LSMSA seeks applicants for full-time Director of Academic affairs position
The Director of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer (DAA) provides leadership and supervision of the teaching faculty and students while maintaining daily operations of the Office of Academic Affairs.
The DAA directly supervises department chairs, the Registrar and Chief Articulation Officer, and the Academic Resource & Media Manager. They communicate regularly with students, faculty/staff and parents regarding the academic programs and services of the School and work directly with the Executive Director to successfully support the overall leadership and guidance of the School.
The DAA shall make sound and timely decisions by analyzing facts; reach logical conclusions by use of foresight and planning; work independently but seek help from the right source when appropriate; and respond promptly to safety and security concerns. As a School ambassador, the DAA will support the School’s mission and its students in both the context of the job and involvement in their extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
Applicants should be dedicated to working in an environment that is highly focused on student development and support. Further, applicants should have a commitment to their own personal and professional development and have a desire to be a collaborative member of a team.
The job description, duties, and required/preferred qualifications can be found here.
Salary range for this 12-month position is $105,000 – $115,000.
Application Process
Application review begins immediately and remains open until the position is filled. Please complete the standard application form on the School website at LSMSA | Employment and attach it with a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and an official transcript from your final degree-granting institution to:employment@lsmsa.edu.Please submit your application as one PDF file that includes all the above if possible.
LSMSA is a selective admission, public residential high school located in Natchitoches, LA. LSMSA has a 40-year legacy of a preeminent college-level living/learning experience for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. LSMSA, located adjacent to the Northwestern State University campus, is a National Blue Ribbon School which, in 2023 and 2024, was rated No 1 for Best Public High School Teachers in Louisiana according to Niche.com and was named a World’s Leading Boarding School by Fortune Magazine in 2023.
LSMSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age and prohibits such discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions online at http://www.lsmsa.edu/nondiscrimination
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them tonpjnatla@gmail.com
A traffic stop has led to the arrest of an Oklahoma man on firearm-related charges, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. NPSO IMPACT Team deputies were patrolling on Hwy. 6 just west of Robeline on April 24 around 7:32 pm when they stopped a 2011 Chevrolet pickup truck for improper lane usage.
Deputies identified the driver as Chase Sculthorpe, 42 of Lawton, Oklahoma. Upon making contact with Sculthorpe, deputies detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. For officer safety, deputies asked if there were any weapons inside the vehicle. Sculthorpe informed deputies that he had a firearm near the center console.
Deputies recovered a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun from the vehicle. A National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check revealed that Sculthorpe had a prior felony conviction for Possession of CDS Schedule II narcotics in July 2024, prohibiting him from legally possessing a firearm.
The NCIC database is a critical nationwide law enforcement tool that provides officers with real-time access to criminal histories, warrants, and other vital records, allowing deputies to quickly verify a subject’s background and ensure appropriate enforcement actions are taken.
A probable cause search of the vehicle also resulted in the discovery and seizure of suspected drug paraphernalia.
Sculthorpe was placed under arrest and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Felony, along with traffic-related offenses.
When questioned about the firearm, Sculthorpe told deputies he had purchased it “off the streets.”
The NPSO IMPACT Team is a proactive enforcement unit comprised of deputies from the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Patrol Operations, and the Drug Enforcement Unit. The team focuses on targeting gun violence, illegal narcotics activity, traffic violations, thefts, and the removal of illegal firearms from communities.
If you suspect criminal activity in your community, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851. Always provide descriptions of the vehicle or persons involved in suspicious activity, as even small details can assist deputies in keeping our communities safe.
Parish-wide FETA training was held April 23 bringing together members of Natchitoches Parish Fire District #6 and other participating agencies.
During the training, participants reviewed and applied primary search techniques using the FETA maze trailer. Primary searches are critical, time-sensitive operations aimed at locating survivors through recognized movement patterns and proven methods.
Officials said the hands-on training helps firefighters strengthen their skills and improve response effectiveness during emergency situations.
The City of Natchitoches, in partnership with the Natchitoches Police Department, is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Natchitoches Police Department Citizens Academy, an 8-week program designed to strengthen community engagement and provide residents with a deeper understanding of public safety operations.
The Citizens Academy will begin on May 26, 2026, with sessions held each Tuesday from 6-9 PM. Participants will gain firsthand insight into law enforcement procedures, investigations, emergency response, and community safety initiatives through direct interaction with NPD personnel and public safety professionals.
What you will learn:
Evidence Collection
Use of Force
Traffic Stops
Criminal Investigation
Drug Enforcement
Training
“This program is about building trust, transparency, and meaningful relationships between our department and the community we serve,” said Chief Collins. “We want citizens to understand not only what we do, but why we do it.”
Mayor Williams added, “The Citizens Academy reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration and strengthening the connection between our City and its residents.”
Space is limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Participants will be selected through an application process to ensure a diverse and engaged cohort representative of the Natchitoches community.
If you are interested in applying, you can pick up an application at the Natchitoches Police Department before May 15 or you can contact Captain Billy Meziere at (318) 238-3986.
This is not an actual Police Academy. This course is intended to educate individuals on how police officers are trained and what they encounter on a daily basis.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office, and the City of Natchitoches partnered with Project Celebration, Inc. in hosting its third annual Butterfly Release event in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month at the Riverfront Stage in Natchitoches.
The event serves as a meaningful tribute honoring survivors and remembering victims of sexual assault, while raising awareness about the ongoing need for support, advocacy, and prevention efforts within our community. In conjunction with this observance, Denim Day is also being recognized, symbolizing solidarity with survivors and raising awareness about the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence. Shaye Walker will shared the significance of Denim Day and its impact in promoting education and understanding.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Project Celebration, Inc. for their continued partnership and dedication to providing advocacy, resources, and support services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence throughout our region.
Sheriff Stuart Wright stated, “Today’s event is a powerful reminder that we must continue to stand together as a community to support survivors and seek justice for victims. Sexual assault and domestic violence have no place in our society. We are committed to working with our partners to raise awareness, encourage reporting, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
We encourage anyone who may know a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse to contact their local law enforcement agency or reach out to available support services. Reporting abuse can help protect victims and ensure they receive the assistance and justice they deserve.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working alongside community partners to promote awareness, provide support, and hold offenders accountable.
NPSO Detective Katie Middleton spoke during the event.
Early voting for the upcoming election will begin Saturday, May 2, at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, according to local officials.
Voting will take place at the Registrar of Voters Office from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Sunday, and will continue through Saturday, May 9.
Voters are required to bring a valid government-issued identification to participate.
Ballots will include five proposed state constitutional amendments, along with several local millage renewals depending on the voter’s district. Party primary races will also appear on ballots for both Democratic and Republican voters.
Voters registered with no party affiliation will have the option to choose which party primary they wish to participate in. They will be required to sign a declaration before voting, with a similar process in place on Election Day.
In addition to parish-wide items, voters in the Village of Natchez will decide mayoral and alderman races, while voters in the Village of Goldonna will consider a tax measure.
Officials encourage voters to review their ballot options ahead of time and to participate in the early voting process.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced a temporary lane closure for a bridge on LA 480 in Natchitoches Parish.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, the bridge over Sims Bayou will be reduced to one lane for a routine inspection. The bridge is located approximately 3.7 miles west of the intersection of LA 3163 near Campti.
No detour will be required, as one lane will remain open at all times. Officials noted that wide loads will not be permitted during the closure.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the area and remain alert for work crews and equipment.
Travelers can access updated traffic and road condition information through the state’s 511 system by dialing 511 or visiting the 511 Louisiana website.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced a temporary lane closure for a bridge on LA 493 in Natchitoches Parish.
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, the bridge over Cane River at milepost 5.341 will be reduced to one lane for a routine inspection. The bridge is located approximately 1.95 miles east of LA 1.
No detour will be required, as one lane will remain open to traffic at all times.
Officials are urging motorists to drive with caution through the area and remain alert for work crews and equipment during the inspection period.
Travelers can access updated traffic and road condition information through the state’s 511 system by dialing 511 or visiting the 511 Louisiana website.
Ethan Menard connected on his second home run of the season to give Northwestern a first-inning lead in Wednesday’s loss at Arkansas. (NSU file photo by CHRIS REICH)
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – The Northwestern State baseball team began Wednesday afternoon’s game at No. 16/22 Arkansas with the biggest swing of the day.
However, the Demons were unable to continue to capitalize on that early moment – and a two-run, first-inning lead – as they fell to the Razorbacks, 5-2, at Baum-Walker Stadium
“I’m really proud of the way our guys competed, really proud of the way our guys fought to the end,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “It’s a great learning opportunity for us, because we need to recognize those two things from a competition and from a fight standpoint. We also need to recognize that the game played out exactly in the manner we deserved, because, in the game’s most critical moments throughout the game, we were not at our best.”
The first inning was the best moment for the Demons (25-20), who jumped to a 2-0 lead three batters in when Ethan Menard turned on a 2-2 pitch from Arkansas starter Tate McGuire and slammed it out to left-center field for his second home run of the season.
That was part of a three-batter stretch in which Thomas Marsala III doubled, Menard homered and Joe Siervo singled. The Demons collected four of their seven hits in the first two innings after Sam Ardoin’s two-out single in the second.
After the Demons drove McGuire from the game after two innings, the Razorbacks (30-16) called on Colin Fisher to kickstart a strong seven innings from the Arkansas bullpen.
Fisher tossed four scoreless innings, scattering two hits, allowing Arkansas to scratch its way back into the game.
The Razorbacks pulled even with single runs in the second and the fourth innings before Caden Fiveash escaped further trouble in the fourth. Fiveash and Caleb Muffoletto (0-1) held the line until the Razorbacks took their first lead of the game with a two-run seventh inning.
“I thought everybody who took to the mound today was extremely competitive,” Bertrand said. “I thought everybody who took to the mount today pitched in a manner that they were able to improve. They were able to get better. They were able to put some skins on the wall in a way that it’s going to be beneficial for us moving forward. We just, again, in those critical, critical counts and in those critical moments of the game, there’s a difference between dominating the moment and almost. And I think that we had a lot of almost today.”
Steele Eaves (5-1), Parker Coil and Ethan McElvain (fifth save) closed the game with a scoreless inning each for Arkansas.
Northwestern stranded six runners, including one in scoring position in each of the first two innings.
“There were too many opportunities lost offensively,” Bertrand said. “There were too many small mistakes that were made that, in a game of inches, cost you some things. There were some – I guess to some degree – maybe free gifts that were given that put our back up against the wall. In order to win a game like this, the margin of error is so thin, and I felt the game played out exactly in the manner we deserved but still really proud of the competitiveness and of the fight.”
Northwestern is off this weekend and returns to action next Tuesday evening at Louisiana Tech in Ruston in the Demons’ final midweek game of the regular season.
Northwestern’s Makynlie Jones (right) celebrates after making a diving catch last weekend against Nicholls. (NSU photo by ZOEY FITTS)
LAKE CHARLES – Before the season began, the Northwestern State softball team and its second-year head coach Jenny Fuller set a goal of earning a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament.
Today, the goal will officially be realized.
“We’re super excited to be in this position to make the tournament, especially after last year where we finished last in the conference,” Fuller said. “For us going in as a six seed we have nothing to lose and it’s about us having fun and enjoying this moment. This is just another building block to where our program is headed.”
The No. 6 seed Demons (24-27, 13-14) will make their 24th appearance in the conference tournament, the first since 2023 and the second most of any program in the league’s history, when they take on No. 3 seed Nicholls (29-21, 17-10) at 2 p.m. from Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond.
All games of the Lake Charles bracket will air on ESPN+ with all NSU game also available on 100.7 FM KZBL.
After wrapping up the regular season this past weekend at home against Nicholls, the Demons have the same matchup again in the first game of the tournament.
The Colonels took the first two games of the series in convincing fashion, but NSU responded with a 5-3 victory in the finale on Saturday.
Sister Arnold delivered the clutch two-run double that gave NSU the lead and Mattison Buster danced her way around a pair of seventh-inning baserunners to pick up her 21st win of the season to tie the NSU single-season record.
“Beating them in that last game gives us momentum and confidence,” Fuller said. “So we know that we are capable of doing it. At the same time we know how good Nicholls is so we have to be locked in, do our prep and let the rest take care of itself.”
The Demons had back-to-back 10-hit performances in the final two games of the series, including one against Colonel ace Molly Yoo, who threw a shutout in the game one of the weekend. It was just the second time this year NSU had 10 or more hits in consecutive games.
Getting those hits at the right time, especially with runners in scoring position, is something that had eluded the Demons over the previous two weeks.
NSU has left seven or more runners on base in each of the past nine conference games. But after going 7-for-30 (.233) in RBI opportunities at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the first game against Nicholls, the Demons were 11-for-26 (.423) in the final two games of the series, despite going 0-for-6 with the bases loaded.
“We were fighting through things at the plate seemingly for a little bit there,” Fuller said. “Sometimes that happens and you just have to keep going and keep fighting through that adversity. Really felt like we did that in game three and if the hitters can keep that same mentality going into this weekend that we’re peaking at the perfect time.”
The Demons got to Yoo in this past Saturday’s finale, collecting 10 hits against her, the most she’s allowed in a game this season. The five runs were also the second most scored against, behind six put up by UIW.
While the Colonels have four years of conference tournament experience under their belts, the entire NSU roster will be making its SLC Tournament debut today.
“It’s about us enjoying it and having fun right now,” Fuller said. “We’ve worked hard this whole year to get here. We’ve had ups and downs, but at the end of the day I want them to enjoy this moment and use it to propel this program in the future.”
BUSTER, DANIEL, SMITH GET ALL-SLC RECOGNITION: Three key pieces of the second-largest single-season win increase in the country this year earned postseason recognition, the Southland Conference announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Northwestern State junior transfer Mattison Buster was named 2026 SLC Newcomer of the Year along with earning a first-team pitcher selection. Sophomore corner infielder Brynn Daniel earned a first-team utility spot and super senior transfer JT Smith was named to the all-defensive team in center field.
Buster and Daniel represent the first all-conference selections for the Demons since Makenzie Chaffin earned a second-team honor in 2022. The two first-team awards mark just the second time in the past 10 years NSU has produced two first-team players.
Buster is the first Demon to be named Newcomer of the Year since Annie Johnston in 2001.
Smith’s all-defensive selection in center marks the second straight season that honor has gone to NSU after Sophia Livers took the award in 2025.
NSU’s stalwart in the circle during the 2026 season, Buster is the only pitcher to throw more than 100.0 innings in conference play. She led the league with 59 strikeouts and tied for the most wins in SLC play with 11.
Buster led the conference in complete games (21), games started (32), innings pitched (198.0), pitching appearances (38), shutouts (6), strikeouts (111) and wins (21). She is one of 12 pitchers in the country with 20 or more wins this year, just the fifth Southland pitcher in the past five years to record 20 wins in a season, and tied the NSU school record with 21 wins.
Daniel led the team in conference play with a .390 batting average, 21 RBI and a 1.042 OPS. She ranked on the top 10 in conference play in RBI (21), doubles (7), HBP (5) and OBP (.484). Daniel had nine multi-hit games during SLC action and four multi-RBI games, with hits in 16 of the final 18 SLC games of the season.
NSU’s dynamic five-tool leadoff hitter, Smith showcased her abilities all season at the plate and roaming center field. Her 53 putouts in conference play are the most by an SLC center fielder this year. She had two outfield assists in league play, four overall, and turned one double play.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center has recognized Regina Walker, Nutritional Services Coordinator, as its newest Guardian Angel.
Walker was nominated by a patient who expressed appreciation for her kindness, attentiveness, and the care she provides in her role. Hospital officials said her work helps ensure patients receive not only proper nutrition, but also comfort and personal attention during their stay.
The Guardian Angel program honors caregivers and team members, including doctors, nurses, dietary staff, aides, and therapists, who go above and beyond in patient care. Nominations are submitted by patients, families, and colleagues and include a contribution to the NRMC Foundation in honor of the selected employee.
Hospital officials said Walker’s positive attitude, attention to detail, and commitment to serving others contribute to the overall patient experience at the facility.
The Rotary Club meeting on April 28 featured Bayli Brossette, curator of the Briarwood Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve, as a guest speaker.
Brossette was introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Guidry and shared information about the preserve’s efforts in education, conservation and hands-on stewardship in Louisiana.
Rotary officials said the presentation highlighted the importance of preserving natural spaces while engaging the community through educational initiatives.
Maurine Kohls November 13, 1931 — April 10, 2026 Service held on April 21
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them tonpjnatla@gmail.com
Natchitoches Parish is headed into a wet and unsettled stretch midweek through Friday, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected before conditions gradually improve heading into the weekend.
Wednesday will start off mostly cloudy with patchy morning fog possible. A few showers could develop early, but storm chances increase by the afternoon when thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread. High temperatures will climb into the mid 80s before a shift in winds late in the day.
By Wednesday night, rain and thunderstorms remain likely across the area as moisture continues to stream in, keeping conditions unsettled through the overnight hours with cooler air beginning to filter in.
Thursday brings a noticeable cooldown with cloudy skies and scattered showers. A few thunderstorms remain possible, but overall temperatures will be significantly cooler, with highs only reaching the lower 70s. Gusty northeast winds may also be felt, especially during the morning hours.
Thursday night keeps the unsettled pattern in place with showers likely and a continued chance of thunderstorms. Overnight lows drop into the mid 50s as cooler air settles in across the region.
Friday looks to be one of the most active weather days in the period, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected through much of the day. Some locally heavy rainfall will be possible, especially during the morning and evening hours. Temperatures will stay cool for this time of year, only reaching the mid 60s.
Rain chances linger into Friday night before tapering off gradually after midnight, though lingering showers and a few storms may still persist early. Skies begin to slowly clear heading into the weekend.
Saturday brings improving conditions with mostly cloudy skies early and only a slight chance of morning showers. By the afternoon, drier air moves in with partial clearing and highs near 70.
Saturday night turns much quieter with mostly clear skies and cooler temperatures dropping into the mid 40s.
Sunday and Monday both look significantly drier and warmer, with plenty of sunshine expected. Highs will rebound into the mid 70s Sunday and near 80 by Monday, signaling a return to more typical spring conditions after the wet stretch.
Goldonna is where all the fun will be happening this weekend, May 2nd.
The Christmas in the Park Committee will be having a Spring community wide rummage sale and Crawfish Boil on Saturday, May 2. The rummage sale will located at 2453 Highway 479. They will have everything from furniture, clothes, home decor, kitchen items and more. Participants will be at the following locations:
248 Goldonna Road
2453 Highway 479
The Stand
Creston Thrift Store
1122 Lookout Tower Road, Saline
The rummage sales will begin at 8 am and end at 12 pm.
The Crawfish Boil will take place at the Ball Park. Plates will be sold for the price of $15 per three pound plate, $25 for a five pound plate.You will enjoy freshly boiled crawfish, corn, potatoes, sauce and a drink. Plates will be available beginning at 4 pm.
Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a “Rise Up” weekend beginning at 11:30am on Saturday, May 2. Worship will feature the Jason Lovins Band. Meals will also be provided. Casual dress. Grades 7-12 are invited. The fun will also carry over other the Sunday worship the next day at 10:30 am. For more information please call Shannon Thompson at 318-623-0477.
The West Central Team for the Operation Christmas Child Ministry collected 17,408 shoebox gifts in 2025 and looking forward to even more Gospel Opportunities this year. If any church or individual would like to be involved in anyway please reach out to Pastor Ben Dupree at Goldonna Baptist Church.
The Goldonna Assembly of God Church is bringing back their well loved 5th Sunday Singings. They held their first one in March and plan to continue the tradition. The next signing will be held on Sunday, May 31 at 5 pm at the Christian Fellowship Church located at 8609 Highway 34 in Winnfield.
LSMSA seeks applicants for full-time Director of Academic affairs position
The Director of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer (DAA) provides leadership and supervision of the teaching faculty and students while maintaining daily operations of the Office of Academic Affairs.
The DAA directly supervises department chairs, the Registrar and Chief Articulation Officer, and the Academic Resource & Media Manager. They communicate regularly with students, faculty/staff and parents regarding the academic programs and services of the School and work directly with the Executive Director to successfully support the overall leadership and guidance of the School.
The DAA shall make sound and timely decisions by analyzing facts; reach logical conclusions by use of foresight and planning; work independently but seek help from the right source when appropriate; and respond promptly to safety and security concerns. As a School ambassador, the DAA will support the School’s mission and its students in both the context of the job and involvement in their extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
Applicants should be dedicated to working in an environment that is highly focused on student development and support. Further, applicants should have a commitment to their own personal and professional development and have a desire to be a collaborative member of a team.
The job description, duties, and required/preferred qualifications can be found here.
Salary range for this 12-month position is $105,000 – $115,000.
Application Process
Application review begins immediately and remains open until the position is filled. Please complete the standard application form on the School website at LSMSA | Employment and attach it with a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and an official transcript from your final degree-granting institution to:employment@lsmsa.edu.Please submit your application as one PDF file that includes all the above if possible.
LSMSA is a selective admission, public residential high school located in Natchitoches, LA. LSMSA has a 40-year legacy of a preeminent college-level living/learning experience for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. LSMSA, located adjacent to the Northwestern State University campus, is a National Blue Ribbon School which, in 2023 and 2024, was rated No 1 for Best Public High School Teachers in Louisiana according to Niche.com and was named a World’s Leading Boarding School by Fortune Magazine in 2023.
LSMSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age and prohibits such discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions online at http://www.lsmsa.edu/nondiscrimination
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – Inclement weather in the northwest Arkansas area led to the cancelation of the first of two midweek baseball games between Northwestern State and Arkansas on Tuesday.
The teams will play a single game at 3 p.m. today at Baum-Walker Stadium as originally scheduled.
This is the third time this season for Northwestern to have a game canceled by weather. The Demons also saw their March 11 game at Grambling and their April 22 game at Southern shut down because of storms.
Wednesday’s game will air on SEC Network Plus with radio coverage available on 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches and on the NSUDemons app.
For some reason, ever since someone came up with the concept of competition, man has always looked for a way to gain a competitive edge — even if it means cheating!
In any contest, there are rules and just like records, some feel that rules are made to be broken. Today, we are going to look at some of the worst bass tournament cheaters to ever wet a hook, and how these incidents should be handled.
Years ago, an angler got caught cheating on Lake of the Pines in a bass tournament called the “KYKX Big Bass Splash.” In one tournament when the polygraph examiner questioned if the catch was legit, he was unsure on whether to pass or fail the guy. So, the tournament director decided to award him the victory despite questions surrounding his catch.
The following year, the same angler was in position to win again but this time the polygraph examiner failed him. Then a man came forward and told the tournament director how and where this angler was getting his fish.
He was pulling his bass out of a basket under a dock just before weigh-in. Convicted of fraud, this guy paid a price with a prison sentence and a heavy fine.
Then there is the story of Elro McNeil who, in 1983, tried to weigh-in a bass that he purchased from Florida. It was rejected, but the bass was then frozen and thawed at his Louisiana home before being turned over to another angler for weigh-in at a Tyler, Texas tournament.
The saddest part of this story was that one of the anglers involved in this elaborate scheme was found shot dead at his favorite fishing hole. At first it was considered a murder, but it was later ruled a suicide.
What may be the best cheating scheme ever was orchestrated by Japanese angler, Yuming Gao, a few weeks ago during a Bassmaster Open. This dude took cheating to another level as he was placing air tags inside other angler’s bass boats so he could track them and learn where they were catching their fish.
The one thing I’ve learned over my many years of seeing guys that cheat in bass tournaments is, most of the time, it wasn’t about the money they could win, but more about their ego and wanting to be recognized as one of the best bass fishermen in their region.
As an angler, the only thing you have is your name. Once you cheat and get caught, not only is your fishing career over, but you’ve now lost the reputation you had as a person.
All anglers want to be recognized as one of the best, especially on whatever tournament trail they are fishing. But for some, the need to cheat can be so strong that no matter what the consequences are they just can’t stand winning the right way. I guess they think they won’t get caught… until they do.
Here’s the deal; if you’re an angler looking to bend the rules in order to gain a competitive advantage, you’re already a loser! You have no place in tournament bass fishing, and I hope the next time you decide to cheat, the hands of justice come down on you with both prison time and a hefty fine, along with a lifetime ban from all fishing tournaments.
If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.
Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.
But as I walked out of the office, ears squeakyclean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?
Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.
Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.
Spiritual wax works the same way.
A little pride here.
A little resentment there.
A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”
Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:
The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”
But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.
After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.
Spiritually, the same principles apply.
1. Stop sticking things in your ears. You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doomscrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.
2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning. Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.
3. Get professional help when needed. Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned cometoJesus moment.
When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.
When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.
Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”
Bell is a stunning young pittie mix who can’t wait to find her forever family.
This playful girl is so much fun, she loves tennis balls and could happily spend all day playing. Bell also enjoys cooling off in her kiddie pool and dreams of going to the beach or even a boat ride one day with her new family.
Bell is all set for her new home: she’s spayed, up to date on all her shots, and keeps her kennel impressively clean. She’s a smart, affectionate pup who’s ready to bond deeply with her people and bring love and laughter into their lives.
If you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal companion who can keep up with your active side and melt into your arms at the end of the day, Bell-amazing is your girl!
For more information about fostering or adopting beautiful Bell, please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or NPFauna.org
