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrived on scene and found airbag deployment and the sole occupant of the vehicle suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

According to deputies, a 2024 Toyota Camry operated by a 44-year-old Natchitoches woman was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 486 west of Campti when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and exited the roadway on the left side. The vehicle continued off the road, striking a private drive concrete culvert before coming to rest.

The driver was transported from the scene by EMS to a regional trauma center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies report the driver was properly restrained at the time of the crash.

Wearing your seat belt significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Always buckle up.

Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop E, Alexandria, investigated the crash. NPSO Sgt. C. Crow and Deputy T. Graves assisted State Police with traffic control.

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New Natchitoches Police Department officers Frederick Nichols, Ashton Cheng, and RaLonzo Lacey recently graduated from the Alexandria Regional Police Academy.  The new officers spent several grueling months in training to graduate and will now participate in the NPD’s field training program to gain even more experience.

“We would like to congratulate our new officers on their successful completion of the 16 weeks of training and becoming POST certified peace officers. We are grateful to have them as part of the team and look forward to them helping provide service and protection to our communities,” said Chief of Police Nikeo Collins.

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Hospice of Natchitoches and Many hosted its Seventh Annual “Lighting of Hospice” Candle Lighting and Memorial Service on Nov. 13, bringing families, staff, and community members together to honor the memory of loved ones who passed away within the last year.

The evening program included prayers, scripture readings, musical reflections, and a four-candle lighting ceremony symbolizing grief, courage, memory, and love. The service is held each year to provide comfort, reflection, and communal support for families navigating loss.

Administrator Dominick Metoyer welcomed attendees and reflected on the history and purpose of hospice care. He noted that hospice traces its origins to the 11th century, when it served as a place of rest for travelers, later evolving into a refuge for the sick and dying. He thanked families for allowing the hospice staff into their homes and emphasized the team-based, holistic approach used to support patients through the end of life.

“During the past 12 months, we’ve encountered many special patients and families,” Metoyer said. “You taught us a lot and made us better healthcare providers.”

Chaplain Mary Keele delivered the memorial message and scripture reading from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. She spoke about the natural process of mourning and the comfort scripture offers to those grieving. Keele emphasized that grief is both a human experience and an expression of love, while the hope of reunion offers spiritual reassurance.

Keele introduced the symbolic lighting of four candles, each representing a different aspect of grief and remembrance: the pain of loss, the courage to continue, cherished memories, and the enduring love left behind. She reminded families that their loved ones’ legacies live on through the light they left in the hearts of those who remain.

Social worker Kasey Sparish offered additional reflections, expressing gratitude for the trust families extend during some of life’s most difficult moments. She described the privilege of witnessing families’ stories, silence, and sorrow, calling it “one of the greatest acts of compassion.”

The program featured musical selections, a memorial video, and an introduction of the hospice staff by Director of Nursing Melissa Britten. Pastor Matthew Pagels led the invocation, and Chaplain Keele concluded the evening with closing remarks and a benediction.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Hospice of Natchitoches and Many’s service to communities across Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Bienville, Rapides, DeSoto, Grant, and Winn parishes. Metoyer credited the organization’s longevity to the dedication of founders Sylvia and Ricky LaCour and the continued support of families throughout the region.

Families in attendance lit individual candles during the ceremony, honoring the lives and legacies of their loved ones. The event provided a peaceful space for remembrance, reflection, and shared hope.

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With the average age of first-time homebuyers now near 36, a 50-year mortgage could mean millions of Americans will never own their homes outright — turning buyers into lifelong renters under another label.

By Richard Searles, Special to the Journal

The Changing Shape of “Ownership”

The traditional American dream — owning a home free and clear by retirement — is colliding with a new financial reality.
As policymakers float the idea of a 50-year mortgage to ease monthly payments, a troubling truth emerges: extending mortgage debt beyond a working lifetime could make “ownership” little different from long-term renting.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average age of first-time homebuyers in 2024 was 36, up from just 29 two decades ago. Under a 50-year mortgage, that buyer would make the final payment at age 86 — well into or past retirement. Few will reach that milestone without selling, refinancing, or passing on the debt through an estate.

Equity That Never Materializes

The foundation of wealth for most middle-class Americans has long been home equity — the portion of the home that the owner truly owns after paying down principal.
But with a 50-year term, the principal is reduced so slowly that it could take 15 to 20 years before even 20 % equity is achieved. That’s assuming the homeowner never refinances or takes equity out again — both of which are common.

Economists note that this slow build of equity mirrors the dynamic of long-term renting: buyers occupy the property, make monthly payments, and absorb maintenance costs — yet they own very little of the underlying asset for most of their lives.

At that point, a mortgage ceases to be a path to ownership and becomes what one housing analyst called “ownership theater” — the illusion of owning, without the actual security that ownership should bring.

Impact on Homebuyers

• Lifetime Debt: A 36-year-old first-time buyer on a 50-year loan would still owe a balance at 80 or older — a stark reversal of the post-war model in which most Americans retired debt-free.

• Equity Lag: Even after 20 years, the homeowner could still owe more than 75 % of the original balance, depending on interest rates.

• Retirement Consequences: Carrying mortgage debt into retirement can reduce disposable income, limit mobility, and increase dependence on Social Security or family support.

• Market Distortion: As buyers accept longer debt horizons to afford homes, sellers may raise prices to match monthly-payment capacity — inflating nominal values without improving affordability.

• Wealth Inequality: Families unable to pass down fully paid-off homes will find it harder to build intergenerational wealth, widening the gap between older property owners and younger buyers perpetually stuck in debt.

A Louisiana Lens

In Louisiana, where home prices remain below the national average, the 50-year loan may appear less risky — but the implications are just as real.
A 35-year-old buyer in Natchitoches or Bossier City could still be making payments at 85. Even modest price gains can’t offset five decades of interest and property-tax costs. The practical effect: decades of mortgage payments with little true ownership, mirroring the economics of renting rather than investing.

Looking Ahead

If 50-year mortgages gain traction, the next generation of buyers may never experience what their parents once took for granted — the feeling of living in a home that is entirely their own.
Housing experts warn that such loans could turn American homeownership into a permanent payment model, shifting risk and wealth from households to lenders and investors.

The long-term policy question is whether expanding access to debt is a solution to housing affordability — or simply a mechanism to normalize perpetual indebtedness.

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The Louisiana Department of Education released the 2024–2025 School Performance Scores, reflecting student achievement and growth across the state under a new, more rigorous accountability system. Natchitoches Parish Schools are celebrating historic progress, achieving the highest district performance score in its history.

Despite the increased rigor, Natchitoches Parish maintained its “B” district rating, coming just 3.6 points shy of an “A,” and moved up to 22nd in the state—up from 43rd in 2020. The district also ranked seventh statewide for special education performance, highlighting its exceptional support and growth for students receiving specialized services.

The 2024–2025 results show districtwide improvement, with six schools earning an “A” in student progress, compared to only two in 2020. The remaining schools earned a “B” in progress, and no schools received a “D” or “F” rating. Five schools were recognized as Top Gains and Opportunity Honorees, while four schools successfully removed Subgroup Labels through improved performance. Graduation rates and the district’s ACT index also saw notable increases, signaling sustained academic momentum.

Natchitoches Parish continues to outperform the state, scoring 5.5 points above the statewide average and growing 1.3 points more than the state over the past year. Since 2021, the district has grown 13.5 points—more than double the state’s 5.6-point growth.

District officials credited students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners for their dedication and hard work, calling the results a reflection of the district’s commitment to student success.

“We are so beyond proud of our students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners,” the district said. “Your hard work and dedication continue to elevate Natchitoches Parish Schools and create brighter futures for every student.”

Major District Highlights:
Highest district performance score ever recorded
Maintained a strong “B” rating, just 3.6 points from an “A”
Ranked 22nd in the state, up from 43rd in 2020
Ranked 7th in Louisiana for special education performance
No “D” or “F” schools for the second year in a row
Six schools earned an “A” in student progress; remaining schools earned “B”
Five Top Gains & Opportunity Honoree schools
Four schools removed Subgroup Labels
Increased graduation rate and ACT index

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By Glynn Harris, louisianasportsman.com

Anna McNeely lives in Natchitoches with her family and goes to school in Minden to study Industrial Implementation and Technology at Northwest Technical Community College.

Having to commute from her home daily to attend classes takes a lot of her time. However, she is a serious deer hunter, and when the opportunity presents itself, she’s on her deer stand in south Natchitoches Parish on land her family owns, especially when there might be the chance at a big buck her brother has had on his trail cameras.

“My brother has been getting photos of this big buck, with all the photos taken at night,” McNeely said. “Nobody had ever actually seen the buck other than in the photos.”

Taking advantage of a day when she didn’t have to be in school, McNeely left her home before daylight on the morning of Nov. 1 and drove to her stand to see just what might happen to show up. There was little hope of getting to see the big buck because of its tendency to show up only at night.

“I got in my box stand before daylight hoping that maybe a shooter buck would show up,” she said. “I wasn’t particular about which one; I just wanted a chance at a decent buck.”

As it started to get light, she saw movement on the open field she was watching, a field that was surrounded by woods with a stream flowing around the edge.

“Three does came out onto the field and a few minutes later I watched two more does come out, thinking just maybe a buck would be following them,” she said.

Waiting on the right moment

Fifteen minutes after the last two does came out, she saw movement at the edge of the field. To her surprise, it was a big buck.

“The buck was walking away from me, and when I got my .308 up and on him he walked behind a big pile of brush so all I could do was wait,” she said. “I started to really get nervous because I could tell this was a big one and I was afraid I’d never get a chance at him.”

Once the buck cleared the brush pile and turned his head so she could see his rack better she knew it was a shooter buck, but she wasn’t sure if it was the one her brother had on camera. When the buck cleared the brush at 230 yards, she had a good shot at him so she took it. At the shot, the buck took off. Behind this buck, she looked up to see another big buck following the one she shot but she wasn’t sure which buck she actually had shot.

“I called my dad and he and my boyfriend came,” McNeely said. “We tracked where the deer had run and he didn’t go far. Looking at the rack, we realized that I had actually gotten the one my brother had been watching on camera.”

Taking the buck to Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop to enter in that store’s Big Buck contest, the rack consisted of 17 points, with an inside spread of 21 2/8 inches and lots of mass. The 4 ½-year-old buck weighed over 200 pounds and his rack was measured at 171 2/8 inches.

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The St. Mary’s Tigers sustained their late-season roll last week with one of the biggest upsets in the first round of the LHSAA football playoffs, and hope to do it again tonight.

St. Mary’s (6-5), the 21^st seed in the Select Division IV bracket, plays in Donaldsonville tonight at 7 against fifth-seeded Ascension Catholic (8-2).

The Tigers won their fifth straight game last Friday by knocking off ninth-seeded St. John’s on the road in Plaquemine, blowing open a close game in the fourth quarter for a 30-14 victory. St. Mary’s never trailed and ran off 24 unanswered points in the final in the last 10 minutes.

It’s another battle against a La. Highway 1 opponent. After winning in Plaquemine last week, the Tigers will travel 24 miles south to Donaldsonville today.

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Confidence is high for the Northwestern State women’s basketball team after a pair of victories, including a record-breaking win last game, and giving Kansas a four-quarter game on the road.

The Demons (2-2) take that confidence against Arkansas Baptist (6-0) in their final home contest of the non-conference schedule.

Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. at Prather Coliseum and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.

“With the new faces we have, it’s about us and us gelling and us connecting and figuring out how to put each other in good positions,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “The girls are coming off a nice win, doing things that have not been done here.

“But at the end of the day, we still have a lot of areas where we need to grow and develop, not only Friday, but also as our non-conference continues and then the Southland starts Dec. 7.”

Last time out, NSU posted one of its best offensive performances in school history, putting up 108 points in a 108-30 victory over Ecclesia. The 78-point win is the largest margin of victory in program history, and the Demons also dropped a school-record 18 3-pointers in the victory.

MEN AT GRAND CANYON:  The early-season road stretch for coach Rick Cabrera’s squad continues with a first-time visit to Phoenix to meet Grand Canyon.

The Demons and Lopes tip off at 8 p.m. Central on the Mountain West Network.

The Demons (1–4) are looking to rebound after Tuesday’s 84-64 loss at San Francisco.

Senior guard Landyn Jumawan is coming off a season-high 13-point performance as he continues to build confidence as the season goes on.

Grand Canyon (2-2) is coming off a 78–64 road loss at Saint Louis.

Under the direction of head coach Bryce Drew, the Lopes have built a reputation for defensive toughness, a structured half-court offense, and one of the most energetic home atmospheres in college basketball.

“GCU just made a move to the Mountain West, which is a borderline high-major conference,” Cabrera said. “We’re excited to go to the state of Arizona and play in that atmosphere. They’ve got a good ball club, and coach Drew has done a phenomenal job. But we like our chances. I’m not a guy that’s going to sit here and say if we play perfect, we’ll have a chance. We’ve got a chance in any game we play, but we’ve just got to do the right things.”

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