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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Rotarian with the Program Lennie Shankle welcomed Lott CEO & President Mark Massia and Lott Marketing Director Camille Lott Donahue at the September 1st Rotary meeting at Merci. An overview and update on Lott Oil Company headquartered in Natchitoches was presented. Rotarians appreciate the support Lott Oil Company provides to the local community. Pictured are Camille Lott Donahue, Lennie Shankle, and Mark Massia. Photo by Dr Ron McBride.

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Congratulations to BOM Bank’s Kathy Myers on her 25th work anniversary! As our Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer & BSA Officer/OFAC, Kathy helps keep BOM Bank on the right track every day. Her expertise, leadership, and dedication play a vital role in our success, and we’re grateful for everything she does behind the scenes. Kathy, thank you for your commitment to BOM Bank and for being such an important part of our team. We appreciate you and hope you have a wonderful anniversary celebration!

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John Dale Ray 
Service: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 10:30 am at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hagewood

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

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A Natchitoches man has been arrested after he allegedly called the Natchtioches Parish Sheriff’s Office, falsely reporting that he had shot his girlfriend near Natchitoches according Sheriff Stuart Wright.

At approximately 1:07 a.m. on Aug. 31, NPSO 911 dispatchers received a call on an administrative telephone line from a male who stated twice, “I done shot my girlfriend,” before disconnecting the call.

Dispatchers immediately attempted to call the number back several times; however, the calls went directly to voicemail, which had not been set up.

Recognizing the potential seriousness of the call and the possibility that someone may have been injured and in need of immediate medical assistance, NPSO communications personnel immediately began working to identify the caller and determine his location.

Dispatchers searched prior Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) records associated with the telephone number and located a previous call connected to a residence in the 2800 block of Louisiana Highway 494. Deputies were immediately dispatched to that location to conduct a welfare check.

While deputies were responding, dispatchers conducted additional research on the telephone number and searched prior CAD records for other possible locations associated with the number.

During the investigation, NPSO dispatchers were also able to establish communication with the male caller through Text-to-911.

During the text conversation, the male refused to identify himself or provide his location. He continued to claim that he had shot his girlfriend but stated that she was “OK” and that he intended to wrap the wound with a towel.

Dispatchers repeatedly attempted to persuade the caller to provide his location and allow deputies and emergency medical personnel to respond, explaining the potentially life-threatening dangers associated with a gunshot wound. The male continued to refuse assistance and declined to provide information that would assist authorities in locating him.

As communications personnel continued communicating with the caller, an NPSO patrol supervisor contacted detectives assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit for assistance in locating the cellular device.

Through investigative technology, HTCU detectives were able to develop information indicating that the cellular device was in the area of a residence in the 100 block of American Way.

Deputies responded to the residence, where they located the cellular device believed to have been used to make the original call. A male identified as 25-year-old Kydarius A. Brown of Natchitoches was located in the residence and taken into custody while deputies continued their investigation.

Deputies continued their investigative efforts and made contact with the alleged shooting victim, confirming that she was safe and had not been the victim of a shooting.

Brown was taken into custody without incident and eventually arrested on one count of False Communication with Intent to Cause an Emergency Response.

Brown is currently on felony probation.

Sheriff Stuart Wright commended NPSO 911 Communications personnel, responding deputies, patrol supervisors and High Tech Crime Unit detectives for their coordinated efforts in attempting to quickly locate the caller and any potential victim.

“This was a call that had to be treated as a potentially life-threatening emergency from the moment it was received,” Sheriff Wright said. “Our dispatchers continued working every available avenue to identify and locate the caller while deputies were responding and checking possible locations. Their persistence, combined with the assistance of our High Tech Crime Unit and responding deputies, allowed us to locate the telephone and a person connected to this investigation.”

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The City of Natchitoches is putting recently awarded Clearance and Demolition Grant funding to work. The grant provides critical resources to remove structures that have deteriorated beyond repair and may pose safety, health, environmental, or neighborhood concerns.

As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to eliminate blighted and unsafe structures, strengthen neighborhoods, and improve the overall quality of life for residents, 14 properties are being demolished and cleared across the City. 

“This funding is about more than tearing down abandoned buildings. It is about investing in our neighborhoods and creating opportunities for what comes next,” said Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. “Every unsafe structure we remove helps us create a cleaner, safer and more attractive Natchitoches while opening the door for reinvestment and revitalization.”

Through the initiative, the City is targeting qualifying properties that have been identified as vacant, abandoned, severely deteriorated, or otherwise unsafe. Lathan Construction, which was recently awarded the work to clear the properties, began demolition activities Aug. 10. The work includes demolition of approved structures, removal and disposal of debris, and clearance of the properties in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

The project supports the City’s broader efforts to:

• Reduce blight and public safety hazards in residential neighborhoods.
• Improve neighborhood appearance and property conditions.
• Remove structures that can attract illegal dumping, vandalism and other nuisance activity.
• Create opportunities for redevelopment, infill housing and productive reuse of vacant property.
• Protect surrounding property values and encourage additional private investment.
• Strengthen neighborhoods as part of the City’s long-term community revitalization strategy.

The City recognizes clearance and demolition are important first steps, but the long-term goal is to move properties from blight to opportunity by supporting redevelopment and encouraging uses that contribute to stronger, more sustainable neighborhoods.

Residents may see demolition crews and equipment operating at approved sites as the current phase of work continues. The City asks residents to exercise caution around active demolition areas and comply with posted safety restrictions.

The City of Natchitoches will continue identifying opportunities to leverage grant funding and other resources to address deteriorated properties, improve neighborhood conditions, and support strategic reinvestment throughout the community. For more information about the project, contact the City of Natchitoches Office of Planning and Zoning at (318) 357-3840.

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The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Deputy Joshua Wolf, assigned to the NPSO Youth Services Division, recently graduated from the 49th Louisiana D.A.R.E. Officer Training and is now a certified D.A.R.E. Officer.

Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington addressed the graduates reminding them to set examples for the students they teach.

NPSO Youth Services Division Lt. Derick Turner attended the graduation ceremony in support of Deputy Wolf and represented the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office during the event.

D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a nationally recognized program that brings specially trained law enforcement officers into classrooms to provide students with education and skills designed to help them make safe, responsible, and informed decisions.

D.A.R.E. officers receive specialized instruction preparing them to work directly with students in the classroom. The program focuses on topics that include good decision-making, resisting peer pressure, communication skills, drug and alcohol awareness, bullying prevention, and building positive relationships between young people and law enforcement.

As a certified D.A.R.E. Officer, Deputy Wolf will now be able to bring these lessons into Natchitoches Parish schools while continuing the Youth Services Division’s mission of building positive relationships with students, educators, and families.

The NPSO Youth Services Division works closely with schools throughout Natchitoches Parish, providing School Resource Officers, youth education programs, and other initiatives designed to promote school safety and encourage positive interaction between students and law enforcement.

Sheriff Stuart Wright congratulated Deputy Wolf on completing the training and earning his D.A.R.E. certification.

“Deputy Wolf’s certification is another valuable addition to our Youth Services Division and our continued commitment to the young people of Natchitoches Parish,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright. “Programs such as D.A.R.E. give our deputies an opportunity to interact with students in a positive environment while providing them with information and decision-making skills that can benefit them throughout their lives. We congratulate Deputy Wolf on this accomplishment and look forward to the positive impact he will have in our schools.”

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JOB TITLE:  Maintenance

 

DESCRIPTION:
Not a heavy-duty job.
Wash cars when finished, no detailing!
Able to transport cars to and from locations for repairs!
Good driving record,
A Jack of all trades, working with a class act company!

SALARY:  Salary depends on experience!

CONTACT:  Come by and apply at Ronnie’s Collision Center 209 Ralph St.
PHONE:  318-352-5959.

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The LSU AgCenter will host a free four-part beekeeping series this fall for individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of successful beekeeping.

The first meeting will be held Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Natchitoches Parish Library.

The series is designed for beginners, and no prior experience is required.

Topics will include beekeeping basics, essential equipment, hive health and management, honeybee biology and life cycle, honey harvesting, seasonal hive management, and question-and-answer sessions covering common beekeeping challenges.

No registration is required, and all are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Randall Mallette with the LSU AgCenter at 318-357-2224 or rmallette@agcenter.lsu.edu.

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MONROE — The Northwestern State Demons volleyball team looks to build on their momentum from the win they picked up over Grambling Saturday as it travels to face in-state rival ULM this evening at 6.

The Demons (1-2) defeated Grambling (1-2) Saturday afternoon 3-1 as senior Jade Longlad had a career high 47 assists while Elsie Sanchez and Amber Craig both had 15 kills to lead the Demons.

Northwestern recorded 64 kills which was the most by the program since Oct. 31, 2024, when the Demons had 69 at home in a 3-2 win over Houston Christian.

NSU will take on a familiar foe in ULM (1-2) as the two teams have met 59 times in history with ULM holding a 30-29 lead. The Warhawks defeated the Demons last season at Prather Coliseum 3-0. Despite the loss, the Demons are 11-4 in their last 15 against the Warhawks.

“This will be a good in-state game,” said second-year head coach Ben Kaszeta. “It will help us to learn to prepare for our single game days. ULM is a very comparable program with a good history. We’ll see if our young kids can go out and compete with a Sun Belt opponent.”

NSU will also look to ride the hot hand of sophomore Emmarie McFarland. The Alvin, Texas native recorded her 20th career double-digit dig match with three straight as she finished with 52 for the weekend.

The match can be seen on ESPN+ with a subscription. Fans can also follow live stats online or follow the NSU volleyball twitter page @NSUDemonsVB for play-by-play of Tuesday’s match.

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Beginning today, season ticket holders will get first dibs on seats for the LSU at Northwestern State women’s basketball game Sunday, Dec. 6 in Prather Coliseum, NSU officials said Monday.

Returning season-ticket holders will have priority for purchasing season packages, and their seats will be held for renewal until single-game tickets are placed on sale Oct. 1.

New orders for Northwestern men’s and women’s basketball season tickets will be available beginning this morning, offering supporters a chance to see the Demons and Lady Demons 31 times.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Northwestern State Athletics Ticket Office at 318-357-4268, visit www.NSUTickets.com or come to the ticket office, located in the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Fieldhouse, in person between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Northwestern will host 16 women’s basketball games, highlighted by a visit from Kim Mulkey and her LSU Tigers — the first SEC team to come to Natchitoches since the 1997-98 season.

Purchasing season tickets will secure seats for that matchup with the Tigers. 

On the men’s side, the Demons will play 15 times on Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum, the most home games for a Northwestern men’s squad since the 2014-15 season.

Each team will play 11 home games against Southland Conference teams, including home doubleheaders against McNeese (Dec. 19), LSU-New Orleans (Jan. 2), UIW (Jan. 16), Nicholls (Jan. 23) and Feb. 27 (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi).

Additionally, there will be a split home doubleheader Jan. 30 with the Lady Demons hosting Stephen F. Austin followed by a matchup of the Northwestern men and East Texas A&M.

Season-ticket packages begin at $145 for general admission and also are available in reserved seating ($415) and courtside VIP seating ($685). Pricing for courtside seats and reserved seating include donations to the Demons Unlimited Foundation.

Season-ticket holders in reserved and courtside VIP packages also receive complementary food and drinks at each home game. 

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Northwestern State University’s Transition to RN pathway provides experienced allied health professionals an opportunity to pursue an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and registered nursing licensure while building on their previous health care education and experience.

Offered at NSU’s Shreveport, Cenla and Leesville campuses, the Transition to RN pathway is designed for licensed or certified health care professionals, including licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics, respiratory therapists, occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants. Students complete the pathway in three consecutive semesters through a combination of online coursework and in-person laboratory and clinical experiences.

Krystyna Tabor, MSN, RN, director of the Transition to RN pathway, said the pathway provides a more direct route for allied health professionals such as LPNs, medics, paramedics, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants and respiratory therapists to pursue nursing education.

To qualify, students must have completed an allied health or nursing certificate or degree program, worked full time for at least one year in that health care field and hold a current, unencumbered certificate or license to practice.

Tabor said students entering the pathway bring valuable health care experience, including caring for patients and responding to challenging situations.

“Those medical professionals tend to deal with the pressure a little bit better,” Tabor said.

After completing the pathway, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN. Passing the examination allows graduates to become licensed registered nurses.

“They can work in any environment that any other registered nurse can work in,” Tabor said.

Jackson Taylor of Bossier City is a paramedic enrolled in the Transition to RN pathway. Taylor plans to continue working as a paramedic after becoming a registered nurse and eventually hopes to attend graduate school and pursue training to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Taylor said his experience as a paramedic gives him a foundation he can carry into nursing while the nursing pathway can broaden the knowledge and skills he brings to emergency medical services.

“Paramedics are trained to a high level and nursing is also trained to a high level, and I feel like we can benefit from that,” Taylor said. “I feel like a nurse wanting to be a paramedic would be able to take care of their patients better, and a paramedic wanting to be a nurse would be able to take better care of their patients.”

“This is going to be a good program to have in the area because our paramedics in Shreveport-Bossier are really well trained, and this will be a good way to learn to take care of patients better on the ground and in the air as well,” Taylor said.

Tabor said the Transition to RN pathway expands access to nursing education for health care professionals whose previous education and experience can provide a foundation for registered nursing practice.

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Dolly Rebecca Parton, beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and one of the most treasured figures in American music and culture, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.

Born on January 19, 1946, in rural East Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth of twelve children and grew up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. From those humble beginnings came a voice, a talent, and a spirit that would eventually reach nearly every corner of the world.

Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Dolly became one of country music’s most recognizable and influential artists. Her extraordinary gift for storytelling gave the world songs that became part of the American soundtrack, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. Her unmistakable voice, quick wit, larger-than-life style, and genuine warmth allowed her to connect with generations of people far beyond the boundaries of country music.

Her talents extended well beyond the stage. Dolly became a celebrated actress, author, businesswoman, and entrepreneur while remaining deeply connected to the Tennessee mountains and the people who helped shape her. Yet among her greatest accomplishments was the generosity she showed to others.

Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, founded in honor of her father, millions of books have been placed into the hands of children around the world. Her philanthropy also supported education, disaster relief, healthcare, and countless communities and individuals throughout her lifetime.

For all the awards, records, rhinestones, and worldwide recognition, Dolly’s greatest legacy may be the way she made people feel. She encouraged people to dream bigger, laugh at themselves, remain true to who they were, and extend kindness wherever possible. She never seemed to forget where she came from—and because of that, people from every walk of life felt as though they knew a little piece of her.

Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025. Their famously private and enduring marriage remained one of the most cherished parts of her life.

The little girl from the mountains of Tennessee grew up to become an American icon, but she never lost the heart that made the world fall in love with her in the first place. Her songs will continue to be sung, her stories will continue to be told, and the kindness she put into the world will continue through generations of lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dolly’s extraordinary legacy of generosity and her lifelong commitment to children and literacy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through the program, books are provided each month at no cost to children from birth to age five, helping Dolly’s love of reading and learning continue to reach future generations.

Memorial donations may be made directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Click here to Make a Donation in Memory of Dolly Parton

A message from the family of Dolly Parton: Click here to watch video

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December 17, 1970 – August 18, 2026

Toni passed away peacefully at her adored home in Fredonia, New York, surrounded by loved ones, on August 18, 2026.

Born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on December 17, 1970, Toni grew up with a vibrant energy that lit up every room. During her time at St. Mary’s School, she discovered her love for cheerleading and being a flyer. She cherished those memories throughout her life, and whenever she spoke of her days flying high with the team, her eyes would light up with a radiance that no one could forget. She graduated Lufkin High School, Lufkin, Texas with Honors. 

She is survived by her beloved partner in life, Kathy Kupla, her sons, Preston Greer and Nicholas Stein, her mother Sandra Ladd and husband Douglas Ladd, her special Aunt Kaye and Uncle Bill Yancey and cousins, Don, Mike, Pat Yancey and Kristi Yancey Jeffcoat with loving family across Texas and beyond.  Toni was preceded in death by her beloved father, William Donald “Billy” Salim (known fondly as “Popeye”).

Toni earned her Registered Nursing degree from East Tennessee State University, embarking on a devoted, lifelong medical career. Throughout her years in oncology, orthopedics, and surgery, she was known as one of the most dedicated, selfless, and hardworking nurses in the field. Her drive and talent extended into entrepreneurship as well, leading her to own and operate a successful business writing medical and legal content.

Above all else, Toni’s greatest pride and joy were her two sons, Preston Greer and Nicholas Stein. As a mother, she was deeply devoted, actively present, and poured her heart into raising her family. She taught her sons the value of an unwavering work ethic, resilience, and how to do the right thing no matter the cost. She deeply adored her sons holding immense pride in everything they achieved, and her spirit will undoubtedly be watching over them with a proud smile.

Toni showed everyone around her what true strength looked like. She was a bright and shining star who proved that no matter how hard you fall, you can always pick yourself up, overcome any obstacle, and build a successful, meaningful life.

Toni lived fully and loved deeply. Over the years, her journey took her from Texas and Tennessee to Florida where she shared 17 wonderful years with her lifelong partner, Kathy “Babe” Kulpa and eventually to the peaceful town of Fredonia, New York. She loved the simple beauty of life: watching bald eagles soar, feeding the deer in the evening, taking trips to Canada, listening to music, camping, and enjoying the sparkle of a new day. She was a devoted football fan and watched as many games as possible. A woman of warmth, humor, and style, she loved the color pink and the artist Pink. Toni was an inspiration to many and a comfort to all. Though her family misses her dearly, they take comfort in knowing she is at peace, likely sharing a laugh and sitting right next to Dolly Parton.

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By Brad Dison

Where are the flying cars that engineers began promising us as early as the 1940s?  In 1946, Popular Mechanics magazine predicted that flying cars would become commonplace soon.  Nearly 40 years later, Doctor Emmett Brown in the Hollywood film Back to the Future told Marty as they were preparing to hit 88 miles per hour, “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”  That was in 1985 and flying cars are still not commonplace.  What happened to the flying cars that we have been promised for generations?  

During World War II, Theodore “Ted” Hall proposed a flying car that could be used in commando-type raids but he was unable to convince the military of its practicality.  Following World War II, Ted worked with Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation to build flying cars for the masses.  They began with the Convair Model 116, a two-seater crude car body with detachable wings and tail.  Test pilots completed more than 65 flights in the Model 116 before Ted began working on a more marketable model called the Model 118 (see photo above).

The Model 118 had a more refined plastic car body, a 26½ horsepower car engine, a more powerful Lycoming airplane engine, and could comfortably transport four people.  Convair planned to produce 160,000 of the Model 118s and expected to sell many of them to airports to use as rental vehicles.  

On November 15, 1947, test pilot Reuben Snodgrass flew the prototype Model 118 for the first time, and it performed splendidly.  Three days later, pilot Snodgrass and flight researcher Lawrence Phillips flew the flying car over San Diego, California, on what was supposed to be a one-hour flight to test the engine’s calibration.  A few minutes into the flight as they were enjoying what had been a flawless test, the engine sputtered and died.  All attempts to restart the engine failed.  Pilot Snodgrass was familiar with the area and glided the flying car toward the hard-caked mud flats near South Bay.  It was a textbook landing for the first 200 feet, but pilot Snodgrass did not see the four-foot-high embankment until it was too late.  In the crash, pilot Snodgrass suffered only minor bruises, but Phillips suffered a fractured shoulder.  The car portion was destroyed, but the wing and airplane engine were repaired and used on further test flights.  Although public interest in the flying car was initially high, it was not high enough.  The company cancelled the flying car.     

The reason the Model 118 flying automobile was never made available to the public was not because of a design flaw, not because of something the pilot did, but something he did not do.  On that cool November day, the Convair flying car crashed because… it ran out of gas.  Pilot Snodgrass was a careful pilot who always used a preflight checklist to avoid accidents such as this.  After the crash, Pilot Snodgrass went over the checklist more carefully one item at a time.  He remembered vividly checking the fuel gauge which showed to be full.  Then, he realized his mistake.  It was a simple mistake that anyone could make.  Pilot Snodgrass had checked the fuel gauge, the car’s fuel gauge.  He had not checked the airplane’s fuel gauge. 

Sources:

1.     The Fresno Bee, November 12, 1947, p.1.

2.     The Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1947, p.14.

3.     Holdenville Daily News, November 20, 1947, p.4.

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Billie Louise Gass Gibson
Service: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 10 am at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery in Hagewood

John Dale Ray 
Service: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 10:30 am at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hagewood

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

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