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.

St. Mary’s Catholic School’s Girls Powerlifting Team competed on Feb. 7 in the Haughton “Battle of the Barbell” meet, where athletes delivered strong performances and set new personal records.

Sophomore Gracie Watson placed fourth in her weight class with a total lift of 545 pounds. Junior Alyssa Brewton earned first place in her weight class after going 9-for-9 and finishing with a total of 760 pounds.

Both athletes achieved new personal bests during the competition, marking a successful outing for the St. Mary’s girls powerlifting program.

Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is proud to announce that its Cancer Center PET/CT Imaging Project has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill, designating $4,035,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) to support the purchase, installation, and facility expansion and renovations necessary to bring critically needed PET/CT imaging technology to NRMC’s campus.

NRMC extends its sincere gratitude to Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., Senator John Kennedy, and their dedicated staff for championing this vital project through the Congressionally Directed Spending process and advocating for improved access to advanced diagnostic care for rural patients across northern and central Louisiana. Their leadership and commitment were instrumental in securing this essential funding.

This federal investment directly addresses a critical gap in access to advanced diagnostic imaging in NRMC’s service area, which in addition to Natchitoches Parish includes patients from Sabine, Winn, Grant, and Red River Parishes. Cancer and heart disease are the two leading causes of death in the region, yet patients currently must travel between 60 and 76 miles one way to access the nearest PET scanners, often facing wait times of up to two months. These delays can significantly impact outcomes for patients facing life-threatening conditions.

“In keeping with our core purpose, Caring for Our Community, the addition of PET-CT imaging now completes our Cancer Center continuum of care,” explained Kirk Soileau, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “Cancer touches the lives of so many families in our community. With heartfelt gratitude to Senator Cassidy and Senator Kennedy, we are excited to get to work expanding the NRMC Cancer Center for advanced PET CT.”

A PET/CT scanner is an essential diagnostic tool that allows physicians to detect cancer and cardiovascular disease earlier, develop more precise treatment plans, reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue, and monitor treatment effectiveness. Bringing this technology to NRMC’s campus, will reduce delays in care, improve treatment compliance, and ease the physical, emotional, and financial strain placed on patients and families who currently must travel long distances for critical testing and endure weeks to months appointment delays.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist the Natchitoches Police Department with a single-vehicle crash involving injuries on Feb. 5 around 3:48 pm on the Sibley Lake Bridge along the Hwy. 1 Bypass in Natchitoches according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Responding agencies included the Natchitoches Police Department, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, Natchitoches City Fire Department, and Acadian Air Med helicopter.

According to officials on scene, one individual was airlifted to a regional trauma center with serious injuries. A child was transported by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

NPSO Deputies assisted at the crash scene and established a landing zone for the helicopter in the Mariners Parking Lot.

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating the crash. All inquiries should be directed to the Natchitoches Police Department.

The Cane River Waterway Commission will hold a public meeting Tuesday, Feb. 10, to address commission business and hear public comment prior to any votes taken on agenda items.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at 1483 Highway 119 in Natchez, Louisiana.

According to the posted agenda, the meeting will begin with a call to order and roll call, followed by approval of the minutes from the Nov. 12, 2025 meeting. The commission will also introduce guests, hear the treasurer’s report, and enter executive session.

Old business will include discussion of the pump station. New business items include City of Natchitoches/Parkway drainage, a Sheriff’s Office cooperative endeavor agreement, the Melrose Walking Trail, and the former office.

The meeting notice was posted at 8 a.m. on Feb. 5, 2026.

The Cane River Waterway Commission allows a public comment period prior to action on agenda items requiring a vote, in accordance with state law.

Individuals needing special assistance in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact Jason Adcock, director of operations for the Cane River Waterway Commission, at 318-663-8815 prior to the meeting.

The annual Mardi Gras Parade in Cloutierville is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, starting at 2:00 p.m. The parade will begin at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, travel down Louisiana Highway 495, and conclude at the Cane River Bridge.

The Mardi Gras Committee has announced that the Cane River Bridge on LA 495 will be closed to traffic at 1:00 p.m. for parade preparations. Residents and visitors with questions are encouraged to contact the Mardi Gras Committee directly.

According to the National Weather Service, Saturday’s forecast calls for sunny skies with a high of 63 degrees, providing ideal weather for the festivities.

Following the parade, celebrations will continue at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Hall on LA 491, featuring food, dancing, and music by DJ Twilite. Entry is $5.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is proud to recognize Terry Foshee, RN in the Emergency Department, as its newest Guardian Angel. Terry was nominated by a grateful patient who shared how much his attentiveness, advocacy, and compassionate care meant during a difficult ER visit. His willingness to go above and beyond and his dedication to ensuring patients feel heard and supported made a meaningful difference in the care experience.

The Guardian Angel program honors exceptional caregivers including doctors, nurses, aides, therapists, and other team members who go above and beyond. Nominations come from patients and families who have experienced extraordinary care and include a contribution to the NRMC Foundation in honor of the caregiver.

If you have experienced exceptional care at NRMC, consider nominating a Guardian Angel:
nrmcfoundation.org/guardianangel.

Third-year Northwestern State football coach Blaine McCorkle announced Thursday the addition of 21 transfers and one high school signee in a class loaded with talent and experience coming primarily from the FBS ranks.

Two of the transfers are local products – kicker Payne Williams III, a St. Mary’s standout coming home from Colorado State, and offensive lineman Joseph Cryer, who graduated from Natchitoches Central and has transferred from McNeese. A third new Demon with local ties is Trinity Valley Community College transfer receiver Jake Peveto, son of former Demons’ head coach Bradley Dale Peveto.

Northwestern picked up a bevy of talented transfers on the defensive side of the ball plus some key additions on offense and special teams as part of its transfer class.

“I am very excited about this group of young men we are bringing into our program,” McCorkle said. “I want to thank our staff. They worked extremely hard to identify what we needed and find the right people to either fill those holes or bolster the roster.

“We have had the philosophy to replace graduating seniors with high school talent and portal guys with portal guys. Last fall we said goodbye to 12 seniors on senior day, and we signed 12 high school players so we hit that mark exactly. We had 13 go into the portal and we replaced them with 21 very solid football players so we definitely bettered ourselves there.”

Others joining the NSU roster for the upcoming 2026 season are Jamal Cooper Jr. (Dartmouth), Bryston Dixon (Jones College), Donovan Dozier (Liberty), Blaine Duncan (Gannon Univ.), Blake Fann (North Texas), Mikel Hines (ULM), Harold Lawson (Tulane), Tyrone McDuffie III (UTEP), MarJayvious Moss (Navarro), Kamron Norwood (Southeastern), Geoffrey Ojeh (UTPB), Jason Otah (East Texas A&M), Brandon Ross (Saddleback College), Diego Sanchez (Arkansas Tech), Kameron Thomas (Arkansas State), Zach Wilcke (Charlotte), Jace Williams (Tulsa), and Tywon Wray Jr. (South Alabama).

The lone high school addition was JR Dockery II from Memphis, Tenn. He joins the class of 11 other signees from the December high school class.

NSU picked up 10 transfers from FBS schools, four from fellow FCS programs, four junior college transfers and two from Division II programs.

“We had the second lowest number of players go into the portal of anyone in the conference and that is very encouraging,” McCorkle said. “That tells us our still extremely young team is buying into what we are doing, they believe and see the future and want to stay and be a part of it.

“This is the strongest the roster has been by a long way since we arrived on campus. We will still be very young, with only 13 seniors, and go through spring practice with 32 sophomores and 17 redshirt freshmen. This team is growing up, and it is fun to watch. I’m really excited to get to spring practice and see what the new additions look like and see the ever-changing bodies (strength and conditioning) Coach (Jason) Smelser and his staff are building.”

Here are bios on the three new Demons with local connections:

Joseph Cryer – OL – 6-3 – 320 – R-So. – Leesville, La. – Natchitoches Central – LSU – Southern Miss – McNeese

Prior to NSU

Enrolled early at LSU in the spring of 2024 before transferring to Southern Mississippi for the 2024 season…played in four games during his freshman season at Southern Miss, preserving a redshirt…spent the 2025 season at McNeese seeing action in nine games.

High School

One of the top offensive line prospects in Louisiana in 2023, rated No. 28 overall in the state and No. 68 nationally in the On3 composite…three-star recruit by all recruiting services…ranked as the No. 18 prospect in Louisiana by ESPN…won LHSAA Division III non-select state championship in 2022 with Many…finished his prep career at NatchitochesCentral…helped the Chiefs rush for 5.4 yards per carry and 341.8 yards of total offense per game…earned Second-Team 5A All-State in 2023.

Personal

Son of Cheri and Bo Cryer…has five siblings, brothers, Jordan, Morgan, Tyler and Landon, and sister, Caitlyn…general studies major with a concentration in kinesiology…wants to go into coaching.

Jake Peveto – WR – 6-0 – 184 – R-So. – Baton Rouge, La. – College Station HS – SMU – Trinity Valley CC

Prior to NSU

Named SWJCFC Second-Team All-Conference in his lone season at Trinity Valley…led the team in receptions and yards in 2025 with 41 grabs for 392 yards and three touchdowns…averaged 9.6 yards per catch on the season…had back-to-back games with eiaght receptions for 70+ yards…made four or more catches in each of the first six games he played…appeared in one game during his true freshman season at SMU, preserving a redshirt.

High School

Three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track & field…amassed more than 1,200 yards during his senior season on the gridiron earning a second-team all-district selection.

Personal

Son of Melissa and Bradley Dale Peveto…has one sister, Payton…father served as NSU football head coach for four seasons from 2009-12 after serving as its defensive coordinator from 1996-98 under the legendary Sam Goodwin. Bradley Dale was the special teams coach on LSU’s 2007 National Championship team…Jake is a general studies major that wants to get into real estate.

Payne Williams III – K – 5-10 – 180 – R-So. – Natchitoches, La. – St. Mary’s – Colorado State

Prior to NSU

Spent two seasons at Colorado State receiving preserving a redshirt as a freshman in 2024 and did not see game action in 2025.

High School

Three-sport athlete at St. Mary’s in baseball, basketball and football…two-time all-state kicker and all-state punter…all-district as a punter and kicker five times…kicked school record 53-yard field goal … all-state in baseball.

Personal

Son of Bridget and Joseph Payne Williams Jr. … has two siblings, brother, Blanchard and sister, Aubrey…majoring in history…plans to attend law school.

WACO, Texas – There is excitement for the dawn of a new season, and then there is the feeling surrounding Northwestern State softball in 2026, as the Demons open the year this weekend with one of the most experienced rosters in the Southland Conference.

After guiding the youngest team in Division I softball through her first season as head coach, for her second season Jenny Fuller has put together a roster stacked with not only talent, but a level of experience that matches the top teams in the region.

The Demons have the third most upperclassmen in the Southland with 15, return nine players from last season that started 20 or more games and added 11 junior college or Division I transfers that were key starters on their previous teams.

Headlining the transfer class are four 2025 national champions, JT Smith from UT Tyler along with Sister Arnold, Hayden Andrews and Sara Watson all from Northwest Florida State, as well as the NJCAA Division II Player of the Year Makynlie Jones from Jones College.

Back from a year ago are Aly Delafield, who tore through SLC pitching with a .398 conference batting average, conference all-defensive centerfielder Sophia Livers and breakout freshmen Brynn Daniel, DJ Lynch (RBI leader) and pitcher Brooklynn Stohler, who led the conference in innings pitched last season.

“Our returners have shown a lot of leadership this year and combining that with the transfers that we brought in, it’s a recipe for a pretty good team,” Fuller said. “They’re gelling together well and we’re excited to get going. I know they are ready to play somebody other than themselves. They’re getting really competitive in practice. I have those start-of-the-season nerves and excitement going on. We’re just ready.”

NSU begins at the Getterman Classic hosted by Baylor and will play five games over the course of three days. The opener pits the Demons against No. 24 Mississippi State at 10 a.m. this morning. The Demons play doubleheaders starting at noon on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. All games at the GettermanClassic will be streamed on ESPN+.

The meeting with Mississippi State is a rematch of the first signature win for Fuller in her Demon career, a 5-0 shutout of the No. 20 ranked Bulldogs in Starkville a season ago. The dream-like victory there leads perfectly into the sequel on Friday as Fuller returns to her alma mater as a head coach for the first time.

“It’s pretty surreal that I played there, it’s been a few years now, but to go back there and play against your former coach who’s still there,” Fuller said. “He has such a legacy in the softball world. It’s a cool moment for me and coach Brad (Fuller) because we’re both from there. So going back home and expecting to see a lot of people that have said they were coming to the games. We want to do well for them.”

Of the four tournament weekends for NSU this season, the first one stands to be the most challenging with not only the ranked Bulldogs and perennial Big 12 power Baylor on the schedule, but American contender Wichita State and a strong New Mexico team as well.

“It’s going to be a very competitive weekend and we just want to go in and compete with those teams,” Fuller said. “I think we’re prepared. We’ve done all that we can up to this point and our players are excited to play some competition at that level. We’re going in there with the mindset that we can win some games.”

With experience, championship pedigree and an early opportunity to prove it against elite competition, the Demons will find out quickly just how high the ceiling may be.

Members of the Natchitoches Junior High School Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program recently attended the LSU vs. Alabama women’s basketball game, an experience that combined high-energy competition with meaningful student exposure.

From the moment they entered the arena, students were immersed in an electric atmosphere filled with enthusiastic fans, school spirit, and competitive play, leaving a lasting impression on the group.

In addition to watching the game, students had the opportunity to take photos with players and receive autographs, making the outing especially memorable.

The trip also served as an important learning experience, helping students connect classroom lessons to real-world opportunities while encouraging them to envision future goals.

The Natchitoches Junior High School JAG program focuses on leadership development, career exploration, and experiential learning. Experiences like this support those objectives by motivating students, broadening their perspectives, and encouraging success both inside and outside the classroom.

The Boys to Men Club at Natchitoches Junior High School has been recognized as the top-collecting junior high school in Natchitoches Parish during the 2025 Christmas Cheer Food Drive.

The club collected 955 pounds of non-perishable food items to help support food-insecure families throughout the parish. As the top collector among junior high schools, the Boys to Men Club was congratulated for its efforts and commitment to community service.

The annual food drive aims to ensure families across Central Louisiana have access to nutritious food during the holiday season. Organizers noted that the Boys to Men Club’s participation reflected a strong dedication to compassion, service, and giving back to the community.

In recognition of its efforts, the Boys to Men Club received a $500 cash prize.

The Boys to Men Club is a nonprofit service organization recognized as a 501(c)(3). For more information about the club and its services, contact Director Jermaine Thomas at jermaine.thomas@npsb.la.