The Natchitoches Central Lady Chiefs softball team posted a thrilling walk-off win Wednesday, then won by 10 Thursday to open District 1-5A competition 2-0.

NCHS (7-7) edged Benton (5-3) by 7-6 on Wednesday, and blasted Captain Shreve 10-0 Thursday.

In the district opener Wednesday, Maggie Massia started the bottom of the seventh with a base hit, moved to second on a wild pitch, got to third on a ground out to the right side by Sydney Terrell, and scored on a wild pitch to make NCHS a winner.

That was the last of six lead changes in the battle with Benton.

Terrell cracked a first-inning three run homer for a 3-1 Lady Chiefs lead. Massia delivered an RBI single in the second for another run.

Lila Robertson hit a solo home run to center field in the bottom of the third for NCHS.

A double by Robertson gave the Lady Chiefs a 6-5 edge in the bottom of the fifth.

Massia, Mallory Lacour, Terrell, and Robertson each collected two hits for NCHS.

No game details were immediately available for the 10-run rout of Shreve.

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LHSAA boys basketball state tournament

Burton Coliseum

Lake Charles

THURSDAY’S SCORES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. II – (1) Madison Prep 38, (4) Shaw 28
Sel. Div. II – (2) Peabody 52, (3) Carver 48
Sel. Div. IV – (2) St. Martin’s Episcopal 62, (6) Hamilton Christian 33
NS Div. I – (5) Natchitoches Central 60, (8) Ruston 56
NS Div. I – (2) Ponchatoula 34, (3) New Iberia 28

TODAY’S GAMES

Finals

Sel. Div. V – (1) Avoyelles Charter (25-11) vs. (2) JS Clark (23-8), noon
Sel. Div. III – (3) University (24-7) vs. (1) Newman (20-10), 2 p.m.
NS Div. IV – (6) Franklin (23-7) vs. (1) Lakeview (27-6), 4 p.m.
NS Div. V – (1) Zwolle (31-3) vs. (2) Anacoco (35-7), 6 p.m.
NS Div. II – (2) Wossman (33-4) vs. (1) Iowa (29-4), 8 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Finals

NS Div. III – (6) Marksville (21-16) vs. (13) Red River (23-14), Noon
Sel. Div. IV – (1) Crescent City (24-5) vs. (2) St. Martin’s Episcopal (25-6), 2 p.m.
Sel. Div. II – (2) Peabody (31-5) vs. (1) Madison Prep (26-2), 4 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – (2) Liberty (31-4) vs. (1) St. Thomas More (29-1), 6 p.m.
NS Div. I – (5) Natchitoches Central (29-7) vs. (2) Ponchatoula (29-4), 8p.m.

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By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

LAKE CHARLES – Natchitoches Central and Ruston, a pair of old 2-5A rivals, will meet up today in the LHSAA boys basketball Non-Select Division I state semifinals at Burton Coliseum at 6:15 p.m.

The Chiefs are the No. 5 seed and carry a 28-7 record into today’s game while Ruston is the No. 8 seed and has a 22-9 record. For Natchitoches Central it is the seventh semifinal appearance in the last 12 seasons.

Both teams got to the semifinals with upset wins on the road in the quarterfinals. Natchitoches Central took out No. 4 Denham Springs 72-58 and Ruston defeated top-ranked Zachary 62-55.

For the Chiefs, Logan Smith led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds, followed by Jaden Braden who scored 15 and had six assists. Ja’Corien Beard added 13 points and a team-high 17 rebounds while Ja’Dell Demery tallied 12 points.

Natchitoches Central’s last trip to the final four came in 2021 when it finished as the state runners-up to Zachary, 63-57, in Class 5A. The Chiefs last won titles in 2014 and 2016 and were runners-up in between those two titles and has five total.

Ruston is in the semifinals for the second consecutive season following its upset of Zachary. The Bearcats led by as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter only to see the Broncos make a late run to pull within five. An Aidan Anding steal and dunk in the final seconds sealed the win for Ruston.

Freshman Ahmad Hudson was big for the Bearcats with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Junior Joran Parker also tallied 16 points and Jay Lillard 10 points.

Ruston lost to Ponchatoula 62-55 in last year’s semifinal and won the last of it’s four state titles in 1988, when it defeated McDonogh 55-50 for the Class 4A crown.

Tonight’s game will be carried on the NFHSnetwork.com pay-per-view streaming
service and broadcast on 100.7 locally.

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LHSAA boys basketball state tournament

Burton Coliseum

Lake Charles

WEDNESDAY’S SCORES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. IV – (1) Crescent City 62, (5) Lincoln Prep 55
Sel. Div. I – (2) Liberty 53, (6) Southwood 27
Sel. Div. I – (1) St. Thomas More 58, (4) Pineville 38
NS Div. II – (2) Wossman 61, (3) Carroll 52
NS Div. II – (1) Iowa 55, (4) Brusly 51

TODAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. II – (4) Shaw (25-2) vs. (1) Madison Prep (25-2), 1 p.m.
Sel. Div. II – (3) Carver (24-9) vs. (2) Peabody (30-5), 2:45 p.m.
Sel. Div. IV – (6) Hamilton Christian (16-9) vs. (2) St. Martin’s Episcopal (24-6), 4:30 p.m.
NS Div. I – (8) Ruston (22-9) vs. (5) Natchitoches Central (28-7), 6:15 p.m.
NS Div. I – (3) New Iberia (28-5) vs. (2) Ponchatoula (28-4), 8 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Finals

Sel. Div. V – (1) Avoyelles Charter (25-11) vs. (2) JS Clark (23-8), noon
Sel. Div. III – (3) University (24-7) vs. (1) Newman (20-10), 2 p.m.
NS Div. IV – (6) Franklin (23-7) vs. (1) Lakeview (27-6), 4 p.m.
NS Div. V – (1) Zwolle (31-3) vs. (2) Anacoco (35-7), 6 p.m.
NS Div. II – (2) Wossman (33-4) vs. (1) Iowa (29-4), 8 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Finals

NS Div. III – (6) Marksville (21-16) vs. (13) Red River (23-14), Noon
Sel. Div. IV – (1) Crescent City (24-5) vs. TBD, 2 p.m.
Sel. Div. II – 4 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – (2) Liberty (31-4) vs. (1) St. Thomas More (29-1), 6 p.m.
NS Div. I – 8 p.m.

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Position: Airport Manager

Description: Directs, Coordinates and Supervises all day to day operations and activities related to the Natchitoches Regional Airport.

Qualifications: Broad knowledge of such fields as Accounting, Marketing, Business Administration,  Finance, etc. Equivalent to a four-year College degree, Plus 5 years related Airport Management experience and/or training.

Contact: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department, 750 Second St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches LA 71458-0037.

Applications may be picked up at the Event Center or you can download an application at www.natchitochesla.gov and turn into Human Resources at the Event Center when complete.

Deadline to Apply: March 15th, 2024

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Take me out to the ball game….

When the days begin to add more sunlight to the evenings, the children also find their way to the ball field. The Goldonna Dusty Cut League will hold sign-ups for the 2024 summer season at the Town Hall on Saturday, March 9th, from noon until 4:00pm. Organizers are expecting an above average turnout.

Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a Skeet Shoot on March 30th with all proceeds benefitting the Operation Christmas Child mission. resume their Operation Christmas Child collections for 2024. There will be adult divisions and youth divisions. The entry fee is $25 and lunch will be provided. The event will be held at the 4H Shooting Range located at 8882 Highway 34 between Winnfield and Atlanta.

The church is asking for local businesses to consider donating an item for the winner’s prize package. Donors will be recognized on the day of the event as well as social media “shoutouts”. Please contact Pastor Ben Dupree if you want to participate or donate prizes.

Goldonna Assembly of God Church will host a Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 23rd at 8:00am. The special guest speaker will be Mr. Russell Jones. To RSVP please contact Daniel Kirkham at 310228-7698. The church will also hosting a Revival with the Seed Sowers beginning on March 3rd at 10:00am and 5:00pm. March 4th thru 9th services will begin at 6:30.

Reba Phelps will be leading Bible Study at River of Life Church on Wednesday, March 6th at 7:00pm. The teaching is called “Loving the Unlovable.”

Goldonna Elementary Junior High School News-

The school is getting geared up for Pre-K registration that will be begin next week. The online portal will open on 3/11/24. In person registration will be held March 14. Children must be four years old by September 30 to be eligible.

The Good News Club will meet on March 26th and April 30th from 3:00 until 4:45. After school programs and attendance recovery is held Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00 until 5:00. Attending two days of after school programs will excuse one full unexcused absence.

The community has also started having their planning meetings in hopes of keeping the Historic Goldonna Elementary Junior High School open. If you would like to help with the efforts please reach out to Eugean Garner at 318-533-5044.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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LAKE CHARLES – Top-seeded Lakeview wasn’t in peril in the first half of Tuesday night’s state semifinal boys basketball contest, but the Gators didn’t push away Pickering in the first two quarters.

They sure did in the third, shredding the Red Devils in a second-half onslaught which produced a 54-26 victory at the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness tournament. It earned the Gators a Friday afternoon chance to win their first state championship since 2003.

Lakeview led 9-5 after a balky first period performance by both teams, and stretched the advantage slightly to 20-14 at halftime.

Then the Gators’ pressing defense, powerful rebounding and ability to convert turnovers into points took over.

Lakeview scored 14 of the third quarter’s first 16 points on the way to a 19-4 advantage in those eight minutes, which put the Gators in command, 39-18 entering the drama-less fourth quarter.

“We piggy backed on our man, Number 35 (Dereon Joseph), under the goal,” said Lakeview coach Brian Williams. “He’s a senior but this is first year actually playing a lot. We asked him to dominate and he did.”

The outcome, Lakeview’s most impressive performance of the playoffs, sent the Gators into the state finals in Non-Select Division IV. They will meet sixth-seeded Franklin, which upset No. 2 Ringgold 63-61 earlier Tuesday at Burton Coliseum.

Lakeview forced 23 turnovers and committed only seven. The Gators outrebounded the Red Devils 38-25 – grabbing 21 offensive rebounds, many that fueled the third-quarter surge, offsetting a 38 percent  shooting performance (23-60).

Cranking up the defense to the tune of 16 steals and owning the boards was too much for Pickering to handle.

It broke the will of the Red Devils (24-10), who were obviously shell-shocked during the game’s closing minutes, standing flat-footed on a few possessions as the Gators sliced through unchecked to the basket.

Andre Sowell’s 16 points paced the Gators, who got 15 points, 8 rebounds, and a game-best 5 steals from their big man, Dereon Joseph.

The Gators, who have six seniors, are excited about the opportunity they have Friday. When asked about their reaction to reaching the final by Victor Howell of LHSAA TV in the postgame interview, Sowell and Joseph could only take deep sighs and smile, and deferred to their coach.

“It means everything to us,” said Williams. “They journey for our seniors has been a long one, a successful one. Since the eighth grade, these guys have been coming to the Top 28 but losing in the semifinals every year except last year when we lost in the third round, to the Franklin team we’re going to play Friday.

“To come down here was our goal. As we progressed, we weren’t celebrating getting down here any more. We’ve been here enough. Let’s come back with some hardware,” he said. “Step 1 has been completed. We’re coming back with some hardware, but we want to come back with THE hardware.”

The Natchitoches Central Chiefs take the court Thursday evening at 6:15 for their Non-Select Division I state semifinal against Ruston. They hope to advance to the state championship game at 8 Saturday night.

LHSAA boys basketball Marsh Madness

Burton Coliseum

Lake Charles

TUESDAY’S SCORES

Semifinals

NS Div. III – (6) Marksville 60, (7) Richwood 52
Sel. Div. III – (1) Newman 68, (13) Episcopal 34
NS Div. IV – (6) Franklin 63, (2) Ringgold 61
NS Div. III – (13) Red River 56, (8) Donaldsonville 45
NS Div. IV – (1) Lakeview 54, (4) Pickering 26

TODAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. IV – (5) Lincoln Prep (19-8) at (1) Crescent City (23-5), 1 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – (6) Southwood (25-8) vs. (2) Liberty (30-4), 2:45 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – (4) Pineville (24-4) vs. (1) St. Thomas More (30-5), 4:30 p.m.
NS Div. II – (3) Carroll (27-8) vs. (2) Wossman (32-4), 6:15 p.m.
NS Div. II – (4) Brusly (28-1) vs. (1) Iowa (28-4), 8 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. II – (4) Shaw (25-2) vs. (1) Madison Prep (25-2), 1 p.m.
Sel. Div. II – (3) Carver (22-6) vs. (2) Peabody (26-5), 2:45 p.m.
Sel. Div. IV – (6) Hamilton Christian (16-9) vs. (2) St. Martin’s Episcopal (24-6), 4:30 p.m.
NS Div. I – (8) Ruston (22-9) vs. (5) Natchitoches Central (28-7), 6:15 p.m.
NS Div. I – (3) New Iberia (28-5) vs. (2) Ponchatoula (28-4), 8 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Finals

Sel. Div. V – noon
Sel. Div. III – 2 p.m.
NS Div. IV – (1) Lakeview (27-6) vs. (6) Franklin (23-7), 4 p.m.
NS Div. V – 6 p.m.
NS Div. II – 8 p.m. (NCHS can reach this game)

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Finals

NS Div. III – Noon
Sel. Div. IV – 2 p.m.
Sel. Div. II – 4 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – 6 p.m.
NS Div. I – 8 p.m.

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Dear Sweeter,

Time’s a funny dog, am I right?

Has it been more than 30 years since we’ve been calling you Sweeter?, when your grandboy toddlers said “Sweet Lou” and that morphed into “Sweeter”? Time flies, but the name is timeless. And fits.

So Happy Birthday, Sweeter! Sorry I missed being there. Somehow, after more than 40 years, I have wound up back on the Louisiana Tech Baseball bus, which is why I was calling you from Lake Charles and Sugar Land, Texas this week.

Bad news: I missed “Happy Birthday To You” and the cake and you wearing your goofy Happy Birthday hat the gang bought you.

Good news, we got to talk on the phone and the Bulldogs went 4-0 on the trip, swept the Battle at the Ballpark at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, and have started their season 11-0.

So far, so good.

Since you asked, yes momma, the baseball bus is the same, even after all this time:

Somebody plays the music too loud or not loud enough or the wrong music;

Somebody needs to go to the bathroom and has to run through a gauntlet of shins in the aisle to get back there;

Somebody says too many dirty words too loud;

Somebody forgot something;

Laughs and food and inside jokes.

It’s a beautiful thing. And it’s one of those things that never changes.

But thank goodness, some things do. Like, for instance:

Last year’s Tech team was more up and down than a gopher on speed. Every game was like going to meet your tough-to-read girlfriend: you didn’t know whether to bring a tank top or a windbreaker or a heavy jacket. 

Couldn’t throw a strike. Guys hurt. One missed the whole season. Missed a couple of seniors who’d graduated, and no one picked up the Accountability Stick. Most everyone had a sub-par spring …

Just one of those sports deals where few things went right and every game was like going 12 rounds with Tyson. That the program was coming off back-to-back NCAA Regionals made it more trying. 

A Pepto-Bismol season.

But maybe Tech’s time in the barrel is up. The Diamond Dogs have come into 2024, as I heard an old cowpoke say one time, “a-rippin’ and a-roarin’, a-rompin’ and a-stompin’ …”

Hard to win 11 in a row in anything in college, but especially in baseball, where the tiniest thing — passed ball, throwing to the wrong base, missed cutoff — can blow it all up.

First trip of the season, the Dogs left the Love Shack Wednesday at 11, teed it up against McNeese at 6 and, on a cold, blustery, next-to-last evening of February, beat the Cowboys 13-4. Were right on every pitch. Maybe three swings and misses.

Slept fast and got on the bus at 8 and were practicing in Sugar Land at noon. Then a 20-minute bus ride to Houston to lift weights at Rice, then finally checking into the hotel back in Sugar Land, team supper, sleep, and in the next three days, beat Army 4-0, Creighton 12-0, and Air Force 8-5. Bulldogs had been in town 72 hours before they allowed a run. 

Outscored opponents 37-9.

Is that good? I think that’s good.

It’s early but … cautious optimism. Double cautious. Super-duper cautious. Still healing up from last year’s ulcer(s).

I’ll keep you up to speed Sweeter. You’ll enjoy a game when the weather’s warmer. The crowds for this weekend’s three games against Southern Miss — Friday at 6, Saturday at 2, Sunday at 1 — should get the Love Shack heated up.

See you at the park or at the kitchen table soon. Love you. The boys say hey, and smoke ’em high and tight.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Pacey the Armadillo may not have been in the original Steel Magnolia cast, but you’re sure to see him on March 16^th for the 6^th Annual Steel Magnolia Run. Grab your friends and move your bodies for a good cause. Your participation in the race supports cancer treatment right here in Natchitoches. There is no better way to kick off your St. Patrick’s Day Weekend than strolling along the beautiful Cane River. Sign up today and be a part of making a difference in the community. Steel Magnolia Run (runsignup.com)

The Steel Magnolia Run supports the efforts of the NRMC Foundation and proceeds support the NRMC Cancer Center initiatives. Over the years, our participants, sponsors, and volunteers have played an instrumental role in improving the health and well being of our community and for that we are grateful. Run, walk, or jog it is up to you. Lace up your running shoes and join us March 16 in downtown Natchitoches.

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In today’s fast-paced world, people are busier than ever. They are looking for ways to reset and decompress their brains. To maintain our overall health, we need to slow down both our thought and physical exertions. Today, we’ll look at ways so many people are getting the relief they need in order
to function at a normal level.

More people today are taking part in counseling sessions to release tension and make sense of everything going on around us. But sadly, for some who are at an extreme high level of tension and depression, drugs are needed.  Nothing is more important than our overall mental health. Whether it’s our jobs or just managing our families, stress creeps into our lives in different ways.

During the Covid 19 pandemic, boat, RV and ATV sales were out the roof nationwide. People turned to the great outdoors to get away from the stress that was associated with this dreaded disease. People were stuck working at home creating too much togetherness. Depression was also an internal fight
for so many during this time, as lives and job careers were literally turned upside down.

For myself and so many others, we discovered that in order to maintain our metal health, fishing or any outdoor activity was good medicine. There’s just something about the peace and tranquility of sitting in a boat and wetting a hook. So many times, fishing guides have told me that some of their big city business clients told them that they don’t care if they catch a fish, they just want to get on the water and relax; catching fish is secondary.

There is absolutely nothing better for your soul or will give you a better perspective on life than being on the water watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset. There’s no better feeling than running across the water with the wind blowing through your hair on a cool brisk morning headed for a good fishing hole. It’s a great way to release whatever thoughts and tensions you might have.

The concrete jungle environment that so many people work in pushes stress levels over the top with traffic jams and work-related issues. No wonder the fishing guide business is so lucrative today as people continue to look to the outdoors to regain their sanity.

As people turn to the outdoors, they are realizing what so many of previous generations already knew. The outdoors truly is a sanctuary for both young and old. It’s a place someone can decompress and regain their mental capacity to fight through life’s daily struggles.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and take the time to get outdoors and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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BOM is a sponsor of the Light City 11U travel ball team. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Kylie Miller, Sherri Outlaw, TJ Mitcham, Jarrod Abraham, Mallie Harper, Head Coach Micah Coleman, Max Nelson, Jude Coleman, Ricky Issac, Paxton Sers, Jackson Dawson, and BOM’s Mary Scruggs.

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To the Voters, Taxpayers and City Electrical Customers of Natchitoches,

As former elected Natchitoches City Administrators we recently wrote you concerning our grave concern that we have over the electrical rate increase imposed on Natchitoches citizens and businesses last summer, 2023, as well as the impending rate increase scheduled for this May, 2024. We can fully understand the rate increase if it were being used to pay for the direct cost of the utilities, but it is NOT! This unprecedented and unwarranted tax on our utilities is a burden on our citizens and is crippling our businesses as evidenced by the recently announced closings of multiple businesses in Natchitoches!

The Mayor recently appeared on the Billy West Live podcast to try to defend their utility rate increase. He said “that due to inflation they had to go up on the utility rates to financially sustain the City. It was a good business decision!” He compared the price to purchase a Big Mac several years ago to today’s increased inflated price.

As Paul Harvey would say, “Now here is the rest of the story!” While the Mayor was quick to emphasis the impact that inflation has on the City’s expenses, he failed to discuss the effect inflation has on the City’s revenue base.

All cities, including Natchitoches, are run primarily on the collection of sales and use taxes. When the cost to purchase that Big Mac doubles, the sales tax doubles and is remitted to the City. Every item that you purchase as a consumer, the sales tax goes up accordingly based on the new inflated prices. Despite Natchitoches’ declining population and Northwestern’s declining student enrollment, sales tax revenue collections to the City have increased dramatically due to inflation over the last five years. The sales tax collections to the City have increased from $9,904,398 in 2018 to $13,664,451 in 2023. All the previous Administrations for the City of Natchitoches have endured inflation and have NEVER raised or taxed your utilities to compensate. The City of Natchitoches’ revenue collection has and will always parallel any inflation to offset higher expenses. So, inflation is NOT the culprit to warrant a tax on your utilities!!

A recent Public Records request yielded a well documented City of Natchitoches Utility Rate Structure Study. Each utility was evaluated independently as a stand a-lone budget item.

The critical issue that led to our recent electrical rate increase was pointed out in the study. “The City Administration has been routinely transferring operating income and utility reserves from the Utility Fund to the City’s General Fund for non-utility use. The transfers out of the Utility Fund have ranged from $6,246,396 to $8,913,,605 with a $6,300,000 planned transfer in the current budget. The study points out “this level of transfers of utility funds can not continue without serious damage to system integrity and customer service. More recently, the City has been required to utilize funds from its Utility Fund Reserves account to cover its revenue shortfall created by the level of transfers from the UTILITY Fund. Further, the Utility Funds Reserve account has been depleted to the point of no longer having sufficient reserves to cover any major system expenditures for improvements or in response to emergency conditions. This situation could be addressed by reducing or eliminating transfers to non-utility departments or by increasing electric utility rates.”

YOU GUESSED IT!! Rather than addressing expenditures and transfers to the General Fund for their continued non-utility spending, the City Administration chose to place an unprecedented tax on your electric utilities by raising the rates that you must pay to continue your electrical service.

As a result of the “Covid Crisis” all local governments, including Natchitoches, received a windfall of stimulus money for supplemental pay for its employees, infrastructure improvements, and various grants. The Mayor is taking credit for Natchitoches getting between $30-40 million dollars in State and Federal assistance. The windfall coupled with the multi-million dollar increase in sales tax revenue should have been more than enough income to produce a healthy budget for our City.

If the City Administration is truly a Public Servant, they will rescind the SECOND RATE INCREASE (TAX) on our electric utilities before the 2nd proposed rate increase in May 2024, and before there is irreparable damage to the economic stability and FUTURE of our City!

NO MORE TAX AND SPEND!!!

Wayne McCullen, Councilman-at-Large 1980-2000 Mayor 2000-2012
Don Mims, Councilman-at-Large 2000-2020
Jack McCain, Jr., Councilman District 1 1988-2012

Paid Content

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Joshua N. Pierson has been promoted to Senior Vice President. He was born and raised in Natchitoches, LA. Josh began his career with City Bank & Trust Co. working as a teller while earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwestern State University. After graduation he became an Office Manager for a pipeline construction contractor based in Houston, TX. He returned to City Bank & Trust Co. in 2015 and for almost 9 years, he has been a lender. He graduated from the Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking in June of 2023 and opened a loan production office for City Bank in McKinney, Texas. In February of 2024, he was elected to the City Bank & Trust Co. Board of Directors. He aspires to help grow City Bank & Trust Co. while continuing to offer the very same personal service for which our bank is well known. In his spare time, Josh enjoys hunting in the great outdoors and spending time with his children, family, and friends.

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Being an effective Councilman-at-Large centers on a) knowing the city’s strengths as well as areas in need of improvement b) having the skill set to address both.

If I am honored by the citizens of Natchitoches, through the election process, to be their next Councilman-at-Large, I promise to fully utilize my “professional toolbox” to help our city reach its maximum potential. While not all-inclusive, here is a snapshot of what citizens can expect from Greg Burke:

• Relentless work ethic. I come by that trait naturally. My Dad was a schoolteacher who worked 2.5 jobs until my three siblings and me were fully grown, and my mother, who had four children within the first six years of being married, was a hard-working homemaker. I will do more than just show up for city council meetings every other Monday. I will take the “at large” part of my position seriously and work tirelessly between meetings to assess and address issues in all corners of our city.
• Leadership experience. Oversight for a Division I athletic program with a budget similar to the city’s and managing an athletic department of over 500 student-athletes, staff, and coaches, while also engaging alumni, parents, media, and other constituencies, has provided me with a solid leadership foundation. The Councilman-at-Large also serves as the Mayor Pro Tem; thus, I am well-prepared to assume those duties as needed and required by the mayor.
• Can do attitude. “Let’s find a way to say ‘yes’” has been a mantra of mine on both a personal and professional level. Natchitoches has strengths, but we cannot let the negatives offset those qualities. Doing so will require being creative, trying novel approaches and being willing to bypass the “same old” …in other words, not always accepting the status quo.
• Moving the needle for Natchitoches is going to require working jointly with the mayor, city council, and city department heads while most importantly, seeking feedback and input from the citizens. I have served on local, state, and national committees and understand that the best results often are the product of valued input.
• As NSU’s Athletic Director, I was accessible 24/7. I take pride in being responsive to calls/texts and promise to operate in the same manner as a council member. My cell number is 318-663-5459 and my email is gsjb1022@gmail..com. You need me, you got me.

Finally, you can count on me to ask the right questions (your questions) and in a professional way (It is not that you say it but how you say it) and make tough decisions. A resident recently challenged me to do just that, and if I did, he said, “Not everybody is going to be happy but if it is for the greater good, then it will stick.”

The 1970 hit “Watcha See Is Watcha Get” by soul music group The Dramatics will define my modus operandi. I will be me and I will be there for you.

Remember, early voting begins this Saturday, March 9, and is open through the following Saturday, March 16 at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse on Church Street. Election Day is Saturday, March 3. I respectfully ask for your vote – #35 Greg Burke for Councilman-at-Large.

Paid for by the Greg Burke Campaign.

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Lakeview’s Gators and the Natchitoches Central Chiefs are headed to Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles for
the 2024 LHSAA boys basketball Marsh Madness state tournament.

The Gators, the No. 1 seed in Non-Select Division IV, play at 8 p.m. tonight against No. 4 Pickering. The winner reaches Friday’s state championship game, meeting the survivor of No. 2 Ringgold or sixth-seeded Franklin who collide in a 4:30 contest today.

The Chiefs (28-7), seeded fifth in Non-Select Division I, have a Thursday 6:15 p.m. contest against old rival Ruston, the eighth seed.  The victor goes into Saturday’s 8 p.m. state final against either No. 3 New Iberia or second-seeded Ponchatoula.

It will be the seventh state semifinal game in 12 seasons for NCHS, which took a quick lead and controlled the action Friday night in a 72-58 quarterfinal win at Denham Springs.

Natchitoches Parish nearly had all three of its boys teams in Lake Charles.  St. Mary’s dropped a nailbiter Friday night at home to Lincoln Prep, falling 40-38 in the state quarterfinals.

Lakeview (26-6) has beaten Ferriday (78-72) and Welsh (63-52) to reach Marsh Madness. Coach Brian Williams’ Gators have a balanced offense with four double-digit scorers and a starting five with four seniors.

Pickering is 24-9. It’s the fourth state semifinal appearance for Lakeview in the past five seasons.

LHSAA boys basketball Marsh Madness

Burton Coliseum
Lake Charles

TODAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

NS Div. III – (7) Richwood (21-13) vs. (6) Marksville (20-16), 1 p.m.
Sel. Div. III – (13) Episcopal (22-15) vs. (1) Newman (18-3), 2:45 p.m.
NS Div. IV – (6) Franklin (22-7) vs. (2) Ringgold (25-9), 4:30 p.m.
NS Div. III – (13) Red River (22-14) vs. (8) Donaldsonville (19-10), 6:15 p.m.
NS Div. IV – (4) Pickering (24-9) vs. (1) Lakeview (26-6), 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. IV – (5) Lincoln Prep (19-8) at (1) Crescent City (23-5), 1 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – (6) Southwood (25-8) vs. (2) Liberty (30-4), 2:45 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – (4) Pineville (24-4) vs. (1) St. Thomas More (28-1), 4:30 p.m.
NS Div. II – (3) Carroll (27-8) vs. (2) Wossman (32-4), 6:15 p.m.
NS Div. II – (4) Brusly (28-1) vs. (1) Iowa (28-4), 8 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Semifinals

Sel. Div. II – (4) Shaw (25-2) vs. (1) Madison Prep (25-2), 1 p.m.
Sel. Div. II – (3) Carver (22-6) vs. (2) Peabody (26-5), 2:45 p.m.
Sel. Div. IV – (6) Hamilton Christian (16-9) vs. (2) St. Martin’s Episcopal (24-6), 4:30 p.m.
NS Div. I – (8) Ruston (22-9) vs. (5) Natchitoches Central (28-7), 6:15 p.m.
NS Div. I – (3) New Iberia (28-5) vs. (2) Ponchatoula (28-4), 8 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES
Finals

Sel. Div. V – noon
Sel. Div. III – 2 p.m.
NS Div. IV – 4 p.m. (Lakeview can reach the state final)
NS Div. V – 6 p.m.
NS Div. II – 8 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES
Finals

NS Div. III – Noon
Sel. Div. IV – 2 p.m.
Sel. Div. II – 4 p.m.
Sel. Div. I – 6 p.m.
NS Div. I – 8 p.m. (NCHS can reach the final)

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The Service League of Natchitoches, in conjunction with the Cane River National Heritage Area, held its iconic Reading on the River, an annual literacy event for children, on Saturday, March 2 at the downtown riverbank. Local citizens and civic leaders took turns reading to children throughout the day.

Children and parents filled bags with free books from a large selection spread out on tables under the shade of the riverbank stage. The Natchitoches community made this possible by participating in Service League book drives.

Families also enjoyed literacy themed crafts and activities as they strolled through over 20 booths sponsored by area day care facilities, educational and civic groups.

The Service League of Natchitoches has been a fixture of our area’s philanthropic scene for the past 74 years. The group boasts over 400 active members and sustainers (former members who have completed their six-year terms.) The annual Reading on the River event is just one of the many service projects this phenomenal group of women do in order to make our community a better place to live.

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Office Building for Lease:

Size: 2 story / 2,170 Square Feet; Downstairs: 3 offices, file room and 2 bathrooms; Upstairs: 1 office, conference room, kitchen and 1 bathroom
Term: Lease – 1 year minimum
Lease Rate: $2,200.00 per month  NOW $2,000.00

Location: 101 Hazel Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana

For more information and/or a showing, please contact, 318-663-9077 or 318-471-9955

Serious Inquiries Only

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