A crash of a small plane that went down in northern Jackson Parish, roughly about five miles from the Ruston Regional Airport on Tuesday, October 21st, has claimed the life of a man who was en route to Ruston, LA from Huntsville, TX. 

The name of the pilot who was flying solo has not been released at present, but according to reports, the Cirrus SR22 airplane is registered to LaSalle Management Company in Ruston. The private company operates the Natchitoches Parish Correctional Center in Natchitoches and other prisons in the region.

Flightradar24 shows the plane’s path from Huntsville, Texas, to near the Ruston airport. It made a couple of loops before the path stopped. The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified about the potential of a crash around 10:30 a.m., with air traffic control in Ruston reporting a plane going off the radar.

According to a statement made by Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown, the crash site was in a heavily wooded area around State Highway 146 and Old Snipe Road southeast of the Ruston airport, with no homes or other structures nearby.

Federal authorities will head up the investigation into the crash.

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Northwestern State is set to host the Southland Conference Fall Masters event this week at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, welcoming top players from across the league for four days of competition, beginning today. 

The Lady Demons are represented in both singles and doubles play, as they close out their productive fall schedule on home courts.

“The girls are practicing hard,” head coach Marcos Morelli said. “I am very happy with where we are right now. The process that each one of them are building is great.” 

In singles, senior Zoi Spyrou opens against Nicholls’ Noemie Piquet in the opening round. Spyrou has shown steady progress this fall, highlighted by a comeback victory against Stephen F. Austin’s Felicia Back last weekend at the Bearkat Invitational. 

In doubles, Maria Farina and Honoka Umeda team up to face Nicholls’ Aada Inna and Paulina Villegas in their first-round matchup. Umeda enters the tournament unbeaten this fall at 6-0 and a fall tournament championship, while Farina brings experience and consistency with a 4-4 record. 

“All three players are going to represent Northwestern State with excellence,” says Morelli. “Having that demon character we strive here to have from start to finish.” 

NSU has momentum gained from recent tournaments, where the team collected multiple singles and doubles victories against conference opponents.  

The SLC Fall Masters provides opportunity for the Lady Demons to measure their progress before the spring dual season begins. This week’s event will run through Saturday at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, with singles and doubles play scheduled each day. 

“It’s great to have the Southland Conference Fall Masters here at Natchitoches,” says Morelli. “It’s great exposure for our tennis team, for our city, and the surrounding areas.” 

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After a pair of shutout victories this past week, Northwestern State is on the brink of its second Southland Conference soccer championship in five seasons and has earned a sweep of the SLC weekly awards, the conference announced Tuesday.

Last week’s wins over McNeese on Thursday and UIW on Sunday earned Paige Baumgartner (offensive), Jessica Spitzer (defensive) and Kennedy Rist (goalkeeper) weekly “of the week” honors.

The Demons can claim the SLC championship by prevailing at Lamar Thursday.  NSU sits four points ahead of second-place Stephen F. Austin, the defending champion, with two games left.

This is the first time NSU has swept the weekly conference awards since 2022 when Olivia Draguicevich, Nicole Henry and Chloe DeShazer won to finish the regular season.

Baumgartner, a redshirt junior from Rowlett, Texas, scored a goal in each game, including the lone goal in the 1-0 win over UIW.

Her goal against UIW was one of her school-record 12 shot attempts. She has found the back of the net in three straight games and is tied for the lead in the SLC in conference games with four.

While Baumgartner led a strong Demons offense, Spitzer and Rist shut down opposing offenses.

Spitzer led a stingy NSU defense that only surrendered 14 shot attempts in the two games and just six were on frame in a pair of shutouts.

In the triumph over UIW, the senior from Allen, Texas, helped the Demons not surrender a single shot in the final 40 minutes to preserve the one-goal win.

It is Spitzer’s second weekly award of her career, also winning one last season.

The defender has helped post nine shutouts in its 17 games, seven of which have come via a solo shutout from Rist, who takes home her fourth SLC Goalkeeper of the Week award.

Rist has been a rock in net for NSU, recording the seven solo shutouts. She stopped six shots this past weekend to post two more shutouts.

The redshirt junior from Palm Harbor, Fla., has only allowed three goals during league play, leading to a goals against average of a minuscule .382 during Southland games and a save percentage of .893, both of which are the best mark in the conference.

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PUBLIC NOTICE:

Rio Rojo Natchitoches LLC is applying to the Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of High and Low alcohol content at retail in the Parish of Natchitoches at the following address:

801 Keyser Ave.
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457

Members are: Uriel Rodriguez, Jose Hernaldo Guzman Gonzalez, Carli Brianne Rodriguez 

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Over Forty New Leases Filed Since Last Report

Oil and gas exploration activity in Natchitoches Parish continues to show momentum with over forty additional leases filed at the Parish Clerk’s office since our last comprehensive report on the region’s energy sector revival.

The new filings add to the over 281 leases recorded since January 1, 2025, demonstrating sustained interest from energy companies in the parish’s position within the prolific Haynesville Shale formation. This steady pace of activity confirms that the initial surge we documented earlier this year represents an ongoing trend rather than a temporary spike.

Geographic Expansion Continues

The recent lease activity maintains the geographic diversification pattern we previously identified, with companies showing interest beyond traditional hotspots along the borders with DeSoto, Red River, and Sabine parishes. Areas around Robeline, extending toward Marthaville and the Shady Grove region along Highway 6, continue to attract exploration interest.

Legal Advisory Reminder

Property owners considering lease agreements should consult with experienced oil and gas attorneys before signing any documents. These complex contracts have long-lasting implications for mineral rights, royalty payments, and property use.

The continued filing of new leases demonstrates that Natchitoches Parish remains an active and attractive destination for energy sector investment.

A quick review of the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records shows that over forty leases have been filed in the Parish records since September 26, 2025. (The NPJ pulled a list of leases from the Public Records in Natchitoches Parish online service – Attached)

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Natchitoches’ downtown riverbank was the place to be Saturday, Oct. 18 for an evening of musical fun at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation’s seventh annual Tappedtober event, the first craft beer and wine festival of its kind in the Natchitoches area and the finest in the state. Festivalgoers were able to sample an eclectic variety of over 50 beers, wines, cocktails and whiskeys from several area breweries and distilleries in the tasting area. An array of food trucks offered savory fare to hungry festivalgoers. A larger than life TV above the main stage enabled football fans to enjoy the festival while keeping up with the day’s games. A group of NSU Hospitality Management students produced and served delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts. The women’s soccer team and baseball teams also assisted throughout the evening.

The evening’s entertainment certainly did not disappoint! Winnfield’s own Deep Water Rehab kicked off the concert, followed by a superb set from singer Timothy White. Then the renowned 90’s Country-Rock band Little Texas took the stage for a truly memorable set of superb Country Music.

The seventh Tappedtober event was a fun filled evening of food and music! The best part is proceeds raised at Tappedtober will benefit the NRMC Cancer Center in furthering their cancer fighting mission.

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Paige Baumgartner put home a rebound off her own miss for the lone goal of the game in a 1-0 Northwestern State win over visiting UIW on Sunday afternoon to keep the Demons in control of the Southland Conference soccer race with two games remaining.

Completing a 7-0-2 mark at the Demon Soccer Complex, the victory earned the Demons (11-3-3, 6-1-1) their first unbeaten home record since 2005, and more importantly, put NSU one step closer to a Southland Conference regular season championship.

The Demons, riding a five-game win streak, are four points up on second-place Stephen F. Austin and six points ahead of third-place East Texas A&M with two games remaining.

NSU goes to Lamar on Thursday before finishing the regular season with a trip to Nicholls a week later, on Oct. 30.

It is the most consecutive victories since a seven-game winning streak for the Demons last year.

“I am really happy with the performance in the way we dominated the game and controlled possession,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “I thought we had a lot of good chances, and we were knocking on the door a couple of times to get the goal we needed, so it was good to finally see us put one away.

“To finish unbeaten at home for the first time in 20 years is obviously a big achievement and something they should be proud of, but we know we’re not done, and we have two more big games left and we want to make sure we get more wins on the board.”

After recording several shot attempts, Baumgartner found the back of the net for the third straight game.

In the 64th minute, Hosane Soukou dribbled down the right flank and sent in a cross to Baumgartner in the middle of the box, but her shot was saved by Hannah Alexander, but she surrendered a rebound and Baumgartner cleaned it up to score it, going to the top left corner.

Those were two of a school-record 12 shot attempts in the game for Baumgartner.

Her four total goals are the tied for the most in the SLC during league games and her eight points are tied for second.

“It felt great to get that goal,” Baumgartner said. “I was able to get my own rebound and I was really hoping the ball would fall back to me and it did, and it was just a perfect opening and it felt amazing to get the goal to win the game.”

While the NSU offense out-shot UIW 24-6, the Cardinals (4-7-3, 2-4-2) held their own defensively, as Alexander made eight saves.

The Demons defense had a standout afternoon again, as they held the visitors to six shot attempts and without a shot for the final 40 minutes of the game, even when UIW was in desperation mode.

Kennedy Rist stopped three shots to record her seventh shutout of the season, tied for the fourth-most in school history for a single season.

This weekend, NSU surrendered just 14 shot attempts with six being on frame, leading to a pair of shutouts.

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HAMMOND – The Northwestern State football team’s search for consistency continues.

The Demons could not sustain drives offensively, struggled to slow Deantre Jackson on defense and saw their special teams units surrender points in a 49-0 Southland Conference loss to No. 22 Southeastern Louisiana at Strawberry Stadium on Saturday evening.

“First thing, I want to give Southeastern a lot of credit,” second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “What coach (Frank) Scelfo has built in his eight years is really impressive. They’re good. They’re every bit of that No. 22 ranking, and they’re probably better than that when it’s all said and done. That’s a good football team, and I give them their due.

“As far as us, now we know what that feels like. We know what a championship-level football team in the Southland Conference looks like, and hopefully, we learn from that. The biggest frustration was we gave up 21 points in the kick game. We had a punt blocked that led to a touchdown on the next play. We had an atrocious punt that led to bad field position and a touchdown a couple of plays later. We gave up the kickoff return coming out of halftime. Twenty-one points to a team like that, you’re not going to overcome that. We have to do better.”

Northwestern (1-6, 0-3) started the game with its best special teams play, a 71-yard punt from Zack Stone that pinned Southeastern (5-2, 3-0) at its 2-yard line. Stone’s boot was the longest by a Demon since Scotty Roblow’s 71-yarder against Southeast Missouri State on Oct. 22, 2022.

The Demon defense played its complementary part early, forcing the Lions to punt after a 23-yard drive.

The ensuing drive, however, is where the Lions began to flip the game on special teams, blocking a punt and recovering at the Demons’ 27-yard line. One play later, Jackson caught a short pass from Carson Camp and weaved his way 27 yards for the first of his three first-half touchdowns.

Jackson’s play set the tone for a 28-point first half in which Southeastern outgained the Demons 213-18 with the Lions’ defense holding Northwestern to a 2-for-9 mark in third-down conversions.

Jackson’s score also started a run of four touchdowns in five possessions for the Lions. The lone stop in that stretch came when Demon defensive lineman Ke’Shawn Reed chased down a Cade Collier fumble that was forced by Je’Careon Lathan at the Demons’ 3-yard line.

Reed pounced on the ball after Southeastern’s Brandon Hayes nearly recovered it around the 10-yard line.

“One thing I don’t think I’ve been able to complain about all year is their effort,” McCorkle said. “We have a lot of things we need to get better at – we all know it and we know what they are – but the play hard. They really do. We said it against East Texas A&M a couple of weeks ago. The game looked ugly, but we looked at the tape and saw some good efforts. We’ll see some from this game, and Ke’Shawn’s is one of them. Ke’Shawn loves this team, and he gives us everything he’s got, and I like the way he plays.”

Hayes’ 83-yard touchdown return of the second-half kickoff added to the Lions’ lead and was the first kick return score surrendered by the Demons this season.

Northwestern scuffled offensively until late in the fourth quarter when senior quarterback Eli Anderson, who made his first start as a Demon due to an injury to Abram Johnson, led a march into the red zone that was aided by a key third-down catch by Amaaz Eugene and a 34-yard swing pass to Jeremiah James. The drive ended with an end-zone interception.

“Consistency has been the theme this year,” McCorkle said. “We show, in spurts, that we have the ability to be a good football team and do good things, but we have to be more consistent and do it on a more regular basis. Part of that comes with youth and part of that comes with experience. Those two things go together. We have to fid a way to simplify, which we have the last couple of weeks, and put our guys in position to play more consistently.”

The Demons return home next Saturday to face Lamar. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. inside Turpin Stadium.

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Transforming a Family Legacy into Regional Banking Excellence

Executive Summary

Ken Hale, President and CEO of BOM Bank, exemplifies the evolution of community banking through strategic vision and generational leadership. As the 5th generation of the Wardlow family to run the bank, Hale has transformed what began as a small-town institution into a regional powerhouse. Under his leadership spanning three decades, BOM Bank has grown from a single location with $18 million in assets when he joined in 1995 to twenty-seven branches and $1.5 billion in assets today, achieving an average return on assets of 1.5 percent over the past fifteen years.

Celebrating his 30th anniversary with BOM Bank in 2025, Hale’s leadership extends beyond banking to the national stage, where he serves as Chairman of the Safety and Soundness Committee for the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), positioning him as a thought leader in community banking policy and regulation.

From Inheritance to Innovation

Ken Hale’s journey began in 1994 when he inherited a third of his grandfather’s 55 percent stake in the Bank of Montgomery, Louisiana, serving the town of Montgomery (population 600) on a bend in the Red River. A Northwestern State University graduate, he joined straight out of college and demonstrated the business acumen that would drive unprecedented growth. Today, Ken owns 40 percent of the renamed BOM Bank, having significantly increased his ownership stake through strategic expansion.

Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions

Hale’s growth strategy has centered on thoughtful acquisitions that strengthen BOM Bank’s market position while maintaining community banking values.

2016 – Bank of Ringgold, Traber Agency & TriState Bank: BOM acquired the Bank of Ringgold and TriState Bank in Haughton, Louisiana, growing to nine branches across Louisiana, while BOM Financial Services acquired The Traber Agency, a local 100-year-old independent insurance agency.

2017 – MidSouth Bank Branches: BOM completed acquisition of two MidSouth Bank branches in Alexandria, expanding its Rapides Parish presence with approximately $385 million in assets.

2018 – Strategic Rebranding: The bank changed its name from Bank of Montgomery to BOM Bank, reflecting expansion to 14 branches with assets of $400 million.

2019 – First State Bank of Hemphill: BOM’s first full-service entrance into Texas, acquiring the Hemphill branch and reaching approximately $500 million in total assets.

2024-2025 – American State Bank: BOM completed acquisition of nine American State Bank locations across Texas, including branches in Haslam, Timpson, Center, Lufkin, Huntington, Chester, and Conroe.

Expanding Services: BOM Financial Services

In 2006, Hale launched BOM Financial Services as a full-service independent insurance agency and investment consultant firm to offer comprehensive insurance and investment opportunities beyond traditional banking. This wholly owned subsidiary acquired The Traber Agency in 2016 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, having grown to serve over 3,500 customers, demonstrating Hale’s vision for comprehensive financial services.

Community Investment and Service

Under Hale’s leadership, BOM Bank has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development, donating over $1.2 million back to the communities they serve in 2024 alone. Beyond financial contributions, BOM employees have donated over 5,000 hours of community service, reflecting the bank’s philosophy that successful community banking requires active participation in the economic and social development of the communities it serves.

Business Excellence and Leadership Philosophy

Hale’s success stems from balancing aggressive expansion with relationship-focused service. The bank’s asset growth from $18 million to $1.5 billion represents exceptional performance that few community banks achieve while maintaining profitability through various economic cycles. Under his leadership, BOM Bank combines personal service with cutting-edge technology, positioning it to compete effectively with larger institutions across twenty-seven branches.

National Leadership and Community Commitment

Hale’s influence extends well beyond BOM Bank. He was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board in 2021 and appointed Chairman of the Safety and Soundness Committee in March 2025. His extensive community involvement includes:

• Northwestern State University Foundation (Past Chairman)
• Louisiana Bankers Association (Board Member, Treasurer, Chairman, Past Chairman)
• Community Development Bankers Association (Board Member)
• Natchitoches Parish Hospital Foundation (Board Member)
• Central Louisiana Community Foundation (Board Member, Executive Committee)
• Boys and Girls Club, Women’s Resource Center, Holy Cross Catholic Church
• Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and Historic Foundation
• Northwestern State Business Round Table Member

Upon his ICBA election, Hale stated: “I am honored to represent our industry and help share the positive story of community banking with policymakers. Community banks are trusted, relationship-based lenders that deliver personalized service and invaluable financial expertise to local consumers and entrepreneurs.”

Conclusion

Ken Hale represents the best of modern community banking leadership, combining generational wisdom with innovative thinking and local commitment with regional ambition. His transformation of BOM Bank from an $18 million single-branch institution to a $1.5 billion regional powerhouse with comprehensive financial services demonstrates exceptional business acumen while maintaining community banking values.

However, Hale is quick to credit BOM Bank’s success to its people. “Without our wonderful employees, supportive Board, and loyal customers, BOM wouldn’t be what it is today,” Hale emphasizes. This collaborative approach to leadership recognizes that sustainable growth requires the dedication of every team member, the guidance of experienced board members, and the trust of customers who have made BOM their banking partner for generations.

As BOM Bank continues expansion and Hale’s national influence grows through his ICBA leadership role, his story exemplifies how traditional institutions can evolve and thrive in the modern financial landscape while staying true to their foundational mission of serving communities and building lasting relationships.

BOM Bank, headquartered in Natchitoches, Louisiana, operates 27 branches across Louisiana and Texas under President and CEO Ken Hale’s leadership.

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HAMMOND – The progress for Northwestern State’s football team, the youngest in the country, is there week-over-week. It’s in the tape, in the huddle, in the way it keeps pushing a little closer each week. The next step — the hardest one — is turning that progress into a breakthrough.

The Demons (1-5, 0-2) have grown through the grind, with the latest step forward coming in last week’s narrow loss at HCU, a game that saw them dominate the final 23 minutes, allowing just 52 yards of offense and putting themselves in position to pick up a road win.

“We’re making tremendous progress and we are getting better,” head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “It’s frustrating that we’re not getting over the hump yet, but at the same time it’s encouraging with where we’ve been to see where we’re going. I thought Saturday was probably as good as we’ve played in the year and a half that we’ve been here.”

That performance — gritty, balanced, and physical — set a tone the Demons hope to carry into this weekend’s trip to No. 22 Southeastern (4-2, 2-0). 

Kickoff Saturday is set for 4 p.m. at Strawberry Stadium and the contest can be seen on ESPN+. A live Demon Sports Network radio broadcast will be available in Natchitoches on 100.7 FM KZBL, and on on www.nsudemons.com.

Three-point losses in the last two road games, while painful, provide encouragement and fuel determination.

“You’ve just got to find those little moments to put ourselves over the edge,” McCorkle said. “Our margin is razor thin, and we recognize that. You have to continually learn and grow from them.”

The Demons’ growth was on full display in the run game against HCU. Northwestern State rolled up 206 rushing yards against the Huskies — the most in McCorkle’s tenure and the program’s best total since 2021. Three different rushers carried the ball 10 or more times, each topping 50 yards, a rare feat that speaks to the offensive line’s continued development.

“We want to run the football,” McCorkle said. “Our offensive line is getting better all the time. They’re still really young and really small compared to other teams we play. We don’t have a 300-pounder in the starting five while most people don’t have anyone under 300. But they’re growing, they’re working, and when you have several guys being productive running the ball, that’s when you know you’re doing something right.”

That commitment to balance extended through the air, where eight different Demons caught passes — the sixth time this season that seven or more players have done so. Tight end Joseph Moreland led his position group and all receivers with two catches for 37 yards.

“I think it keeps the defense guessing,” Moreland said. “You don’t really know who the ball is going to, and it gives all of us a chance to prove ourselves and show what we can do. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of.”

The tight end group of Moreland, Tyler Siddons and Luke Carter combined for six grabs for 68 yards in the game.

For Moreland, the next step is about momentum — stacking good weeks on top of one another and trusting that the work being done behind the scenes will translate to Saturdays.

“They’re a great team, and we’re going to do everything we can to prepare,” he said of Southeastern. “But really, we just have to piggyback off of last week and the success we had at HCU. Stay physical in the run game. Stay sharp in the pass game. Know our assignments and what to do. If we can do that, we’re going to keep getting better each week.”

Defensively, the Demons saw steady strides of their own. The secondary has forced timely stops, and the front continues to learn how to handle  blocking schemes allowing the ability to make plays around the line of scrimmage. For linebacker Danny Sears, success this week starts with discipline on all levels.

“They can work up to you in a snap,” Sears said of Southeastern’s offensive front. “They move gaps around when they’re pulling and it can be tough on a defense. If we can stick with our jobs, at the end of the day, a defensive win as a whole is better than one guy having 20 tackles.”

Southeastern, McCorkle said, is as complete a team as Northwestern has faced since he arrived, a perennial favorite in the Southland and the “godfather” of the league in eighth-year head coach Frank Scelfo.

“In all three phases, this Southeastern team might be the best FCS team we’ve played since we’ve been here,” McCorkle said. “They are big. They are fast. They are physical. They have great schemes and are really well coached. It’s going to be a great challenge — and another great opportunity to show more of that improvement.”

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As the race for the Southland Conference championship heats up, so has league-leading Northwestern State, as it rolled to its fourth straight victory, a 3-0 triumph over in-state rival McNeese on Thursday evening at the Demon Soccer Complex.

Northwestern (10-3-3, 5-1-1) scored multiple goals for the fourth consecutive game, as the offense tallied from Marissa Henderson, Hosane Soukou and Paige Baumgartner to climb one step closer to a regular-season conference championship.

The Demons have a four-point edge on second-place Stephen F. Austin, five-point lead on Southeastern Louisiana and six-point lead on both East Texas A&M and McNeese.

NSU wraps up the home schedule with a visit from UIW on Sunday at 1 before finishing the regular season next week at Lamar (Oct. 23) and Nicholls (Oct. 30).

“The last two games, fighting for first, the trend that we’ve been putting together with scoring three goals the last two games, you can’t be too disappointed with that,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “I am really pleased with the way we played tonight, controlling possession and creating dangerous chances, we were able to put them away.

“I was especially happy with the way we started the second half after a cagey first half. To open up the second half and start punishing them and getting some goals was really fun.”

Like the previous game at East Texas A&M, the Demons had chances but could not find the back of the net for much of the first half.

While NSU waited until the second half against East Texas A&M this past Sunday to score, the Demons did not wait that long for goal No. 1 this time around.

The Demons dominated the first half, outshooting the Cowgirls 16-2 in the opening 45 minutes but could not score until Henderson broke the ice in the final three minutes.

Following a corner kick, Jessica Spitzer passed it in the middle of the box to Soukou and her shot was blocked before the rebound bounced out to Henderson and she did the rest.

“It felt really cool to score that goal,” Henderson said. “That goal got the momentum started for our team. We got some goals after, which was really cool to bring up the energy and finally get that one in after a really tough half.”

Northwestern scored three goals in 9:38 sandwiching the two halves to put the game away.

Soukou’s goal came in the 50th minute, as Dawson Marrs tried to cross the ball, but the McNeese defense tried to clear it out. The ball was booted right to Soukou on the left side of the box and Soukou blasted it past Celeste Marijnissen to double the lead.

“I was making those runs and those passes today,” Soukou said. “I was always looking for my teammates, and they were always making the right movements, and they helped me play so well.”

Soukou finished off her impressive day with a perfect cross to Baumgartner, who rolled it into the net to essentially put the game away in the 52nd minute.

The Demons surrendered just eight shot attempts with five of them coming after the Cowgirls were pressing with the game at 3-0.

Goalkeeper Kennedy Rist wasn’t forced to be busy, but she made the plays when called upon. She recorded three saves for her sixth solo shutout of the season.

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Play Sudoku online!

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Natchitoches State Senator Alan Seabaugh has officially announced his candidacy for District Attorney of Caddo Parish, citing a need for stronger leadership to address what he calls an escalating crime problem in the area.

In his announcement, Seabaugh said crime in Caddo Parish has reached unacceptable levels and emphasized his commitment to holding offenders accountable while protecting victims and families.

“Crime in Caddo Parish is out of control — and it’s time for real leadership that will stand up for victims, hold criminals accountable, and keep our families safe,” he added.

Seabaugh said his decision to run stems from his desire to restore law and order and ensure justice is served fairly and consistently throughout the parish.

A longtime advocate for public safety and community values, Seabaugh said he plans to bring a renewed focus on prosecution, transparency, and results-driven leadership to the District Attorney’s Office.

“It’s time to make Caddo Parish safe again,” Seabaugh said.

Continue your article here…

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Join Marvin as he explains his support for the New Property Tax that was proposed to the public on the last election day.  

Brought to you by Lance Lopez with Farm Bureau, Harrington Law Firm, Sharpco Hotel Group and the Mariner Restaurant.

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Coming off one of its best performances of the season, Northwestern State plays its final two home games this season, starting tonight at 7 against in-state rival McNeese in a battle between two of the top four soccer teams in the Southland Conference.

Northwestern (9-3-3, 4-1-1) moved into first place in the SLC with 13 points after its 3-1 victory this past Sunday at East Texas A&M and will host a red-hot McNeese (4-8-3, 3-2-1) team that has won three of its last four and is tied for third in the conference standings with 10 points.

“It’s going to be a really tough game,” NSU coach Ian Brophy said. “They’re hot right now and nipping at our heels in the conference race for a reason. They have obviously played well, so we are in for a tough game, and we will need to make sure we will need to be on top of all the little details and that has been our recipe to success.”

The Demons have scored multiple goals in the last three games, including the three against East Texas A&M. This past weekend, NSU found the back of the net five times, showing its depth as in addition to an own goal scored against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the other four goals were scored by four different players.

One of those was from Emily Senatore, who scored her 22nd career goal and 11th this season. Her 22 goals ties April Trowbridge for ninth in school history.

Senatore also was credited with a game-winning goal, her sixth such goal this season, which tied for tops in the country and is second in program history to Olivia Draguicevich’s seven set in 2021.

Another goal scorer was Marissa Henderson, who sealed the victory against East Texas A&M with her first collegiate tally.

While the offense has come on strong down the stretch of the regular season, the defense has been lights out once again.

After surrendering just one shot on goal in victories over Southeastern Louisiana and AMCC, the Demons slowed down an offense featuring two of the best scorers in the SLC.

“We’re not focused on how many shots we give up as much as the type of chances we give up,” Brophy said. “Right now, I think we’ve been strong. We’ve been strong in keeping possession and part of that is winning the ball back.

“All 11 players have really helped, but the back line has been a really strong unit entirely and that has led to a lot of our success in controlling possession and a lot of that starts defensively.”

Paige Baumgartner scored her fifth goal of the season in the win over East Texas A&M, giving her 11 points this season, the fourth Demon to reach double figures in points this season, the most such players to accomplish that feat in one season since 2022.

“Having so many players score this past weekend just shows you that we don’t rely on just person to score goals,” Henderson said. “We all contribute and work hard to help getting the outcome we want to.”

The Cowgirls have won two in a row and three of four, including a monster win this past Sunday at home against Lamar. McNeese’s defense has posted two consecutive shutouts.

The Demons’ home finale  is Sunday afternoon against UIW on Sunday before playing the last two regular-season contests on the road next week  against Lamar (Oct. 23) and Nicholls (Oct. 26).

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The Northwestern State Demons battled the McNeese Cowgirls through all three sets but fell 3-0 (25-21, 25-20 and 25-23) Wednesday night in Southland Conference volleyball action at Prather Coliseum.

The Demons (1-20, 0-7 SLC) came out strong as they had an 11-6 first set lead following a kill by Deja Benjamin. After the Cowgirls (6-13, 2-5 SLC) tied the match at 13-13, it was a back-and forth battle for much of the remainder of the set. The set was tied nine times before McNeese broke a 21-21 tie with four straight points to close it out.

The Cowgirls appeared to be in control in Set 2 as they took an 11-5 lead after two kills and an NSU attack error. But the Demons crept back into a match after a kill from an unlikely contributor, freshman Harper Kauley. The Ruston native entered the match without a kill on the season but had four Wednesday.

“It was so unexpected that I did have to hit,” said Cauley. “I think it helped bring the team energy because it’s not something I normally do but I was in a spot to do it tonight and it was fun to help the team in that way.”

However, following Harper’s kill the Cowgirls went on a 6-0 run as they took the second set putting NSU’s backs against the wall.

The Demons battled relentlessly after falling behind 6-1 and cut the lead to 12-11 following a kill by Olivia Bush. The Cowgirls kept the Demons at arm’s length for much of the rest of the set until Benjamin slammed down her 10th kill of the match. NSU trailed just 24-23 but McNeese’s Gracjana Rozanska recorded a kill to end it.

“If we didn’t have good kids, we wouldn’t compete,” said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. “But this group comes in and battles every day and works hard every day. It’s a testament to the character of this team because they want it. Right now, it’s just coming down to not quite being able to make the big plays in crunch time.”

NSU finished with 40 kills led by Benjamin and Samaya Wesson with 10 each. The 40 kills were the third most of the season for the Demons (54 against UT-Arlington and 42 against Tennessee State) as they also hit .233 with 104 attacks and 17 errors. Reagan Hamm finished with 22 assists while Emmarie McFarland had 11 digs.

Northwestern next plays on the road Saturday afternoon at 1 against the Nichols Colonels (10-9, 0-6 Southland), and will be back in Prather Coliseum twice next week.

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The Northwestern State Demons finally play at home tonight when they face the McNeese Cowgirls in Southland Conference volleyball action at 6:30 in Prather Coliseum.

All fans are encouraged to wear purple for ‘Purple Reign” night in support of the Demons as they return home from a four-match road trip.

Northwestern (1-19, 0-6 SLC) is led by senior Deja Benjamin in kills with 147 (2.2 k/s). Redshirt freshman Jade Longlad continues to lead the Southland in aces with 35. The Calgary, Canada native, Longlad is tied for 15th in the nation.

Freshman Emmarie McFarland leads the way for the Demons defensively. The Alvin, Texas native has 218 digs for the season which is 10th in the conference. Redshirt freshman Reagan Hamm has 280 assists for NSU.

The Cowgirls are 5-13, and 1-5 in the SLC.

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