Author: JSLLC

Katelyn Smith named a winner of ‘Pay My Utility Bill’ contest

/ JSLLC
Katelyn Smith

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is pleased to announce that Katelyn Smith has been selected as a winner of the “Pay My Utility Bill” contest.

The Journal will pay the current amount due on her qualifying utility bill.

The contest was created to provide direct relief to Natchitoches Parish residents facing high summer utility bills and rising household expenses.

Congratulations to Katelyn Smith, this week’s “Pay My Utility Bill” winner.

Enter now for next week’s drawing

The contest continues next week, and Natchitoches Parish residents may begin entering now.

Residents who entered last week may submit their information again to qualify for this week’s selection. They may use the same qualifying utility bill if it remains current or submit a new bill if they have received one.

To enter, contestants must provide their full name, working cellphone number, email address and the exact current amount on their utility bill.

The utility service address must be located in Natchitoches Parish, and the contestant’s name must appear on the bill.

Entrants should keep the original bill or a copy because the selected winner will be required to provide proof of the amount submitted.

Only the current amount will be considered. Multiple entries during the same weekly contest period will not be accepted.

Winners must consent to having their name and photograph published by the Natchitoches Parish Journal. Information submitted through the contest will not be sold.

Residents may review the complete rules and enter the contest at:

Enter now for a chance to have your current utility bill paid by the Natchitoches Parish Journal.

Heavy NSU presence in presentations at state high school coaches clinic

/ JSLLC
Former NSU basketball assistant coach Jeff Moore led a clinic session Tuesday at the Louisiana High School Coaches Association’s annual convention and clinic in Baton Rouge.

Heavy NSU presence in presentations at state high school coaches clinic

There was a strong Northwestern State Demons presence at this week’s Louisiana High School Coaches Association convention and clinic in Baton Rouge, gathering hundreds of coaches from around the state.

The annual event provides a robust schedule of clinic activity and presentations over two days. Some is sport-specific, and other sessions are more broad in subject matter.

Five coaches with Northwestern ties, including new Lady Demon basketball coach Alan Frey, led clinic sessions.

Former Demon basketball coach Mike McConathy, his former assistant coach Jeff Moore, N Club Hall of Fame point guard Tyrone Mitchell and former NSU football player and assistant coach Ed Orgeron, back at LSU on Lane Kiffin’s staff but best known for leading LSU as head coach to the 2019 national championship, all participated in presentations.

Another NSU alumnus, Natchitoches Central principal Micah Coleman, is prominent in state high school athletic administration as one of the two Class 5A representatives on the LHSAA Executive Committee that oversees all high school sports policies and procedures.

Moore was the headline presenter for a basketball session Tuesday and wrapped it up with remarks by McConathy, recently inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as the winningest college basketball coach in state history after 23 seasons at NSU and 16 more previously at Bossier Parish Community College.

“When I was working for Coach, when he had a clinic presentation, he always involved his assistants. It gave us great experience and provided the audience with different voices,” said Moore, who is about to begin his second season as head coach at Bossier Parish CC. “When I was invited to present this summer, I called Coach and asked him if he would wrap up the session. I knew those coaches would be completely impressed and they were.”

Mitchell, the head coach at Xavier in New Orleans, presented on “Transition Defense.” He is one of the greatest point guards in Demon history and helped NSU win consecutive Southland Conference championships in 2005 and 2006, along with the NCAA Tournament win over No. 15-ranked, regionally No. 3 seed Iowa Hawkeyes. The New Iberia native has been head coach at Xavier for two seasons after a long run as an assistant coach for the Gold Rush.

Frey was hired this spring at NSU after a long career as an assistant at Tulane under longtime coach Lisa Stockton. LSU coach Kim Mulkey avidly endorsed Frey’s hiring. Frey was the only college women’s basketball coach to speak at the clinic.

Orgeron played for coaches A.L. Williams and Sam Goodwin on the defensive line for the Demons. Goodwin gave him his first coaching job, launching one of the more remarkable careers in the modern era of college football. Orgeron spoke passionately about Goodwin at the legendary coach’s memorial service in Turpin Stadium this spring.

Lela Harvey Announces Re-Election Campaign for District 5 School Board

/ JSLLC

Lela Harvey, the current District 5 School Board member, has announced her candidacy for re-election, pledging to continue working for stronger schools, improved student achievement and greater support for children and families.

“With experience, commitment and a passion for serving our children, I am asking the voters of District 5 for the opportunity to continue representing them on the School Board,” Harvey said. “I will continue working to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed in a safe and welcoming school environment.”

During another term, Harvey said she would remain focused on reducing bullying, increasing student engagement and improving academic achievement throughout the district.

She also pledged to continue supporting special education programs and improving communication, transparency and assistance for families of students with disabilities.

“Every student, staff member and family should feel valued and respected,” Harvey said. “Our schools must provide an inclusive environment where children feel safe, supported and prepared to reach their full potential.”

Additional priorities include expanding early childhood education, strengthening reading intervention programs and reducing achievement gaps among students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Harvey also emphasized the importance of addressing students’ mental and emotional well-being.

“The pandemic reminded us that academic achievement cannot be separated from the support students receive,” she said. “Our children deserve continued and expanded academic, emotional and mental health resources in every school.”

Harvey said her campaign will be guided by a commitment to putting students first and working collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators and community members.

“My continuing goal is simple: better schools for a better tomorrow,” she said. “I will remain a positive voice for our children, our classrooms and the families of District 5.”

In addition to her School Board service, Harvey is involved with Voices 4 Autism Parent Support Group, a nonprofit organization that advocates for children with autism and their families.

“When we speak up and use our voices, we can make meaningful changes,” she said.

Lela Harvey
318-529-0638

Paid Content

First ‘Pay My Utility Bill’ contest winners to be announced Friday

/ JSLLC

The Natchitoches Parish Journal will announce the first group of winners in its “Pay My Utility Bill” contest Friday morning, July 24.

The contest was launched to provide some direct relief to Natchitoches Parish residents facing high summer utility bills and rising household expenses.

Selected winners will have the current amount due on their utility bill paid.

There is still time to enter.

Contestants must submit their full name, working cellphone number, email address and the exact current amount due on their utility bill.

The utility service address must be located in Natchitoches Parish, and the contestant’s name must appear on the bill.

Entrants should keep the original bill or a copy. Those selected as winners will be required to provide proof of the amount submitted before payment is made.

Only the current amount due will be considered, and multiple entries will not be accepted.

Winners must also agree to allow the Natchitoches Parish Journal to publish their name and photograph. Information submitted through the contest will not be sold.

Residents may review the complete rules and enter the contest at:

The first winners will be announced Friday morning, but the contest will continue and additional residents will have opportunities to be selected.

Enter now for a chance to have your current utility bill paid by the Natchitoches Parish Journal.

Word of the Day: Epistolary

/ JSLLC

Phonetic: /epis·​to·​lary/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

of, relating to, or suitable to a letter

contained in or carried on by letters
an endless sequence of … epistolary love affairs.
The Times Literary Supplement (London)

written in the form of a series of letters
an epistolary novel

Old Robeline Road, Hedges Street and Lake Street intersection closed for utility repairs

/ JSLLC

The intersection of Old Robeline Road, Hedges Street and Lake Street was closed Tuesday morning so the City of Natchitoches Utility Department can complete repairs in the area. The closure began at 8 a.m. and will remain in place until repairs have been completed.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and exercise caution when traveling in the area. For more information, contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.

Things Got Heated at Riverdale Academy… But Not for the Reason You Think

/ JSLLC
Meeting gets heated between current and former Riverdale administrators

Things Got Heated at Riverdale Academy… But Not for the Reason You Think

Things got a little heated at a recent meeting at Riverdale Academy between current administrator Dr. Hunter Brown and former administrator Mr. Danny Rester, along with his wife, retired Caddo Parish school teacher Mrs. Valinda Rester.

But what would you expect? It was nearly 100 degrees outside, and no one had turned on the air conditioner in the teachers’ lounge before the meeting!

The good news? Once the room cooled down, everyone was all smiles.

In fact, we’re excited to announce that the Resters have officially joined the Riverdale Academy family for the upcoming school year. Mr. Rester will serve as our high school science and fine arts teacher, while Mrs. Rester will teach middle school English Language Arts, social studies, and health.

With their welcome addition, every Riverdale Academy faculty position has been filled, and we are looking forward to an outstanding school year.

Riverdale Academy is proud to be accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education, the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools, and Cognia, reflecting our commitment to providing a quality education in a nurturing environment.

For more than 50 years, Riverdale Academy has welcomed students from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. Our student body has included Vietnamese Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Indian Americans, Caucasian Americans, and families representing Christian, Muslim, and Hindu faiths.

But here’s what matters most:

Our teachers don’t teach labels. They teach people.

Every student who walks through our doors is valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach his or her full potential.

As a small school, we believe one of our greatest strengths is the ability to know our students personally while continually expanding opportunities for them to grow. Along with a strong traditional academic program, students have opportunities to participate in:

  • Basketball
  • Softball
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Golf
  • Track and field
  • Tennis
  • Fishing
  • Cross-country

Students can also become involved in:

  • Quiz Bowl
  • Chess
  • Robotics
  • 4-H
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
  • Beta Club

And we’re not finished yet. We are continually exploring new programs, activities, and opportunities to help our students discover their interests, develop their talents, and prepare for the future.

If you’re looking for a school where students are known by name, challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Hunter Brown at hbrown@riverdaleacademy.org or Mrs. Stacy Greer at sgreer@riverdaleacademy.org.

You can also visit www.riverdaleacademy.org or follow Riverdale Academy on Facebook to learn more about what makes our school a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

At Riverdale Academy, we don’t just educate students—we invest in people.

Riverdale Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin.

“Lights, Camera, Learning!” The 2026 school year is coming soon

/ JSLLC

The Natchitoches Parish School Board held its third annual Back to School Expo at NSU’s Prather Coliseum on Monday, July 20. Over 1,500 students and their families came to the event to meet their teachers and principals, learn what resources the district and community offer and to have fun. Over 50 booths ranging from the parish’s schools, specialized services the school board offers, the Natchitoches sheriff’s office, police and fire departments, as well as local nonprofits and businesses were on hand to educate parents and families about the school district and larger community.

The police department’s McGruff the Crime Dog was on hand as were teachers in movie themed costumes. The fire department brought plenty of their Alf the Alligator fire safety coloring books for the youngsters to enjoy. The ladies of NCHS Cheer, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta and Zeta Phi Beta Amicae passed out free backpacks and boxes of school supplies.

The 2026 Back to School Expo was an unqualified success. The attendees were able to meet their child’s principal, some of his or her teachers, learn about the various services offered by the district and state as well as win some really nice prizes. The expo was a wonderful way to prepare for the upcoming school year!

Former Chief Guillet wins pitching honor in summer league

/ JSLLC

Former Chief Guillet wins pitching honor in summer league

Natchitoches Central product Adam Guillet earned Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League Pitcher of the Week honors Monday.

Guillet, a left-hander, threw a one-hit shutout in a seven-inning complete game for the Lima (Ohio) Locos 21-0 win over the Grand Lake Mariners on July 14. Guillet needed just 76 pitches while notching 10 strikeouts as the Locos snapped the Mariners’ 18-game winning streak. He only allowed two base runners in the first game of a doubleheader sweep that night by the Locos.

Guillet was making his first start of the season after seven relief appearances primarily in the role as the Locos closer, recording two saves. For the season, Guillet boasts a 1.10 ERA in 16.1 innings of work giving up just two earned runs on just six hits. He has 23 strikeouts, 12.67 per nine innings ratio, and nine walks.

The Natchitoches native just finished his second season at Louisiana Tech. Guillet made two career appearances for the Diamond Dogs, who finished in fifth place in the Conference USA final standings.

Guillet was a four-year letterman at NCHS, earning All-District 1-5A honors as a senior when he also was named All-Region Pitcher of the Year.

The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate, founded in 1987, is a wood-bat league that is certified by the NCAA and is partially funded by Major League Baseball. The GLSCL is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity that is one of 12 members of the National Alliance of Collegiate Summer Baseball (NACSB). The league currently consists of 8 active franchises in Ohio and Michigan boasting several players that have earned service time in major league baseball.

 NSU/I-Bowl Kickoff Luncheon set for Aug. 20 in Shreveport

/ JSLLC

 NSU/I-Bowl Kickoff Luncheon set for Aug. 20 in Shreveport

Reservations are open now for the annual Northwestern State/Independence Bowl Kickoff Luncheon, sponsored by John and Lynne Manno, set for Thursday, Aug. 20 in Shreveport.

The longtime event, which will honor the 50th anniversary of Shreveport’s bowl game, will take place inside Superior’s Steakhouse, located at 855 Pierremont Avenue in Shreveport. The luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m., one week ahead of Northwestern’s Aug. 27 season opener against Louisiana Christian in Natchitoches.

“As the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl celebrates its golden anniversary, Northwestern State remains both proud and appreciative of its relationship with one of the country’s oldest bowl games,” Northwestern State Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “For more than three decades, the annual kickoff luncheon has signaled not only the opening of football season but also the partnership between Northwestern and the Independence Bowl. This event brings the excitement of football season to the forefront for our fans and alumni in Shreveport.”

Cost for the all-inclusive lunch is $25 and includes salad, a plated meal and dessert. Reservations are being accepted by contacting the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl office at 318-221-0721. Attendees are asked to bring cash or check to the event to cover the cost.

The luncheon features Bostian, third-year Demon head coach Blaine McCorkle and members of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl staff. Bostian and McCorkle will preview the 2026 season while bowl staffers will provide updates on the 50th annual Independence Bowl, which is scheduled for Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Shreveport’s Independence Stadium.