2738 LA-494 as shown in the property records of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.
BOM Bank has filed an original Petition for Foreclosure by Executory Process and Appointment for Keeper against the the Russell & Mary Edith Stacy Farms – A Business Partnership.
The bank has requested:
Appointment of James Russell Stacy as Keeper of the Movable Collateral – ORDERED;
A writ of seizure and sale to be issued forthwith on the Immovable Collateral – ORDERED;
A writ of seizure and sale to be issued forthwith on the Movable Collateral – ORDERED
* See Order signed March 31, 2025 by a 10th District Court Judge within the document below.
The Natchitoches Rowing Club is having an event this Sunday April 6th. They are hosting the inaugural Cane River Sprints against New Orleans Rowing Club and Xavier Crew.
This race will be on the river bank on front street and races will last from 9am until 2 pm. The race will pass directly in front of the stage so spectators will have a front row seat to the action!
Everyone is welcome to come watch and cheer on the team.
The Cane River Waterway commission is the headline sponsor for this event.
Our other sponsors are Stine, Marani Health, and Sodexo.
NSU’s Clay Jung cracked a three-run home run in Wednesday’s loss at Tulane. (NSU file photo by CHRIS REICH)
NEW ORLEANS – Northwestern State’s second game of its two-game midweek road trip played out much like the first one.
For the second time in as many nights, the Demons found themselves down early and a mid-game comeback came up short as Northwestern fell to Tulane, 8-4, at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Demons return to action Friday when they host Southland Conference newcomer UT-Rio Grande Valley. NSU is fourth in the 12-team SLC standings and UTRGV is second. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at Brown-Stroud Field.
The Green Wave (18-12) snapped a five-game skid and handed Northwestern (18-11) only its fourth loss in the last 18 games.
“In the first five innings of the ball game, we dug ourselves a hole that eventually proved too big to climb out of,” second-year NSU coach Chris Bertrand said. “We showed some fight in the last four innings and made it a ball game and created some opportunities. I made a point to the guys, when the first ball of the ball game is an error – and you look at the amount of infield hits we got later in the ball game – it was a night I felt like, if we could put the ball in play, we could create some pressure. We just didn’t prove to be able to do that, and it allowed them to settle in quite a bit.”
Green Wave starter Michael Lombardi (1-0) escaped the error and subsequent sacrifice bunt by striking out two straight Northwestern hitters with Reese Lipoma at third.
That began a pattern for Tulane pitching as Lombardi, Carter Benbrook and Wes Burton – the first three of seven Green Wave pitchers – struck out at least two batters in each of the first four innings.
While the Green Wave stacked up strikeouts on the mound, the Tulane offense was taking advantage of a walk-heavy night from the Demon pitching staff.
Eight Northwestern pitchers combined to issue 11 walks. Two of those came home to score on Hugh Pinkney’s bases-clearing double that was part of a four-run third inning against Demon starter Brandon Carter (0-1).
Overall, five of Tulane’s eight runs reached base via walks.
“That’s just too many gifts to a talented ball club in their ballpark,” Bertrand said. “They were a hungry ball club, looking at what both clubs had done coming in. Us gifting them way too many things was just kind of the difference in how deep the hole was dug early in the game.”
Like they did Tuesday night at UL Lafayette, the Demons put together a rally in the middle innings.
Clay Jung and Daniel Burroway connected on back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning – the second time in their Demon careers they have done so – to slice the lead to 7-4. Jung’s three-run shot off Grayson Smith came after Rocco Gump drew a two-out walk and Balin Valentine singled.
Burroway then welcomed Garrett Payne with an opposite-field solo shot to give the Demons their first set of back-to-back home runs since Jung and Burroway blasted consecutive shots at Nicholls on April 12, 2024.
The Demon bullpen, in turn, took that momentum and ran with it, keeping Tulane off the board in the sixth and seventh innings. However, the Green Wave used their second double play of the game to erase an eighth-inning leadoff infield single by Valentine to keep the Demons from pulling any closer.
“We’re disappointed with the results of it because we want to showcase the ballclub in a different way,” Bertrand said. “However, we’re well aware we can learn from that, because those are the types of arms the top teams in our league are going to roll out at us if we are going to try to make a run at this thing. Those are the types of teams that, ultimately, we’re going to have to perform well against as we continue to grow the program.”
ULM’s Meagan Brown (middle) steals second base as Demons shortstop Camryn Becnel (left) catches the throw down from home. (NSU photo by BRAD WELBORN)
MONROE – A stifling wind blowing in from centerfield did little to slow down the explosive ULM offense in Wednesday’s 10-4 win over visiting Northwestern State.
Even though the Demons (4-31) struck first with a run just three batters into the game, a four-run bottom half of the inning from the Warhawks (27-13) gave them a lead they did not relinquish, scoring in four of their six total trips to the plate.
After Northwestern drew within 4-3, ULM scored six unanswered runs over the next three innings to take command and complete a season sweep of a home-and-home series played for the first time in eight years.
For the fourth game in a row, DJ Lynch drove in a Demon run with a sacrifice fly to shallow right giving NSU the early 1-0 lead.
The Demons needed three batters to score one run in the top of the inning, then ULM used the same number to take the lead in the bottom.
A walk, steal of second and RBI single tied the game two batters in, followed by another steal and double to left that put ULM ahead 2-1. Starting pitcher Kaymie Chandler got the next two batters out but a wild pitch and one of four errors in the game led to a third run. Another walk and third steal in the inning put a runner in scoring position for the second RBI single of the frame and a 4-1 ULM lead.
The first three batters of the second reached for NSU in the top of the second. Making her first career start as a position player, Grace Ann McDonald hit a flare just over the head of the shortstop for her first career hit and RBI to cut the ULM lead in half.
The Demons only added one more run on the bases loaded no-out scenario. Sophia Livers picked up the RBI on ground ball to third that allowed Ragsdale to score making it a 4-3 game.
More walks and stolen bases led to two more runs for ULM in the bottom of the inning. Chandler surrendered five walks in the game and ULM stole seven bases.
NSU got hits in both the third and fourth innings but were kept off the scoreboard and were only retired in order twice in the game, in the fifth and seventh innings.
The Warhawks pulled away in the bottom of the fifth inning scoring three runs on three hits to take a 10-3 lead.
The Demons’ final run was self-made. For the fifth time this year NSU executed the steal of home with Sara Kate Booker getting caught in a rundown between first and second as pinch runner Riley Schwisow slid home safely on the play.
Northwestern hosts Stephen F. Austin in a Southland Conference series this weekend, with a Friday doubleheader and a single game slated for Saturday, weather permitting.
The Demon Brothers Booster Club invites the community to its annual Crawfish Boil, Spring Game, and Music Fest on Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM under the tent at the Delaney Bowl. This exciting event offers food, music, and football for a great cause—all proceeds benefit the Demon Brothers Booster Club.
Attendees can enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish and jambalaya for $50 per person or $90 for two. The event will also feature live and silent auctions, drinks, and live music from three incredible bands:
Paris Avenue – 90s alternative, rock, and pop. Deep Water Rehab – Louisiana’s own rock and roll band. Category 6 – A high-energy band performing hits from the 80s to today. The day wouldn’t be complete without football! Fans are invited to cheer on Demon Football during the Delaney Bowl game.
Event will be emceed by former Demon great, 3 time all American, two time Superbowl champion, and CFB Hall of Famer Gary Reasons with many other former Demons and NFL players in attendance.
Band times
Deep Water Rehab 3;00 – 5:00
Parish Avenue 5:30 to 7:30
Category 6 8:00 to 10:00
This family-friendly event is open to the Natchitoches community, NSU students, and faculty. Tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased at demonbrothers.org (Venmo payments accepted).
Special Accommodation Rates:
Hotel St. Denis – $139 Comfort Inn Suites – $129
Sponsorships and company logos must be in by Friday April 4th in order to get sponsorship signs printed
For those unable to attend but still wishing to support, donations can be mailed to: 824 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA, 71457
Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable day of food, music, and fun!
All proceeds go to the Demon Brothers Booster Club and the Fork Em Collective
NSU’s Braden Benton connected on his third home run of the season Tuesday night in Lafayette. (NSU file photo by CHRIS REICH)
LAFAYETTE – Twice in Tuesday night’s game, the Northwestern State baseball team nearly erased a sizeable deficit at UL Lafayette.
Despite those close calls, the Demons saw their five-game winning streak come to an end as the Ragin’ Cajuns held off Northwestern’s multiple rallies and emerged with a 9-7 victory at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field.
NSU concludes its midweek road trip in New Orleans tonight at Tulane. First pitch for the first meeting in 12 years between the Demons and the Green Wave is set for 6:30 p.m. with Demons’ coach Chris Bertrand looking for the same effort and a little better performance.
“Like we told the guys, we’re really proud of the effort, really proud of the fight and the competitiveness and the way we showcased the growth of our program against such a quality opponent in this type of environment,” Bertrand said. “We have to balance the scales in the way that we are happy about the fight and the competitiveness, but we have to have the knowledge that we have to execute baseball things more cleanly. I felt like we left too many pitches and too many plays out there on the field to expect a different result.”
The Demons (18-10) found themselves down 5-0 after the Cajuns (15-15) struck quickly in the first two innings.
The bottom of the Northwestern order started the first Demon comeback of the night, delivering three third-inning runs.
Northwestern nearly erased the deficit in the fourth when Braden Benton doubled to center and scored two batters later on a Colin Rains double.
The Cajuns padded their one-run edge when pinch hitter Carson Hepworth delivered a two-out, two-run double in the fifth.
Again, the Demons fought back behind Benton, who crushed his second home run in three games to lead off the sixth inning.
“Watching Braden continue to swing a hot bat gives us great options with our lineups as we move forward in games,” Bertrand said of the designated hitter, whose last four hits have been two doubles and two home runs.
Each team rapped out 13 hits Tuesday night, but the Demons ended up stranding three more runners than the hosts.
Three of the final four came in the eighth inning after Northwestern was threatening to erase a four-run deficit.
A run-scoring wild pitch with the bases loaded scored Hudson Brignac with two outs before back-to-back walks by Rocco Gump and Balin Valentine brought home a run and reloaded the bases for Benton.
Reliever Wil Taylor, who notched his second save of the season by collecting the final four outs, got Benton on a called third strike to leave the bases loaded.
The Demons brought the tying run to the plate with two outs in the ninth but Brignac could not add to the first three-hit game of his career, allowing the Cajuns to pick up their fifth straight win in the series.
“We had 13 punchouts on offense – even though we got 13 hits – but the punchouts came at the most critical moments,” Bertrand said. “It’s just cleaning up the execution and against an amazing baseball team in this environment, and using the knowledge that you can’t leave pitches or plays out on the field. That’s what we did tonight.”
SOFTBALL: NSU wraps up non-conference play this evening in Monroe facing ULM, one of the best teams in the Sun Belt Conference.
First pitch for the final game of the home-and-home series with the Warhawks, the first between the two teams since 2017, is set for 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.
ULM (26-13) blasted its way to a 13-0 win in Natchitoches in five innings on Feb. 26, nearly completing the home run cycle with a solo shot, two-run homer and a three-run blast in the game among their 12 total hits.
“I think that since we played ULM the first time that we’ve gotten better as the season’s gone on,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “So, I think that we’ll go in there and compete a little bit better with them. So, I’m excited to play them again.”
The Demons (4-30) picked up their first conference win of the season this past weekend, finally breaking through a litany of close games since the first meeting with the Warhawks for an 8-7 victory Saturday at East Texas A&M.
It was the 10th game in a month’s time the Demons played that was decided by two runs or less, including all three in the series against the Lions.
Second-year Northwestern football coach Blaine McCorkle is excited about the team’s improvement from last year’s spring practice. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)
Entering his second year at the helm of the Northwestern State football program, Blaine McCorkle was eager to see the difference from last spring during the first 2025 spring practice Tuesday.
“It was a night and day difference from day one 2025 to 2024,” McCorkle said. “It was not even comparable — not even the same football team. We still have a long way to go, though, and a lot to clean up and a lot to look at.
“I loved the energy. They showed up and worked hard. We actually finished ahead. We got through our scripts and they were efficient and organized and knew what they were doing. I was really pleased with the effort.”
McCorkle hopes that this opening day of spring practice can set the table for what is to come.
“I am excited with what I saw today,” he said. “It is just day one, but I think we played our cards right with pushing spring practice back a little bit with this being such a young football team coming off last year. We needed the extra time in the weight room and I think it showed up today, even if it was just day one. Our bodies look better. We look bigger and a little bit faster. I was excited about what (strength) coach (Jason) Smelser has helped them accomplish.”
Players echoed those thoughts.
“We’re setting the bar pretty high,” linebacker Danny Sears said. “That’s about as good of a first day as you can get. If you compare this first day to last Spring’s first day with the coaching staff, it is a whole lot different. I expect us to keep exceeding the bar each practice and each month.”
The Demons returners were eager to be on the field and begin spring practice, excited to show what they can do as the returners blended in nine mid-year enrollees.
“We all came out here with a purpose,” wide receiver Dane Wallace said. “We all came in with a chip on our shoulder from last year and we all wanted to come out to prove a point and make a statement. We were starting out fast and physical on the first day with no pads. We had good intentions all around.”
The Demons continue spring practice this afternoon. The culmination of spring practice is the Joe Delaney Bowl on April 26.
Lakeview senior Timberlyn Washington made first-team All-State for the third consecutive season and led the Lady Gators to a state championship. (Photo by MICHAEL ODENDAHL, GeauxPreps.com)
Lakeview’s Dewaskie Fuller won 1A girls Coach of the Year honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association on Monday while two of his players and two from the LHS boys team were named to the Class A All-State rosters.
After several great seasons over the last six years, including a five-point loss to Oakdale in the finals in 2023, Fuller led the Lady Gators to the school’s first girls state championship. Lakeview (30-4) finished the season on a 22-game win streak and beat Arcadia 38-34 to win the Non-Select Division IV title.
Lakeview’s star, senior guard Timberlyn Washington, was a first-team All-State selection for the third consecutive year. She scored more than 2,000 career points and averaged 19 per game this past season.
Senior Da’Zya Johnson made the All-State second team with a 13-point average. She was named Outstanding Player in the state championship game a year after she helped Northwood-Lena win the state title, then transferred to Lakeview.
On the boys All-State team, Gators senior Jamarcus Reliford and junior Daylon Telsee were second-team picks after helping Lakeview reach the state quarterfinals.
Southern Lab’s Shaila Forman battled back from injury to close her high school career with another LHSAA title and was selected as the Outstanding Player on the girls team. Forman missed her junior season with an ACL injury but pushed through recovery in time for her senior season and led the Kittens to their third LHSAA championship in four seasons. Forman, a Lamar University signee, averaged 22 points, five rebounds and two assists. The Division IV Select title-game MVP scored 24 points in the final as Southern Lab beat Cedar Creek 67-57.
NSU outfielder Balin Valentine, celebrating one of his four home runs last week, was named Southland Conference Hitter of the Week on Monday. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)
LAFAYETTE – The second of four sets of double midweek games for the Northwestern State baseball team begins tonight, and it stands alone in that quartet.
The Demons start their only set of back-to-back, midweek road games at 6 p.m. this evening when they face UL Lafayette at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field. The two-game road swing then carries Northwestern to Tulane for a 6:30 p.m. Wednesday matchup.
Both games will air on ESPN+ with free streaming audio available on www.NSUDemons.com and through the Northwestern State Athletics mobile app, which can be downloaded free for both Apple and Android devices.
“In addition to being another opportunity to play baseball, it also comes with the idea you get to play two storied programs and two programs we have the utmost respect for,” second-year NSU coach Chris Bertrand said. “They’re going to challenge us in a much different way. We’re looking forward to learning those lessons and everything a trip like this brings to challenging ourselves and to learning a lot more about another phase in our growth and development as a baseball team.”
The Demons (18-9) will carry plenty of momentum with them for the midweek road swing.
Northwestern capped a 4-0 homestand with a three-game sweep of Nicholls this past weekend. That followed a 5-2 road trip to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Grambling and New Orleans. The Demons have won 14 of their last 16 games overall, and five straight.
To start the road trip, the Ragin’ Cajuns (14-15) will present a unique challenge to the Demon pitching staff and defense. Sixth-year Cajun head coach Matt Deggs’ offense has a reputation for blending speed and power with the ability to play small ball as well.
“Their brand of baseball makes you be prepared for everything offensively,” Bertrand said. “Your pitchers have to be able to hold runners and control the running game. You have to control the bunt game in a very special way against what they bring to the table.”
The Cajuns average 5.5 runs per game and have swiped 48 bases in 29 games. The Demon offense has bettered those numbers, averaging 7.6 runs per game while swiping 61 bases.
In the second game of the road trip, Northwestern meets Tulane (17-11 entering today’s game against Southern Miss) for the first time since splitting a two-game series in New Orleans on March 5-6, 2013.
Northwestern’s offense features the reigning Southland Conference Hitter of the Week, senior outfielder Balin Valentine, who earned his second such career honor Monday. Valentine batted .357 with four home runs and 10 RBIs as the Demons went 4-0 this past week.
The Demons will be at home this weekend in a three-game SLC series against UT-Rio Grande Valley at Brown-Stroud Field.
Blaine McCorkle opens his second spring practice as Northwestern’s head football coach this afternoon. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)
A year ago, Blaine McCorkle’s focus for spring football was as much on learning his team as having his team learn a playbook.
As Northwestern State opens its 2025 spring practice at 3:45 p.m. today, McCorkle has a much better handle on his roster and vice versa.
“They know us, and we know them,” McCorkle said. “They know what to expect. It will look and sound a whole lot different than it did last year, and our staff is excited about that. I think our players are excited about it, too. We’re ready to go.”
McCorkle put an emphasis on the looking different part of his second Demon squad.
His decision to start spring practice in April was influenced by not only when the school’s spring break was scheduled but also by the work done by director of strength and conditioning Jason Smelser.
“Day one, one thing I’m excited about seeing is our bodies out there,” McCorkle said. “What we’ve done in the weight room with coach Smelser is phenomenal – maybe as big a numerical and statistical improvements as I’ve ever seen. We’re up close to 70 pounds per man on the squat. Our average body is bigger. There are a million numbers I can go through right now of how we’ve improved our bodies, our strength, our speed, our explosion, so I’m excited to see what the bodies look like and how that maintains throughout the spring.”
With Northwestern’s spring break this past week, McCorkle’s second Demon squad will go through an uninterrupted workout schedule that will conclude with the April 26 Joe Delaney Bowl spring game.
During that time, McCorkle and his staff will be able to fold in nine midyear enrollees with the returning players from the previous season.
“They’ve all had a really, really good winter,” McCorkle said of the newcomers. “We’re bringing them in here to make an impact. You don’t bring transfers in to sit the bench and back people up. We’re expecting them to show up ready to work. They’re going to have to compete and earn everything they get, but we’re excited about what we’ve seen those guys do this winter. It’s a good mix on the offensive and defensive side of the ball who can come in here and get to work in a hurry.”
Those newcomers will get a taste of McCorkle’s vision for the Demon program, one that continues to come into focus.
“The longer you’re in a program, the expectations and standards constantly go up,” McCorkle said. “That’s one thing we tell our players. Last year was such a culture shock for a lot of these kids, because what we did was so drastically different than what they were used to in terms of expectations and standards and style of play that it shocked their system. The longer we go, the harder it’s going to get. What we’re trying to do is brutally hard, and there’s nothing easy about that. Last year was probably the easiest spring practice they will experience.”
Andrew Thomas Balthazar, a dedicated and hard-working individual, passed away peacefully at his residence on Old River on March 27, 2025, at the age of 86. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final moments. Born on November 28, 1938, at his home place in Melrose, Louisiana, Andrew lived a life rich with love and commitment.
For over 35 years, Andrew devoted his professional life to Tennessee Gas Pipeline, retiring as a supervisor. Outside of work, Andrew was known for his sharp dressing style, always meticulously starched and topped-off with a cowboy hat, showcasing his attention to detail in all aspects of life. Andrew was a long-time parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church and was actively involved with The Holy Name Society, reflecting his deep faith and commitment to his Lord. He found great joy in listening to country music, dancing and spending Sundays on the porch of the house he was raised in with family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia Raggio Balthazar; daughters Velma McKinney and Jamie Renee Balthazar; sons Andrew Balthazar, Jr. (Kathy), Darryl Balthazar (Valerie), and Keith Balthazar (Lori). Andrew was a proud Papa to Kendrick, Andrea (Marshall), Brandy (Antonio), Ashlyn (Antonio), Connor, Rob, Carson, Blayklee, Courtney (Corey), and Chelsea (Ricardo) and great-children Kendrick Jr., Kenli, Nora, Maya, Arabella, Olivia, Jeremiah, Violet, Halle, Jacob, Landon and a baby boy arriving in July. His legacy continues through his siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom hold dear the memories made and laughs shared with “Uncle Drew.” And a special friend who was more than a caregiver, Melva Mitchell, who spent countless hours caring for and praying with her “Buddy.”
Andrew is preceded in death by his parents, JB Balthazar and Cecilia Metoyer Balthazar; an infant son, Myron Balthazar; and siblings Helen Rachal, James Balthazar, and Cleo Balthazar.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home located at 848 Keyser Ave, Natchitoches, LA 71457. A tribute service will be held at 6:30 PM followed by a 7 PM Rosary Service in the funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM with Rev. William “Bill” Gearheard serving as celebrant, followed by entombment at St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery Mausoleum, Isle Brevelle, LA. A repass will follow the service at St. Augustine Catholic Church Hall.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers include: Jerry Jones, Jr. ,Nathan Jones, James Raggio,Jr., Kerry Raggio, Dean Abraham, and Tommy Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Dudley Conant, Dan Roque and Eric Balthazar.
The family would like to recognize the following for their exceptional care of Andrew- Dr. Barnum, Dr. Matta, Lagniappe Home Health, Hospice of Natchitoches, the nurses and staff at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and NRMC Wound Clinic. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.
Andrew Balthazar’s life was marked by love and dedication to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and cherished memories that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
ALEXANDRIA – The Louisiana State University of Alexandria College of Business released its March 2025 issue of the Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard, highlighting both growth and challenges across employment, consumer spending, housing, travel, and new business sectors.
Randall Dupont with the LSUA College of Business and author of the Dashboard noted that the data reflects a region navigating post-holiday adjustments while showing resilience in key areas. “Central Louisiana’s economy continues to display a mix of strengths and hurdles, with some sectors rebounding while others face ongoing pressures,” Dupont said.
In January 2025, the Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) maintained a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, ranking third among Louisiana MSAs, with 60,332 employed out of a labor force of 62,828. However, Natchitoches Parish saw a significant decline, with employment dropping to 13,371, down 18.3% from January 2024, and its unemployment rate rising to 5.6%. Rapides Parish improved, with its unemployment rate falling to 3.9% from 4.1% a year ago, while Vernon Parish’s rate increased to 6.3% from 5.8%. Statewide, initial unemployment claims in February 2025 rose 16% year-over-year to 1,649, signaling potential job separations, though continued claims dropped 7% month-over-month to 11,891.
Consumer spending, as measured by sales tax revenue, showed a post-holiday slowdown, with sales tax revenue declining 13% to 31% across all jurisdictions in February 2025, reflecting January activity. Despite this, year-over-year growth was observed in Grant (12%), Natchitoches (8%), and Rapides (3%). Vehicle sales tax revenue in Rapides surged 29%, while online sales tax revenue in Central Louisiana fell 29% month-over-month to $2,252,131 but rose 13% year-over-year. “The decline in consumer spending is expected after the holidays, but the annual growth in online sales highlights a shift in purchasing behavior,” Dupont said.
The housing market saw modest relief as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.67% in March, from 6.85% in December 2024. However, Louisiana’s non-current mortgage loan rate rose to 8.6%, the highest in the nation. Active listings of homes for sale in Leesville increased 20.8% year-over-year to 128, while Alexandria and Opelousas saw declines of 6.6% and 10.2%, respectively. Median days on market rose across all MSAs, with Leesville up 22.4% to 93 days. Median listing prices in Alexandria grew 3.5% to $237,000, while Opelousas dropped 12.0% to $174,375.
Travel indicators were mixed. Gulf Coast gasoline prices fell 7% year-over-year, but hotel occupancy tax revenue varied: Rapides rose 24.3% year-over-year, while Natchitoches declined 16.8%.
New business applications in Louisiana rebounded with a 15% year-over-year increase in February 2025, but Rapides Parish saw an 18.5% decline in new business establishments to 22 for the month. Gaming revenue reached $268.7 million, up 3.5% year-over-year, driven by land-based (28.8%) and riverboat (4.7%) growth. Sports wagers written rose 39% year-over-year.
The Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard, a service of the LSUA College of Business, helps leaders monitor regional economic trends. View the full March 2025 issue below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2024
Written by Randall Dupont, Ph.D. | LSUA College of Business Image credit – LSUA Strategic Communications
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to a two-vehicle crash on March 30 around 8:30 pm involving a commercial vehicle and a passenger car on Louisiana Highway 6 just west of Clarence. The incident resulted in one non-life-threatening injury. The roadway was temporarily blocked, causing delays for travelers in the area. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes during the closure.
Northwestern pitcher Trent Hillen allowed only one unearned run in 7 1-3 innings of a 6-2 win against Nicholls on Sunday. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)
The way Trent Hillen was pitching for Northwestern State on Sunday afternoon, he didn’t need much offensive support.
Balin Valentine was more than happy to provide what was needed and then some.
Valentine capped his weeklong power surge with his first career multi-home run game to back Hillen’s strong start as Northwestern capped a three-game Southland Conference sweep of Nicholls with a 6-2 win at Brown-Stroud Field.
“It’s felt great,” said Valentine, who homered four times in four games this week. “It’s easy to ride the wave of playing good ball. We’re all playing good baseball right now. We’re hitting it great. We’re pitching it great. We’re making opposing pitchers work.”
The Demons (18-9 overall, 10-5 and fourth in the 12-team Southland Conference) took both sides of a Saturday doubleheader, 9-4 and 9-5, after Friday’s scheduled opening game was postponed by bad weather.
Northwestern stretched its winning streak to five. The Demons have won 14 of their last 16.
While Valentine delivered his second straight four-RBI game Sunday afternoon against the Colonels (11-18, 5-10), it was Daniel Burroway who came through and delivered the first big swing of the day.
Burroway snapped a scoreless tie with a two-run single in the fourth inning that sent the Demons off and running to their 13th straight home victory.
“Anytime your pitching staff puts up eight zeroes on a Sunday, you have a chance to do it,” second-year NSU coach Chris Bertrand said. “We got enough. Three big swings – two big swings from Balin Valentine and a big one from Burr. The defense picked it up whenever we needed them to. The biggest thing you take away from the weekend is we won those three games in three different ways. They unfolded in three different ways, which is the mark of a great team.”
Hillen (4-1) bounced back from a tough start at New Orleans, which was marred by a tough sixth inning, to spin 7 1-3 innings of one-run ball with the one run being unearned.
A junior right-hander who began his career at Nicholls, Hillen held his former team scoreless until the eighth inning, giving his offense ample time to supply the backup he needed.
While Hillen kept his old team off-balance, Valentine continued to torment the Colonels.
After blasting a three-run home run in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Valentine repeated the feat in the fifth inning Saturday, ambushing the first pitch he saw to bust open a two-run game.
Valentine’s solo home run in the seventh inning gave him the first multi-homer game for a Demon hitter since Gray Rowlett did so against UIW on April 22, 2023. In six career games against Nicholls, Valentine has five home runs and 17 RBIs.
“Special talent and a special person,” Bertrand said. “He’s still coming into his own. With the offseason surgery, we knew it was going to take a multitude of at-bats. We just didn’t know how many. When you mix somebody with his talent and someone with his explosiveness and fast-twitchiness and you take it to where he battles and grinds and gets his body back, you get about 60 at-bats under your belt, that’s what he’s capable of doing.
“What you’re finally seeing is hard work pay off, but also a great approach mixed with his talent. I’m glad he’s in our dugout.”
The Demons return to action Tuesday night when they open a two-game, midweek road trip at UL Lafayette. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. from M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field.
After a Wednesday game at Tulane, NSU is home for another SLC series against Texas-Rio Grande Valley, the league’s second-place team, beginning on Friday evening.
Riley Schwisow (8) and teammates celebrate one of three NSU home runs in an 8-7 softball win at East Texas A&M. (Photo courtesy East Texas A&M Athletics)
COMMERCE, Texas – The young Northwestern State softball team powered through, in more ways than one, on Saturday to pick up its first Southland Conference win of the season, 8-7 at East Texas A&M.
After a pair of agonizing one-run losses on Friday, the Demons (4-30, 1-11) set an early tone with a double and home run to take a 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Demons slugged three long balls and three doubles in the game, needing each one to hold off the Lions (9-26, 5-7) in the late stages for the win.
NSU put the frustration of Friday’s results behind the right away by taking an early lead and doing so with authority.
Sophia Livers drew her first walk of the day to start the game and came in to score two batter later on DJ Lynch’s first of two doubles in the game. Lynch was able to jog home two batters later on Riley Schwisow’s third home run of the season staking NSU to the early 3-0 lead.
Lynch helped stretch the Demon lead to five in the top of the third. Daniel launched a two-run home run to left as NSU opened a 6-1 lead.
“(Assistant coach) Brad (Fuller) and I have talked about how a lot of the times we are getting singles and how we needed to get more extra base hits this weekend,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “We were able to do that today. We hit some out. Hit some to the wall. That felt really good to see.”
A pair of solo home runs in the bottom of the third inning from the Lions cut the Demon lead down to 6-3 and a three-run home run in the fifth made it a one run game in the fifth at 7-6.
Brynn Daniel provided the eventual game-winning run in the seventh by launching her second home run of the game, and third of the weekend, on the second pitch she saw for an 8-6 lead. She is the first Demons since Kat Marshall in 2022 to hit two home runs in a game.
The solo shot provided enough insurance for the Demons to endure a one-out sacrifice fly that made it an 8-7 game. Reliever Grace Ann McDonald got the next batter out on a chopper back to her in the circle to secure the win and her first career save.
“It was huge for us to put up a three spot in the first inning,” Fuller said. “Whenever you do that it sets the tone for the rest of the game. That gave us momentum without a doubt.
“And we’re still just trying to trust the process and understanding that eventually those one-run games are going to go our way. It’s continuing to fight, be gritty, bear down and be at your best when your best is needed,” she said.
TRACK AND FIELD: With some competitors in Austin at the Texas Relays and most of the squad in San Marcos at the Bobcat Invitational Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Northwestern men and women had a slate of personal bests and season best marks, again headlined by senior sprinter Maygan Shaw.
While she has owned the 400-meter dash in her NSU career, Shaw proved she is not too shabby at the 200-meter dash either. She ran a personal-best 23.42 to win the event at the Bobcat Invitational.
She was one of four NSU athletes to post a top-five finish during a successful second day at the Bobcat Invitational and Texas Relays on Friday. Randy Kelly, Roy Morris and Ryah Dates all posted top-five finishes.
Dynia Lewis, Sileena Farrell, Tavis Wilson and Elijah Rowe all posted personal best sprint times on the third and final day at Texas State.
“It was a pretty good day,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “We did some things well and didn’t in some the spots. We will learn and move forward.”
NSU next competes at ULM, then hosts the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational April 11-12.
Natchitoches Parish voters were in the same accord as the rest of the state of Louisiana as they resoundingly said NO to the four proposed constitutional amendments that were being proposed on Saturday, March 29th.
According to the GeauxVote.com portal of the Louisiana Secretary of State Office, roughly 21% of voters registered in Natchitoches Parish went to the polls with the final tabulations from all 50 precincts reporting being…..
CA No. 1 (ACT No. 2, 2024-3ES – SB 1) – To provide for disciplinary proceedings over attorneys and to create courts of limited jurisdiction Yes – 1,910 (39%) No – 2,959 (61%)
CA No. 2 (ACT No. 1, 2024-3ES – HB 7) – To provide with respect to the power of taxation including limitations thereon Yes – 1,943 (40%) No – 2,911 (60%)
CA No. 3 (ACT No. 3, 2024-3ES – SB 2) – To provide relative to crimes committed by juveniles and to special juvenile proceedings Yes – 1,821 (38%) No – 3,024 (62%)
CA No. 4 (ACT No. 4, 2024-3ES – SB 5) — To provide for election dates for newly-created judgeships or vacancies in office of judge Yes – 1,938 (40%) No – 2,902 (60%)
