Biddiscombe earns promotion, departs LSHOF museum

After more than 12 years of directing operations for the $23 million, world-renowned Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches, Jennae Biddiscombe is headed south to accept a promotion in the Louisiana State Museum system.

The Boston native, who became a valued community member during her time in Natchitoches, departs this weekend to take over in Baton Rouge as LSM’s Museum Division Director.  She is the Director of the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge and supervises the operations of museum branches located in Thibodaux, Patterson – and Natchitoches.

“I will always be grateful for my time in Natchitoches and the wonderful people I have gotten to work with as Branch Director of the LSHOF and Northwest Louisiana History Museum,” she said. “This museum and community will always hold a place in my heart.”

She began her career at the Louisiana State Museum in December 2008, first as the Assistant Registrar, overseeing rights and reproduction services, and then as the Registrar.  When the LSHOF museum was in the final stages preparing for opening, Biddiscombe was named Branch Director in Natchitoches in April 2013.

She oversaw the final three months of setup before the grand opening June 28, 2013, as Shaquille O’Neal, Chanda Rubin, Kevin Mawae and Tommy Hodson headlined the LSHOF Class of 2013 and the museum debuted to rave reviews. It was named the world’s No. 1 new architectural achievement of 2013 by the international industry publication Azure Magazine, the only North American project to make the list with an addition to the Louvre in Paris at No. 2.

Biddiscombe’s leadership since has maintained that global stature for the local museum, which gets visitors from around the world to see the architecture and people from around the state and nation to check out the 27,500-square feet of exhibits on state sports and regional history.

“Jennae immersed herself into her role with the museum, and enriched our community, while she assured that the people of Natchitoches, and all of Louisiana’s citizens, were well served by this wonderful venue,” said Doug Ireland, chairman of the LSHOF and president of FLASH, Friends of Louisiana Sports and History, the local support group for the museum.

“She formed relationships and developed partnerships that were vital to the development of the museum as an attraction and a community resource,” he said. “Jennae directed daily operations and was a pivotal part of hundreds of special events ranging from Hall of Fame induction activities to wedding receptions, community gatherings, school tours, and outreach programs along with a wide range of programming,” he said. “She weathered state budget challenges and she collaborated with Northwestern, with the City of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches CVB and Chamber of Commerce, the Historic District Business Association, the LSHOF Foundation and other agencies and organizations to mutual benefit.

“We are grateful for her long-term impact and thrilled that in her new role, she will continue to be involved with the local museum,” he said.

Among Biddiscombe’s accomplishments:

  • Obtained over $50,000 in grants to support the museum exhibitions, programming and marketing;
  • Brought several traveling and temporary exhibits to the museum, highlighted by:
    • The East Bank All-Stars: Making Little League History”- The Eastbank All-Stars made history becoming the first Louisiana team crowned Little League World Series Champions in 2019.
    • Showtime: LSU’s Spectacular Pistol Pete”- The exhibition features more than 40 photographs from John Musemeche and Musemeche Photography in Baton Rouge.  Showcasing the incredible career of Pete Maravich.
    • The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II”- Produced by The National WWII Museum, the exhibition will feature artifacts, photographs and oral histories that highlight Louisiana’s extraordinary contribution to America’s war efforts during World War II.
    • Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America” –  This traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program captures the stories that unfold on the neighborhood fields and courts, and the underdog heroics, larger-than-life legends, fierce rivalries and gut-wrenching defeats.
    • “Water/Ways”- This traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program. explores the endless motion of the water cycle, water’s effect on landscape, settlement and migration, and its impact on culture and spirituality. It looks at how political and economic planning have long been affected by access to water and control of water resources. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of protecting water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment.
    • Carrying the Dream”- a display of the hearse that carried the body of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Added several exhibits to the permanent exhibit, notably:
    • A case featuring Kim Mulkey;
    • A case featuring Louisiana Heisman Trophy winners.
  • Developed diverse programming highlighting the state’s unique sports heritage and regional culture making the museum more than a museum, a community gathering place for events that included:
    • Book signings, including a visit from 1958 LSU Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon
    • Documentary film screenings
    • Dance and music programs, including a tribute to Jim Croce on the 50th anniversary of his tragic death
    • Folklife programs
    • Lectures and roundtable discussions, including Steel Magolias programming
    • Children’s programming
    • Award ceremonies

Her new office will be at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. She will maintain a residence with her husband Jackie in Natchitoches.


After a month, it’s definitely Homecoming for Demons in Saturday’s Southland opener

Northwestern junior linebacker Fernando Washington makes one of his career-best 16 tackles two weeks ago at Prairie View A&M. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)

Following three straight games on the road and a much-needed open week, the Northwestern State football team returns to Turpin Stadium on Saturday evening for Homecoming and kicks off the eight-game Southland Conference season.

The Demons (1-3) enter the 6 p.m. SLC opener against an East Texas A&M (0-4) team with a nearly identical résumé. The Lions, like NSU, played back-to-back Power Four opponents during the non-conference schedule, two of just the three FCS teams in the country that have borne that burden.

“They are a talented team and have the ability to make an explosive play at any time,” Demons coach Blaine McCorkle said. “They’ve played a couple of quarterbacks but either of them have the ability to make plays with big shot or their legs. We need to be on our game and have our eyes where they need to be.

“They came over here last year 0-5 and ran us out of the stadium. They’re coming in this year 0-4 with a very similar non-conference schedule as us. I think it’ll be a good matchup and another chance to see how much we’ve grown in a year.”

The culmination of Northwestern’s 2025 Homecoming celebration will air on ESPN+. The Demon Sports Network  game broadcast can be heard on 100.7 KZBL FM in Natchitoches, on Baldridge-Dumas Communications stations in Many, Leesville and Winnfield, and through www.nsudemons.com and the NSUDemons app.

Quarterback Abram Johnston, who is coming off the best all-around performance in his young career against Prairie View A&M two weeks ago, said the bye week has given the team a fresh start – and the Homecoming stage only amplifies the energy.

“To me it almost feels like the first game of the year,” he said. “Coming off a bye and having two weeks to prepare for this team and not being home, I’m giddy. I’m ready to play at home again. And everybody’s feeling that.

“We’re 0-0 right now in conference so in a lot of ways it feels like week one. We know how big of a game this is and how important it is for the rest of the season. Not to put pressure on us but we know what we expect to do and how important it is.”

For McCorkle, the challenge is less about the hype and pageantry of the game and more about execution by his team. The Demons are looking for consistent complementary football, something that cost them on the road in the three-point loss to an improving Prairie View team that beat Grambling last week.

“We’ve talked a lot and said a lot, you either lose or you learn. So what are the lessons we’re going to learn from that game?” McCorkle said. “I can see us being in a very similar type game this week. This could be another four-quarter game if we handle our business. Hopefully we’ve learned those lessons and complement each other a little bit better in all three phases to get us over the hump.”

Defensive lineman Preston Hickey said those lessons along with the added layer of motivation for who they’re playing for makes Saturday’s game even more meaningful.

“It’s about going out there and playing for our fans, families and all of us,” Hickey said. “We’ve had some tough games here in the past but I feel like they’ve helped mold us for what’s to come and we’ve gained a lot from them. East Texas is a good team with a lot of good play makers and I’m looking forward to the matchup.”

With a 37-day span between games at Turpin Stadium coming to a close and the natural buzz around the annual Homecoming game and festivites, McCorkle eagerly anticipates the game night energy in Natchitoches.

“There’ll be a lot of juice here on Saturday night,” McCorkle said. “Turpin Stadium is a great place to play. It’s a great atmosphere. Lights will be on. It’s Homecoming. The band is ready to be back in the stadium just as much as we are. Expecting a good crowd and a good game on a beautiful night for football. Our guys are excited about it. It’s been a long time since we’ve been home and we like being here in Turpin for sure.”


Senatore’s two goals push NSU soccer past Southeastern

Emily Senatore scored twice, including a game winner in the 84th minute, lifting Northwestern to a 2-1 Southland Conference win over Southeastern on Thursday at the Demon Soccer Complex. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)

Emily Senatore scored a pair of goals to tie Heather Penico on the all-time goal scoring list with 21, and more importantly, lifted NSU (7-3-3, 2-1-1) to a thrilling 2-1 victory over in-state rival Southeastern Louisiana (3-5-3, 2-1-1) on Thursday evening at the Demon Soccer Complex.

Senatore scored her second goal to break a 1-1 deadlock in the 84th minute and earn the Demons a pivotal Southland Conference victory while handing the Lady Lions their first conference loss.

The junior from Oxford, Conn., tied Penico, who is being inducted into the N-Club Hall of Fame on Saturday, for 10th in program history for career goals.

“It was a great win, especially to get the goal in the last 10 minutes,” head coach Ian Brophy, who tied Stuart Gore for the fourth-most victories (24) in NSU history, said. “I am really happy, especially when you get the late goal.

“I was really pleased with the performance in general and the way we played throughout and the way we kept plugging away and creating chances. Even when it was 1-1, the way we dominated possession and continued to apply the pressure, and it ended up leading us to getting the game-winning goal.”

Senatore’s second goal came off a pass from Riley Stern, much like her first goal. Stern found Senatore, who spun around the defender and rolled one through the defense and past SLU goalkeeper Kendall Curran for her fifth game-winning goal of the season.

She relishes the late-game heroics, also scoring the winning goal in the closing minutes in last season’s victory at UIW.

“I love having the ball at my feet late,” Senatore said. “When it comes to the end of the game and we’re not winning, we really have to put everything out there, so I feel like I was trying to that and come out with the goal.”

Stern, making her first start of the season, also earned an assist on the first goal as well, passing it to Hosane Soukou, who passed it to Senatore. Senatore blasted one from outside the box to the top left corner for the game’s first goal in the 20th minute.

The Lady Lions found the back of the net for the tie when Alexandra Knight scored in the 54th minute.

It was the only shot on goal for SLU in the game, as the Demons defense thwarted the Lady Lions opportunities throughout.

“The defenders were really good all night,” Brophy said. “In the first half, especially, we really limited their scoring chances. The defense played really well. Emily Mougia had a big night tonight, as did Sophia Minnillo and Jessica Spitzer. I am really proud of the way we played defensively.”

NSU is off this weekend.

VOLLEYBALL: The Demons fell in a visit to the UT-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 3-0 (25-12, 25-17 and 25-12) Thursday night in Southland Conference play.

The Vaqueros (7-7, 2-1 Southland) were in command most of the match. In set two, the Demons (1-16, 0-3 Southland) competed better as they trailed 15-12. However, UTRGV scored 10 of the final 13 points as they went on to take set two and three convincingly.

“That’s the best team we have played all season,” said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. “Coach Todd (Todd Lowery-UTRGV head coach) has a great environment as well. Hats off to a great program. They are built to win the Southland.”

TENNIS: After opening the fall season with a strong showing at the Diving Eagle Invitational, the Lady Demon tennis team returns to action this weekend at the Texas State Invitational, starting today.

Six Lady Demons are making the trip: senior Zoi Spyrou, juniors Maria Farina and Honoka Umeda, and newcomers Lolita Hukasian, Martina Acebedo Bonocore, and Athina Grigoriadou.


N-Club Hall of Fame class enshrinement open to public Saturday morning,  inductees will be Demon Greats of the Game

The 13-member N-Club Hall of Fame class of 2025 will add another highlight to its collective resume Saturday night.

The group will be inducted into the school’s athletic shrine in a 10 a.m. ceremony Saturday at Magale Recital Hall on the Northwestern campus. Admission is free. A reception honoring them starts at 9 a.m.

The inductees will be back in the spotlight at the NSU homecoming football game Saturday night as the Exchange Bank and Trust Demon Greats of the Game. They will be recognized during a first-half timeout in the game that kicks off at 6 against against East Texas A&M.

Four-time All-American javelin thrower Cody Fillinich tops a class that spans seven Northwestern sports – two of which have three members earning enshrinement.

Three Demon men’s basketball players who helped the program collect NCAA Tournament victories – Josh Hancock, Tyrone Mitchell and Jermaine Wallace — are headed into the Hall. Mitchell and Wallace were teammates on the Demons of Destiny – the 2005-06 Northwestern squad that upset third-seeded Iowa on Wallace’s last-second 3-pointer in a moment that lives on in March Madness lore.

Three football players – punter Mike Crow, running back Derrick Johnsese and wide receiver Toby Zeigler – will be enshrined as well. Joining those seven are softball pitcher Amanda Glenn and coach Gay McNutt, women’s basketball’s Amanda Bennett, soccer’s Heather Penico and baseball’s David Reynolds. Layne Miller, a fixture around Northwestern athletics and tailgates, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award.


DAY FOUR: Early Voting Totals – as of 10-1-25

Early Voting at the Courthouse

Early Voting for the October 11, 2025 Election as of the Close-Of-Business on October 1, 2025.

NEW PARISHWIDE TAX ON THE BALLOT: 

Shall the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission, State of Louisiana levy a special tax of one (1) mill on all the property subject to taxation in the port area consisting of the entire parish of Natchitoches (an estimated $400,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for a period of ten (10) years, commencing with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for any lawful purposes, including acquiring, improving and equipping port facilities, necessary infrastructure and water treatment system, railways, docks and wharves, transfer and storage facilities, and further including commercial and industrial facilities to promote economic development in Natchitoches Parish?

Total Natchitoches Parish Voters at the Courthouse Today:

TOTALSIn PersonMail In
1039112
WHITEBLACKOTHER
64354
DEMREPOTHER
494311
MALEFEMALE
4756

Total Natchitoches Parish Voters During Early Voting (Courthouse & Mail-In/ABS):

TOTALSIn PersonMail In
28825434
WHITEBLACKOTHER
189927
DEMREPOTHER
12911643
MALEFEMALE
141147
  • All data provided by the Natchitoches Parish ROV  as of October 1 at 6:00 pm

More than a Move-In Day at the Natchitoches Thomas Apartments

The families of the Natchitoches Thomas Apartments community will soon be enjoying some of the nicest and most modern apartments in the area thanks to a $17,500,000.00 upgrade to the complex’s 120 apartments.

Mayor Ronnie Williams and Councilwoman Rosemary Elie joined Ben D. Johnson Center founder and President, Claire Prymus, in welcoming the first group of tenants to their newly renovated homes. Each apartment is certified as Energy Star Compliant, saving on energy usage and utility bills. The apartments feature a stacked washer and dryer, while the kitchen features a dishwasher, beautiful cabinets, countertops, and refrigerator as well as fire safety features. The renovation project also upgraded the parking areas and mailboxes.

The Natchitoches Thomas Apartments have 1,2-,3- and 4-bedroom units. The rent is based on the tenant’s income. 


Redshirt freshman Johnston has grown up quickly as Demons’ quarterback

Redshirt freshman quarterback Abram Johnston scored his first career rushing touchdown, a 29-yarder, for Northwestern against Prairie View A&M. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)

By BRAD WELBORN, Northwestern State Sports Information

When then-true freshman Abram Johnston took the field for the first time as Northwestern State’s starting quarterback in the late stages of last season, nerves traveled with him. 

Through the understandable butterflies he flashed promise, throwing for 301 yards and a touchdown. But the growing pains of inexperience showed, too — including two costly interceptions.

A year later, Johnston carries himself like a different player.

“Last year there wasn’t as much confidence for me,” Johnston admitted. “I had never played in a college game yet. But this year it’s totally different. I’m much more confident, and I have the team behind my back.”

The confidence he carries into NSU’s Southland Conference opener Saturday night in Turpin Stadium against East Texas A&M, the same team he made his first career start against a year ago, hasn’t come overnight, but Johnston’s progress has been impossible to ignore. 

He remembers vividly the mistakes from that first start — a red zone turnover, another coming out of halftime. Those moments stuck with him, but instead of shaking his belief, they sharpened his resolve.

“It’s exciting to see how much I’ve grown and learned from last year,”  said Johnson, two years removed from his days as the star QB for Parkview Baptist High School in Baton Rouge . “I remember making a couple of big mistakes … so being able to see how much I’ve learned and gotten better against the same team is a cool opportunity.”

His mindfulness and ability to celebrate the good while still believing there was still more he could do or do better, is an intangible that head coach Blaine McCorkle loves in his young signal caller. 

Two weeks ago against Prairie View A&M, Johnston produced his first three-touchdown game, throwing for two and rushing for another, a career-long 29-yard run that tied the game at 17 late in the third quarter. 

He finished with 232 all-purpose yards going 13-for-20 in the air and carrying the ball 15 times. Johnston did not throw an interception or turn the ball over in the game and only took one sack.

“You look at the stat line and how he played last time and you say this guy had a pretty good game,” McCorkle said. “But he’ll tell you there were a lot of things that he left on the table. He comes so far every week because he is really tough and really smart. He has the ability to self-correct, process information and his rate of growth will be really fast compared to a lot of quarterbacks as young as him. Because it is important to him and he wants to do well.”

That growth and progression since his first start is not only mental, but equally physical for the redshirt freshman QB. Plays, moments and situations that once felt overwhelming now come naturally.

“Mentally things have really slowed down for me,” he said. “Last year they would call in a play on the wristband and I’d check it two or three times just to make sure I got it right and said it right in the huddle. Now it’s second nature. Physically, having a full year with this strength staff, I probably gained 10 pounds and just feel stronger.”

That strength — and confidence — play hand-in-hand with his ability as a thrower and a runner with the football. Johnston has carried the ball 40 times for the Demons this year, an average of 10.0 rushing attempts per game, the most on the team, and is second on the team in rushing yards at 122.

Several of those carries have been designed quarterback runs, but his ability to extend plays and get positive yards will serve the Demons well as they enter the eight-game conference portion of the season.

“That (his strength) just adds to my confidence,” Johnston said. “You can’t run timid in football and I definitely don’t feel that at this point. Confidence to run and know when to use my legs but also when to throw the ball, stay in the pocket and make a throw.”

Johnston’s evolution has also been fueled by the players around him. A deep receiving corps, with 13 different players having at least one reception on the season, have embraced persistence and roles beyond just catching passes.

“It’s a really good group of receivers, and they’re all patient,” Johnston said. “The ball gets spread around, so nobody gets a ton of touches at one time. They’re patient and do their job. They’re good at stalk blocking, good at blocking on the outside. They do their part and when their moment comes they’ve all made plays this year.”

As Johnston prepares to face East Texas A&M again, it serves as a fitting measuring stick for himself and the Demons. A year ago, he was a newcomer learning hard lessons. Now, he’s a confident leader driving the Demon offense forward — a quarterback who continues to grow into the job, and learning to thrive in it.


NSU soccer team hosts SLU tonight; volleyball plays in south Texas

Gabriela Page has been a major part of the Northwestern soccer team’s offense off the bench and scored her first goal in the win over Prairie View A&M this past Thursday. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)

The Northwestern State soccer team aims to bounce back tonight at 7 when it welcomes Southeastern Louisiana to the Demon Soccer Complex to begin an action-packed homecoming weekend.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. for a contest that can be viewed on ESPN+.

“It should be another good game,” Northwestern coach Ian Brophy said. “They’re off to a hot start to conference play with two wins and a tie. We know it will be a really tough game and we know we’ll have to go in and fight for a win and do all the little details we’re working on in practice and getting things right.  If we do that, then hopefully we can protect home field and come away with a big three points.”

The Demons are honoring former player Heather Penico, the 2005 Southland Conference Player of the Year, who led the Demons to the NCAA Tournament and is being inducted into the N-Club Hall of Fame on Saturday, the sixth member of the soccer program to be inducted.

She joins Britiany Cargill, Erin Hebert, Holly Horn Broussard, Hillarie Marshall Coleman and Missy Payne Howe.

“Seeing these former athletes just goes to show you the history of this program that has won five Southland championships,” Brophy said. “It shows the program’s traditional success here, fighting for titles year in and year out, so it is great to see these ladies get recognized. I was really happy to see Hillarie get recognized last year, so we are really looking forward to Heather being recognized this year.”

It is also alumni night, as at least seven former NSU athletes are making the return to the Soccer Complex.

This year’s NSU (6-3-3) team is coming off a heartbreaking 1-0 loss at Houston Christian, despite outshooting the Huskies 17-7.

The Demons and Lady Lions (3-4-3, 2-0-1) are no strangers to tight contests against one another.

NSU and SLU have clashed in epic contests in recent times, as 11 of the last 12 contests have been decided by no more than one goal, including last season’s tournament game won by the Demons and the Lady Lions’ 2-1 win in Hammond during last year’s regular season.

NSU has been locking down opponents during a 10-game stretch, as the Demons have allowed just four goals during those 10 and NSU has allowed no more than one goal in any of them.

SLU has started out league play undefeated, beating UTRGV and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and tying Stephen F. Austin.

VOLLEYBALL:  The Demon volleyball team gets back into action Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Edinburg, Texas, against the UT-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros as Southland Conference play continues.

The Demons (1-15, 0-2 SLC) showed signs of progress despite Saturday’s loss to Houston Christian (7-8, 2-0 SLC). NSU had the match tied at 20-20 in the first set before falling 25-20 and then trailed just 24-23 in the third set before HCU clinched the win.

“It’s all a process,” said Demons coach Ben Kaszeta. “The results are important, but we can’t get too focused on it to where we are so worried about it that we don’t get better. Our energy and effort have been really good but now we have to start matching it with some execution.”

The Demons enter the weekend leading the conference in aces (100) led by junior Jade Longlad. The Calgary, Canada native has 33 aces which also leads the league and is tied for fifth in the nation. The University of Central Florida’s Skylar English has 38 to lead the country.


Flu Shots have arrived at The Family Doctors

The Family Doctors of Natchitoches want to remind their patients that it’s time to get a flu shot. Their clinic now has both the regular and high-dose senior vaccines available.

An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age.

Call (318) 352-6800 for an appointment today.

The Family Doctors of Natchitoches
615 Bienville St.
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457

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DAY THREE: Early Voting Totals – as of 9-30-25

Early Voting at the Courthouse

Early Voting for the October 11, 2025 Election as of the Close-Of-Business on Monday, September 29, 2025.  

NEW PARISHWIDE TAX ON THE BALLOT: 

Shall the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission, State of Louisiana levy a special tax of one (1) mill on all the property subject to taxation in the port area consisting of the entire parish of Natchitoches (an estimated $400,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for a period of ten (10) years, commencing with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for any lawful purposes, including acquiring, improving and equipping port facilities, necessary infrastructure and water treatment system, railways, docks and wharves, transfer and storage facilities, and further including commercial and industrial facilities to promote economic development in Natchitoches Parish?

Total Natchitoches Parish Voters at the Courthouse Today:

TOTALSIn PersonMail In
82775
WHITEBLACKOTHER
62191
DEMREPOTHER
323713
MALEFEMALE
4240

Total Natchitoches Parish Voters During Early Voting (Courthouse & Mail-In/ABS):

TOTALSIn PersonMail In
18516322
WHITEBLACKOTHER
125573
DEMREPOTHER
807332
MALEFEMALE
9491
  • All data provided by the Natchitoches Parish ROV  as of September 30 at 6:00 pm

Guardians’ Fry upbeat a week later: ‘It could have been a lot, lot worse,’ says former Demon

SCARY MOMENT:  Former Northwestern State star David Fry was struck in the face by a pitch while trying to bunt last Tuesday for Cleveland against Detroit. (Screenshot courtesy of MLB.com)

By TIM STEBBINS, MLB.com

CLEVELAND — In the aftermath of last Tuesday’s frightening scene at Progressive Field, when former Northwestern State star David Fry was struck in the face by a Tarik Skubal offering, there has been some debate about whether the ball tipped off Fry’s bat or struck him directly.

The pitch was ruled a foul, though Fry can’t say for certain one way or another. However, the 29-year-old has maintained a sense of humor about a trying situation.

“’I’ve heard both from many people. I know it made contact [with] my face,” Fry quipped on Sunday.

All jokes aside, Fry recognizes how fortunate he is. Cleveland’s DH, a 2024 American League All-Star and postseason hero for the Guardians, suffered multiple facial and nasal fractures after Skubal’s 99.1 mph offering hit him, and he is expected to need six to eight weeks to recover.

It certainly means his season is over, but Fry is not expected to need surgery and did not suffer a concussion or lose any teeth. He is able to eat soft foods. He received stitches for a cut on his nose, for which he is wearing a large bandage, and his face is swollen.

“I feel great, all things considered,” Fry said. “I mean, 100 percent a God thing; it could have been way, way worse. They just kept saying, ‘An inch up, an inch down, we could have had some real problems.’ But all in all, I feel great.”

Fry did not lose consciousness on the field on Tuesday, and he vividly recalls the moment. In a 2-1 count with a runner on second and the Guardians trailing 2-1, he recognized it was a good moment for a sacrifice bunt. He got the sign from third-base coach Rouglas Odor and was waiting for Skubal’s pitch to tail away, but it cut inside.

Being in a bunt position with a pitch thrown that hard, there is little time to get out of the way.

Fry went down immediately, and Progressive Field fell silent. His wife, Rebekah, who in a few days is expecting the couple’s second child, a daughter, was watching back home in Texas. She was able to fly in on Wednesday with their daughter, Evelyn.

Fry was worried about his family being concerned, but Evelyn, who turned 2 years old this week, has handled the situation well, by the sound of it.

“She immediately was giving me soft hugs, and [Saturday] she put a [bandage] on her nose and wanted to take a picture with me,” Fry said. “She gets it. She’s the best.”

Fry is appreciative of everyone who has supported him – and his family. The Guardians hosted a birthday party for Evelyn at the ballpark on Saturday, attended by Fry’s teammates – and stars of a touring cast of the musical Frozen, a favorite of Evelyn’s. She was going to have a party back home before the situation unfolded Tuesday.

Manager Stephen Vogt, outfielder Steven Kwan and his wife, Samantha, and other Guardians teammates visited Fry at the hospital after the game. Fry said as he was getting stitched up, he was joking around with Kwan about fantasy football, which made things easier for him.

Skubal was also among the visitors. The Tigers’ ace was visibly shaken up on the mound immediately after Fry was struck, and he caught a ride with Vogt to the hospital in order to apologize to Fry in person.

“Skubal coming was really cool,” Fry said. [He’s a] class act. I know a lot of guys said he was pretty shook up after the fact.”

Fry said he has another appointment scheduled for Thursday, after his swelling will have gone down, to recheck everything to ensure he is OK. By then, the Guardians could be on their way to the American League Division Series. 

They will have to go on without Fry in the lineup during their postseason run, but he will be around the team and said he will try to bring positive energy in the clubhouse.

Fry has embraced that role for a large portion of this season; he spent the first two months of the season recovering from November Tommy John surgery and did not make his season debut until June 1.

It has not been the easiest year, but Fry is no stranger to adversity as a guy who persevered to make his big league debut in 2023 at 27 years old.

“That’s part of it,” Fry said. “You don’t get a testimony if things are easy, and things my entire career haven’t been easy, so that just makes the story even better. I’ll be super excited to get back to playing next year.”


DOTD: Tell us what you think about the new Roundabout – Take the Survey!

New Natchitoches Roundabout.

DOTD is reaching out because they would like your feedback regarding a the New Roundabout at HWY I-49/LA6 – LA504 (Shown Above).

Below is a link to a short survey.

They ask that you take a moment to complete it and let them know about your experience driving through the LA 6 – LA 504 roundabout in the past months.

Your feedback will provide useful input for future projects.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

 

  • Survey provided by the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development.

DAY TWO: Early Voting – as of 9-29-25

Early Voting at the Courthouse

Early Voting for the October 11, 2025 Election as of the Close-Of-Business on Monday, September 29, 2025.  

NEW PARISHWIDE TAX ON THE BALLOT: 

Shall the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission, State of Louisiana levy a special tax of one (1) mill on all the property subject to taxation in the port area consisting of the entire parish of Natchitoches (an estimated $400,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for a period of ten (10) years, commencing with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for any lawful purposes, including acquiring, improving and equipping port facilities, necessary infrastructure and water treatment system, railways, docks and wharves, transfer and storage facilities, and further including commercial and industrial facilities to promote economic development in Natchitoches Parish?

Total Natchitoches Parish Voters at the Courthouse Today:

TOTALSIn PersonMail In
654817
WHITEBLACKOTHER
45191
DEMREPOTHER
28289
MALEFEMALE
3332

Total Natchitoches Parish Voters During Early Voting (Courthouse & Mail-In/ABS):

TOTALSIn PersonMail In
1038617
WHITEBLACKOTHER
63382
DEMREPOTHER
483619
MALEFEMALE
5251
  • All data provided by the Natchitoches Parish ROV  as of September 29 at 6:33 pm

PUBLIC NOTICE: Jury duty cancelled for today

The 10th Judicial Court held two jury trials today and both were completed.  To the citizens that have been asked to report back to the courthouse Tuesday morning at 8:30, you are released.

If you have any questions, you can call the Clerk’s office at (318) 352-8152. 

The 10th JDC thanks you for your service.

David Stamey
Clerk of Court Natchitoches Parish
318-352-8152


Cash in for $100 by picking weekly high school football winners

JOURNAL STAFF

Fans have until Thursday at 4 to enter this week’s Natchitoches Parish Journal High School Football Pick ‘Em Contest.

Anyone has the chance to win a $100.00 prize as the week’s top predictor of 10 High School Football games, featuring Natchitoches Central, Lakeview, St. Mary’s and other teams of local interest.

The contests will be conducted weekly during the football season. There is no entry charge, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Natchitoches Parish Journal.

Participation is very simple. Just click on this link:

CLICK HERE TO PICK YOUR WINNERS!

The Pick ‘Em portal opens to a menu of game-by-game matchups, with easy click-to-pick winning teams for each contest. One game will be used as a tiebreaker, with participants predicting the total points scored in that game. The one with the closest total to the actual total without going over would be the winner of a tiebreaker – if needed!

It takes 20-30 seconds to select your weekly picks!

Each week the picking will remain until 4 p.m. on Thursdays.

One person will win each week’s $100 prize, to be announced in the Journal early the following week as the next Pick ‘Em Contest launches.

All contest decisions by NPJ management are final.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal if you are not already signed up for the easily navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail.

Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100, maybe more than once!

We also want to thank NRMC, Down Home SausageFamily Farm & Garden, and Kathy Richmond – ReMax-Natchitoches for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

Notes: Just ONE $100.00 winner per week. Only your FIRST submission will count, any others you submit will be excluded. Tiebreaker is the closest to the total points without going over.  All decisions by Management are final. Management reserves the right to cancel the contest without notice.


NCHS basketball teams hosting jambalaya fundraiser Friday

Coaches and supporters of the Natchitoches Central High School basketball teams are hosting a fundraiser Friday with the public invited to enjoy $12 plates of jambalaya served on the west side of Turpin Stadium during the school’s Homecoming celebration.

The plates will be available this Friday from 11:30-1 for lunch, and from 5:30 until the 7 o’clock kickoff of the Homecoming football game at the stadium.

Delivery is available for lunch orders of 10 or more plates.

For more information or to order in advance, contact njones@npsb.la or ksepulvado@npsb.la via e-mail.

The proceeds will support the NCHS Lady Chiefs and Chiefs basketball teams. Coaches and team members will be selling the plates in advance.