The City of Natchitoches announced a temporary water outage Wednesday, May 13, after a contractor struck and damaged a water line on Grand Ecore Road.

Utility crews were dispatched to the area and were working to repair the break and restore service.

Officials said customers in several areas were affected by the outage, including Payne Subdivision, McCaa’s Mobile Home Park, Boston Fowler Road, Brickyard Road, Buck’s Grocery Road, Dawn Road, Grand Ecore Spur, Hargis Road, Holden Road, Industrial Avenue, Pridgen Road, Rex Waterwell Road, St. Saviour Church Road, and Tauzin Island Road.

The outage also temporarily interrupted water service to the Village of Clarence.

City officials said there was no estimated restoration time available as of Wednesday. A boil advisory will be issued once repairs to the broken line are completed.

Residents with questions can contact the Utility Department at 318-357-3850.

1652 Hwy 6 to Grand Ecore Bridge, including Desoto Street, Payne Subdivision, Miller Street, Brick Yard Road, Industrial Avenue, Tauzin Island Road, and the Village of Clarence within the City of Natchitoches Distribution System did experience a water outage on May 13 in the above-mentioned area of the water supply system. This drop in system pressure below 20 pounds has been caused by a water main break.

Because of this drop in system pressure, the water within our water distribution system is of questionable microbiological quality.

Therefore, as a precaution, the City of Natchitoches Distribution System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately for 1652 Hwy 6 to Grand Ecore Bridge, including Desoto Street, Payne Subdivision, Miller Street, Brick Yard Road, Industrial Avenue, Tauzin Island Road, and the Village of Clarence. This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Water System.

It is recommended that all consumers of 1652 Hwy 6 to Grand Ecore Bridge, including Desoto Street, Payne Subdivision, Miller Street, Brick Yard Road, Industrial Avenue, Tauzin Island Road, and the Village of Clarence disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container.  The one-minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil.  (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

This Boil advisory does not affect the remainder City of Natchitoches Water Distribution System. 

Following a compelling presentation by Natchitoches Central High School students, the Natchitoches Parish School Board voted unanimously on May 12 to update the district-wide dress code policy, allowing schools to offer additional color options for spirit shirts.

The decision capped a meeting that also saw the adoption of 2026 tax millages and the approval of several major service contracts.

Student representatives successfully presented information that providing a second color option for spirit shirts would boost school morale and offer financial relief to families. The students noted that while they support the structure of uniforms, the current “one-color” restriction felt limiting.

The board was visibly moved by the presentation. “We were all a ‘no’ [initially],” one board member admitted, “but y’all swayed us… y’all twisted that arm.”

The approved motion mandates that all district schools offer a minimum of two different school colors for spirit shirts, provided the designs remain consistent with district administrative guidelines. The policy will be integrated into the student handbook later this month.

The board conducted a public hearing on 2026 tax millages before moving to adoption. The finance director recommended maintaining current rates across the district, with the exception of District 7, which was set at 15 mills.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed millages. Board members also discussed the potential for future “civics-in-action” initiatives, such as bringing veterans into classrooms to provide living history lessons, a suggestion sparked by recent interactions with local history teachers.

The meeting also began with a resounding celebration of the Lake View High School Band, which has undergone a historic transformation under the leadership of Director Myles Schexnayder. From a program that consisted of only a single student four years ago, the band has soared to a 31-member powerhouse that recently achieved a “clean sweep” of superior ratings. The ensemble earned the Sweepstakes Trophy at the District Festival with straight ones in every category, a feat they repeated at the State Assessment at NSU. Most recently, the band traveled to Dallas for the Lone Star National Competition, where they secured yet another superior rating and a trophy for Outstanding Performance. Beyond their musical prowess, Schexnayder noted that 31 of the 34 students in the program are on the honor roll, proving that these Eagles are excelling both on the stage and in the classroom.

The federal programs supervisor reported that federal funding and expenditures are trending as expected with no unusual highlights. However, she noted a slight decline in Pre-K applications for the upcoming school year.

As of early May, application numbers stood at:

• L.B. Vaughn: 80

• Magnet: 38

• Provencal: 21 (pending recent enrollment event)

• Fairview: 16

• Marthaville: 9

The district has secured a new Preschool Development Grant in the amount of $56,610, alongside a Ready Start Network grant for $100,000. These funds will support family engagement initiatives and literacy support for families with children from birth to age five.

The board moved through a busy agenda of contract renewals and policy updates:

• After months of negotiation, the board approved a contract for student transportation services, noting that the provider had accepted all district-requested changes.

• The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue partnership services.

• Contracts for the 2026-2027 school year were awarded to U.S. Foods and a local milk provider. While menus are strictly dictated by federal dietary guidelines, the district takes pride in the quality of its offerings.

• Following feedback from teachers, coaches, and board members, the board approved a “fine-tuned” middle school handbook that clarifies scheduling and disciplinary guidelines.

The meeting concluded as the board entered into executive session to discuss strategy and defense regarding ongoing litigation (Natchitoches Parish School Board v. certain underwriters at Lloyds, London, et al.).

The next regular meeting is scheduled for June, where the board expects further updates on summer manufacturing classes and Pre-K staffing levels.

The City of Natchitoches has announced a temporary closure of George Street at its intersection with Keyser Avenue on Wednesday, May 13.

According to the city, the roadway will be closed beginning at 4 a.m. and is expected to reopen at approximately 8 a.m.

Officials said the closure is necessary to allow for construction of a new concrete parking lot at the Nova Vital facility located at 720 Keyser Avenue.

Motorists traveling through the area will be able to detour around the work zone using nearby local streets during the closure.

For additional information, residents may contact the City Engineer’s Office at 318-357-3877.

The Natchitoches Police Department Narcotics Division has arrested Gregory Tyler (B/M, 34 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for unlawful handling of a machine gun.   

On May 12, 2026, around 7:00 a.m., agents with the Natchitoches Police Department Narcotics Division, Violent Crimes Task Force and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit executed two search warrants in the 400 block of Rowena Street.  The search warrant was the result of a lengthy investigation into reports of illegal activity occurring in the Highland Park area.    

As a result of the search warrant execution agents seized:

• One Glock 9mm Pistol
• One Glock .357 Pistol
• One 15 Round Magazine
• One 30 Round Magazine

Gregory Tyler was placed in the LaSalle Corrections / Natchitoches Parish Detention Center

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Agent Rudy Glass at (318) 357-3878.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

May 12, 2026; 11:00pm

The Natchitoches Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a suspect that removed several items from a retail store in the 500 block of Front Street.

Officers were able to review video surveillance and observed an unknown white male remove the items.  After the individual removed the property he remained in the Historic District for several hours.

If you recognize or know this person please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or Detective John Greely at (318) 238-3914.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.   

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Residents in Natchitoches Parish can expect a stretch of warm and mostly dry weather through the end of the week before rain chances begin returning late Sunday into Monday.

Sunny skies are expected Wednesday with afternoon highs reaching the upper 80s. Winds will remain light and variable before shifting to the north around 5 mph during the afternoon hours. Clear conditions Wednesday night will allow temperatures to fall into the lower 60s.

Thursday will bring mostly sunny skies and warmer temperatures, with highs climbing to around 90 degrees. Overnight lows Thursday night are expected to settle into the upper 60s under partly cloudy skies.

The warm pattern continues Friday with mostly sunny conditions and highs again near 90 degrees. Friday night will remain partly cloudy with overnight lows in the upper 60s.

Saturday is expected to begin mostly cloudy before becoming partly cloudy later in the day. Afternoon temperatures will remain warm, reaching the upper 80s. Clouds will increase again Saturday night with lows around 70 degrees.

Rain chances begin returning Sunday as mostly cloudy skies move into the area. Forecasters say there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours while temperatures remain in the upper 80s.

By Monday, rain chances increase slightly with mostly cloudy conditions continuing across the parish. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected during the morning before chances increase during the afternoon. High temperatures Monday are forecast to remain in the upper 80s with a 40 percent chance of rain.

Overall, the forecast points to several days of summer-like warmth across Natchitoches Parish with only limited opportunities for rainfall until late in the weekend.

Graduation season is officially here, which means students across Louisiana are preparing for one of life’s biggest milestones… and one of its longest ceremonies. Between the packed auditoriums, nervous sweating, endless speeches, and the fear of tripping on stage, every graduate knows survival requires a few essentials: graduation cords, a portable fan, sunglasses for hiding tired eyes from cramming for finals, and a fully charged phone ready for photos the second it’s over.

Northwestern State football fans can start mapping out their fall Saturdays, and one Thursday, as 2026 Demon football season tickets are now on sale.

Fans can purchase tickets online at www.nsutickets.com, and get more details by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 318-357-4268 or by visiting in person inside the NSU Athletics Fieldhouse.

The Demons will host six games at Turpin Stadium in 2026, the program’s highest number of home contests since 2013. The home slate features two stretches of back-to-back games during Southland Conference play. Four home games are against in-state teams.

Northwestern opens the home schedule on Thursday, Aug. 27 against Louisiana Christian before returning home on Sept. 26 to host Southeastern. Conference action at Turpin Stadium continues with McNeese (Oct. 17) and Nicholls (Oct. 24, wrapping up Homecoming week).

The Demons close out the home schedule with consecutive November matchups against UT-Rio Grande Valley (Nov. 7) and Houston Christian (Nov. 14).

A variety of season ticket options are available for Demon fans, from a VIP Suite ticket for $650, chairback seats for $125, and general admission for $70. Discounts are available for military personnel, senior citizens and young (up to 30 years old) alumni.

GA tickets provide access to any bleacher seat in Turpin Stadium on either side or the upper deck.

Each season ticket includes a parking pass, a $50 value, adding extra convenience for fans on game day.

I’ve always heard the saying that “some things never change,” but that would not be the case for bass tournaments. When you look back at tournament participation over the last 10 years, one thing is very apparent; anglers have walked away from bass tournaments. 

Let’s look at some of the reasons that might explain why participation is down. But understand this, you can’t point your finger at just one reason. First and foremost, we are living in a different time as compared to the hay day of tournament bass fishing that was the 1990s and early 2000s.

After the conclusion of the COVID outbreak in 2021, for some reason tournament participation has gone south. Tournaments were at full strength during COVID as anglers were looking for an escape from isolation. Bass boat sales were out the roof nationwide with people retreating to the outdoors. 

All the major tournament trails were filling up with a maximum number of entries anywhere from 200 to 300 boats or more. But a couple of years after COVID, for whatever reason, anglers quit showing up. 

That was about the time forward-facing sonar became an issue. Nothing in the last 40 years has had as much controversial impact than forward-facing sonar. 

Now I’m not pointing the finger at this alone because it may be just a coincidence that anglers were dropping out of tournaments. But for the last five years, anglers have come up with other reasons for not fishing competitively. 

Some say it’s the economy, but I’m not totally buying into this idea. One thing about bass tournament anglers, they will do whatever it takes to make sure they can still compete even if it means selling their youngest child or their wife getting a second job in order to save enough money for them to fish the next tournament. 

While I’m joking about them selling their youngest child, there is one thing that seems to be a common variable to anglers not showing up: gas prices! Back in 2014 when a tank of gas cost you an arm and a leg ($4 a gallon), anglers decided to park their high-dollar bass boats.

While gas prices can have an influence on whether anglers fish or not, presently we are once again on the verge of anglers parking their boats as gas prices continue to rise due to the war with Iran. 

Here’s a major concern of mine that I think is having a negative effect on tournaments … cheaters! Over the last two years, there have been more anglers disqualified for rules violations and more people who have been caught cheating. 

This has given the sport a black eye and is just another reason anglers are thinking twice before entering a tournament. They just don’t trust that someone is not cheating! Even on local weeknight shootouts, there have been anglers caught cheating just to win a couple hundred dollars. 

So, even with all the reasons we’ve mentioned, one angler recently summed it up as to why tournament participation is down nationwide: “It’s just not fun any more!”

Very few of us fish for a living. We love tournaments because we enjoy the comradery and the competition. Most guys are perfectly happy if they just get a check to help cover their gas, hotel and food. 

But it’s sad that we live in a world today where there will always be a couple of bad apples that can ruin it for everybody. I just hope that one day anglers can look forward to fishing a tournament and not have to worry if someone is cheating. 

Hopefully the heyday of tournament bass fishing is not over. But it’s going to take time for some anglers to return to the sport they love. Tournament organizations are in a pickle today trying to figure out the formula that will encourage tournament anglers to return.

Every tournament trail is always attempting to get more anglers to enter their events. Their dilemma is trying to figure out who should be their target demographic group. Should they cater to the younger generation (18 to 34) or try to get the 35 and older anglers back? 

There’s one key component they’ll need to factor in when getting more anglers to return; they must gain their trust again.   

The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area, together with Northwestern State University School of Creative and Performing Arts, are excited to invite the community to the unveiling of the fifth sculpture in the ongoing Natchitoches in Bloom public art series.

The celebration will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the City Park Amphitheater. The event is free and open to the public.

Natchitoches in Bloom is a collaborative public art initiative designed to celebrate the natural beauty, culture, and creativity of Natchitoches through a series of large-scale floral sculptures placed throughout the community. The project was created through a partnership between the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area, with support from Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts.

This newest installation recognizes the artistry of Corbin Covher and Jade Nugent, whose work brings to life the spirit and creativity that define the region.

The Natchitoches in Bloom series continues to transform public spaces into vibrant works of art while highlighting the talented artists and creative partnerships that make the project possible. Community members are encouraged to attend the unveiling and celebrate the continued growth of this unique public art initiative.

Several years ago, a radio station in San Francisco conducted a nonscientific listener survey. Sixty-eight percent of the people surveyed were for it. Twenty percent were against it. The remaining twelve percent had no opinion on the matter. So the radio station concluded from this nonscientific survey that the vast majority were in favor of it. The funny part is that the radio station never asked a question. It was an illustration of the bandwagon effect. If you get enough people walking down South Trenton Street in the same direction at nearly the same time, a parade is likely to break out.

I could go on one of my rants about people not thinking critically about political, educational, existential, or spiritual matters — but I won’t. I will say this: you need to read more than just the headlines on the website. You need to read the article. And you need to read more than one verse of the Bible if you want the whole picture. We often form opinions based on emotion rather than actually thinking something through. (I know — shocking.)

I talk about this because when people find out I’m a minister, they usually ask a question that goes something like this: “Do Methodists believe in drinking wine and playing cards at the dance held on Sunday afternoon at the movie theater?” This is not a serious question, but the ones people ask me are just as funny. When someone asks me about a specific “sin,” I usually ask them what they think. You might be surprised to know that people are looking for direction and validation in their lives. I’m amused that they mostly want to know if I’m AGAINST the same things they’re against. Often, in seeking direction and validation for our spiritual position, we join a church where people “think like we do.”

Nonchurch folks define the congregation of Trinity Methodist in two ways: by who attends our church, and by what we are AGAINST. I have a list of jokes to prove my point, but space doesn’t allow me to share them. (You’re welcome.) In church life, the bandwagon is joined as much for what a church is against as for what the church believes. But do you really want anyone defining you by what you’re against?

Now here’s what I want you to hear — and I want you to hear it louder than any bandwagon rolling down the street. I am FOR YOU. I believe God loves you just the way you are — not the “improved,” “cleanedup,” “Sundaybest” version of you, but the real you, the one who sometimes burns the biscuits, loses their patience, and wonders if they’re getting any of this right. You don’t have to do one single thing to earn God’s love. Not one. I believe God wants the best for you — and your “best” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. God loves you so much that He sent Jesus into the world to show us that love with skin on.

And if you’ve never heard anyone say this plainly, let me be the first: you matter, you are loved, and heaven is not rolling its eyes at you. God is not waiting for you to get your act together — God is already cheering for you, believing in you, and walking with you.

What do you believe?

Members of the Rotary Club of Natchitoches welcomed Cane River Waterway Director Jason Adcock during the club’s May 12 meeting.

Adcock discussed several topics related to the Cane River Waterway Commission, including operations at the pump station, vegetation management efforts, and safety concerns along the river.

Rotarian Richard Guidroz introduced Adcock during the meeting. Also pictured was Rotary President Louie Bernard.

The photo accompanying the presentation was taken by Dr. Ron McBride.

For at least one day this week, aviator sunglasses become socially acceptable indoors, people suddenly feel the need for speed on their morning commute, and someone, somewhere, will absolutely attempt a volleyball reference they are too young to fully understand.

May 13 marks National Top Gun Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating the 1986 blockbuster film that turned fighter pilots into pop culture icons and permanently convinced generations of movie fans that motorcycles, leather jackets, and dramatic runway walks were essential personality traits.

The holiday arrives this year with even more momentum as both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick are returning to theaters for a limited anniversary run beginning May 13 to celebrate the original movie’s 40th anniversary.

That means Americans this week may once again find themselves explaining to younger family members why everyone over age 35 instinctively says “Talk to me, Goose” during minor inconveniences.

The original Top Gun, released in 1986 and starring Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, became one of the defining films of the 1980s. The movie reportedly boosted Navy recruitment, made aviator sunglasses wildly popular, and helped launch one of the most recognizable soundtracks in movie history.

Even people who have never seen the film somehow still understand the references. “Danger Zone” starts playing, and suddenly everyone feels qualified to land fighter jets.

The holiday itself has developed a surprisingly loyal online following over the years, with fans celebrating by rewatching the movies, quoting dialogue, and debating whether Top Gun: Maverick somehow managed to outperform the original nearly four decades later.

Social media users have already begun posting their plans for the annual celebration.

Andrea Melou James
February 4, 1939 — May 9, 2026
Service: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Alexandria

Helen Carter Graham
July 8, 1922 — May 9, 2026
Service: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 2 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com

The Natchitoches City Council took aim at neighborhood blight at its May 11 meeting, introducing plans to aggressive enforce code violations while moving forward with major infrastructure improvements to Second Street and a new fire station.

The council introduced an ordinance to formally appoint Dwight Davis as the city’s new Code Enforcement Officer. The discussion highlighted growing frustration among council members regarding slow progress on cleaning up overgrown lots and neglected properties.

Councilwoman Rosemary Washington Elie expressed concerns that remediation efforts are not being done in a “timely manner,” leaving neighbors living next to decaying properties for years. Shontrell Roque, Director of Planning and Zoning, confirmed that many violators are “frequent flyers” who rely on the city to cut their grass annually, accepting a minimal $50 fine as a standard cost of business.

Roque indicated a strategic shift toward more aggressive enforcement, including increased fines and immediate charging for city-performed abatement.

Davis, in his address to the council, highlighted challenges with “heir properties” where owners have moved away, making notification difficult. He also noted that many problematic properties are adjudicated to the parish, leaving the city with no current legal standing to act on them. The council directed its legal team to explore solutions for enforcing code violations on parish properties within city limits.

The council amended the agenda to transition an item regarding a major infrastructure project from a resolution to an ordinance for introduction.

Ordinance #019 proposes awarding a contract for the concrete pavement replacement of Second Street and Touline Street. Engineer Nick Verret reported that the city received three bids and recommended accepting the low bid from Natchitoches-based Skyplex Track & LLC in the amount of $2.315 million.

The extensive project, expected to begin around July 1, will involve total pavement replacement on Second Street (from Church Street to Touline) and Touline Street (from Second to Fourth). Verret emphasized that this “base bid” also includes a total replacement of the water and sewer facilities in these sections, citing camera inspections that revealed significant utility deficiencies.

The construction period is estimated at nine months. Verret stated the city will coordinate with Skyplex to mitigate traffic impacts during the Christmas Festival.

The council also approved a total increase of $51,143.86 in change orders to the contract with Pat Williams Construction for the new Fire Station No. 3 on University Parkway.

The change order covers two major issues:

• Additional fill and drainage pipes are required to prevent “trapped water” near the driveways connecting to University Parkway and College Avenue.

• To accommodate the turning radius of large fire trucks, specifically the ladder truck, the bay doors on the College Avenue side will be widened from 14 to 16 feet.

Council member Washington Elie raised concerns about historical flooding in the adjacent Quad Apartments area, worried the new construction would exacerbate the issue. Verret countered that the clearing at the construction site has given engineers a better view of the historical drainage channel. He is currently working to secure a right of entry from the New York-based management company of the Quad Apartments to allow Public Works to clean out the ditch, which will improve flow through Young’s Bayou and restore historical drainage capacity.

A final vote on introduced items is scheduled for the next council meeting on Tuesday, May 26.

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested Jordan Hamilton (B/M, 17 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for attempted second degree murder, illegal use of weapons, resisting an officer, aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal carrying of a weapon and unlawful handling of a machine gun.

NPD officers were dispatched to the area of Rowena Street and Sixth Street on May 10 around 10 pm in reference to gunshots in the area.  Upon officers’ arrival they were notified by an anonymous citizen that the three suspects were in the area of Roy Drive.

Officers were able to set up a perimeter and locate one of the suspects who then fled on foot.  After a foot chase officers were able to locate the one suspect, Jordan Hamilton, in a wooded area and place him under arrest.

Officers were able to recover the following firearms:

• One Omega P1 Rifle
• One Glock Pistol
• One 60 Round Magazine
• One 30 Round Magazine

Jordan Hamilton was placed in the Jackson Parish Detention Center.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or if you have additional information regarding this investigation, please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.   

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

After two seasons, Kedrin Seastrunk will not return as the head football coach at St. Mary’s High School.

Seastrunk has posted a social media statement sharing the news.

“This wasn’t my choice but I will … “ he posted on his Facebook page, leading into a Bible verse (Proverbs 3:5-6) that begins “Trust in the Lord with all your heart ….”

His statement ended by saying “I wish St. Mary’s nothing but continued success and blessings moving forward. With gratitude, Coach Sea.”

In his message, Seastrunk thanked supporters at and around the school, and addressed those who had different perspectives.

“To those who may not have always understood or accepted me, I still wish you nothing but peace and success. Every experience – good or bad – serves a purpose, and I truly believe God uses every season to prepare us for greater things ahead.

“While it is disappointing that this chapter has ended the way it did, I walk away with my head held high, knowing I gave this school my heart, my time, and my full commitment. I pray the administration is guided with wisdom, discernment and integrity as they move forward in selecting the next leader for these students and this program,” Seastrunk wrote.

Seastrunk stepped in as head coach after assisting previous coach Aaron York, who took a head coaching post at Buckeye after the 2023 season.

In two years as head coach, Seastrunk’s teams had a combined 11-12 record – 6-6 in 2025 with a playoff win, and 5-6 in 2024 with a playoff appearance. Five of their non-district losses were to teams from higher classifications. The Tigers were a combined 7-3 in district play in the past two seasons.

His St. Mary’s teams posted a pair of milestone wins over nearby Class AA power Many, and split games with Class AA rival Menard in the annual “Bishop’s Bowl” contest.

Seastrunk, a former standout tight end at Northwestern State, overcame a serious knee injury and returned to impress NFL scouts enough to earn an invitation to a preseason camp.

He is president of the Man Up Mentorship Foundation which works with youth in Natchitoches and Red River parishes.

The school has not yet released a statement announcing a head coaching vacancy.

Northwestern State Athletics is giving Demon fans a road trip worth circling on the calendar this fall.

For the Sept. 5 rivalry renewal at Louisiana Tech, supporters can ride on the official NSU Fan Bus and turn the short trip to Ruston into a full-fledged game day experience around and at Tech’s Joe Aillet Stadium.

The full “Wreck Tech” package is now available for $150 per person and includes:

• Round-trip transportation on a charter fan bus from Natchitoches to Ruston
• Limited-edition “Wreck Tech” merchandise
• Access to a private NSU tailgate area at Joe Aillet Stadium
• Catered pregame meal
• Ticket to the game

From the ride up through the final whistle, the NSU Fan Bus is designed to bring Demon fans together to pack Ruston with as much purple and white as possible.

Additional package options are also available, offering flexibility for fans who want to be part of the trip in their own way.

For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.nsudemons.com/FootballAtTech.

Game time and additional event details will be announced at a later date.