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

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

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

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

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

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

By Reba Phelps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

By Reba Phelps

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

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

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

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

Goldonna Assemby of God – Sunday School 10 am

Main Service 11 am

No serve that evening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”