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.

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.”

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.

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.”

While I was growing up, my parents fully supported my athletic career. But they also believed in hard work and understood that free time for a teenage boy was not a good thing. To say my teenage years were structured would be an understatement. 

While they never kept me from playing whatever sport I wanted to play, they had a rule that if I was not playing a sport, I had to get a job after school and on Saturdays. Note — our family was in no way desperate for money as my dad was superintendent for an oil drilling company. 

They wanted me to understand the benefits of a good work ethic. At the age of 10 my first job outside the family ranch was picking up trash on the mornings following all the baseball games the night before. 

They believed that many of life’s lessons were learned through working. Personally, I understood early in my childhood what a good work ethic was while growing up on a cattle ranch where there’s never a shortage of things to do. 

Jobs included, but were not limited to, building barns, vaccinating cattle, building fences and hauling hay. Owning a cattle ranch is a seven day a week job that requires a lot of commitment and dedication. It’s like raising kids; every day someone must do a head count while making sure they are fed. 

My last three years of high school, I had a job that I really enjoyed, working at Foxworth-Galbreath Lumber Yard. While I played three sports — football, baseball and track — it was during basketball season that I worked at the lumber yard after school.

I learned a lot from that experience, like how important it is to be on time. It was good that I answered to someone who held me accountable. I learned about the different grades of lumber and plywood as well as inventory control and how a lumber yard is managed. 

This also gave me a sense of independence as the job provided money for dating and gas. It taught me how to be responsible and how important people skills are in order to work with others. It also motivated me to continue my education and get a degree. 

These are lessons that many of today’s younger generation have not mastered. Many of today’s youth have no idea what it’s like to work for what they have. To answer to someone else who doesn’t accept excuses for being late or not doing the job right. 

Every job I ever had, and I’ve had my share, taught me something. In high school and college, I not only worked at a lumber yard, but I also worked construction with Brown & Root, unloaded box trucks for a shipping company at 4 a.m. each day, lined fields and kept the books for Dixie Youth games every night and was an engineer’s assistant for the Texas Highway Department.  

Each one of these job opportunities taught me a lot. But the most important lesson I learned was accountability, which is an important ingredient for being successful in life. So, if you’re looking for a purpose in life, maybe you need to get a job!

Redemption can come in many different ways. 

For Northwestern State softball pitcher Mattison Buster, it came in the form of her Southland Conference-leading 13th complete game and 15th win, notching it against her former team, Louisiana Tech, on Tuesday night.

The Demons (18-18) picked up their fourth win in a row with a 2-1 victory over the Bulldogs (19-17), snapping a three-game losing skid to their north Louisiana rivals, including a 12-3 loss in Ruston on Feb. 17. Buster did not pitch in that game and since then, NSU is 15-9.

“I knew that she wanted the ball and this was a good opportunity for her to rise to the occasion,” head coach Jenny Fuller said about Buster. “I knew she was capable of that performance and I’m just so proud of her. She deserved that win.”

Whatever nerves she had coming into the game were quickly settled thanks to Demon leadoff batter JT Smith and her ability to make things happen at the top of the lineup.

Smith drew a five-pitch walk against Tech ace Allie Floyd and moved to second on a groundout. A passed ball and wild pitch during Brynn Daniel’s at-bat allowed Smith to use her speed to take the next two bases and score, giving Northwestern the early lead.

It was the 18th time this season the Demons have scored in the first inning of a game.

“It’s absolutely nice to be able to pitch with the lead and maintaining that lead is always my main focus,” Buster said. “You’re locked in to start the game but as soon as you score a run you kind of go into protection mode of the lead. That was my main focus all night long.”

Buster worked around traffic in the second inning before surrendering the tying run on a double to left in the third.

Buster retired the next eight batters in a row and nine of the next 10 to put up zeroes the rest of the way, protecting the lead her teammates returned to her in the bottom of the third.

NSU’s Riley Schwisow opened the third with a double to right center and moved to third on another wild pitch from Floyd with two outs. She came in to score to put the Demons back on top on an infield single that Mckenna Rinewalt beat out at first base.

The Demons left multiple runners on base in the fourth and fifth innings, unable to extend their lead, but Buster required no further insurance. She struck out Reagan Marchant to strand the tying run at third in the sixth and retired the side in order in the seventh to finish another gem-worthy performance in the circle.

“I was nervous building up to this game because I wanted to do good for my teammates and us have a better game than when we played them earlier in the year,” Buster said. “I wanted to show up for my teammates and really wanted to get this win for our fans, my teammates and myself.”

Buster allowed just one run on five hits with five strikeouts and only one walk. The 15 wins are the most by a Demon pitcher since Mikayla Brown’s 16 during the 2017 season.

TENNIS:  Two of the state’s best women’s tennis teams collide today in Lafayette when Northwestern visits UL Lafayette in a match beginning at 1:30 on the Cajun Courts.

The Lady Demons (10-5) enter the contest riding momentum after a dominant 7–0 sweep last Saturday of Stephen F. Austin. The Ragin’ Cajuns (11-4) are coming off a 4–2 loss to Texas State.

Northwestern finishes its Southland Conference season at home Saturday, then Monday.

Three Northwestern State track and field event groups rank in the top 11 nationally, including two in the top 10, in rankings compiled by the U.S. Track & Field & Cross Country Coaches Association.

Two — the men’s 100 and 200-meter dashes — rank in the top 10 and one more, the men’s 400, is just outside at No. 11.

The rankings collect the four top performances on each team and rank the average of those four.

“Being ranked in anything top 10 of the NCAA is special,” associate head coach Adam Pennington said. “It is still early in the season but it’s a reflection of the hard work, discipline, and commitment this group has put in day in and day out.

“This ranking is recognition, but it’s also responsibility. It means we have standard to live up to. Every rep, every meet, every opportunity matters even more now. I think we’ve have proven we belong with the best in the country on the sprints side, and that should fuel our confidence moving forward.

“This is just a checkpoint, not the finish line and we still have a lot of work to get done to reach the end goal,” said Pennington.

The Demons’ 100 dash group is ranked second in the nation, only trailing LSU.

LSU is No. 1 at 10.27, while the Demons are tied for second with Minnesota with 10.31.

Northwestern’s four top times are by Kalen Beavers (10.20), Keontae Gaines (10.32), Koen Beavers (10.35) and Antoine Evans (10.35).

The Demons’ 200 group ranks No. 7. Kalen Beavers (20.72), Elijah Rowe (20.97), William Achee (21.11) and Eddy Vu (21.14) average a time of 20.98.

In that event, Northwestern is second among non-power conference schools and fourth among non-SEC schools.

Ranking just outside the top 10 is the Demons’ 400 group, at 11th, which is second in the Southland Conference behind UT-Rio Grande Valley.

The four top times for NSU come from Will Achee (46.95), Charlie Bartholomew (46.96), Desmond Duncan (47.76) and Kason Jones (47.94).

For the third meet of the outdoor season, Northwestern heads east to Gainesville  and the University of Florida for the Pepsi Florida Relays, a two-day event starting Friday.

“How do I set boundaries with my in-laws without becoming the family villain”

 See what Ida says 

St. Mary’s Catholic School has released its Term 3 Honor Roll, recognizing students for their academic achievement and dedication to excellence.

First Grade

A Honor Roll: Charlotte Hanson, Anna Mayeaux, Eva Mayeaux, Robby Williams;  B Honor Roll:, Mary Beth Chasteen, Remi Cook, Abigail Walsh, Elaina Wood    

Second Grade

A Honor Roll: Kynleigh Edwards, Isla Harris, Charlie Vandersteen; B Honor Roll: Carson Arredondo, Austin Berry, Brooklynn Bross-Milam, Blake Duhon, Beau Fair, Sawyer Gill, Dax Rashall-Wise, Will Scherff, Sage Soileau

Third Grade

A Honor Roll: Aurora Alford, Emma Fuller, Asher Hale, Farryn Jeane, Aaron Walsh;  B Honor Roll: Abigael Adkins, Remi Poole 

Fourth Grade

A Honor Roll: Kailyn Adkins, Wyatt Clark, Hayes Harrington, Carlie Mathews, Lillith Mills; B Honor Roll: Araya Dortlon, Brier Duhon, Ezra Gill, Eli Mitchell, Aubrey Smith, Declan Thaxton

Fifth Grade

A Honor Roll: Annah Adkins, Callen Bertrand, Cordell Ivy-Daniels, Archer Johnson, McCall Methvin, Eleanor Picou, Eli Thibodaux, Adam Todtenbier, Kiptin Williams; B Honor Roll: Ryan Lovemore, Vivian Philen, Charlee Rhodes, Zoe Scherff 

Sixth Grade

A Honor Roll: RJ Braden, Avery Cole, Jax Errington, Hendrix Harrington, Carter Hough, Jaxson Norsworthy, Noah Scarborough; B Honor Roll:Jedidiah Arbuckle, Elise Armstrong, Anniston Clark, Kolbe Darbonne, Luke Fair, Cohen Gandy, Hendrix Johnson, Gavin Key, Justin McKnight, Emmalise Myers

Seventh Grade

A Honor Roll: Holt Cedars, Sophia Conklin, Hudson Harrington, Heath Methvin, Oliver Picou, Branch Smith; B Honor Roll: Caiden DuBois, Kross LaCaze, Abel Lavespere, Colie Mathews, Hadley Mayeaux, JT Morgan, Aubree Rachal, Annabeth Thornton, Sutton Vandersteen 

Eighth Grade

A Honor Roll: Lacey Boyd, Madden Cameron, Corbyn Gandy, Raylee Hale, Anna Johnson, Weston LeGrande, Jayd Linebaugh, Anna Todtenbier;  B Honor Roll: Rayleigh Bertrand, Brooklyn Clark, Anistyn Rhodes, Paisley Rae Tilley, Janine Wells

Ninth Grade

A Honor Roll: Sydney Culotta, Kollyns Duhon, Brenley Metoyer, Amelia Picou, Ady Rhodes; B Honor Roll: Aaron Campbell, Connor Cole, Thomas Hardee, Andrew Johnson, Cade Solari

Tenth Grade 

A Honor Roll: Maegan Bolton, Lilly Boyd, Avery Evans, Madelyn Melder, Chloe Methvin, Emmy O’Con, Layla Slaughter, Jacob Thibodaux, Merritt Vandersteen; B Honor Roll: Levi Aton, Waylon Bolton, Winn Cedars, Beau Clark, Koby Clay, Emme Errington, Landri Ezernack, Carter Jackson, Caroline Johnson, Ava Knapp, Kane Milner, Makenna Thomas, Blanchard Williams

Eleventh Grade

A Honor Roll: Camille Armstrong, Halle Campbell, Luc Cross, Peyton Faucheaux, Kennedy Griffin, Carter Hogg, Mackenzie Morgan, Rayanna Norsworthy, Summer Rushing, Joelee Savell, Molly Smith, John Paul Thibodaux, Ava Wren;  B Honor Roll: Emma Bain, Alyssa Brewton, Mary Hannah Churchman, Lavarian Fisher, Abram Nichols, Alayna Rachal, Adelle Williams  

Twelfth Grade

A Honor Roll: Chalin Gandy, Ella Hardee, Audrey Matt, Justin Vienne; B Honor Roll: Cameron Ball, Jillian Coleman, Jaycie Creamer, Tucker Johnson, Ethan Probasco, Trey Scarborough, Jenna Sklar, Grace Wren

Language is an art—and marriage is the gallery where half the paintings are hung upside down. Words have two lives: denotation (the dictionary version) and connotation (the emotional baggage they bring to the party). The trouble starts when two people bring different baggage handlers.

“Five minutes.”
In the male dictionary, that phrase is a stopwatch: exactly 300 seconds. In the female dictionary, it’s a flexible time zone that expands to accommodate eyeliner, the perfect earrings, and a last-minute dishwasher triage. So when the husband asks, “When will you be ready?” and the wife says, “Five minutes,” the husband hears a sprint; the wife hears a scenic detour. Either way, the car ride will include an argument about whether “on time” is a suggestion or a felony.

“Nothing.”
When a man says he’s thinking “nothing,” he’s not being evasive—he’s blissfully blank. His mental whiteboard is clean; life is a hammock and the brain is on vacation. When a woman says “nothing,” it’s a covert operations briefing: plans, feelings, timelines, and a five-year contingency plan all wrapped in two syllables. If your wife says “nothing,” consider it a red flag, a smoke signal, and a call to the nearest counselor—preferably one who accepts emergency margaritas.

The sigh.
A man’s sigh is a victory horn: lawn mowed, fish filleted, deer rack admired—mission accomplished. A woman’s sigh is a forensic report: it catalogs your idiocy, timestamps it, and files it under “Do Not Repeat.” Keep making her sigh and you’ll graduate from “nothing” to “we need to talk” faster than you can say “remote control.”

“Go ahead.”
For men, “go ahead” is a green light, a verbal thumbs-up. For women, it’s a dare wrapped in sarcasm: “Go ahead—explain why buying that thing is a brilliant idea.” If she says “go ahead” about the expensive purchase, treat it like a landmine: do not, under any circumstances, step on it.

Words trip us up because we’re using the same language with different subtitles. That’s why marriage counselors get paid—either that or they’re masochists who enjoy listening to couples argue about the semantics of socks.

And then there’s the one place where subtitles aren’t needed: the message of love and forgiveness. The Bible puts it simply: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Even in the messiest gallery of human communication, that message hangs in plain view—no translation required.

A late-night traffic stop in Natchitoches Parish resulted in the arrests of two individuals and the seizure of narcotics and a firearm, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The incident began on March 25 around 12:20 a.m., while deputies were assisting the Natchitoches Police Department with a “shots fired” call near 1815 South Drive. Authorities were looking for a Dodge Charger believed to be connected to the report.

Deputies later spotted and attempted to stop a Dodge Charger on Sadia Street for a traffic violation. The driver failed to stop, continued onto South Bend Drive, and attempted to pull into a private driveway.

As deputies approached the vehicle, the driver—identified as 33-year-old Christopher D. Jordan of Natchitoches—exited the car in an aggressive manner and began yelling at deputies, according to officials. Deputies say Jordan refused commands and resisted arrest, allegedly threatening officers during the encounter.

A female passenger exited the vehicle during the incident and initially left the scene. Authorities say a crowd also gathered and interfered with deputies as they attempted to take Jordan into custody. Additional assistance was requested from the Natchitoches Police Department and Louisiana State Police to help control the situation.

After the scene was secured, deputies conducted an inventory of the vehicle and later identified the owner as 44-year-old Carolyn M. Mitchell of Natchitoches, who returned to the scene. Authorities say Mitchell had three active warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office and was arrested without incident.

The vehicle search led to the discovery and seizure of a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Series handgun, 51 suspected ecstasy tablets, approximately six grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Both Jordan and Mitchell were booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center. Jordan faces charges including failure to yield to emergency vehicles, resisting an officer with force or violence, public intimidation, and traffic violations. Mitchell faces charges including possession of CDS I ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, flight from an officer, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities say Mitchell admitted to owning the seized drugs and firearm. Both suspects have since been released on bond pending court appearances, with bond set at $22,500 for Jordan and $32,500 for Mitchell by a 10th Judicial District Judge.

Sheriff Wright credited deputies and assisting agencies for safely bringing the situation under control and used the incident to remind the public about the dangers of interfering with law enforcement.

“Crowds gathering, shouting, or attempting to involve themselves can escalate tensions, place officers and suspects at risk, and jeopardize public safety,” Wright said.

The investigation remains ongoing. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dr. Jason Anderson will serve as the next Executive Director of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA). His appointment is subject to approval by LSMSA’s Board of Directors, who will meet on June 15.

Dr. Anderson, who currently serves as the school’s Director of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, will begin his new role on July 1. He will replace Dr. Steve Horton, who is retiring from the post on June 30 after serving 10 years.

“The search committee is pleased to culminate the last six months of their work by recommending Dr. Anderson for the position,” said Dr. Greg Handel, chair of the search committee. “He possesses the thoughtful and dynamic dispositions to serve as Executive Director, is passionate about the mission of LSMSA, understands the unique perspectives that LSMSA students bring to campus, and is a staunch advocate for the rigorous standards of the school. We look forward to working with him to continue to move the school forward.”

With over 15 years of experience as an educator and administrator at LSMSA, Dr. Anderson brings an intimate understanding of the institution’s mission and culture. Since joining the faculty in 2011, he has served in numerous leadership capacities, including Faculty Representative on the Board of Directors, Director of the LSMSA-EXCEL program, and Principal Lecturer of Science.

“My leadership philosophy is rooted in service,” Dr. Anderson said. “I built this philosophy while I was a faculty member and volunteer coach here; I have consistently prioritized service that strengthens institutional integrity and fosters student success. Whether mentoring students or supporting colleagues, I approach leadership as a way to empower others and sustain excellence.”

Dr. Anderson earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Southern University and A&M College in 2002. He later attended Texas A&M University, where he earned both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, with a concentration in Cytogenetics. Before his administrative appointment, he established himself as a distinguished researcher and educator, co-authoring several peer-reviewed publications and receiving high marks for his instruction at the collegiate level.

During his tenure at LSMSA, Dr. Anderson has been a driving force behind several key initiatives. He has overseen academic operations, faculty recruitment, and the development of the school’s Faculty Growth Evaluation Plan. He is currently focused on the final stages of the LSMSA Innovation Center and the implementation of a new engineering curriculum.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Anderson has been deeply involved in the school’s extracurricular life, serving as an assistant coach for the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for over a decade and acting as the faculty sponsor for the Black Student Union.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Jason for many years, and I can think of no one better prepared to lead LSMSA into its next chapter,” said retiring Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton. “His deep roots as a faculty member, combined with his recent success as Chief Academic Officer, give him a unique and invaluable perspective on what makes this community so special. I am confident that his commitment to academic excellence and his collaborative spirit will ensure the school continues to thrive as a national leader in gifted education.”

The search for the new Executive Director drew applications from throughout the nation, including several candidates from higher education. The search committee included representation from the school’s Board of Directors, the Foundation Board, faculty, alumni, and parents. Following a rigorous process that included campus visits and input from faculty, staff, and students, Dr. Anderson was selected to lead the institution into its next chapter.

“Dr. Anderson is highly regarded by the faculty and received very positive evaluations from members of the search committee,” said Dr. Vickie Gentry, Chair of the LSMSA Board of Directors. “I’m very confident that he will serve as an excellent executive director for LSMSA.”

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that beginning on Monday, April 6, 2026, the LA 487 bridge over Brushy Bayou south of the Ajax community in Natchitoches Parish will be closed for replacement.

This bridge is located approximately 2.3 miles south of the intersection with LA 174.

The estimated completion date for this project is October 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

DOTD is sending out this notification on behalf of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction (OLHC), who is managing construction activities for non-federal aid (NFA) routes, as well as the bridge bundle projects. Inquiries regarding this project should be directed to OLHC.

Permit/Detour section
Southbound: west on LA 174, south on LA 175, east on LA 120
Northbound: west on LA 120, north on LA 175, east on LA 174

This month, citizens of the Adai Caddo Indian Nation gathered in Natchitoches for their second annual field trip. Tribal citizens came from Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama for a weeklong tour of historic, cultural, and religious sites across Natchitoches, Sabine, Avoyelles, and Vernon Parish.

“Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana,” said Robert Brevelle, tribal councilman and trip organizer. “Our ancestors are among its founding colonial families. And for thousands of years before the French and Spanish, we Adai Caddo were here. We are proud to be part of the community.”

Over the past two field trips, the Adai Caddo visited nearly 50 sites in and around Natchitoches.

The group visited 6 of their ancient village locations as well as the 18th century presidio and mission of Los Adaes, which was the first capital of Texas. Los Adaes is Spanish for “the Adai”. Located nearby are the first two Catholic missions established in Louisiana, both of which are named for tribe as are the local bayou and lake.

Just north of the Los Adaes State Historic Site, the group prayed at it’s cemetery and mother church, St. Anne Catholic Church. St. Anne is the tribe’s patron saint. Several Native American statues and plaques adorn the church, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

South of Natchitoches on Isle Brevelle, the group visited ancient burial sites and mounds located near the National Fish Hatchery and Melrose Plantation. The mounds and nearby bayou still bear the Adai name using its 16th century Spanish spelling of Ataho and Atayo. The group attended mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church, which was the original parish church of the St. Anne mission. The group hiked up nearby Sang Pour Sang (blood for blood) Hill, which was the location of the famous 1732 battle where the combined forces of the French from Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches, Spanish from Los Adaes, and the Natchitoches and Adai Caddo Indians defeated the invading Natchez Indians. This decisive battle contributed to ending the Natchez War, saving the fledgling Louisiana colony.

“We are grateful to the Cane River National Heritage Area, Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, and National Park Service for the outstanding tours of Los Adaes, downtown Natchitoches, and the plantations of Oakland, Magnolia, and Melrose,” said Dee Niette Thompson, tribal councilwoman and historian. “We would also like to thank our cousins Jake and Mary Rivers for the tours of the Choctaw-Apache cemetery and powwow grounds.”

In Kisatchie National Forest, the group was greeted by wild horses as they visited the location where the last wild buffalo was shot in the 1870s. The buffalo herds are gone, but sections of their migratory trails through Natchitoches Parish and Kisatchie are still visible. Also visible are two waterfalls, which are rare in the Pelican State. Multiple Indian mounds are located nearby. While within the National Forest, these areas are privately owned by tribal members.

The group headed west along the El Camino Real (The Royal Road) into Texas. The old network of Spanish roads were originally Indian trails going from Natchitoches to Mexico City. Portions of the El Camino Real in East Texas and Louisiana connected Adai villages, which are shown on 17th and 18th century maps. Maps showing village locations are on display at Los Adaes, Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches, and Grand Ecore.

“Our ancestral range covered much of CENLA and East Texas,” said Robert. “For the past 500 years of documented history, the epicenter of our tribe has been and continues to be Natchitoches Parish. This was the focus of our first two trips. We want to ensure our people know their history and maintain a connection with this land, holy sites, and our ancestors.”

Next year, the tribe will visit historic sites in Natchitoches and Nacogdoches. Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas. It was established in 1779 by Antonio Gil Ybarbo and a band of the Adai Caddo from Los Adaes. Ybarbo is a blood relative to many members of the tribe.

To learn more about the Adai Caddo Indian Nation, please visit http://www.adaicado.com.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is pleased to announce that registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now officially OPEN, and families are encouraged to register their child or children as soon as possible to help ensure a smooth and successful start to the upcoming school year.

Families may access the registration links below:
Returning Students Registration Link: https://natchitoches.edgear.net/progress/
(Log in to JCampus to review and update your child’s information. It is extremely important that your child’s home address and all contact information are accurate and up-to-date. This information is used to determine bus routes and transportation eligibility, so incorrect or outdated details could impact your child’s transportation for the upcoming school year.)

New Students Registration Link: https://natchitoches.edgear.net/register/
(This registration is only for students who are new to Natchitoches Parish schools. For example: new to the district or entering kindergarten.)

Pre-K Students: Families who would like additional information about registering a pre-k student, please visit https://www.npsb.la/article/2724528

Students who are already enrolled in Natchitoches Parish schools and are simply moving to a new campus due to their grade level (such as moving from 2nd grade at LPV to 3rd grade at Weaver) should complete the ‘returning student’ registration.

Please make sure you register for the correct school year (2026-2027). Also, registration is not complete until you click “Submit.”

To assist families throughout the process, a step-by-step registration guide is available at: https://5il.co/3kt9o

For additional questions or assistance with online registration, families may contact the district’s registration support team by email at OnlineRegistration@npsb.la. Please include the student’s name and your contact information in the email.

Let’s make sure every student is ready for a great start to the school year!

Meet Mira!

She is a sweet, gentle soul with an adorable personality and the most beautiful, expressive eyes! 

At around 2 years old, Mira is calm and a little playful. She’s well-behaved, walks nicely on a leash, and has a peaceful, easygoing nature that makes her a joy to be around. She absolutely loves people, including children, and thrives on affection and companionship.

While Mira’s past hasn’t always been easy, she hasn’t let that dim her loving spirit. She is so ready for a fresh start with a caring family who will give her the love and life she dreams of.

Mira gets along with most other dogs with a proper introduction. She is spayed, up to date on all vaccinations, and more than ready to begin the next chapter of her life, hopefully with you! 

If you’re looking for a loyal, gentle companion with a heart full of love, Mira is waiting to meet you! 

For more information about fostering or adopting Mira, please contact FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or NPFauna.org 

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association issued its Class A All-State basketball teams Monday, including three local standouts.

On the boys team, Lakeview senior Daylon Telsee was a first-team pick and teammate Bobby Reliford received honorable mention.

On the girls team, St. Mary’s senior Ava Hebert was honorable mention.

The All-State teams combine both the Select and Non-Select divisions used in the state playoffs and are chosen by 12 LSWA member from around the state who cover high school sports.

Telsee, a 5-foot-5 guard, averaged 16 points for the Gators, who reached the Non-Select Division IV state semifinals and finished 29-5. Telsee also averaged four rebounds, four steals and two assists and was the District 1-3A MVP for veteran coach Brian Williams.

Reliford, a junior, was the Gators’ top scorer with a 17-point average and contributed eight rebounds per game.

Hebert, a senior guard, carried St. Mary’s to a pair of road upsets in the Select Division IV bracket and into a quarterfinal appearance in the Lady Tigers’ first season under new coach Layne Huckabay.

She averaged 20.1 points including 29.0 in their two playoff wins – 33 in first-round win at 12^th-seeded Central Catholic, and 25 in second-round upset at 5^th seeded St. Edmund.

Hebert shot an impressive 62.3 percent from the field, 36 percent on 3-pointers, and sank 85 percent of her free throws. She averaged four steals and 3.2 assists per game.

She was first-team All-District for a 21^st seeded team that finished 10-17, but won six of its last seven games.

“Ava is the type of player any coach would love to have,” said Huckabay. “She can score from anywhere, she listens and will respond to what you tell her. Having her my first year at SMS made it a good one.” 

Hebert ranks among the most productive players in school history. She scored 2,129 career points.

Thomas Marsala III’s week began with a happy homecoming in Monroe.

It ended with the Northwestern State first baseman being the Southland Conference Baseball Hitter of the Week as announced by the conference Monday afternoon. Marsala was awarded the honor based on votes by league sports information personnel.

A senior from Monroe-St. Frederick, Marsala homered and drove in two runs in the Demons’ 5-0 win at ULM on Tuesday. He followed that with another home run in a two-RBI performance in Friday’s win at Nicholls.

Marsala, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound transfer from Western Kentucky, delivered a tie-breaking RBI single in the eighth inning at Nicholls on Saturday before finishing the weekend with a two-hit performance in Sunday’s come-from-behind victory.

For the week, Marsala hit .444 with a double, two home runs and five RBIs. He posted an OPS of 1.333 during the week with an .833 slugging percentage.

Marsala is tied for second in the Southland in home runs (8) and is fourth in RBIs with 31. He leads Northwestern in those categories as well as slugging percentage (.579) and hits (39), both of which are also top 10 marks in the conference for the Demons, who are 18-10 overall and share the SLC lead with Lamar at 10-5.

He follows Dylan Marionneaux, last week’s Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week, as Northwestern honorees by the conference this season. He is the first Demon to earn Hitter of the Week acclaim since Balin Valentine 52 weeks ago on March 31, 2025.

Marsala and the Demons return to action Thursday when they face UT-Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

Northwestern State’s softball team carries momentum and scorching hot bats into its final midweek contest of the season today at 6 when Louisiana Tech visits the Demon Diamond. 

The Demons (17-18) had their best offensive weekend of the season in a three-game Southland Conference sweep of East Texas A&M. They scored more than 10 runs in three straight games for the first time since 2008 and outscored the Lions 39-11 and hit .438 as a team. 

The 39 runs scored was the second most across any three-game stretch for NSU since scoring 40 in three games in 1983. The three straight games with 10 or more runs scored tied a school record for the longest streak of such game.

“You wish you could bottle up a weekend like that and use it every time, but more than anything for us it’s about staying consistent,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “The approach we had at the plate this weekend is what we’ve been working toward, and I was really proud of the way everybody stayed locked in what we wanted to do the whole time. Now it’s about bringing that same focus into Tuesday.”

NSU looks to parlay that offensive confidence into a redemptive midweek performance against the Bulldogs (19-16) who won the first meeting between the two teams this year in run-rule fashion in mid-February. 

The game can be seen on ESPN+ or heard locally in Natchitoches on 100.7 FM KZBL. Fans are encouraged to wear orange to the game for the “Demons on Fire” presented by BOM Bank. 

While there were contributions throughout the lineup, the Demons had four players drive in more than five runs in the series and four players hit better than .500.  

Sister Arnold, Brynn Daniel and Peyton Young had the biggest weekends at the plate going a combined 15-for-21 (.714) with four home runs and 20 RBI. Young finished a single shy of the cycle with two home runs, the first two of her career, in the opener. Daniel drove in runs in all three games including a game-breaking grand slam on Saturday. Arnold hit a home run, had five RBI with an .800 batting average and .900 on-base percentage for the weekend. 

The Demons raised their team batting average by 14 points and, behind five home runs, nearly matching their season total entering the series, and 16 total extra-base hits, saw their team slugging go from .351 to .391 over the course of three games.

NSU traveled to Ruston just over a month ago, where the Bulldogs got a 12-3 run-rule win in five innings, riding a six-run first to victory. 

“We’ve grown a lot since the last time we saw them and I think we’re a much different and better team,” Fuller said. “Our players have a better understanding of who we are now and what it takes to win against tough opponents, so it’s a good opportunity to go out and show that and how we’ve progressed since then.”

The Bulldogs enter this game after winning two of three against Missouri State in a home conference series. 

People have dreamed about coasting back to Earth from great heights from at least the 1470s when Italian Francesco di Giorgio Martini designed a cone-shaped canopy parachute.  It is the oldest known design for a parachute.  In 1485, Leonardo da Vinci designed a pyramid-shaped parachute.  For the following 300 years, several inventors, including Frenchman Louis-Sebastien Lenormand in 1783, jumped from trees to test their own parachutes, but none of their designs really worked as expected.       

In 1797, André-Jacques Garnerin attached a parachute he designed to a hydrogen balloon in a test in Paris, France.  When the balloon reached an altitude of about 3,200 feet, Garnerin parachuted safely back to the ground and became the first person to design and test a parachute capable of slowing a person’s fall from a high altitude.  Two years later, his wife became the first female parachutist.  In 1802, Garnerin made a safe parachute jump in a demonstration in England from an altitude of 8,000 feet.  101 years later, in December 1903, the Wright Brothers made history with the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in a heavier-than-air machine at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  In the following years, human flight became popular.  Pilots were seen as heroes and daredevils.  Pilots understood that if their airplanes failed during flight, the chances of survival were slim.  They recognized the need for a way to escape from a doomed aircraft and saw the life-saving potential of parachutes.  On March 1, 1912, during an exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri, parachutist Albert Berry jumped from an airplane flown by another pilot at an altitude of 1,500 feet.  He made a safe landing and became the first person to successfully parachute from a moving airplane.          

Parachutes eventually became standard equipment for airplane pilots after World War I.  They worked well for pilots of propeller driven aircraft and jet aircraft up to a point.  On October 14, 1947, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager flew an experimental Bell X-1 jet around 785 miles per hour and became the first human to break the sound barrier.  Eight years later, in February 1955, test pilot George Smith was flying an experimental jet over the Pacific Ocean when the jet malfunctioned.  Unable to regain control, George had to bail out.  The only problem was that he was flying faster than the speed of sound and no one had ever ejected from an aircraft traveling at that speed.  George knew that staying in the jet meant certain death, so he made the split-second decision and ejected.  The force of the wind hitting him knocked him unconscious, but his parachute automatically opened.  He landed in the water near a fishing boat crewed by a former U.S. Navy rescue expert.  George remained unconscious for five days.  When he awoke, he was blind in both eyes.  George’s recovery required numerous surgeries and a seven-month hospital stay.       

The U.S. Air Force immediately began working to solve the problem of parachuting from a supersonic jet.  After seven years of testing, Air Force scientists created an escape capsule for a supersonic jet.  On March 21, 1962, a flyer with the call sign “Yogi” ejected from a jet flying at about 870 miles per hour, 1.3 times the speed of sound.  The parachute on the capsule opened as expected.  Yogi landed successfully and became the first flyer to safely parachute from a jet traveling at supersonic speed.  But Yogi was no ordinary human.  He was not human.  The flyer with the call sign “Yogi” was a two-year-old black bear.      

Sources:

1.     “First parachute jump is made over Paris,” March 4, 2010, History.com, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/october-22/the-first-parachutist.

2.     “March 1, 1912, This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/albert-berry/.

3.     “February 26, 1955,” This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026, https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/george-franklin-smith/.

4.     “March 21, 1962,”  This Day in Aviation, accessed March 22, 2026,  https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/21-march-1962/.

5.     David Cenciotti, “A bear named ‘Yogi’ was ejected from a USAF B-58 to test the Hustler’s escape capsule on this day in 1962,” March 21, 2016, The Aviationist, accessed March 22, 2026, https://theaviationist.com/2016/03/21/b-58-ejects-yogi-bear/.