There’s still time to get squared away to attend the toughest ticket at the upcoming 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

It’s the VIP Taste of Tallgating Party Friday night, June 27, hosted inside Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room, brimming with tasty Louisiana treats from chefs locally and statewide.

You can still get lined up for the party by visiting LaSportsHall.com for a secure online transaction, or by calling 318-238-4255. But don’t wait too long. There is a capacity limit and a sellout for the party inside the air-conditioned restaurant is very likely.

VIP Taste of Tailgating guests will have complimentary wine and beer, soft drinks and tea, while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, with a premium view of the Rockin’ River Fest concert happening from 6-10:30 on the Rue Beauport riverbank stage, and the sports-themed fireworks show at 9:15 following introduction of the Class of 2025.

Taste of Tailgating guests will have personal access to meet and greet the LSHOF Inductees in the air-conditioned venue, and can take advantage of some remarkable silent auction items.

The concert down on stage is free to all, featuring two red hot Baton Rouge-based bands, the Lauren Lee Band and the featured act, the Chase Tyler Band.

The music and vibe is free. But access to the VIP Taste of Tailgating Party is not, and tickets could be all gone by the end of this week.

Who’s at the center of all this fun? The dozen people in the LSHOF Class of 2025, including:

• Nick Saban – coach of LSU football’s 2003 national champions
• Andrew Whitworth – 4x NFL Pro Bowler, won titles with West Monroe, LSU, LA Rams
• Danny Granger – NBA All-Star, USA World Champion medalist from New Orleans
• Vickie Johnson – Coushatta native, WNBA All-Star and Louisiana Tech great
• April Burkholder – 14-time LSU gymnastics All-American, 2006 NCAA beams champ
•  Danny Broussard – USA’s sixth-winningest prep basketball coach at Lafayette’s St. Thomas More
• Joe Scheuermann – Delgado Community College baseball coach atop state college wins list
• Herb Vincent – SEC associate commissioner, LSU alumnus and former administrator
• Glenn Guilbeau – Highly decorated, nationally-acclaimed Baton Rouge-based sports writer

It’s their party, and you are cordially invited.

Fire departments across Natchitoches Parish are set to receive critical funding as part of House Bill 460, which allocates state dollars to support emergency services in rural Louisiana.

Natchitoches Parish Government for Fire District No. 4 for the purchase of equipment $ 25,000

Natchitoches Parish Government for Fire District No. 5 for the purchase of equipment $ 25,000

Natchitoches Parish Government for Fire District No. 6 for the purchase of equipment $ 25,000

Natchitoches Parish Government for Fire Protection District No. 1 for the purchase of equipment $25,000

These investments come at a time when rural fire departments face growing challenges in responding to emergencies across large geographic areas with limited resources. The funding will help ensure timely and effective responses in all areas of the parish.

Northwestern State University (NSU) and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) are set to receive significant state funding for infrastructure upgrades and facility enhancements, including a shared investment in a new Innovation Center designed to serve both institutions and the broader Natchitoches community.

The funding, approved through House Bill 2 during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, includes allocations supporting a range of projects that will strengthen educational facilities and modernize aging infrastructure.

NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY:

Renovation of Nursing Education Center at Warrington Place (Shreveport Campus), Planning and Construction:

Payable from General Obligation Bonds Priority 5 $ 13,450,000

Payable from State General Fund (Direct) Non-Recurring Revenues $ 575,000

Total $ 14,025,000

Replacement of John S. Kyser Hall, Planning and Construction:

Payable from General Obligation Bonds Priority 1 $ 14,266,982

Both schools are partners in the development of a new Innovation Center, a joint venture aimed at fostering collaboration in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The project has an anticipated total cost of $18.5 million. The Innovation Center is expected to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary learning, research, and outreach—benefiting both the NSU and LSMSA communities as well as regional industry and educational partners.

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts and Northwestern State University Innovation Center, Planning and Construction:

Payable from General Obligation Bonds Priority 5 $ 9,900,000

Payable from State General Fund (Direct) Non-Recurring Revenues $ 588,000

Total $ 10,488,000

University and school officials say the funding reflects the state’s commitment to investing in higher education, advanced learning environments, and collaborative innovation that will prepare students for the challenges of the future.

The projects are part of a broader statewide capital outlay plan to modernize public infrastructure, enhance safety, and support economic growth through education-focused development.

Engaging Natchitoches Parish high school students in documenting history in one of the nation’s oldest cities, the second annual 3D summer Field School (June 2-6 and June 9-13) provided 10 students with an opportunity to document historic buildings via the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training and Northwestern State University. Krewe of The 9-Mardi Gras krewe provided a meal day for the young researchers during their assigned break period.

Preparing Natchitoches youth to continue to garner an interest in the advanced usage of technology in general and drones, the krewe received a donor-driven research scholarship on June 7 to launch a science and engineering research effort for 4th to 8th grade students during the 2025-2026 school year. Working in collaboration with Northwestern and Grambling State Universities, the research concept will honor the memory of Martha Dumars, Beverly Mitchell-Maggio, P. B. Wilson and Darnell Williams, Jr.

Pictured: Krewe of the 9’s-Rose Rock and Kenesha M. Coats and 2025 3D Summer Field School students and staff.

Armetrice Williams, principal of M.R. Weaver Elementary, was recognized this week as a Louisiana Principal of the Year Honoree during the 2025 Teacher Leader Summit held in New Orleans.

The honor highlights Williams’ exceptional leadership and dedication to student success. As a state-level finalist, she represents not only her school but also the Natchitoches Parish School Board among the top educational leaders in Louisiana.

District officials praised Williams for her continued commitment to excellence in education and her role in shaping a positive learning environment. Her recognition marks a proud moment for M.R. Weaver and the broader Natchitoches Parish school community.

Representatives from the Cane River National Heritage Area joined tourism leaders from across the Southeast this week at the Southeast Tourism Society’s Congressional Summit, where they met with federal lawmakers to advocate for continued support of heritage tourism and historic preservation.

As part of the Louisiana delegation, Cane River representatives emphasized the importance of federal investment in National Parks, National Heritage Areas, and the Historic Preservation Fund. These programs, they noted, are essential for protecting cultural landscapes, fostering economic development, and strengthening communities through public-private partnerships.

“We’re proud to represent our region and share how preservation efforts and heritage tourism directly benefit communities like ours,” the organization said in a social media post.

While in Washington, the team also reconnected with a familiar face—Jared Evans, a native of Cane River and now chief of staff for Congressman Cleo Fields.

The summit highlighted the growing role of heritage tourism in driving local economies, especially in rural and culturally rich areas like Natchitoches Parish.

The biggest, most star-studded and fun-filled party of every summer for miles around is coming your way at the end of the month.

Three days of festivities are approaching beginning Thursday June 26 through Saturday June 28 for the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2025 will be enshrined Saturday night June 28 at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 66th Induction Celebration. The final event is already full with a waiting list and standing room only tickets available.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 26, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.

The Friday, June 27 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2025 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event that is approaching capacity.


The slate on Saturday, June 28 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.

Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.

The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.

The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

The Class of 2025 is headlined by two men pivotal in LSU’s 2003 football national championship – coach Nick Saban and Andrew Whitworth, a champion at West Monroe High School, LSU and in the NFL during a 16-year pro career. More sparkle is provided by pro basketball All-Stars Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson, the state’s winningest all-time college baseball coach Joe Scheuermann and Danny Broussard, one of the nation’s most successful high school basketball coaches, in this year’s induction class.

It also includes LSU gymnastics great and NCAA individual champion April Burkholder, transformational Catholic-Baton Rouge high school football coach Dale Weiner and George “Bobby” Soileau, a four-time high school and 1956 NCAA boxing champion at LSU who also won a state crown as a football coach at his alma mater, Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte.

LSU graduate Herb Vincent, now a longstanding associate commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, is receiving the Hall’s Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award with his enshrinement.

Also being honored: Ed Daniels, a generational television sports broadcaster in New Orleans, and Glenn Guilbeau, one of the nation’s more decorated sportswriters in a career that has seen him cover LSU, state college, high school and pro sports along with stories across the South and around the SEC. They are being inducted as recipients of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.

The 2025 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. 

For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.  

You still have time to win a buckle!

Red River Cowboy Church wants to help families live life with Jesus this summer! M3 Kids is based on 3 principles…My God, My Family & Me! We host several Mane Events each year to bring families together to play and learn how much God loves them. June 22 is the next Horseless rodeo! It’s a free family event for toddlers through 4th graders. Bring your child to church and register them for the Horseless Rodeo to begin immediately after the service. A free lunch will be provided by the Chuck Wagon. You and your child will choose your event. There will be events like sheep riding, cow branding with paint, sorting, dummy roping, and goat ribbon pulling. Do them all or just a few. This series will be held every 4th Sunday of May through August. Participate in 3 of the 4 Mane Events and your child will win a buckle. It’s that easy…and so much fun! Watch the Red River Cowboy Church Facebook page for more details. Every kid loves a cowboy buckle and this is an opportunity for you and your child to have a fun time the cowboy way!

Red River Cowboy Church
South Red River Parish
LA-174, Coushatta, LA 71019
Phone: (318) 201-2626

By JULIE O’DONOGHUE, Louisiana Illuminator

Two members of the Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board have resigned just 14 months into what were supposed to be four-year terms on the new governing body Gov. Jeff Landry created. 

Freddie Pitcher Jr., a former state appellate judge in Baton Rouge who also ran Southern University’s law school, and Shreveport attorney Ted Hernandez are leaving the board. Their decisions to step down come shortly before the board expects to have a contentious vote Monday about the dismissal of five attorneys who run local public defender offices.  

The five targeted for dismissal include Deidre Fuller of Rapides Parish, the president of the Public Defenders Association of Louisiana, and Brett Brunson in Natchitoches Parish.

Pitcher, who Landry appointed to the board, said he is leaving because he is having personal issues that have been exacerbated by the board having “too much drama.” Hernandez, who was Senate President Cameron Henry’s appointee, sent a short resignation letter to Landry at the end of last month. 

“Serving on the board has been a learning experience,” wrote Hernandez, who could not be reached Wednesday by phone or email for additional comment. 

The nine-member board helps supervise Louisiana’s sprawling public defense system with 37 local offices and approximately 850 attorneys. Public defenders represent 146,000 people annually and 88 percent of all criminal defendants in Louisiana. 

Last year, Landry pushed through a controversial change in state law that dissolved the previous state public defender board and replaced it with the current, weaker version over which the governor has more influence. 

State Public Defender Rémy Starns lobbied Landry for the new board after clashing over policy with the previous one. Starns has been the leader of the public defender system since former Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed him in 2020. Landry and the newly-formed board agreed last year to keep him in the position. 

Yet the new board and Starns have had some of the same disagreements he had with the old board. 

The new board has voted down Starns’ proposals to reduce the pay of most chief public defenders who run local offices and incentivize some to operate part-time, private law practices on top of their state responsibilities. He also wanted to offer additional money to chiefs who agreed to represent more clients personally in court. 

In February, Starns caused controversy when he told five chief public defenders who run local offices they would be losing their jobs on July 1 after their state contracts expire. The attorneys have appealed those terminations to the board, which is expected to decide Monday whether they will be terminated. 

The chief public defenders affected along with Fuller and Brunson are Michelle AndrePont in Caddo Parish, Trisha Ward of Evangeline Parish and John Hogue, who works in Tensas, Madison and East Carroll parishes. 

All five have been among the most critical of Starns’ policies in public. Over the past few years, they have testified at legislative hearings and public defender board meetings to oppose Starns’ efforts to remake the public defender board and curb their pay. They argue Starns targeted them for dismissal because they have spoken out against him. 

“If in fact these terminations are due in whole or in part to the participation of these District Defenders in the legislative process or Board meetings, then it is beyond question that the independence of the indigent defense function is under attack,” wrote Stephen Haedicke, an attorney representing the lawyers.

Starns did not respond to phone calls and text messages asking for comment this week.

A special subcommittee of the public defender board has recommended the board uphold Starns’ decision to fire the attorneys. It concluded Starns had the authority not to renew the public defender chiefs’ one-year contracts. 

“Mr. Starns had no obligation to enter into new contracts with these defenders,” Paul deMahy, a retired state court judge and board member who chaired the subcommittee, wrote in a memo last month. 

Pitcher also sat on the subcommittee and said his perspective was more nuanced. He agreed with deMahy that Starns had the legal authority to dismiss the five attorneys, but he wanted to recommend that the governor keep them in their jobs anyway.

“He has a technical win there. But from a moral standpoint, they should have their jobs back,” Pitcher said Wednesday.

The attorneys are also challenging the subcommittee’s recommendation by saying an April hearing on the dismissals violated the state’s public notice and open meetings laws for government entities. 

In the wake of a devastating house fire that destroyed the home of Kristen and Steven Procell, the local community is stepping up to offer support for the family of seven.

A Love Fund account has been established at BOM Bank to assist the Procell family as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Donations can be made at any BOM Bank location, and all contributions—large or small—are welcomed.

The fire, which occurred on June 11, left the family with significant loss. Community members and local organizations are encouraging residents to come together in a show of compassion and generosity.

For those wishing to help, donations may be made directly to the Love Fund for Kristen and Steven Procell at any BOM Bank branch.

The 2025 Regular Legislative Session adjourned June 12 after adopting a balanced budget prioritizing significant infrastructure projects statewide ($709M), teacher pay increases ($199M), high-dose tutoring for students ($30M), deferred maintenance for higher education ($25M) and economic development initiatives ($275M) to bring additional jobs and revenue to the state.

Focusing heavily on reforming the insurance industry in the state with a particular emphasis on excessive automobile rates, lawmakers were also able to pass a package of insurance reform bills including but not limited to:
· Allowing the Insurance Commissioner to declare auto insurance rates excessive (Act 11)
· Banning drivers who are more than 51% at fault from collecting damages (Act 15)
· Limiting recovery of damages for uninsured drivers (Act 16)
· Preventing undocumented citizens from collecting damages after an accident (Act 17)
· Requiring proof from those who sue that injuries occurred during the accident (Act 18)
· Providing a 5% discount on insurance for commercial vehicles with dash cams (Act 19)

Additionally, House and Senate members adopted a number of bills authorizing tax exemptions/credits for fortified roofs, amending state ethics and campaign finance laws, and reorganizing several state agencies to improve efficiency and accountability (Dept. of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, Dept. of Children and Family Services, Workforce Commission and Louisiana Economic Development).

In an effort to bolster energy production for the state and the nation, legislators reduced the severance tax on oil from 12.5% to 6.5% and seriously addressed decades of unanswered questions around legacy lawsuits making it more predictable for industry to do business in Louisiana.

“This is a culmination of a lot of hard work by our chairs and our members,” said Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier. “Many of them have been working throughout the year to identify issues and priorities that can improve our state’s quality of life. They did their homework. They passed important legislation that will produce change in the years to come. This has been time well spent,” said DeVillier.

“The work of the Senate and the legislature as a whole this session has been to stack together a budget and laws that advance the state’s priorities,” said Senate President Cameron Henry. “Tackling complex issues like insurance reform, economic development advancement and workforce development takes commitment. Lawmakers passed some important bills and I look forward to seeing those priorities take off and flourish.”

For additional information on legislation passed during the 2025 Regular Session, the public can log onto http://www.legis.la.gov to search for bills and watch live streams of committee room and floor debate. Additionally the legislative mobile phone app, LALEGE, can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

EUGENE, Ore. – It was hardly guaranteed, but there was really only one appropriate way for Maria Bienvenu’s collegiate athletic career to conclude, and it worked out just that way Thursday night at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Bienvenu, a TCU senior who is a Natchitoches native and St. Mary’s graduate, earned her third career All-America honor with a 14^th-place finish in the javelin. She recorded a 173-5 mark on the second of her three throws.

“We are so proud of her!” texted her father, Russel Bienvenu. ‘Sad to see it come to an end but it was one heck of a ride!”

It certainly was.

She had no interest in track and field while at St. Mary’s until being persuaded to give throwing the javelin a try in her final weeks of high school, not long after she was an All-State pick who led the Lady Tigers basketball team to a state championship.

Two of her dad’s pals who had deep track and field knowledge, Chris Maggio and Corwyn Aldredge, saw Maria throw a court-length pass in a basketball game and helped inspire her to try throwing the javelin in her last few weeks at SMHS.  She advanced to the state meet showing immense potential and accepted a scholarship offer at UL Lafayette.

She was an immediate success, with two All-America seasons (12^th at the NCAA meet as a true freshman, 13^th as a redshirt sophomore), sandwiched around a reconstructive elbow surgery, as a Ragin’ Cajun.

She transferred to TCU for her junior season and was an honorable mention All-America last June after a 17th place finish at the national meet.  The top 16 are All-Americans.

She also qualified for the USA Olympic Trials in July and reached the final round of 12 throwers, becoming the first local woman to compete at the track and field Olympic Trials.

This year has had its physical challenges and competitive frustrations, but Bienvenu peaked at the right time to shine at the conference meet, then sparkle at the West regional and cap her college career in style Thursday night.

EUGENE, Ore. — Maygan Shaw made one final entry among her many in the Northwestern State sports history book Thursday evening, earning her second All-America honor, and her first in an individual event, at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Shaw clocked a 51.80 in the 400-meter dash to place 14th and earn second team All-America honors at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.

It is the first time a Lady Demons’ sprinter has earned an All-American spot.

Coming out of a veteran-laden third heat in lane No. 4, she pressured the leaders, but the top two qualifiers — Georgia’s Dejanea Oakley (50.18) and Iowa State’s Rachel Joseph (50.77) — pulled away in the home stretch and were ultimately the only two to make it to Saturday’s nine-woman final from the heat.

“I am so proud of her,” associate head coach Adam Pennington said. “She really went for it today and just came up a little short. But to be a top 14 girl in the entire country is nothing short of amazing.

“Making it last year was great, but making it individually is much different. She is now the first All American sprinter in an individual event in NSU history. That’s alone tells you where she sits — as the greatest.

“She will now prepare for the USA Championships but until then we will celebrate today and her amazing career,” said Pennington. “She loves cheesecake so we might end the night with that.”

Shaw was out in front of Tennessee’s Javonya Valcourt, one of the 10 fastest 400-meter runners in college athletics, but Valcourt came back to squeak past Shaw to finish fourth in the heat and 13th overall with a time of 51.65.

It is the second consecutive All-American honor for Shaw, who got her first last year as a member of the 4×400 relay team.

This ends arguably the best career for any NSU female sprinter ever.

As a senior, she broke both the indoor and outdoor school records, including clocking a Southland Conference record 51.19 at the LSU Alumni Gold, shortly after breaking the SLC and school records two weeks before at the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational with a 51.87, breaking the meet record as well as the Walter P. Ledet Complex record.

This week, the nursing major also was included on the Academic All-Southland Conference Team.

Shaw will have time to rest and reset before the USA Championships, which will also be held at Hayward Field, starting on July 31.

The Rockin’ River Fest concert is prime time, free, high caliber entertainment for all on Friday evenings during the annual Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration approaching at the end of June.

The Lauren Lee Band will get the party started and The Chase Tyler Band is the featured act Friday evening into night, June 27, in Natchitoches, on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district.

Two of south Louisiana’s hottest musical acts from the Baton Rouge market will take the stage for the coolest concert for miles around, the absolutely free Rockin’ River Fest party.

Commonly called “LLB,” The Lauren Lee Band plays a wide variety of country, pop, dance/party and rock. The Chase Tyler Band is known for its high-energy performances and blend of southern rock, country, swamp pop and dance favorites, south after throughout the Gulf Coast particularly for Chase Tyler’s vocal abilities and stage presence.

Good times will abound during the riverfront concert, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. One of the highlights: a little after 9 o’clock, the Hall’s impressive Class of 2025 will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake.

And yes, you read correctly. It’s free. There will be food and beverage vendors selling their wares on the riverfront, and of course, Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.

It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by Louisiana Propane Dealers and manned by NSU student-athletes will include basketball, football, golf and science games for all ages to enjoy.

If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, hurry and visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up a few of the fast-disappearing $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating.

That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room, and Papa’s Restaurant, that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2025 Induction Class.

The Class of 2025 is headlined by a star-studded group of nine inductees from the LSHOF “competitors ballot,” headlined by retired college football coach Nick Saban, who led LSU to the 2003 national championship helped along by West Monroe, LSU and NFL star Andrew Whitworth, also a national figure in this sparkling class.

It also includes a local star, Coushatta native and WNBA All-Star Vickie Johnson from Louisiana Tech, and NBA All-Star Danny Granger. Coaching greats Danny Broussard, Joe Scheuerman and Dale Weiner are in the Class of 2025, which also features LSU gymnastics trendsetter and NCAA champion April Burkholder, and George “Bobby” Soileau, an NCAA boxing champion at LSU who won a state crown as a football coach at his alma mater, Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte.

Longtime SEC and LSU administrator and publicist Herb Vincent is the 2025 recipient of the Hall’s Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award. Sports journalists Ed Daniels and Glenn Guilbeau round out the Class of 2025.

Nick Saban singing? Could happen. Andrew Whitworth banging the drums? Maybe. Vickie Johnson, Danny Granger and Danny Broussard leading the crowd in a collective basketball bounce-around and sing-along? Anything is possible at the Rockin’ Riverfest, as we’ve seen in past years.

Join the fun and celebrate some of Louisiana’s sports greats, for free, on Friday evening, June 27, in downtown Natchitoches. For information on all of the events during the June 26-28 Class of 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.

Six softball and baseball standouts from St. Mary’s and Natchitoches Central have been recognized on All-State lists compiled by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

St. Mary’s baseball outfielder Conor Jordan, a senior who hit .429, was selected for the Class A All-State team.

Three other SMHS competitors were honorable mention All-State picks, along with two from NCHS.

Class A softball honorable mentions went to Jenna Sklar and  Grace Wren of the Lady Tigers’ softball team, and baseball standout Braylon Normand.

On the Class 5A baseball All-State honorable mention list, the Chiefs were represented by Brock Laird.

In softball, NCHS had Morgan Robinson receive All-State honorable mention status.

Selections are made by a 12-member panel of Louisiana Sports Writers Association members from around the state.

Northwestern State University announced the names of 539 students named to the President’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. Students on the President’s List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of 4.0.

For questions regarding the President’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown (in Natchitoches Parish) are as follows: