NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two out of three would be really good for the Northwestern State Lady Demons basketball team.

Northwestern (9-8 overall, 6-3 in the Southland Conference), wraps up a three-game SLC road swing tonight visiting rival Stephen F. Austin (13-5, 7-2) for the second and final regular season meeting between the two schools.

Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. at the William R. Johnson Coliseum with coverage on ESPN+ and a radio broadcast on 100.7 FM KZBL.

NSU split two road games last week, winning at Houston Christian, then struggling Saturday in a 10-point loss at Incarnate Word.

Coach Anna Nimz team has bounced back particularly well this season, owning a 6-1 record when coming off a loss. A win at SFA would be especially valuable, she said, because of the tight pack in the conference standings.

“The top eight in the Southland all have winning records,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “It is one big logjam. I’d rather get slapped in the face like we did last game now when we have time to learn and grow instead of it being down the stretch when that game could be the determining factor of our placement in the Southland Tournament.

“We’re fighting to get into the conference tournament and get a good placement and maybe that (loss at UIW) was the slap in the face we needed. Now we need to learn from it.”

On New Year’s Eve in Prather Coliseum, the Demons dropped a tight 76-71 contest to SFA. That game marked the beginning of a six-game winning streak for the Ladyjacks.

NSU has two of the top five scorers in Southland play in Vernell Atamah (16.6 average) and Nya Valentine (15.3). They are the only pair of teammates who each average more than 15 points per game in conference action.

In addition to the big two, the Demons have recently received scoring contributions in a big way from Stephie Salumu and Tiara Abron.

Salumu, a sophomore from Belgium, just came back after missing eight games. In the two games against Houston Christian and UIW since her return, she has averaged 11.5 points per game on 57.1 percent shooting with 6.5 rebounds and one block per game.

Abron has scored in double figures in four straight games and five of the last six.

While the Demons have two of the top scorers in league play, SFA has four of the top 14.

“They are very good,” Nimz said. “There is no drop off from the starting five to the next three in the eight kids they play. They play very well together, and they are very fast in transition. Every single one of them has the green light to shoot the ball, so it is going to be about being incredibly efficient. It won’t be about taking one individual away because that means someone else will be there because they are such a good unit.”

Expect many 3-pointers to be attempted in the game, as the teams are the top two schools in made 3-pointers in both overall games and in conference.

The Demons come back home for their next two games, hopefully starting with a visit from East Texas A&M on Saturday (pending a possible weather postponement) before hosting Nicholls next Thursday.

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The Natchitoches Farm Bureau has named Tatum Roberts as the 2026 recipient of the George R. “Ronnie” Owens Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the late Mr. Owens, who served as Parish President for more than 20 years and was a longtime advocate for local agriculture. Roberts, a 2025 graduate of Magnolia Bend Academy, is currently pursuing a degree in Agriculture Business at East Texas A&M University.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board entered executive session during its Jan. 20 meeting before voting to extend Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi’s contract through Dec. 31, 2028.

Prior to entering executive session, board members acknowledged the past year’s work and the challenges faced by the district, including staffing shortages, school closures, and major operational transitions. Board leadership noted that the district has continued to demonstrate academic growth and stability during a period of significant change.

Following the closed session, the board reconvened and considered the superintendent’s contract extension. Board members were informed that the extension does not include a pay increase. Instead, the updated contract focuses on revised performance metrics tied to district priorities.

Those metrics include graduation rates, ACT performance, student attendance, enrollment growth, and maintaining a financial surplus. Board members were told the performance objectives were selected from a broader list provided by the board’s attorney and were intended to present measurable challenges aligned with district goals.

The extension moves the superintendent’s contract two years into the next board term, a provision allowed under state law. The board approved the extension by roll-call vote.

The decision followed an annual evaluation process that board members noted was completed earlier than in previous years, allowing the board to enter executive session with all required documentation already submitted.

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Natchitoches Parish is expected to see a period of unsettled weather this week, with widespread rain followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and the potential for freezing rain and sleet beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend.

Rain chances will increase significantly on Wednesday, with showers expected throughout the day and precipitation chances near 100 percent. Showers are expected to continue into Wednesday night, with a slight chance of thunderstorms and overnight lows near 50 degrees. Cloudy conditions and scattered showers may linger into Thursday, particularly during the morning hours, before rain chances begin to decrease.

Cloudy skies and isolated showers are expected on Friday, with daytime highs in the mid-50s. Conditions are forecast to deteriorate Friday night as temperatures fall into the upper 20s. Rain is expected to transition into freezing rain after midnight, creating the potential for icy roadways and hazardous travel. Precipitation chances Friday night are around 80 percent.

More significant winter weather impacts are possible on Saturday, with a mix of rain showers, freezing rain, and sleet expected throughout the day. Sleet is forecast to become more likely during the afternoon, though little to no accumulation is currently expected. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the upper 30s, with precipitation chances near 90 percent.

Freezing rain is expected to continue into Saturday night, with lows falling to around 20 degrees. A lingering chance of freezing rain remains into Sunday, with cold conditions persisting and highs reaching only the mid-30s. Overnight temperatures Sunday night are expected to drop into the 15 to 20 degree range.

Cold but drier weather is forecast to return on Monday, with partly cloudy skies and highs around 40 degrees.

Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, particularly during the weekend when freezing rain and sleet could impact travel and outdoor activities across Natchitoches Parish.

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A shop north of Campti was destroyed in a fire Tuesday evening, while a nearby home sustained minor damage, authorities reported.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and multiple units from Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #9 responded to a reported fire on Jan. 20 around 6:37 pm in the 100 block of Bud Sullivan Road, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Additional calls indicated that nearby homes may have been at risk.

No injuries were reported. NPFD #9 Chief Doug Rachal said the shop was a total loss, and the home suffered damage to its siding.

Deputies K. Middleton and J. Severance were on the scene, and the fire response remained active as crews worked to secure the area.

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A former Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested following a five-month investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The investigation began in August 2025 when the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding a deputy assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau. An offense report was forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Bureau for further review.

During the initial stages of the investigation, Deputy Javien R. Etienne, 23 of Youngsville, was terminated. Command staff collected his commission card, duty weapons, and all other sheriff’s office-issued property.

Detectives conducted a thorough investigation, which included interviews with the victim, potential witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, and the execution of at least twelve search warrants. Evidence gathered led to the issuance of an arrest warrant by a judge of the Tenth Judicial District.

On Jan. 14, 2026, Etienne turned himself in to NPSO detectives at the Criminal Investigations Bureau. He was booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center and charged with one count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. He was later released on a $75,000 bond pending his court appearance.

Sheriff Wright issued a statement emphasizing the department’s commitment to integrity and accountability:

“The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism. Any behavior that violates the law or undermines the trust placed in this office will not be tolerated. Our priority remains the safety of our community and the protection of our children.”

Etienne had been employed with the NPSO for less than one year. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are being released to protect its integrity. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.

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In addition to calendar and superintendent actions, the Natchitoches Parish School Board addressed a wide range of financial, facilities, and policy matters during its Jan. 20 meeting, including acceptance of the annual audit, approval of a construction bid, discussion of historic facility preservation, and a failed vote on board travel.

The board voted to accept the district’s audit report, noting that it was completed and presented significantly earlier than in past years. Board members said previous audits were often received more than a year after the reporting period, while the current audit was delivered within approximately six months. District leaders attributed the improved timeline in part to federal compliance guidance becoming available in early December.

Board members also acknowledged staffing shortages within the finance department and commended staff for managing a large workload despite limited personnel. The board noted that some audit findings were influenced by those staffing challenges and said corrective actions are expected.

The board approved a construction bid for the Marthaville Elementary and Junior High baseball facility, awarding the project to Rhodes Properties and Development at a cost of $396,000. Board members noted a significant discrepancy between bids submitted. The motion passed by roll-call vote, with one member abstaining.

Later in the meeting, the board heard a presentation proposing the creation of a legacy room or historical space at the former Natchitoches Junior High campus. The proposal outlined a vision for preserving the school’s history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programming aligned with Louisiana history standards. Supporters emphasized the importance of honoring the school’s role in the Black community and preventing the loss of historical materials.

The idea mirrors discussions held during the Jan. 13 committee meeting, where board members and administrators acknowledged both the cultural significance of closed school facilities and the challenges associated with funding, insurance, and long-term maintenance. No formal action was taken, though board members expressed interest in further exploration.

The board also considered whether to send members to a national school board conference. Discussion centered on budget constraints, recent financial pressures, and the estimated cost per attendee. After a roll-call vote resulted in a tie, the motion failed.

Additional updates referenced during the meeting included ongoing transportation contract evaluations, with proposals from four vendors under review and a recommendation expected later in February, as well as reminders regarding upcoming evaluations, contracts, and district events.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted to table consideration of the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic calendars during its Jan. 20 meeting, following a divided discussion over planning timelines, instructional structure, and the purpose of the district calendar.

Board members first addressed the proposed 2026–2027 calendar, with a motion made to delay approval until a future meeting. Supporters of tabling said the calendar had only recently been distributed and warranted additional review. Some members expressed concern that the calendar appeared to prioritize employee scheduling rather than student needs and said more time was needed to fully evaluate its impact.

Opposing members argued that delaying approval undermines long-term planning for families and staff.

They noted that many surrounding school districts finalize calendars earlier in the year and that approving a calendar well in advance helps parents, teachers, and students plan vacations, medical appointments, and extracurricular commitments. Several members said tabling the calendar created the appearance of disorganization and prolonged an issue that had already been discussed at the committee level.

The board voted by roll call to table the 2026–2027 calendar.

A similar discussion followed for the 2027–2028 calendar, which had been presented alongside the earlier year as part of a proposed two-year calendar plan. Members who opposed tabling said adopting a two-year calendar would reduce repeated annual debates and provide greater consistency for district families. Others maintained that if the first calendar was delayed, the second should be handled the same way.

The board again voted to table the item.

The calendar discussion built on issues raised during a Jan. 13 committee meeting, where district leaders outlined the rationale behind the proposed calendar structure. Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi and staff explained that professional development days were consolidated at the beginning of the school year to reduce shortened instructional weeks scattered throughout the fall. District officials said teachers had previously expressed a preference for a full fall break rather than multiple three- and four-day weeks.

Administrators also noted that remaining shortened weeks are driven by legal holidays and required parent-teacher conferences, which will continue in their current format to accommodate families with varied work schedules. District leaders said the calendar complies with state instructional requirements and has not negatively impacted academic performance.

According to information shared at the committee meeting, the district’s alignment with neighboring systems has also contributed to improved teacher recruitment and retention, reducing losses to nearby districts.

No date was set for when the calendars will return to the board for consideration.

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Editor’s note: This message was originally shared publicly by the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches. We are sharing it with readers as it highlights ongoing community work and outreach efforts taking place locally.

I am reaching out to all my family and friends who may be willing to support a charitable organization that is trying to make a difference in their community—whether you live in Natchitoches or New York or New Zealand—if you’re someone who still believes the world can be better – more importantly, if you want to help keep a house of God available to everyone, I want to invite you into something practical and powerful.

For those of you who don’t know, I run Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Becoming a priest has been a gift I cannot explain in a Facebook post, but at the same time, it is an incredibly difficult time to be one, far harder than I ever imagined.

Trinity is striving to be a house of God that lives into Jesus’ life and example.

• We are a place were people in recovery can meet safely and with dignity.
• Trinity hosted a Pride Mass this year – the first Natchitoches has ever seen – with a goal of making sure all our LGBTQ+ neighbors – especially our local college students and the high school students of our local arts and sciences boarding school – can feel safe, treated with respect and dignity and, most importantly, know that they are beloved by God exactly as they are.
• We are also a place that hosted a Red Mass to honor the justice workers of our community – our judges, lawyers, police, firefighters, and first responders – we want them to know that the ministry they do is overwhelmingly important to all of us, and to God.
• We have a food pantry to support our community members in need.
• We serve on the board of a local non-profit mental health resource organization (Mind Over Matters) because we are strongly committed to advocating for mental health and mental health awareness.

There’s a million other little things that make Trinity special. Bottom line, we are a little church, in a little town, trying very hard to follow Christ’s example, to stand with those on the margins, to care for anyone and everyone we can, and to be a house of worship that is a safe haven for everyone – no exceptions.

It’s a hard place to be sometimes, but it is deeply important and I need your help – we need your help. If you have it in you ability to support our efforts, we would greatly appreciate it. You can set up a recurring pledge to our church, or you can make a one-time payment. Any amount would be helpful.

This is an institution that deserves your support. Things in our world are incredibly hard at the moment, I promise with all that I am that we are trying to be more – we are trying our very best to live into Christ’s countercultural example.

If you can support us, please visit http://www.trinitynatchla.org and select the “Online Giving Form” tab.

If you have any questions, feel free to call our church office at 318-352-3113 or contact me directly at 443-734-4243. Thank you for whatever help you can give, we appreciate your support in keeping us going in our ministries and place in this community.

With love,
Kris+

Kristen E Paul, Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana

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The Natchitoches Rowing Club is inviting new members to join its junior and master’s teams this spring. The club welcomes students in grades 7-12 for the junior program and adults 18 and older for the master’s program. No prior experience is required, as all participants will receive training from the club’s experienced coaching staff.

Rowing offers a full-body workout, an opportunity to meet new people, and a chance to challenge yourself in a supportive environment. Those interested can contact Coach Tori at natchitochesrowingclub@gmail.com with questions or to learn more about joining.

For those who may not want to row but still want to support the program, the club offers sponsorship opportunities that help give back to youth and the local community.

Coach Tori, founder and head coach of the Natchitoches Rowing Club, brings an accomplished athletic background to the program. A First Team All-American and Academic All-American at Northwestern State University, she finished her collegiate rowing career as the most decorated rower in NSU history, earning more than 16 gold medals and consistently placing in the top five in every race. Her competitive experience includes Rochester Rowing Club, NSU, and Craftsbury in Vermont, with highlights including a bronze medal at the ACRA Nationals, a Canadian Henley semifinal appearance, a USRowing Midwest Championship title, and a USRowing Summer National Championship.

Coach Tori previously founded and coached the LSMSA Crew program and serves as an assistant coach for NSU Crew. She is dedicated to expanding access to rowing in Natchitoches and creating a supportive environment for athletes of all levels.

Spring registration links:
Masters (Adults 18+): https://forms.gle/AaPLn71qQeiaAxY59
Juniors (Grades 7–12): https://forms.gle/VBww42XEeTGRmmDc8

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In a world of endless alerts and nonstop trends, the public’s attention rarely makes it past the loading screen before the next “new thing” drops.

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Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.

The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.

Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.

Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.

In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.

The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.

Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.

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The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery has launched a new educational series spotlighting the fish species raised at the facility, beginning with the paddlefish, a prehistoric species native to North American river systems.

Often referred to as gentle giants of the river, paddlefish have existed for more than 100 million years, predating trees and humans. The species is easily recognized by its long, flat snout, known as a rostrum, which helps the fish detect movement and navigate its surroundings.

Despite their long history, paddlefish populations have declined significantly, largely due to overharvesting linked to the American caviar industry. Paddlefish eggs, or roe, are used to produce American caviar, a market valued at approximately $250 million. Unsustainable harvesting practices in the past contributed to population losses that conservation efforts continue to address today.

Protecting paddlefish populations is considered critical to ensuring the species can be sustained for future generations while allowing for responsible commercial and recreational use. Conservation strategies focus on balancing ecological preservation with regulated harvesting practices.

At the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery, staff are actively involved in breeding and restoration programs aimed at rebuilding paddlefish populations. These efforts are part of a broader mission to conserve native aquatic species and restore healthy ecosystems throughout the region.

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Dan Quayle, whose place in U.S. vice presidential history is mostly remembered for things he said, then wished he didn’t.

“I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future.”

More recently, Mike Pence. Hero, or heel?

Both from Indiana, like Benjamin Harrison.

Who? One of the more obscure U.S. presidents, the 23^rd man to hold the office, for one term (1889-93).

Shifting to “who are celebrities born and raised in Indiana,” for $400 …

Larry Bird.

The Jacksons – Janet, Michael, Tito, et al.

John Mellencamp.

DAY-vid LETTERMAN.

No great Indy 500 drivers, but the Indy 500.

Tony Stewart, one of NASCAR’s all-time stars.

Colonel Sanders, who crossed the Ohio River and became the most famous chicken cooker ever.

Axl Rose and David Lee Roth.

The real “Hoosiers,” the 1954 Milan High School Indians, with a school enrollment of 154, the smallest school ever to capture the all-classifications Indiana state basketball title. You surely have seen the movie.

Jane Pauley. If you haven’t seen her CBS Sunday Morning package on her alma mater and home state, find it online.

(Me. Like Jane, born in Indianapolis, but unlike the esteemed TV journalist, I was shipped out to western Pennsylvania eight weeks later. It was really cold both places this time of year.)

Then let’s get to people who aren’t native Hoosiers, but are Indiana University icons.

Bob Knight, not Hoosier born, but definitely a Hoosier hero. A champion, and a world class chair tosser.

Mark Cuban, overjoyed alumnus/donor Monday night. A Shark.

The Six Million Dollar Man, Lee Majors, Kevin Kline and a bunch of actors.

Joe Buck. We just assumed he went to college at Busch Stadium.

Now, Fernando Mendoza and Curt Cignetti.

One won the Heisman Trophy and lived up to it leading IU to the College Football Playoff crown Monday night. He was the two-star high school quarterback born a mile from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the legend was sealed.

He’s a guy who the previous Hurricanes’ staff told no, thanks, there’s not a spot for you to walk on here.

Cignetti is the architect, chief builder and mad scientist who thought one of the country’s least successful programs could rule the college football universe. In just two years, his Hoosiers are 27-2 and in fact, do rule the CFP landscape.

Two years ago, Cignetti was coaching at James Madison. Mendoza was the freshman starting quarterback for the Cal Bears in the Independence Bowl.

All who encountered him for that week up in Shreveport have said this guy is that guy. He was every bit as charming, as humble and as magnetic as he has been this season.

Cignetti has told journalists and anyone else that the Hoosiers’ story is fit for a Hollywood script. He’s right.

It’s as if Indiana is the epicenter for unlikely epic sports accomplishments.

Milan is obvious. Bird leading Indiana State to the NCAA finals is another. Butler’s more recent run to the Final Four championship game fits. Rudy and Notre Dame football.

John Daly got in the 1991 PGA Championship as a last-minute alternate, and won, going wire-to-wire, in Crooked Stick, Indiana.

It happens there. Again, and again, and again.

As the TV talking heads scrambled to express their amazement, justifiably, Monday night, more than a few said Indiana may be the best college football team ever.

The 2019 LSU Tigers beg to differ.

Cignetti said as much later last night. His isn’t the most talented. Just the most unlikely rags-to-riches story ever – “the sum of our parts.”

The Hoosiers finished 16-0, the most wins by an unbeaten modern-day college team (2019 LSU was 15-0).

They did it in Miami, where the 1972 Dolphins went 17-0 in their perfect Super Bowl season, the only one in NFL history.

Wonder if the Hoosiers will have champagne toasts at the end of each season when no other college squad can do what they did.

They have earned the right. And with an average age of 23 on the team, they can already do it legally.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

 

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Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mouse trap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are aways looking to make improvements and advancements with regards to their technology.

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!

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The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches welcomed Cle’lie Aubin of Imagine More LLC as a guest speaker during its weekly meeting.

Aubin discussed the benefits of yoga as a mind–body practice, emphasizing how movement, breathwork, and mindfulness can reduce stress, improve flexibility and strength, promote better sleep, enhance mental clarity, and support overall well-being.

Club members described the presentation as both informative and inspiring.

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Here’s my latest Q & A

About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

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If you grew up in the 1960s, you remember that nightly publicservice announcement that came on right before the late news: “It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?”

Of course, our parents didn’t know where we were. It was the 60s. Half the time we didn’t know where we were. Childhood back then was a freerange, unsupervised, loosely organized adventure involving bicycles with no helmets, creeks with questionable water quality, and a general understanding that you should be home “before dark,” which could mean anything from 5:30 PM to the next morning depending on the season and your mother’s mood.

Today’s parents track their children with GPS, Bluetooth, satellite imaging, and—if necessary—a drone. In the 60s, the only tracking device was your mother’s voice hollering your name across three neighborhoods like a foghorn powered by righteous indignation. And somehow, that worked.

Back then, if you told your mom, you were “going outside,” that was considered a complete itinerary. No one asked followup questions. No one needed a permission slip. You could be building a treehouse, digging a hole to China, or accidentally setting something on fire. As long as you came home eventually and didn’t bleed on the carpet, you were considered a successful child.

And yet, for all the differences between then and now, one thing hasn’t changed: every generation has to figure out life—and faith—for themselves.

My generation grew up with three TV channels, rotary phones, and the theological certainty that if you ran in church, God would personally trip you. Today’s kids grow up with smartphones, streaming services, and the ability to Google “Why does my pastor say that?” during the sermon. (Please don’t tell me if you’ve done this.)

But here’s the truth: faith has never been something you inherit like your grandmother’s casserole dish.

Each generation has to discover Christ anew—sometimes in ways that surprise the generation before them. And the church, if it wants to stay alive and not become the spiritual equivalent of lukewarm leftovers, has to let the Holy Spirit shape it into a living, breathing, organic body of Christ—not a museum of how things used to be.

The kids who grew up hearing “It’s 10 PM—do you know where your children are?” are now grandparents watching their own grandkids navigate a world we couldn’t have imagined. And just like our parents trusted us to find our way home before dark, we can trust that God is guiding this new generation toward their own encounter with grace.

So the next time you worry about “kids these days,” remember: our parents survived us. And God, who has been faithful through every generation—from rotary phones to TikTok—will be faithful still.

And if you’re reading this after 10 PM, don’t worry. God knows where His children are. Always has. Always will.

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