March 31, 2026
Month: March 2026
Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Arrests, Drug and Firearm Seizure in Natchitoches
A late-night traffic stop in Natchitoches Parish resulted in the arrests of two individuals and the seizure of narcotics and a firearm, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
The incident began on March 25 around 12:20 a.m., while deputies were assisting the Natchitoches Police Department with a “shots fired” call near 1815 South Drive. Authorities were looking for a Dodge Charger believed to be connected to the report.
Deputies later spotted and attempted to stop a Dodge Charger on Sadia Street for a traffic violation. The driver failed to stop, continued onto South Bend Drive, and attempted to pull into a private driveway.
As deputies approached the vehicle, the driver—identified as 33-year-old Christopher D. Jordan of Natchitoches—exited the car in an aggressive manner and began yelling at deputies, according to officials. Deputies say Jordan refused commands and resisted arrest, allegedly threatening officers during the encounter.
A female passenger exited the vehicle during the incident and initially left the scene. Authorities say a crowd also gathered and interfered with deputies as they attempted to take Jordan into custody. Additional assistance was requested from the Natchitoches Police Department and Louisiana State Police to help control the situation.
After the scene was secured, deputies conducted an inventory of the vehicle and later identified the owner as 44-year-old Carolyn M. Mitchell of Natchitoches, who returned to the scene. Authorities say Mitchell had three active warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office and was arrested without incident.
The vehicle search led to the discovery and seizure of a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Series handgun, 51 suspected ecstasy tablets, approximately six grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
Both Jordan and Mitchell were booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center. Jordan faces charges including failure to yield to emergency vehicles, resisting an officer with force or violence, public intimidation, and traffic violations. Mitchell faces charges including possession of CDS I ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, flight from an officer, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Authorities say Mitchell admitted to owning the seized drugs and firearm. Both suspects have since been released on bond pending court appearances, with bond set at $22,500 for Jordan and $32,500 for Mitchell by a 10th Judicial District Judge.
Sheriff Wright credited deputies and assisting agencies for safely bringing the situation under control and used the incident to remind the public about the dangers of interfering with law enforcement.
“Crowds gathering, shouting, or attempting to involve themselves can escalate tensions, place officers and suspects at risk, and jeopardize public safety,” Wright said.
The investigation remains ongoing. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Dr. Jason Anderson named next executive director of LSMSA
Dr. Jason Anderson will serve as the next Executive Director of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA). His appointment is subject to approval by LSMSA’s Board of Directors, who will meet on June 15.
Dr. Anderson, who currently serves as the school’s Director of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, will begin his new role on July 1. He will replace Dr. Steve Horton, who is retiring from the post on June 30 after serving 10 years.
“The search committee is pleased to culminate the last six months of their work by recommending Dr. Anderson for the position,” said Dr. Greg Handel, chair of the search committee. “He possesses the thoughtful and dynamic dispositions to serve as Executive Director, is passionate about the mission of LSMSA, understands the unique perspectives that LSMSA students bring to campus, and is a staunch advocate for the rigorous standards of the school. We look forward to working with him to continue to move the school forward.”
With over 15 years of experience as an educator and administrator at LSMSA, Dr. Anderson brings an intimate understanding of the institution’s mission and culture. Since joining the faculty in 2011, he has served in numerous leadership capacities, including Faculty Representative on the Board of Directors, Director of the LSMSA-EXCEL program, and Principal Lecturer of Science.
“My leadership philosophy is rooted in service,” Dr. Anderson said. “I built this philosophy while I was a faculty member and volunteer coach here; I have consistently prioritized service that strengthens institutional integrity and fosters student success. Whether mentoring students or supporting colleagues, I approach leadership as a way to empower others and sustain excellence.”
Dr. Anderson earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Southern University and A&M College in 2002. He later attended Texas A&M University, where he earned both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, with a concentration in Cytogenetics. Before his administrative appointment, he established himself as a distinguished researcher and educator, co-authoring several peer-reviewed publications and receiving high marks for his instruction at the collegiate level.
During his tenure at LSMSA, Dr. Anderson has been a driving force behind several key initiatives. He has overseen academic operations, faculty recruitment, and the development of the school’s Faculty Growth Evaluation Plan. He is currently focused on the final stages of the LSMSA Innovation Center and the implementation of a new engineering curriculum.
In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Anderson has been deeply involved in the school’s extracurricular life, serving as an assistant coach for the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for over a decade and acting as the faculty sponsor for the Black Student Union.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Jason for many years, and I can think of no one better prepared to lead LSMSA into its next chapter,” said retiring Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton. “His deep roots as a faculty member, combined with his recent success as Chief Academic Officer, give him a unique and invaluable perspective on what makes this community so special. I am confident that his commitment to academic excellence and his collaborative spirit will ensure the school continues to thrive as a national leader in gifted education.”
The search for the new Executive Director drew applications from throughout the nation, including several candidates from higher education. The search committee included representation from the school’s Board of Directors, the Foundation Board, faculty, alumni, and parents. Following a rigorous process that included campus visits and input from faculty, staff, and students, Dr. Anderson was selected to lead the institution into its next chapter.
“Dr. Anderson is highly regarded by the faculty and received very positive evaluations from members of the search committee,” said Dr. Vickie Gentry, Chair of the LSMSA Board of Directors. “I’m very confident that he will serve as an excellent executive director for LSMSA.”
BRIDGE CLOSURE: LA 487 over Brushy Bayou beginning April 6 for replacement
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that beginning on Monday, April 6, 2026, the LA 487 bridge over Brushy Bayou south of the Ajax community in Natchitoches Parish will be closed for replacement.
This bridge is located approximately 2.3 miles south of the intersection with LA 174.
The estimated completion date for this project is October 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.
DOTD is sending out this notification on behalf of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction (OLHC), who is managing construction activities for non-federal aid (NFA) routes, as well as the bridge bundle projects. Inquiries regarding this project should be directed to OLHC.
Permit/Detour section
Southbound: west on LA 174, south on LA 175, east on LA 120
Northbound: west on LA 120, north on LA 175, east on LA 174
Bro. Bill Collins retires from NSU’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry after 37-year tenure
Brother Bill Collins is retiring after 37 years as director of Northwestern State University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Collins and his wife Phyllis, his partner in ministry, will continue their work as he pastors Cypress Baptist Church south of Natchitoches and serves as president of the Paisano Baptist Encampment in the Pecos region of Texas near Alpine.
Collins will hand the reins over to Austin McCurry, a Haynesville native and 2016 NSU graduate who was a leader in the BCM and interned there after graduation. Haidyn Brossett of Natchitoches, a 2023 NSU graduate who will graduate from seminary in May, will serve as assistant director.
Bill and Phyllis will be honored with a reception from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 11. The retirement coincides with the BCM’s 100th anniversary at Northwestern with a celebration planned for later this year.
Collins grew up in Houston and attended Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian University) in Pineville where was active in the Baptist Student Union, as BCM was then known. He spent a summer doing mission work in the northwest Arctic region of Alaska working with the Native population and felt a call to ministry.
After graduating in 1982, he and Phyllis both enrolled in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he pursued religious education and she enrolled in the social work program. Both graduated with master’s degrees in 1985 and moved to Jamestown, North Carolina, where Collins served in a church as minister of education to youth. In the spring of 1989, the Louisiana Baptist Convention contacted him about serving as BSU director at NSU upon the retirement of Myra Gulledge, who had been in that position since 1951. Collins visited Natchitoches that spring for six weeks of planning. The couple moved that summer to begin work on June 12, 1989, with Phyllis serving as administrative assistant.
Speaking to a colleague just before NSU’s spring break, Collins reflected on the 37-year journey that allowed him to minister to, mentor and support three generations of college students.
“We had our last worship service last night and I was thinking, ‘I really should be torn up over this,’” he said. “But then looking over my shoulder, I was thinking, ‘We’ve had a good run with thousands of students coming through here being a part of our program. We’ve got thousands that are out there that are dedicated lay people in churches, serving as Sunday school teachers and we’ve got a lot of professional teachers out there, physicians and nurses and others that are serving. This doesn’t get any better.’
“What I’ve always seen as our purpose here has been this: we are told that Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, in favor with God and man, which basically means He grew in a balanced way, spiritually, socially, physically and mentally. The university really has a lot going for it for the physical and mental and even the emotional but when it gets into the spiritual world, that’s our area of expertise. We try to teach them that you’ve got to grow in a balanced way because if you don’t, you become unbalanced, and life gets off balance.”
As one of the largest student organizations on campus, BCM welcomes students of other faiths and engages them in many forms of service, including disaster relief with teams serving in New Orleans, Bay St. Louis, Lake Charles and other cities affected by hurricanes over the years.
“The philosophy is that students can come here to the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and learn how to do ministry. Some of their first opportunities to do something in a leadership role is here at the BCM. I see what we do as the laboratory experience for them to learn things and to test things out, to fail, but not to fail miserably.”
During their tenure, Bill and Phyllis built a sense of family with students.
“No family is without its dysfunction, but we have a lot of strength as a family. We want you to have a family away from home,” he said. “We have alumni that stop by and we get to see their kids. We’ve had a number of students that got married here and then they sent their kids here. We call those our grandchildren and we’ve had upwards of 12 grandchildren in any given semester. It’s been tremendous to see that the some of the students we had that were faithful and raised families and then are sending them to us.”
In 2000, Collins earned a second masters’ degree at NSU in Student Personnel Services, now called Student Affairs in Higher Education, for the classroom experience and to gain knowledge in the workings of a college campus. Support from area churches in the district was invaluable to the BCM and he says he couldn’t have done it without Phyllis.
“Phyllis doesn’t get enough credit,” he said. “I wouldn’t have lasted two years here without her and her skills. She stayed engaged in the semester we were in, and I tried to stay a semester and a half ahead because of planning and direction, seeing where we were going. Between the two of us, with her being present and me being forward-looking, I think that was the key. But I would never have lasted here without Phyllis.”
Collins is confident about the future of NSU’s BCM.
“Austin is going to come in here and take things to a level that I was losing energy to do. The gospel of Jesus Christ will not change but some changes need to occur because students have changed. Austin is going to do tremendously well, and words cannot describe Haidyn’s abilities. She can help these young ladies in so many ways and does already. It is a phenomenal thing to watch her work.”
When Collins arrived at NSU, the Baptist Student Union was housed in a building on University Parkway – then called College Avenue – across from Watson Library. In 2009, the BCM moved to a spacious new building on NSU’s Organization Row near Prather Coliseum.
“We have a cornerstone on our building that has listed where our locations have been and there’s also a cornerstone that that gives a kind of a philosophical theological background. It’s talking about helping students know Christ and making them know how to expand their walk with Christ and find their place of service in Christ’s Kingdom. That’s what we want them to find: what they’re supposed to do in life to serve the Lord.”
Collins concluded the conversation as the buses were loading for the long trip to Paisano, where he annually takes a group from the BCM. He will continue to serve as chaplain for the Demon football team and remain available to answer questions about the BCM building as needs arise.
“I jokingly tell people I’ve got to get rid of this fulltime job so I can get my other stuff done. I’m not going to lack for things to do and I’m not going to lack for ministry opportunities. Baptist ministers don’t retire. They just put us in a pine box and put us on the ground when we’re done. I’ll always remain a minister and there’s always things to do.”
Information on NSU’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry is available at https://www.nsulabcm.com.
Adai Caddo Indian Nation holds 2nd Annual Field Trip visiting sites across Natchitoches and CENLA
This month, citizens of the Adai Caddo Indian Nation gathered in Natchitoches for their second annual field trip. Tribal citizens came from Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama for a weeklong tour of historic, cultural, and religious sites across Natchitoches, Sabine, Avoyelles, and Vernon Parish.
“Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana,” said Robert Brevelle, tribal councilman and trip organizer. “Our ancestors are among its founding colonial families. And for thousands of years before the French and Spanish, we Adai Caddo were here. We are proud to be part of the community.”
Over the past two field trips, the Adai Caddo visited nearly 50 sites in and around Natchitoches.
The group visited 6 of their ancient village locations as well as the 18th century presidio and mission of Los Adaes, which was the first capital of Texas. Los Adaes is Spanish for “the Adai”. Located nearby are the first two Catholic missions established in Louisiana, both of which are named for tribe as are the local bayou and lake.
Just north of the Los Adaes State Historic Site, the group prayed at it’s cemetery and mother church, St. Anne Catholic Church. St. Anne is the tribe’s patron saint. Several Native American statues and plaques adorn the church, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
South of Natchitoches on Isle Brevelle, the group visited ancient burial sites and mounds located near the National Fish Hatchery and Melrose Plantation. The mounds and nearby bayou still bear the Adai name using its 16th century Spanish spelling of Ataho and Atayo. The group attended mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church, which was the original parish church of the St. Anne mission. The group hiked up nearby Sang Pour Sang (blood for blood) Hill, which was the location of the famous 1732 battle where the combined forces of the French from Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches, Spanish from Los Adaes, and the Natchitoches and Adai Caddo Indians defeated the invading Natchez Indians. This decisive battle contributed to ending the Natchez War, saving the fledgling Louisiana colony.
“We are grateful to the Cane River National Heritage Area, Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, and National Park Service for the outstanding tours of Los Adaes, downtown Natchitoches, and the plantations of Oakland, Magnolia, and Melrose,” said Dee Niette Thompson, tribal councilwoman and historian. “We would also like to thank our cousins Jake and Mary Rivers for the tours of the Choctaw-Apache cemetery and powwow grounds.”
In Kisatchie National Forest, the group was greeted by wild horses as they visited the location where the last wild buffalo was shot in the 1870s. The buffalo herds are gone, but sections of their migratory trails through Natchitoches Parish and Kisatchie are still visible. Also visible are two waterfalls, which are rare in the Pelican State. Multiple Indian mounds are located nearby. While within the National Forest, these areas are privately owned by tribal members.
The group headed west along the El Camino Real (The Royal Road) into Texas. The old network of Spanish roads were originally Indian trails going from Natchitoches to Mexico City. Portions of the El Camino Real in East Texas and Louisiana connected Adai villages, which are shown on 17th and 18th century maps. Maps showing village locations are on display at Los Adaes, Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches, and Grand Ecore.
“Our ancestral range covered much of CENLA and East Texas,” said Robert. “For the past 500 years of documented history, the epicenter of our tribe has been and continues to be Natchitoches Parish. This was the focus of our first two trips. We want to ensure our people know their history and maintain a connection with this land, holy sites, and our ancestors.”
Next year, the tribe will visit historic sites in Natchitoches and Nacogdoches. Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas. It was established in 1779 by Antonio Gil Ybarbo and a band of the Adai Caddo from Los Adaes. Ybarbo is a blood relative to many members of the tribe.
To learn more about the Adai Caddo Indian Nation, please visit http://www.adaicado.com.
Student registration now open for the 2026–2027 school year
The Natchitoches Parish School Board is pleased to announce that registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now officially OPEN, and families are encouraged to register their child or children as soon as possible to help ensure a smooth and successful start to the upcoming school year.
Families may access the registration links below:
Returning Students Registration Link: https://natchitoches.edgear.net/progress/
(Log in to JCampus to review and update your child’s information. It is extremely important that your child’s home address and all contact information are accurate and up-to-date. This information is used to determine bus routes and transportation eligibility, so incorrect or outdated details could impact your child’s transportation for the upcoming school year.)
New Students Registration Link: https://natchitoches.edgear.net/register/
(This registration is only for students who are new to Natchitoches Parish schools. For example: new to the district or entering kindergarten.)
Pre-K Students: Families who would like additional information about registering a pre-k student, please visit https://www.npsb.la/article/2724528
Students who are already enrolled in Natchitoches Parish schools and are simply moving to a new campus due to their grade level (such as moving from 2nd grade at LPV to 3rd grade at Weaver) should complete the ‘returning student’ registration.
Please make sure you register for the correct school year (2026-2027). Also, registration is not complete until you click “Submit.”
To assist families throughout the process, a step-by-step registration guide is available at: https://5il.co/3kt9o
For additional questions or assistance with online registration, families may contact the district’s registration support team by email at OnlineRegistration@npsb.la. Please include the student’s name and your contact information in the email.
Let’s make sure every student is ready for a great start to the school year!
FAUNA Pet of the Week: Mira
Meet Mira!
She is a sweet, gentle soul with an adorable personality and the most beautiful, expressive eyes!
At around 2 years old, Mira is calm and a little playful. She’s well-behaved, walks nicely on a leash, and has a peaceful, easygoing nature that makes her a joy to be around. She absolutely loves people, including children, and thrives on affection and companionship.
While Mira’s past hasn’t always been easy, she hasn’t let that dim her loving spirit. She is so ready for a fresh start with a caring family who will give her the love and life she dreams of.
Mira gets along with most other dogs with a proper introduction. She is spayed, up to date on all vaccinations, and more than ready to begin the next chapter of her life, hopefully with you!
If you’re looking for a loyal, gentle companion with a heart full of love, Mira is waiting to meet you!
For more information about fostering or adopting Mira, please contact FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or NPFauna.org
St. Mary’s Hebert, Lakeview’s Telsee and Reliford earn All-State recognition
The Louisiana Sports Writers Association issued its Class A All-State basketball teams Monday, including three local standouts.
On the boys team, Lakeview senior Daylon Telsee was a first-team pick and teammate Bobby Reliford received honorable mention.
On the girls team, St. Mary’s senior Ava Hebert was honorable mention.
The All-State teams combine both the Select and Non-Select divisions used in the state playoffs and are chosen by 12 LSWA member from around the state who cover high school sports.
Telsee, a 5-foot-5 guard, averaged 16 points for the Gators, who reached the Non-Select Division IV state semifinals and finished 29-5. Telsee also averaged four rebounds, four steals and two assists and was the District 1-3A MVP for veteran coach Brian Williams.
Reliford, a junior, was the Gators’ top scorer with a 17-point average and contributed eight rebounds per game.
Hebert, a senior guard, carried St. Mary’s to a pair of road upsets in the Select Division IV bracket and into a quarterfinal appearance in the Lady Tigers’ first season under new coach Layne Huckabay.
She averaged 20.1 points including 29.0 in their two playoff wins – 33 in first-round win at 12th-seeded Central Catholic, and 25 in second-round upset at 5th seeded St. Edmund.
Hebert shot an impressive 62.3 percent from the field, 36 percent on 3-pointers, and sank 85 percent of her free throws. She averaged four steals and 3.2 assists per game.
She was first-team All-District for a 21st seeded team that finished 10-17, but won six of its last seven games.
“Ava is the type of player any coach would love to have,” said Huckabay. “She can score from anywhere, she listens and will respond to what you tell her. Having her my first year at SMS made it a good one.”
Hebert ranks among the most productive players in school history. She scored 2,129 career points.
NSU’s Marsala takes Southland Hitter of the Week honor
Thomas Marsala III’s week began with a happy homecoming in Monroe.
It ended with the Northwestern State first baseman being the Southland Conference Baseball Hitter of the Week as announced by the conference Monday afternoon. Marsala was awarded the honor based on votes by league sports information personnel.
A senior from Monroe-St. Frederick, Marsala homered and drove in two runs in the Demons’ 5-0 win at ULM on Tuesday. He followed that with another home run in a two-RBI performance in Friday’s win at Nicholls.
Marsala, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound transfer from Western Kentucky, delivered a tie-breaking RBI single in the eighth inning at Nicholls on Saturday before finishing the weekend with a two-hit performance in Sunday’s come-from-behind victory.
For the week, Marsala hit .444 with a double, two home runs and five RBIs. He posted an OPS of 1.333 during the week with an .833 slugging percentage.
Marsala is tied for second in the Southland in home runs (8) and is fourth in RBIs with 31. He leads Northwestern in those categories as well as slugging percentage (.579) and hits (39), both of which are also top 10 marks in the conference for the Demons, who are 18-10 overall and share the SLC lead with Lamar at 10-5.
He follows Dylan Marionneaux, last week’s Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week, as Northwestern honorees by the conference this season. He is the first Demon to earn Hitter of the Week acclaim since Balin Valentine 52 weeks ago on March 31, 2025.
Marsala and the Demons return to action Thursday when they face UT-Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
Demon softball carries momentum into homefield rematch with Bulldogs
Northwestern State’s softball team carries momentum and scorching hot bats into its final midweek contest of the season today at 6 when Louisiana Tech visits the Demon Diamond.
The Demons (17-18) had their best offensive weekend of the season in a three-game Southland Conference sweep of East Texas A&M. They scored more than 10 runs in three straight games for the first time since 2008 and outscored the Lions 39-11 and hit .438 as a team.
The 39 runs scored was the second most across any three-game stretch for NSU since scoring 40 in three games in 1983. The three straight games with 10 or more runs scored tied a school record for the longest streak of such game.
“You wish you could bottle up a weekend like that and use it every time, but more than anything for us it’s about staying consistent,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “The approach we had at the plate this weekend is what we’ve been working toward, and I was really proud of the way everybody stayed locked in what we wanted to do the whole time. Now it’s about bringing that same focus into Tuesday.”
NSU looks to parlay that offensive confidence into a redemptive midweek performance against the Bulldogs (19-16) who won the first meeting between the two teams this year in run-rule fashion in mid-February.
The game can be seen on ESPN+ or heard locally in Natchitoches on 100.7 FM KZBL. Fans are encouraged to wear orange to the game for the “Demons on Fire” presented by BOM Bank.
While there were contributions throughout the lineup, the Demons had four players drive in more than five runs in the series and four players hit better than .500.
Sister Arnold, Brynn Daniel and Peyton Young had the biggest weekends at the plate going a combined 15-for-21 (.714) with four home runs and 20 RBI. Young finished a single shy of the cycle with two home runs, the first two of her career, in the opener. Daniel drove in runs in all three games including a game-breaking grand slam on Saturday. Arnold hit a home run, had five RBI with an .800 batting average and .900 on-base percentage for the weekend.
The Demons raised their team batting average by 14 points and, behind five home runs, nearly matching their season total entering the series, and 16 total extra-base hits, saw their team slugging go from .351 to .391 over the course of three games.
NSU traveled to Ruston just over a month ago, where the Bulldogs got a 12-3 run-rule win in five innings, riding a six-run first to victory.
“We’ve grown a lot since the last time we saw them and I think we’re a much different and better team,” Fuller said. “Our players have a better understanding of who we are now and what it takes to win against tough opponents, so it’s a good opportunity to go out and show that and how we’ve progressed since then.”
The Bulldogs enter this game after winning two of three against Missouri State in a home conference series.
Remember This: Jumps in history
People have dreamed about coasting back to Earth from great heights from at least the 1470s when Italian Francesco di Giorgio Martini designed a cone-shaped canopy parachute. It is the oldest known design for a parachute. In 1485, Leonardo da Vinci designed a pyramid-shaped parachute. For the following 300 years, several inventors, including Frenchman Louis-Sebastien Lenormand in 1783, jumped from trees to test their own parachutes, but none of their designs really worked as expected.
In 1797, André-Jacques Garnerin attached a parachute he designed to a hydrogen balloon in a test in Paris, France. When the balloon reached an altitude of about 3,200 feet, Garnerin parachuted safely back to the ground and became the first person to design and test a parachute capable of slowing a person’s fall from a high altitude. Two years later, his wife became the first female parachutist. In 1802, Garnerin made a safe parachute jump in a demonstration in England from an altitude of 8,000 feet. 101 years later, in December 1903, the Wright Brothers made history with the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in a heavier-than-air machine at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In the following years, human flight became popular. Pilots were seen as heroes and daredevils. Pilots understood that if their airplanes failed during flight, the chances of survival were slim. They recognized the need for a way to escape from a doomed aircraft and saw the life-saving potential of parachutes. On March 1, 1912, during an exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri, parachutist Albert Berry jumped from an airplane flown by another pilot at an altitude of 1,500 feet. He made a safe landing and became the first person to successfully parachute from a moving airplane.
Parachutes eventually became standard equipment for airplane pilots after World War I. They worked well for pilots of propeller driven aircraft and jet aircraft up to a point. On October 14, 1947, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager flew an experimental Bell X-1 jet around 785 miles per hour and became the first human to break the sound barrier. Eight years later, in February 1955, test pilot George Smith was flying an experimental jet over the Pacific Ocean when the jet malfunctioned. Unable to regain control, George had to bail out. The only problem was that he was flying faster than the speed of sound and no one had ever ejected from an aircraft traveling at that speed. George knew that staying in the jet meant certain death, so he made the split-second decision and ejected. The force of the wind hitting him knocked him unconscious, but his parachute automatically opened. He landed in the water near a fishing boat crewed by a former U.S. Navy rescue expert. George remained unconscious for five days. When he awoke, he was blind in both eyes. George’s recovery required numerous surgeries and a seven-month hospital stay.
The U.S. Air Force immediately began working to solve the problem of parachuting from a supersonic jet. After seven years of testing, Air Force scientists created an escape capsule for a supersonic jet. On March 21, 1962, a flyer with the call sign “Yogi” ejected from a jet flying at about 870 miles per hour, 1.3 times the speed of sound. The parachute on the capsule opened as expected. Yogi landed successfully and became the first flyer to safely parachute from a jet traveling at supersonic speed. But Yogi was no ordinary human. He was not human. The flyer with the call sign “Yogi” was a two-year-old black bear.
Sources:
1. “First parachute jump is made over Paris,” March 4, 2010, History.com, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.history.com/this-
2. “March 1, 1912, This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.
3. “February 26, 1955,” This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.
4. “March 21, 1962,” This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.
5. David Cenciotti, “A bear named ‘Yogi’ was ejected from a USAF B-58 to test the Hustler’s escape capsule on this day in 1962,” March 21, 2016, The Aviationist, accessed March 22, 2026, https://theaviationist.com/
Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation Meeting: April 14
The Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation will hold a quarterly meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at 6 pm at Legacy Cafe, located at 441 North Street in Natchitoches.
Notice of Death – March 30, 2026
Jeff Remo
Service: Saturday, April 4 at 2 pm at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Mary L. Fowler
Service: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 11am at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 391 St. Paul Church Road in Natchez
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com
March 30, 2026
Natchitoches Police investigate homicide on University Parkway
The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred early Friday morning on University Parkway. NPD officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of University Parkway on March 27 around 2:54 am in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon officers’ arrival they located the victim, Douglas Roberson (B/M, 22 y.o.a. of Coushatta), suffering from several gunshot wounds and immediately began to render aid while waiting for other first responders to arrive. Despite their efforts, Douglas Roberson was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries.
Investigators and officers canvassed the crime scene and were able to speak with several witnesses. They also collected numerous pieces of digital and physical evidence that will be sent to the crime lab for analysis.
This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.
The Natchitoches Police Department would like to thank the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Northwestern State University Police Department for their assistance during this incident.
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 Davanta Stevenson at (318) 357-3817. 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.
Natchitoches Parish Burn Ban extended as fire danger remains high
A parish-wide burn ban has been extended in Natchitoches Parish as dry conditions and elevated fire risk continue across the region.
Natchitoches Parish President John Salter issued an extension of the emergency declaration originally enacted Feb. 24, citing ongoing drought conditions and increased wildfire danger. The extension will remain in effect for an additional 30 days, set to expire April 26 unless lifted or extended further.
All previously outlined prohibitions remain in place, including the burning of leaves, yard debris, brush and agricultural waste. Parish fire officials have advised that conditions continue to pose a significant threat to life and property.
The extension comes as the National Weather Service Shreveport issued a Special Weather Statement warning of elevated fire weather conditions across northern and central Louisiana, including Natchitoches Parish.
According to the advisory, low humidity levels ranging from 20 to 30 percent, combined with dry vegetation and winds of 10 to 15 mph with higher gusts, are expected to create favorable conditions for wildfire growth from late morning through the evening hours.
Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning and any activities involving open flames or sparks. Residents are urged to report any wildfires to local authorities immediately.
NRMC expands access to life-saving stroke, neurology care through new digital healthcare partnership
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) today announced a digital healthcare partnership with TeleSpecialists, a physician-owned teleneurology and telepsychiatry provider. Through the partnership, NRMC launches three new neurology services: TeleStroke, TeleNeuroHospitalist, and TeleEEG. Patients and families across Natchitoches, Grant, Winn, Red River, and Sabine parishes who previously had to travel for stroke or neurological treatment can now receive that care at NRMC.
NRMC has grown significantly over the past 12 years, from roughly 75,000 patient encounters annually to more than 225,000 today. The 96-bed facility serves as the primary hospital for the rural communities of approximately 100,000 residents. Prior to this partnership, NRMC had no on-site neurologists, meaning patients experiencing serious neurological events had to be transferred to another facility. The new partnership with TeleSpecialists elevates NRMC to the next level in patient care.
“Expanding our telemedicine services marks a significant step in improving access to specialized neurological care for both our patients and the communities we serve,” said Sarah LaCour, Chief Nursing Offcer. “Through collaboration with trusted partners, such as TeleSpecialists, we are enhancing the depth and reach of our services and providing greater access to high-quality care. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to innovation, excellence, and meeting the evolving healthcare needs of those we serve.”
Through TeleStroke, a board-certified stroke specialist joins the care team virtually at the patient’s bedside within three minutes of arrival to provide time-sensitive treatment, any time of day or night. The TeleNeuroHospitalist program ensures patients admitted for neurological conditions have a specialist guiding their care throughout their hospital stay, without the need for transfer. With TeleEEG, specialists review brain activity for patients experiencing seizures or sudden changes in condition, giving the care team the clinical information needed to make timely decisions.
“Rural communities deserve the same standard of neurological care as any major medical center. Our partnership with NRMC means that when a patient in the greater Natchitoches region shows signs of a stroke, a specialist is there within minutes. Geography should never determine the quality of someone’s care,” said Stephanie Casale, MSN, RN, CPAHA, Quality Program Specialist, TeleSpecialists.
Building on this foundation, NRMC also plans to launch TeleSpecialists’ Outpatient Neurology program in the coming months. The addition of this scheduled follow-up care will allow patients to move from emergency care through recovery without leaving the greater Natchitoches region.
Monique Hamilton-Sarpy announces candidacy for Village of Natchez Mayor
I, Monique Hamilton-Sarpy, am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Village of Natchez Mayor. With over eight years or 2 terms of experience as an alderman and in governance, I am committed to making our community a better place for all of us.
I am married and have two children. I graduated from Northwestern State University with a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Information System. I also have a degree in General Studies with a background in Criminal Justice. I have a certificate in Entrepreneurship from NSU Small Business Program. Louisiana Technical College Hospitality certification, SHRM learning system certification of completion, along with Southern University certification in Small Business Development. I am a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
With a passion for public service and a strong desire to make a positive impact in The Village of Natchez Community. Where I have lived for all my life, I am aware of the needs of the community, the resources available and concerns of the public that face our community.
In my tenure as alderman some of my achievements were as follow:
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- Helped secured funding from Water Shed/Drainage Project $1,000,035
- Secured funding from Love Louisiana/for park improvements $125,000
- Secured funding from KLB/New Village Signage $3,250.00
- Secured LGAP funds for police department/police unit or equipment $25,000
- Secured used Police unit for Police Department
- Secured trash receptacles for Village
- Secured funding from Commission office/for Lights and Light Poles for old town hall/park $75,000
My focus will be on the following:
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- Seek funding for Lighting throughout the Community
- Work with DOTD to install Pedestrian Crossing and side walks
- Seek funding for sewer repairs & expansion
- Seek funding that will provide opportunities to residents
- Seek funding for road repairs & capital outlay projects
- Work together as a community & treat residents with respect
Together, we can create an enriching, vibrant, and inclusive community. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and connect with all of you. Please remember to vote on May 16, 2026. Monique Hamilton-Sarpy for Mayor Ballot number #47.
Sincerely,
Monique Hamilton-Sarpy
Superior performances Saturday at home by Northwestern track, tennis teams
Competing in their only home meet of the season, the Northwestern State track and field teams combined to win 19 events at the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational on Saturday at the Walter P. Ledet Track and Field Complex.
It started with Eliska Zahradnickova winning the women’s discus and finished with a victory by Elijah Rowe in the men’s 200-meter dash.
In between, NSU recorded wins by Tarajh Hudson (men’s discus), Samari Finney (women’s long jump), Roy Morris (men’s long jump), Randy Kelly (men’s high jump), Margaret Mannering (women’s hammer), Teodora Samac (women’s javelin), Shakera Williams (women’s shot put), Marquis Butler (men’s triple jump), both the men’s and women’s 4×100 relays, Rushana Dwyer (women’s 200 and 400), Will Achee (men’s 400), Juvonna Cornette (women’s 100), Keontae Gaines (men’s100), Lalaina Wood (women’s 1500) and Clinton Laguerre (men’s 400 hurdles).
The 17 individual events were won by 16 different athletes, as only Dwyer won more than one event.
“I think we had a good day on the track and in the field,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “Overall, I am very happy. The throwers really shined today, and we were probably good in every event.”
Zahradnickova began the strong day with her big personal best in the discus, tossing 172-6, which not only won the event, but is also the top mark in the Southland Conference.
Zahradnickova, one of the 33 seniors honored during the meet, started a monster day from the throwers.
That continued with Hudson in the men’s discus. Hudson threw a season-best 181-1, which moved him into the top 10 for the NCAA East qualifying and gave him the top mark in the conference.
“That definitely felt good,” Hudson said. “That was my furthest mark in a couple years, so that feels good and it feels good to be on top of the conference. I hope I can keep building on this because and keep getting better because it is a very competitive conference.”
If Hudson wasn’t leading the league in the event, his teammate would be.
Seth Smith had his best career throw, tossing a personal-best 176-2 to place second in the event and second in the Southland.
In the women’s shot put, Shakera Williams tossed a personal-best 47-8 to win the event, while Zahradnickova finished second with a throw of 46-5.75.
In the men’s javelin, Demons legend Cody Fillinich came back and threw in a meet for the first time in 17 years and it is like he never left. The 2025 N-Club Hall of Fame inductee tossed a 217-0 to win the event by a wide margin.
As good as the throws were, the jumps weren’t too shabby either, led by a personal best from Kelly.
In the 2025 Leon Johnson NSU Invitational, he recorded a personal best by clearing 7-0.5, the first time he cleared seven feet. Saturday he was at it again, clearing 7-0.75, a new personal best for the South Carolina native.
“It feels great,” Kelly said. “Last year at this meet, I jumped 2.14 and now this year, I jumped 2.15 meters, so it was great to be able to add onto my personal best. I am just blessed to be able to go out and do it again as a senior.”
Kelly also had a nice day in the men’s long jump, recording a jump of 23-7, only behind teammate, Morris, who recorded a jump of 24-8.5 for his second long jump win in the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational in as many seasons.
While Morris is the king of the men’s long jump team, Finney is the queen on the women’s side, winning with a leap of 19-11.
On the track, the women’s (46.48) and men’s (39.61) ‘A’ teams won the 4×100 relays.
Next up is a trip to Gainesville for the Pepsi Florida Relays, a two-day event starting Friday.
TENNIS: In a match that carried the intensity of a rivalry battle, Northwestern turned early adversity into momentum, sweeping Stephen F. Austin 7–0 on Saturday at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex.
With emotions running high on both sides, the Lady Demons (10-5 overall, 6-1 in the SLC) leaned on resilience and execution to secure the doubles point and carry that energy through singles play. The No. 1 doubles pairing of v Honoka Umeda and Sofi Garcia faced an early 3–0 deficit but rallied to force a tiebreak and dominated it 7–0 to secure a 7–6 victory and the doubles point.
Head coach Marcos Morelli emphasized the importance of that early momentum after a tight doubles showing the previous weekend.
“We worked on playing on our terms from start to finish, playing aggressive Demon doubles,” Morelli said. “Every doubles point is close. Last weekend we had match points, this weekend it gets decided in a tiebreak. So it was a major talking point for us.”
Umeda quickly extended the lead with a 6–2, 6–2 win over Rooth at No. 1 before Sofi Garcia delivered one of the most impressive comebacks of the match at No. 5.
After taking the opening set, Garcia found herself trailing 5–1 in the second before storming back to claim a 6–1, 7–5 win.
“That’s something we’ve been talking about,” Morelli said. “The girls realized that when adversity comes, you have to fight. If you don’t fight, it’s not going to go your way. They knew they would face adversity in this match, and they were ready to respond the right way.”
Maria Farina clinched the team victory at No. 2 singles, bouncing back from a first-set loss to defeat Ksenia Mamontova 0–6, 6–4, 2–0 before a retirement gave Northwestern a 4–0 lead.
Even after the match was decided, the Lady Demons continued to battle through tight moments.
“The fight has been there in other matches,” Morelli said. “But this time, the girls showed full commitment to their process for almost the entire match. That was the difference.
“This group wants to accomplish big things,” he said. “They know SFA is a tough team, and they understand they have to perform at a high level to reach those goals.”
Northwestern plays a non-conference match Wednesday at UL-Lafayette, then wraps up the regular season at home next weekend with matches Saturday and next Monday.
NSU softball uses patience, power in sweep of East Texas A&M
Northwestern State used a combination of patience and big hits to complete its first Southland Conference softball sweep since 2022 on Saturday afternoon.
The Lady Demons (17-18 overall, 7-5 in the SLC) took advantage of 17 free passes (11 walks and six HBP) to put up their most runs in a game in three years for a 15-2 run-rule win against East Texas A&M (6-31, 1-11).
Friday, Northwestern dominated both ends of a doubleheader, 12-7 and 12-2. As part of a 4-for-4 performance in the first game, Peyton Young hit two home runs, drove in six runs, scored four times and finished a single shy of the cycle.
“We’re excited to get a sweep for the first time since we’ve been here and really proud of the offense today,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “We’ve been struggling in those third games this year to score runs. They came out ready to roll and put on a show today.”
For the third time on the weekend and the 17th time this season, the Demons scored in the first inning to take an early edge, 2-0, on a double steal scoring JT Smith and Brynn Daniel’s RBI single.
The steals gave the Demons 60 stolen bases on the year, the most by a team in the past 20 years.
A six-run second featured a three-run Makynline Jones double, her ninth two-bagger of the season.
The Demons picked up two more runs in the third on a Mckenna Rinewalt RBI single and RBI groundout from Daniel. The Lions’ two runs came in the next half inning on back-to-back solo home runs, but the Demons broke things open in the bottom of the fourth to put the game away.
Aly Delafield and DJ Lynch hit back-to-back, one-out doubles for the first of the seven runs scored in the inning. Back-to-back hit batters again loaded the bases for Jones to draw the second of three bases-loaded walks for the Demons in the game.
Daniel clubbed a no-doubt grand slam to left, her first long ball of the season, pushing the lead to 14-2 in favor of NSU.
“Honestly in that at-bat I just said to myself ‘go have fun’,” Daniel said. “We had already scored a couple, so I went up there to have fun, not trying to hit a home run and just hit the ball hard. I had a pretty good weekend and seeing the ball well, so I saw my pitch and swung and I knew it was gone.”
The Demons scored six runs with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth of game three and 18 total runs with the bags full across the three-game series. All four hits with the bases loaded this weekend went for extra bases and drove in at least three runs.
Mattison Buster benefited from the offensive outpouring to earn her 14th win of the season, and 12th complete game of the season, both conference bests. The 14 wins tie her with Micaela Bouvier for the most by a Demon pitcher since 2018.
The Demons host Louisiana Tech Tuesday evening at 6, then play a Southland series Friday and Saturday at Stephen F. Austin.
Johnson’s late home run lifts SLC-leading Demons to series win at Nicholls
THIBODAUX – When the Northwestern State baseball team needs a big swing in a road Southland Conference series, they call on Bryce Johnson.
Johnson’s go-ahead three-run home run in the eighth inning Sunday lifted the Demons to a 6-4 victory at Nicholls, giving Northwestern its second straight road conference series victory. Northwestern rolled 12-2 in Friday night’s series opener, then Nicholls came back Saturday night for a 9-8 win to even the series.
The outcome kept the Demons on top of the Southland standings with a 10-5 league record, sharing first with Lamar.
Sunday, Johnson’s third home run of the season came on the first pitch he saw from Owen Schexnaydre and was his second game-winning, three-run home run in Southland play, joining his 12th-inning blast in the series finale at UIW on March 7.
“I went up there with a clear mind and a clear head and saw it,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t sitting on his slider. I was sitting heater, saw it well and tried to put a good swing on it. I just wanted to have a good team AB (at-bat).”
The big swing – and Brooks Leonard’s ensuing RBI single that followed a Sam Ardoin single and stolen base – flipped the offensive script for the Demons (18-10overall), who did not score in six innings against Nicholls right-hander Haden Luke.
Luke scattered six hits while striking out 14 while the Colonels (14-15, 6-8) built a 3-0 lead.
Michael McAloose’s leadoff double in the seventh inning – his second two-bagger of the game — drove Luke from the game and opened the door to the Nicholls bullpen.
Once the Demons got into the Nicholls relief corps, the game shifted. After Peyton Lacy retired the first batter he faced, Johnson reached on catcher’s interference before Sam Ardoin singled home the first run of the inning. Joe Siervo’s sacrifice fly pulled the Demons within another run before Lacy escaped with a one-run lead in hand.
Mother Nature threatened the Demons’ momentum, forcing a 24-minute rain delay in the bottom of the seventh that drove Carter White from the game after facing just two batters.
Sophomore right-hander Wesley Marien (2-0) took over following the delay and recorded the final eight outs of the game, including a perfect eighth inning after the Demons took the lead. Marien followed six strong innings from Trent Hillen, who scattered six hits in six innings, allowing three runs to keep the Demons within striking distance.
“Proud of both of those guys for the way they came out and competed,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “Success, yes, obviously, but came out and competed. Proud of the way they responded. That was a huge response by Trent. The first couple of runs were somewhat self-inflicted by us. We gave up some free 90s that allowed them to be in that opportunistic situation. The fact he had a response, overall, a great performance from him.
“Wes, from the first pitch he threw until he got the last out, he was pressuring them, because he was throwing his best stuff in the strike zone, getting ahead of hitters – all of the things you want a bullpen arm with a two-run lead to come out and do.”
The four-run eighth inning gave Northwestern its fourth win when trailing after seven innings this season.
“We won a road series. We won against such a quality baseball team in a tough place to play. We came from behind and overcame the rain delay,” said Bertrand. “There are so many things we can take and use moving forward as long as we maintain the character and type of competitors we want to be.”
The Demons return to action Thursday night when they open a three-game Southland series at UT-Rio Grande Valley. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.