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What starts as one streaming service and a free trial can quickly become a monthly budget line item of its own. As subscription-based services continue to multiply, consumers everywhere are discovering that convenience often comes with a recurring charge attached.
This week I’m celebrating fifty two years as a licensed driver. Like most men, I naturally assume I’m a superior driver. The truth is I’m just competent enough not to injure myself or innocent pedestrians. I also spend far too much time reading bumper stickers and watching what other drivers are doing while they’re supposed to be driving. Once upon a time I could read a bumper sticker from a safe distance. Now, if I want to read your bumper, I have to tailgate you. I won’t comment on the silly things you’re doing behind the wheel, but I am working on a book.
Recently I was driving a loaner while my car was being serviced—a luxury model from a certain company that apparently believes drivers need more buttons than a NASA vehicle. It was keyless, of course. To start it, you put your foot on the brake and push a button. I’m used to that with my hybrid. But this wasn’t a hybrid. This was an old-fashioned internal combustion engine, the kind that used to require a little finesse and a lot of prayer.
My grandfather turned me loose behind the wheel about three years before the State of Alabama thought it was a good idea. I learned on what we called the “lonesome road”—a gravel stretch with only one real hazard: the creek running alongside it. Where I grew up, a bayou was a creek, and a creek was something you didn’t want to drive into. The only traffic on that road consisted of grandparents giving driving lessons and children learning how to scare them.
Most of my self-taught Drivers-Ed happened in a 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe. You didn’t so much drive that car as point it in the general direction you hoped to go. Its only luxury was an AM radio. It had a starter button too—but starting that car on a cold morning was a full-body athletic event. You turned the key, depressed the clutch, pushed the starter button, and pumped the gas pedal like you were trying to churn butter. Getting that engine to fire was one of the early rites of male competency.
So imagine my amusement when I started the loaner car with a gentle tap of a button. No pumping the gas. No choke. No carburetor to flood. No vapor lock. If automakers are going to bring back push-button starters, they could at least bring back some of the drama. Cars have changed a lot in fifty-two years. Sometimes I feel like I’m not keeping up. When the service manager asked if I wanted a tutorial on all the features, I said, “I would rather not.”
And that’s when it hit me.
There are times I feel like I’m not keeping up with Jesus either. He asks me to go and do, and I would rather not. He asks me to love and forgive, and I would rather not. He asks me to look honestly at my life, and I would rather not. Sometimes the hardest thing to face is the mirror, and I would rather not.
Preachers feel it too. Some Sundays we leap out of bed ready to preach the love of God. Other Sundays we pull the covers over our head and think about calling in sick to ourselves. On those mornings, “I would rather not” feels like a full liturgy.
And you know what? Jesus understands. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the cross, He prayed a prayer that sounds an awful lot like “I would rather not.” But He went anyway. For you. For me.
So this Sunday, when you wake up and think about church and feel that tug of “I would rather not,” know this: you’re in good company. Preachers feel it. Jesus felt it. But blessings live on the other side of pushing past it.
How about it.
Whether you combine finances or keep things separate, one thing matters most—having honest, regular conversations about money before it becomes a problem.
See what Ida says
Linda Gail Carter
June 6, 2026
Service: Thursday June 11, 2026 at 11 am at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
Richard Lee Strother
October 4, 1949 — May 9, 2026
Service: June 13, 2026 at 10 am at Blanchard Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
The City of Natchitoches has lifted two boil advisories that were issued following recent water service disruptions.
The first advisory, issued June 5, affected Super 1 Foods, Zippy B’s, Stine Home & Yard, First Federal Bank, The Quad (formerly Frog Pond) and surrounding areas. City officials announced Tuesday that the advisory has been lifted after water samples collected by the Louisiana Department of Health on June 8 were determined to be safe for human consumption and use.
A second boil advisory issued June 4 has also been lifted. That advisory affected Payne Subdivision, Sudbury Subdivision and surrounding areas, including Sudbury Subdivision from Flora Street to Grand Ecore Bridge, McCaa’s Mobile Home Park, Boston Fowler Road, Brickyard Road, Buck’s Grocery Road, Dawn Road, Grand Ecore Spur, Hargis Road, Holden Road, Industrial Avenue, Pridgen Road, Rex Waterwell Road, St. Saviour Church Road, Tauzin Island Road and Clarence.
According to the city, water samples collected June 8 by the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed that the water in the affected areas is safe for human consumption and use.
The City of Natchitoches thanked residents and businesses for their patience during the advisories.
For additional information, residents may contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.
The Natchitoches City Council moved swiftly through a packed agenda during its June 8, 2026 meeting, passing a series of standard annual resolutions, greenlighting critical infrastructure bids, and solidifying a major insurance renewal that brings added cybersecurity protection to the city at a lower cost than last year.
In the opening segment of the meeting, the council presented the Mayor’s Athletic Leadership Award to standout student-athletes from St. Mary’s Catholic School and Natchitoches Central High School. The proclamation honored the students for their “exceptional leadership, dedication, and athletic excellence,” naming them role models both on and off the field.
The council officially declared June 2026 as Rural Farmers Market Month via Resolution 043. The resolution highlights the Natchitoches Farmers Market’s role in providing fresh food access and supporting healthy community initiatives.
The council then moved through a succession of standard annual resolutions to organize the city’s operational calendar and appointments for the next 12 months:
Resolution 034: Fixed the regular City Council meeting times for 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the City Council Chambers (716 2nd Street).
Resolution 035: Set official public meeting times and places for the Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Waterworks District No. 1.
Resolution 036: Reappointed Stacy McQueary as Clerk of the Council.
Resolution 037: Reappointed the firm of Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway & Todtenbier as the city auditor through May 31, 2027.
Resolution 038: Appointed the Bank of Montgomery as the city’s fiscal agent through May 31, 2027.
Resolution 039: Designated the Natchitoches Times as the official legal journal for city print notices.
Resolution 040: Confirmed the reappointment of Alex Washington as City Attorney, alongside Assistant City Attorneys Daniel T. Murchison Jr., Cloyd Benjamin Jr., and Gary Conlay.
Resolution 041 & 042: Approved updated member rosters for the City Planning Commission and the Historic District Commission.
Resolution 044, authorized a risk management casualty package insurance renewal with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC for $573,493. The renewal process yielded excellent terms this year. Not only did the core premium drop, but the city was also able to roll comprehensive cybersecurity insurance into the package while still saving money.
The total package comes out to roughly $2,000 less per year than last year’s premium, even with the added cyber coverage.
The council approved Resolution 045, authorizing the city to advertise and accept sealed electronic bids for a long-awaited hangar door replacement at the Natchitoches Regional Airport.
Addressing the council, airport management explained that this is a second attempt at the project. Bids received approximately a year ago were rejected for coming in too high. The door has since been redesigned to fit budget expectations. The project is entirely funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will cost the city nothing out of pocket. The door belongs to the oldest structure on the airport grounds—the old Northwestern hangar—and its aging track system desperately needs replacement. Bids will be accepted until 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 16.
The report sparked an extended council discussion regarding the city’s inventory of over 60 adjudicated properties accumulated since 2019. Council members expressed frustration over the high costs of maintaining these vacant lots, noting that some property owners mistakenly view the city as a “high-priced lawn service.”
To return these properties to private tax rolls, the city is partnering with ENP Consulting to promote the “Next Door Neighbor Program.” The initiative allows adjacent property owners who have voluntarily maintained a city-adjudicated lot for at least a year to buy the property at a reasonable, appraised rate.
The discussion turned technical as council members questioned whether the city could simply donate these properties to neighbors who have been cutting the grass.
“By state law, any city-owned property has to be sold at a fair market value,” council members clarified, noting that while exceptions exist for donations to select non-profit organizations for public benefits, they cannot simply be given away for residential private use.
However, officials suggested that legal counsel look into an argument regarding the “benefit of the city”—weighing the city’s long-term maintenance costs against the financial upside of returning the properties to the active tax rolls. The council plans to host a future workshop to clarify the legal steps and pricing structures for citizens interested in the program.
The city’s formal bid process for a major clearance grant begins immediately, targeting 15 blighted properties for demolition, with an additional 25 properties lined up for compliance review afterward.
During the director report portion, department heads updated the council on upcoming summer activities and utility challenges:
Water & Recreation- The city has successfully recruited enough lifeguards to move forward with summer swimming lessons, which are slated to begin a week from today. Lessons will cost $25 for an eight-day session. Public open swim fees remain highly affordable at one to two dollars.
On the utility side, crews spent 20 hours last week repairing two major water main breaks caused by utility boring rigs. While upcoming broadband installations have successfully remained aerial without disrupting underground lines, gas company drilling has frequently struck city water assets.
Christmas Festival- Early design layouts have officially begun for the milestone 100th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival. Crews are designing new entrance displays for Highway 6, the traffic circle, and fresh photo-op destinations. This year’s event will feature three drone shows costing $49,500. The Historic District Business Association (HDBA) and the city will split costs, with the HDBA contributing its traditional $25,000 share back to the city to offset public safety and public works labor costs.
Public Works- With heavy seasonal rain accelerating grass growth, Public Works Director Donnell requested that residents help clear and cut ditches on their own properties if capable. Due to a current lack of inmate labor availability, city crews are stretched thin trying to maintain primary roadway fairways while simultaneously servicing residential neighborhoods.
The next scheduled Natchitoches City Council meeting is set for June 22.
City offices will be officially closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The council highlighted a full lineup of events celebrating the Juneteenth Freedom and Unity Heritage Festival:
Juneteenth Parade: Friday, June 19. Lineup starts at 5 p.m., and the parade rolls at 6 p.m. Grand Marshal honors belong to Ms. Felicia Shante Hardison. Organizers are actively seeking additional ride participants and vendors.
Juneteenth Basketball Showdown: Saturday, June 20 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Natchitoches MLK Recreation Center. The event features a “Sheriff vs. Police” celebrity battle, alongside matchups featuring the Northwestern Demons alumni, the 1865 team, and a Natchitoches Central vs. Lakeview alumni showdown.
Jammin’ Juneteenth: Saturday, June 20 from 6-10 p.m. in downtown Natchitoches, featuring live performances by J. Paul and the Zydeco New Breeds.
Looking further ahead into the summer, the city confirmed its America 250 Fourth of July Celebration will take place on the riverbank on Saturday, July 4 from 6-10 p.m., featuring musical guests Trinity Tree and Johnny Earthquake.
The City of Natchitoches will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at City of Natchitoches Council Chambers, 716 Second St. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit the public’s opinion of the effectiveness of the LCDBG Program and activities undertaken by the City of Natchitoches under the Love Louisiana Outdoors Program Richardson Park Project.
The City of Natchitoches invites all interested parties, particularly low to moderate income residents to attend. Accommodations will be made for disabled and non-English speaking persons provided a three (3) day notice is received by the City of Natchitoches. Those residents unable to attend may submit written comments and opinions until June 11, 2026 in writing to:
City of Natchitoches
700 Second St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Attn: Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr.
For more information, contact the Mayor’s office at 318-352-2772.
A Natchitoches man wanted on multiple charges after failing to appear in court in September 2025 on charges including attempted murder, drug offenses, and sex offenses was recently arrested by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies during a traffic stop near Natchitoches, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On Sunday evening, June 7, 2026, at approximately 8:06 p.m., deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling in the Oak Grove area when they observed a Honda ATV (all-terrain vehicle) being operated improperly on a public roadway on La. Highway 504 near Sandra Street.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop and identified the operator as Devonte M. Leon, 29 of Natchitoches.
While speaking with Leon, deputies requested a records check through the NATCOM 911 Center. The inquiry revealed Leon was wanted by the Tenth Judicial District Court in Natchitoches Parish for Failure to Appear in Court in September 2025 on charges including Attempted Second Degree Murder, Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, Possession of CDS I with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and other domestic-related offenses.
Leon was placed under arrest and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on the outstanding warrants.
Deputies reported that while being booked into the detention center, Leon stated that he should have fled from the traffic stop when he had the opportunity.
Leon remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center pending further court proceedings.
Deputies A. Middleton and H. Layfield made the arrest.
The 58th St. Denis Art League Spring Festival Court was formally presented at the annual presentation and Ball on April 25 at the Natchitoches Events Center. On the front row from left are Ella Hardee, Annaliece Romero, Jaycie Creamer, Madison Gorum, Ava Broadway, Brooke Norsworthy, and Morgan Martin. Middle row are Lainey Bennett, Emory Mathews, Addison Price, Jenna Sklar, Jenna Dove, and Elizabeth Meadows. Top row are Brooklyn Smith,Anna Weaver, Jillian Coleman,Caroline Terrell, Audrey Ratliff, Queen Hayden Sellers, King John Ackel, Brinley Cedars, McCall Methvin, Braylee Fredieu, Audrey Matt, and Ehren Guidroz.
Gentlemen: Cameron Ball, Henry Guillet, Jackson Godfrey, Zach Jordan, Jefferson Dunahoe, Joseph Sklar, Jacob Roquemore, Max Wardell, Nick Wright, Max Hines, Matthew Mayeux, Gabriel McCain, Tucker Johnson, and Cameron Brunson.
Ushers: Brinlee Berry, Lilly Boyd, Keely Cade, Ava Ducote, Emme Errington, Avery Evans, Karyssa Griffith, Caroline Johnson, Isabella Lopez, Madelyn Melder, Chloe Methvin, Bailee Mitchell, Evelyn Nicholson, Emmy O’Con, and Madelyn Roquemore.
Local officials and state leaders gathered on June 8 for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting celebrating the completion of a major broadband infrastructure project. Funded by Louisiana’s Gumbo grant program, the newly installed in-ground fiber optic network brings high-speed internet access to 171 homes and 24 small businesses across long-underserved pockets of Natchitoches Parish, including the Clarence and Natchez areas.
Natchitoches City Councilwoman-at-Large Betty Sawyer Smith welcomed attendees, emphasizing that high-speed internet is now mandatory for daily life. District 25 State Representative Jason DeWitt praised the breakneck speed of the buildout, noting that crews laid tens of miles of fiber in near-record time with minimal disruption.
Louisiana’s decisive broadband initiative has positioned the state as a national leader. Officials noted that the journey from the onset of the pandemic in March 2020—which exposed severe digital inequities—to a fully funded, operating state broadband network took just six years.
The arrival of fiber internet provides an immediate boost to the parish economy, enabling remote work, e-commerce, and access to critical services like telehealth and digital pharmaceuticals. Bubba Sessions, representing the governor’s office, stated that closing the rural digital divide remains a primary focus for the administration.
While this specific project is complete, state leaders confirmed that funding is already secured to connect the remaining 1,818 unserved households and businesses across the broader parish. Grant agreements have been finalized with two Louisiana-based companies, Swift Fiber and Pelican Broadband, to close these gaps, with construction already underway in the Natchitoches-Coushatta area.
To mark the completion of the network, telecommunications provider Optimum wrapped up the celebration with a $5,000 corporate investment in local education. A representative for Optimum presented the check to the Natchitoches Parish School District through a partnership with the national non-profit DonorsChoose. The funds will allow individual local teachers to apply for direct grants to purchase classroom materials, headphones, and technology aids.
“I work in 17 states across the country, and everyone looks to Louisiana,” the Optimum representative remarked. “No one is out there moving as fast as this state.”
Following the presentations, the delegation concluded the event by ceremonially cutting a length of fiber optic cable to officially launch the network.
Bet Texas Tech won’t do the right thing and send Sorsby to the NFL
This is what happens when presidents at the blueblood power schools of college sports, and their cagey conference commissioners, shrug their shoulders and look to government and the courts to set the tone.
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby gambled on his sport, and his team (which used to be Indiana, in the 2022 season). Apparently before he was caught by cops, something got him to fess up in April. Admitted he had a problem. Promised to go through therapy, and did. That – and a local judge — was all it took to wipe his slate clean.
Sorsby’s stumbles – not isolated – only cost him whatever, if any, money he dropped. Instead of a permanent ban from NCAA sports, he got reinstated.
Monday, the home court advantage reared its head in college football. A Lubbock County judge ruled Sorsby can play this fall for the Red Raiders. The NCAA is appealing, but all four state Court of Appeals judges in Amarillo are Texas Tech law school grads.
As a countermeasure, the Big Ten Conference is reportedly going to consider a league-wide ban on playing Texas Tech – in all sports. And maybe not just in 2026-27. Georgia’s athletic department didn’t wait to act – the Bulldogs will not schedule any Red Raiders team.
Even schools in Texas Tech’s Big XII Conference are said to be talking about blackballing them.
It may get very lonely out on the west Texas plains. It should.
Sorsby admits he bet over $90,000 on college games in more than 9,000 wagers during his previous stops at Indiana and Cincinnati, including at least 40 bets on his Hoosiers team in the first half of the 2022 season. Amounts, small. Implications, broad.
“One of the harshest rules you can break, he did it, and he can still play. To me, this is one of the worst things I’ve seen in 20 years of coaching,” one unnamed football coach told The Athletic.
“I guess we can just gamble on our own team now and get away with it? That’s crazy,” said one all-conference Power 4 player.
“It speaks to the power of attorneys and politics and the lack of control the NCAA has over governance,” said one unidentified big-time coach. “Betting on your own teams or sport has always been a death penalty. But now it’s overlooked?”
Sorsby’s case is the latest in a long pattern of college sports gambling scandals going back decades. As a result, Sorsby’s betting and its acceptance by Texas Tech and a local judge puts a shroud over not just Red Raiders football, but every team, and every player when passes are dropped, balls are fumbled and tackles are missed. Fair effort, or did a player do less than his best to help shape a game’s outcome and benefit himself — and a bookie?
The senior quarterback is talented enough to take snaps at the next level. His NFL Draft valuation will climb if he plays well this fall in Lubbock – while getting a very hefty NIL package said to be around $5 million. Not a typo.
But is any authority figure, at Tech or in a judge’s robe in the shadows of the west Texas wind turbines, gutsy enough to do the right thing — not let him?
Coaches talk about accountability as a virtue, but there is none in this most important case. At some place, at some point, somebody needs to show some spine.
It appears the only route for Texas Tech to avoid being justifiably ostracized.
Athletic director Kirby Hocutt has stood behind Sorsby, who apparently just finished a monthlong inpatient rehab program for gambling addiction. That’s noble.
But Hocutt and the Red Raiders want no more consequences. Forgive and forget.
Problem is, nobody will forget. Nobody. When Sorsby airmails a receiver, or holds the ball too long and is sacked, it’s going to be very difficult not to wonder what he really meant to do.
Not just fans. But coaches, and teammates.
It was only a few months ago, not long before Sorsby’s gambling mess was revealed, that LSU’s Lane Kiffin was trying to get him to Tiger town from Cincinnati, where he starred in 2024-25, with what was said to be a $3.5 million NIL package.
Best deal the Portal King never closed.
Not saying Brendan Sorsby is beyond redemption. Wish him well.
But his second chance shouldn’t come in college. Not even when fanboy judges and win-at-all-costs boosters, administrators and coaches present him that path.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
EUGENE, Oregon — The Northwestern State men’s 4×400 relay foursome is coming into the NCAA Outdoor Championships under the radar, but relishing the opportunity.
Will Achee, Desmond Duncan, Charlie Bartholomew and Kason Jones run Wednesday night in the national semifinals at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field. They, and alternate Elijah Rowe, are the first NSU men’s 4×400 relay unit to reach the NCAA Outdoors since 2003.
A dozen teams from both NCAA regional meets qualified for the 24-team semifinals. Nine advance to Friday night’s championship race – but the 16 fastest times Wednesday are guaranteed All-America honors.
The Demons are in the first of three heats, racing at 10:36 CDT on Wednesday, with ESPN providing coverage. The top two finishers in each heat and the next three fastest times move on to the final.
Along with Northwestern in Heat 1 are LSU, Arkansas, LSU, Florida, USC, Tennessee, Houston and Oklahoma State – blue blood names in the sport. Only Princeton and North Carolina A&T joined NSU as 4×4 teams qualifying from Football Championship Subdivision Schools.
They Demons earned their trip to Eugene, known as “Track Town USA,” by breaking their own school record, clocking 3:02.73 at the NCAA East First Round. It is 17th best in the country this spring.
They have competed at LSU, Texas Tech and Florida during the regular season. LSU has the NCAA’s fastest mark, 2:58.47, one of eight times under three minutes.
“These guys know they are that good,” Demons’ associate head coach Adam Pennington said. “They are competing with a lot of confidence right now and they don’t fear anyone and they will go head-to-head with anyone.
“They don’t care what’s across your chest. They care about what’s underneath that jersey and that’s the heart. Every one of those four guys has a lot of heart and just to be able to battle with each other on a daily basis and have that type of practice setting with four guys willing to battle to get to this stage makes our 4×400 group really good.”
Going into the season, the school record in the event was 3:06.06, set just last season, a group in which Achee and Duncan were a part of.
Now, that time isn’t even in the top five in program history, as five times have passed that 3:06 mark with four finishing under 3:05.
Simply put, this is the fastest men’s 4×400 in school history by a wide margin.
After narrowly missing out on the gold medal in the indoor season at the Southland Conference Championships, the group came back in the outdoor season and dominated, clocking a 3:05.70 to win the gold medal by more than a second and a half.
The quartet is led by Achee and Bartholomew, both of whom made regionals in the open 400.
Achee has been feeling the support from his hometown of Bossier City.
“My mom was telling me that everyone back home is talking about and saying good things about me going to nationals,” Achee said. “It just feels really great.”
Achee, a sophomore out of Parkway High, owns four school records, both the indoor and outdoor open 400 marks and as a member of the 4×400 relay teams. He broke and re-broke records on seven occasions just this season.
After a subpar regional time in the 400 qualifying, Achee responded with a big anchor leg of 43.98 in the 4×400 relay, the fastest anchor leg out of all 24 that participated in the NCAA East.
Despite being the only member of the relay in his first season at NSU, Bartholomew has fit right in with the other three and has helped push the others to run their fastest.
The senior from McKinney, Texas, broke a school record three times as a member of the 4×400 relay team, and finished just .01 off a school record in the 400-meter dash, which was only behind Achee in the same race at the LSU Alumni Gold.
He is the only one of the four to have competed at outdoor nationals before, but his relay did not finish when he was at Texas Tech in 2024.
Duncan, a senior from Winnfield, has improved every single season for the Demons. He is the only one on the relay team who has been at Northwestern for four seasons, and was excited to earn a spot at nationals.
“We all jumped up and started celebrating when we found out we’re going to nationals,” Duncan said. “That is one of those memories you will carry with you for the rest of your life. It is a great feeling to be able to go. It is really a blessing.”
He has been on the relay every season in Natchitoches, and as a freshman, his first outdoor conference meet ended with a silver medal, clocking a 3:08.57.
Since then, he and his teammates have shaved nearly six seconds off that time.
But after four seasons, Duncan is excited to finally make his long-awaited debut at nationals.
Georgia native Jones has captured three SLC medals in his two seasons in Natchitoches, including a gold on the relay team this outdoor season. In the open 400-meter dash, the Coffeyville Community College transfer ran a 46.43 to finish fifth at the conference meet, earning valuable points for the Demons as they finished second in the team standings.
The relay team members motivate each other, especially to see who can run the fastest splits.
“We have a group chat called old guys vs. young guys,” Duncan said. “Will and I are the young guys and KJ and Charlie are the old guys. We are always texting about who runs the fastest splits. Right now, I think the young guys are winning.”
They have a chance to make more history as the first NSU men’s 4×400 relay to earn All-American status.
“I can’t wait to experience nationals and soak in the environment I am in,” Duncan said. “I just want to enjoy this ride because it’s been a great ride. I am a senior, so I just want to enjoy it the best way I can because coming in as a freshman, I never thought I would get to this point.
“I am not satisfied or anything like that. We’re going to strive to be first team All-Americans (with a top 8 finish), but it is a blessing to be in this position.”
Demons’ sophomore long jumper Roy Morris also competes Wednesday night, aiming for All-America honors again after a breakout freshman season last year. Lady Demon sprinter Rushana Dwyer runs Thursday evening in the 400 meter semis.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board invites NPSB families across the parish to mark their calendars for the annual Back to School Expo, set for Monday, July 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at NSU Prather Coliseum, located at 220 S. Jefferson St. in Natchitoches.
This year’s event, “Lights, Camera, Learning,” will provide a fun and engaging opportunity for students and families to prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a variety of activities and resources.
The Back to School Expo is designed to support students as they get ready for a successful start to the school year, offering free school supplies, interactive experiences and opportunities to connect with the district and community.
Attendees can look forward to:
Students and their families are encouraged to attend and take part in the event as the district “rolls out the red carpet” for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board said it looks forward to welcoming students, families and community members for an evening of preparation, celebration and school spirit.
SWIPE RIGHT ON GRIFFEN
Age: Young and handsome (2.5 years)
Occupation: Professional Good Boy
Special Skills: Looking ridiculously cute, collecting compliments, and chasing tennis balls.
Hi, I’m Griffen. You may have noticed my striking brindle coat and fashionable white socks. Yes, they’re real and included!
I’m seeking a long-term relationship with a family who appreciates the finer things in life, such as belly rubs, snacks, and telling me what a good boy I am at least ten times a day.
My hobbies include:
Friends describe me as charming, loyal, and suspiciously photogenic. Strangers describe me as “Wow, that’s a good-looking dog.”
If you’re looking for a companion who’s equal parts gentleman and goofball, I think we could be a perfect match. Bonus points if you buy me a bow tie, I think it would complete my look!
If you’re interested in fostering or adopting sweet Griffen, please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or NPFauna.org
On Christmas Eve in 1870, a group of people, including about 16 prominent citizens of Hamilton, Ohio, gathered in a gambling room on the second floor of “the American Saloon,” an “aristocratic” drinking saloon on High Street directly opposite the Butler County courthouse. Some of the men were playing casino at one table and others, including Thomas “Tom” Myers, were playing a game called faro at another table. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out. With the exception of E.D. Banister and Peter Schwab who were in the fervor of the game of casino and Tom who was seated at the faro table, the men began running from the room. Tom stood up, leaned against the wall, and fired his pistol. The bullet from Tom’s pistol struck the ceiling just above the faro table. Mr. Bannister fled from the room and Mr. Schwab slunk to the floor for his own protection. Tom fired another shot which struck the opposite wall. Once sure that Tom was unable to fire his pistol again, Peter approached him and realized Tom had been shot in the abdomen. Peter tried only briefly to get Tom to tell him who had shot him before he ran to get help. Peter soon returned with Dr. Huber, who had been in the room but had fled when he heard gunshots. Dr. Huber also tried to get Tom to explain who had shot him, but Tom was unable to speak. Dr. Huber located a gunshot wound on Tom’s upper abdomen which had severed a main artery. Within moments, 29-year-old Tom died.
Immediately following the affray, all of the witnesses said that Tom “must have either did it himself or had it done.” Based on the testimony of a young boy, Tom’s brother Joseph swore out a warrant for five men including Deputy Marshal Ich Sheely and Thomas McGehan. Before the coroner’s jury, none of the witnesses could identify who shot Tom, but all said that Thomas McGehan had not been in the room before the shooting began. When the accused men learned of the warrant, they turned themselves in. In January 1871, the five men were indicted on the charge of first-degree murder. Clement Vallandigham was one of the four defense attorneys in the trial which began on June 6, 1871. The trial was long because over 120 witnesses had been called to testify.
At about 9 p.m. on June 15, 1871, Clement Vallandigham and fellow defense attorney Andrew McBurney were in their hotel room discussing the case. Clement was sure that Tom had shot himself and decided to show Andrew how Tom could have done it. Clement pulled a pistol from his pocket, turned it towards himself, and pulled the trigger. To his surprise, the pistol discharged. The bullet struck Clement in almost exactly the same place Tom’s bullet had struck him. The wound was fatal. In trying to defend Thomas McGehan by explaining how Tom Myers had killed himself, Clement Vallandigham accidently killed himself too. Based at least in part on Clement’s unfortunate accident, the jury found Thomas McGehan not guilty.
Sources:
1. The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 27, 1870, p.8.
2. The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 31, 1871, p.8.
3. The Cincinnati Enquirer, February 15, 1871, p.8.
4. The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 6, 1871, p.8.
5. The Evening Post (Cleveland, Ohio), June 17, 1871, p.2.
6. The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 19, 1871, p.1.
7. The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 28, 1871, p.8.
8. “Thomas S. Myers,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/
9. “Clement Laird Vallandigham,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/
Linda Gail Carter
June 6, 2026
Service: Thursday June 11, 2026 at 11 am at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
Richard Lee Strother
October 4, 1949 — May 9, 2026
Service: June 13, 2026 at 10 am at Blanchard Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on June 8 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. to discuss non-agenda items. The City Council meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and will be reserved to only items on the Agenda. The public is invited to both the pre-council meetings and council meetings with the understanding that items not on the agenda will not be discussed at the scheduled council meetings, but the public is welcome to discuss any topic at the pre-council meetings. The City Council Meetings are held at the Natchitoches City Council Chambers, located at 716 Second St. in Natchitoches.
PAID CONTENT
State Representative Firment provides updates on insurance reform, teacher pay and the Legislature’s resolution to oppose any effort to transfer, divest, privatize, or dispose of Kisatchie National Forest lands.
Paid Content
The Towers LLC proposes building a 310’ self-support communications tower; per the FAA, this tower will be lit by a medium-dual intensity system. The Site location is 6001-6009 US-84E, Campti, Natchitoches Parish, LA 71411 (31 49 17.67, -93 00 28.26). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1377702. Environmental Comments – Interested persons may review the application at www.fcc.gov/asr/
The Natchitoches Tennis Center celebrated National Tennis Month throughout May with a variety of events designed to introduce new players to the sport and bring the local tennis community together.
Activities included free clinics for children and adults, Cardio Tennis sessions, and an adult mixer. Participants of all ages had the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their game, and enjoy time on the courts.
The events also provided opportunities for community members to meet new people, build friendships, and stay active. From instructional clinics to social play, each event offered a welcoming environment that encouraged participation and fun.
Throughout the month, players enjoyed plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and exercise, making National Tennis Month a successful celebration of the sport in Natchitoches.
