A new year is bringing a new opportunity for growth, movement and purpose as Imagine More Yoga announces the start of its next in-person yoga teacher training and immersion programs, launching January 16 in Natchitoches.

Led by Cle’lie Aubin, an experienced registered yoga teacher (ERYT 500) and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), the nine-month program offers two distinct paths: a 200-hour Yoga Alliance–registered teacher training for those ready to step into teaching, and a deepening immersion track for students who want to expand their personal practice without the full teaching commitment.

Both options are designed to meet participants where they are, in a small-group setting that emphasizes connection, discipline and personal transformation.

Training weekends will be held once a month from January 16 through August 30, 2026, with sessions running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for teacher trainees. The immersion path offers a lighter time investment, meeting one weekend per month for shorter daily sessions. Space is limited to maintain the program’s intimate and hands-on approach.

Participants in the teacher training program will study foundational breathwork, class sequencing and theming, functional anatomy for healthy alignment, and subtle body concepts such as breath awareness, chakras and the koshas. The curriculum also explores yoga philosophy, key historical texts, the Yoga Sutras, lifestyle practices and an introduction to Ayurveda, all aimed at building confident, informed and ethical teachers.

Beyond the training space, Imagine More Yoga continues to expand its reach through “Yoga to You” services, offering private, corporate and in-home sessions across the region. Specialized packages are also available for sports teams, with programming tailored to support mobility, recovery, focus and mental resilience—tools that translate directly to performance both on and off the field.

Aubin’s approach blends structure with compassion, earning praise from students of all ages and experience levels. Past participants describe her classes as grounding, accessible and deeply rewarding, noting her ability to create a calm yet disciplined environment that helps students feel supported and capable, even if they are new to yoga.

In addition to training and instruction, Imagine More Gallery is also offering picture framing services, now in full swing with an average turnaround time of one to two weeks, further expanding the creative and community-centered offerings available through the studio.

The full 200-hour teacher training is a $3,000 investment, with monthly payment options available. The deepening immersion program is offered at $900. A $100 application fee is required to hold a space in the January cohort.

Those interested in beginning a yoga teaching journey—or simply deepening their practice in a meaningful, guided way—are encouraged to act soon as spots are limited.

For full program details, visit imaginemoregallery.com. To apply or ask questions, call or text 225-444-2765 or email clelieaubin@gmail.com.

Enrollment is now open, with the next chapter beginning January 16 in Natchitoches.

THIBODAUX — Northwestern State clawed back from a nine-point halftime deficit but came up just short Monday night, falling 74–72 to first-place Nicholls in a tightly contested Southland Conference men’s basketball battle on Rickey Broussard Court at Stopher Gymnasium.

“It was a typical Southland game with two good teams,” third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. “The team that made the most plays down the stretch was going to win. We gave ourselves a chance, but we just couldn’t get certain defensive stops that we needed. When you don’t win a game like that, it stings more.”

The Demons (4-11, 2-4) were led by Micah Thomas, who began his career at Nicholls, tying his career high with 29 points, including 19 in the second half while shooting 10-of-20 from the field. Izzy Miles added 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while Willie Williams recorded his second straight double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Northwestern finished the game shooting 46.4 percent from the field and held a 36–31 rebounding advantage, but Nicholls’ edge in fast-break points (14-4) and bench scoring (23-11) proved decisive

“Our margin for error is very slim, especially on the road,” Cabrera said. “I’m confident we can compete with anybody, but we have to be smarter, more disciplined, and tougher.”

The Demons erased a 40-31 halftime deficit with a 13-3 burst shortly after halftime in a game that featured 10 ties and eight lead changes.

The Colonels (7–8, 6–0) ran off eight unanswered points down the stretch to overcome a 63-61 deficit and move on top to stay.

Northwestern answered with consecutive baskets from Thomas to trim the deficit to two. After Nicholls extended the lead to four at the free-throw line, Thomas scored again in the paint with 21 seconds left to make it a one-point game.

Following two Nicholls free throws, Thomas converted a short jumper with 11 seconds remaining to cut the margin to 73–72. Nicholls added one final free throw, and Northwestern had a last look, but Chip Brunt slipped as he began a 3-point attempt just before the buzzer from 22 feet out on the left wing in transition.

The Demons are home again Saturday afternoon against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Athletic Communications Director

Military service as World War II ended interrupted Jim Willis’ two-sport Northwestern State athletic career, but nothing could sever the deep-seated admiration he had for his alma mater.

Willis, Northwestern’s first Major League Baseball player, passed away Saturday at 98 near his longtime home of Boyce. Visitation is set for 5-8 p.m. Friday with services at 11 a.m. Saturday at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home in Alexandria.

A baseball and basketball player whose collegiate careers were altered by his service, Willis began his Northwestern career in 1944 before serving his country in Germany toward the end of the war.

He returned to play both basketball and baseball for the Demons, experiencing success on both fronts before becoming the first Demon to reach Major League Baseball, spending two seasons with the Chicago Cubs from 1953-54.

Following his athletic career, Willis transitioned into twin family businesses – teaching and farming – both of which were natural fits for the Doyline native.

“He came from a family of teachers,” said Aza Willis Walker, one of Willis’ and his late wife, Dixie’s, four children. “We wrote in his obituary it was a natural transition when he finished baseball. His mother was a teacher. His great-grandfather built a school. His great uncle, James W. Nicholson, was president of LSU. He always enjoyed teaching people about something and always wanted people to learn.”

Perhaps portending his future on the diamond, Willis took part in the European Theater League during his time in Germany, playing at military bases in Germany and France. One of his teammates in Europe, Bob Rush, eventually became his teammate with the Cubs.

Willis’ two-season stint with the Cubs saw him toss two complete games in three starts during the 1953 season, going 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA. His Chicago tenure saw him appear in 27 games with four starts, showcasing his versatility on the mound.

Those 27 games nearly never happened as Roy Johnson, the Cubs third base coach, had to travel to Boyce to convince Willis to return to baseball. Coincidentally, the first pitch of Willis’ major league career came against another Louisiana native, Joe Adcock of Coushatta.

That meeting led to a fun exchange decades later when the two ran into each other at a horse-racing track near Lafayette with the two arguing over the outcome of the at-bat. Adcock swore it was a home run while Willis retorted it was a grounder back to the pitcher.

A 1976 N-Club Hall of Fame inductee whose No. 28 Demon baseball jersey was retired in 2009, Willis was not one for bragging about his big-league career.

“When we were little, he didn’t talk about it much,” said Walker, whose thoughts were echoed by her sister. “Daddy never wanted to be one of those old athletes who talked about what they used to do. It’s funny, I met my now-husband at 15. He found out about daddy’s baseball card, and he started asking him a lot of questions. That’s when I found out most of it.”

Following his service in World War II, Willis returned to Natchitoches and was part of the resumption of the Demon baseball program, helping Northwestern post a 12-9 mark in 1949.

He was equally as productive on the basketball court at Northwestern. As a guard, Willis helped coach H. Lee Prather’s 1948-49 Demon squad post a 23-5 record, win the Gulf States Conference championship and reach the NAIA Tournament semifinals – a run that included a quarterfinal victory against BYU.

Willis’ time on the hardcourt was shared with John McConathy, himself an NBA first-round draft pick and father of eventual Demon head basketball coach Mike McConathy.

The younger McConathy recalled seeing Willis during several Demon basketball reunions the coach held during his tenure with the two forging a friendship.

“My dad had a tremendous amount of respect for his ability as a player but also as a man,” Mike McConathy said. “Being around him and seeing him from time to time at different alumni functions, you could tell he was very well respected, and that was pretty special. You learn a lot by the number of people, when they come back, how they are received by other team members. There was always a lot of respect for him.”

Willis’ Demon baseball legacy opened the door for six more Northwestern alums to reach baseball’s pinnacle, but his post-playing career – one that saw him become a beloved educator – drew him the same reaction as it did from his fellow Demon athletic alumni.

That included the ability to befriend nearly anyone from an eventual university president to his students.

“Bobby Alost was a good friend of his,” said Sally Willis Barden, the third of Willis’ four children. “I was working a summer student job in the admissions office with Walter Ledet. One day, Bobby Alost saw my nametag and asked if I was related to Jim Willis. I said, ‘That’s my dad.’ He said, ‘I saw your daddy and (brother) Frank, and I asked Frank how fast your dad could throw a baseball?’ He said, ‘As fast as a .22 bullet.’

“I was coming home on the weekends, and I told Daddy about it. He said, ‘Next time you see Bobby Alost, tell him I need someone to come haul pulp wood.’ Bobby almost fell down laughing. They always had a lot of fun. (Willis) always said, ‘If you can’t have fun, don’t do it.’ For his birthday party, he’d say, ‘No gifts. Just come happy. If you’re not happy, don’t come.’”

Both Barden and Walker earned degrees from Northwestern, lengthening the family legacy.

That connection continued when Barden’s daughter, Susan Culley Barden, attended the Louisiana Scholars College and was part of the Spirit of Northwestern marching band.

Susan Barden found a perfect way to honor her grandfather several years ago, printing a Willis No. 28 Chicago Cubs jersey and posing for a picture in front of the famous Wrigley Field marquee.

The roots of this branch of the Willis family began at then-Louisiana Normal College when Jim met Dixie James, who was the Homecoming queen. The pair later married and settled in Boyce.

With Willis’ family maintaining property in Webster Parish, trips to and through Natchitoches were commonplace, which allowed Willis to remain connected to his alma mater.

“(Northwestern) meant a great, great deal to him,” Walker said. “Northwestern always honored him. (Former assistant athletic director and current special assistant to the president) Doug Ireland was incredible. It was such a huge part of him. He had a cabin in north Louisiana, and every time we would travel up there, we’d go by NSU. We did it a million times. I was there when his number was retired. We went and took pictures of him by the retired number. They invited him to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game in his later years. He still had it, and it meant the world to him.

“He loved coach Prather. He loved everything about Natchitoches. Northwestern meant so, so much to him.”

Clarence Rachal, 99, of Harrison, TN passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at his home.

Born in Derry, LA, Mr. Rachal was a resident of LA for 27 years, before moving to Chicago, IL from 1950 until 1992 at which time he returned to LA for 15 years before moving to Harrison, TN in 2007.

He retired from Sales Tool in Chicago, IL after 35 years of service. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville, LA, and was a WWII veteran of the US Army.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ivy Rachal; his daughter, Evelina Thompson; siblings, Horace Rachal, Raymond Rachal, Nora Balthazar, Bertha Byonne, Florence Beaudion, Henrietta Beaudion, Henry Rachal, and Lucille Conde.

Survivors are his children, Clarence (Raynella) S. Rachal, Braidwood, IL, Ann Juska, Warrenville, IL, Louis (Sandra) Rachal, Roselle, IL, and Steve (Susan) Rachal, Harrison, TN; sister, Secile Monette, Cloutieville, LA; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home from 4:30 pm until 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the American Heart Association.

BOM Bank is thrilled to announce its promotion of Sarah Giannone to Retail Regional Manager!

Sarah’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion for supporting her team and members have truly set her apart.

We can’t wait to see her continue to shine and make an incredible impact across our region. Congrats, Sarah!

When Joe was born in July of 1915, his grandfather announced, “This child is the future president of the nation.” At the time, Joe’s grandfather was the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, and Joe’s father was the president of the Columbia Trust Bank in Boston. From a young age, Joe’s father groomed him for a career in politics with the presidency as his ultimate goal for his son. Joe’s eight siblings were all held to high standards, but Joe was the favorite child. If Joe had his own goals in life, he never acted on them.

In 1933, Joe graduated from the prestigious Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, and won the Harvard trophy, one of the most coveted of athletic prizes which was awarded annually to the member of the football team who best combined scholarship and sportsmanship. Although Joe was not the first person to win the trophy, his was the first name engraved upon it. Rather than going straight into college, Joe was one of 20 youths selected from over 900 applicants “for a year’s trip around the world on a four-masted schooner.” Joe and his group visited every continent and almost every European country on their tour. While in Germany, Joe praised Adolph Hitler and his forced sterilization program in a letter to his father. He said Hitler’s program was doing “away with many of the disgusting specimens of men which inhabit this earth.”

In the fall of 1934, Joe entered Harvard College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree four years later. Joe then enrolled at Harvard Law School, the next logical step on his way to the presidency. With World War II looming on the horizon for Americans, Joe was among a group of Harvard students who formed the Harvard Committee Against Military Intervention in Europe and proclaimed, “Since, contrary to the assertions of the Committee for Militant Aid to Britain, there is every reason to believe that America is not now at war, it is incumbent upon us to consider the possibility of remaining at peace.”

War often brings opportunity. Despite his initial opposition to the war, Joe put his law studies on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in June of 1944. Becoming a war hero would certainly help his political ambitions. The United States officially entered the war on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. As a pilot, Joe flew more than enough combat missions to allow him to return home. Fellow pilot Louis Papas said, “There was never an occasion for a mission that meant extra hazard that Joe did not volunteer. He had everybody’s unlimited admiration and respect for his courage, zeal, and willingness to undertake the most dangerous missions.” In August 1944, Joe volunteered to take part in Operation Aphrodite in which war-weary bombers were converted into radio-controlled missiles. The plan was that Joe and his co-pilot Wilford Willy would fly the “drone” bomber with over 21,000 pounds of explosives to an altitude of 2,000 feet at which point another airplane would gain complete radio control.

Joe and Wilford would then arm the explosives and parachute out of the airplane over England. The crew in the second airplane would fly the radio-controlled bomber to its target. At 6:18 p.m. on August 12, Joe radioed, “Spade Flush,” the code phrase for the second airplane to take radio control of the drone. At 6:20, while Joe and Wilford awaited the signal to bail out, the bombs detonated prematurely.

Joe’s father’s dreams of his son becoming president ended with Joe’s death. Well, only for a short time.

You see, had Joe not been killed during World War II, it is unlikely that his brother would have become president of the United States. Joe, Joseph Kennedy Jr., was the older brother of John F. Kennedy.

Sources:
Meriden Record, May 30, 1933, p.8.
Meriden Record, June 23, 1933, p.8.
The Boston Globe, July 20, 1934, p.3.
The Atlanta Constitution, December 18, 1940, p.28.
The Kansas City Times, August 15, 1944, p.3.
Meilan Solly, “The Top-Secret World War II Mission That Killed Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the Heir Apparent to the Political Dynasty,” Smithsonian Magazine, August 12, 2024, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-top-secret-world-war-ii-mission-that-killed-joseph-pkennedy-heir-apparent-political-dynasty-180984857/#:~:text=Joe%20Jr.’s%20time%20in,Kennedy%2C%20who%20had%20intellectual%20disabilities.

A section of Louisiana Highway 174 west of Ajax was closed early in the morning on Jan. 3 following a two-vehicle crash involving injuries.

According to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 12:31 a.m. to the 2100 block of La. Hwy 174 near Dick Anderson Road. The crash involved a commercial vehicle and a private vehicle.

Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #7 and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS also responded to the scene. The roadway was reported to be blocked as emergency personnel worked the crash.

Louisiana State Police have been dispatched to investigate the incident. Motorists traveling through the area are advised to drive cautiously, avoid distractions, and expect delays while law enforcement conducts the investigation and towing services clear the wreckage.

No additional details were available at the time of the report.

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Jan. 1 around 1:11 am on I-49 north of Natchitoches. The crash claimed the life of 42-year-old Chad White of Coushatta.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2025 Kia, driven by White, was northbound on I-49. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia left the travel lane, impacted a private contractor arrow board, and then exited the roadway. After impact, the Kia overturned and ejected White from the vehicle.

White, who was not restrained, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local medical facility where he was pronounced dead. The passengers, who was restrained, sustained minor injuries. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.

Although not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

Natchitoches Police announce arrests for December 14 – 27, 2025

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested the following individuals over the past two weeks:

Verterrius Johnson – Remaining
Tony McCoy – Simple Possession of Marijuana
David Dixon – Enclosure Requirements and Unlawful Ownership of a Dangerous Dog
Corey Thomas – Criminal Damage to Property
Rodney Frazier – No Rabies, No City Tags and Animal Cruelty
Erica Braxton – Theft
Jorge Rivela – Domestic Battery, Simple Assault, False Imprisonment, Child Endangerment and Trespassing
Jerry Walter – Possession of Schedule II, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS and Discharging a Firearm in the City Limits
Justin Madison – Simple Possession of Marijuana
Darick Wallace – Obscenity, Disturbing the Peace and Obstructing Public Passages
Sophia Burton – Possession of Schedule I and Possession of Schedule II
Quintrarevas White – Simple Assault
Miracle White – Simple Battery
Desmond Williams – Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property and Discharging a Firearm in the City Limits
Terra Jackson – Forgery
Kenya Cage – Theft
Angel Perrow – Disturbing the Peace
Tierra Holden – Disturbing the Peace
Allen Glover – Disturbing the Peace
Justin LaCour – Disturbing the Peace
Billy Jackson – Disturbing the Peace
Gregory Wafer – Disturbing the Peace
Laci Salley – DWI
Garry Sylvester – General Speed, Aggravated Flight, Hit and Run and Stop Sign
Rodney Culbert – Theft
Lnwyan Jones – Resisting
Charles Demars Jr. – Trespassing
Matthew Peace – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Illegal Use of a Weapon, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center welcomed the first baby of the New Year on January 1, 2026.

Ja’Toria Shepherd gave birth to a baby girl, Ah’Lani, at 10:29 a.m., marking the hospital’s first delivery of 2026. Hospital staff shared in celebrating the milestone as the new year began with a joyful arrival.

NRMC extended congratulations to Shepherd and her family, wishing both mother and baby a lifetime filled with love, good health, and happiness.

The last two weeks of 2025, the Clerk’s Office had an additional 29 Oil and Gas lease filed, said David Stamey, Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court. The recent files were still concentrated along LA Hwy 6 between Hagewood and the Sabine Parish line, with additional leases along the Shady Grove Road, along Hwy 485, along Collins Road and a couple in the Marthaville area. This round the lease size ranged from one half acre to over 160 acres.

Stamey added that this gas play and contracts related to it has resulted in millions of dollars of income to the land owners. He estimated that at least 75% of the owners were local residents and that results in a boom to the local economy. I know that everyone is hoping for drilling to begin in 2026 and that could result in jobs and more money in the local economy that is still trying to comeback from the mill closure.

Oil and gas exploration in Natchitoches Parish continues to accelerate, with over 29 new leases filed at the Parish Clerk of Court’s office since December 15, 2025.

These latest filings push the year-to-date total to over 409 leases recorded since January 1, 2025 reinforcing Natchitoches Parish’s expanding position within the Haynesville Shale region. Industry observers note that this level of sustained leasing reflects long-term confidence from operators rather than the short-lived surges seen in some neighboring areas earlier this year.

The last two weeks of 2025, the Clerk’s Office had an additional 29 Oil and Gas lease filed, said David Stamey, Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court.  The recent files were still concentrated along LA Hwy 6 between Hagewood and the Sabine Parish line, with additional leases along the Shady Grove Road, along Hwy 485, along Collins Road and a couple in the Marthaville area.  This round the lease size ranged from one half acre to over 160 acres.

Stamey added that this gas play and contracts related to it has resulted in millions of dollars of income to the land owners.  He estimated that at least 75% of the owners were local residents and that results in a boom to the local economy.  I know that everyone is hoping for drilling to begin in 2026 and that could result in jobs and more money in the local economy that is still trying to comeback from the mill closure.

Landowners approached with lease offers are strongly encouraged to seek counsel from qualified oil and gas attorneys before signing. Mineral leases can have long-term consequences for royalty structures, surface rights, and future development activity. Proper legal guidance remains essential for protecting property rights.

A review of Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records shows that over 29  new leases have been filed since December 15, 2025. The NPJ obtained this list directly from the parish’s online public records system.

A parish-wide burn ban remains in effect as of Jan. 4 for all unincorporated areas of Natchitoches Parish due to extremely dry conditions and a heightened risk of wildfires.

The declaration was issued by Parish President John Salter on December 29, 2025. Parish officials cited a prolonged period of little to no measurable rainfall, which has led to dangerously dry conditions across the parish. Fire danger indices monitored by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry currently indicate an exceptionally high risk for wildfires.

Under the burn ban, all private, non-commercial open burning is prohibited. This includes the burning of leaves, grass, tree limbs, brush, vegetative matter, trash, debris, and other combustible materials, as well as campfires, bonfires, and warming fires.

Certain activities are exempt from the ban but must still be conducted with extreme caution. These include contained outdoor cooking such as gas or charcoal grills and smokers, which must be used on flame-resistant surfaces with a water source or fire extinguisher readily available. Permitted agricultural burns conducted in accordance with Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry regulations and fire department training exercises involving controlled burns are also exempt.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice and will be lifted only when conditions improve to a safe level. An official declaration will be issued at that time.

Violations of the burn ban may result in penalties under parish and state laws. Residents are urged to comply with the ban and to use extreme caution during any outdoor activities involving heat or fire.

THIBODAUX — Northwestern State used 20 points from Vernell Atamah and stingy defense to earn a hard-fought 50-46 road victory over Nicholls on Saturday at the David R. Stopher Gymnasium to keep pace atop the Southland Conference women’s basketball standings.

While the Demons (7-6, 4-1) could not completely solve Nicholls’ strong defense, Northwestern’s defense was the key, holding the Colonels (7-5, 3-2) to 32.1 percent shooting from the field and just 25 percent in the second half.

Nicholls was held to just 20 points in the second half.

“I’m so proud of their resilience,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “Nicholls is always a tough place and team to play. Earning an SLC road win shows a lot of grit. I felt the girls were locked in and focused on executing our defensive game plan.”

While Atamah did most of the scoring damage in the game for the Lady Demons, Northwestern called upon its closer late in the game.

After scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter combined in the last two games, Nya Valentine drained an open mid-range jumper off an inbounds pass with 1:49 left to break a 46-46 deadlock.

Still leading 48-46 with the clock winding down, Tanita Swift missed a layup that was rebounded by Clarence Djuela.

Just like against Lamar, Carla Celaya locked up her opponent to force a miss and help earn the big win. In addition to her defense against Swift, the senior from Spain grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds.

Valentine followed with a pair of free throws to ice the game.

“Nya had ice in her veins to hit the jumper off the baseline out of bounds and close out the game with those final free throws,” Nimz said. “She showed tremendous composure.”

Swift, Nicholls’ leading scorer, was held to 12 points on just 5-of-18 shooting, much of it was due to Celaya’s stellar defense.

After a jumper by Nicholls’ Marie Kenembeni with 3:47 left to tie the score at 46, the Demons held the home team off the board the rest of the way, forcing the Colonels to go 0-for-6 from the field with a turnover in that stretch.

With the win, NSU earned its third consecutive road victory in league play, a feat that the Demons hadn’t accomplished since 2014-15.

While Valentine sealed the win, Atamah started the game off on the right foot.

Atamah scored 10 of NSU’s 13 points in the first quarter and 13 of the first 16 overall, helping the Lady Demons take the lead for much of the first half before a 12-2 run to end the half gave the Colonels a 26-24 advantage at halftime.

Once again, the Demons won the rebounding battle, 39-31.

NSU comes home for two in a row, starting with UTRGV on Thursday before rounding out the weekend with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Jan. 10.

THIBODAUX — The Northwestern State men’s basketball team visits a red-hot Nicholls team tonight as Southland Conference play continues at Stopher Gymnasium.

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on the Demon Sports Network, flagshipped by 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.

The Demons (4-10, 2-3) look to carry momentum away from Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum following a resilient 74–68 comeback win over New Orleans on Saturday to close a three-game homestand.

Northwestern erased a 14-point second-half deficit in that victory, turning the game with a decisive defensive stretch that saw the Privateers miss 14 consecutive shots. The Demons capitalized with a 13–0 run to seize control and secure the win.

“We are looking to build off of last game and continue to get better while showing consistency in our play,” third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said.

Senior forward Willie Williams delivered a pivotal performance, recording his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds, including seven offensive boards that fueled second-chance opportunities.

Guard Landyn Jumawan provided a major spark off the bench, scoring all 13 of his points in the second half, including timely perimeter shots that shifted momentum.

Nicholls (6-8, 5-0) enters Monday’s matchup playing its best basketball of the season. The Colonels are coming off an 80–58 win over East Texas A&M and have won six of their last seven games, riding a three-game winning streak.

“Nicholls is a very good and well coached team,” Cabrera said. “They have three starters returning that are playing at a high level, along with newcomers that are playing well.”

The Colonels rank 17th nationally in steals per game (10.1), applying consistent on-ball pressure that disrupts offensive rhythm and creates transition opportunities.

Northwestern swept the season series last year for the first time since 2016–17, earning a 68–66 win in Natchitoches on Jan. 4 before securing a 72–60 victory in Thibodaux on Feb. 10 — the Demons’ first win at Stopher Gymnasium since 2020.

Bid Information for Leasing of Agricultural Property at NPSB Parcel8100002000A

Bids/Proposals will be accepted until January 5, 2026 1:00 p.m. and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 PM in the School Board’s Central Office, 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71457-5709. Please find bid-related documents at WWW.CENTRALBIDDING.COM  Bids/Proposals received after the date and time of opening will not be considered. Facsimile transmissions will not be considered. Additional information may be obtained upon request by contacting Jordan Rowell,

Purchasing Coordinator, at Jordan.Rowell@npsb.la or 318-352-2358, Ext. 6373, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Bids may be mailed in or dropped off at 310 Royal Street address. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Other terms and conditions:

1. I) Bidder must acknowledge their acceptance of the template lease and its terms which is attached herein on their bid

• All parcels of land up for bid have a minimum bid per acre of$85.00

• Each lease is for one

• Bidder must have bid in sealed envelope with parcel number identified on the outside of the envelop.
• Bidder must provide proof of easement to the parcel being bid Example is “Using Water Well Road as Easement”

12/15/25, 12/22/25 & 01/05/26

NPSB Approved Notice of Bid Information Packages signed letter.

Raymond Louis Locatto, Sr. was born on April 8, 1949 in New Orleans, LA. The love of my life was unexpectedly called away on December 28, 2025. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Dominic Raymond and Florence Richardson Locatto; sister Connie Piazza; and brother, Constandino “Gus” Locatto.

Ray loved to fish, crab, and shrimp. Being Italian and from New Orleans, he loved to cook and we all loved his cooking! He was a landscaper by trade and enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard. After moving here 3 years ago, he was looking forward to planting a little garden in the spring.

Left to cherish his so many stories and wonderful memories are his wife Vicki Hardy Locatto; sister Stella Magne’ (Jack); son Raymond Locatto, Jr. (Louise), daughter Gina Locatto (Brad), daughter Crissy Locatto (Ray), son Dominick Locatto, and stepson Chad McClure. Ray was Paw Paw to 9 grandkids and 2 great-grands. He also had several nieces and nephews.

Also sharing memories are or extended family members, Theron Magers, Diedra, RaeAnn and Wynn Donivan, Brenda and Chris Wells, Sue Hatley, the 2 O’Clock Bayou bunch and Perrin Lazenby, the great fisherman.

Ray had a big family that loved him and he loved you all very much. Please make any donations to St. Hilda Church in Natchitoches or the Cancer Society or the Animal Rescue of your choice.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at a later date.

September 27, 1927 — January 1, 2026
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,

to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Adrene McKnight never slowed down long enough to be ordinary. At an age when most people begin to take it easy, she leaned in. She chose adventure over caution, laughter over limits, and met life every day with joy and daring curiosity. In her 60s, she donned red stilettos and fearlessly rode the mechanical bull at Gilley’s. For her 80th birthday, she flew to Puerto Vallarta, where she strapped in and ziplined alongside a guide serenading her with Feliz Cumpleaños as the Sierra Madre mountains unfolded beneath her. At 90, she could still be found dancing at LSU tailgating parties, fully alive in the moment and immersed in the celebration and unmistakable Tiger spirit that surrounded her. On January 1, 2026, at the age of 98, Adrene took her final bow on earth and soared into the loving arms of the family who had gone before her, waiting to welcome her home.

Adrene was born in Natchitoches, LA on September 27, 1927. As the oldest of 14 children, she learned early the value of self-sufficiency, resilience, and finding satisfaction in everyday moments. Those early lessons shaped not only her strong work ethic, but also the confidence and independence that later fueled her adventurous approach to life.

She graduated from Natchitoches High School and attended Northwestern State College. Before beginning her career in banking, Adrene worked for the U.S. Forest Service and at L.H. Johnson Wholesale. It was at L.H. Johnson that she met her future husband, James McKnight. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work, shared laughter, and a steady appreciation for making the most of each day. Adrene went on to enjoy a successful 35-year career in the banking industry, rising to the role of Vice President, followed by an equally successful 29-year run at being retired, a season she embraced with enthusiasm that never faded.

Adrene was an accomplished seamstress who sewed all her own clothes as well as every outfit her daughters wore, including ball gowns, prom dresses, and suits. She also relished cooking for her family, and although she never knew how many friends her children might invite to dinner, there was always enough food to welcome everyone at the table. It was in her garden, however, that Adrene found her greatest sense of peace and renewal. Created almost entirely from friendship flowers grown from seeds and cuttings shared by others, it reflected the way she lived her life. Just as she nurtured her family and the many people she befriended, she lovingly tended each plant until it flourished and revealed its full potential.

When she was not working, sewing, cooking, gardening, or taking care of her husband and seven children, she filled her spare time by giving back to the church and community she dearly loved. She was a member of The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic Daughters, Service League of Natchitoches, and St. Denis Garden Club.

Adrene’s Catholic faith was the quiet foundation of her life. It sustained her through seasons of great joy and profound heartbreak, offering her strength, comfort, and an unshakable sense of hope. In prayer and trust in God, she found the grace to endure loss and to continue forward with courage, love, and generosity of spirit. She passed that faith on to her children by the way she lived each day.

No doubt now that Adrene has gained her wings, she is serving as guardian angel to her surviving children: Mary Adrene Burback (Larry) of Seattle, WA, Lillian Kay Platt (Shep) of Baton Rouge, Patricia (Tish) McKnight of Natchitoches, James Hart McKnight, Jr. (Cecilia) of Natchitoches, Anna Lea Payne (Andy) of Many, and Sarah Jean Barthelemy (Bill) of Loudon, TN; her 20 grandchildren: Jessica Madrigal (Tony), Rachel Norman (Andrew), Joshua Platt, Jaimee Platt, Katie Hebert (John), John Kyzar (Leah), Chris Kyzar (Nycol), Dustin McKnight (Coree), Brandon McKnight, Kyndall Harrell (Keith), Amber McKnight, Megan McKnight, Andrea Payne, Drew Payne (Natalie), Amanda Fredieu (Tyler), Austin Payne (Nicole), Corinne Cooney (Chris), Callie Barthelemy, Dana Curry (William), and Michael Barthelemy (Amanda); her siblings: Ann McClanahan, Linda Dowden, Mary Crayon, Dannie Methvin, Donnie Methvin, Ronnie Methvin, Mike Methvin, and Pat Methvin; her 29 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and the many friends whose lives she enriched.

Answering her knock at heaven’s door with joy and exuberance were those who went before her: her husband James Hart McKnight, her son William Methvin McKnight, her parents Clotile & Roscoe Methvin, and her siblings Mildred Marquess and Richard, William, Robert, and Kenneth Methvin.

The family wishes to express love and heartfelt thanks to Adrene’s sister-in-law, Vicki Methvin, whose lifelong friendship and quiet counsel made her an essential thread in the fabric of Adrene’s life. A trusted confidant to Adrene and a steady, extraordinary presence to her children, Vicki’s love and loyalty were gifts beyond measure. They are also deeply grateful to Natchitoches Community Care and Hospice of Natchitoches for the compassionate care, kindness, and dignity they lovingly extended to Adrene during her final days.

Arrangements are under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, January 4, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, with a rosary at 7:30 pm. Services will be held Monday, January 5, at 1:00 pm at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception with Father Irion St. Romain, Father Louis Sklar, and Deacon John Whitehead officiating, followed by burial at Memory Lawn Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, John Kyzar, Chris Kyzar, Dustin McKnight, Brandon McKnight, Drew Payne, Austin Payne, and Joshua Platt. Honorary pallbearers are her brothers, Danny, Donnie, Ronnie, and Pat Methvin and dear friend, Gary DeBlieux.

Those who wish to honor Adrene’s memory may do so by donating to The William McKnight Award, St. Mary’s High School Athletic Department, 1101 East 5th Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 145 Church Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; or to a cause of the donor’s choosing.

The City of Natchitoches announces that the westbound lane of Church Street between Front Street and Second Street will be CLOSED for sewer repairs beginning on Monday, January 5, 2026.

One-lane, two-way traffic will be maintained through this area by use of flaggers.

The duration of this lane closure is unknown at this time and will depend on the extent of issues that are identified after excavation of the affected area.

Because of traffic congestion in this area, motorists are urged to find alternate routes while this work is ongoing.

For more information, please contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.

The Natchitoches Police Department has identified Lloyd Paillett (B/M, 52 y.o.a. of Shreveport) as a suspect wanted for a stabbing that took place Thursday morning.

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Airport Road on Jan. 1 around 11:30 am in reference to two individuals suffering from several lacerations. Upon officers arrival they located the two victims and immediately began to render aid while waiting on other first responders to arrive. The two victims were transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for their injuries and one victim was later air lifted to another hospital for further treatment. They are both listed in stable condition according to hospital staff.

Officers and Investigators were able to identify Lloyd Paillett as the suspect and were told that he fled the area prior to their arrival.

Lloyd Paillett is wanted for Attempted Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Second Degree Battery.

If you have seen Lloyd Paillett please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or Detective Gavin Watson at (318) 357-3811. Do not attempt to apprehend or detain this individual by yourself. Lloyd Paillett is considered to be armed and dangerous. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

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About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

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