If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

She’s not just a nervous flyer anymore—she’s dreading every trip. With family and work pulling her cross-country, is it time to face her fears or stay grounded for good?

 See what Ida says 

Shadow is a beautiful  6 year old Chocolate Lab/Hound mix with a gentle soul. He was found cold and alone one morning in the FAUNA parking lot, and since that day, he has quietly stolen the hearts of everyone he has met. 

Shadow is calm, well-mannered, and walks well on a leash. He seems to prefer slow strolls and cozy naps over anything high-energy. Shadow gets along wonderfully with other dogs and loves people even though he can be a little shy at times. 

A bit of a scaredy-cat, Shadow is especially frightened by rain and thunder, and the noisy shelter environment has been overwhelming for him. He often retreats to his dog house, just wanting a quiet, safe place.

What Shadow needs most is a calm home and a kind heart. In return, he’ll be a devoted, loving, low-key companion.

For more information about fostering or adopting Shadow, please contact FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or npfauna.org.

The Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 responded to a structure fire on Sisson Road at approximately 7:40 p.m. on May 3.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a residential mobile home with heavy smoke coming from all sides, with flames spreading through the structure. Crews initiated an aggressive fire attack and were able to bring the fire under control.

Officials reported that no one was living in the residence at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Engines 1, 18 and 21 responded to the scene along with Rescue 1 and a total of 11 personnel.

The Goldonna Area Fire Protection District 2 responded to a structure fire at approximately 9:13 p.m., where one individual sustained injuries.

Officials reported the injured person was transported to the hospital by a privately owned vehicle. No additional details about the extent of the injuries or the cause of the fire were immediately available.

Oil and gas activity in Natchitoches Parish remained robust through the month of April, with eighty (80) new leases filed at the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court office.

While a majority of the leasing activity continues to be concentrated in the western portion of the parish—stretching from the intersection of Interstate 49 and Highway 6 to the Sabine Parish line, and extending ten miles north toward the Spanish Lake bottoms—new developments are emerging.

A significant shift in recent activity includes the first signs of leasing on the east side of I-49. Additionally, while the primary focus remains west, energy companies are also expanding their footprint with new filings recorded south of LA Hwy 6.

In addition to the rise in lease filings, an upcoming public meeting has been scheduled for May 18 to discuss a proposed 3D seismic graphing project. The survey is expected to cover approximately 310 square miles, the majority of which is located within Natchitoches Parish.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 5137 University Parkway.

Landowners who have been approached with lease offers or seismic survey requests are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel before signing any agreements, as these contracts can have long-term implications for mineral and surface rights.

A review of Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records confirms the 80 leases filed in April 2026. The NPJ obtained this information directly from the parish’s online Public Records system.

Total Leases filed in calendar year 2025: 405
Total Leases filed in calendar year 2026 203

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted a local resident in safely recovering her dog after it ran loose in a neighborhood.

Deputies were patrolling the Gardenia Street area when they observed a woman attempting to catch her small dog, later identified as Zora, who had wandered off and was avoiding capture. Deputy Layfield joined in the effort, which briefly turned into a foot pursuit as the dog continued moving through the neighborhood.

After several attempts, Deputy Layfield was able to coax the dog back using french fries, ultimately bringing the situation to a safe and successful conclusion. Deputy A. Middleton also assisted in the incident.

Authorities reported that Zora was safely returned home with no injuries.

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The second day of early voting in Natchitoches Parish for the May 16, 2026, election saw a steady turnout, with 193 ballots cast on Monday, May 4.

Data from the Louisiana Secretary of State shows that 165 voters cast their ballots in person, while 28 absentee ballots were processed during the day.

Voter Demographics

The demographic breakdown for Day Two includes:

• Race: 120 White voters, 67 Black voters, and 6 voters identified as Other.

• Sex: 100 Female voters and 93 Male voters.

Party Affiliation

Party participation for the second day remained consistent with opening trends:

• Republicans: 85

• Democrats: 75

• Other/Other Parties: 33

Two-Day Early Voting Recap

Through the first two days of early voting, a total of 391 ballots have been cast in Natchitoches Parish.

Early voting continues through May 9, 2026 at the Natchitoches Parish Registrar of Voters office.

• All data provided by the Natchitoches Parish ROV  as of May 4 2026.

Louisiana U.S. House Elections Suspended; Early Voting for Local Races May 2-9

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.

Official Statement from the Board of Directors: Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation (NTL-NC)

Some of you may have seen recent statements circulating on unofficial Facebook pages—pages that falsely claim to represent Tribal Registry members—in which Mr. Anderson accuses the legally recognized 501(c)(3) Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation (NTL-NC) of “stealing Tribal funds.”

These allegations are unequivocally false, reckless, and defamatory.

Following these accusations, NTL-NC was contacted by the High Crimes Unit of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding a reported theft complaint. Although the identity of the complainant was not disclosed, the NTL-NC Board of Directors responded immediately, acting with full transparency and in good faith.

Rather than present credible evidence through proper legal channels, Mr. Anderson further escalated his conduct by using social media platforms to encourage others to file theft complaints against NTL-NC without any factual basis. Simultaneously, the Facebook page promoting these accusations was made public while selectively blocking opposing viewpoints—creating a misleading, one-sided narrative designed to misinform the public.

In response, NTL-NC conducted a thorough internal review and compiled a comprehensive report, supported by all relevant state and federal documentation. This report was submitted to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and clearly demonstrates NTL-NC’s full compliance, financial accountability, and lawful management of all organizational funds.

NTL-NC has now received formal confirmation from the investigating officer that the complaint has been closed, with a determination that the matter is civil in nature and not criminal.

This outcome reaffirms what we have consistently maintained: there has been no wrongdoing by NTL-NC.

The Board of Directors remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the continued protection of the Nonprofit Corporation’s integrity.  We, the Stewards, will not tolerate the spread of false and damaging statements and reserve all rights to pursue appropriate legal remedies to protect the Nonprofit Corporation in its mission, vision, values, and principles.

Board of Directors

Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation (NTL-NC)

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Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

The potential for stormy weather Wednesday has prompted a schedule change pushing the St. Mary’s homefield baseball state quarterfinal game to Thursday.

SMHS will now welcome Central Catholic of Morgan City for a 6 p.m. contest Thursday evening. The winner advances to the Select Division IV state semifinals.

The ninth-seeded Tigers beat No. 8 Vermilion Catholic 5-0 Wednesday in Abbeville while the16^th-seeded Eagles upset No. 1 Opelousas Catholic 5-3. That resulted in St. Mary’s earning a home game in the next round.

Tickets will be $12 cash at the gate in the East Natchitoches Complex.

St. Mary’s is 16-9. Central Catholic has a 18-15-1 record.

The Natchitoches Tennis Center is celebrating National Tennis Month in May with a series of free events designed to promote health, wellness and community engagement through the sport.

Officials said the month-long observance offers opportunities for players of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, to participate in tennis activities in a welcoming and social environment.

Events begin May 23 with Hit to Be Fit Day, featuring Adult Red Ball and Cardio Tennis Triples. The activities are designed to encourage participants to stay active while enjoying a fun, group setting.

On May 30, the center will host Junior Red Ball, a session tailored for youth players that includes drills, progressive learning tools and interactive games aimed at developing tennis skills.

Also scheduled for May 30 is Adult Open Play Day, offering continuous match play with rotating partners to create a dynamic and social experience for adult participants.

All events are free and open to the public.

RUSTON – The third baseball meeting of the season between Northwestern State and Louisiana Tech is tonight, and with it comes a much different scenario for the Demons than the first two meetings between the teams.

When Northwestern and the Bulldogs tangle at 6 p.m. at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston, the Demons will do so coming off a stretch of five days without a game – their longest such break of the season. The game will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage on 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches and through the Northwestern State Athletics mobile app, which can be downloaded free for Apple and Android devices.

Northwestern (25-20) last played Wednesday at then-No. 16/22 Arkansas, falling to the Razorbacks, 5-2. The Demons had their open weekend in conference play and treated it as such, taking the weekend away from competition.

“This is definitely a first for us as far as the regular season,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “It seems though, as we’ve dealt with byes in the past, we’ve always had something on the schedule. So, this is a unique one. I think the rest came at a very welcome time for our team. Nonetheless, we got back after it (Sunday) night and we’re looking forward to being able to get back out and compete with the guys and the challenge of playing a team like Louisiana Tech. I’m looking forward to not only how we can answer the bell of the challenge but also how we can use the game to be able to prepare us for – and propel us – into a great series that is on the schedule for the weekend and what it means for Southland play.”

Northwestern goes to McNeese Thursday for the last three-game Southland Conference series of the regular season, with a chance to finish second in the league and host a first-round four-team regional next weekend.

The Demons have dropped the first two games of the season series with the Bulldogs (28-21), who lost two of three games at Dallas Baptist this past weekend in Conference USA play.

Louisiana Tech is 5-5 across its past 10 games and is 10-5 since scoring a 7-0 win in Natchitoches on April 7.

“There was some level of design behind the schedule – the way we wanted to challenge ourselves three times against such a quality opponent and the way those games were spread out,” Bertrand said. “We know we’re going to get a team that is hot. We know we’re going to go into an offensive ballpark against a potentially explosive offensive team. We know, just from seeing them twice already, what it is their bullpen has to offer. We know we’re going to get challenged, so again, all of those things, we’re going to compete our tails off and try to put the Demons in position to win the game, but we’re also going to be grateful for the opportunity to learn so much from the challenge.”

The Demons will send left-hander Carter White (1-3, 6.63) to the mound against Bulldog left-hander Luke Cooley (0-1, 8.78).

As they do so, the Demons also will battle the rest vs. rust theory.

“After three days off, I think sometimes you’re going to have to knock off a little bit of rust,” Bertrand said. “There was some level of rust that needs to be knocked off, but you could just really tell the way their bodies were moving, the way they had a look in their eyes, the way we saw great things in the weight room (Monday) morning. Our guys did well from the rest. They did well from being able to get away from it all, so to speak, and focus on a different aspect.

“Sometimes we get caught up in the challenge and the grind of the season – and you should be – but it gets to be so baseball-oriented that sometimes your bodies need rest, the fact that final exams are this week and academics need attention. When you’re in the thralls of the baseball part of it mixed with that, it can sometimes be overwhelming. The idea they not only got rest but also got to catch up on and, hopefully, check some life things, check some of those boxes, I think you’re going to see the benefits of that as we move forward.”

Funeral services for Rita Janis Hansel will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Montgomery Church of Christ at 11:00 AM with Pastor Casey Clement officiating.  Burial will follow at Montgomery Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for a visitation Monday morning at 10:00 at the church.

Janis was born in Lubbock, Texas on May 30, 1944 to Lewis and Essie Mae “Pat” Harvey.  She passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2026.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Pat Harvey; her beloved son, Heath Brandon Hansel; her brother, Edward Bruce Harvey; and her sister, Molly Anna Moore.  She is survived by her loving husband, Bradley Lee Hansel; her daughter, Veronica Leigh Conley and husband Corey; and her grandsons, Colton and Caden Conley.

Janis grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas, where she later met the love of her life, Bradley Lee Hansel, while he was stationed at the military base in Mineral Wells.  The two were married and shared 57 wonderful years together. Janis and Bradley built a life rooted in hard work, family, and faith.  They raised two children and eventually settled in Montgomery, Louisiana, where they owned and operated Montgomery Tank of Louisiana for over 30 years. Janis became deeply involved in her Montgomery community.  She helped decorate the town with Christmas lights, assisted in the restoration of the VFW building, and contributed in many quiet but meaningful ways that reflected her generous spirit.

She was especially devoted to her grandsons, Colton and Caden, and never missed an opportunity to support them – whether at school events or sporting activities.  Her presence was constant, steady, and full of love.

Janis was raised in the Church of Christ and remained devoted to her faith throughout her life.  She continued that legacy by raising her children and grandchildren in the church. Her grandsons have continued that tradition by preaching at this and nearby Church of Christ congregations.

Janis will be remembered for her unwavering love, her faith, her strength, and the home she created for her family and community.  Her life was one of quiet service, deep devotion, and enduring love.  She had a warm spirit and a generous heart that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.  She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

Emergency responders were called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash on May 1 on Hwy. 486 Campti Cut-Off near Campti, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The crash was reported at approximately 4:35 p.m. and involves two passenger vehicles. Authorities said injuries are believed to be moderate.

Responding agencies include Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #9 and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS. Louisiana State Police are also en route to assist with the incident.

Motorists traveling through the area are advised to expect delays as emergency crews continue working at the scene.