St. Mary’s Catholic School recognized fifth grader Wyatt Clark, eighth grader Heath Methvin and senior John Paul Thibodaux as its 2026–2027 Students of the Year following All School Mass on Wednesday, November 11.
The Student of the Year Awards Program honors outstanding students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, citizenship and academic achievement. Selection considers academic performance, attendance, oral and written communication skills, participation in extracurricular activities, and involvement in school, church and community life.
Clark, Methvin and Thibodaux exemplify these qualities through their achievements and contributions to the St. Mary’s community. They will represent the school in competition with students from the Diocese of Alexandria and Catholic schools across Louisiana.
St. Mary’s congratulates these students on this honor and looks forward to supporting them as they advance in the Student of the Year Awards Program.
Photo caption: St. Mary’s Catholic School’s 2026–2027 Students of the Year, pictured from left, are Wyatt Clark, fifth grade; Heath Methvin, eighth grade; and John Paul Thibodaux, twelfth grade.
Northwestern State University’s Kappa Iota chapter of Phi Mu raised $2,613 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during its Dancing with the Mu’s philanthropy event Tuesday, Nov. 10, surpassing its $2,000 fundraising goal.
Inspired by the television show “Dancing with the Stars,” the event featured Phi Mu members performing choreographed dances with partners, including fellow sorority members. The event was open to the campus and local community, with funds raised through ticket sales, participant fees and People’s Choice donations.
Alexa Metternich and Daniel Gallagher were named Mirrorball Champions and received the Miracle Maker Award for raising the most money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Heidi Gauthier, a junior communications major from Moreauville, serves as Phi Mu’s philanthropy chairwoman and organized the event.
“Dancing with the Mu’s is a Dancing with the Stars-inspired philanthropy event,” Gauthier said. “All the money that we raise is going to CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.”
“It’s just giving back to something greater than ourselves, to lend to those less fortunate a helping hand,” Gauthier said.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has been Phi Mu’s national philanthropic partner since 1986. The organization raises funds to support pediatric patient care, medical equipment, research and other resources for children and families.
Kellie Veillon, Children’s Miracle Network program director for the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation, attended the event and thanked Phi Mu members for their contributions to pediatric care across Central Louisiana.
“Y’all are changing lives all over 14 different parishes, not just here in Natchitoches,” Veillon said. “We are so grateful for every penny that you raise on behalf of our kids.”
Veillon said contributions from NSU’s Phi Mu chapter have helped the hospital acquire medical equipment, including nitric oxide therapy equipment for premature infants experiencing breathing difficulties. Donations have also helped purchase a specialized transport isolette with servo-controlled temperature regulation, allowing medical teams to transport infants who require a higher level of care.
“These funds, these donations are serious and they make real impact,” Veillon said.
For Abigail Bakay, a junior nursing major from New Orleans and member of Phi Mu, the philanthropy holds personal significance. Bakay received treatment at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital as a child.
“Children’s Miracle Network is so important to me because I was a Children’s Miracle Network child,” Bakay said. “I was able to be treated in a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, and they changed my life and impacted me in ways I can’t even express.”
“I’m here today because I had people willing to change my life and make me healthier,” Bakay said. “You can change a child’s life by being here and supporting Children’s Miracle Network.”
The Natchitoches Parish School Board announced that four schools will transition to remote learning Thursday, Nov. 12, and Friday, Nov. 13, due to an increased number of students and staff reporting diagnoses of strep throat and flu.
The affected schools are:
L.P. Vaughn Elementary School
M.R. Weaver Elementary School
Natchitoches Junior High School
Natchitoches Provisional Learning Center
According to the district, these are currently the only four schools experiencing illness-related absences at levels that warrant a temporary transition to remote learning.
The school board is continuing to monitor attendance and illness-related absences across all district schools.
During the temporary transition, school administrators will prepare for remote instruction. The district acknowledged that some students may be unable to complete assignments while recovering from illness.
Parents whose children are sick and unable to complete remote assignments are encouraged to contact their child’s principal or teacher to discuss arrangements for making up missed work.
While students and staff are away from campus, the district’s Maintenance Department will coordinate with custodial staff to conduct thorough cleaning and disinfection of school facilities.
The cleaning process will include the application of products designed to reduce the presence of viruses and bacteria.
The district plans for students and staff at the affected schools to return to campus Monday, Nov. 16.
The Knights of Columbus Council #1357 welcomed a new member and recognized several individuals during its November meeting.
Dustin Cross was inducted into the council during the meeting.
Membership Director Michael Yankowski, who has the council on track to surpass its 2026-2027 membership goal of 12 new members by early next year, was recognized alongside his wife, Joanne, as the council’s Family of the Month.
Joe Roque was named Knight of the Month.
The council also welcomed District Deputy Al Matthews of Alexandria, who attended the meeting.
Pictured from left are Grand Knight Greg Burke, new member Dustin Cross and Membership Director Michael Yankowski. Knight of the Month Joe Roque is not pictured.
An ongoing service project for students pursuing degrees in Elementary Education at Northwestern State University continues to positively impact teacher candidates, young children and their families.
For several years, Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson had coordinated an initiative to create family literacy bags that are presented free of charge to families with young children to encourage an early love of reading, build vocabulary and strengthen comprehension. The project also encourages children and parents to read together routinely, with parents becoming more closely involved in their children’s learning and development. Grant funding from the International Paper Foundation has been an important part of the initiative.
“Service-learning projects provide early childhood education majors with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills relating to developmentally appropriate practices while meeting critical community needs,” Fazio Brunson said. “Aligning with research on best practices in service learning, the NSU Early Childhood Education program immerses undergraduate teacher candidates and graduate students in collecting books and school supplies, creating and donating family literacy bags that support literacy development in the home. By participating in these projects, early childhood education majors gain practical experience while promoting positive outcomes for children and families.”
Fazio Brunson said the benefits to both students and families is obvious.
“Designing the activities helps preservice teachers connect theory to practice while developing professional skills. They learn how to communicate effectively with families, design literacy-rich materials and reflect on the diverse needs of children and caregivers,” she said. “Research suggests that preservice educators who develop stronger literacy knowledge and instructional confidence are better prepared to support young children’s literacy development. Ultimately, this service-learning project strengthens the NSU teacher preparation program by providing authentic opportunities for community engagement and reflective practice.”
“I have participated in this service-learning project since my first semester at NSU and have observed children’s joyful responses when receiving the materials,” said Taylor Poole of Pollock. “Teachers, children and their families all benefit from this project.
Victoria Sepulvado of Zwolle agreed.
“This semester, I saw first-hand how developmental domains impact each other in kindergarten children,” she said. “Kindergarten children must learn how to manage basic routines, their emotion, and how to stay focused. Simultaneously, some children pick up concepts faster than others. Thus, children who come to kindergarten with strong emergent literacy skills tend to be more successful as they navigate new social and physical tasks at the same time.”
Sepulvado said working with young children who need extra support taught her the importance of individualizing instruction and providing extra resources.
“Participating in the service learning project and donating books and school supplies helped give children access to materials that they would not have had otherwise,” she said. “Growing up, I was fortunate enough to always have what I needed, so this experience gave me a new perspective on supporting all students and giving back when possible.”
“The service-learning project has allowed me to connect what I’ve learned through my courses to real-world experiences,” Cheyenne Lopez of Anacoco said. “ In early childhood settings, literacy is very important. It is the foundation for all future development. By donating books and supplies, I know I can make a difference in a few children’s lives. This makes me proud knowing something small, like donating books, will permanently shape someone’s life.”
“Family literacy bag service-learning projects provide reciprocal benefits for teacher candidates, young children and their families,” Fazio Brunson said. “Early childhood education majors gain hands-on experience with family engagement and literacy instruction, while families receive resources that support literacy learning at home. These projects promote stronger family-school partnerships, enhance children’s literacy development and prepare future educators to engage families as essential partners in children’s educational success.”
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) concluded its first recreational alligator harvest on Oct. 31 with 3,606 hunters harvesting 1,817 alligators, the department announced. With the successful harvest, LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said plans for the 2027 season are already in the works.
“Louisiana’s first recreational alligator season was a success!,’’ said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. “With more than 3 million alligators in our state, this was an exciting opportunity for families to enjoy our Sportsman’s Paradise. I’d like to thank the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for their great work. We can’t wait to bring it back next year!”
“The return of a recreational alligator season to the people of Louisiana was nothing short of historic,’’ LDWF Secretary Bosworth said. “I could not be more proud of staff both past and present for all the work that went into making this new hunting opportunity possible. And I’m looking forward to continuing on the success of this season for years to come.’’
The American alligator is a quintessential symbol of Louisiana culture and our rich hunting heritage. The return of this exciting new season created a controlled recreational harvest opportunity for resident hunters, separate from the existing commercial alligator program. It was established to provide Louisiana sportsmen and women with greater opportunity to utilize and enjoy the iconic species and create a new hunting tradition for generations to come. Louisiana’s wild alligator population has reached a point of full recovery following decades of joint conservation efforts between the LDWF, landowners, hunters and farmers.
LDWF conducted the season through a lottery process. The recreational season ran statewide from Oct. 1-31 in all eight harvest zones. Reported size class from the recreational season was comparable to long term historic harvest. Average harvest size was 7.5 feet.
Louisiana has a robust alligator resource capable of providing sustainable recreational harvest opportunities to Louisiana residents without negatively impacting a highly valuable commercial industry that provides more than $250 million dollars annually to Louisiana’s economy.
Jennifer Reising of Noank, Connecticut, has won the 2027 Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Competition sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) with her impressive portrait of a wood duck.
The annual contest, in its 39th year, determines the image on what is commonly called the Louisiana Duck Stamp. The 2027 stamp will be available in June of 2027.
The wood duck was the species selected for this year’s contest. Reising’s piece features a single wood duck at rest on the water with cypress trees in the background.
Second place went to Tony Bernard of Scott, Louisiana, and third place to Buck Spencer of Eugene, Oregon.
A total of 16 entries were submitted from artists representing seven states, including nine from Louisiana, with others from Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Oregon and Texas.
“We, once again, had an outstanding slate of paintings to judge and select a winner from,’’ LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak said. “This years’ selection was especially difficult. In only her second year entering the Louisiana contest, Ms. Reising really figured out what judges were looking for, and delivered a remarkable piece that adds to Louisiana’s long history of exceptional duck stamps.”
Judges for this year’s contest included Emily Seba of Baton Rouge, an artist who focuses on the natural world, Dr. Luke Laborde of Baton Rouge, who served for six years as the chair of the National Art Committee for Ducks Unlimited, Justin Higdon of Monroe, who is the senior regional director for Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Bob Dew of Youngsville, who serves as manager of conservation programs for south Louisiana for Ducks Unlimited, and Lucas Menard of Youngsville, a Louisiana self-taught artist who has focused on native wildlife among other mediums and formats.
The Louisiana Legislature authorized the Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp program in 1988. The program was created to generate revenue for conservation and enhancement of waterfowl populations and habitats in Louisiana. During the last 38 years, about $17 million has been generated for wetland conservation. In addition, revenue has supported wetland development projects on Wildlife Management Areas and the Louisiana Waterfowl Project, a cooperative endeavor between LDWF, Ducks Unlimited, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide habitat for waterfowl and other wetland birds on private lands.
For more information and to purchase the 2025 and/or 2026 stamp, go to the LDWF Louisiana Duck Stamp webpage. Additionally, these collector stamps for the most recent two years can be purchased through LDWF’s online licensing system. For more information on the duck stamp contest, contact Jason Olszak at 337-735-8687 or jolszak@wlf.la.gov.
The Northwestern State Demons’ volleyball team can clinch a Southland Conference Tournament spot when they host the East Texas A&M Lions tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Prather Coliseum.
With a win, NSU will secure least the eighth seed in the eight-team conference tournament which begins next Friday, Nov. 20 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Northwestern hasn’t qualified for the conference tournament since 2023.
The Demons (14-15, 6-8 SLC) enter their homecourt finale tied for seventh in the SLC standings with Lamar (9-18, 6-8) and both have a one-match lead over the Lions (11-16, 5-9). The teams stage a rematch in the season finale Saturday afternoon in Commerce, which shapes up as a winner-take-all contest if Northwestern fails to clinch tonight.
“The key for us is not to change our approach,” said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. “Our goal from day one is to get one percent better every day. We have a great opponent and a very good team. They are the biggest size-wise team we have seen all year. They have three or four kids that are very good volleyball players and are going to be a very big block as well. They present a couple of different challenges for us so it will be fun. Anything after Thursday is irrelevant to us right now. Take care of business Thursday and then we will look and see.”
The Demons defeated one of the SLC’s best, UT-Rio Grande Valley (14-11, 10-4), last Saturday 3-1 led by 54 assists from Jade Longlad and Olivia Nzioki’s 18 kills snapping a six-game losing streak to the Vaqueros. NSU was able to pick up the win despite a season-high 34 attack errors.
The Lions are coming off back-to-back road wins over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (9-16, 5-9 SLC) on Saturday 3-1 and a five-set thriller over UTRGV on Thursday.
“We know that this is a different and difficult task,” said Kaszeta. “Yeah, everyone knows what’s at stake this week. But we are focused solely on what East Texas A&M does and what we need to do to slow them down and that will be enough to make sure nobody thinks about anything else other than winning this match.”
Fans can watch on ESPN+ as Patrick Netherton and Caley Carter will have the call. Live stats will be available at NSUDemons.com while live updates can be found on twitter/X on the NSU volleyball page @NSUDemonsVB.
RUSTON — Northwestern State renews a long-dormant women’s basketball rivalry tonight, as it makes the short trip to battle Louisiana Tech.
Tipoff is at 6:30 at the Thomas Assembly Center with ESPN+ coverage of the contest between the Lady Demons (1-2) and the Lady Techsters (3-0).
NSU ends a three-game road swing. While the Demons lost their last two games while visiting power conference teams, they showed major flashes, led by the play of point guard KP Parr.
Parr has scored 38 points combined in the previous two games on the road against Arkansas and Oklahoma State, including a career-high 20 against the Razorbacks.
Parr, a Texas State transfer, is in the top three on the team in scoring (14.7), rebounding (5.0) and assists (6.0). After making just 9-of-53 from deep in her first two seasons, she is off to a fast start from deep, going 4-of-7 in the first three games and 4-of-5 in the last two.
She is also shooting 56 percent from the field.
“Whether I try to score or facilitate depends on what my team needs me to do in order to win,” Parr said. “Obviously, the first game Chloe (Donnell) got really hot (an NCAA record-tying 14 3-pointers in a 46-point performance), so scoring wasn’t on my mind at all. It was just about getting her the ball. In the last two games, I needed to be a little bit more of a scorer since we were struggling to find easier buckets like we had in the first game. I just try to do whatever I can to get us a win.”
Her fellow point guard, Karma Wynn, is also off to a nice start, averaging seven points and 3.7 assists per game, scoring 11 points last time out against OSU.
Despite the power conference teams having more size, the Demons held their own against OSU in the battle on the boards, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds and held All-American post player Audi Crooks to just five rebounds and only one on the offensive glass.
The Lady Techsters are off to an impressive start, which includes a trip to Lake Charles where they dominated reigning Southland Conference regular season champion McNeese 82-59 this past Sunday.
“They are really good,” new NSU coach Alan Frey said. “They play a style that I’d like to get to eventually here. They are an impressive defensive team, the way they pressure teams. They just beat McNeese handily, and McNeese won our league last year.
“They are a scary team, and it will be a good test for us. While they are not a P4 team, everyone knows what they are, and they have a really good roster.”
Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr, her husband and assistant Scott Stoehr, and assistant Olivia Grayson all previously coached at Northwestern. The programs haven’t met in over a decade, since a 69-57 NSU win in Prather Coliseum in Stoehr’s second season as the Lady Demons’ coach in 2014-15.
Frey, a New Orleans native who spent 18 seasons as an assistant at Tulane, coached two of the Tech coaches.
“Brooke played AAU for me, and we won a national championship together when she made a jump shot to win the winners bracket final,” Frey said. “We still have fond memories of that. I coached and worked with Olivia at every level from rec ball to sitting beside her at Tulane, so we’ve been connected at the hip for close to 25 years.”
Afterward, NSU returns home to welcome NAIA power LSU-Shreveport to Prather Coliseum on Monday. It starts a string of three of the next four in Natchitoches.
The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery recently released 3,200 Louisiana Pearlshell Mussels, marking only the third stocking of the species since 2016.
The release followed revised strategies developed in collaboration with Louisiana Ecological Services and the U.S. Forest Service.
Approximately 90% of the 2026 cohort was released at an average size of 5 millimeters.
The remaining 10% will stay at the hatchery while biologists continue refining grow-out procedures and evaluating the use of PIT tagging at larger sizes.
The effort is part of ongoing conservation work focused on the Louisiana Pearlshell Mussel.
Photo by Emmet Guy, USFWS Biologist: Juvenile Louisiana Pearlshell Mussels in a container while adjusting to creek water chemistry.
Curtis T. Balthazar Jr. APR 6, 1943 — NOV 2, 2026 Service: Friday, November 13, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Mary Silverine Monette Antee MAY 5, 1944 — NOV 7, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 14 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Fernando Montelongo Flores MAY 30, 1949 — NOV 8, 2026 Service: Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Ann Stanton Manger SEP 26, 1932 — OCT 26, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Tamela Berguin APR 2, 1971 — OCT 31, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 14 at the Natchitoches Event Center
Dr. Leon Davis FEB 25, 1947 — OCT 29, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 11 am at St. Paul Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Daron Williams Jr. APR 8, 2002 — OCT 27, 2026 Service: Saturday, November 14 at 11 am at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board has announced its 2026-2027 District Teachers of the Year, recognizing three educators for their dedication to student achievement and contributions to education across the parish.
The honorees represent the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Elementary Teacher of the Year: Angela Mitchell
Angela Mitchell, a kindergarten teacher at L.P. Vaughn Elementary School, was selected as the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Principal Carissa Davis described Mitchell as an exceptional educator whose dedication to academic excellence and commitment to ensuring every student learns, grows and belongs make her deserving of the recognition.
Middle School Teacher of the Year: Kristy Strother
Kristy Strother, a seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher at NSU Middle Lab, was named the district’s Middle School Teacher of the Year.
With 30 years of dedication to education, Strother has made a lasting impact on generations of students.
Principal Natalie Ducote praised Strother’s ability to meet students where they are academically, challenge them to reach their full potential and develop relationships that continue long after students leave Middle Lab.
High School Teacher of the Year: Tameshia Frederick
Tameshia Frederick, a Financial Literacy and Business Math teacher at Natchitoches Central High School, was selected as the district’s High School Teacher of the Year.
Principal Micah Coleman described Frederick as “the heart of Natchitoches Central,” recognizing her dedication in the classroom, commitment to coaching and supporting students, and role in helping improve ACT and WorkKeys scores.
In addition to the three district-level honorees, the Natchitoches Parish School Board recognized its school-level Teachers of the Year, Early Childhood Teachers of the Year and New Teachers of the Year.
The district expressed appreciation to all honorees for their contributions to students and families throughout Natchitoches Parish.
The complete list of honorees and additional information is available in the district’s official press release at https://www.npsb.la/article/3242885.
Reports of discolored water and an unusual odor at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) and Northwestern State University (NSU) campuses on Nov. 9 prompted questions about the city’s water system.
City Utility Director Tim Tousek explained that the odor was caused by a natural process known as lake turnover, while the discoloration resulted from a temporary shutdown and restart of the city’s water treatment system.
According to Tousek, lake turnover occurs when temperature changes cause different layers of water in the lake to mix, bringing together water of varying quality. Tousek said the process occurs annually but caught utility officials by surprise this year.
The discoloration was attributed to a separate issue involving the city’s water treatment facilities. Tousek said the water plant was shut down for approximately five hours on Nov. 9 to complete a software upgrade intended to allow Plant No. 4 to communicate with the other plants and the overall system.
The software upgrade cost approximately $87,000.
The new Plant No. 4 has been under construction and while it’s slightly overdue in becoming operational because of a programming issue, the city expects to bring it online next week, beginning Nov. 16.
When the water treatment system was brought back online following the shutdown, the restart stirred up material within the system, resulting in the reported discoloration.
Utility crews worked through the night to restore operations, flush the system and check water levels.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright recently announced the promotions of five dedicated deputies within the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations Bureau.
These promotions recognize the deputies’ hard work, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving and protecting the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.
The following personnel have been promoted:
Sergeant Jonathan Dranguet – NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau
Sergeant Jessalinn Edwards – NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau
Sergeant Thomas Freeman – NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau
Corporal Alonzo Middleton – NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau
Corporal Johnny Severance – NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau
Sheriff Wright praised the newly promoted deputies for their dedication to law enforcement, strong work ethic, and willingness to accept additional responsibilities within the agency.
“These promotions are well-deserved and reflect the commitment, professionalism, and leadership these deputies have demonstrated throughout their service,” said Sheriff Wright. “Each has earned the respect and confidence of their supervisors and fellow deputies. I am proud of their accomplishments and confident they will continue to serve the citizens of Natchitoches Parish with integrity, dedication, and distinction.”
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office congratulates these deputies on their well-earned promotions and wishes them continued success as they assume their new responsibilities.
Congratulations to each of these deputies on this important career achievement.
Mostly sunny skies and cooler overnight temperatures are expected across Natchitoches Parish through the weekend, with a slight chance of rain returning Sunday and Monday.
Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping into the lower 50s and northwest winds around 5 mph.
Thursday will bring sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s, with northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph. Clear skies Thursday night will allow temperatures to fall into the mid-40s.
Sunny conditions will continue Friday, with highs in the lower 70s. Friday night is expected to be clear, with overnight lows around 40 degrees.
Saturday will be mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 60s. Partly cloudy skies are expected Saturday night, with temperatures dropping into the lower 40s.
Cloud cover will increase Sunday, bringing mostly cloudy conditions and a slight chance of afternoon showers. Highs will remain in the upper 60s, with a 20 percent chance of rain.
Sunday night will remain mostly cloudy, with a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly during the evening. Overnight lows will be in the mid-40s.
Monday will bring partly cloudy skies and a 20 percent chance of showers, with afternoon highs around 70 degrees.
Overall, the forecast calls for several days of dry weather and cooler nighttime temperatures before rain chances return late in the weekend.
Fourth Degree members of the Natchitoches Knights of Columbus Council #1357 placed 450 American flags on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries on Nov. 7.
Members participating in the effort included Kirk Soileau, Ted Duggan, Deacon Chad Thibodeaux, Darrell Hickman, Michael Chatelain and Michael Yankowski.
Photo Caption: From left, Kirk Soileau, Ted Duggan, Deacon Chad Thibodeaux, Darrell Hickman, Michael Chatelain and Michael Yankowski.
If I had been Moses, I would have asked whether I could put my shoes back on before we discussed my future. A man makes better decisions, I figure, when he has his shoes on.
In the third chapter of Exodus, Moses is tending his father-in-law’s sheep when he notices a bush on fire that won’t burn up. He goes over for a closer look. God calls his name. Moses says, “Here I am.” So far, so good. Then God tells him to take off his sandals. He’s standing on holy ground.
God has heard the cries of his people in Egypt and tells Moses he’s sending him to Pharaoh to bring them out. Moses asks, “Who am I?” Later he wonders what to say, what to do if nobody believes him, and whether God has considered the fact that public speaking is an area in which Moses has considerable room for growth. By the next chapter, Moses is asking God to send somebody else.
I understand Moses. I’ve been in enough church meetings to know that “Here I am” and “I’ll do it” are two entirely different items on the agenda.
We have made “yes, but” an art form. At church, we say, “Yes, we need more young families, but those children do make a lot of noise.” At home, we say, “Yes, we ought to get together,” and spend the next seventeen messages in the family group chat establishing that nobody can do Thursday. We want somebody to fix the traffic in Ruston, preferably without moving a single orange barrel into our lane.
My favorite “yes, but” comes when somebody suggests we try something new at church. “Yes, but we tried that once.” Ask when, and you’ll find out it was in 1987, three people came, and one of them was there to fix the ice machine. The matter is considered settled.
There are times when the person who says “yes, but” saves everybody a great deal of trouble. If I’m about to back over your mailbox, please feel free to interrupt. And Moses had good reason to be scared. He knew what Pharaoh could do. Still, I know how easily I can turn a reasonable concern into a comfortable place to sit. Give me ten minutes and a legal pad and I can make a pretty good case for leaving a good thing to somebody else.
What I love about the story is God’s answer to Moses’ first question. Moses asks, “Who am I?” God says, “I will be with you.” God knows who he’s talking to. He knows Moses is scared, and there are people in Egypt who have been crying out long enough.
The thing in front of us this week may be smaller than a trip to Pharaoh’s palace. Maybe there’s a neighbor we’ve been meaning to check on. “Yes, but I wouldn’t know what to say.” You could knock and start with “How are you?” Then stay long enough to hear the answer.
Natchitoches Parish youth hunter Carter Hough recently harvested an eight-point buck during a Saturday morning hunting trip with his father, Cody.
The father and son went hunting before heading to the final Louisiana Lightning baseball tournament of the season.
According to his mother Carrie Burns Hough, Carter was thrilled with his successful hunt, while Cody was equally excited and proud of his son’s accomplishment. Hough shared her appreciation for the time Cody and Carter spend together outdoors and the memories they continue to make through their shared interest in hunting.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board discussed educational partnerships, a proposed corporal punishment policy and oil and natural gas leasing during its committee meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The board also received updates on district operations, employee recognition, transportation and maintenance.
Items discussed during the committee meeting are scheduled for consideration at the board’s regular voting meeting Thursday, Nov. 12.
The board discussed a proposed memorandum of understanding with Prime Time Family Reading, Inc., involving the use of existing facilities at Fairview. The proposed agreement would provide six rooms in a designated wing of the facility, including one room for office space. Officials explained that the arrangement would allow the organization to use a separate entrance and operate within a designated portion of the building.
The proposed agreement includes an annual contribution of slightly more than $26,000.
District representatives said the amount was developed after reviewing facility-related expenses, including lawn care, janitorial services and other operational costs. The board discussed the importance of clearly defining financial and operational responsibilities between the district and its partner.
The agreement is scheduled for consideration Thursday, with discussion also addressing authorization for the superintendent to sign the memorandum.
The board revisited a previously tabled proposal addressing corporal punishment administered by parents on school grounds.
Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi explained that district officials had reviewed similar policies in other Louisiana school districts and consulted with legal counsel. The discussion centered on potential liability concerns and the responsibilities of school employees as mandatory reporters. The proposed policy would address situations involving parents administering corporal punishment to their own children while on school property.
Eloi said legal counsel recommended adopting a formal policy rather than relying solely on administrative practices or instructions to principals. Board members discussed the distinction between contacting parents about student behavior and directing parents to administer discipline.
The proposed policy is expected to return for consideration at Thursday’s voting meeting.
Board members discussed a memorandum of understanding with Cane River Children’s Services for the 2026-2027 school year. The agreement would outline supplemental educational services provided through Title I, Part A funding designated for neglected children.
District officials explained that the available funding changes annually based on the number of eligible students residing at the facility during the previous school year. The agreement would establish expectations for the use of those funds, including tutoring during the school year and possible summer enrichment activities if funding is available. Officials said tutoring compensation would follow district guidelines and would be provided at an hourly rate rather than through a full-time salaried position.
The board discussed a proposed change in how it would handle oil and natural gas leasing on district-owned property. Attorney Joe Stamey explained that the district is considering withdrawing a previously approved resolution that would have placed the leasing process under the State Mineral and Energy Board.
Instead, the proposed resolution would authorize the school board to conduct its own competitive bidding process while maintaining required state oversight and approval. Stamey said the change would provide the district with greater control over lease conditions and potentially allow it to receive initial lease payments sooner. The discussion focused in part on approximately 640 acres of district property that have attracted interest from oil and gas companies.
Under the proposed schedule, advertisements for bids would begin Nov. 17 and Nov. 19, with bids expected to be opened in early December. Officials discussed the possibility of selecting a bidder and authorizing execution of a lease at the Dec. 8 board meeting.
The board is expected to consider the revised resolution Thursday.
The district’s maintenance department reported receiving 97 work orders during the reporting period, with 79 completed. Maintenance officials said the number of outstanding work orders has declined from earlier months when the department received between 200 and 300 requests.
The department reported electrical problems at Fairview and Lakeview following a scheduled power shutdown. At Fairview, the incident damaged a fire alarm panel that required replacement. At Lakeview, seven electrical contactors associated with lighting, freezers and kitchen equipment were damaged.
Officials also reported completion of fire panel inspections, fire extinguisher inspections and scheduled preventive maintenance.
HVAC replacement equipment has been ordered for the Marthaville gymnasium.
The department also reported water line repairs, minor issues identified during fire marshal and health inspections, and satisfactory testing results for retention ponds at Lakeview, Fairview and Marthaville.
The district’s human resources department reported that staffing levels remain relatively stable. Officials said efforts are continuing to recruit substitute teachers, including targeted advertising to increase the number of available substitutes.
The transportation department reported hiring two drivers during October, with another driver in training and two additional prospective drivers working toward obtaining permits.
Board members raised questions about transportation arrangements for students attending the district’s alternative education program. Officials explained that designated bus stops are used throughout the parish rather than providing door-to-door transportation. Additional stops may be considered when student locations require adjustments.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board will hold its next regular voting meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, when items discussed during the committee meeting are expected to be considered for approval.
Natchitoches Animal Control Officer and U.S. Army veteran Ronald N. Dellinger Jr. was awarded the Lifesaving Ribbon by Natchitoches Police Chief Collins for his actions while responding to a vehicle accident on Feb. 5, 2026.
The accident occurred at the bridge near Mariners Restaurant.
According to the Natchitoches Animal Control Shelter, Dellinger crawled through debris, glass and fuel inside the wrecked vehicle to recover an essential item, disregarding his own safety in the process.
The shelter recognized Dellinger for his continued dedication to serving the community following his military career.
Over my many years of fishing bass tournaments, I’ve met and visited with several who left an impression not just on me, but the fishing world as well — several men who were true legends of professional bass fishing.
Men who were innovators in bass fishing products and techniques. Anglers who left their mark through outstanding tv productions. There was one meeting that I’ll never forget; the first time I met Forest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats!
In 1998, in the span of eight hours, I was offered the opportunity to represent two boat companies as one of their pro staff members: Skeeter or Ranger Boats.
At the time, Ranger was still the king of bass boat manufacturing, and I knew that this was going to be a tremendous opportunity to be a part of something special.
The following day I called Ranger and accepted their offer. This was something I took great pride in and wanted to help Ranger Boats any way possible.
Each year during the first week of December, Ranger held what they called a “Product Knowledge Tour” exclusive for Ranger Pro Staff members and participating dealers.
All the big dogs in the professional bass fishing world were there. Names like Hank Parker, Jimmy Houston, Larry Nixon and Dion Hibdon. Anglers who helped lay the foundation for Ranger Boats.
After my very first “Product Knowledge Tour,” I left at the end of Day Two to head back home. However, right next door to the Ranger Boat manufacturing facility is the Ranger Boats Museum.
I just could not pass up the opportunity to see what was inside. I had already heard about how much history was on display in this museum and wanted to take the time to go inside. The minute I walked in the door, I heard this deep voice off in the distance yell out, “Welcome to Ranger Boats!”
Low and behold, it was the man himself, Forest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats! With the distinct sound of cowboy boots, he headed towards me with the same walk as the movie actor John Wayne.
He reached out to shake my hand, and we talked like we had known each other for years. Forest was a very personable man who never met a stranger. There was a quiet charisma about him which was probably developed over his many years as a fishing guide on the White River.
It was as if I was talking with my grandpa … and then things got even better! Moments later, the matriarch of the Wood family appeared in the form of Mrs. Nina Wood, his wife. Now I was even more impressed as she came over and gave me a hug like I was one of her own.
But that’s how Ranger Boats operated back then. If you were on their pro staff, you were family, and they treated you as such. Forest then took me on a personal tour of the museum and left no stone unturned.
An hour later I walked out in awe, got in my truck and headed back to Louisiana. While the museum was awesome and I highly recommend you stop in and see it if you’re ever in Flipping, Arkansas, my biggest take away was meeting Forest and Nina Wood!
They were two people who took the time to introduce themselves to a young man who was just another angler. They could have just sat in their office at the museum and let me tour on my own.
But no, they took the time to say hello and make this young man feel special and for that I will always be grateful. Rest in peace Forest and Nina Wood.
The Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS) boys’ and girls’ cross country teams made school history by qualifying for the state championship meet for the first time while competing in the LHSAA Division 2 – Region 1 Championships at Acadiana Park in Lafayette on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Senior Aiden Cooper led the Chiefs with a 5K time of 17:52, finishing 24th overall, earning All-Region honors and securing an automatic qualifying bid to the state championship meet.
The remaining scoring runners were Pierce Hyams (26th, 18:02), Patrick Martinez (32nd, 18:13), Weston Dunagan (36th, 18:21) and Tate Scribner (52nd, 19:32).
Gabriel Bush (61st, 20:42) and Joseph Stephens (68th, 21:31) rounded out the boys’ finishers.
The Chiefs placed sixth in the team competition, qualifying for state with a 5K team average of 18:24. The performance marked the fastest team average by an NCHS cross country team in 20 years.
Freshman Molly Morris led the Lady Chiefs with a personal-best 5K time of 25:15, finishing 45th overall.
The remaining scoring runners were Cora Scribner (54th, 28:19), Emery Bryant (55th, 28:40), Isabela Soto (56th, 28:44) and Carsyn Goings (60th, 29:38).
Khloe Willis (61st, 29:48) and Bella Clark (68th, 31:08) completed the Lady Chiefs’ finishers.
The girls’ team secured the eighth and final qualifying position in the team competition with a 5K team average of 28:07.
Both the Chiefs and Lady Chiefs will conclude their historic seasons at the LHSAA Cross Country Championships in Natchitoches on Nov. 16.
Pictured: On front row, from left are Molly Morris, Cora Scribner, Emery Bryant, Jenna Garcie, Carter Jackson, Bella Clark, Khloe Willis, Isabela Soto and Carsyn Goings. On back row are Jackson Henderson, Brian Morris, Joseph Stephens, Weston Dunagan, Braxton Lambert, Patrick Martinez, Aiden Cooper, Pierce Hyams, Tate Scribner, Tano Eleyae and Gabriel Bush.
