Parish-wide FETA training was held April 23 bringing together members of Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 and other participating agencies.

During the training, participants reviewed and applied primary search techniques using the FETA maze trailer. Primary searches are critical, time-sensitive operations aimed at locating survivors through recognized movement patterns and proven methods.

Officials said the hands-on training helps firefighters strengthen their skills and improve response effectiveness during emergency situations.

Early voting for the upcoming election will begin Saturday, May 2, at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, according to local officials.

Voting will take place at the Registrar of Voters Office from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Sunday, and will continue through Saturday, May 9.

Voters are required to bring a valid government-issued identification to participate.

Ballots will include five proposed state constitutional amendments, along with several local millage renewals depending on the voter’s district. Party primary races will also appear on ballots for both Democratic and Republican voters.

Voters registered with no party affiliation will have the option to choose which party primary they wish to participate in. They will be required to sign a declaration before voting, with a similar process in place on Election Day.

In addition to parish-wide items, voters in the Village of Natchez will decide mayoral and alderman races, while voters in the Village of Goldonna will consider a tax measure.

Officials encourage voters to review their ballot options ahead of time and to participate in the early voting process.

Van H. Kyzar is a judge on the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal, having been elected in November 2016 to a term that began January 1, 2017, and runs through December 31, 2026. 

He previously served as the district attorney of Natchitoches Parish and was a private practice partner for 20 years. 

Education: He earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University (1979) and a J.D. from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center (1983).

Experience: Before joining the appellate court, he served in the Tenth Judicial District.

Court: Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal.

Brought to you by Lance Lopez with Farm Bureau, the Harrington Law Firm, the Sharpco Hotel Group, the Mariner’s Restaurant and Local Businessman Pat Johnson;

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By Richard Searles, Contributor to the Journal

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled 6-3 that Louisiana’s congressional district map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, a decision that significantly narrows the application of the Voting Rights Act in future redistricting challenges.

The case, Louisiana v. Callais, No. 24-109, was argued Oct. 15, 2025, and decided April 29, 2026. It centered on whether Louisiana’s redrawn congressional map, known as SB8, violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote the majority opinion for the six-justice court, concluding that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act did not require Louisiana to create an additional majority-Black district. Because no such requirement existed, the state had no compelling interest to justify the use of race in drawing the map, making it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

The case has its origins in 2022, when a federal judge found Louisiana’s original congressional map likely violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it did not include a second majority-Black district. The state subsequently drew a new map, SB8, containing such a district. That map was then challenged by a separate group of voters as a racial gerrymander, and a three-judge federal court agreed, finding SB8 violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

The majority held that states can almost never consider race when drawing maps to comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which was enacted to protect minority voters who historically faced discrimination in elections.

The ruling came as the court did not specify what should happen next, even as replacing Louisiana’s map before the 2026 midterms presents a logistical challenge. Louisiana’s primary election is scheduled for May 16, two weeks away.

Longer term, the ruling could lead to fewer majority-minority districts in Congress and in state and local governments, potentially reducing the number of non-white elected officials.

The decision is expected to benefit Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as his legislature considers a new map that would add additional Republican congressional seats. It appears unlikely that other states will pursue major map changes before the 2026 midterms, though significant redistricting changes could follow before the 2028 election, particularly in Southern states such as Georgia and Alabama.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who joined the court’s three liberal justices in a 2023 ruling that upheld a longstanding interpretation of the Voting Rights Act in an Alabama redistricting case, joined the majority Wednesday without issuing concurring opinions explaining the shift in their positions.

Louisiana has approximately 30% Black residents among its population and currently sends two Black members to Congress among its six-member House delegation.

Source: U.S. Supreme Court opinion, Louisiana v. Callais, No. 24-109 (April 29, 2026); NBC News; CNN.

Photo: Courtesy of Democracy Docket

By Edwin Crayton/Opinion

Well, guess what? You actually do have a ton of money. No, don’t look in your wallet– let me explain.  If you live in the City of Natchitoches, you will benefit from a settlement resulting from a pcb spill involving Tennessee Gas. It happened in the late 1990s and a court signed a judgement which says that money is to be used for youth and citizens living in the city of Natchitoches and distributed in the areas of recreation, education, housing, economic development and seed money for grants.  In other words, this money is designated to be used to benefit you, citizen of Natchitoches. The Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation (NCIF for short), handles these funds and last time I checked, it was between 2 and 3 million dollars. I’ve been going to their public quarterly meetings and I believe they could use lots more public input. And I do mean lots. With that belief in mind, I went out on the streets of Natchitoches, to ask locals their ideas on what to do with these funds. As I figured, they were very creative. This is just a sample of what the public can dream up:  

“We need a youth ministry and outreach to build a brighter, safer Natchitoches.”

–Jonathan Sexton Sr., Natchitoches

“We need a community center for everyone.  Let everyone be involved. We can do an educational thing for scholarships—youngsters learn a skill. I saved my 2-year old baby who was choking on candy. I saved him with safety skills I leaned at the National Parks of America” —Robert Lilly, Natchitoches

“Use the money to improve water systems.”- Teresa McDonald, Natchitoches

“Cancel student debt.” -Kevin Juarez, college student

“There are lots of run-down houses. Help people renovate them.” –Gabriel Polo, college student

“Lots of kids don’t have parental support. Pay adults to attend events with them such as events at the library, etc. It would work similar to Boys and Girls Club.” —Meghan Sylvia, The Gate Outreach Ministry, a van ministry that takes kids to church

“I am angry because the lawyers are getting more than the community. Since it’s water money, why don’t they make it so some of that money helps people pay their water bills? And then, that money can go back into the community.”-Randy Stelly, Retired Publisher

“I would help people get affordable places to live. People aren’t making as much money as they used to. The pay is not keeping up with inflation. Here, the average person makes $10 an hour. They need to be making $20 an hour.  The homeless rate isn’t as big as it is in other larger cities, but the percentage of homeless is high.” -Robert Lofton

“More rehab places.” -Angel Murillo, college student

“Invest in education, school music programs and athletics.” -Allison Flores, student, NSU

You probably have plenty of ideas yourself. Don’t keep them to yourself, Natchitoches needs them. If you have a charity organization that needs funding, attend a public quarterly meeting of the Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation and ask them how to apply for funding for your project or organization. Bring your neighbors. Bring your friends. (Bring people who aren’t your friends.) Also ask NCIF about scholarships. We have a lot of truly bright young people living in this town who really should be in college, but aren’t because they just don’t have the money. Wouldn’t it be great if annually, we could give scholarships to 100 needy, deserving students? These would be students who have potential, but who wouldn’t ordinarily qualify because their grades are below the usual high- grade point average scholarship committees are impressed with.  The money is there folks. Just sitting there waiting for you to use it to turn your great ideas and dreams into reality. Why not use it? The Bible says, “You have not because you ask not (James 4:2-3).” Amen. So, start asking this community foundation for money and start now. The Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation is supposed to advertise meetings in the local paper. The chairman is Harold Bayonne. The next meeting should be in June or July. They are usually on the second Tuesday and start at 6pm. But check papers and news media frequently, especially this column.

“We always hear about the rights of democracy, but the major responsibility of it is participation.”  -World Renowned New Orleans Jazz Legend Wynton Marsalis

“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” -Matthew 22:39

Go to church Sunday. God has a message for you there.

The opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the Natchitoches Parish Journal or its associates.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced a temporary lane closure for a bridge on LA 493 in Natchitoches Parish.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, the bridge over Cane River at milepost 5.341 will be reduced to one lane for a routine inspection. The bridge is located approximately 1.95 miles east of LA 1.

No detour will be required, as one lane will remain open to traffic at all times.

Officials are urging motorists to drive with caution through the area and remain alert for work crews and equipment during the inspection period.

Travelers can access updated traffic and road condition information through the state’s 511 system by dialing 511 or visiting the 511 Louisiana website.

ABBEVILLE – The good news for the St. Mary’s baseball team didn’t end with the last out of Wednesday’s 5-0 victory at Vermillion Catholic in a Select Division IV regional round playoff game.

The Tigers get to host a quarterfinal contest next week, thanks to a huge upset in the bracket Wednesday. The 16^th-seed, Central Catholic of Morgan City, won 5-3 at No. 1 Opelousas Catholic and will come to Natchitoches to play St. Mary’s for a spot in the state tournament.

The ninth-seeded Tigers (16-9) got a complete-game shutout from right-hander Trey Scarborough, who allowed only three hits by No. 8 Vermilion Catholic (15-11), the defending state champion.

SMHS jumped to a 4-0 first inning lead, featuring Connor Kay’s two-run single and an RBI double from Scarborough. Haiden Nelson added an RBI base hit in the second frame.

The date and time for next week’s quarterfinal game will be set soon.

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – The Northwestern State baseball team began Wednesday afternoon’s game at No. 16/22 Arkansas with the biggest swing of the day.

However, the Demons were unable to continue to capitalize on that early moment – and a two-run, first-inning lead – as they fell to the Razorbacks, 5-2, at Baum-Walker Stadium

“I’m really proud of the way our guys competed, really proud of the way our guys fought to the end,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “It’s a great learning opportunity for us, because we need to recognize those two things from a competition and from a fight standpoint. We also need to recognize that the game played out exactly in the manner we deserved, because, in the game’s most critical moments throughout the game, we were not at our best.”

The first inning was the best moment for the Demons (25-20), who jumped to a 2-0 lead three batters in when Ethan Menard turned on a 2-2 pitch from Arkansas starter Tate McGuire and slammed it out to left-center field for his second home run of the season.

That was part of a three-batter stretch in which Thomas Marsala III doubled, Menard homered and Joe Siervo singled. The Demons collected four of their seven hits in the first two innings after Sam Ardoin’s two-out single in the second.

After the Demons drove McGuire from the game after two innings, the Razorbacks (30-16) called on Colin Fisher to kickstart a strong seven innings from the Arkansas bullpen.

Fisher tossed four scoreless innings, scattering two hits, allowing Arkansas to scratch its way back into the game.

The Razorbacks pulled even with single runs in the second and the fourth innings before Caden Fiveash escaped further trouble in the fourth. Fiveash and Caleb Muffoletto (0-1) held the line until the Razorbacks took their first lead of the game with a two-run seventh inning.

“I thought everybody who took to the mound today was extremely competitive,” Bertrand said. “I thought everybody who took to the mount today pitched in a manner that they were able to improve. They were able to get better. They were able to put some skins on the wall in a way that it’s going to be beneficial for us moving forward. We just, again, in those critical, critical counts and in those critical moments of the game, there’s a difference between dominating the moment and almost. And I think that we had a lot of almost today.”

Steele Eaves (5-1), Parker Coil and Ethan McElvain (fifth save) closed the game with a scoreless inning each for Arkansas.

Northwestern stranded six runners, including one in scoring position in each of the first two innings.

“There were too many opportunities lost offensively,” Bertrand said. “There were too many small mistakes that were made that, in a game of inches, cost you some things. There were some – I guess to some degree – maybe free gifts that were given that put our back up against the wall. In order to win a game like this, the margin of error is so thin, and I felt the game played out exactly in the manner we deserved but still really proud of the competitiveness and of the fight.”

Northwestern is off this weekend  and returns to action next Tuesday evening at Louisiana Tech in Ruston in the Demons’ final midweek game of the regular season.

LAKE CHARLES – Before the season began, the Northwestern State softball team and its second-year head coach Jenny Fuller set a goal of earning a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament.

Today, the goal will officially be realized.

“We’re super excited to be in this position to make the tournament, especially after last year where we finished last in the conference,” Fuller said. “For us going in as a six seed we have nothing to lose and it’s about us having fun and enjoying this moment. This is just another building block to where our program is headed.”

The No. 6 seed Demons (24-27, 13-14) will make their 24th appearance in the conference tournament, the first since 2023 and the second most of any program in the league’s history, when they take on No. 3 seed Nicholls (29-21, 17-10) at 2 p.m. from Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond.

All games of the Lake Charles bracket will air on ESPN+ with all NSU game also available on 100.7 FM KZBL.

After wrapping up the regular season this past weekend at home against Nicholls, the Demons have the same matchup again in the first game of the tournament. 

The Colonels took the first two games of the series in convincing fashion, but NSU responded with a 5-3 victory in the finale on Saturday.

Sister Arnold delivered the clutch two-run double that gave NSU the lead and Mattison Buster danced her way around a pair of seventh-inning baserunners to pick up her 21st win of the season to tie the NSU single-season record.

“Beating them in that last game gives us momentum and confidence,” Fuller said. “So we know that we are capable of doing it. At the same time we know how good Nicholls is so we have to be locked in, do our prep and let the rest take care of itself.”

The Demons had back-to-back 10-hit performances in the final two games of the series, including one against Colonel ace Molly Yoo, who threw a shutout in the game one of the weekend. It was just the second time this year NSU had 10 or more hits in consecutive games.

Getting those hits at the right time, especially with runners in scoring position, is something that had eluded the Demons over the previous two weeks.

NSU has left seven or more runners on base in each of the past nine conference games. But after going 7-for-30 (.233) in RBI opportunities at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the first game against Nicholls, the Demons were 11-for-26 (.423) in the final two games of the series, despite going 0-for-6 with the bases loaded.

“We were fighting through things at the plate seemingly for a little bit there,” Fuller said. “Sometimes that happens and you just have to keep going and keep fighting through that adversity. Really felt like we did that in game three and if the hitters can keep that same mentality going into this weekend that we’re peaking at the perfect time.”

The Demons got to Yoo in this past Saturday’s finale, collecting 10 hits against her, the most she’s allowed in a game this season. The five runs were also the second most scored against, behind six put up by UIW.

While the Colonels have four years of conference tournament experience under their belts, the entire NSU roster will be making its SLC Tournament debut today.

“It’s about us enjoying it and having fun right now,” Fuller said. “We’ve worked hard this whole year to get here. We’ve had ups and downs, but at the end of the day I want them to enjoy this moment and use it to propel this program in the future.”

BUSTER, DANIEL, SMITH GET ALL-SLC RECOGNITION:  Three key pieces of the second-largest single-season win increase in the country this year earned postseason recognition, the Southland Conference announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Northwestern State junior transfer Mattison Buster was named 2026 SLC Newcomer of the Year along with earning a first-team pitcher selection. Sophomore corner infielder Brynn Daniel earned a first-team utility spot and super senior transfer JT Smith was named to the all-defensive team in center field.

Buster and Daniel represent the first all-conference selections for the Demons since Makenzie Chaffin earned a second-team honor in 2022. The two first-team awards mark just the second time in the past 10 years NSU has produced two first-team players.

Buster is the first Demon to be named Newcomer of the Year since Annie Johnston in 2001.

Smith’s all-defensive selection in center marks the second straight season that honor has gone to NSU after Sophia Livers took the award in 2025.

NSU’s stalwart in the circle during the 2026 season, Buster is the only pitcher to throw more than 100.0 innings in conference play. She led the league with 59 strikeouts and tied for the most wins in SLC play with 11. 

Buster led the conference in complete games (21), games started (32), innings pitched (198.0), pitching appearances (38), shutouts (6), strikeouts (111) and wins (21). She is one of 12 pitchers in the country with 20 or more wins this year, just the fifth Southland pitcher in the past five years to record 20 wins in a season, and tied the NSU school record with 21 wins.

Daniel led the team in conference play with a .390 batting average, 21 RBI and a 1.042 OPS. She ranked on the top 10 in conference play in RBI (21), doubles (7), HBP (5) and OBP (.484). Daniel had nine multi-hit games during SLC action and four multi-RBI games, with hits in 16 of the final 18 SLC games of the season. 

NSU’s dynamic five-tool leadoff hitter, Smith showcased her abilities all season at the plate and roaming center field. Her 53 putouts in conference play are the most by an SLC center fielder this year. She had two outfield assists in league play, four overall, and turned one double play.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center has recognized Regina Walker, Nutritional Services Coordinator, as its newest Guardian Angel.

Walker was nominated by a patient who expressed appreciation for her kindness, attentiveness, and the care she provides in her role. Hospital officials said her work helps ensure patients receive not only proper nutrition, but also comfort and personal attention during their stay.

The Guardian Angel program honors caregivers and team members, including doctors, nurses, dietary staff, aides, and therapists, who go above and beyond in patient care. Nominations are submitted by patients, families, and colleagues and include a contribution to the NRMC Foundation in honor of the selected employee.

Hospital officials said Walker’s positive attitude, attention to detail, and commitment to serving others contribute to the overall patient experience at the facility.

The Rotary Club meeting on April 28 featured Bayli Brossette, curator of the Briarwood Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve, as a guest speaker.

Brossette was introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Guidry and shared information about the preserve’s efforts in education, conservation and hands-on stewardship in Louisiana.

Rotary officials said the presentation highlighted the importance of preserving natural spaces while engaging the community through educational initiatives.

Natchitoches Parish is headed into a wet and unsettled stretch midweek through Friday, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected before conditions gradually improve heading into the weekend.

Wednesday will start off mostly cloudy with patchy morning fog possible. A few showers could develop early, but storm chances increase by the afternoon when thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread. High temperatures will climb into the mid 80s before a shift in winds late in the day.

By Wednesday night, rain and thunderstorms remain likely across the area as moisture continues to stream in, keeping conditions unsettled through the overnight hours with cooler air beginning to filter in.

Thursday brings a noticeable cooldown with cloudy skies and scattered showers. A few thunderstorms remain possible, but overall temperatures will be significantly cooler, with highs only reaching the lower 70s. Gusty northeast winds may also be felt, especially during the morning hours.

Thursday night keeps the unsettled pattern in place with showers likely and a continued chance of thunderstorms. Overnight lows drop into the mid 50s as cooler air settles in across the region.

Friday looks to be one of the most active weather days in the period, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected through much of the day. Some locally heavy rainfall will be possible, especially during the morning and evening hours. Temperatures will stay cool for this time of year, only reaching the mid 60s.

Rain chances linger into Friday night before tapering off gradually after midnight, though lingering showers and a few storms may still persist early. Skies begin to slowly clear heading into the weekend.

Saturday brings improving conditions with mostly cloudy skies early and only a slight chance of morning showers. By the afternoon, drier air moves in with partial clearing and highs near 70.

Saturday night turns much quieter with mostly clear skies and cooler temperatures dropping into the mid 40s.

Sunday and Monday both look significantly drier and warmer, with plenty of sunshine expected. Highs will rebound into the mid 70s Sunday and near 80 by Monday, signaling a return to more typical spring conditions after the wet stretch.

Please vote Yes for Constitutional Amendment 5 on the ballot for May 16. The amendment raises the age of retirement for Judges in Louisiana to 75 years, from the current 70-year retirement mandate. The reasons are simple.

• The voters are best suited to decide if a candidate should continue to serve.
• Experienced, highly qualified Judges are being forced into retirement.
• People are living longer productive lives and working longer.
• No other political office has a mandatory retirement age.
• By Supreme Court oversight, incompetent Judges can already be removed.

While the amendment does not put an end to what can only be called age bias, it does soften its effect. Voting Yes to raise the age is simply the right thing to do. In this election cycle alone, some 60 Judges of the approximately 360 in the State are being forced to retire. While some are doing so voluntarily, many others have an earnest desire to continue to serve the people of this great state. They should have the opportunity to do so, and it should be up to the voters to decide if they can continue, not some arbitrary age limit.

Early voting starts May 2 and ends May 9.

For more information go to http://www.yeson5for75.com

Thank you for your consideration.

Judge Van H. Kyzar

Let the good times boil! 

Goldonna is where all the fun will be happening this weekend, May 2nd. 

The Christmas in the Park Committee will be having a Spring community wide rummage sale and Crawfish Boil on Saturday, May 2. The rummage sale will located at 2453 Highway 479. They will have everything from furniture, clothes, home decor, kitchen items and more. Participants will be at the following locations:

248 Goldonna Road

2453 Highway 479

The Stand

Creston Thrift Store

1122 Lookout Tower Road, Saline

The rummage sales will begin at 8 am and end at 12 pm. 

The Crawfish Boil will take place at the Ball Park. Plates will be sold for the price of $15 per three pound plate, $25 for a five pound plate.  You will enjoy freshly boiled crawfish, corn, potatoes, sauce and a drink. Plates will be available beginning at 4 pm.

Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a “Rise Up” weekend beginning at 11:30am on Saturday, May 2. Worship will feature the Jason Lovins Band. Meals will also be provided. Casual dress. Grades 7-12 are invited. The fun will also carry over other the Sunday worship the next day at 10:30 am. For more information please call Shannon Thompson at 318-623-0477.

The West Central Team for the Operation Christmas Child Ministry collected 17,408 shoebox gifts in 2025 and looking forward to even more Gospel Opportunities this year. If any church or individual would like to be involved in anyway please reach out to Pastor Ben Dupree at Goldonna Baptist Church.  

The Goldonna Assembly of God Church is bringing back their well loved 5th Sunday Singings. They held their first one in March and plan to continue the tradition. The next signing will be held on Sunday, May 31 at 5 pm at the Christian Fellowship Church located at 8609 Highway 34 in Winnfield. 

For news to share please email: Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com