The Parish of Natchitoches has announced upcoming office closures in observance of the Easter holiday.

Parish government offices, including the landfill, will be closed Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday. Offices will reopen Monday, April 6.

Parish-wide bin sites and compactor stations will remain open during regular business hours on Friday but will be closed Sunday, April 5, in observance of Easter.

Residents with questions about closures can contact parish government at 318-352-2714.

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The City of Natchitoches has announced schedule changes for the Easter holiday weekend, including early closure of City Hall and a full-day closure for city offices.

City Hall will close at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026. All City of Natchitoches offices will then be closed on Friday, April 3 in observance of the Easter holiday.

Normal operations are expected to resume following the holiday period. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for any city services that may be affected by the closures.

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The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation is pleased to announce that Judge Loren M. Lampert, of the 9th Judicial District Court, has been selected as a 2026 inductee into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for individuals whose careers have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the administration of justice in Louisiana.

Judge Lampert’s distinguished career spans more than three decades of public service across multiple sectors of the criminal justice system. He began his service as a police officer and later served as Chief of Police for the City of Alexandria, where he led the department with a focus on community engagement, public trust, and ethical policing.

In addition, Judge Lampert served as a felony prosecutor for 27 years, earning a reputation for integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. His impact extended statewide when he became Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, where he worked closely with prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers to strengthen Louisiana’s criminal justice system.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Judge Lampert. “I have been so blessed to enjoy the privilege of serving the people of Louisiana in many different capacities. It is the support, inspiration and motivation that I received from family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and even adversaries, that has resulted in this honor. I never would have envisioned having my name called among these Justice Giants who make up the class of 2026, nor those who currently occupy the Hall. I’ve admired so many of them for many years.”

In addition to his extensive leadership roles, Judge Lampert has continued his commitment to justice as a District Judge for the 9th Judicial District, where he is known for his thoughtful decision-making, respect for all who enter the courtroom, and dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Judge Lampert will be honored at the 2026 Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 5, 2026, at the LSU Lod Cook Center. He will be joining fellow 2026 inductees: Liz Murrill, Attorney General of Louisiana; Brandon J. Fremin, former U.S. Attorney; Sam Craft, Sheriff of Vernon Parish; John E. Ballance, Sheriff of Bienville Parish; and Ernest “Bim” Coulberston, Chief of Police and Town Marshal of Farmerville.

The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, established by the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to law enforcement, the judiciary, the legal profession, and public safety. Inductees are selected for their leadership, service, integrity, and positive impact on the state’s justice system.

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Longtime Tulane assistant coach Alan Frey is the new Northwestern State women’s basketball head coach.

Frey, who worked for highly-successful coach Lisa Stockton at Tulane, helped Loyola of New Orleans go 25-5 this past season.  He was hired in a rapid search led by NSU athletics director Kevin Bostian after last week’s departure of sixth-year coach Anna Nimz, who moved to North Alabama.

Frey will be introduced in a 1:30 p.m. news conference Monday in the Lucille Mertz Hendrick Room in the Friedman Student Union.

“We are thrilled to announce Alan Frey as the 11th full-time head coach in Northwestern State women’s basketball history,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Alan’s deeply rooted Louisiana ties and his decades of experience within Louisiana basketball made him a terrific fit for our program. His connections with high school basketball coaches in the state give him an extensive recruiting network that meshes well with his outstanding basketball mind.

“Alan has experienced great success in Louisiana, and we expect that to continue as he takes over our program. Northwestern State’s successful track record of first-time head coaches is in good hands with Alan Frey.”

The New Orleans native has always wanted to stay in the state and said he is excited at the opportunity to earn a Division I head coaching job in the state.

“Kevin (Bostian) telling me he’d like me to be the head coach was probably the best sentence I have ever heard other than my wife agreeing to marry me,” Frey said. “It was so special and I am still so excited. It is a dream come true. I have had a goal of being a Division I women’s basketball coach in Louisiana, and I reached that goal, and it feels great.”

Frey brings more than 20 years of experience as an assistant coach and associate head coach, much of which has been at the Division I level with Stockton at Tulane.

“The thing that made this job stand out to me is the alignment, from the president’s office all the way down to the athletic director’s office all the way down to the administration,” Frey said. “I feel they sold me that everybody is pulling in the same direction here and everybody wants the same things.”

This past season, he helped Loyola’s Wolf Pack to a 25-5 mark, a seven-game improvement over the previous season. Loyola earned an appearance in the NAIA Tournament, reaching the second round.

After working with Stockton for 18 seasons at Tulane, Frey also spent a season with Monmouth, where he helped the team win 16 games, 10 of them at home, the most home wins for the program since 2011-12.

With the Green Wave, Frey helped the team post winning records in all but two seasons, tallying a combined 371-229 overall record. That included a pair of Conference USA regular season titles and a dozen postseason appearances, highlighted by a pair of NCAA Tournament berths.

Using his connections in the state of Louisiana, Frey was instrumental in recruiting Kolby Morgan and former NSU assistant coach Olivia Grayson, to Tulane.

“He’s got deep roots in Louisiana basketball,” Stockton said. “At Tulane, we concentrated a lot on recruiting in Louisiana. He has those recruiting contacts. He’s a Louisiana guy. He loves the state. He is a very talented coach. I told Kevin Bostian that I have no doubt he can do the job. He’s great with Xs and Os.

“He was my right-hand for many years, and he stayed with me because we had a good thing going. He’s wanted an opportunity like this his whole career. It’s a good fit at a great school.”

The 1997 AAU National Coach of the Year, Frey guided the team to the gold medal at the 1996 Junior Olympics and a second-place finish in 2005. Frey’s teams amassed 15 Louisiana AAU titles in as many years with a 79-1 record at the state tournament.

Frey’s outgoing personality and ability to connect with and teach student-athletes are assets for Northwestern, said his former boss.

“The community will love him,” Stockton said. “People will know him. He has a great personality to promote the program. The other thing is for the student-athletes, he’s a player’s coach. They’re going to love learning from him. They’ll grow under his tutelage. He is a tireless worker who will do whatever it takes to make the program better.

 “Sometimes you can’t get all the players you want. He will be flexible in trying to create the best style for the players you have. He knows a lot of different ways to play. He’ll figure out the best way to play. You have to create to win in your league first. He’ll do that. He’ll definitely figure out what will work and be successful. As the program grows, system may change. He’s not stuck in a certain way. Very creative.”

Frey said he knows the program is on an upward trajectory and is ready to push the team over the top and bring home championships.

Said Frey: “The Southland is a great league with a lot of great teams and great coaches, but I think we are in a position here where we can make some things happen and win some championships. I have no doubt that is what my plan is.”

Notable quotes about Alan Frey

“Congratulations to Alan Frey and Northwestern State University. What a great decision by the university to hire a veteran leader and coach like Coach Frey. He’s been in this game for so many years, given of his life for this game and for young people. He is so well respected in this industry, has won and developed players at the highest level. There’s no question in my mind with his leadership, Northwestern State will be back in contention for championships year in and year out as in the days of James Smith, many years ago. Congratulations to Northwestern State, they’ve hit a home run.”

— Vic Schaefer, Head Coach at Texas

“Congratulations to Alan Frey and Northwestern State University. As someone who spent many years in North Louisiana, I know how much this program means to that community. Northwestern State hit a home run by hiring a veteran leader who has given his life to this game and his players. Alan is incredibly well respected in our industry and has won at the highest level. With his leadership, there’s no question the Lady Demons will be back in championship contention.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach at LSU

“He’ll do everything he can to allow his student-athletes to have a great experience and also win basketball games. I think it goes without saying that you need someone who embraces that and wants to be a part of the work and not afraid of the work. With his experience, personality and connections around the state, he is a veteran coach who has the ability to do all those things.”

— Brooke Stoehr, Head Coach at Louisiana Tech, former NSU head coach

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Easter weekend road trips for Northwestern’s baseball and softball teams are the long and short of it.

The league-leading Demon baseball team has traveled almost to the Mexican border for a three-game Southland Conference series at UT-Rio Grande Valley. The red-hot Lady Demon softball team is on its shortest road trip in the SLC, less than two hours over to Nacogdoches, Texas, to play Stephen F. Austin.

Both series begin today, earlier than usual due to the Easter holiday and in softball’s case, the chance for rainy weather Saturday.

BASEBALL:  The second half of Northwestern’s Southland Conference schedule takes the Demons somewhere the program has never played a conference game.

The Demons will make their Southland debut in Edinburg, Texas at 6:30 p.m. today when they take on UTRGV in the opener of a three-game conference series, which also includes a 6:30 p.m. Friday matchup and a 1 p.m. Saturday series finale.

All three games will air on ESPN+ with free streaming audio available through www.NSUDemons.com and the Northwestern State Athletics mobile app, which can be downloaded free for Apple and Android devices.

The last time Northwestern (18-10, 10-5) played in Edinburg came in 2014 when the Demons took part in the Al Ogletree Classic.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “We understand the challenges that come with lengthy travel. We’ve been preparing for the environment. We know it’s going to be an incredible environment and will be packed. We’re looking forward to the competition against such an amazing baseball team. We know we’re in for three battles against a quality team.”

The homestanding Vaqueros (14-15, 9-6) have helped turn the UTRGV Baseball Stadium into one of the most intimidating venues in the conference, routinely drawing crowds ranging up to 6,000.

A season ago, UTRGV posted a 20-8 mark at home, including 12-3 in league play as it shared the conference crown in its first Southland season.

Northwestern will stick with the same rotation it has used in the past three series – freshman left-hander Brody Trosclair (4-1, 1.36), junior right-hander Dylan Marionneaux (2-2, 5.01) and senior right-hander Trent Hillen (2-1, 5.31).  That trio all will work with one day less rest than in a typical week.

“It’s a talking point that’s worth talking about,” Bertrand said. “You have that as an element, as a circumstance, of your preparation. All the confidence in the world in (pitching coach) Dan (Hlad) and in those guys in getting it done. It needs to be stated that, to this point, our success has been because of how well we have thrown the baseball and how well they have overcome each step of adversity along the way.”

A season ago, the Demons took two of three games from the Vaqueros, who made their first trip as SLC members to Natchitoches. All three games were taught affairs with one run separating the teams during the series.

“You learned exactly what they’re going to roll out – the collection of talent and how very well-coached and well-prepared they will be,” Bertrand said. “They’ve played the 16th-toughest schedule in the country, so you throw all the numbers out the window and look at how battle tested they are. When you mix that with the amount of talent and the supremely talented coaching they have, this is one where we’re going to have be at our best.”

SOFTBALL: When you’re playing as well as the Northwestern softball squad is at the moment, you want to get back on the field as soon as possible. 

Due to expected weather Saturday, that is just what the Demons (18-18 overall, 7-5 SLC) will do as the three-game set at Stephen F. Austin (21-16, 5-7) was moved up a day and will now be played today and Friday. The series opens with a 4 p.m. doubleheader today, followed by a single game Friday at 12 p.m.

Neither of today’s games will air on ESPN+, but the opener can be heard on 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches. Friday’s finale is scheduled to stream on ESPN+.

NSU enters the weekend riding one of its strongest stretches of the season, having won four straight games. The Demons went 10-5 during the month of March and won six of their seven home games, climbing back to the .500 mark to match one of their best starts through this point in the past seven seasons.

“We’ve really been gelling more and clicking more as a team over the past month or so,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “In year two of a rebuild it can be tricky because there are a lot of ups and downs. The key is just managing them and keeping the team headed in the right direction. I think that’s what we’re doing. We’re gelling and finding some stability in our lineup. Pitchers are doing well and hopefully we can carry that into this weekend.”

The recent surge has been fueled by production throughout the lineup. Brynn Daniel (.348), Peyton Young (.328) and JT Smith (.326) are all hitting above .325 on the year, each carrying an on-base percentage north of .400. Smith’s .514 on-base percentage ranks second in the Southland Conference.

In the circle, ace Mattison Buster continues to anchor the staff. The senior picked up her 15th win of the season in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory against Louisiana Tech, her 13th complete game of the year, both conference highs.

After sweeping East Texas A&M and securing a midweek win against Tech, the Demons carry both momentum and confidence into their fifth conference series.

SFA enters the series with momentum of its own, winning four straight games following a sweep of Houston Christian and a run-rule victory at Prairie View A&M on Tuesday.

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Northwestern State baseball newcomer Brody Trosclair was named a first-team Midseason Freshman All-American by Perfect Game and Rawlings on Wednesday, capping a day of appreciation for the left-handed pitcher.

Earlier in the day, Baseball America announced Trosclair as one of 15 players on its Midseason Freshman of the Year watch list. This is the first season for the long-running publication to announce watch lists for its Player, Pitcher and Freshman of the Year awards.

In nine appearances – six out of the bullpen and three starts – Trosclair has gone 4-1 with a save and a 1.36 ERA, which leads the Southland Conference and ranks 10th nationally.

Across his first 33 innings, Trosclair has struck out 51 batters while issuing just eight walks. He did not allow an earned run the first 14 1-3 innings of his Northwestern career.  

In three starts since moving into the rotation on March 13, Trosclair has spun three straight quality starts. He set career bests in strikeouts (12) against New Orleans on March 20 and innings pitched (7.0) at Nicholls on March 27.

Trosclair’s 12 strikeouts against New Orleans marked the most by a Demon pitcher since Cal Carver struck out 13 against Alabama A&M on March 10, 2023.

In addition to ERA, Trosclair shares the league lead in victories and ranks second in the league (14th nationally) in strikeouts per nine innings (13.91) and in WHIP at 1.03.

Trosclair will take the mound when the Demons return to action tonight at UTRGV. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. in Edinburg, Texas.

TENNIS: Northwestern State ran into a strong UL-Lafayette women’s tennis squad on Wednesday afternoon, falling 4–0 at the Cajun Courts.

The Lady Demons (10–6) dropped the doubles point before UL Lafayette (12–4) secured three straight set singles victories at the top of the lineup to clinch the match, while three additional courts went unfinished.

“Credit to Lafayette,” head coach Marcos Morelli said. “They played very good tennis and deserved the win.”

NSU returns to the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex for the final Southland Conference matches of the season Saturday and Monday.

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By Katharine D. Scherff, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Art History, Orville J. Hanchey Gallery Director

The Orville Hanchey Gallery at Northwestern State University invites the public to attend the closing reception for “In Between: Quiet Acts of Renewal,” featuring visiting artists Benjamin H. McVey and Lindsey Hurd.

The reception will take place on Friday, April 10, from 5-8 p.m., and will include an artist talk and a final opportunity to experience the exhibition before it closes on April 11.

On view since March 2, the exhibition explores themes of stillness, reflection and renewal. Through their work, McVey and Hurd suggest that stillness is not absence, but a powerful space for regeneration and quiet resistance in an increasingly fractured world.

The event is free and open to the public. Hanchey Gallery is located at 140 Central Avenue, Natchitoches.

McVey is a multidisciplinary artist who focuses on drawing, painting and sculpture. His current work is influenced by architecture, design and his direct surroundings exploring spaces and objects. He received his BFA from Texas State University in Communication Design and his MFA from The University of Texas at San Antonio in Studio Art. Previously, he studied painting and drawing in New York City at the Art Students League and National Academy School. Since graduate school he has taught studio art courses at multiple universities and colleges along with working with local art institutions. He currently lives in San Antonio, Texas, where he maintains a vigorous studio practice.

More about McVey and his work is available at https://www.benjaminheathstudio.com.

Hurd is a self-taught mutildisciplinary artist who collects objects and detritus from nature and urbana and produces creations that highlight the resilience of the natural world.

“My arrangements of found objects seek to enshrine these lost things, infusing them with new life and highlighting not only the resilience of the natural world, but also of our own private lives,” she writes. “This work can be read as a prayer, a rebirth, a cry for help, a renunciation, or as the ever-renewing reimagining of hope. This project is a search for the love of the world and for what it means to be to be at home here.”

More on her work is available at https://www.lindseyhurd.com.

For more information on Hanchey Gallery or the closing reception, contact Gallery Director Dr. Katharine D. Scherff atscherffk@nsula.edu.

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Pianist James Armstrong will perform with the Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream of the concert will be available at http://www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE. Associate Professor of Music. Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.

Armstrong, an NSU alumnus, is a jazz pianist, performer and educator. He earned his Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Armstrong has developed a diverse musical career performing across multiple genres including jazz, gospel, zydeco and blues.

Armstrong previously served as a keyboardist with the 1st Cavalry Division Band in the U.S. Army, where he performed for military ceremonies and international audiences. During his service he toured throughout Europe with the U.S. Army Band and performed in the D-Day Tattoo during the World War II Commemoration in Normandy, France, honoring the legacy of Allied veterans.

Throughout his career, Armstrong has shared the stage with a wide range of notable artists. In the zydeco world he has worked with acclaimed performers such as Keith Frank, Curley Taylor and Major Handy. His gospel performance credits include appearances with nationally recognized artists such as Crystal Rucker, Alexis Spight, Kierra Sheard and Micah Stampley.

Armstrong has also performed with blues artist Marquise Knox and jazz artists Cassie J and Karer Devroop. He has made guest appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and has performed at iconic venues such as the House of Blues New Orleans.

The Jazz Orchestra will play “Groove Blues” by Don Menza with Jarrett Thomisee on tenor saxophone and Mateo Vela on trombone, “Bossa Rio” by John Fedchock with Thomisee on tenor saxophone and “Spain” by Chick Correa featuring the trombone section and NSU Professor of Trombone Dr. J. Mark Thompson.

Vocalist Candace Paul will be the featured soloist on “Beyond the Sea” by Jack Lawrence and Charles Trenet and arranged by Jerry Nowak and “Something’s Gotta Give” by Johnny Mercer and arranged by Dave Wolpe. Vocalist Layton Zeringue will be featured on “Minnie the Moocher” by Cab Calloway.
The orchestra will also play “Samantha” by Sammy Nestico with Hayden Hirons on alto saxophone and “Mantuna” by Shelly Berg with Thomisee on tenor saxophone.

Armstrong will be featured on “Stella by Starlight” by Victor Young/Ned Washington and arranged by Nelson Riddle, “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie arranged by Michael Mossman, “Cold Duck Time” by Eddie Harris arranged by Mark Taylor and “Speak to My Heart” by Carl Allen arranged by Dawson Lasseigne.

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Federal authorities say recent Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) prosecutions are part of a broader network of drug trafficking activity tied to cases across Louisiana, including operations linked to Natchitoches Parish.

Officials said the following five cases build upon HSTF’s cases in the Vernon Parish and Natchitoches areas that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted recently, underscoring continued focus on the region.

Among the cases announced is United States v. Willie Baker et al., No. 25-cr-00296, in the Shreveport area. The case involves 10 defendants accused of trafficking fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and methamphetamine from transnational criminal organizations through Houston and into Shreveport. Authorities say one death has been linked to the fentanyl trafficking, and two defendants, including Willie Lee Baker, have prior drug trafficking convictions that could lead to enhanced penalties. If convicted, defendants face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.

Federal investigators say the same trafficking networks tied to Shreveport have connections that extend into rural corridors, including areas surrounding Natchitoches Parish.

Other cases include United States v. Ranulfo Garcia Rodriguez and Christian Antonio Sanchez Ramirez in Breaux Bridge, involving 147 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in ice cream freezers; United States v. Lance Fields and Ronald Adams, Jr. in Lafayette, involving 100 kilograms of cocaine hidden in an 18-wheeler; United States v. Juan Francisco Gonzalez de Leon et al. in Lake Charles, involving 15 kilograms of cocaine tied to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion; and United States v. Elijah Jones in Alexandria, involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone concealed in a storage unit.

Officials say the cases demonstrate how drug trafficking operations move across parish lines, with investigations building upon prior HSTF efforts in both Vernon and Natchitoches parishes.

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By Reba Phelps

On March 31, 2026, Natchitoches Parish School Board Member, District 11, Emile Metoyer was honored for twenty four years of service at the Louisiana State School Boards Association at the 88th Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Metoyer and his family are no stranger to the public education school system. He was inspired by his father who drove a bus for 45 years years for Natchitoches Parish School Board, his mother who taught Special Education for thirty years. He also has many more relatives who were in Public Education.

Mr. Metoyer was first compelled to run for the School Board position to help parents of special needs children, he also wanted to help children obtain the services they needed, to be offered an equitable education. Through the years he has made it a mission to help all parents in need to make sure all children are treated fairly.

Metoyer shared “I am little sad that this is my last year in office. But I do think it’s time that the younger generation step up and serve the public. I was young when I stepped up, I’m still pretty young, (laughs) but it is time for other parents of kids in the system to get involved.”

When I ask what advice he would give to the next person running for District 11 Metoyer said, “Always listen to your constituents and don’t make promises that you can’t keep, there are many laws in place that we have to abide by.”

Mr. Metoyer has now worked with five different school superintendents. When asked who his favorite superintendent was he stated that Dr. Murphy was his favorite, as she was the only female superintendent that Natchitoches Parish has had, with Dr. Grant Eloi climbing the ladder really fast!

“Mr Emile has given so much to NPSB, the students of our parish and has been a great partner to myself and the rest of the Board. His twenty four years is something to be honored and will never be duplicated,” shared current Superintendent, Grant Eloi.

Mr. Metoyer still has plans to continue to serve parents as needed. He said that he will always be an advocate for special needs children and their parents, whenever they have needs that arises.

Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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Dr. Daniel Gordy, assistant professor of Criminal Justice and English at Northwestern State University, was recognized with the Outstanding Service Award presented by the Association of Business Information Systems/Federation of Business Disciplines.  Gordy collected the award at the FBC conference in Dallas held March 18-21. 

Gordy has served as editor of the Journal of Research in Business Information Systems since 2022. The JRBIS has been a Cabells-ranked journal for many years, a measure that ensures the credibility, influence and quality of research and academic journals. Gordy has also presented and/or published at ABIS annually since 2021. 

Northwestern State faculty have been involved with ABIS for many years with several members of the Business and Computer information Systems faculty service as president of the organization, as well as serving as reviewers for the conference and Journal.  Gordy is handing editorship of the Journal to Dr. Nabin Sapkota, associate professor in the Department of Engineering Technology, and will continue to serve as associate editor. 

At NSU, Gordy is holder of the Gerald Long Endowed Professorship in Criminal Justice and serves as vice president of the Faculty Senate.  

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By Reba Phelps

The Village of Goldonna is getting ready to celebrate Easter with each area church offering Easter Sunday services. 

River of Life Family Worship Center – Easter Services begin at 10:30 am. 

Goldonna Baptist Church – Sunrise service at 7 am with a breakfast and egg hunt to follow.

Creston Baptist Church- They will have an Easter play Sunday morning at 10 am, Sunday school 11 am church service. 

Goldonna Assemby of God – Sunday School 10 am

Main Service 11 am

No serve that evening.

Bro Larry McGee has something special planned for Sunday School that morning, but he has kept it a secret! Bro Paul Pruitt will be preaching. 

The Goldonna Baptist Church 3rd Annual Skeet Shoot benefiting the Operation Christmas Child was a complete success. With eleven shooters competing the winners are Brelynn Musgrove (Ladies), Austin Caskey (Juniors) and Reagan Dupree (seniors). 

For news to share please email: Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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Warm conditions continue through midweek before a more unsettled pattern brings increasing chances of rain and thunderstorms late in the week, followed by a noticeable cooldown.

Wednesday brings mostly cloudy skies in the morning, becoming partly cloudy by the afternoon with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the mid-80s with a 20% chance of rain.

Wednesday night will be partly cloudy early, becoming mostly cloudy overnight. Lows will fall into the upper 60s with continued light south winds and gusts up to 20 mph.

Thursday marks an increase in rain chances, with mostly cloudy skies and a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. A slight chance of storms in the morning will give way to a better chance by the afternoon. Highs will dip into the lower 80s with a 50% chance of rain.

Thursday night remains mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 60s.

Friday will stay mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. A slight chance of morning showers will increase to a better chance in the afternoon. Highs will return to the mid-80s with a 50% chance of rain.

Friday night remains mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight and lows in the upper 60s.

The weekend brings the highest rain chances. Saturday will be cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Showers are likely in the afternoon after a morning chance, with highs around 80 and a 70% chance of rain.

Saturday night will be unsettled with showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms early, followed by continued showers overnight. Much cooler air moves in, dropping lows into the lower 50s with a 70% chance of rain.

Sunday stays mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and cooler highs in the upper 60s, with a 20% chance of rain.

Sunday night will be mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s.

Early next week will begin with mostly cloudy skies Monday morning becoming partly cloudy by afternoon, with highs in the upper 60s.

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Each year on April 1, pranksters around the world embrace a day dedicated to practical jokes, hoaxes and harmless mischief. While the exact origins of April Fools’ Day remain debated, historians trace its roots back several centuries.

One popular theory links the tradition to 16th-century France. When the country shifted from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1582 under Pope Gregory XIII, New Year’s Day moved from late March to January 1. Those who continued celebrating the old New Year in early spring were reportedly mocked as “April fools.”

Over time, the tradition of playful deception spread across Europe and eventually to North America. Newspapers, radio stations and television networks have long joined the fun, publishing elaborate hoaxes on April 1.

In 1957, the BBC famously aired a segment about Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees — a prank that reportedly fooled thousands of viewers. Tech companies have also embraced the tradition, occasionally announcing outlandish fake products to entertain audiences.

While April Fools’ Day is generally lighthearted, experts advise keeping pranks safe and harmless. The best April 1 jokes are those that leave everyone laughing — not confused or hurt.

Today, social media amplifies the reach of April Fools’ jokes, allowing pranks to travel worldwide in seconds. From fake celebrity announcements to imaginary product launches, April 1 continues to blur the line between fact and fiction.

So as the calendar turns, readers may want to double-check headlines, confirm surprising announcements and approach the day with a healthy dose of skepticism.

After all, on April 1, not everything is quite what it seems.

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• Individual Tickets $60
• Two for $100 and $50 dollars a piece there after (during one transaction)
• NSU students $20 w/school ID
• Kids under 10 free admission

• Watch Delaney Bowl at Noon
• Exclusive tour of the new Performance Center
• Introduction of 2026 Demon Football team members – pictures and autographs will be available
• Performance by NSU Demon Band
• Performance  by NSU Demon Cheerleaders
• All you can eat crawfish
• Live Zydeco music by the Junior Lacrosse Band 5:00 – 7:00
• Live Auction:  autographed helmets, autographed jerseys, hunting trips, fishing trips, vacation weekends, Demon football memorabilia, and other live auction items – 7:00 – 8:00
• Live Music by PaperChase – 8:00 – 10:00
• Cash bar
• Demon football gear and attire available to purchase
• Golf Simulator
• 50/50 game of skill
• Former NFL player pictures and autographs,  including Ed “Coach O” Orgeron, and others
• Events and activities for the entire family 

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The NRMC Foundation is inviting the community to step back in time for an evening of elegance, entertainment, and purpose at its upcoming Great Gatsby Experience, set for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Natchitoches Events Center.

For one unforgettable night, the venue will be transformed into a dazzling Roaring Twenties celebration. Guests are encouraged to dress in vintage-inspired attire and immerse themselves in an atmosphere filled with music, entertainment, and timeless sophistication.

The evening will feature live performances by the Northwestern State University Theatre program, high-energy music from Party Machine, and casino-style gaming, all set within a vibrant Gatsby-inspired environment. Guests will also enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages served throughout the evening while mingling and taking in the sights and sounds of the Jazz Age.

Attendees can choose between two ticket options designed to elevate the Gatsby experience.

General Admission tickets include access to the full event experience, including live entertainment, casino-style gaming, and a variety of heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages throughout the evening. This option provides guests with a lively and immersive night filled with energy, music, and social atmosphere.

For those seeking an enhanced experience, the VIP Speakeasy Experience includes everything offered with General Admission, along with access to an exclusive speakeasy-style lounge. VIP guests will enjoy additional curated elements such as specialty cocktails, elevated entertainment, and a more intimate setting designed to capture the hidden luxury and intrigue of the Prohibition era.

More than just a night of entertainment, the Great Gatsby Experience plays a vital role in supporting the mission of the NRMC Foundation. Proceeds from the event help fund programs, services, and initiatives that enhance patient care and expand access to quality healthcare across the region.

By attending or supporting the event, guests are making a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of the community while enjoying an unforgettable evening of glamour and celebration.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nrmcfoundation.org/gatsby.

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Pulling up to the gas pump has started to feel less like a routine stop and more like a scene straight out of a horror movie. You swipe your card, start fueling up, and suddenly—there it is—the total climbing faster than you can look away. At $100 and still rising, it’s the kind of moment that makes you question every decision that led you to that pump. The real twist? No jump scare soundtrack needed—just the quiet panic of watching the numbers roll. And honestly, the caption says it best: “Based on a true story.”

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The March 31 Rotary meeting featured student recognition and the induction of a new member.

LSMSA seniors Bryan Chen and Anna Weaver were named Rotary Students of the Month, each receiving a certificate and scholarship. Chen plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to major in computer science and urban education, while Weaver will attend Columbia University to pursue a degree in environmental engineering.

In addition to the student honors, Rotarian Joe Henry introduced Sidney Evans as the organization’s newest member during the meeting.

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For National Doctors’ Day, Outpatient Medical Center (OMC) honors Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Mark Guidry for his extraordinary dedication to the people of Natchitoches Parish. Since September 2019, Dr. Guidry has shouldered the responsibilities of both CEO and CMO, ensuring the clinic remained open and accessible to low-income patients. As the only physician at OMC and the collaborative physician for all nurse practitioners, he has provided unwavering support to both patients and staff.

Dr. Guidry’s service extended far beyond the clinic walls. He delivered annual flu shots through home visits to elderly and immobile residents, remained on call 24/7, and never took a vacation, consistently placing the needs of the community above his own. Through personal sacrifice and demanding challenges, he continued to lead with compassion, resilience, and resolute commitment.

As we recognize his years of service, we reflect on the words of the Catholic Medical Association:

“Every day you stand at the intersection of science and suffering, hope and uncertainty, life and death. You accompany patients in their most vulnerable moments—celebrating new life, comforting the sick, guiding families through difficult decisions. In doing so, you fulfill a sacred trust that few are given and even fewer fully understand.”

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