Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to a possible heat-related medical emergency on July 21 around 2:25 pm in the 2100 block of Harmony Road near Provencal after being dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
According to 911 records, the caller advised communications specialists that a 52-year-old woman had been outside cutting grass. After going back inside the residence, she apparently lost consciousness and passed out.
EMS personnel evaluated the patient at the scene before transporting her to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for treatment.
With dangerously high temperatures and heat index values affecting our area, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Temperature at Time of Call: 96-degrees with heat index at or near 108-degrees.
Heat Safety Tips:
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after working outdoors.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned area.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, generally between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors.
• Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and fainting.
• If symptoms occur, move to a cool place, drink water, loosen clothing, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or the person becomes unconscious.
• Check frequently on elderly family members, young children, and anyone with medical conditions during periods of extreme heat.
• Never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to use caution during periods of extreme heat. Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and know the signs of heat-related illness. If you believe someone is experiencing a heat-related emergency, call 911 immediately.
Eight Natchitoches residents were recognized on July 21 at the graduation ceremony of the inaugural Natchitoches Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy. Recognized were Eliza Behrendsen, Latorria Freeman, Tabatha Lee, Samuel Madison, Robert McKay, Kristen Paul, Schrita Roberson and Yolanda Wysingle.
The students attended a weekly class for two months during which they were exposed to hands on learning in every aspect of the police department’s operations from 911 operators to lessons on illegal drugs conducted by a DEA representative. The students also fired weapons and participated in simulated traffic stops and other high stress activities. Two of the students took the training to the next level, volunteering to be Tazed, something that every police officer must experience in training.
The Natchitoches Police Department Citizen’s Academy is designed to increase trust, communication, and understanding between the police and the citizens they serve. The next Citizen’s Academy will start in a few weeks and is open to any interested citizen of the city. Details may be found on the Natchitoches Police Department Facebook page or website.
The intersection of Old Robeline Road, Hedges Street and Lake Street was closed Tuesday morning so the City of Natchitoches Utility Department can complete repairs in the area. The closure began at 8 a.m. and will remain in place until repairs have been completed.
Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and exercise caution when traveling in the area. For more information, contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.
Hot summer weather will continue across Natchitoches Parish through early next week, with afternoon high temperatures remaining in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values climbing as high as 111 degrees on Wednesday.
Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 90s. North winds will range from 5 to 10 mph, and the afternoon heat index could reach 111 degrees. Overnight, skies will remain mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday will be partly cloudy with highs in the mid 90s. A slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is expected, with a 20 percent chance of rain. Northeast winds will be 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph during the morning. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the mid 70s.
Friday will bring another hot day with highs in the mid 90s. Partly cloudy skies and a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected, with a 20 percent chance of rain. Overnight lows will remain in the mid 70s under partly cloudy skies.
Saturday’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid 90s and another slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances remain at 20 percent. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s.
Sunday will be mostly sunny and hot with highs in the mid 90s. Sunday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s.
The hot pattern will continue into Monday with mostly sunny skies and highs reaching the upper 90s.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses as dangerous heat continues across the parish.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing meals that require little time in the kitchen. Cucumber spread sandwiches are an easy, no-cook option that makes a delicious lunch, snack, or appetizer for family gatherings and tea parties.
Cucumbers are an excellent way to stay hydrated during the hot Louisiana summer because they are made up of about 95% water. They also provide vitamin K and add a crisp, refreshing crunch to meals. Pairing cucumbers with protein-rich cream cheese creates a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For extra fiber and nutrients, choose whole-grain bread.
Cucumber Spread Sandwiches
Ingredients
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
Pat the chopped cucumber dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Fold in the cucumber until evenly mixed.
Spread the mixture onto four slices of bread and top with the remaining slices.
Trim crusts if desired and cut into halves, triangles, or bite-sized squares.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Tip: Add thin slices of tomatoes or fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor and nutrients. Serve with fresh fruit and water or unsweetened tea for a refreshing summer meal.
Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter in DeSoto, Sabine, and Natchitoches Parishes. A certified educator for over 20 years, she provides research-based programs to help families make healthy food choices and stay active. For program requests or questions, contact her at 318-872-0533, estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu, or on Facebook at LSU AgCenter DeSoto, Sabine, & Natchitoches Nutrition & Community Health. The LSU AgCenter provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Additional information: www.lsuagcenter.com/eeo
Northwestern State University earned multiple top-five rankings in Louisiana in Niche’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, including No. 1 for Best Colleges for Nursing and No. 1 for Best College Dorms.
Niche also ranked NSU among Louisiana’s top five for Best College Campuses, Colleges with the Best Student Life and Best College Locations.
Niche develops its annual rankings through an analysis of statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of student and alumni reviews. The rankings evaluate academics, value, campus life, student experience and other factors.
The annual rankings compare colleges and universities across the country using publicly available data and student feedback to help prospective students evaluate higher education institutions.
For more information about NSU, visit nsula.edu. Visit niche.com to view NSU’s 2026 Niche rankings.
Meeting gets heated between current and former Riverdale administrators
Things Got Heated at Riverdale Academy… But Not for the Reason You Think
Things got a little heated at a recent meeting at Riverdale Academy between current administrator Dr. Hunter Brown and former administrator Mr. Danny Rester, along with his wife, retired Caddo Parish school teacher Mrs. Valinda Rester.
But what would you expect? It was nearly 100 degrees outside, and no one had turned on the air conditioner in the teachers’ lounge before the meeting!
The good news? Once the room cooled down, everyone was all smiles.
In fact, we’re excited to announce that the Resters have officially joined the Riverdale Academy family for the upcoming school year. Mr. Rester will serve as our high school science and fine arts teacher, while Mrs. Rester will teach middle school English Language Arts, social studies, and health.
With their welcome addition, every Riverdale Academy faculty position has been filled, and we are looking forward to an outstanding school year.
Riverdale Academy is proud to be accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education, the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools, and Cognia, reflecting our commitment to providing a quality education in a nurturing environment.
For more than 50 years, Riverdale Academy has welcomed students from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. Our student body has included Vietnamese Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Indian Americans, Caucasian Americans, and families representing Christian, Muslim, and Hindu faiths.
But here’s what matters most:
Our teachers don’t teach labels. They teach people.
Every student who walks through our doors is valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach his or her full potential.
As a small school, we believe one of our greatest strengths is the ability to know our students personally while continually expanding opportunities for them to grow. Along with a strong traditional academic program, students have opportunities to participate in:
Basketball
Softball
Football
Baseball
Golf
Track and field
Tennis
Fishing
Cross-country
Students can also become involved in:
Quiz Bowl
Chess
Robotics
4-H
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Beta Club
And we’re not finished yet. We are continually exploring new programs, activities, and opportunities to help our students discover their interests, develop their talents, and prepare for the future.
If you’re looking for a school where students are known by name, challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you.
For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact Dr. Hunter Brown at hbrown@riverdaleacademy.org or Mrs. Stacy Greer at sgreer@riverdaleacademy.org.
You can also visit www.riverdaleacademy.org or follow Riverdale Academy on Facebook to learn more about what makes our school a special place to learn, grow, and belong.
At Riverdale Academy, we don’t just educate students—we invest in people.
Riverdale Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin.
Northwestern running back Myion Hicks (left), head football coach Blaine McCorkle (center) and linebacker Danny Sears pose on stage at the Southland Conference Opening Drive event Tuesday in Houston. (NSU photo by JASON PUGH)
As Northwestern State’s contingent went through the paces at Tuesday’s Southland Conference Opening Drivefootball media event, it was clear the trio representing the Demons were comfortable.
That itself is fitting as the program enters its third season under head coach Blaine McCorkle.
“We’ve had a lot of birthdays since we last played,” McCorkle said. “We are a year older. The majority of our team is back. One of the things I’m the most proud of in our program in the first three years – two years in a row – we’ve had the fewest and second-fewest players going into the (transfer) portal from the Southland Conference. We had the fewest in our first year, and we were second last year. Southeastern had 11, and we had 13.”
McCorkle was joined by graduate running back Myion Hicks and graduate linebacker Danny Sears during the two-day event at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
Both Sears and Hicks were voted team captains by their teammates with Sears earning the honor for the second straight year.
“It means everything,” said Sears, who started all 12 games a season ago and ranked fourth on the team with 52 tackles. “I have my teammates’ trust, and I know I can’t let them down being captain, and I won’t. Whether that comes from holding them accountable or them holding me accountable, I’ll put my hand up and say, ‘That’s on me.’”
Hicks enters his second season with the Demons after his first full offseason with the program.
A graduate transfer from Furman a season ago, Hicks led Northwestern in rushing with 311 yards a season ago. In addition to focusing on becoming a more well-rounded back, Hicks reiterated the importance of being named a team captain.
“It’s an honor, but being a captain is not just a title, it’s a responsibility,” Hicks said. “It comes with the way you carry yourself, hold yourself to a standard, hold the guys and the rest of the team to a standard. It’s not just something to take lightly. Danny and I are really honored to be captains, and we’re going to hold our guys to the accountability we feel they should have.”
While Tuesday’s event was a chance for the pair to step a little bit out of their comfort zone, it also brought a little more realism to the 2026 season, which begins Aug. 27 with a home matchup against Louisiana Christian.
“It’s always a fun thing to come to, to see the other players and coaches from the other schools,” McCorkle said. “You know it’s getting close. When the (Southland) commissioner (Chris Grant) got up a little while ago to kick it off, he said, ‘Happy New Year.’ That’s what it is in our world – this is when the year starts. It’s an exciting time, and it will be here before you know it.”
If I have learned nothing else over my many years of tournament bass fishing, it’s the fact that it’s a young man’s sport. Being young has its privileges, especially when it comes to energy levels and mobility. At the age of 65, I no longer hop around the boat like a rat on crack.
Now I’m a little more cautious in making sure I don’t hang a toe getting up on the front deck of my Caymas boat. I’m just trying to maintain my balance and make sure that I don’t fall in the lake!
I’ve also noticed that the older I have gotten, the further it seems to be from the driver’s seat console to the front of my boat. Just putting the trolling motor in the water also requires a little more energy now, even with high-tech lift-assist-systems that trolling motors have today.
Even tying on a new lure can be a challenge as I need my reading glasses just to see what I’m doing. Threading fishing line through the eye of a hook requires skill that used to be automatic; now it’s an adventure and a test of my patience!
One aspect that today’s young anglers seem to do a better job of is covering water and fishing as many places as they can in a day’s time. Older guys tend to stay in one area longer and fish it thoroughly just because we don’t want to take the time or exert the energy to move.
I have also noticed the younger generation of today are not very likely to offer much help for the older guys who might be launching their boats by themselves.
This was something I was always conscious of during my younger days. If I saw an older gentleman trying to launch his boat by himself, I always offered a helping hand. I think it’s just the way my generation was raised, to always be looking out for the elderly.
Even today, and now that I’m the older guy at the ramp, I’ll still offer ANY angler assistance. It’s just good manners.
In today’s tournament world, I find myself trying to stay in better shape just so I can compete with these young guns. To compete on any tournament trail, you must spend time on the water.
A good angler will practice 8-10 hours a day in the boat trying to locate as many schools of bass as he can. It’s not uncommon for the really good anglers to practice from sunup to sundown. Again, nothing will make you a better angler than time on the water!
These are the anglers who will not only cash more checks but will also be holding up the trophy at the end of the tournament. You cannot compete in today’s bass fishing world by taking shortcuts or only fishing for a few hours a day, no matter how good you think you are.
Another issue at my age is that some days, fishing is literally a grind and a test of your patience. The bass don’t always bite all day long and there are only a few small windows of opportunity where the bass will feed. If you’re not on the water, you will miss those opportunities.
There will be some days that you will ask yourself, “Why am I out here?” But these are the days that will separate the good anglers from the average ones. The good anglers will stay on the lake and make every attempt to figure out how to make the fish bite.
This is called persistence and determination, which can go a long way in having tournament success. It’s also called focus, which I find is a lot harder to maintain as I’ve gotten older. Focus ensures that you don’t miss those windows of opportunity when you get that unexpected bite.
One thing that has not changed, even at the age of 65, is my desire to compete. I’m still that same competitive soul who gets so much joy in a high finish and beating the younger generation. We’ve all heard, age is just a number. That’s true until you reach what you think is that age …then reality sets in.
Rotarian John Richmond welcomed Chris Ferguson of Flying Heart Brewing to the Rotary Club meeting on July 21.
Ferguson shared how the company got its start and spoke about why he enjoys Flying Heart Brewing and the people he meets there.
He also highlighted activities held throughout the week, including Trivia Night, Music Bingo, Tankard Special, NSU 20% Off Night, and Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Pictured are Rotary President Josh Manuel, Chris Ferguson and John Richmond. (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride.)
Sue Mathis Shaw Service: Friday at 11:30 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Dr. Roy Allen Cook, M.D. NOVEMBER 1, 1929 – JULY 18, 2026 Visitation: 4 pm until 7 pm on Friday, July 24th at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Service: 10 am on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Burial: will follow at Russell Cemetery.
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
The intersection of Old Robeline Road, Hedges Street and Lake Street was closed Tuesday morning so the City of Natchitoches Utility Department can complete repairs in the area. The closure began at 8 a.m. and will remain in place until repairs have been completed.
Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and exercise caution when traveling in the area. For more information, contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.
A multi-agency response was conducted after a dirt bike crash with injuries in the Kisatchie National Forest near the Lotus Camp area, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 6 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #4, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 with its Emergency Response UTV, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded after being dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center.
Emergency responders located the dirt bike operator suffering from injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
Due to the remote location of the crash, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 utilized its Emergency Response UTV to safely access the scene and extricate the injured rider from the wooded trail to an awaiting EMS unit.
Deputies said a 26-year-old Silsbee, Texas man and a friend were riding dirt bikes on a trail in the Lotus Camp area when the operator apparently lost control of his dirt bike, causing him to be ejected.
The second rider immediately contacted 911 to request emergency assistance.
The injured rider, who was wearing a DOT-approved safety helmet at the time of the crash, was transported by EMS to a regional trauma center for treatment.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #4, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 and personnel operating the Emergency Response UTV for their rapid response and assistance in safely removing the patient from the remote wooded area.
The Sheriff’s Office reminded off-road vehicle operators to wear appropriate safety gear, ride within their skill level and never ride alone whenever possible. Riders were also encouraged to carry a charged cell phone or emergency communication device when riding in remote areas where emergency access may be limited.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended all responding agencies for their professionalism, teamwork and commitment to providing emergency assistance in challenging terrain.
Deputy A. Middleton responded on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
A single-vehicle crash on La. Hwy 494 near Vienna Bend resulted in minor injuries Tuesday evening, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 6:31 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 1300 block of La. Hwy 494 after reports of the crash.
Witnesses reported observing a female crawling out of the vehicle window. Deputies arrived on scene and found one person suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.
The injured person was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for treatment and was later transferred to a regional trauma center for further evaluation and treatment.
Traffic was reduced to one lane while the scene remained active. Both lanes were later reopened.
Deputy J. Severance and Deputy Sgt. C. Crow responded to the scene on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Over the past three months, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) has continued its aggressive enforcement efforts targeting the distribution and trafficking of illegal narcotics throughout Natchitoches Parish.
During this period, DEU agents arrested 62 individuals on charges ranging from active warrants to serious felony offenses. Through proactive investigations and enforcement operations, agents also seized:
10 illegally possessed firearms
Approximately 43 pounds of high-grade marijuana
13 grams of methamphetamine
3 grams of cocaine
1 gram of heroin
35 ecstasy tablets
1 gram of fentanyl
Additional misdemeanor quantities of synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia
These enforcement efforts reflect the continued commitment of the NPSO Drug Enforcement Unit to identifying, investigating, and apprehending those responsible for trafficking illicit narcotics and contributing to criminal activity within our parish.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to protecting our communities through proactive enforcement, strong partnerships, and a relentless commitment to public safety.
If you observe suspicious activity in your community contact the NPSO at 318-357-7851.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board held its third annual Back to School Expo at NSU’s Prather Coliseum on Monday, July 20. Over 1,500 students and their families came to the event to meet their teachers and principals, learn what resources the district and community offer and to have fun. Over 50 booths ranging from the parish’s schools, specialized services the school board offers, the Natchitoches sheriff’s office, police and fire departments, as well as local nonprofits and businesses were on hand to educate parents and families about the school district and larger community.
The police department’s McGruff the Crime Dog was on hand as were teachers in movie themed costumes. The fire department brought plenty of their Alf the Alligator fire safety coloring books for the youngsters to enjoy. The ladies of NCHS Cheer, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta and Zeta Phi Beta Amicae passed out free backpacks and boxes of school supplies.
The 2026 Back to School Expo was an unqualified success. The attendees were able to meet their child’s principal, some of his or her teachers, learn about the various services offered by the district and state as well as win some really nice prizes. The expo was a wonderful way to prepare for the upcoming school year!
