The Northwestern State women’s basketball team had a record shutdown defensive performance Saturday to trigger a 28-point road win and a sweep of its south Texas road swing. The NSU men wrap up their regular season tonight in Edinburgh, Texas, hoping to head home with a Southland Conference Tournament berth.

LADY DEMONS: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was restricted to the fewest points a Northwestern team has ever allowed in a Southland Conference game, in a dominant 63-35 NSU win on Saturday afternoon on the Gulf Coast.

Winning its third in a row, Northwestern (16-13, 13-8) held AMCC (5-23, 4-17) to just 27.8 percent from the field and 4-for-21 from deep in the win, the  second game in the last five where it held its opponent to 28 percent shooting or worse.

Combined with other outcomes, the win meant the Lady Demons are locked into the No. 5 seed in the upcoming SLC Tournament beginning next Monday in Lake Charles. They wrap up the regular season at home Tuesday night at 6:30 against UNO.

Northwestern came out hot in the second half, turning a close game at halftime into a one-sided affair. After a bucket cut the Demons lead to 21-18 on the first possession of the third quarter, NSU embarked on a 15-2 run, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Nya Valentine and Tiara Abron.

“I’m super proud of the way the group responded after being challenged at half,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “Defensively, they really dug in and showed a lot of toughness.”

Valentine and Vernell Atamah each made five triples, part of an afternoon in which NSU made 13 3-pointers, their fourth game at least that many made triples this season.

Atamah’s five put her on the brink of a school record, as she vaulted into second place for made 3-pointers in a season with 85, just three behind Beatrice Attura’s 88 set in the 2016-17 season.

Atamah continued a strong season with another 20-point game. The sophomore posted her sixth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Expanding the lead to 17 after three quarters, NSU held AMCC to just six points in the final period to slam the door on an emphatic road win, improving its record in true road contests to 8-7.

Carla Celaya tied a career high with 13 rebounds to go along with seven points. Both Celaya and Atamah secured four offensive rebounds as NSU had 15 offensive boards, the fourth consecutive game in which the Demons had that many.

NSU MEN:  Tonight in Edinburgh, Texas, the Demons close the regular season, facing a red-hot UT-Rio Grande Valley squad inside the UTRGV Fieldhouse.

The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. and can be streamed live on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on the Demon Sports Network and flagship station 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.

The Demons’ regular-season finale has plenty of Southland Conference Tournament implications.

Northwestern (10-20, 8-13) enters the matchup alone in seventh place, one game ahead of three teams who are tied for eighth place. Two of those teams – Lamar and HCU – play one another while the third, UIW, squares off with regular-season champion Stephen F. Austin.

There are several combinations that can land NSU in the tournament, but the simplest is for the Demons to win. Doing so would clinch the No. 7 seed in the eight-team bracket.

In Saturday’s 71-59 defeat at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Northwestern controlled much of the first half, shooting 45 percent and taking a 30–29 lead into the break.

After Micah Thomas knocked down an early second-half 3-pointer to give the Demons a 37–34 advantage, momentum appeared to be on NSU’s side.

Instead, Corpus responded with a decisive 21–2 run, turning a three-point deficit into a double-digit lead in a matter of minutes. The Demons shot just 32 percent after halftime.

Now Northwestern turns its attention to a UTRGV (17–13, 13–8) team that has been one of the league’s hottest over the past month.

The Vaqueros have won 11 of their last 13 games, including an eight-game winning streak during that stretch. Notably, the Demons were the last team to defeat UTRGV before that run began

UTRGV enters Monday’s matchup fresh off a 63–55 win over East Texas A&M on Saturday.

The first meeting this season delivered late-game drama. Northwestern earned a 64–63 win on Mike McConathy Court after erasing a 14-point deficit.

Shawn and Linnye Daily are Event Sponsors for Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s popular seafood festival and spring fund raiser.  “The Alumni Association and NSU Foundation extend a major thanks to Shawn Daily and his wife Linnye for their Event Sponsorship,” said Cristy Bernard, associate director of Alumni and Development.  “The Dailys are continued sponsors of Flavor of Louisiana and play an important role in truly making the event unforgettable. Their support isn’t just appreciated; it’s the secret ingredient that brings our event to life.” Flavor of Louisiana will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, March 20 in Prather Coliseum.  Guests can sample a variety of Louisiana seafood dishes, craft beers and specialty cocktails while enjoying live music and a festive atmosphere.  Tax-deductible sponsorships and corresponding perks are available through March 6.  For tickets and sponsorship information visit northwesternstatealumni.com/flavor-of-louisiana or call (318) 357-4411.  Pictured are NSU Director of Alumni and Development Jill Bankston, Shawn Daily and Cristy Bernard.

Imagine being in the emergency room hemorrhaging with multiple broken bones after an accident – unstable and in need of immediate care. Dr. Mark Guidry uses a medical analogy to describe the state of the Outpatient Medical Center (OMC) when he was called to help in September 2019.

A recent dedication of a new addition to OMC’s Natchitoches Clinic brought forth memories of its journey to recovery.

He was planning a move to Shreveport for another position, when Board President Thomas Roque called for help. Guidry confesses he has “a disease” where he can’t say no to helping the underserved.

He found the organization in a life-threatening situation with many patients in need of health services. Additionally, critical operational pieces were missing, creating an unsafe and non-compliant healthcare environment.

Furthermore, the COVID pandemic added salt to the wound, creating an almost impossible situation with the additional challenges faced by healthcare entities throughout the world.

Guidry’s main concern was the health of the patients. While the clinic serves everyone, it has a special calling to help low-income people in areas having the highest poverty rates in Louisiana. Without the clinic, patients would suffer and impact area hospitals and emergency rooms.

Building a team brought more challenges. For some, working in an unstable environment wasn’t a match. For others, they embraced the challenge and were instrumental to the journey.  Guidry called the latter group his “Helping Hands,” and there were many helping hands who wanted to see the special clinic recover.

The first ‘Helping Hand’ was instrumental to repairing the organization’s deep financial problems. When needed most, an acquaintance in Shreveport unexpectedly reached out asking, “How can I help?” Cynthia Harris joined efforts to mend the deep financial ailments. Guidry and Harris worked evenings and weekends for many years.

Among many repair efforts, OMC needed to co-locate its Natchitoches staff to manage its recovery. A construction grant brought hope to unify the OMC team. In June 2021, the grant was unanimously approved by the Board, and OMC was awarded $589,056 to build a new addition.

Eventually, Rhodes Construction was awarded the contract. In December 2024, the new addition was completed, and staff began to move in, freeing up space for future growth.

Another Godsend was the discovery of unused federal funds from prior leadership. It was the best lifeline OMC could have received at the perfect time. After many years working on folding tables for desks, OMC was finally able to buy new furniture as well as new exam room equipment, a digital sign, improved security, and much more.

These unexpected blessings, along with dramatic quality of care improvements, made OMC “new.” The New OMC, after nearly 50 years of serving others, is now fully recovered and ready for a promising future!

As he approaches retirement, Dr. Guidry, also a catholic deacon, concludes, “God makes the impossible, possible. Through Him, we encounter the Lord in the face of the sick and suffering.” That’s the calling.

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place Thursday evening on Amulet Street. Officers were dispatched to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center on Feb. 26 around 6:46 pm in reference to a gunshot victim.  Upon officers’ arrival they were notified by hospital staff that the victim was suffering from several gunshot wounds.  Officers at the hospital were able to learn that the victim was in the 900 block of Amulet Street when the shooting occurred.

Investigators and officers responded to Amulet Street where they canvased the crime scene and were able to speak with several witnesses. They also collected numerous pieces of digital and physical evidence that will be sent to the crime lab for analysis.

The victim was later air lifted from the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center to a hospital in Shreveport for further treatment where they are listed in critical condition.

The Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

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 regard to this investigation please contact 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 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.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board has named Miranda Nolley, the district’s SPED IEP Facilitator, as its All-Star of the Week.

District officials recognized Nolley for her behind-the-scenes work ensuring that students with disabilities receive the services and support necessary for academic success. She is known for her expertise in developing high-quality Individualized Education Programs, her extensive knowledge of accommodations and her professionalism in working with educators and administrators across the parish.

According to the district, Nolley serves as a trusted resource for teachers and school leaders, consistently providing guidance and support to help students and staff succeed.

School officials thanked Nolley for her continued dedication and the positive impact she makes for students and schools throughout Natchitoches Parish.

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches welcomed representatives of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Natchitoches Parish during its Feb. 26 meeting.

Guest speakers Mickey and Toni Stroud, along with Dianne Vienne, shared information about the organization’s mission and services in Natchitoches Parish. St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization inspired by Gospel values that provides person-to-person assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the community.

All items distributed by the organization are donated. Assistance may include help with household goods as well as financial support for rent, utilities, groceries and gas. One of the group’s primary outreach efforts is conducting home visit assessments, during which two members meet directly with individuals requesting assistance, listen to their circumstances, review documentation and offer support. Financial assistance is provided through direct bill payment or gift cards.

Club members thanked the organization for its hands-on, compassionate approach to serving neighbors in difficult times. Those seeking assistance may contact St. Vincent de Paul Natchitoches Parish at 318-652-4999.

During the meeting, the club also recognized Craig Caskey as January Kiwanian of the Month for his continued service and dedication to the organization and the community.

Pictured from left are Dianne Vienne, Mickey and Toni Stroud, and Kiwanis President Tiffany Woods.

Northwestern State opens the Southland Conference baseball season at home this weekend, beginning tonight, while the NSU softball team hosts the City of Lights Classic after spending the last three weekends in tourney play on the road.

BASEBALL: As NSU starts its 30-game Southland Conference baseball slate against a group of extremely familiar faces, it remains focused on finding something it has searched for since opening day.

“You have to figure out a way to balance it all out,” said third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said of having conference play begin in February. “It is something whether we agree with it or disagree with it, it’s here. We have to take everything we’ve learned through the first nine games and be able to put that into action now in what become very meaningful and very high-stakes baseball games.”

The first of those high-stakes league games comes at 6:30 p.m. this evening against Southeastern Louisiana at Brown-Stroud Field. The three-game series also includes a 2 p.m. Saturday matchup and a 1 p.m. Sunday matinee finale.

All three games will air on ESPN+. This weekend’s series is the Super 1 Foods Kids Series with face painting, baseball bingo and a performance from the NSU Purple Pizzazz Pom Line on tap for Saturday. Face tattoos for children will be available throughout the weekend and kids will be able to run the bases following Sunday’s game.

The opening weekend of Southland play will challenge the Demons (5-4) in more ways than one.

Not only does Northwestern open the first of its 10 SLC weekend series against the league’s defending regular-season co-champions, it also does so against a coaching staff that features four members – head coach Bobby Barbier, assistants Taylor Dugas and Spencer Goodwin and director of pitching and analytics Ethan Francis – who played, coached or did both in Natchitoches.

Similarly, first-year Northwestern assistant Sam Taylor spent the past two seasons on the SLU staff, lending even more of a reunion feel to the weekend.

“It’s a great way to get together for a weekend and celebrate all of what Demon baseball and Southland Conference baseball has done for our lives,” Bertrand said. “There’s an element of that we take with us. It’s going to be great to see our friends and our family members. It’s going to be great to compete. The competitor in all of us says even though it’s those guys over there – from the time they get here (Thursday) night until Sunday – in the moments that life allows to be normal or normalized, we need to do that and celebrate it. I the three hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday where it says we need to put our fists up and pound on each other, well then that’s what we’re going to do.

“Our staff feels that way, and I’m confident in saying Bob feels that way. I think that’s a great thing. What I’ve learned from him, what he’s meant to me in my life and in my career, and then what it means to compete and discuss that competition, I think that’s a great way to start it.”

This weekend marks the second straight year the Demons and Lions (2-6) will meet to start conference play. A season ago, SLU took all three games from Northwestern in Hammond.

Nearly three months later, the Demons knocked the Lions from the Southland Conference Tournament at the same ballpark. The Demons’ postseason performance came after they produced a 19-8 conference record following the opening-weekend sweep in Hammond.

“It’s the compounding effect of it,” Bertrand said. “Whether it be the first nine games that have been non-conference games, whether it be the first three games of conference play this year, or whether it be calling upon lessons learned from last year, or whether it be the way we’re going to learn from each consecutive Southland weekend or each midweek – how can our team, when someone says play ball, how can we recognize what needs to be done on a given night? Then, from each of those nights, how can we learn, pull value and utilize those things moving forward. At all costs, we want to strike the balance, and we want to say, no matter what the circumstances are, we’re going to be the most well-prepared we can be, play as hard and as smart as we can, we’ll use whatever happens to take the next steps forward.”

SOFTBALL: The Lady Demons are finally home for a weekend, hosting the City of Lights Classic, welcoming Missouri State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff to the Demon Diamond for seven games over three days.

The Lady Demons (5-12) will play five of the seven games in the tournament, beginning today with a 1:30 doubleheader. NSU is back in action Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. before closing its weekend Sunday at 11 a.m. against UAPB.

Missouri State (8-6) enters the weekend riding momentum from a 3-2 upset win against No. 25 Ole Miss at the Green and Gold Classic last week in Birmingham, giving the Bears an early-season signature victory. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-6) rounds out the three-team field.

All-day tournament passes are available for $10 on Friday and Saturday, granting access to all three games each day. Regular ticket prices will resume for Sunday’s single NSU contest against UAPB. Tickets can be purchased in advance at nsutickets.com. 

All games featuring NSU will stream live on ESPN+.

For head coach Jenny Fuller, the weekend is not just a return home for the first time in more than two weeks, it is another opportunity for growth as her team continues to search for the right combinations.

“We’re still experimenting a little with who plays the best together out there, but I think each weekend they’re getting better and learning more about themselves,” Fuller said. “Even though we’re struggling a little early on, I still think in the long run that playing these tough teams is going to do nothing but help us.”

The Demons have used 15 different defensive alignments this year in 17 games, with only Britt Bourgoyne at second base starting every game at the same position.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — There was no fourth straight Southland Conference Indoor Track and Field team championship for Northwestern State’s women Thursday, but still plenty of highlights along with a second-place finish in the men’s standings and third for the Lady Demons.

“We wanted to win, obviously,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “We missed out on a few spots but that happens. The sprinters did an amazing job and led this team. We will go back to work after a small break and start the outdoor season.”

Kalen Beavers had a sensational meet, winning both the 200-meter dash and 60-meter dash for 20 points earned for the Demons. Those 20 points also earned him the SLC Men’s Most Valuable Player.

In the men’s 60, he was a part of a Demon medal sweep, as he ran a 6.71 to claim gold. Joining him on the podium were Eddy Vu (6.72) with the silver and Keontae Gaines (6.75) took bronze.

Beavers ran a 21.05 to win the 200. Right behind him was his teammate once again, as Gaines earned the silver with a time of 21.15.

Rushana Dwyer was twice a record-setter as she won the women’s 400 meters and was part of the winning 4×400 relay team, on the final day of competition at the Birmingham Crossplex. Dwyer posted a Southland Conference, meet and school record with a 52.88 to win by a hair over Southeastern Louisiana’s Onyah Onyinye Favour, who ran a 52.89.

Dwyer broke the conference and school record of 52.90 set by Maygan Shaw last season. The relay squad broke the meet record with a time of 3:40.74.

“I give all the glory to God for putting me in this position,” Dwyer said. “NSU and the Southland have had so many talented 400m runners, so to be able to add my name to that history means a lot. I’ve trusted the process, stayed faithful and I’m grateful it showed. I also want to thank my coach Adam for believing in me and pushing me to be my best every day.”

The women claimed third in the team standings with 99.5 points, behind UT-Rio Grande Valley (121.75) and Stephen F. Austin (106.75).

The men’s team finished second with 123 points, only behind 157 for SFA.

“It feels great to win the gold medals,” Beavers said. “I am grateful God even gave me the opportunity to be able to run today and compete how I did. I also am grateful Coach Adam (Pennington) saw the potential in my brother and me and took the chance on us in the transfer portal.

“It feels great knowing he is getting return on his investment. Now it is time to take this momentum into outdoor season and stay hungry.”

Dynia Lewis had a sensational run to win in the women’s 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.42.

“I’m overly excited,” Lewis said. “I wanted to win so bad because I got second at indoor conference last year and was coming back from an injury in outdoor conference last season and didn’t even place top three in the finals.

“When I crossed the line, I didn’t even check the results, I knew I won. I didn’t even know what time I ran until I got on the podium. I’m blessed God chose me to win.”

Will Achee was second in the men’s 400, running a 46.67, edged as East Texas A&M’s Myles Redding ran a 46.66.

Desmond Duncan joined Achee on the podium with an indoor personal best of 47.21 for third.

Achee and Duncan also earned silver medals as a member of the 4×400 relay team that ran a 3:11.16.

In the triple jump, freshman Marquis Butler was second at 50-6. Donroy Brown’s 57-9.75 mark in the shot earned the silver with an indoor personal best.

EDINBURG, Texas – The Northwestern State women’s basketball team saved its best defense for when it mattered the most.

The Lady Demons held one of the league’s highest scoring and most efficient offenses to just three points over the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime to earn a thrilling 64-59 road win Thursday at UT-Rio Grande Valley.

The victory by Northwestern (15-13, 12-8) came over a UTRGV team (17-12, 14-6) second in the SLC standings. The win keeps NSU firmly in the hunt for one of the top four seeds in the upcoming conference tournament.

Vernell Atamah, the SLC’s leading scorer, poured in 26 for the Lady Demons. Nya Valentine added 19.

NSU outscored the Vaqueros 11-3 across the final 7:58 of the game and held them to a 1-for-10 effort from the field during that time.

“The girls were resilient, never blinked and never gave up,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “I am so proud of their defensive performance. That’s who we are. That’s our identity. It was on full display and I was happy to see them be so intentional with it.”

Valentine’s critical rebuttal 3-pointer with 1:51 left in overtime not only answered UTRGV’s lone points of the period but started an eight-point run to seal the game. 

“My team and coaches just instill so much confidence in me,” Valentine said. “I was open so just had to let it fly. You’ve got to have that confidence whether I make it or miss it.”

The pivotal shot was set up by the eighth offensive rebound of the day from Clarence Djuela who finished the game with 10, her seventh double-digit rebounding effort of the season and second in the past three games.

In a matchup of the SLC’s top two rebounding teams in league play, the Lady Demons won the war on the glass 46-43, with a plus-nine margin (20-11) in the fourth quarter and overtime.

While the late-game heroics will be remembered, it took some third-quarter grit from the Demons to put themselves in position to win.

After holding a two-possession lead for most of the first half and into the third quarter, the first big run from either team shifted the momentum squarely onto the home bench. After a Valentine transition 3-ball from one of Atamah’s season-best matching three steals, the Vaqueros scored the next 11 points in a row to take the lead, 41-36.

Following an NSU timeout, Valentine buried a three halting the UTRGV momentum and pulling the Demons back within two points. An Atamah second-chance layup with less than 30 seconds left tied the game at 41, but a pair of Jalayah Ingram free throws put UTRGV ahead entering the fourth.

The Vaqueros stretched their lead to the largest by either team on the day, six points, with just over five minutes remaining.

Back-to-back jumpers from Valentine and Tiara Abron, with a defensive stop between them, brought the Demons back with two. After two more free throws from Ingram, Valentine sunk the only 3-pointer she made in the period, but it made it a one-point game with 3:26 left and triggered the final stretch of play that led to the win.

Atamah made 1-of-2 free throws with 20 seconds left in the fourth to tie the game at 56. She converted three more times in the final second of overtime.

She also connected three times from behind the arc to became just the fourth player in NSU women’s basketball history to make 80 3-pointers in a season, and the first since Beatrice Attura set the school record with 88 during the 2016-17 season.

 “This is a good win for us against a really good team,” Valentine said. “They have a really good coach and some really good players. We just need to carry this momentum into Saturday and keep it rolling into the tournament.”

The Lady Demons play their final road game of the season on Saturday at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Tip-off is 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

MEN AT CORPUS:  A season-ending, two-game road trip for the Demons begins Saturday evening with a matchup against Texas A&M–Corpus Christi inside the Hilliard Center.

Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and the game can be streamed live on ESPN+, with radio coverage available on the Demon Sports Network and flagship station 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.

Northwestern enters Saturday having won four of its last five contests, its strongest stretch of the conference slate.

The Demons (10-19, 8-12) are armed with momentum after a gritty 54–49 win over UIW on Monday night in their home finale.

“Last game was so important,” head coach Rick Cabrera said. “It was a fun, ugly game. But we defended so well and scored the buckets we needed at the right times. It’s all about momentum, especially late. A lot of people remember what you do late rather than what you did early.”

Texas A&M–Corpus Christi (15-14, 11-9) enters Saturday fresh off a 73–68 win at Southeastern on Monday.

The first matchup this season came Jan. 10 on Mike McConathy Court, when  Micah Thomas delivered a running 25-foot, buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Demons a 79–78 victory over the Islanders. 

NSU’s men wrap up the regular season Monday at UTRGV, hoping to have secured an SLC Tournament berth.

A 47-year-old Pineville man was airlifted to a regional trauma center on Feb. 25 around 11 am following a reported fall from a roof in the Cedar Bend area near Natchez.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and emergency personnel with Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to the 300 block of Riverview Drive in reference to a medical emergency involving a person who had fallen from a roof.

Upon arrival, deputies and EMS requested air medical support. Deputies established a landing zone on property just off Riverview Drive to assist responding aircraft.

Pafford Air One responded to the scene and transported the injured man to a regional trauma center for treatment.

Sgt. C. Crow and Cpl. J. Dranguet responded on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The St. Mary’s Catholic School Lady Tigers are headed to Ruston for the quarterfinal round of the LHSAA Division IV Select Playoffs, where they will face the Cedar Creek Lady Cougars on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.

The team will depart between 2:15 and 2:30 p.m. from SMS. Community members are encouraged to line the send-off route to cheer on the Lady Tigers as they leave town.

Send-off route:
• East Fifth Street
• Church Street Bridge
• Right turn onto Front Street off the bridge

Fans are invited to pack the streets and show their support as the Lady Tigers compete for a spot in the semifinals.

Former and current members of the Cheer Team are speaking out in support of their coaches, Amy and Tre, following the conclusion of a weeks-long investigation conducted by the University Police and Northwestern State University regarding allegations of hazing.

According to the official findings, investigators determined that no hazing occurred. Despite these findings, the university made the decision to terminate Amy and Tre from their positions — a decision that has sparked significant outrage among team members, alumni, families, and supporters throughout the community. The current team has yet to be informed by the university that their coaches were fired. 

“As athletes who have personally experienced this program, we stand together in stating that no hazing has ever occurred during our time on the team,” said a current cheerleader. “Amy and Tre have always prioritized athlete safety, respect, discipline, and personal growth. They have been mentors, role models, and advocates for every member of this program.”

In addition to defending their coaches, cheerleaders expressed serious concern about the future of the Cheer Program.

“This decision places the entire program at risk,” the group stated. “Recruitment, retention, team morale, competitive success as well as our safety will all be affected. We fear for what lies ahead for current and future athletes who deserve stability, leadership, and support.”

The statement also highlights long-standing frustrations regarding institutional support for the cheer program. According to team members, athletes have historically been responsible for raising their own funds to participate in essential team activities.

“For years, the cheer team has operated with little to no financial support from the university,” the group said. “Athletes have fundraised to cover camps, clinics, travel to games, nationals, food, fuel, practice wear, signs, banners, megaphones, and other basic necessities required to represent the university. Despite these challenges, the team has continued to promote school spirit and represent with pride.”

Former and current members say the dismissal of Amy and Tre feels especially unjust given their dedication to sustaining the program under these conditions.

“They fought tirelessly for us when no one else did,” the statement reads. “They created opportunities, built a family environment, and helped athletes succeed both on and off the mat. We stand behind them.”

“Our voices matter because this program is built on the athletes who dedicate their time, energy, and heart to it,” the statement concludes. “We stand with our coaches. We stand for truth. And we stand for the future of this program.”

A grass fire was reported on Feb. 25 around 4:20 pm in the 2500 block of La. Hwy 117 near Provencal. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and firefighters with Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 4 responded to the scene. Deputies said the fire appears to have originated from a downed utility line.

Deputy S. Lodrigue is on scene for the sheriff’s office. Southwestern Electric Power Company is also responding.

John Salter, Natchitoches Parish President,  has declared a parish-wide burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Natchitoches Parish amid extreme heat, drought conditions and dangerously dry vegetation.

The declaration, ordered Feb. 25 under the authority of Louisiana Revised Statute 29:727, follows a formal request from parish fire districts citing an increased risk of uncontrolled wildfires that threaten life, property and public safety.

The burn ban takes effect immediately and prohibits all outdoor open burning in unincorporated areas of the parish. Prohibited activities include burning yard waste such as leaves, branches and grass clippings, as well as construction debris, trash and the use of open fire pits or campfires.

Outdoor cooking is still permitted if conducted in a contained, commercial-grade appliance, such as a charcoal or gas grill, provided it is attended at all times and placed away from dry vegetation.

The order does not apply to prescribed burns conducted by certified professionals under the oversight of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Violations of the burn ban may result in civil or criminal penalties under La. R.S. 40:1602 and applicable parish ordinances.

The declaration will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and the order is formally rescinded.

By Courtney Freeman

Revival Continues at Apostolic Truth Tabernacle, services have been extended to this weekend. Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 the service will be held at 7 p.m. On Sunday, March 1 there will be services held at 10 am and 6 pm. We’ve had amazing services and invited everyone to come join us. We’d love to see you.

The end is in sight for the Robeline clinic. I popped my head in the front door and it looked really nice. And also close to completion. The Sabine director said that there is about a month and a half of construction, then of course the actual running of computer and equipment cables and connections. You have to set up the house after it gets built. But we’re very happy to see the end of our wait on the horizon.

On another positive note, preliminary work has begun on the sewer project. The ponds have been inspected and assessed. Now a crew is currently working on cleaning, assessing and inspecting the sewer lines. Looking for any previously undetected issues or problems. Even small steps move us forward and I’m happy to see progress for the benefit of our community.

A town-wide burn ban has been declared for the Town of Campti as officials cite extreme heat and dangerously dry conditions that have increased the risk of wildfires.

In an executive order issued under the authority of Louisiana Revised Statute 29:727, Mayor Katrina Evans established the burn ban effective immediately.

The proclamation states that Campti is experiencing a period of extreme heat, significant lack of rainfall and resulting dry vegetation. Local fire officials formally requested the implementation of the ban, noting that drought conditions have substantially increased the threat of uncontrolled outdoor fires.

The order prohibits all outdoor open burning within the corporate limits of Campti. This includes, but is not limited to, the burning of yard waste such as leaves, branches and grass clippings, as well as construction debris, trash and the use of open fire pits or campfires.

Outdoor cooking is permitted only when conducted in a contained, commercial-grade appliance such as a charcoal or gas grill. Grills must be attended at all times and positioned away from dry vegetation.

The ban does not apply to prescribed burns conducted by certified professionals under the oversight of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Any person found in violation of the order may be subject to civil or criminal penalties under La. R.S. 40:1602 and applicable municipal ordinances.

The burn ban will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and the order is formally rescinded.

Northwestern State University powerlifters Ja’Leigha Gray of Plaquemine and Keith Wade of Belle Rose were standouts in their first collegiate competition at the USA Powerlifting Capital City Classic in Baton Rouge.

Gray placed first in the Women’s Equipped Open Division, 56kg Weight Class with a personal record of 85 kg (185 pounds. Wade also had a personal record of 145 kg (315 pounds).

“I am very proud of both lifters for their hard work and dedication,” said Powerlifting Club Head Coach Maya Lucas. “Not only were they able to place in their first meet, but they achieved new personal records, which is a major win in itself. I am very proud of them and can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester holds for the team.”

The next meet for the powerlifting team will be USA Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals on April 9-12 in Kenner.

For more information or to join the NSU Powerlifting Team, contact Lucas at lucasma@nsula.edu.

The School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will present “Oliverosfest! A Tribute to Pauline Oliveros” on Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. NSU faculty member Collier Hyams will do a pre-concert lecture at 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream of the concert will be available at nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE.
Featured musicians will be Carlos Diaz Del Valle on violin, Paul Christopher on cello and Karla Gonzalez Bueno on piano.

Pauline Oliveros was an American composer and accordionist. Considered a central figure in the development of post-war experimental and electronic music, she was a founding member of the San Francisco Tape Music Center in the early 1960s and served as its director. She taught music at Mills College, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Oliveros authored books, formulated new music theories and investigated new ways to focus attention on music including her concepts of “deep listening” and “sonic awareness,” drawing on metaphors from cybernetics.