Renovations are underway at the former Community Care Center located at 720 Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches as the site is transformed into a new inpatient and medical detox facility operated by Nova Vital Recovery. The renovations are part of Nova Vital Recovery’s broader expansion across North Louisiana, with additional programs planned in Monroe and Shreveport.
The Natchitoches facility will operate as a Louisiana addiction treatment center, providing medically supervised detox and inpatient services to individuals seeking recovery. Once completed, the site will offer local access to care that previously required travel outside the parish.
Nova Vital Recovery’s decision to repurpose the former Community Care Center reflects a growing demand for substance use treatment services in the region. The renovation project also brings new investment into the Keyser Avenue area, returning the property to active use while expanding healthcare resources within the community.
No official opening date has been announced, but exterior signage at the site indicates the facility will operate under the name Nova Vital Recovery Natchitoches once renovations are complete.
Natchitoches’ sixth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration March for Justice and Peace was held on Jan. 19. The march began at the Ben D. Johnson Center and proceeded to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Park. The marchers were led by NSU’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter who carried a wreath to commemorate the memory of the civil rights leader.
Dr. Martin Luther King was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, joining as a graduate student in 1952 at Boston College. The Alphas were joined by brothers and sisters from NSU’s Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma Greek organizations as well as community members and civic leaders. Twenty-five students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts joined the march, something they have done each year the event has been held. They were joined by the coach and entire NSU volleyball team as well as several athletes, students and faculty from NCHS.
The march ended at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Park where in a solemnly moving ceremony the brothers of NSU’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter placed a wreath at Dr. King’s memorial. After the ceremony, the marchers moved to the Martin Luther King Recreational Center for a commemorative program. Coach, teacher and pastor Rev. Kedrin Seastrunk delivered an insightful and moving keynote address. Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. was the final speaker, dismissing the crowd and inviting them to a delicious lunch of gumbo and taco soup courtesy of the Rockford Baptist Church.
The event was organized by the City of Natchitoches, NSU, and the Northwestern State University Gail Metoyer Jones Center. The Natchitoches City Marshal’s office and Police Department provided traffic control.
The Gorum Community Center has begun initial efforts to renovate its property as board members work to restore and expand the facility for future community use.
Mark Kerry, president of the Gorum Community Center, said the organization assumed ownership of the former Gorum High School property in 1983, after the school closed in 1980 and the land was transferred from the Natchitoches Parish School Board. Kerry noted that while little improvement was made to the site for many years, the current board is now active and engaged in moving the project forward.
The first phase of renovations focuses on replacing aging tin sheets on the roof and walls of the old shop building. According to Kerry, new tin will be installed once approval is received from the Natchitoches Parish Planning and Zoning Commission. The center has raised some funds to begin the work and is seeking additional donations as well as volunteers to assist with the project.
Once the roof and walls are completed, the board plans to raise funds for interior improvements. Future phases include installing a ceiling, creating a kitchen area, building restrooms, and adding HVAC systems. Long-term plans also include finishing the interior space and developing a recreational area with basketball goals and tennis or volleyball nets.
Kerry expressed appreciation to those who have already contributed time and support to the project, including Henry Troquille, Cynthia Garsee, Chris Williams, Joey Troquille, Kenneth Sherman Kerry, Jerry Bolton, Brian Nichols, and Dexter Goynes.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) has expanded its diagnostic capabilities with the addition of electroencephalogram (EEG) services, providing patients with access to advanced neurological testing within the community.
An EEG is a safe, painless, and noninvasive diagnostic test that records the brain’s electrical activity. During the test, small electrodes are placed on the scalp to detect and record brain waves, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate how the brain is functioning in real time.
EEGs play a critical role in diagnosing and managing a wide range of neurological conditions, including seizure disorders and epilepsy, altered mental status, head injuries, strokes, brain infections, and tumors. Because EEG testing does not involve radiation, it is particularly valuable for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and critically ill patients.
The availability of EEG services at NRMC improves timely access to care, which can be lifesaving for patients experiencing seizures or sudden neurological changes. Offering this service locally reduces the need for patients to travel long distances, minimizes delays in diagnosis, and allows providers to begin appropriate treatment sooner.
“Expanding access to EEG services is another way we are strengthening care for the patients and communities we serve,” said Kirk Soileau, CEO of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. “Providing this level of neurological testing close to home improves patient safety, supports faster clinical decision-making, and helps ensure continuity of care for patients and their families.”
Shelly Coleman, RRT, BASAH, Respiratory Therapy Manager at NRMC, emphasized the clinical importance of the service for patients across the region. “EEG testing gives our providers critical, real-time information about brain function,” Coleman said. “Having this service available locally allows us to respond more quickly to neurological concerns, support timely diagnosis, and deliver more comprehensive care for patients who may be experiencing serious or sudden changes in their condition.”
EEG services enhance NRMC’s ability to deliver comprehensive neurological care across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, supporting improved coordination among providers and better overall patient outcomes.
EEG tests are performed in NRMC’s Ambulatory Treatment Center. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 318-214-4265. For additional information about EEG services, patients and providers may contact the Respiratory Therapy Department at 318-214-4696.
Members of the NSU Elementary Lab 4-H club recently traveled to Shreveport to participate in a hands-on service project at Holy Angels.
During the visit, students distributed essential items to residents and also assisted with various projects around the facility. The effort allowed the 4-H’ers to take part in direct community service while learning the value of helping others through action.
Natchitoches Parish 4-H officials recognized Revill Dean for leading the service initiative and thanked club leader Mrs. Wiggins for organizing and supporting the trip.
Organizers said the project reflected the core mission of 4-H by encouraging youth to serve their communities, develop compassion, and engage in meaningful service experiences beyond the classroom.
Landyn Jumawan and the Northwestern Demons fell in the closing seconds at Houston Christian Monday night. (NSU file photo by CHRIS REICH)
A pair of late lead changes and one final drive to the rim sent the Northwestern State men’s basketball team to a heartbreaking 82–80 loss Monday night at Sharp Gymnasium, as Houston Christian erased a late deficit and delivered the final blow in Southland Conference play.
The Demons (6-13, 4-6) appeared in control heading into the closing minutes, leaning on interior efficiency and timely scoring, but the Huskies answered possession after possession down the stretch before Kylin Green’s driving layup with four seconds remaining proved decisive.
“We put ourselves in position to win,” third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. “But when you have an eight-, nine-, 10-point lead, you’ve got to figure out a way to close it out. Right now, when it’s time to go, we’re not defending the way we need to defend.”
Northwestern gave up a 13-point lead Saturday in a last-second 76-74 loss at UIW.
Northwestern led 65-55 at the 10-minute mark Monday night after a Kordrick Turner layup capped a steady offensive stretch, forcing HCU to play from behind.
The Huskies (6-13, 3-7) responded with a surge fueled by perimeter shooting, trimming the margin to three after back-to-back 3-pointers from Trent Johnson and Riley Bartley.
The Demons briefly steadied themselves behind Willie Williams, who finished through contact on multiple possessions and converted a free throw at the 2:13 mark to make it 79–75.
The Huskies refused to fade.
D’Aundre Samuels buried a corner 3 with 1:54 remaining to cut the deficit to one, and after Izzy Miles split a pair of free throws on the other end, Green calmly knocked down two at the stripe to tie the game at 80 with 53 seconds remaining.
Northwestern had one more opportunity to respond but came up empty, setting the stage for Green’s final attack.
The senior guard drove downhill and finished at the rim with four seconds left, giving HCU its first lead since early in the second half.
A last-second running shot for the Demons did not fall, sealing the Huskies’ comeback after they shot 60 percent from the field and 12-of-20 from beyond the arc.
“We can score,” Cabrera said. “Offense isn’t the issue. When you score 80-plus points on the road, that’s not the problem. But when you give up 80-plus points, that’s an issue. Our defense has to be better than our offense late.”
In its last two home games, Northwestern won on a Micah Thomas 3-pointer at the buzzer and a free throw with just over a second remaining, before the agonizing losses at UIW and HCU. Cabrera emphasized that the recurring theme of close finishes must lead to growth, especially with the season’s margin tightening.
“At some point, you’ve got to come together as a unit and guard when it matters the most,” Cabrera said. “Every game in this league is going to be a nailbiter under four minutes. The team that gets the most stops is going to win, period.”
Northwestern returns to Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum on Saturday, hosting East Texas A&M at Prather Coliseum. Tipoff is 3:30 p.m.
The Northwestern State football program has placed five players on the Southland Conference All-Academic team announced by the conference office.
Natchitoches native and St. Mary’s product Ben Bienvenu, Caleb Billiot, Myion Hicks, Abram Johnston and Danny Sears each earned a spot on the team for the Demons. It is the first all-academic honor for each of the five student-athletes.
To be considered for the selection, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 or better while participating in at least 50 percent of the team’s competitions.
Bienvenu saw action in 11 games in his first season with the Demons. He made a season-high five tackles against McNeese and picked up four more against UIW a week later, including his first career tackle for loss. Bienvenu is a business administration major and has a 3.64 GPA.
One of two team captain selection to earn all-academic honors, Billiot started every game for the Demons at center in 2025. He extended his consecutive games started at the position to 16 by season’s end with 21 total starts over the past two years. The Houma native carries a 3.54 GPA in health and exercise science and was also named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team earlier this month.
A graduate transfer, Hicks led the Demons in rushing in 2025 with 311 yards on 78 carries, bursting onto the scene with a season-long 51-yard jaunt in the opening win against Alcorn State. Hicks produced a 4.0 mark in NSU’s health and human performance master’s program.
NSU’s starting quarterback throughout the season, Johnston maintained a 3.86 GPA as a sophomore biology major while throwing for over 1,000 yards, rushing for nearly 300 and contributing to 11 total touchdowns during the season. Perhaps his signature performance of the year came on the road at Nicholls where he accounted for 242 total yards and three touchdowns, two of them rushing, while going 18-for-23 through the air and carrying the ball 18 times in the game.
The other team captain from this list and fellow CSC Academic All-District selection, Sears was one of four defensive players to start every game for the Demons this past season. He finished fourth on the team with 51 tackles with at least two stops in every game, pushing his streak of game with two or more tackles to 17 straight. A health and human performance major, Sears made five or more stops in five games and maintains a 3.55 GPA.
East Texas A&M linebacker Koby-Sebasyen King and Stephen F. Austin defensive lineman Ky Thomas were named SLC co-Student-Athlete of the Year.
Local author and Natchitoches Parish native John Ballard Jr. will host a book signing and release event at the Natchitoches Parish Library on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ballard is a published author whose works include three devotional books and one Christian science fiction title. The upcoming event will celebrate the release of his newest book and provide readers an opportunity to meet the author, discuss his work, and have copies signed.
Several of Ballard’s previously published books are currently available through the Natchitoches Parish Library system.
Community members interested in learning more about Ballard and his writing can contact him by email at things2brew.on@gmail.com. He can also be followed on his blog at groundedandsettled.net.
Shasta Lynn Johnson Daniels, beloved wife, mother, Kippi, great-grandmother, teacher, and faithful servant of the Lord, age 77, of Robeline, LA, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, at her home in Robeline, LA.
Arrangements are being managed by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA where the family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, January 22, 2026. The funeral service will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Many, LA at 2:00 PM Friday, January 23, 2026 with President Jared Vincent officiating. Interment will be at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Robeline, LA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Millard Johnson and Willie Cleo Lewis Johnson of Otis, LA and her brother, Dr. Tommy G. Johnson and wife Elizabeth of Natchitoches, LA. She is survived by her husband Carroll Daniels of Robeline; daughters, Briana Methvin and husband Brent of Lincolnville, KS; Cecilia Henderson and husband Paul of Robeline, LA; and Carolyn and husband Ray of Eros, LA; 9 grandchildren, Shane Methvin of Emporia, KS, Kyle Methvin of Lincolnville, KS, Andrew Skerlong and wife Katelyn of Avinger, TX, Cole Methvin and wife Emma of Elmdale, KS, Nicole Bierman and husband Logan of Gilmer, TX, Tucker Henderson of Robeline, LA, Lane Methvin of Lincolnville, KS, Noah Henderson of Robeline, LA and Molly Skerlong of Eros, LA; and 6 great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Shane Methvin, Kyle Methvin, Andrew Skerlong, Cole Methvin, Tucker Henderson, Lane Methvin and Noah Henderson.
Shasta grew up in Otis, LA and attended school at Oakhill. She often shared fond memories of her time at home and enjoyed close relationships with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. She spoke with joy of family gatherings and cookouts in the “old cabin” outside of her family home. She was especially close to her parents Cecil and Cleo, brother Tommy and grandmothers Molly and Alma. She cherished the role of wife, mother, grandmother (affectionately known as Kippi coined by her oldest grandchild, Shane), and great grandmother.
After earning her B.A. from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA she dedicated 43 years of service as an educator teaching in several Louisiana Parishes most notably Natchitoches Parish. The majority of her career was spent at Marthaville Elementary and Junior High School. She continued her education and received her Master’s +30 in Education and Specialist degree. She also certified in Gifted Education and retired as the Curriculum Coordinator for Natchitoches Parish Schools. She was voted Teacher of the Year for Marthaville Junior High and Natchitoches Parish. Shasta shaped countless young lives with patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Teaching was not just her profession – it was her ministry.
Throughout her life as a devoted Christian and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Shasta served as adult Sunday school teacher for 12 years, Primary leader and teacher, seminary teacher and as Young Women’s and Relief Society Presidents. She also served in various stake leadership callings. As a child, she was a classically trained piano player and shared her musical gift as the church and choir pianist. Of her many positions she often said that her time as Nursery leader was her favorite. Her quiet faith, gentle leadership, and Christlike love left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
In 1980’s Baton Rouge, Shasta joined the major ERA movement. She stood with many passionate women on the State capital in support of women’s rights.
Shasta will be remembered for her kind heart. She never wanted anyone to go hungry and often fed struggling families in her community. Her legacy of faith, family devotion and compassion will continue through generations.
Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death studying fine arts. He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time he took whatever manual labor job he could get.
For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other they bickered, as most siblings do but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive. He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting. When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself, “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.” In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.
Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist. Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely. For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.
Sources:
1. Daily News (Sydney, Australia), September 22, 1939, p.1.
2. The Daily News Leader (Staunton, Virginia), November 22, 1992, p.8.
3. The Bolton News, September 27, 2006, p.4.
4. “Alois Hitler Sr.,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, findagrave.com/memorial/11646/alois-hitler.
5. “Klara Pölzl Hitler,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, findagrave.com/memorial/11645/klara-hitler.
Shasta Lynn Johnson Daniels Service: Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Many
Dorothy Camille Mims October 26, 2015 — January 15, 2026 Service: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, located at 145 Church Street in Natchitoches
Braylan Lee Bayonne December 14, 1998 – January 14, 2026 Arrangements TBA
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 tonpjnatla@gmail.com
Welcome to this special edition of On Point. I’m Marvin Blake Jr. On this Marvin Luther King Jr. day, January 19th, 2026, we all pause not only to remember his dream but to reclaim a discipline, the daily practice of dignity, courage, and forward motion. Dr. King’s legacy is often framed in thunderous moments, marches, speeches, and moral showdowns, but some of his most enduring lessons came quietly in stories about ordinary work done extraordinarily well and about the responsibility each of us bear when injustice appears in our midst.
One such lesson shines literally in Dr. King’s recollection of a shoe shine man in Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. King often spoke of a man whose job was to shine shoes, not a general, not a judge, a working man who took pride in his craft. Dr. King urged the audience to imagine that if this man was called to shine shoes, he should do it so well that people would stop and say, here lived a great shoe shine man.
In different tellings, Dr. King described the best shoe shine man in Montgomery as someone who approached his work with excellence, dignity, and self-respect. The message was unmistakable. Greatness is not conferred by title.
It is revealed by commitment. Whether sweeping streets or shining shoes, Dr. King insisted that all honest labor deserved honesty when done with pride. In a society quick to measure worth by status, he offered a radical recalibration of how you should serve matters more than where you stand.
He often spoke of forward motion no matter the pace. Dr. King paired dignity with persistence. He said, if you can’t fly, then run.
He said in one of his most quoted refrains, if you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.
This was not a call to haste. It was a command against despair. He often spoke of the cause of standing idly by.
Perhaps Dr. King’s most unsettling warning was not aimed at those who commit wrongdoing, but at those who witness it and do nothing. Again and again, he reminded the nation that history’s harshest judgment often falls not on the loud perpetrators of injustice, but on the quiet bystanders who allow it to continue. Wrongdoing, he augured, flourishes when good people choose comfort over conscience.
This challenge remains piercingly relevant. In an age of endless information and constant outage, the temptation to watch, scroll, and move on has never been greater. Dr. King did not accept neutrality as innocence.
To stand idly by, he taught, is to participate by omission. On this MLK Day, Dr. King’s words should do more than inspire. They assign responsibility.
Be the best at your work, whatever it is, and do it with pride. Keep moving forward, no matter how slow the progress feels. And when injustice appears, refuse the safety of silence.
Dr. King did not ask us to be perfect. He asked us to be faithful to our labor, to our conscience, and to one another. Sixty-plus years later, the path he marked is still open, still demanding, and still possible.
– Marvin Blake, Jr.
Brought to you by Lance Lopez with Farm Bureau, Harrington Law Firm and the Sharpco Hotel Group.
The brothers of Northwestern State University’s chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, a fixture of NSU’s Greek life since 1973, presented the 6th annual Martin Luther King Day program at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on Jan. 17.
Different brothers in the chapter spoke on several topics: the fraternity’s history at NSU, the fraternity’s history as well as famous Alphas such as Dr Martin Luther King and the history of the civil rights movement in the local area as well as the nation. An Alpha also performed a superbly moving rendition of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Dr. Martin Luther King, a 1964 recipient of the Nobel Prize, is one of Alpha Phi Alpha’s most well known alumni, becoming a member while a student at Boston University in 1952. The annual Echoes of the Civil Rights Movement event has rapidly become a cornerstone of our area’s celebrations of Dr. King’s life and legacy.
“I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
“Five score years ago a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand today signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree is a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But 100 years later the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later the life of the Negro is still badly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.
“One hundred years later the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. So we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
“In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our Republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men—yes, black men as well as white men—would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. . . .
“We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protests to degenerate into physical violence. . . . The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny.
“. . . We cannot walk alone. And as we walk we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.
“We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities.
“We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their adulthood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “For Whites Only.”
“We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and the Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote.
“No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. . . .
“I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream . . . I have a dream that one day in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
“I have a dream today . . .
“This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning. “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountain side, let freedom ring.” And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
“But not only that. Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi, from every mountain side. Let freedom ring . . .
“When we allow freedom to ring—when we let it ring from every city and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last, Free at last, Great God a-mighty, We are free at last.”
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises the public that on Tuesday, Jan. 20 LA 504 near its intersection with 8 Mile Loop in Natchitoches Parish will be closed.
This closure is scheduled to be in place from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one (1) day, and is necessary to allow DOTD crews to repair a cross drain pipe located under the roadway. This work ensures adequate and proper drainage through the area.
The road will be back open to traffic by the end of the day.
Permit/Detour section East Bound Traffic will detour west on LA 504 then east on LA 6 then north on LA 1 to LA 3191. West Bound Traffic will detour east on LA 504 to LA 3191 then south on LA 1 then west on LA 6 to LA 504.
Safety Reminder DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Additional Information Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
Residents and businesses in the Natchitoches area may have resources to help early childhood learning by allowing preschoolers to turn potential trash into treasure. The Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center at Northwestern State University is seeking donations of items that would normally end up in a landfill, but that the CDC can use as tools for discovery and creativity.
“We are embarking on a new artistic and building journey at the CDC,” said Director Faith Birdwell. “We are not asking anyone to send or spend any monetary amount. We are just asking to help reduce, reuse and recycle items that may normally be thrown out, like old keys, wood cut offs, wire, pieces of paper, etc.”
Discards, overruns, excess inventory and other materials such as dowels, spindles, springs, tiles, tubes, fabric swatches, wallpaper scraps, blocks, spools, cardboard cutoffs, yarn, buttons and many other items can be used by the preschoolers in building and play activities.
“We plan hands-on learning and encourage expression and creativity in the children,” Birdwell said. “We invite you to join us in reimagining the value of what is often thrown away and investing in the potential of young minds. Together, we can turn surplus into possibility and transform everyday discards into powerful tools for learning and discovery.”
Some examples of “tools and treasures” for creativity a self-discovery include the following.
Wooden dowels Blocks Turnings Molding pieces Cast-offs Spools Spindles Gears Springs Plastic caps in various sizes and colors Foam shapes Ceramic pieces Tiles Cardboard offcuts Tubes Yarn, string, ribbon, felt pieces Small sticks, twigs River rocks Wire, rope, nuts, bolts, hardware Buttons, beads, bangles, jewelry pieces Fabric swatches Samples Bolts Mat board Framing end-cuts Old keys Pebbles Wire Wallpaper scraps Flooring Cut Offs Mirrors Empty paper towel rolls Materials of different texture, weight and colors
Items that are soiled, moldy, sharp or might contain hazardous materials are not acceptable. Stanfield and her staff will sort thorough materials before children are allowed to use them.
For more information and to discuss donation opportunities or coordinate drop-off, contact Birdwell at stanfieldf@nsula.edu or (318) 357-6860.
The Krewe of Waguns will host its annual Children and Pet Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in downtown Natchitoches.
The parade, themed “Laissez les ‘BONE’ temps rouler,” is open to children, pets, and family-friendly floats. Registration will begin at 2 p.m., with parade lineup starting at 2:45 p.m. at the Bank of Montgomery, located at 814 Washington Street. The parade will roll at 3 p.m.
The parade route will begin at the Bank of Montgomery, travel south on Front Street to Touline Street, then turn left toward the downtown riverbank stage.
The entry fee is $20 per family. Participants who register their pets will be eligible for “Celebrity Status,” including the titles of King Rex Rufus and Queen Mutt A Gras.
Awards will be presented for first, second, and third place in the categories of Best Dressed Pet Costume, Best Children’s Costume, and Best Float.
Golf carts are permitted if driven by an adult. Children may participate using scooters, bicycles, or wagons but must be accompanied by an adult. ATVs are not permitted. Participants are encouraged to bring their own beads to throw during the parade.
The event is designed as a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration and is open to the public.
St. Mary’s Catholic School is now accepting applications and re-enrollments for the 2026–2027 school year, offering a faith-centered education for students in Pre-K3 through 12th grade. With a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and competitive athletics, St. Mary’s provides an environment where students are formed academically, spiritually, and socially.
For more than 138 years, St. Mary’s Catholic School has been dedicated to fostering a love of learning in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates rigorous academics with enriching extracurricular opportunities, forming well-rounded students who are prepared for success in high school, college, and beyond.
Why Choose St. Mary’s Catholic School?
Faith-Focused Learning
Students grow in their Catholic faith through daily prayer, religious instruction, school liturgies, and service to others.
Academic Excellence
St. Mary’s offers a challenging, well-rounded curriculum supported by small class sizes, personalized instruction, and dedicated faculty. Students are encouraged to develop their gifts both inside and outside the classroom through a wide range of athletic teams, fine arts, clubs, and extracurricular activities that promote leadership, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth.
Welcoming Community
St. Mary’s is a close-knit school family where students, parents, and faculty form lasting relationships rooted in faith and shared values.
Preparation for the Future
From early childhood through college-preparatory high school, St. Mary’s equips students with the skills, discipline, and moral foundation needed for lifelong success.
Enrollment Information
Families interested in enrolling their children at St. Mary’s are encouraged to visit http://www.smstigers.org to learn more about academic programs and complete the online application. The admissions team is available to assist families throughout the enrollment process.
Financial Aid Opportunities
St. Mary’s believes that a quality Catholic education should be accessible to families seeking a faith-based academic environment. A variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available. Additional details, including application timelines, will be shared soon. Families are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid section of the website for updates.
Visit St. Mary’s During Catholic Schools Week
Prospective families are invited to attend school tours during Catholic Schools Week on Tuesday, January 27, at 8:15 a.m. or 12:15 p.m. These guided tours provide an opportunity to see classrooms in action, meet faculty, and learn more about the St. Mary’s experience.
For more information about enrollment or to schedule an individual tour, please contact Debbie Norman at (318) 352-8394 or dnorman@smstigers.org.
Join the St. Mary’s family and become part of a tradition of excellence in faith and education. We look forward to welcoming you!
Bids/Proposals will be accepted until February 3, 2026 1:00 p.m. and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 PM in the School Board’s Central Office, 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71457-5709. Please find bid-related documents at WWW.CENTRALBIDDING.COM Bids/Proposals received after the date and time of opening will not be considered. Facsimile transmissions will not be considered. Additional information may be obtained upon request by contacting Jordan Rowell,
Purchasing Coordinator, at Jordan.Rowell@npsb.laor 318-352-2358, Ext. 6373, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bids may be mailed in or dropped off at 310 Royal Street address. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Tiara Abron (right, passing the ball) and the NSU Lady Demons lost Saturday at UIW. (NSU file photo by CHRIS REICH)
SAN ANTONIO – The Northwestern State women’s basketball team struggled to find consistency with the basketball in hand on Saturday, leading to a 66-53 loss to UIW.
The Lady Demons (9-8, 6-3) produced multiple scoring spurts throughout the game, but inopportune turnovers and missed shots around the rim kept them from maintaining pressure on the Cardinals (8-8, 6-3).
“We were not the better team today,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “We did not play well together and unfortunately UIW wanted it more. We got an unfortunate but good wake up call. We will watch it. Feel it. Commit to growing and be better for it.”
After turnover-prone skids sunk Northwestern behind by as much as 12 in the first half, a 12-3 burst ending the half and opening the third quarter tied the game at 33 and again at 35 early in the period.
But the sloppiness of the first minutes of the game and the inconsistent offense were fatal flaws from that point forward. UIW outscored NSU 31-18 the rest of the game as 11 second-half turnovers and 12 total missed layups kept the deficit at double digits most of the half. A 12-1 Cardinal run late in the third gave them the comfortable lead they carried the reamainder of the way.
NSU turned the ball over 18 times leading to 20 UIW points.
The Demons finished with four players in double digits for the third straight game and the fourth time in conference play this season.
Vernell Atamah missed a double-double by one rebound with 12 points and nine boards while setting a career high with three blocks. Valentine led the way with 15 while Tiara Abron put in 11 and Stephie Salumu contributed 11 off the bench.
The Lady Demons finish the first of their three-game conference road swings Thursday by traveling to Stephen F. Austin. They are home Saturday for a doubleheader with the men against East Texas A&M-Commerce.
Sophomore Will Achee (left) had a record-breaking weekend for Northwestern as the indoor track and field season began at Texas Tech. (Photo by ETHAN LOWE, Samford University)
LUBBOCK, Texas—Regardless of what year it is, the Northwestern State 4×400 relay remains the bread and butter of a powerful track and field program.
For the second consecutive day at the season-opening Corky Classic hosted by Texas Tech, NSU broke a school record, and once again, Will Achee was in the middle of it.
The quartet of Achee, Desmond Duncan, Kason Jones and Elijah Rowe ran a 3:08.13 Saturday to smash the previous record of 3:09.05, set last season.
“It was a really a pretty dang good day,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “Both 4×4 teams ran really well. They were not perfect races by any means but for first meet, it was exciting. They will be fun to watch this year.
“Randy (Kelly) starting off right at his OR, Marquise’s (Butler) first college competition and jumps a PR. There were so many great running performances and the throwers competed well.”
Friday, Achee posted an indoor school record, running a 46.84 in the men’s 400-meter dash, highlighting NSU’s efforts on the opening day. The sophomore placed fifth overall out of 51 competitors, winning his heat and finishing fifth in the event.
TENNIS: In a season-opening two-day round robin hosted by LSU in Baton Rouge, the reigning Southland Conference champion Lady Demons were beaten 7-0 Saturday by the fifth-ranked Tigers, then bounced back in a big way Sunday morning, earning a 6–1 victory over Xavier of Louisiana at the LSU Tennis Complex.
Northwestern (1-1) took control early by securing the doubles point with dominant performances at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.
The pairing of Pika Doberlet and Maria Farina cruised to a 6–0 win at No. 2 doubles against Ana Sabikova and Laura Lopez, while Martina Acebedo Bonocore and Athina Grigoriadou matched that score with a 6–0 victory at No. 3 against Anais Yakan and Valeria Ortega.
The Lady Demons carried that momentum into singles play, winning five of the six matches to seal the team victory.
The opening loss to LSU had its merits, said third-year NSU coach Marcos Morelli.
“The girls competed hard and stayed committed to the process from start to finish,” Morelli said. “It was a tough environment, and the effort and fight were there on every court.”
Facing one of the nation’s elite programs provided an early benchmark for the Lady Demons as they begin the 2026 campaign.
“Matches like this show the level of consistency and discipline required at the highest level,” Morelli said. “If we keep working every day and trust the process, this experience will help us grow.”
