June 6, 1959 — December 28, 2025

Luther “Buddy” Lott was born on June 6, 1959, and passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

Buddy lived in Natchitoches his entire life. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1977, and in 2011 he was inducted into the SMH Hall of Fame for his continued support of his Alma Mater. Buddy attended Northwestern State University and was a decades long time supporter of Demon Athletics and the NSU Demons Unlimited Foundation, providing support for all 14 men’s and women’s sports teams. In 2017 Buddy and his family established the Luther W. Lott, Sr., Memorial Scholarship, a perpetual four-year scholarship offered through the NSU Foundation. He was named to the Purple Line, a distinguished group of NSU alumni and supporters, in 2019. Buddy joined his father in the family business, Lott Oil Company, when he was still a teenager, and he learned the business from the ground up. He grew with the business as it continued to expand throughout Louisiana, eventually becoming president of the business, leading the company to the success it has reached today. In addition to running a company of over 500 employees, Buddy was a committed leader in the oil marketers industry, including serving on numerous state and national councils and boards. Buddy was so proud to welcome both of his children, Michael and Camille, to join him in the company in the past several years. Michael and Camille will continue to carry on the legacy Buddy has established at Lott Oil.

Buddy enjoyed spending time fishing in Natchitoches and hunting with dear friends and family members in West Texas. He also graciously hosted large family events at the camp in Natchitoches.

A recent highlight of Buddy’s life was becoming a grandfather. He found himself saying “Yes” to many more things when they were for Emery. Buddy was looking forward to becoming a grandfather for second time in May with the birth of Camille and Brandon’s son.

Buddy was preceded in death by his father Luther Lott, Sr., his mother Betty Self, his sister Martha Chapman, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Chris and George Mourad.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kim Mourad Lott, and their son Michael and wife Kelsy and granddaughter Emery, and daughter Camille Lott Donahue and husband Brandon, all of Natchitoches. Buddy is also survived by his stepmother Gwen Lott and her children Harry Hyams, David Hyams, and Katy Lyons. He is also survived by his Mourad family including Kalani Merrill, Renee Stewart, Kip and Jenny Mourad, and Kathy and Winky Newer and all their special kids and grandkids. Buddy was loved and will be remembered by so many friends and extended family members as well as loyal employees.

Buddy was an organ donor, and his death will allow others to live. In accordance to his wishes, Buddy was cremated. A celebration of Buddy’s wonderful life will be held Friday, January 2, at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches from 2-6 P.M. Serving as Buddy’s honorary pall bearers will be Mark Massia, Steve Crews, Steve Rachal, Kip Mourad, Winky Newer, Gary Moreland, John Ackle, and the Krewe of ‘77. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the NSU scholarships of your choice by following this link northwesternstatealumni.com or mailing NSU Foundation 535 University Parkway Natchitoches, LA 71457.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Buddy’s team of doctors and nurses at LSU Oschners not only for their care of Buddy but also for their kindness and compassion to his family.

In response to a recent article published by the Red River Parish Journal, detectives with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) are actively investigating reports of possible projectiles damaging vehicles traveling along U.S. Highway 71 in the Fairview Alpha community.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Louisiana State Police Troopers were dispatched on Dec. 26 around 8:50 pm by the NATCOM 911 Center to the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Louisiana Highway 6 in Clarence. Deputies responded after a motorist reported that the passenger-side glass of her vehicle had possibly been shot out while she was traveling on U.S. Highway 71 in the Fairview Alpha community.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the motorist, gathered preliminary information, and examined the vehicle for evidence. No injuries were reported. Deputies and Louisiana State Police troopers canvassed the surrounding area for possible suspects or additional evidence; however, no one was located.

An offense report was completed and forwarded to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau for further investigation.

Since that time, deputies have learned through community sources of other alleged incidents involving property damage in the Fairview Alpha area. To date, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office has received only one official report related to these incidents. The other alleged incidents have not been reported to law enforcement.

On Monday, detectives spent most of the afternoon talking to residents in the area attempting to gather information and leads in the investigation.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have been the victim of property damage while traveling on U.S. Highway 71 in the Fairview Alpha community within the past month to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851 or 318-352-6432.

This incident remains under investigation.

Case Agents:
Detective Captain Glen Sers
Detective Sergeant Thurman Baptiste
NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau
318-357-7851

Happy New Year!

There’s much to be excited about as 2026 arrives tonight at midnight. Maybe it’s your plans for New Year’s Eve; for an extended holiday weekend; or, simply the hope that 2026 brings happiness.

As for your Natchitoches Parish Journal team, we are eager to continue bringing you quality coverage of local news and information.

We are thankful for your taking advantage of our free publication. We’re never going to charge you a penny, we’re never going to bombard you with pop-ups and pay walls, and we’re never going to share your e-mail address with anybody.

We are, however, going to take the rest of the week off to start the year! We did the same last week for the Christmas holiday. To allow our wonderful team members to enjoy quality time with their families, friends and pets, or in the woods, in front of the TV, or finding fun and relaxation to refresh for 2026, we will not publish the Journal on Thursday or Friday this week.

We will resume our regular weekday schedule Monday, Jan. 5, with our 6:55 a.m. email edition. All will also be posted on our website and shared on our Facebook page, with plenty of content – all at no cost to you.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, many residents are planning to celebrate with fireworks. While public fireworks shows remain the safest option, those choosing to use personal fireworks at home should take precautions to prevent injuries and property damage.

Safety tips for using fireworks include:
Keep fireworks at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles, and flammable debris.
Never let children handle fireworks; consider safe alternatives like glow sticks.
Avoid using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Light one firework at a time and keep a hose or bucket of water nearby.
Soak used fireworks before disposal; never throw them into the trash dry.

Check for local burn bans or dry conditions before lighting fireworks, and always choose a safe, open space for detonation.

Several new laws and policy changes are set to take effect across Louisiana beginning January 1, 2026, impacting drivers, homeowners, court proceedings, insurance policyholders, and those involved in civil lawsuits. The changes stem from legislation passed during recent sessions and reflect a broader shift in public safety, legal standards, and consumer protections.

Key Louisiana Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026

• Hands-free driving law fully enforced
• Modified comparative fault standard in injury lawsuits
• Limits on recoverable medical expenses in civil cases
• Expanded tax credits for home fortification projects
• New licensing requirements for residential roofing contractors
• Mandatory electronic or in-person court filings for attorneys
• Insurance companies required to disclose credit score use

One of the most visible changes involves the state’s expanded hands-free driving law. Beginning January 1, full enforcement will begin following the end of a grace period. Drivers will no longer be allowed to hold a mobile phone while driving for texting, scrolling, browsing, or similar actions. Penalties will increase in school zones and construction zones, and repeat violations may result in steeper fines.

Louisiana will also see a major shift in how fault is assessed in personal injury lawsuits. The state is moving from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault standard. Under the new law, a person found to be 51 percent or more responsible for an accident will be barred from recovering damages. Those found 50 percent or less at fault may still recover compensation, but any award will be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

Changes are also coming to how medical expenses are calculated in injury cases. Under the new law, plaintiffs may only recover the amount actually paid for medical care rather than the higher amounts originally billed by healthcare providers. Supporters say the change brings awards more in line with real costs, while critics argue it may limit recovery for some injured parties.

Homeowners will see new incentives aimed at strengthening properties against severe weather. Expanded tax deductions and credits will be available for qualifying home fortification projects, including improvements that increase wind resistance. One measure allows homeowners to receive up to a $10,000 tax credit for qualifying roof fortification upgrades.

New licensing requirements will also take effect for residential roofing contractors. For roofing projects exceeding $7,500, contractors must now hold a state-issued residential roofing license or a residential construction license with a roofing designation. The law is intended to protect homeowners from unqualified contractors, particularly following major storms.

Court procedures will also change beginning in 2026. Attorneys will be required to submit court filings electronically or in person in paper form, in accordance with systems established by each clerk of court. The move is aimed at modernizing court operations and improving efficiency statewide.

Additionally, insurance companies operating in Louisiana will be required to disclose to policyholders whether credit scores are used in determining insurance premiums. While full implementation of this requirement begins later in 2026, the change marks a shift toward greater transparency for consumers.

Together, the new laws represent a mix of safety enforcement, legal reform, and consumer-focused policy changes that will affect residents across the state as the new year begins.

Online trends sneak into political conversations. Because apparently what’s trending can matter more than, you know… actual answers. When a meme goes viral, it can suddenly feel like the main issue—whether it makes sense or not. Which is fitting, since “6–7” itself barely means anything at all.

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers most read).

DENVER – Tatum Roberts, a graduating senior from Magnolia Bend Academy has earned a position on the National High School rodeo team. As the Reserve Champion steer wrestler from the state of Texas, he will be traveling with fellow teammates to Rock Springs, Wyoming July 13–19 to compete at the 77th annual National High School Finals Rodeo. He is one of four steer wrestlers representing Texas.

Featuring more than 1,800 contestants from 44 states, five Canadian Provinces, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Guatemala, the NHSFR is the world’s largest rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $150,000 in prizes and over $200,000 in added money, Tatum and other NHSFR contestants will also be competing for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR World Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 – based on their combined times/scores in the first two rounds – to advance to Saturday evening’s final round. World champions will then be determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.

Again, this year, the Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as a part of the Cinch Highschool Rodeo Tour telecast series. LIVE broadcasts of each NHSFR performance will air online at http://www.thecowboychannel.com. Performance times begin at 7pm on July 13 and the competition continues daily at 9am and 7pm through July 19. Make sure to catch the action.

Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NHSFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by Golden Spur Ministries, and shopping at the NHSFR tradeshow.

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers most read).

Natchitoches’ historic Trinity Episcopal Church was filled with members of the LGBTQ community, families and allies, for the area’s first Pride Mass Saturday, October 25. The Pride Mass is a regular service with readings and homily geared towards acceptance, healing and God’s love towards all persons. After the service, the church hosted food and fellowship in the church hall.

The service was led by The Rev. Shelley Martin, Curate of Alexandria’s St James Episcopal Church, The Rev Kristen Paul, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, and The Rev Deacon Michael Parham of St. James Episcopal Church.

From the Pride Mass program” “Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you. And loves you unconditionally. Go in peace to follow the good road and may the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, be with you now ands always. Amen.”

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers most read).

The Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter and the Iota Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is proud to present the 33rd Annual Beautillion Gala on Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m. in the NSU Student Union Ballroom at Northwestern State University. With this year’s theme, “A Journey of Black Excellence Through the Decades,” the 2025 Beautillion is more than just a formal celebration—it is a journey of empowerment.

Beautillion provides young men with a platform to develop leadership skills, foster personal growth, and contribute to the betterment of the community. Over the course of the program, participants engage in activities designed to promote academic success, mentorship, civic engagement, and personal development. The culmination of their hard work and dedication will be celebrated during the Beautillion, where each Beau will be formally introduced to the community.

We proudly present eight outstanding young men selected to participate in the Beautillion Gala, where they will be formally recognized for their achievements. The presentation will include a performance of the beaux and their female escorts, a mother and son presentation, and a tribute to the beaux recognizing their outstanding achievements.

We are honored to introduce the Beaux of the 2025 Beautillion:
Xavier Ford – Leesville High School | Future Sports Anchor attending University of Minnesota
Cameron Hobley – Red River High School | Future Kinesiologist attending Louisiana Tech University
Cameron Jones – Red River High School | Future Electrical Engineer attending Louisiana Tech University
Jomello McDonald – Red River High School | Future Nurse attending Southern University
Kyron Payne – Natchitoches Central High School | Future Businessman attending University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Jayden Phanor – Natchitoches Central High School | Future Petroleum Engineer attending Louisiana State University
Jayden Wells – Red River High School, Future Physical Therapist attending Louisiana Tech
Titus Williams – Natchitoches Central High School | Future Civil Engineer attending Grambling State University

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our Beaux and to highlight the incredible work they have done throughout the program,” said Ke’Nesha Coats, Chapter President. “This event is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to making a positive impact in the community. We look forward to an inspiring evening that honors their accomplishments and sets the stage for their future success.”

The proceeds from the Beautillion will allow Natchitoches Alumnae to continue to serve the community by providing scholarships and financial awards to deserving high school seniors and fund other programming, including the Annual Prayer Breakfast, College Tours, Financial Literacy, American Heart Association, Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy & GEMS (Growing & Empowering Myself Successfully) Program, Delta’s Book project, Breast Cancer Awareness, Sickle Cell Awareness, March of Dimes, HIV/AIDS Awareness and a range of other worthwhile local, national and international awareness projects.

Tickets for the event are available to the public, and we encourage everyone to come out and support these outstanding young men. This year’s guest speaker is Antavious Roberson, Principal at Natchitoches Magnet, and pre-sale tickets are available for $10. Refreshments will also be provided. For more information about the Beautillion, including ticket sales and Beau profiles, please visit our Instagram and Facebook pages or contact any member of the Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 


(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers most read).

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed multiple arrests following a disturbance reported in the early morning hours of Sept. 7 in CaneCun River Bar on Patrick Road.

Deputies responded shortly after midnight following a 911 call reporting a fight. An ambulance was dispatched to the scene; however, all individuals involved declined medical treatment.

As a result of the incident, five people have been charged.

Hailey Lavespere, 32 of Lena, was charged with Criminal Obstruction and Accessory to Simple Escape.

Courtney N. Rachal, 31 of Cloutierville, was charged with Disturbing the Peace by Fighting, Simple Escape, and Criminal Obstruction of Justice.

Casey Paul Rachal, 27 of Lena, was charged with Disturbing the Peace by Fighting and Resisting an Officer by giving a False Name.

Skylar Robinson, 32 of Lena, was charged with Disturbing the Peace by Fighting.

Hannah Curry, 35 of Natchitoches, was charged with Simple Battery.

Authorities said Lavespere, Courtney Rachal, and Casey Rachal remain in custody at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond. Robinson and Curry were released on citations pending upcoming court appearances.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing.

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers most read).

A tip from a resident led the NPJ to the Arby’s restaurant on Keyser Avenue, where workers were seen boarding up the windows. Upon further investigation, a sign posted on the door confirmed the news—Arby’s has officially closed its Natchitoches location.

The sudden closure came as a surprise. Arby’s, known for its signature roast beef sandwiches and curly fries, has been a staple on Keyser Avenue for years. Its absence leaves another vacant storefront in the area, raising questions about what may take its place.

As of now, there is no information on whether employees have been offered positions at other Arby’s locations or if another business is set to move into the space.

We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more details emerge.

As this letter is published on December 31, many of us are doing what we always do at year’s end—looking back, taking stock, and quietly thinking about what we want to do better in the year ahead.

From a woman’s point of view, one resolution worth making in 2026 is simple: stop mansplaining.

Mansplaining is not a disagreement. It is not a healthy debate. And it is certainly not men expressing opinions. Mansplaining happens when a man explains something to a woman in a patronizing or condescending way, often assuming she lacks knowledge or understanding—sometimes even when she is the most qualified person in the room.

Most women recognize it instantly. It shows up as being talked over, corrected unnecessarily, or lectured on subjects we already understand—our professions, our finances, our health, our lived experiences. It often arrives disguised as helpfulness, wrapped in phrases like, “What you need to understand is…” or “Let me explain this in simple terms.”

Whether intentional or not, the effect is the same. It diminishes women’s voices, discourages participation, and reinforces outdated assumptions about who holds authority. In workplaces, it chips away at credibility. In civic discussions, it narrows perspective. In everyday life, it undermines respect.

Ending mansplaining does not require silence. It requires listening. It requires recognizing that women come to the table with knowledge, experience, and expertise that do not need translation or approval. It means entering conversations as equals, not default instructors.

As we step into a new year, striving for better habits and stronger communities, this is one change that costs nothing—and improves everything. Conversations are richer, decisions are smarter, and communities are stronger when everyone is heard without being talked down to.

If we are serious about doing better in 2026, this is a resolution worth keeping.

Ida B. Torn
A Woman Who Knows What She’s Talking About

Louisiana’s wintering waterfowl population is on the rise, according to the latest aerial duck survey conducted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

LDWF officials report an estimated 1.66 million ducks across Louisiana’s coastal zone and the Little River Basin following surveys conducted December 15–18, 2025. That figure represents a 6 percent increase from December 2024, when approximately 1.56 million ducks were recorded. The total is also 8 percent above the most recent five-year average, signaling a strong season for wintering waterfowl.

The survey breaks down duck populations by region and species, showing particularly strong numbers among dabbling ducks, which totaled 1.29 million birds, and diving ducks, which accounted for 361,000 birds. Combined, the total duck population reached approximately 1.65 million, with an additional 693,000 coots observed statewide.

Among individual species, pintails led the count with an estimated 434,000 birds, followed by gadwall at 306,000 and green-winged teal at 209,000. Blue-winged teal totaled 198,000, while mallards accounted for 13,000 across surveyed regions.

LDWF noted some of the most dramatic year-over-year increases were seen in several diving and dabbling species. Canvasbacks increased by 353 percent, scaup by 300 percent, wigeon by 133 percent, and pintails by 86 percent compared to last December.

Each year, LDWF conducts aerial waterfowl surveys during September, November, December, and January to monitor abundance and distribution across the state. Officials say the data collected is vital for guiding responsible wildlife management and ensuring healthy waterfowl populations for future hunting seasons and conservation efforts.

“These surveys provide a critical snapshot of Louisiana’s role as a wintering ground for migratory waterfowl,” LDWF officials said. “They help ensure science-based decisions that support both conservation and outdoor traditions.”

Additional survey flights are planned later this winter to continue tracking population trends statewide.

Northwestern’s basketball teams wrap up 2025 this afternoon at home on Mike McConathy Court in Prather Coliseum in a Southland Conference basketball doubleheader against rival Stephen F. Austin, with the women’s game starting at 1 and the men’s matchup following at 3:30.

Both contests will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on the Demon Sports Network, flagshipped by 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.

WOMEN: After taking down two of the conference favorites in McNeese and Lamar, the Lady Demons (6-5, 3-0) collide with SFA (7-5, 1-2), last year’s NCAA Tournament entry from the Southland.

“Stephen F. Austin is a tremendous team,” NSU coach Anna Nimz said. “They are really well coached, and they have a lot of kids they were able to bring back, including, in my opinion, one of the best 3-point shooters we’ll see throughout the course of the year.

“SFA is a championship-caliber team. We have to put our hard hats on and we’re going to have to stay intently focused since they play very fast.”

The Demons are aiming for a perfect 4-0 start in Southland play for the first time since 2014-15.

Nya Valentine, the reigning SLC Player of the Week, is coming off a week in which she averaged 19.5 points per game in the two victories against McNeese and Lamar, including making nine 3-pointers. She also averaged 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in those two wins.

The two teams are two of the top three teams in 3-point attempts in the Southland.

It will be a matchup of strength against strength, as the Demons are third in the Southland in points allowed per game, while the Ladyjacks lead the conference by a significant margin in offensive points per contest.

Following the contest, the Northwestern women start 2026 with a trip to Nicholls on Saturday before coming back home next week against UTRGV (next Thursday) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (next Saturday).

MEN:  Northwestern (3–9, 1–2) enters today’s matchup with SFA looking to respond following a 76–61 setback to Lamar on Monday in its conference home opener.

The Demons showed flashes offensively, led by Izzy Miles and Micah Thomas, who combined for 33 points. Miles finished with 17 points while Thomas added 16.

Stephen F. Austin (10–2, 3–0) arrives riding a five-game winning streak, most recently earning a 75–48 win at East Texas A&M on Monday. The Lumberjacks closed that contest on a dominant 26–2 run over the final 10 minutes and held the Lions scoreless over the final six.

“They’re sharing the ball, making shots, defending — the numbers don’t lie. They’ve got good balance with point guard play, Keon Thompson scoring the ball, good shooters on the wing, and Jerald (Colonel) is playing really well for them,” said Demons’ coach Rick Cabrera.

SFA is paced by Thompson, who averages 17.4 points per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field.

The Lumberjacks are also anchored defensively by Colonel, a former Demon forward who leads the nation in blocks per game (3.8) and ranks third nationally in total blocks (42).

As a team, the Lumberjacks excel on the defensive end, ranking 16th nationally in 3-point percentage defense.

“It’s a rivalry — there’s a lot of history in this game,” Cabrera said. “We’re looking forward to getting them here at home, and our guys will be ready to play.”

Recent meetings have reflected the rivalry’s competitive balance with the programs splitting the last eight matchups. Neither team has won more than two straight games in the series during that span.

As things wind down in 2025, I continue to question where we are headed with college athletics. Let me preface this article by saying that, yes, I’m old school when it comes to college athletes being paid. It’s just not right in my opinion, though I do believe in “reasonable” compensation.

Why is it no longer good enough to get a full scholarship and leave college with a degree that sets up a student-athlete for the rest of their life? Why does that no longer have value?

I’m all for subsidizing these athletes so they can go out and enjoy a pizza or go to a movie with a date, but we have now surpassed the idea of a little “spending money” to have a good time and enjoy college life.

As a former college athlete, I get that in the past certain athletes have been taken advantage of. I also get the positive financial impact some athletes can have on a university. But what we are doing with regard to paying college athletes is out of control!

Let’s not deceive ourselves into thinking this is something new. Ever since the beginning of college athletics, certain athletes with gifted abilities have always been catered to in some form. From the early days, the prized recruits might get a meal paid for or maybe a cow and some land given to their family—all due to an athlete’s ability to play at a high level.

In the 1970s, some elite athletes received cars as a gift or incentive to sign with a particular university. In certain instances, it took a briefcase full of money or a well-paying job for mom or dad to get a kid to sign. Some athletes were given high-paying summer jobs that exceeded the normal minimum-wage jobs other students got.

So, great athletes have been catered to for decades! But in 2025, this has gone above and beyond a car or a good-paying summer job. Today, kids are getting millions of dollars up front just to sign with a university—players who have yet to play a down or a minute in college.

What message are we sending to today’s young athletes with all this money being given up front?

They’re being paid whether they start or sit on the bench. What has happened to the idea of proving yourself and earning what you’re worth? Where’s the incentive for today’s athletes? Aren’t we setting them up for failure down the road?

We have placed kids on a pedestal and lifted their egos to levels never seen before! The word “entitlement” comes to mind as the number-one issue among all college coaches. Kids today don’t want to compete for a position—they want it given or promised to them. Oh, and coach, make sure they get some cash.

Just because they were an All-State player in high school, they think they should be starting as a true freshman and handed a starting position in college. Forget the idea of competing for a job and earning it—they expect it to be given to them! After all, they were All-District in high school.

Here’s another issue for today’s athlete. While travel ball in any sport has historically been a good thing, it has also been one of the worst things that has ever happened to so many of today’s athletes. The mindset and lessons learned through travel ball make some kids very hard to coach.

We have now raised a generation of athletes who are truly soft and uncoachable. Kids today cannot handle hard coaching and think a coach yelling at them means he or she doesn’t like them.

Over their entire careers, travel ball kids have been told how good they are and catered to. The recruitment of players, even at this level, is not beyond a few dollars being exchanged by a parent to get their kids on the right travel team.

A lot (not all) of these highly paid travel ball coaches, no matter what sport, are not in it to help develop players and make them better. Some (not all) are strictly in it to win. Winning is their primary focus, not making the kid better. But as all travel coaches know, the best way to attract the best players is to win!

Here’s the kicker with a lot of college athletes today: if they’re not happy, they’ll just transfer to another school. This is also starting to trickle down even to the high school level. If you’re not happy, transfer!

Forget competing and trying to get better—just go where they will pay you more money and promise you a starting position.

A college coach recently told me the first thing that goes through many players’ heads today after the season is over is not “How can I get better?” but “Where can I go and make more money?” Commitment and loyalty to the team have gone out the window with the bathwater, as so many athletes today are out for themselves.

Oh, I’m sure I’ll have many who will disagree with my assessment, especially those who have kids playing today. But just like a referee, I call it like I see it! This comes from someone who has coached and played at the Division I level in two sports.

I also know this: as a booster, it’s getting awfully hard to write those checks to a program where athletes only want one thing—more money. I want my money to be spent on things that will make the program better, not pay an athlete!

I can’t stand the idea that the check I’m writing is going to pay a kid to stay and play for a university that, in some cases, was the only scholarship offer they had. How about staying and playing for the college or university that made a commitment to you? How about playing for your teammates—now there’s a new concept!

If the powers that be (NCAA) don’t make some major changes to the structure and the money that college athletes can make, there’s no end to what lengths colleges will go to get the best players. As they say, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Yay, go team!

As New Year’s is upon us and the Village of Goldonna is quietening from all the merry festivities of the Christmas in the Park, residents are getting ready to usher in a new year. 

The Goldonna Assembly of God will have their Wednesday night Bible Study and Praise and worship at 6:00pm.  

Natchitoches Parish School Board Member, District 7, Chad Fredieu shared a New Year blessing for the residents of his district. 

“I’d like to wish the Goldonna Community a very Happy New Year. I thank God for the wonderful 2026 he has in store for each of you. As always, thank you all for your support!” 

By That One Pastor Who Still Believes in Miracles, Even After Trying to Assemble IKEA Furniture

As the calendar flips to January—because apparently time insists on moving forward whether we’re ready or not—Americans everywhere are once again drafting their annual list of New Year’s resolutions.

These are the same resolutions we made last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, like a Hallmark movie plot that keeps getting recycled with slightly different actors.

We all know the classics:
“I’m going to eat healthier.”
(Translation: I will buy kale, let it wilt in the fridge, and then throw it away with a sense of moral superiority.)
“I’m going to exercise more.”
(Translation: I will wear athleisure clothing while sitting on the couch.)
“I’m going to get organized.”
(Translation: I will buy a planner so beautiful it intimidates me, then never write in it.)

But here’s the thing: resolutions are basically promises we make to ourselves while hopped up on leftover Christmas sugar and the delusion that a new calendar equals a new personality.

Which brings me to a radical proposal for 2026:
What if we skipped the resolutions and followed Jesus instead?

Now before you roll your eyes and say, “Pastor, that sounds like the churchy version of ‘live, laugh, love,’” hear me out. Following Jesus is not the safe, predictable, colorcodedplanner life we imagine. It’s not even the tidy “new year, new me” vibe we try to manufacture every January.

Following Jesus is… well… an adventure.

And not the kind of adventure where you book a cruise and spend seven days eating shrimp cocktail. I mean the kind where you wake up and say, “Lord, I have no idea what You’re doing today, but please don’t let it involve snakes, public speaking, or me having to apologize to someone before coffee.”

Jesus has a way of inviting us into things we never would’ve put on our resolution list:
“Love your enemies.”
(Not on anyone’s planner.)
“Forgive seventy times seven.”
(Also not on anyone’s planner.)
“Feed my sheep.”
(We prefer feeding ourselves.)
“Take up your cross.”
(Definitely not on the planner.)

But here’s the twist: while our resolutions tend to fizzle out by midJanuary—right around the time the gym parking lot empties and the kale turns brown—Jesus’ invitations don’t depend on our willpower.

They depend on His grace.

And grace, unlike my treadmill, actually works.

Following Jesus won’t give you a slimmer waistline or a colorcoded pantry, but it will give you something far better: purpose, joy, courage, and the kind of hope that doesn’t expire on January 31.

So this year, instead of resolving to become a slightly improved version of yourself, maybe resolve to follow the One who already knows who you’re becoming.

It’s riskier. It’s wilder. It’s holier.

And yes—it’s far more adventurous than kale.

Happy New Year, friends. May your 2026 be full of grace, laughter, and the kind of holy surprises that make you say, “Only Jesus could’ve pulled that off.”

February 20, 1954 — December 29, 2025

James Randell Dupree “Randy”, born February 20, 1954, entered his heavenly home at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, on December 29, 2025, at the age of 71.

Randy was born to the late Rev. A.J. Dupree and Pearlie Skinner Dupree. He was a devoted husband of 52 years to Rhonda Colston Dupree, a loving father to Brandi McManus and Jarred Dupree and his wife Jenny, and a proud grandfather to Ryder (Elise), Macy, Baylee, Gretchyn, Jarrett, and Kinsley. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Chloe, who brought him great joy.

He is survived by his sisters Pat Parker and Linda McGee (David), and his sister-in-law Dolly Dupree, along with numerous extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. A.J. Dupree and Pearlie Skinner Dupree; his in-laws, Red and Argie V. Colston; his son-in-law David McManus; his brother Junior Dupree; and his nephews Trevor Parker and Micah Baden.

Randy graduated from Provencal High School in 1972 and later earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from Northwestern State University in 1996. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1973 to 1976.

A true jack of all trades, Randy worked as a plumber and pipe fitter and had a deep passion for welding. A master fabricator, he was rarely seen without one of his colorful welding hats. His commitment to service extended beyond his profession, as he faithfully served the Village of Provencal as Marshal for two terms and later as Mayor for over two decades, leaving a lasting impact on the community he loved.

Randy had a special love for Dobermans, and it was common to see him out and about with one, two, or even three by his side. He leaves behind his beloved dog Sadee, who will miss him immensely.

He was a Master Mason at Robeline Masonic Lodge No. 344 F. & A.M., and was also a proud Shriner and Scottish Rite of Freemasonary.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Louisiana Extended Care, Dr. Alfred Ajise, and Hospice of Natchitoches for their compassionate care over the last few months. The family also deeply appreciates all the love, visits, calls, and prayers received during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Honorary pallbearers are Bryant Gandy, Randy Yopp, Luther Lee, Ray McComic, Robbie Dupree, Ryder Laroux, Craig Rachal, and Myles Parker.

In accordance with his wishes, Randy will be cremated.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 5 pm until 8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. A service to celebrate his life will be Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

Though he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace in his heavenly home.

September 4 1955 – December 25, 2025

Funeral arrangements will be held on Friday January 2, 2026 with viewing starting at 10 am and service following at 12 pm at New Life Evangelism Center, located at 4810 University Parkway in Natchitoches.

Phonetic: /ir·​re·​me·​able/
Part of Speech: adjective

Definition