The Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission approved financial reports and received updates on public art installations, downtown programming and upcoming community events during its Feb. 19 meeting.

Commission members voted to approve the financial report without opposition after offering an opportunity for questions.

Under old business, commissioners were updated on the Magnolia sculpture recently unveiled at the Susan Harling Pocket Park as part of the Nature in Bloom art sculpture project. The installation honors Hannah Fulton and Corbin Covher’s contributions and represents the third sculpture created through a competitive selection process. Four sculptures were selected from submitted designs, with Covher serving as the metal fabrication artist.

The next unveiling is scheduled for March 10 at 5 p.m. at BOM Financial Services and will feature a tulip sculpture. The event will take place shortly before BOM’s 20th anniversary celebration, allowing attendees to participate in both activities within the same area on Washington Street. The final sculpture in the current series, an iris, is expected to be unveiled in early April.

Plans are also moving forward for a future installation of copper lilies at the Jefferson Street Pocket Park. This sculpture will reflect the historical significance of copper lilies introduced by Spanish missionaries. 

Commission members also discussed preparations for Natchitoches Day at the Capitol on March 25 and ongoing branding efforts tied to upcoming events in the historic district.

An update was provided regarding a community workshop featuring revitalization consultant Jeff Siegler, a former Ohio Main Street director. He will serve as keynote speaker at the Chamber’s upcoming awards event and will host a free public workshop focused on short-term wins and long-term planning strategies for the community’s future development.

The Cane River National Heritage Area is working on a new “Natchitoches Christmas Festival – 100 Years” exhibit scheduled to open in July at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum. Community scanning days are planned for March 20 and 21 at the CRNHA office on university Parkway, offering residents an opportunity to have photographs and media digitized for inclusion in the exhibit’s components and festival promotions leading up to the event.

Additional updates included Natchitoches Historic Foundation plans for a parish historical student event on March 12 involving visits to multiple historic sites, the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (NHDDC) Spring Egg-Stravaganza Easter event on March 28 and its Art, Food and Wine Festival set for April 18–19.

Adai Caddo citizens Robert and Tristan Brevelle were inducted into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) on February. 14 at Fort St. Jean Baptiste. The SAR honors Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, community service, American history, and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country. Robert and Tristan are direct descendants of Revolutionary War Patriot Antoine Francois Dauzat.

“We are honored to join the Natchitoches Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution,” said Robert. “Spanish Louisiana played a significant role in our country’s fight for independence. Our ancestors served in the Galvez Expedition, capturing Baton Rouge, Natchez, Mobile, Biloxi, and Pensacola, thereby denying the British the Mississippi River and the entire Gulf Coast. We hope to honor their memory by sharing the story of their service, promoting patriotism, and serving our local community.”

During the American Revolution, the Louisiana colony was under Spanish rule. While Spain did not declare war on England until 1779, the Spanish Governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Galvez, supported the revolution by smuggling supplies (gunpowder, muskets, uniforms, medicine) through the British blockade. When Spain declared war on England in 1779, the Louisiana militia units joined with Galvez’s Spanish troops to defeat the English at Manchac and New Richmond (present-day Baton Rouge). Galvez led about 500 Spanish soldiers, Louisiana militia men, and Indians against the British, capturing strategic posts and communities from the Mississippi River to Florida denying the enemy the ability to encircle the American rebels. Galvez was officially recognized by George Washington for his aid during the revolution, which qualifies the descendants of those militia men to become members of the SAR or Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as Patriots. 

In 2014, President Obama signed a joint congressional resolution granting Bernardo de Galvez honorary United States citizenship. Galvez was recognized for his crucial role in the American Revolution, including his military victories against the British.

Robert and Tristan join their cousins and fellow Adai Caddo Indians Paul Vercher in the SAR and Paige Holsapple in the DAR.

Members of the Adai Caddo Tribal Council and Council of Elders attended the SAR ceremony. Vice Chief Debrah Garrett presented Robert with a bullet made of pure silver. She presented Tristan with a necklace adorned with a silver Winged Liberty Head dime.

Billy LeJeune, President of the Louisiana SAR, presented the Adai Caddo Indian Nation with a SAR streamer for their tribal flag.

To learn more about the Sons of the American Revolution please visit sar.org. To learn more about the Adai Caddo Indian nation, visit adaicaddo.com.

Pictured Above: Billy LeJeune, president of the Louisiana State Society of the SAR presents a streamer to the Adai Caddo Indian Nation. Pictured (left to right) are Billy LeJeune, Paul Vercher, Robert and Tristan Brevelle, Chief John Mark Davis, Debrah Garrett, Charlene Conarroe, Dee Niette Thompson, Robert Wilkerson, and Paige Holsapple.

Pictured Below: Tony L. Vets (president of the Natchitoches Chapter SAR), Tony L. “Bo” Vets II (former president of the Louisiana State SAR), Robert and Tristan Brevelle, and Billy LeJeune (president of the Louisiana State SAR).

Funeral services for Dorothy “Dot” Carney will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10 AM at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Ray officiating.  Burial will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5 PM until 9 PM at the funeral home.

Dorothy “Dot” Jane Collins Carney, 85, of Natchitoches, LA, went to her heavenly home on February 18, 2026 at the Courtyard of Natchitoches.  Dot was born on August 19, 1940 in Natchitoches to Rhese Collins and Genevieve Moreland Collins.

She is survived by her children, Debbie Crowder (Steve) of Lafayette and Johnny Carney (Sharon) of Powhattan; her grandchildren, Eryn Spears (Luke) of Natchitoches, Derek Maggio (Kelsie) of Pineville, Johnny “Trey” Carney (Meagan) of Natchitoches, and James Carney (Alecia) of Natchitoches; great-grandchildren, Emmitt Maggio, Rosalie Maggio, Anna Maggio, Wrenley Carney, Huxton Carney, Emersyn Carney, and Reese Carney; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Johnny R. Carney, Sr.; her parents, Rhese and Genevieve Collins; and her sister, Catherine Selinka.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches and also a member of the Natchitoches Women’s Bowling Association of Natchitoches. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Dot was known as “Nanny” to all of us and she will be remembered by those she worked with for 24 years at Walmart as “the friendly cashier that liked to talk!” Those that took care of her over the few years she was at Natchitoches Courtyard said she “is the sweetest.”

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mary Long and Dr. Christopher Ingram for their care of our mother all these years; Natchitoches Courtyard for their love and care for “Miss Dot”; Hand In Hand Hospice for all of their help with the transition and compassion they have shown us during this difficult time; and her honorary granddaughter, Carrie Maggio, who also took care of our Nanny and cooked for her as well.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Johnny Carney, Jr., Johnny Carney, III “Trey), James T. Carney, Derek C. Maggio, Luke Spears, and Sammy Leone.  Honorary pallbearers will be Huxton Briggs Carney, Emmitt Joseph Maggio, and all of her Walmart Natchitoches Family, that she loved so dearly.

Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 recently hosted parish-wide training sessions, focusing on ventilation techniques and vehicle fire suppression in back-to-back hands-on courses.

Firefighters participated in coordinated ventilation exercises designed to improve visibility, reduce heat and toxic gases, limit fire spread, and increase survivability for both occupants and emergency personnel. Training covered vertical and horizontal ventilation strategies, flow path control, proper timing with fire attack operations, and clear communication between interior and exterior teams. Officials noted that properly coordinated ventilation supports suppression efforts and enhances overall scene safety.

Crews also trained using a FETA vehicle fire prop, allowing firefighters to practice real-world vehicle fire extinguishment techniques in a controlled environment. Vehicle fires present unique hazards, including rapidly evolving fire behavior, pressurized components, flammable liquids, modern construction materials, and alternative fuel systems.

During the exercises, firefighters focused on safe approach angles, attacking fires in wheel wells and engine compartments, maintaining appropriate distances, and applying water effectively to cool and extinguish flames.

District officials said the training strengthens operational readiness and reinforces the core firefighting fundamentals that protect both the community and fire personnel.

By Courtney Freeman

The Village of Robeline will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in the police depot. Besides the normal financial reports, there will be an update on the sewer construction. The work is expected to start very soon and be completed by fall. Mr. Brad has always been very helpful in answering questions regarding the project. If you have any about how or if your sewer services will be affected, I’m sure he’ll be able to help. Come join us and be a part of the business of your community.

Revival Continues at Apostolic Truth Tabernacle. After a wonderful weekend with Bro. Allen Fulkerson of Central City, KY. Revival has been extended into this weekend. Services will be on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22 services are at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. We invite everyone to come join us in a wonderful time of worship.

The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is spotlighting the gopher tortoise as part of its ongoing conservation education efforts, emphasizing the species’ critical role in Southern ecosystems.

Often referred to as an ecosystem engineer, the gopher tortoise creates deep burrows that provide shelter for more than 350 other species, including frogs, snakes, insects and small mammals. These burrows offer protection from predators, extreme temperatures and wildfires, making the tortoise a key contributor to biodiversity in its habitat.

Gopher tortoises thrive in dry, sandy environments with abundant sunlight and native grasses for grazing. The species can live 40 to 60 years or longer, underscoring the importance of long-term habitat conservation. Habitat loss has led to population declines across much of the tortoise’s range, and the species is now protected in many areas.

To support conservation efforts, the hatchery operates a head start program for gopher tortoises. Hatchlings are raised at the facility during their most vulnerable early years before being released into the wild, increasing their chances of survival.

Hatchery officials note that protecting the gopher tortoise also safeguards the wide range of wildlife species that depend on its burrows for survival.

The Natchitoches Magnet Junior High baseball team finished as runner-up in the Montgomery Jr. High Baseball Tournament, earning recognition for its performance on the field.

The team advanced through tournament play to secure a spot in the championship game, showcasing strong teamwork and determination throughout the competition. Their runner-up finish highlights the program’s continued growth and competitiveness this season.

Coaches and supporters praised the players for their effort and sportsmanship during the tournament.

A sensational Southland-leading throw from Northwestern State’s Donroy Brown earned him the Southland Conference Men’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week, the league announced Wednesday.

At the Jarvis Scott Invitational hosted by Texas Tech this past weekend, he had a strong throw in the shot put, a 57-5.75, which is the best mark in the conference this season and one of the best marks in Northwestern history.

He is the third athlete to win a weekly award this season for NSU, joining Will Achee and Keontae Gaines.

Achee won the first weekly track honor this season after breaking a pair of indoor school records, one in the 400-meter dash and the other as a part of the men’s 4×400 relay team.

Gaines won it after impressive showings at the Woo Pig Classic in the 60-meter dash and 200-meter dash two weeks ago.

Brown nearly leads the league by a foot, with teammate La’Darion Dudley second in the event. Dudley’s toss also came at Texas Tech this past weekend.

In addition to Brown leading the Southland in the shot put, he is also ninth in the South Central Region.

His distance has improved each meet in the last three in the weight throw.

Next up for Brown and the rest of NSU is a trip to the SLC Indoor Championships, a two-day meet, which starts Feb. 25 in Birmingham.

In the last two games, the Northwestern State women’s basketball team has flexed its muscle on the defensive end during a two-game winning streak that has it on the verge of clinching a Southland Conference Tournament berth.

NSU (13-12, 10-7) has held its last two opponents to 30.7 percent shooting from the field and 26.2 percent from deep during the two wins that has the Lady Demons in sole possession of fifth place.

The team that is one spot behind Northwestern? Tonight’s opponent, UIW (11-13, 9-8), as the Demons aim for the season split after dropping the first one meeting 66-53 in San Antonio last month.

Tip-off is at 6:30 at Prather Coliseum. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and broadcast on the Demon Sports Network flagshipped by 100.7 FM KZBL of Natchitoches, and including stations in Many and Leesville.

“It’s another opportunity at Prather Coliseum to play in front of the home crowd,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “The girls are excited and with the last few games so close together, I have stressed to them that this is a tournament feel. We’re just trying to get them healthy and do a lot of rehab, and they have to have an incredible amount of fire and fight.

“UIW always seems to present issues for us and it’s a really good team.”

With one victory or Houston Christian loss, Northwestern will clinch a spot in the conference tournament.

Last time out, the Demons held East Texas A&M to 20 points in the first half Saturday, as NSU won 60-51. Vernell Atamah and Tiara Abron combined for 35 points in the win and Carla Celaya recorded 12 rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Atamah continues to chase history for the Demons, as her 18-point performance helped her already eclipse the 444 points she scored as a freshman. She now sits just 108 points shy of being the 28th member of the 1,000-point club in NSU women’s basketball history.

UIW snapped a five-game losing streak last game with a 72-66 home victory over Nicholls.

NSU will wrap up the stretch of five contests in a row at home with a visit from HCU Saturday afternoon.

A 60-year-old radio in need of repair created an opportunity for a Northwestern State University student to learn about technology of the past and how it remains relevant today.

Dr. Charles Pellegrin, a professor of history at Northwestern State University, wanted to restore a radio that his father purchased when he completed his military service in November 1966. The elder Mr. Pellegrin saw an ad in an armed services magazine for a West German-made Telefunken AM/FM portable stereo with two shortwave bands.

“He bought it as a gift to himself when his service was over,” Pellegrin said. His father served in the U.S. Army and later in the Air Force Reserves. Back home he worked more than 30 years in electronics, sales and telecommunications in Lafourche Parish and taught Industrial Electronics at the vocational-technical school in Galliano.

The radio stayed at Pellegrin’s grandparents’ house for several years until he acquired it during his undergraduate days at Nicholls State in the 1980s. The accompanying manual and electronic schematics were located among his father’s possessions after his passing in August 2021. Pellegrin said an identical Telefunken model made a cameo in the 1987 film “Good Morning, Vietnam,” which was set in 1965.

“Since my father passed, I’ve been trying to crank it up, but there are no parts that can be used to fix it up,” Pellegrin said.

He reached out to NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology for help, which presented a unique opportunity for Hayden Alberes of Pierre Part who is majoring in electrical engineering technology with a concentration in biomedical engineering technology.

Alberes admitted he was intimidated at first. The radio weighs about 10 pounds and runs on five D-cell batteries, which was high-tech at the time. He spent more than two weeks researching the radio model and found a digital copy of the radio’s paperwork online. After a bit of tinkering, he discovered a problem with the shortwave choke.

“It was complicated because it was old technology,” he said. “There are pulleys and capacitators for air. It was refreshing because you can see everything working.” While fixing the radio, he picked up stations in Mexico and the Carolinas.

“Shortwaves travel very long distances because they bounce off the atmosphere,” Pellegrin said. “During the Cold War, shortwave was important in that it was used for communication and propaganda. They can be useful during times of emergency but to me it has more sentimental value.”

“This was made when people made things to last, as opposed to today’s throwaway culture,” said Albares who will graduate in May 2027.

When Albares returned the repaired radio to Pellegrin, he provided a research report on the project outlining what failed and what he was able to fix. His professors in Engineering Technology were on hand to offer congratulations. Department Head Dr. Shahriar Hossain suggested Alberes prepare a presentation for NSU Research Day to share his experience.

“It’s an example of Engineering Technology and History collaborating to give a student a unique project,” Pellegrin said.

Information on NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology is available at nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-stem/engineering-technology/

Information on NSU’s History program is available at nsula.edu/program/bachelor-of-arts-in-history/.

Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) invites the community to explore the stories, clues, and connections woven into African American family history this Black History Month. On Saturday, Feb. 21, New Orleans-based genealogy specialist Gaynell Brady will lead two free programs at NPL’s Main Branch, 450 Second St., one designed for children at 10 AM and one for adults at 2 PM. Both are free and open to the public with no registration required.

In the morning session, Brady introduces young participants to what she calls “genealogy sleuthing,” teaching children how to study photographs and family documents for hidden clues about their heritage. Her afternoon program takes a deeper look at her personal research journey, centering on her second great-grandmother, Belle London Jefferson, known to Brady as Mama Belle. Drawing on her process of finding new leads, verifying sources, and examining artifacts, Brady merges rigorous research methods with evocative storytelling and period attire to create an immersive experience she describes as “building narratives from nuggets.”

“Our Mammy’s History and Genealogy teaches people skills they can use to bring the lives of the people who have come before us out of the margins and into the light,” said Alan Niette, NPL Deputy Director. “We’re honored to welcome Gaynell Brady to the NPL so that she can share her knowledge with our community.”

Brady founded Our Mammy’s History and Genealogy in 2013 with a mission to preserve and honor the untold stories of African Americans, particularly the domestic workers, caregivers, and laborers whose contributions shaped Louisiana communities but are rarely recorded in history books. Her own ancestors lived and worked across Louisiana parishes, and through years of research she has traced her family roots across the South and back to several African nations. Through genealogy, storytelling, and first-person interpretation, Brady makes African American history visible, valued, and unforgettable, and she encourages everyone to do the same with their own family histories.

Her approach has already yielded remarkable results: at a New Orleans presentation, an audience member recognized Mama Belle and revealed that she had worked for his family and was able to contribute new photographs to Brady’s collection. “When you build an amazing family tree, don’t just sit on it — share it,” Brady has said. “It’s fascinating how our stories are interwoven.” Her programs at the NPL offer the community a chance to experience that spirit of discovery firsthand.

For more information, call the NPL at 318-238-9222.

Beginning Feb. 18, Keyser Avenue will be reduced to two lanes from the NRMC Walk-In Clinic to Melrose Avenue due to necessary sewer repairs.

The affected area includes the section of Keyser Avenue near the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Walk-In Clinic extending to Melrose Avenue. This lane reduction will remain in effect until repairs are complete.

Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling through the area and to expect possible delays. Drivers may consider alternate routes if available.

For additional information, please contact the Utility Department at 318-357-3850.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as crews work to complete these repairs safely and efficiently.

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place Sunday night off Lakeview Drive. NPD officers were dispatched to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center on Feb. 15 around 8:05 pm in reference to a gunshot victim.  Upon officers’ arrival they were notified by hospital staff that the victim was suffering from a single gunshot wound.  Officers at the hospital were able to learn that the victim was at a residence in the 500 block of Lakeview Drive when the shooting occurred.

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

The victim was later transported from the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center to a hospital in Shreveport where they have since been discharged.

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 Abbie Baker at (318) 357-3810.  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.

February 18 marks the birthday of Toni Morrison, one of the most influential literary figures in American history and a towering voice in African American culture. Born in 1931, Morrison reshaped how Black stories were told, studied, and valued, leaving a permanent mark not only on literature but on pop culture, education, and national conversations about race and identity.

Morrison’s novels centered Black life with depth, complexity, and honesty at a time when those perspectives were often marginalized or excluded altogether. Works such as Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon explored themes of history, trauma, love, and resilience, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present.

While Morrison’s work is frequently studied in academic settings, her cultural influence extends far beyond classrooms. Her storytelling style, which blended folklore, realism, and lyrical prose, has inspired filmmakers, musicians, and writers across genres. References to her work appear in song lyrics, visual art, and modern television narratives that focus on generational memory and identity.

February 18 offers a moment to reflect on how Morrison helped redefine whose stories mattered. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, a milestone that elevated African American voices on the global stage. Her achievement wasn’t just personal — it signaled a broader recognition of Black literature as essential to understanding the human experience.

Morrison was also deeply engaged in popular discourse. Her interviews, essays, and public speeches were widely shared and quoted, especially during periods of heightened racial tension in the United States. She had a rare ability to speak with clarity and authority while remaining accessible, making her a cultural figure whose influence reached well beyond literary circles.

Even after her passing in 2019, Morrison’s presence in pop culture continues to grow. Book clubs, social media discussions, and film adaptations have introduced her work to new generations of readers. Quotes from her novels regularly circulate online, often used to frame conversations about justice, beauty, and self-worth.

As Black History Month continues, February 18 stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling — and of Toni Morrison’s role in ensuring African American stories were not only told, but honored.

Residents in Natchitoches Parish can expect mild and breezy conditions through midweek, followed by increasing rain chances and a noticeable cool down by the end of the weekend.

This afternoon will remain mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 70s. South winds around 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph.

Wednesday brings continued cloud cover and warmer temperatures, with highs reaching the upper 70s. Southwest winds will range from 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Mostly cloudy skies persist Wednesday night as lows settle into the lower 60s.

Thursday remains mostly cloudy with a slight, 20 percent chance of afternoon showers. Highs will reach the upper 70s, while southwest winds increase to 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. A 20 percent chance of showers continues Thursday night with lows in the upper 50s.

Rain chances remain in the forecast Friday, with mostly cloudy skies and a 20 percent chance of showers. Highs will reach the mid-70s. Friday night carries a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms with lows again in the upper 50s.

Saturday presents the best opportunity for rain, with a 40 percent chance of showers and a slight chance of morning thunderstorms. Highs will top out in the mid-70s under mostly cloudy skies.

A significant cool down arrives Saturday night as temperatures drop to around 40 degrees under partly cloudy skies.

Sunday will be mostly sunny but cooler, with highs near 60. Overnight lows Sunday night will fall into the mid-30s under mostly clear skies. The new workweek begins Monday with mostly sunny conditions and highs in the upper 50s.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware heading into the weekend as rain chances increase and much cooler air settles into the region.

Remember when canceling cable was supposed to save us money? This week’s cartoon takes a playful jab at the modern household budget, where the “Streaming Services” column somehow rivals the mortgage. With platforms multiplying faster than passwords can be remembered, viewers may be wondering if they traded one big bill for five smaller ones that add up even faster. It’s a lighthearted look at subscription overload in the age of endless content — and endless monthly charges.

The Board and Committee of the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival have announced their Main Stage lineup for their 29^th annual festival which will be held on the downtown Natchitoches river bank on May 15 and 16, 2026.

The year’s headliner will be Country Music superstar and platinum-selling artist, Joe Nichols. Nichols is one the most lauded artists in Country Music’s history, with a half-dozen number one singles to his name, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” and “Gimmie That Girl.” He will be closing out the evening on the Main Stage.

Preceding Nichols that evening will be American Idol Season 23 first runner up, John Foster. 

He is a Louisiana native and is known for his authentic traditional Country style and deep emotional vocals.  He has hit the ground running since his appearance on American Idol, performing all over the country including several performances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Taking the stage before Foster will be Houston area’s Soul and R&B recording artist, Tiffany Rachal who will be performing a mixture of soulful originals and covers.  Rachal also has local ties as her husband’s family is from Natchitoches Parish.  

Local favorites and Louisiana Music Hall of Famers, Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs will take the stage before Rachal.  They have been dubbed quite simply “Louisiana’s Best Showband” and will be performing their eclectic mix of Rock & Roll and R&B horn-driven classics.  

The busiest guy at the festival will no doubt be Trini Triggs.  Also a member of Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Trini will be once again serving as the festival’s Emcee Extraordinaire but will also be performing with his band, and playing his Curb Record hits, “Straight Tequila,”  “Horse to Mexico” and other Country favorites along with a little R&B thrown in.  

The dancing will began early that day, as the music on the Main Stage will kick off at 1 o’clock  with return “by popular demand” of Zydeco/R&B legend, Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators.  

Friday evening’s “Tribute to Legends Night” promises to be a spectacular kickoff to the festival with two of the most popular Tribute Bands in the nation appearing.

First, will be The Zeppelin Project, which is called the ultimate tribute to the greatest Rock & Roll band in history, Led Zeppelin.  

Closing the night on Friday will be one of the country’s hottest tribute acts, Waterloo, performing a high-energy homage to the Swedish superstars, ABBA.  Accompanied by a dynamic sound and light show, they will perform faithful renditions of such ABBA hits as “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance on Me,” and “Mama Mia.”  There will be plenty of dress up and singing-along opportunities.

There will be over 20 bands performing on 4 different stages providing a wide variety of music for any taste, including Jazz, Rock & Roll, Country, Zydeco, Gospel, and Bluegrass.  

As always, there will be lots of great food vendors and activities for the kids and this year will provide an enhanced and improved VIP area.  

Tickets are on sale now.  For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.natchjazzfest.com 

Please join us in congratulating Jaliyah Addison on her promotion to Head Teller of BOM Bank’s University branch! Jaliyah has been with BOM Bank for over four years and has consistently shown talent, care, and dedication. She shared, “I am grateful for the trust and support from my leaders and for the teammates who’ve helped me grow every day. Although this transition has been challenging, the reward has been far greater, and I’m proud of how much I’ve learned along the way.” As a new Head Teller, Jaliyah says she is “committed to supporting my team, leading with integrity, and continuing to serve our members well,” and she’s excited for what’s next. Jaliyah values Ken Hale’s motto, “God, Family, BOM,” and lives by Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you…”. If University is your branch, be sure to congratulate Jaliyah next time you see her.

Tuesday night was one for the entirety of the Northwestern State baseball roster.

From top to bottom, the Demons received production from nearly all the roster as they rallied from a pair of five-run deficits for a wild 13-10 non-conference victory against north Louisiana rival ULM at Brown-Stroud Field.

Down by as much as five runs and trailing by three with six outs to play, Northwestern fought back to take its first lead of the game on an eighth-inning RBI single by redshirt freshman Zach White, who delivered the go-ahead swing in his first career at-bat.

“First career at-bat, I can’t say I was really calm,” said White, who was the fourth Demon to bat in the cleanup spot Tuesday night. “Nerves were going all through my body. There was a lot of excitement, a lot of hard work put into this moment. I captured the moment and didn’t let it get too big.”

There were times Tuesday when the ULM (2-3) lead grew to where a Demon victory seemed highly doubtful.

The Warhawks tallied a pair of unearned runs in the first inning and built a 5-0 lead by the third while the Demons stranded four runners in the first two innings. Once Northwestern (4-0) found its offensive footing and sliced the lead to two, it was a familiar face who helped keep momentum in the Demon dugout.

Right-handed pitcher Chase Prestwich, who missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from shoulder surgery, returned to game action for the first time since May 17, 2024, and fired two scoreless innings, including the fifth inning where he struck out the side.

“Chase means a lot to this place,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “The idea that he got that moment, especially the second inning he did his work, that was a huge hold. That was a big old zero. What Chase means to us and what that moment meant for him is fitting for what Demon baseball is all about. Chase setting the tone of punching through adversity and overcoming so much helps you overcome a lead like that.”

In a game that was delayed nearly 15 minutes because of an injury that took home plate umpire James Savell out of the matchup, the Demons and Warhawks saved the wackiness for the final few innings.

Down 8-3 entering the bottom of the seventh, Northwestern began to claw back against ULM reliever Carson Joyner, who had shut them down in the fifth and sixth innings.

With one out, Brock Davis’ infield single started a run of four straight batters reaching base – one that culminated with Colin Rains’ three-run double that drove Joyner from the game. Left-hander Adam Tubbs (0-1) entered and promptly gave up a single to Joe Siervo, whose one-hopper struck the field umpire to put runners on the corners.

After Brooks Leonard was hit by a pitch, Thomas Marsala III’s infield single knocked the glove off ULM second baseman Dayne Wray to pull the Demons within one.

Northwestern sent 10 batters to the plate in the seventh, but the Demons had to top that to pull off the victory. In the eighth, Northwestern sent 12 men to the plate, scoring six runs to grab the lead for good. White had the go-ahead hit, which was followed by an RBI single from Colton Harrison and a bases-loaded walk to Sebastian Huerta, who drew four walks and reached base in all six of his plate appearances.

“It’s a credit to the entire ball club, starting with the coaching staff and trickling down to the players, in how we have created depth and developed players,” Bertrand said. “We say we want to put a premium on player development, and Zach White is a great example of that, using a redshirt year to the greatest of his ability, having a great fall and putting himself in the conversation and being patient. I couldn’t be any more proud – yes, he comes in and singles and it’s a great baseball play, but the character of the man to get to that point and then deliver, that’s what makes you really proud.”

While White worked through his redshirt season to deliver his moment, freshman left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair notched his first career save in just his second outing.

Trosclair worked around a one-out Jake Haggard double to close the game with a pair of strikeouts – part of a 16-strikeout performance by the Demon pitching staff, which collected double-figure strikeouts for the fourth straight game.

Trosclair now has a win and a save in his first two college appearances while the Demons have started 4-0 for the first time since 1999.

“I knew we were going to come back,” Trosclair said. “I was so ready to come in. The guys had my back, and I had theirs. I knew if I got the call to go in, I’d make it worthwhile. We’re grinders. We don’t play with the scoreboard on. We compete. We compete. We compete, and we fight to the end.”

The Demons return to action Friday when they travel to Central Arkansas to open a four-game series.