Campus Living Villages is now hiring for positions at University Place Apartments!

Looking for your next career opportunity in property maintenance? Join Campus Living Villages for a Same Day Hiring Event and take the next step in your career.

Open Positions:

• Assistant General Manager (Maintenance)
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Maintenance Assistant

Event Details:

Tuesday, September 15

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

 University Place Apartments

160 Tarleton Drive

 Natchitoches, LA

Qualified candidates may receive same day offers. Register today by calling 713-871-5140.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a team dedicated to creating exceptional student living communities.

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Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies along with Louisiana State Police and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were dispatched to a vehicle/bicyclist crash on Sept. 2 around 7:48 pm on Hwy. 494 near Vienna Bend according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say a 25-year-old Natchitoches male bicyclist was transported from the scene by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for treatment of what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies say the driver of the vehicle is uninjured.

Troopers assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria are investigating the crash.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds bicyclists to use extra caution when riding after dark.

Make sure your bicycle has proper front and rear lighting, wear reflective or high-visibility clothing, and always wear a helmet. Ride with the flow of traffic, obey traffic signs and signals, and stay alert for vehicles, potholes, debris, animals, and other roadway hazards.

Motorists are also reminded to slow down, stay alert, and give bicyclists plenty of room when passing.

Remember: Be Visible. Be Alert. Be Safe.

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At 10 a.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 first responders and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were on the scene of a single-vehicle crash with non-life-threatening injuries on Interstate 49 at milepost 124.5 near Montrose, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The scene was active.

Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop E-Alexandria were working the crash.

Deputy J. Franks was on scene on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board held its monthly committee meeting on Sept. 1, working through an extensive agenda that spanned operational reports, employee compensation plans, facility updates, and a broad series of district policy revisions.

Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi reported a smooth start to the school year across campuses. Addressing recent record-breaking heat, Eloi noted that coaches across junior high and high school levels are actively using wet-bulb globe temperature testing to monitor humidity and prevent heat-related illnesses during athletic activities.

Administrative and community updates included:

• Partnering with vendor EccoRide, the district has initiated a soft rollout of new GPS tracking software. The system requires parents to opt in to view route information and sends automated notifications when a bus approaches a student’s stop.
• The department has hired three new drivers and maintains a full staff of 40 bus monitors. Drivers continue to perform mandatory manual walk-throughs to press “child check” buttons at the rear of each bus before leaving vehicles.
• Students and staff are invited to wear gold on Sept. 9 for pediatric cancer awareness. The district is also publicizing Act 305, a new state law that imposes stiffer penalties for smoking or vaping marijuana within 2,000 feet of a school zone.
• A proclamation celebrates the 100th heavenly birthday of late educator Emma Robinson Williams on Sept. 15, 2026. Williams taught for 38 years in rural Natchitoches Parish schools. The full board will vote on and formally present the proclamation to her family next week.

A legislative Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) stipend proposal was presented. State guidance mandated stipends for classroom teachers and basic support staff—costing $1,003,122 for 157 $1,000-level and 337 $2,000-level eligible recipients.

To bridge the gap for employee categories excluded by the state—including principals, assistant principals, counselors, nurses, social workers, and early childhood staff—district leadership recommended spending an additional $217,008 to cover 12 excluded $1,000-level and 84 excluded $2,000-level staff.

Key details of the stipend plan include:

• Total Cost: Approximately $1.22 million, coming in below the state’s $1.75 million estimate and last year’s $1.3 million payout.
• Payout Date: Single-payment distribution scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026, for employees active as of Oct. 19.
• Executive Exclusions: Dr. Eloi clarified that superintendent office administrators—excluding his secretary—will voluntarily opt out of the stipend. Eloi also committed to serving as a classroom substitute teacher once a month to boost morale.

In maintenance, over 300 work orders in August, including 71 HVAC calls caused by extreme temperatures damaging newer units rated for 95°F. Thirteen HVAC issues remain active across Natchitoches Central, Marthaville, Provencal, L.P. Vaughn, and Lakeview while awaiting backordered parts. Other maintenance projects include completed canopy construction at Fairview, districtwide fire and kitchen hood inspections, and scheduled plumbing and seal repairs at Marthaville.

The committee concluded by reviewing several updated policy guidelines:

• Facility Usage Agreement: Updates require outside organizers to hire district custodians and security officers, prohibit commercial entities from using facilities for personal profit, and funnel applications through an online principal-approval process.
• Criminal Background Information Policies: Following a Louisiana State Police audit, updated physical security guidelines for background records, a five-year record retention schedule, and formal appeal procedures were presented.
• Pupil Progression Plan: Updated per state mandates to require Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) for all eighth graders and clarify magnet program selection language.
• Health & Student Policies: The board reviewed its triennial Wellness Policy, updated rules for third-party behavioral health providers operating in schools, reinstated Code of Conduct pathways guiding chronically disruptive adult students (aged 18+ with under 10 credits) toward HiSET/GED programs, and established a revised Family Engagement Plan featuring a new high school newsletter.

All discussed items, stipend proposals, and policy revisions will go before the full board for formal votes during the regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

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Tomorrow is opening day of dove season 2026.  Dove season opening day isn’t just the first day of dove season, it’s the opening of hunting season.  First seasons to open are dove and alligator, then teal, then deer and squirrel, then big ducks. We were raised to be chasing something from September thru January.  Chores slack, wives’ patiences are tested and men’s necks swell.  We’ve waited, worked and anticipated for this day.  

I can only hope this year’s dove opener is as good as last year!!!

The day finally arrived Saturday, September 6, 2025.   My party of six, met up with the rest of the guys right at daylight at the duck camp we call Wing Nuts.  We lined the trees around a sunflower field; three generations of my clan from 8 to 78 years old were hunting together.  We were ready to let some lead fly and bring home the main ingredient for a big dove gravy.  A couple of years ago we had a great opening day and killed several limits of birds.  We hoped for the same this day. 

Just as we began to unload the dogs, decoys, guns and grandpas, the bottom fell out of the sky.  We knew the rain was coming but that didn’t stop us…especially John Darrell Peddy and Thomas Kirby Smith, my dad and father-in-law (my son’s namesakes).  I unloaded paw-in-law, drove across the field, unloaded Pop Pop (my dad) and started getting his gear out.  I looked behind dad and saw a sheet of rain coming toward him.  Big drops of rain started pouring from the sky.  We hurriedly  loaded back into the buggy, zipped across the field to grab paw-in-law, then headed toward the old A-frame duck camp to wait it out.  So did the rest of the hunters.  We pulled up and met the rest of the men with their sons and daughters at the camp.  Everyone was soaked.  But no one was upset.  Everyone was smiling, laughing, telling stories and cutting up.  Sure we wanted to kill birds but we had something better going on.  We had fellowship.  It was another day the Lord had made.  And we were there to enjoy it.  

Later the rain subsided and we headed back out to the dove field.  We killed six birds and were caught in the rain again.  I got some great pictures of my dad and daughters. My idiot yellow lab ran for two solid hours in the mud and loved it.  Austyn Marie, my eight year old daughter shot about one hundred BB’s from her Daisy BB gun at decoys and cans.  She’s my fourth child to wear my own childhood dove/squirrel vest hunting.  The day ended with no limits of doves and no limits of God’s blessings.  And I couldn’t be more thankful. 

Thank you Father for just being you.  Thank you for fellowship with friends and family. Thank you for making Saturday a special day for not only us, but for the many other hunters that went out Saturday and enjoyed your creation.  

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24 ESV

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Fresh from a victory against Airline High, the NCHS Lady Chiefs Volleyball team played with their customary class, grit and determination Wednesday, September 2 before a full gym at the season’s first home match vs. the Marksville Lady Tigers. Unfortunately, the Chiefs fell to the Tigers three sets to one in a hotly contested match that saw the Chiefs fighting hard until the end.

While the results were not as we would have hoped, Lady Chief Volleyball has set an enviable record of excellence on and off the court. Each member of the team is a fixture on the NCHS Honor Roll and exemplifies everything that a student-athlete should be on the court and in the classroom.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal would also like to commend the NCHS Student section. In every match or game I have attended over the years, the student section filled the bleachers and kept up a vociferous level of support akin to an erupting volcano.

Lady Chief Volleyball is in action at home on Tuesday September 8 vs. Loyola. The JV match will begin at 5:00 and the varsity match will begin at 6:00. 

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By BRAD WELBORN, Northwestern State Athletic Communications

When Northwestern State offensive lineman Caleb Billiot takes the field Saturday evening at Louisiana Tech, he’ll return to the place where his college football journey began.

Billiot spent the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Bulldogs, but never saw the field during his three seasons in Ruston. He remained committed to the process, however, and eventually found a second opportunity at Northwestern that changed the trajectory of his career.

Now a three-year starter and two-year team captain for the Demons, Billiot has become one of the leaders of the NSU program.

So, what would the 2026 version of Caleb Billiot say to the Caleb Billiot who was leaving high school and beginning his college football career?

“One thing I would tell him is that I’m proud of him for never giving up,” Billiot said. “For continuing to go through the days and stacking days on top of each other even when things got hard.

“Being a walk-on at any school, everything is magnified. Everything you do. There’s a higher standard to you. So going through those hard days of maybe not wanting to get up one morning or questioning, ‘Is this really for me?’ I’m truly proud of him for doing that.”

Billiot wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school and entered college as a walk-on at Louisiana Tech. Despite not see the playing time he wanted in his first three years, the work never stopped. The desire to play, to have the right opportunity, to contribute to something greater than himself never vanished.

That opportunity eventually came at Northwestern.

Billiot has started for the Demons for three seasons and has served as a team captain for the past two. He has also excelled in the classroom, earning Southland Conference Honor Roll recognition in each of his seasons. In 2025, he was named to the Southland All-Academic Team and the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. 

In May of this year he earned his degree in health and exercise science as a cum laude graduate.

The journey from a lightly recruited high school offensive lineman to a captain and scholarship player at Northwestern is one Billiot has already learned to appreciate.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity that I get to play,” he said. “I feel like the team really responds to me well and I wake up every single day remembering where I came from in that instance.

“A smaller offensive lineman, not really highly recruited, and I try not to take being here and being able to play and be a captain and leader of this team for granted.”

That perspective is especially meaningful as Billiot prepares to return to Louisiana Tech for the first time this weekend.

He knows how easily his story could have ended differently.

“I could be in that situation as a walk-on that never gets to touch the field,” Billiot said. “If they decide to transfer, they never get picked up and their career is kind of over. So for me to be able to get a second opportunity, be on full scholarship and be able to play and make a difference, I’m really proud of that younger Caleb for never giving up.”

Northwestern kicks off at Louisiana Tech at 6:30 p.m. from Joe Alliet Stadium in Ruston on ESPN+.

Contact Brad at welbornb@nsula.edu

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VICKSBURG, Miss.—Coming off a much-needed long break, the Northwestern State soccer team concludes its string of five consecutive matches on the road to begin the regular season by visiting Alcorn State.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m. this evening at Key City Park. Fans can watch the game on the Alcorn State athletics YouTube channel.

During the layoff, NSU (0-4) had a chance to work on what it needed to and work on correcting weaknesses before playing the rest of the non-conference schedule before going into Southland Conference play.

“This break allowed us to work on some things we really needed to work on and get some much-needed training under our belt and get a few players healthy and healed up,” fourth-year Demons’ coach Ian Brophy said. “It’s been nice to prioritize training, and we got a lot done and also rest and recovered to get ready for this next phase.”

In the last game, the Demons found the back of the net for the first time this season when Iesha Rollins scored on a penalty kick in the second half in the loss at UL Lafayette.

In this one, Rollins faces her former team, where she was the leading scorer for Alcorn State (1-3) last season with six goals coming on a pair of hat tricks against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alabama State.

She earned first team All-SWAC honors last season for the Braves.

“It’s a different game for me because that is my old team,” Rollins said. “A lot of them I am still good friends with, but once we’re on the field, it’s war. I feel a lot of passion for this game, and I want to show them and show the rest of my team what we can do against a good team.”

The teams played last season in Natchitoches with the Demons taking a 3-1 victory against the Braves.

Even in defeat last game, the defense felt it played well overall, surrendering just 12 shot attempts by the Ragin’ Cajuns, tied for the second fewest ULL has attempted in a game this season.

“The defense played pretty well as a unit last game,” defender Bonnie Miller said. “We played well moving the ball around and getting chances when we could. But I think this break is a good re-set for the team and get us ready for these two games this week.”

Alcorn State is led by Grace Ambrose, who is in the top 20 in goals scored this season with four, three of them coming in a high-scoring 7-4 victory over Nicholls.

“We know they have some big threats,” Brophy said. “It will definitely be an interesting matchup. We know what Grace (Ambrose) brings to the table. She is a very good player and tough in the 1-on-1s, but they have a really good team built around her and they play really good soccer so it’s going to be a very tough match. They played Mississippi State really well and are starting to put some things together and that will be really tough for us.”

The Demons finally play in front of the home crowd when they host Louisiana Tech on Sunday at 1, the first of back-to-back home games before traveling to Grambling on Sept. 17 to round out the non-conference slate.

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Natchitoches Parish residents age 60 and older are encouraged to get involved with a new wellness initiative presented by Northwestern State University’s School of Kinesiology in partnership with the Natchitoches Parish Council on Aging. The project is funded by a Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation. The grant supports community-driven, evidence-based strategies that help residents eat healthier and be more physically active.

Program dates for Cohort 1 are Sept. 8-Dec. 18. 

“The HEAL program is aimed at improving nutrition and physical activity for older adults,” said program coordinator Janiel Moore. “Our goals are to increase access, availability and consumption of healthy foods, and increase physical activity participation through programming and built environment.”  

Moore holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Administration at NSU.  Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, director of the School of Kinesiology, is coordinator of the grant. 

“Some components include walking clubs, exercise and balance classes, nutrition education classes, healthy cooking demonstrations and grocery shopping education and trips,” Moore said. “Currently, our walking trail on campus is in development. We are in the process of adding benches, handrails and signage to accommodate our participants.”

Moore said nutrition and physical activity promotes healthy aging, independence and quality of life among older adults. 

“With aging, good nutrition and physical exercise will be beneficial in promoting muscle strength, balance, mobility and health in general,” she said. “It is also a way of reducing the risk of falls. Furthermore, nutrition education is vital in helping older adults make healthier food choices. Group physical activities and nutrition education are also a great way to encourage interaction and reduce isolation. This program will help older adults in Natchitoches Parish who are interested in all of the above.” 

For more information, contact Moore at jmoore283894@nsula.edu or (318) 357-5126. Sign-up is also available via the QR code below.  

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Rotarian Sidney Evans introduced and welcomed new Rotary member Heidy McWhorter Mongeon at the August 25 meeting of Rotary of Natchitoches. Photo by Dr. Ron McBride.

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Mary Ellen Wardlow Wright
Jul 2, 1953 — Aug 29, 2026

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The City of Natchitoches Water Department will temporarily shut off the main 16-inch water feed serving portions of West Natchitoches on Monday, Sept. 7 to conduct necessary repairs to the 16-inch water main.

Work is scheduled to begin at approximately 6 a.m. and will continue until repairs are completed. During this time, customers within the affected areas may experience low water pressure or a complete loss of water service.

Areas expected to be affected include:

• Areas west of Cane River Lake extending to Highway 1 North
• Areas from University Parkway to Highway 3175

Additional areas that could experience low water pressure or an interruption in service include:

• Highway 1 North from Highway 3175 to White Oak Lane
• Highway 3175 from Highway 1 North to Highway 6 East
• Highway 3191 from Highway 1 North to Smith’s Garage Road

The City Water Department will work as efficiently as possible to complete the repairs and restore normal water service to customers.

Residents and businesses in the affected areas are encouraged to make necessary preparations ahead of the scheduled work.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience and understanding while crews complete these important repairs. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 3, with mutual aid assistance from Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 9 and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, were dispatched at 1 p.m. to a reported brush fire in the 1700 block of Clark Road near Clarence, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Units arrived to find the fire advancing toward a hay field. Deputies believe the fire originated from a downed power line. SWEPCO was on scene.

There were no reported injuries.

At 3 p.m., the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the fire was contained. Deputies said at least 15 round bales burned.

Smoke may be observed in the area for the next couple of days due to the hay smoldering.

Deputy T. Graves was on scene on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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The City of Natchitoches is currently responding to a water line break near Grand Ecore Road that has resulted in a temporary water outage affecting customers in the following areas:

• Highway 175
• Grand Ecore Road
• Maryland Road
• Hargis Road
• Brickyard Road
• Village of Clarence
• St Savior Church Road

City crews are currently on site and working diligently to repair the damaged line and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.

Once water service is restored, a boil advisory will be in effect for customers in the affected areas until further notice. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one full minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or food preparation.

The City of Natchitoches will provide an additional update as soon as more information becomes available regarding the repair and restoration of water service.

The City appreciates the patience and understanding of residents while crews work to resolve the issue.

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Each year, the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts recognizes one staff member whose service exemplifies dedication, compassion and an unwavering commitment to students and the school community with the Outstanding School Support Employee Award.

This year’s recipient, Coordinator of Academic Support and 504 Services Cara Stanfield, wears many hats. She coordinates critical supports for students, collaborates with faculty and families, solves problems before many people even know they exist, and consistently goes above and beyond her job description.

Cara joined LSMSA in 2024 after working in education with the Louisiana Department of Corrections and Ashland University. She holds a master’s degree in Adult Education from Ashland University.

Over the past two years, Cara has coordinated six New Student Orientation sessions, developed a new EXCEL curriculum, strengthened systems for academic support and accommodations, and helped create welcoming, organized spaces for both students and staff. Whether assisting with transportation needs, supporting school events, chaperoning activities or leading off-campus wellness opportunities, she approaches every task with enthusiasm, professionalism and genuine care.

“Cara embodies what it means to put students first,” said Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson. “Every day, she works behind the scenes to make sure our students have the support, resources and accommodations they need to be successful. She is a tireless advocate for our students and a tremendous asset to LSMSA. This award is a fitting recognition of the care, commitment and expertise she brings to our school community every day.”

The impact of Cara’s work can’t be measured only by the programs she’s developed or the responsibilities she’s taken on. It can also be found in the students who know they have a place to go when they need help or a listening ear when they need to talk.

“When Ms. Cara knew I was going through something difficult, she made sure I had everything I needed and checked up on me repeatedly!” said Lucy Centanni (’26).

“Ms. Cara made me feel important,” said Roz Hubbell (’26).

Kat Spizale described Cara as a “school mom” who provided consistent emotional and practical support throughout her senior year. 

“When I went through a breakup she showed up the very next day with donuts for me and made sure I had time before class to cry in her office,” Spizale shared. “She’s always been a listening ear and a helping hand.”

For Cara, that connection with students is at the heart of her work.

“Receiving the Outstanding School Support Employee Award is such a blessing because the work I do is centered on helping students feel supported, seen, and worthy of being at LSMSA,” Cara said. “It didn’t take me long to realize what a special place LSMSA is and how fortunate I am to be a part of a community, a family, where students, faculty, and staff are all valued and appreciated. Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life, and that’s what makes this job so rewarding. I am grateful to be here!”

Director of Student Support Services Ro Myers Slutsky said Cara brings positivity, energy, and heart to everything she does.

“Perhaps that is the best measure of service,” Slutsky added. “Not just completing the work, but making people feel seen, valued, and supported. Ms. Cara is dependable, proactive, creative, trustworthy, and deeply committed to the mission of LSMSA.”

ABOUT LSMSA 

LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families so that no eligible student is denied the school’s legacy of a college-level living/learning experience.

For more information about LSMSA, or to apply for admission, visit www.LSMSA.edu.

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Natchitoches Parish can expect hot and humid conditions through Labor Day, with chances of showers and thunderstorms primarily during the afternoon on several days.

Wednesday will start partly cloudy with a slight chance of morning showers before becoming mostly cloudy, with a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the mid 90s, with heat index values up to 105. Overnight lows will be in the mid 70s.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the mid 90s, with heat index values up to 106. Friday will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of morning showers and a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will again reach the mid 90s.

Saturday will be partly cloudy with a 50% chance of showers and afternoon thunderstorms, with highs in the mid 90s. Sunday will bring partly cloudy skies and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the upper 90s, with heat index values up to 105.

Labor Day will be partly cloudy with a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the upper 90s, with heat index values up to 105. Overnight lows throughout the period will generally remain in the mid 70s.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has posted “No Truck” (CMV) signs along LA 1226 as repairs continue on U.S. 84 near the Village of Clarence in Natchitoches Parish.

The designated detour for trucks is U.S. 71 and LA 6. DOTD said the implementation is for the safety of the traveling public.

The emergency closure of U.S. 84 over Bourbeaux Bayou, just east of the Village of Clarence, will remain in effect until further notice.

Due to the condition and size of the box culvert, the roadway will need to remain closed for the safety of the traveling public.

DOTD is working to develop a contract and obtain necessary emergency funding to allow a contractor to replace the existing box culvert with a new structure and reopen the roadway.

While the department is working to expedite the process, motorists are advised to prepare for an ongoing road closure and detour.

Once a more definitive timeline is available, DOTD said it will be provided to the community.

DOTD said it understands how disruptive the closure is for the traveling public and apologized for the inconvenience.

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Football season has arrived in the South, which means several things are about to change. Our Saturday schedules will change. Our diets will change. Hopefully, the weather will change. And for the record, if Alabama is playing, please do not call the preacher unless the church is on fire, somebody is bleeding, or you have discovered a previously unknown Bible verse promising a Crimson Tide victory. Did you know the phrase Crimson Tide appears in many hymnals?

I am an Alabama fan living and pastoring near Louisiana Tech, and my children went to LSU. So, I know what it feels like to be a football outsider. I have survived years of purple and gold. I have smiled through “Geaux Tigers.” I have lived close enough to Louisiana Tech to know that on game day, Ruston suddenly contains considerably more red and blue than the census would suggest. Football in the South is not merely recreation. It is geography, family history, tribal identity, and occasionally a reason not to speak to your brother-in-law until Monday.

Football season also changes our schedules. In July someone says, “How about Saturday afternoon?” Everybody answers, “Sure.” In September, the response becomes, “What time is kickoff?” Don’t get me started on couples who plan a big church wedding on Saturday afternoons in the fall! That may be the first theological lesson football season offers us:

We make time for what matters to us.

People who are “too busy” can somehow find four hours for a football game, an hour for the pregame show, and another hour afterward listening to people explain why the coach should have gone for it on fourth-and-two. Our calendars reveal our priorities. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I suspect our calendars may reveal our treasure almost as clearly as our checkbooks.

Football season also changes our wardrobe. We wear team colors. We have lucky shirts. Some fans own clothing containing more school logos than actual fabric. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Christians were equally recognizable—not by what we wear, but by how we live? Jesus said the world would know his disciples by their love. Not their bumper stickers. Not their church membership. Not their ability to identify all the verses in Revelation. By their love.

Then there is the football diet. Nobody has ever said, “Alabama and LSU are playing tonight. Let’s celebrate with steamed broccoli.” Football calls for wings, nachos, sausage, barbecue, cheese dip, and whatever mysterious creation has been simmering in somebody’s Crock-Pot since breakfast. And strangely enough, there is something theological even there.

People gather around tables. They laugh. They tell stories. They argue about officials. They remember old games and old friends. We were created for community. That may be why Sunday worship matters. Church is not simply a place to hear a sermon any more than football is simply a way to discover the final score. We gather because we belong to one another.We celebrate victories. We carry one another through losses. We pray when life goes into overtime. 

So enjoy football season. Wear your colors. Cheer loudly. Eat irresponsibly. And when Sunday morning comes, remember there is another gathering where you belong. The admission is free. The fellowship is better. And unlike football, we already know who wins.

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By Kathryn Phelps

The Village of Goldonna is looking to the community for help to raise money to buy twin bed frames and mattresses. Goldonna needs 160 of these beds to go toward the conversion of the Goldonna school campus into a facility where retreats can be held.

With their potential agreement with the Louisiana Baptist Association, the space will also be rented out several times a year. This will enable them to rent the property to nonprofit groups who are looking for a space to host overnight retreats. Each bed cost $100, an anonymous donor has graciously purchased 10 beds and they are looking for more donors. Every donation made is to this endeavor is tax deductible. Contact Eugene Garner (318-533-5044) or Gayle Cloud (318-471-9559) for more information on ways to assist. 

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MONROE — The Northwestern State Demons volleyball team was competitive but ineffective on the attack and lost to the ULM Warhawks 25-20, 25-20 and 25-19 Tuesdaynight at Fant Coliseum in Monroe.

The Demons (1-3) got off to a good start as they led 12-8 in the opening set thanks to three aces from Jade Longlad and had a 15-14 led at the first set media timeout. However, the Warhawks (2-2) took control as they had 12 first set kills in route to the 25-20 win.

In the second set, the Warhawks had a modest 9-8 lead after a block by NSU’s Kenadii Winfrey. But ULM scored four straight points to take a 13-8 advantage then extended the lead to 19-13 before hanging on for the win.

The Demons came out strong in the third set as they scored the first four points after some words of encouragement from head coach Ben Kaszeta between sets. ULM took a 15-14 lead and Northwestern’s attack errors continued to pile up as ULM clinched the match, 25-19.

“There were a lot of great things that I saw tonight,” said Kaszeta. “I like the aggression that our hitters and our defenders had tonight. We will play them harder and smarter in two weeks when we see them again. A couple of other people had a chance to play bigger roles today. We came closer and learned a lot. We got better today against a team that looks like most of our conference. It was a good test for us today.”

The Demons finished with a .043 hit percentage (28 kills, 23 errors, 120 attacks). Elsie Sanchez led the Demons with seven kills. The Warhawks finished with 38 kills and hit .133. 

Emmarie McFarland added 11 digs for her 21st career double digit dig performance. 

“I have full faith in my team and the decisions that they make,” McFarland. “I’m ready to see this fight but 10 times harder come next weekend.”

Longlad finished with 23 assists to add to her Southland Conference lead which now totals 126.

The Demons will travel 452 miles and eight hours to Springfield, Missouri to play in the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational hosted by Missouri State. NSU will face Indiana State on Friday at 10 a.m. and Missouri State at 6:30 p.m. Saturday the Demons will wrap up the tournament against Little Rock at noon.

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Back in 1990 when I started fishing bass tournaments, I had a great partner, Randy Farrar, who helped teach me a few things about how to pre-fish before a tournament — pre-fishing techniques like how to find bass but not catch them right before a tournament. You always want to catch them on tournament day and not so much in practice.

So many guys go out and catch bass right before the tournament and take them home for a good fish fry. One thing I know for sure, you will not be able to catch them on tournament day after you’ve eaten them!  

I learned a lot from my first fishing buddy. One thing he taught me was how to “shake fish off” and not hook bass during practice since you want to catch them on tournament day. 

“Shaking” refers to when a bass bites your lure, you shake the tip of the rod and hopefully the bass will let it go. Close to tournament day, the last thing you want to do is set the hook and sore mouth bass you’re wanting to catch when it counts.

However, during pre-fishing when the bass are in spawning mode, you don’t have to worry if you hook a fish. Because during spawning, bass are very aggressive and will strike a lure multiple times if it comes anywhere close to their spawning bed.

But over the years, I have learned on my own that bass might be the most unpredictable creatures on earth. So many times during practice, I have gone through a particular area and shook off a lot of bass thinking they will be there on tournament day. Well guess what? For whatever reason, the bass have either left or will not bite. 

This is when fishing gets very frustrating! But then there are times when finding those bass, a day or two before tournament day, actually pays off.

Another pre-fishing technique that I now employ is fishing without a hook and using what is called a screw lock. I use this when I’m fishing with any type of soft plastic worms. This is where you tie on a screw lock and use it to hold your worm or soft plastic bait instead of using a hook.

This way you never have to worry about hooking any fish you want to catch on tournament day. This is a pre-fishing technique I always use, especially the day before the tournament. 

In today’s bass tournament world, if you don’t pre-fish several days in a row before a tournament, you’re probably not going to win. The anglers winning today are guys who are on the water at least three days before the tournament. 

The days of showing up and winning or even getting a check are gone, as there are too many anglers putting in 8-10 hours a day locating bass. Even fishing on a lake that you know very well is not good enough to beat the guys putting in hours of pre-fishing. 

There are a lot of variables that can affect your ability to locate bass and catch them on tournament day. The first and foremost is the weather. This is something an angler has no control over, but you must understand bass behavior well enough to know how the weather affects them. 

Another factor you can’t control is the movement of baitfish they like to feed on. Bass will always be close to wherever the bait fish are. It’s their buffet; it’s their grocery store. Wherever the baitfish go, the bass will follow. 

So, if you want to compete and have a shot at winning or even getting a check in today’s bass tournaments, you better pre-fish and find as many schools of bass as you can during practice. Otherwise, you’re just donating your entry fee.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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