By Reba Phelps

The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted to approve entering a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Village of Goldonna that outlined who would be responsible for expenses of the property and the use of the property. Representing the Village of Goldonna were Mayor Gayle Cloud, Reed Franklin, Eugean Garner and Larry McGhee. During the committee meeting of the Natchitoches Parish School Board, Mayor Cloud outlined her detailed plans and options for the use of the building possibly patterning it after a similar model of a closed school in Dry Prong, Louisiana. She also shared that they would be approaching the community to approve a possible sales tax to help fund the endeavor.

The Goldonna Assembly of God recently announced service time changes for their church. Sunday morning service will now take place at 10 am. Sunday night service has been moved to 5 pm. Wednesday night service is now at 6 pm. They also announced visiting ministers for the rest of the month of February.

February 15th Chris Plant
February 21st Teen Challenge Street Ministry
February 22nd Teen Challenge Men

Goldonna Baptist Church is continuing their Operation Christmas Child Ministry for 2026. The month of February they will be collecting wash clothes and loofahs for their boxes. Donations can be dropped off at the church.

River of Life Family Worship Center has pledged their support of the Operation Christmas Child Ministry of the Goldonna Baptist Church by collecting items monthly that coincide with the GBC schedule.

The Goldonna Area Fire Protection District 2 will have a Board Meeting on February 12, 2026 at 7 pm at the Central Fire Station Office located on Vine Street in Goldonna. They will discuss plans to accept volunteers and review the requirements to volunteer as well as discuss community updates and upcoming plans for future development.

For news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

Everyone’s racing to hit the Assumptions button like it’s a reflex… while the big red FACTS buzzer just sits there, untouched.

Cue the game show music. Cue the dramatic pause.

Wrong answer, but thanks for playing.

In real life, jumping to conclusions doesn’t win prizes — it just spreads confusion. Accountability starts when we slow down, check the facts, and resist the urge to react first and think later.

The City of Natchitoches announced it was selected by the National League of Cities (NLC) to move forward to the Implementation Phase of the Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI). As one of 14 cities selected for this next two-year phase of SCEI, the City will receive a grant of $50,000 to elevate and implement local strategies that boost economic mobility and resilience for Natchitoches residents.

Through participation in this project, the City of Natchitoches has launched the UPLift Natchitoches Entrepreneurship Program (UPNEP), which is dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and further supporting newly opened small businesses to help them grow and thrive. Interested participants have an opportunity to compete for up to $7,500 in grant funding to help launch or grow their businesses after successful completion of the nine-month curriculum. 

The program, which was developed by Community Outreach and Grants Manager Nicole Gray, delivers targeted business training, networking opportunities, and hands-on support to help navigate the challenges of starting and growing a small business. “UPLift was created to ensure local entrepreneurs, especially those who have historically been overlooked, have access to the resources, training, and support needed to build sustainable businesses. This program allows us to strengthen our local economy by focusing on small businesses with proven techniques to build long-term sustainability,” said Gray. 

During the project’s initial planning phase, the City of Natchitoches received a planning grant for $15,000, which provided tailored technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, access to data and experts from the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as connections to national funders.

“This grant is more than funding. It’s belief in our people, our ideas, and our ability to build something lasting right here in Natchitoches. UPLift was born from the conviction that when you invest in everyday dreamers and doers, you strengthen the entire community. We are deeply grateful to the National League of Cities for standing with us and helping turn hope into opportunity,” said Mayor Williams.

SCEI’s implementation phase will run through December 2027. 

Did not expect that the halftime shows would be the most interesting part of the TV coverage of the Super Bowl.

That Seattle vs. New England collision wasn’t one that woke up the echoes going into Sunday night, and it lived up to expectations. If you had New England squares with zeroes, it was a great game.

Relatively few east of the Rockies paid much attention to the Seahawks. Now they’re comparing the defense to the Monsters of the Midway and the Steel Curtain.

It’s a little early for that; need a larger sample size than one Stupor Bowl. Give young Patriots quarterback Drake Maye credit for being accessible and accountable in postgame interviews. He was accurate then.

During the game, not so much. NBC’s Cris Collinsworth caught himself over and over just before he used “pathetic” to describe Maye’s mayday passing display.

This is a player who was seriously considered for the NFL MVP award. He was as out-of-synch as Kid Rock in the pre-taped (he admitted it) Turning Point USA halftime show.

Lip synching is as much a part of the “live performance” music business as gambling is to sports. Doing it well is what matters.

It took 200 words before “Bad Bunny” entered this conversation.

I can’t tell you, first-hand, about either halftime show. I was in the car moving from one vantage point to another. Made that strategic decision before game day.

My blunder? I should have gone to my second half gathering first. There was an epic spread to appreciate at Kent’s new casa on Cane River.

More good choices than effective Seahawks blitzes, and there were plenty of those. Just ask Will Campbell, the poor LSU rookie who was part of the Patriots’ overwhelmed O-line. (Good luck — he wasn’t talking at all postgame. Mama always said, ‘if you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing at all.’)

My biggest gaffe? Not hearing about Gresham’s gumbo until the closing minutes of the game.

I spent the first half elsewhere, in control of a remote, which allowed us to fast forward through three-and-outs to get to the commercials.

Everybody loved the Budweiser “American Icons” spot that showcased a Clydesdale (maybe if one of those was running routes for Maye, New England might have had a shot) befriending a baby bird that turned out to be an eagle.

Other standouts were “Good Will Dunkin” with Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Jennifer Anniston, Tom Brady and pals; the Pepsi “Choice” spot with the former Coca-Cola polar bear switching favorite brands, and Kurt Russell’s turn with an homage to his portrayal of 1980 USA Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks in “The Ultra Instructor.”

When that one ran, people at my party moved toward the ice chests chanting “Again! Again! Again!”

As an estimated 26 million Americans skipped work Monday, because they did go back for too much, or just because they could, a simple thought arises.

No, it’s not the idea of making the Monday after the Super Bowl a national holiday, although next year’s Supe will happen on Valentine’s Day and the following Monday is some sort of (already declared) federal holiday.

It’s not a new brainstorm, either – just a really smart one.

Why isn’t the Super Bowl on a Saturday night? The teams get a bye week after the conference championship games. Several of the playoff games are on Saturdays. It would not disrupt the American workforce reporting for duty as scheduled.

The TV networks will point out ratings for Saturday night programming are not nearly as strong as Sunday night. Sure, when we’re talking about reruns of some of the network’s regular shows, or an NBA game.

This is the SUPER BOWL. About a third of the country stops what it’s doing to watch. Or to go to a party where the game is on TV.

Besides, it would be one less day we’d have to hear arguments about the halftime entertainment.

Lately, during the extremely cold weather that we experienced a couple of weeks ago, I took some time to watch a few fishing podcasts. There are a handful of programs that I follow from top anglers within the world of professional bass fishing. 

One of these is “After the Cast” with Major League Fishing pros Andy Montgomery, Edwin Evers and Ott DeFoe, strong personalities and great reputations for not only being outstanding anglers, but good Christians. 

Their podcast is a behind the scenes look at the daily rigors that tournament anglers go through from the travel they face, to practice and tournament days. 

But they’ll also sit down and talk about hot topics going on in bass fishing. They’re not afraid to voice their opinions and share their thoughts which makes the podcast very interesting to watch. 

Another podcast I follow is “Zaldangerous,” also known as “The Bilge,” a program with Elite Series angler and Texas pro Chris Zaldain and his wife, Trait. These two do not shy away from controversial topics and are not afraid to challenge the establishments of B.A.S.S. or Major League Fishing (MLF) when it comes to rules violations or recent decisions that have been made with regards to a tournament organization.

Both podcasts, “After the Cast” and “Zaldangerous,” are programs that anyone would enjoy. They’re both great at shedding light on the hot topics in professional bass fishing while discussing possible solutions.

These are people “living the dream” by fishing for a living. They travel like gypsies and caravan across the country, fishing the best fisheries in America. They discuss today’s anglers and how to navigate the demands of professional bass fishing. 

But their biggest concern is trying to provide for their families as a pro fisherman. So many of today’s anglers face obstacles that previous generations did not. First and foremost, how to navigate social media. This is a problem the older generation of anglers never had to deal with. 

All three professional bass tournament organizations require that all anglers participate in social media. This can be in many forms like a podcast, Facebook page, YouTube videos, Tik Tok or maybe an Instagram account. 

In today’s business world, it’s important that anglers have a social media presence as a way of promoting sponsor product and themselves as well. Of course, we all know that social media can be a place of controversy with people who are looking to discredit or cast blame on others for a particular situation. 

Having a great social media presence is all about how many “clicks” or “likes” you’re getting with the posts you’re making. A really good account can translate into valuable dollars. It’s also another avenue where anglers can make money to help supplement their income.  

But here’s a question — can the average angler make it as a professional bass fisherman today? The biggest issue facing anglers today are with sponsors; there just are not enough to go around. Sponsors are a critical part of how anglers make a living and provide for their families. Tournament winnings are just a bonus for anglers and are not factored into their annual budgets. 

The fishing industry in general is just not big enough to support all the anglers looking to fish professionally. Most are stretched very thin with regards to how many anglers they can afford to sponsor. 

The industry is short on sponsorship dollars with there being three major professional bass fishing organizations — Major League Fishing (MLF), B.A.S.S. and the new National Professional Fishing League (NPFL).  

Anglers today are having to think outside the box and look at nonendemic companies that may have never had a presence in the bass fishing market.

Back during the old FLW days (2000 to 2012), there was Walmart, Land of Lakes, Kellogg’s, Snickers, Castro Motor Oil and many more that sank huge amounts of money into many of the old FLW Tour anglers. 

But ever since the demise of the FLW Tour around 2012, these sponsors have chosen to walk away and are no longer interested in this market, leaving a huge sponsorship void for anglers to pursue. 

Less sponsors means a bigger strain on anglers’ budgets as they try to navigate the costs involved with making a living as a professional.

Bottom line is this: with a shortage of sponsors it makes it very difficult for the average angler to participate on the professional level. It’s sad but it’s starting to look like only those anglers who have money, have a good financial support system like mom or dad, or wealthy grandparents will be the anglers who can compete on bass fishing’s highest level.  

As the old saying goes, “money can’t buy happiness,” but it can buy you a spot on a bass pro tour!  

Northwestern State head football coach Blaine McCorkle will discuss the newest Demons on Thursday at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant in downtown Natchitoches.

Northwestern’s 2026 Newcomer Class Luncheon will take place at 11:30 inside the restaurant located at 127 Church Street.

Cost for attendance is $20 and includes lunch from a special menu.

McCorkle will detail the 22 new additions to the Demons’ roster – a group that was announced last week. Included in that group are 10 transfers from Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools, four FCS transfers, four junior college transfers and a pair of players from Division II programs.

The luncheon is open to all fans, NSU alumni and community members.

Northwestern State left a tough opening weekend in the dust on Tuesday night with a dominant 12-0 run-rule win against Grambling in the Demon softball team’s 2026 home opener.

Three walks to start the bottom of the first inning and another near grand slam opened the floodgates for the Demons (1-5) who batted around and scored seven runs in their first at-bat. They added five more in the third inning to cruise to the five-inning win against the visiting Tigers (1-4) as memories faded of a winless debut over the weekend in a tournament hosted by Baylor.

“(Pitcher) Mattison (Buster) came out and set the tone with a really good first inning. JT (Smith) set the tone for the offense by getting on base and we kept it rolling from there,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “It was definitely a good bounce-back win for us.”

With bases loaded in the first, Sister Arnold was robbed of her first Demon home run as the ball bounced in and out of the glove of left fielder Kamryn Broussard as she extended over the wall. The ball bounced back into play for a stand-up double, scoring all three runners.

Arnold’s double was the first of five in the game for the Demons, including two RBI doubles in the opening inning. Peyton Young delivered a run-scoring two-bagger of her own and Smith, who started the inning with a walk, drove in a run on a base hit to center. The Demons sent 10 batters to the plate.

Smith, Britt Bourgoyne and Makynlie Jones hit three straight doubles in the third inning bringing in five combined runs on three swings. Bourgoyne and Jones each picked up two RBI on their swings, stretching the lead to 12 as NSU sent nine to the plate in the inning.

Jones added to her team lead with her fourth double and three more RBI on the night, pushing her season total to seven through the first six games. 

Grambling only had multiple base runners in one inning, the fourth, following two straight singles, but Buster induced an easy ground ball out to second and one back to her in the circle to squash a potential threat and preserve the shutout.

Buster earned her first win as a Demon, tossing four shutout innings while allowing three hits with a pair of strikeouts.

Three players, Smith, Bourgoyne and Young, had two-hit games with eight different players recording a hit in the game.

“I think we can use this for some really good momentum going into the weekend,” Fuller said. “Getting that first win under our belt we can relax a little bit, keep working hard and go out and win some games this weekend.”

The Demons play in the Mardi Gras Mambo in Youngsville this weekend, beginning with a 2 p.m. Friday doubleheader against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and Georgia State.

Every so often, Scripture taps us on the shoulder and whispers a truth we’d rather not admit out loud—especially not in front of the church council. It’s this: if there’s a polished saint on one side of the room and a repentant rascal on the other, the Lord tends to wander over to the rascal. And He does it with a kind of divine twinkle that says, “Watch what grace can do.”

This is not a minor theme. It’s practically the Bible’s greatest hits album.

Take Jacob. If your church had a background-check policy, Jacob wouldn’t even get to hand out bulletins. He lies, cheats, manipulates, and still God says, “That one. I’ll build a nation from that one.” Esau is out there doing CrossFit and being responsible. Jacob is stirring soup and plotting. And God chooses him anyway.

Or Rahab—whose résumé would not get her anywhere near the nursery sign-up sheet. Yet she becomes the hero of Jericho and ends up in Jesus’ family tree. God seems to delight in saying, “Your past doesn’t disqualify you. It’s the very place My grace shines brightest.”

And then there’s David. A man after God’s own heart… and also the star of several episodes that would make Dateline blush. Yet God keeps restoring him, using him, singing over him. Meanwhile, Saul—tall, impressive, polished—gets sidelined for trying too hard to look holy.

Peter is the apostle who could derail a committee meeting in under thirty seconds. He denies Jesus, misunderstands half the parables, and once cut off a man’s ear. Jesus hands him the keys to the kingdom anyway.

Zacchaeus? A professional cheat. A man who would overcharge you for your own tithe envelope. Jesus sees him and says, “Lunch at your place.” The crowd is scandalized. Jesus is delighted.

And the woman at the well—five husbands, a complicated story, and a reputation that made her the talk of the town. Jesus chooses her as the first evangelist of Samaria. The disciples are baffled. Jesus is not.

God consistently gravitates toward:  the messy over the manicured, the repentant over the respectable, the hungry over the holy-looking, and the honest sinner over the polished saint

Why? Because saints tend to bring their résumé. Scoundrels bring their need.

Saints say, “Look what I’ve done for You.”
Scoundrels say, “Lord, have mercy.”
And God has always been drawn to the sound of mercy being asked for.

If you feel like a spiritual overachiever, God loves you—but He may ask you to scoot over so a tax collector can sit down.

If you feel like a spiritual disaster, God loves you—and He’s probably already pulling up a chair.

The gospel is not “God helps those who help themselves.”
The gospel is “God helps those who can’t even pretend to help themselves.”

And thank the Lord for that, because most of us are one bad day away from enrolling in Jacob’s School of Holy Mischief.

Rotary President Louie Bernard welcomed NSU Athletic Director Kevin Bostian at the February 10 Rotary meeting. Bostian gave an overview for each Athletic program. Pictured from left are Bostian and Bernard (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

The Natchitoches City Council used its Feb. 9 meeting to recognize Black History Month observances, honor a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and approve actions related to housing safety and major infrastructure improvements.

Under proclamations, the council adopted a measure designating Feb. 9, 2026, as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in the city of Natchitoches. The proclamation recognized the service and impact of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the nation’s oldest historically Black Greek-letter sorority. The Ro Beta Omega Chapter, chartered in Natchitoches in 1987, was acknowledged for its ongoing community service efforts. The proclamation was amended to reflect LaVora Wilson as the current chapter president.

The council also adopted a resolution proclaiming February 2026 as African American History Month in the city of Natchitoches, formally recognizing the month-long observance and related community activities.

Council members also formally acknowledged the renaming of a portion of West Third Street to Moffett Drive, honoring the Moffett family’s longstanding contributions to the community. Family representative Henry Terrence Moffett addressed the council, expressing appreciation for the recognition and noting the family’s more than 30 years of business and service in Natchitoches. Council members highlighted the significance of the street naming taking place during Black History Month.

Under ordinances for final passage, the council approved an ordinance rescinding Ordinance No. 041 of 2022, which had declared the structure located at 1203 Rusbo Street unsafe and unfit for occupancy. City officials reported the property has since been rehabilitated and brought into compliance with all applicable building, fire, health, and zoning codes. The action authorizes the removal of the property’s condemnation status and allows the structure to be legally occupied.

In resolutions, council members approved a measure authorizing Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. to provide the required 35 percent local matching funds for the Sibley Lake Dam Rehabilitation project. The city’s estimated local contribution totals $203,216 toward State Project No. H.016751. The project involves preconstruction engineering work related to the rehabilitation of the Sibley Lake Dam, a critical piece of city infrastructure.

During announcements, officials confirmed the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2026. The council also announced that offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in observance of President’s Day.

A multi-agency federal investigation involving law enforcement partners across central Louisiana, including agencies serving Natchitoches Parish, has resulted in the indictment of 11 individuals accused of operating a large-scale drug trafficking organization.

The investigation was initiated in late fall 2024 by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and later expanded to include several parish sheriff’s offices and local police departments, including those serving Natchitoches Parish. Authorities said the coordinated effort was critical to tracking drug distribution routes that crossed parish lines and impacted multiple communities.

According to federal officials, the investigation targeted organizations responsible for distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl throughout central Louisiana. Enforcement actions led to the disruption of local distribution networks and supply chains originating outside the state.

A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a 12-count indictment on Jan. 21, 2026, charging the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The indictment also alleges that more than 2,000 fentanyl pills were seized during the investigation and were intended for distribution within the Western District of Louisiana.

All 11 individuals named in the indictment have been arrested and taken into custody.

Those charged are:

Detrail Harris
Kameron Harris
Barry Pearson
Frank Coleman Jr.
Earl Thompson, also known as Nook
Michael Womack
Sevesta Sweet
Charles Jackson
Andrew Bulloch
Craig Hopkins
Buford Sawyer, also known as Dog Pound

Federal authorities stated that the indictment represents allegations only and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana under docket number 26-CR-27. Officials said the investigation remains active, citing the continued impact of drug trafficking on parishes throughout the region, including Natchitoches Parish.

Northwestern State University reports Spring 2026 enrollment of 7,762 students – 6,913 undergraduates and 849 graduate and professional students – reflecting modest growth over last year across all campuses in Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville/Fort Polk, Barksdale AFB and eNSU online.

“These encouraging numbers reflect the university’s personalized approach to assisting students,” said NSU President James Genovese. “This proves we are moving the needle upward at NSU.”

Freshmen retention from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 tops 87 percent. The freshmen class includes over 1,100 students who enrolled with more than $8 million in scholarships and TOPS awards, with an average ACT of 21.27 and GPA of 3.43 – both up from the previous year, according to Director of Enrollment Van Erikson. Retention of last year’s freshmen class has risen to 70 percent, and Spring first-time entering freshmen jumped almost 40 percent.

Dual enrollment grew to 2,058 students earning college credits applied to both high school and college transcripts. NSU has awarded associate degrees to eligible high school students since 2016.

Adult learner enrollment is also climbing. The number of students 25 or older enrolling as entering freshmen doubled from Spring 2025, with most pursuing general studies, nursing and radiology programs.

NSU students represent 63 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, 45 states and 47 foreign countries.

LSMSA announces Louisiana artist Joshua Chambers for the first exhibition of 2026, on display through Thursday, Feb. 26 in the LSMSA Sharon Turcan Gahagan Art Gallery.

Chambers, a Professor of Visual Arts at Centenary College in Shreveport, creates work in a style echoing the philosophy of absurdist playwrights through deconstructed sets. Since receiving his Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University in 2009 and a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, Chambers’ work has been published in New American Paintings, Creative Quarterly, and Studio Visit Magazine. His work can currently be found in Graphite Galleries in New Orleans, Ann Connelly Fine Art in Baton Rouge, and The Agora Borealis in Shreveport, Louisiana. Chambers’ pieces are also in the permanent collections of the Masur Museum of Art in Louisiana, the Lessedra Gallery in Bulgaria, as well as numerous private collections. Chambers lives in Bossier Parish with his wife and daughter in Shreveport.

This solo exhibition is open viewing Monday through Friday from 11 am – 4 pm. The gallery is located inside the Center for Performance and Technology on LSMSA’s campus.

The public is also invited to attend the closing reception on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 4:30-6 pm.

For more information contact Chris King, Senior Lecturer of Visual Arts and Gallery Director, at cking@lsmsa.edu.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, public residential high school serving high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across Louisiana. Financial assistance is available to ensure access to its 42-year tradition of a rigorous, college-level living and learning experience.

Learn more at LSMSA.edu.

In 1957, after years of bit parts in numerous films and television shows, Thomas was cast as Lana Turner’s love interest in the film “Another Time, Another Place.”  In the second week of October 1957, Lana’s boyfriend Johnny Stompanato, a former marine who was a bodyguard and enforcer for mob boss Mickey Cohen, flew from Los Angeles to Cornwall, England, to be with her for the remainder of filming.  For three months, Johnny watched from the sideline as the chemistry between Thomas and Lana grew.  Thomas and Lana played their parts so well for the camera that Johnny became increasingly suspicious and jealous.  Around New Year’s Day 1958, while Lana and Thomas were filming an intimate scene, Johnny’s jealousy could take no more.  He rushed on screen, pointed a pistol at Thomas’s head, and threatened him to stay away from Lana.  In a split-second move, Thomas forcefully disarmed Johnny.  Thomas was aware of Johnny’s underworld connections and knew to expect a reprisal of some sort.   

Lana was not a pushover by any means.  When her marriage to Lex Barker broke down six months earlier, she forced him at gunpoint to leave her home.  Lana had Johnny removed from the film set and contacted police who quickly deported Johnny from England.  He was back in Hollywood by January 4, 1958.  Despite this incident, Lana and Johnny remained on speaking terms.  According to letters between Lana and Johnny, Lana wanted space.  In a letter dated January 15, 1958, Lana wrote to Johnny, “You must let me alone in my own world for a while, to rest, think, rest, think… I need the time and a different place to funnel thru all the emotional turmoil I’ve been through.”  Johnny had no intention of giving her the space she requested.  He wanted to marry.  Johnny wrote to Lana, “Let me prove that you and I belong together.”  In another letter he wrote, “Every second of every day since you have been gone, I’ve thought of nothing but you and your kisses.”  Johnny persuaded Lana’s 14-year-old daughter Cheryl to help convince Lana to marry him.  On a letter dated April 3, 1958, Cheryl wrote to Johnny, “I just got your letter this morning because I was home for the weekend.  How have you been?  …When are you all coming back?  Soon, I Hope.  Mother and I really had a wonderful time in Europe.”  She ended the letter, “Love ya and miss ya loads, Cherie.”  She only had a short time to wait. 

On the following day, April 4, Cheryl and Lana were at their home in Beverly Hills when Johnny stopped by for another attempt at convincing Lana to rekindle their romance and marry him.  Johnny’s sweetness quickly turned to rage when he realized she could not be convinced.  Johnny grabbed Lana and shook here while he cursed and threatened her.  Cheryl heard Johnny yell, “I’ll get you if it takes a day, a week, or a year.  I’ll cut your face up.  I’ll stomp you.  And if I can’t do it myself, I’ll find somebody who will.”  As Johnny continued his tirade over Lana, Cheryl grabbed a 10-inch butcher knife and sank it to the hilt into Johnny’s abdomen.  He died moments later.  Cheryl was not prosecuted because a coroner’s jury deemed the killing a justifiable homicide.  Mob boss Mickey Cohen linked Johnny’s death back to the altercation in which Thomas disarmed Johnny in a move similar to what we would expect to see in a James Bond film.  Well, Thomas eventually became James Bond.  His full name was Thomas Sean Connery.              

 Sources:

1.       San Francisco Chronicle, October 1, 1957, p.25.

2.      Berwick, PA., Enterprise, October 15, 1957, p.4.

3.      The New London, Connecticut Evening Day, January 4, 1948, p.16.

4.      The Akron Beacon Journal, April 5, 1958, p.1.

5.      The Oregonian, April 11, 1958, p.10.

6.      Los Angeles Times, April 12, 1958, p.1.  

Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, February. 9 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. to discuss non-agenda items. The City Council meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and will be reserved to only items on the Agenda.  The public is invited to both the pre-council meetings and council meetings with the understanding that items not on the agenda will not be discussed at the scheduled council meetings, but the public is welcome to discuss any topic at the pre-council meetings.  The City Council Meetings are held at the Natchitoches City Council Chambers, located at 716 Second St. in Natchitoches.

PAID CONTENT

District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today that a 10th Judicial District Court jury returned guilty verdicts in a firearm and narcotics case, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence following sentencing proceedings.

A 12-person jury convicted Chase Allen Skinner, 37, of Natchitoches, of one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of hydrocodone. The convictions were related to a March 2025 arrest by the Natchitoches Police Department, during which Skinner was arrested and found to be in possession of a .357 magnum firearm and narcotics.

On Jan. 20, District Court Judge Lala Sylvester, who presided over the case, sentenced Skinner, who has prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm, to 40 years of incarceration at hard labor. At sentencing, Judge Sylvester stated, “This court has a duty to protect the public, a duty to hold you accountable, and a duty to send a message that there are consequences for persistent
criminal behavior.”

Judge Sylvester sentenced Skinner as a habitual offender following a motion filed by the District Attorney’s Office.

There was nary an empty seat to be had as music lovers packed a local brewery on Feb. 3 for a fund-raising event benefiting the NSU Department of Music’s “Music Support Fund.”

The evening featured an eclectic selection of pieces from the faculty and the talented young men and women of NSU’s music programs. The Trombone Choir, Steel Band, Euphonium Quartet, Wednesday Night Jazz Combo, R2 Sax Duo, Percussion Ensemble, and Solo performers delivered a memorable evening of entertainment with something for every taste. NCHS’ “Pride of the Tribe” Band Director Cody Thurber and NPSB Talented Teacher Dr. Jeremy Dowden sat in and performed with some of their fellow musicians.

The Music Support Fund is designed to assist with program expenses not covered by the University’s budget. The fund pays for things such as musical instrument repair, piano tuning, and travel to conferences and competitions. It is an integral part of the NSU Department of Music’s dedication to professional excellence and developing the next generation of musicians and educators. If you would like to a make an investment in the development of some phenomenally talented young men and women, please contact Dr. Alexis Sczepanik, Asst professor of Music-Horn at sczepanika@nsula.edu.

Natchitoches Parish Councilman for District 5, Mark Kerry, will host a town hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Marthaville Heritage Center, located at 233 S. Main St. in Marthaville.

The town hall will be conducted in a question-and-answer format and is open to discussion on all topics of interest to residents. Councilman Kerry encourages constituents to attend, ask questions, and share concerns related to parish services, infrastructure, public safety, and other community issues.

“This town hall is an opportunity for open dialogue and direct communication,” Kerry said. “I want to hear from residents about what matters most to them and discuss how we can continue to move District 5 and Natchitoches Parish forward.”

The meeting is open to the public, and all residents of District 5 and surrounding areas are welcome to attend.