This winter has been a great season for the dogs digging holes in the yard. They are unencumbered by grass or other plants. They dig with abandon. They discovered a corner of the yard where fences meet. The corner is a natural low place in the yard, thus aiding their digging.

Their corner digging has become a game. They dig and I fill. The hole is amazing. They have actually dug under the fencepost in the corner. The hole takes me a while to fill in each day. I know, from looking at them, that I have two dogs working on the digging project.

The other day I was filling the hole, and I noticed that it seemed to go a good distance out into the yard behind the house. It was rather strange, and I tried to imagine the position the dog must have been in to dig out on the other side of the fence.

Since I was curious, I walked around the fence to the other side and found out that the dogs were digging on the other side of the fence as well. They were working on a “two-sided hole.” Most of the dogs I have owned dug under the fence to get out of the yard. It appears as though I have a couple of dogs who dig for the joy of digging.

They could have escaped and explored another world for most of the day, but they did not. My dogs are focused on digging the best hole ever dug in that backyard!

The dogs are on a perfect hole digging mission.

What about your life? Do you have that kind of focus and that kind of tenacity as you strive to live out your purpose? That raises another question, doesn’t it, what is your purpose in life? To refer to last week’s article, I pose an alternative query, Which path are you on? There is a place called the church and on Sunday mornings we help you answer that very question.

We can also help you escape from that hole you have dug for yourself!

February is American Heart Month, and CHRISTUS Health is focused on all matters of the heart, including the importance of cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiac event or surgery, what it entails and how it benefits patients.

“Not only does cardiac rehab reduce your risk of future cardiac events and improve your heart, but it includes valuable education for patients,” said Sherry Free, a cardiac rehab nurse at CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier. “The education involved is valuable, as it educates our patients on how to care for their heart when they are away from the hospital.”

People who attend a 36-week cardiac rehab program have a 47% lower risk of death and 31% lower risk of heart attack than those who attend only one session, according to One Million Hearts, a national campaign co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease nationwide.

A physician must refer patients to cardiac rehab programs. Once in the program, patients learn about weight and medication management, receive diet consultations and are monitored for blood pressure and lipid levels to ensure their rehab plan is effective.

Cardiac rehab is a time-tested, proven, and well-established component of recovery from a heart
event, yet traditionally, the focus has been solely on exercise. “That’s why CHRISTUS Shreveport is proud to partner with Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab to offer a comprehensive program that incorporates not only exercise but also heart-healthy nutrition and healthy mindset education aimed at strengthening every facet of your well-being,” Free said.

Despite the benefits, cardiac rehab remains underutilized, particularly among women and minorities, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). AHA reports that only 19-34% of patients participate in a cardiac rehab program.

“I have had patients before telling me, ‘I am too old to start, or I can’t work these machines’ as we discuss a rehab program,” Free said. “We find that once we can get patients to rehab, introduce them to the program, they realize how great it makes them feel and they want to continue.”

Free said there are programs to help mitigate some of the barriers that may prevent a patient from participating in rehab, adding, “We know everyone is different, so every plan is individualized to maximize our patients’ abilities. We congratulate anyone who shows up and takes control of their heart health.”

About CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System
As part of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system serving the northwest Louisiana community with two hospitals and nearly 2,000 Associates. We specialize in cardiovascular, oncology, orthopedic and neurological services, primary care medicine, surgical services, and women’s and children’s services.
Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit http://www.christushealth.org.

I have seen breathless assertions lately in the national “media” that President Trump’s recent actions have sparked a constitutional “crisis.” I couldn’t disagree more. What we are witnessing is a new President exercising his constitutional powers in a decisive manner.

How so?

Most notably, President Trump has paused the discretionary spending of enormous sums of federal dollars. In my view, it is not only perfectly legal and well within the authority of the Chief Executive to take this step, but I believe it’s also an obligation of a new presidential administration to review discretionary funding to see that it complies with both federal law and Trump policies.

As many scholars have noted, when Congress funds an agency it gives broad discretion to the Executive Branch regarding how these funds are administered. This is why I believe most of the legal challenges against these executive orders will ultimately fail. When a Chief Executive exercises his core constitutional powers as he does here, his authority is at its greatest. I strongly agree with Vice President J.D. Vance’s recent tweet that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” That’s the very definition of, and foundation for, our constitutional Separation of Powers and this used to not be a controversial view.

As such, Trump is defending representative democracy by attacking the unelected bureaucracy, as the American people clearly want him to do. For judges, the failing national media, or misguided Democrats to seek to prevent this voter-mandated progress is to violate the fundamental principle of a ‘government by consent of the governed.’

However, as an aside, let me address one action of President Trump that is more removed from his core powers—his executive order to end birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship is a legal doctrine guaranteeing, with a few exceptions, that children born in the United States are citizens of the United States. The reason I make this distinction is because this order directly targets an issue addressed by the U.S. Constitution and will most likely need to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. I actually think that is President Trump’s strategy—knowing it would be immediately challenged in court and end up before the Supreme Court.

Birthright citizenship derives from the 14th Amendment which states in pertinent part that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” It is that middle clause that gives rise to heated debate. What does “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” mean?

Let me simply say that the issue of birthright citizenship is, at the very least, unsettled. The U.S. Supreme Court has never specifically ruled on whether those born to parents who are here illegally are automatically citizens. The 1898 U.S. Supreme Court case (U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark), upon which proponents of birthright citizenship primarily rely, presents different facts (children of legal, permanent residents) than the ones at issue here: aliens in the country illegally. That is why I believe the correct view is that “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” means more than simply being born and present in the U.S. conveys full, automatic citizenship.

In fact, a key Senator in the adoption of the 14th Amendment stated that “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S. means subject to its full and complete jurisdiction—i.e., an individual not owing political allegiance to any other country and no foreign government having jurisdiction over that individual. It is simply untenable, I respectfully submit, that this concept of complete jurisdiction can apply to illegal aliens. There is no legally plausible way an illegal alien can be considered to owe allegiance to the United States. As such, the Supreme Court must address this ambiguity.

However, aside from this issue I sincerely believe that President Trump is acting squarely within his constitutional authority as he makes a dizzying array of decisions to begin reigning in the enormously wasteful behemoth we know as the federal government.

I continue to be stunned each day as Elon Musk and his band of brilliant 19–20-year-olds grind through the data and records of federal agencies and identify grossly wasteful and often anti-American use of hard-earned American taxpayer dollars.

Those who seek to thwart the implementation of the People’s will for their government so clearly stated on Nov. 5, 2024, are themselves committing potential treason, and are themselves creating the ‘constitutional crisis.’

Royal Alexander

Northwestern State will open a fall football season at home for the first time in a decade when the Demons start the 2025 campaign against Alcorn inside Turpin Stadium on Aug. 28.

That game and 11 others were announced Tuesday as part of a Southland Conference-wide schedule release for the 2025 season.

“We are very excited that we were able to secure the home opener on a Thursday night,” said coach Blaine McCorkle, who begins his second season with the Demons. “I think it will allow for a great crowd and atmosphere. I know Alcorn always travels well, our students will be here and — with it being a Thursday night — have no excuse to miss it. It also gives us two extra days to rest up, prepare for the next opponent and lets our staff go see some great high school football on Friday.”

Northwestern’s 12-game schedule features five home games – four of which come in Southland play. The opener against Alcorn is the lone non-conference home game for the Demons, who embark on a three-game road trip following the opening matchup with the Braves.

Included in the three-game swing is a Sept. 6 contest at Minnesota, which stands as the first Big Ten opponent in program history, and a Sept. 13 trip to Big 12 member Cincinnati.

The Demons’ longest road trip of the season concludes Sept. 20 at Prairie View A&M.

“Last year there was much talk about how difficult our non-conference schedule was,” McCorkle said. “This year it is even tougher as we get the opportunity to compete against two Power 4 opponents. Those are always great experiences for you players while also being very challenging physically. We will return from those to get on a bus and play what we know will be a very tough Prairie View game so we will have to be wise in our approach as a staff. These games are tough indeed but will give us some great work as we head into conference play.”

Northwestern opens Southland Conference play after a bye week, hosting East Texas A&M on Oct. 4 to start the eight-game conference slate.

The Demons’ other three conference home games come Oct. 25 against Lamar, Nov. 8 against UIW and the Nov. 20 regular-season finale against Stephen F. Austin.

Northwestern will make Southland road trips to Houston Christian (Oct. 11), Southeastern Louisiana (Oct. 18), McNeese (Nov. 1) and Nicholls (Nov. 15). Three of those trips – at HCU, Southeastern and Nicholls – are on the docket for the second straight season.

Two of the Demons’ home conference games also bring repeat opponents – East Texas A&M and Lamar — to Turpin Stadium.

“I’m really excited about the order and format of the SLC schedule and love the fact the game against the team in Nacogdoches is now the season finale on a Thursday night,” McCorkle said. “I think that’s a great move. All this is very exciting to talk about now, but there is a ton of work to do between now and the season and getting better every day is our main focus.”

2025 Northwestern State football schedule
Date Opponent Location
Aug. 28 Alcorn Turpin Stadium
Sept. 6 Minnesota Minneapolis
Sept. 13 Cincinnati Cincinnati
Sept. 20 Prairie View A&M Prairie View, Texas
Oct. 4 *East Texas A&M (Homecoming) Turpin Stadium
Oct. 11 *Houston Christian Houston
Oct. 18 *Southeastern Louisiana Hammond
Oct. 25 *Lamar Turpin Stadium
Nov. 1 *McNeese Lake Charles
Nov. 8 *UIW Turpin Stadium
Nov. 15 *Nicholls Thibodaux
Nov. 20 *Stephen F. Austin Turpin Stadium

Today is the last day to purchase tickets for Saturday’s matchup between Red River and Lakeview. Buy tickets from the RRHS front office. Adults $10. Students $5.

Red River SWCD is having its 3rd annual Tree Sale. Trees will be available for purchase from February 19- 21, 2025. Buyers can choose from assorted hardwoods and fruit trees on sale at the Coushatta office, located at 1311 Ringgold Ave. They will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Umbrella Foundation hosts Community Meetings every first and third Monday at 5pm at “The Hangout” 936 E Carroll Street in Coushatta.

NSU Driving School has several Driver’s Education classes available during Spring break and Summer break. Checkout the details at checkout.nsula.edu.

Two Mardi Gras parades roll this weekend. Krewe of Centaur, Shreveport, rolls Feb 22 at 3pm and Krewe of Demeter, Mansfield, rolls Feb 23 at 3pm.

Rodger Dale Speir, Sr.
April 13, 1948 – February 15, 2025
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 12pm at The Pentecostals of Martin.

Sherry Ann Perez
May 27, 1963 – February 15, 2025
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 2:30pm at Zion Baptist Church.

Shelly Nanekka Babers – Wilbert
December 31, 1981 – February 16, 2025
Funeral Services will be held Saturday February 22,2025 at 1pm at Springville B.C. in Coushatta.

After a full investigation of an incident on February 6 of a fan coming onto the basketball court at Red River High School, the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for the arrest of Kenyatta Newton.

Newton, a 42-year-old female from Coushatta, was charged with two counts of harassment of a school/recreation athletic contest official at $2,500 each and one count of battery of a school/recreation athletic contest official at $2,500.

Newton posted a surety bond the same day and was released.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty

Kevin Shannahan

Over 150 future teachers from seven area parishes attended the Educators Rising Regional Conference held at NSU’s Teacher Education Center Wednesday, Feb 12. The conference was sponsored by NSU’s College of Education and its collegiate chapter of Educators Rising and was a fun filled day of competition and learning.

The future teachers attended presentations given by accomplished educators from NSU’s faculty as well as guest presenters. They also engaged in competitions in areas such as Job Interviews, Children’s Literature, Lesson Planning, Impromptu Speaking and other topics. The Educators Rising program is a solid preparation for anyone’s future.

Red River parish was well represented by sharp young people from Red River High who turned in a solid performance in the competitions. The Red River parish winners were as follows.

Interactive Bulletin Board:

High School 2^nd place Anna Hinson and Chadestiny Taylor                        

Lesson Planning: 1^st place Chadestiny Taylor

Job Interview: 3^rd place Jamarcus Latson

Educators Rising is a nationwide network dedicated to promoting teaching as a career to young people. Chapters at middle school through high school and college work to raise awareness of Education as a worthwhile career path. NSU’s collegiate chapter is part and parcel of the university’s 140 year tradition of excellence in teacher training.

 Matt Vines

LAKE PROVIDENCE – When Riverdale Academy’s backs were against the wall, the Lady Rebels came out swinging.

After losing the Class 2A semifinals game to No. 2 seed Marvell Academy, Riverdale needed to win Saturday’s third-place game against No. 2 seed Calhoun Academy.

The Lady Rebels dusted Calhoun 52-28 in the must-win game to advance to the MidSouth Association of Independent Schools’ overall state tournament, which features schools of every classification.

“We played good defense (Saturday) and took advantage of them trying to take away (Mary Claire Jones),” said Riverdale coach Trey Pittman. “Our other amazing players stepped up.”

Placing third in Class 2A puts Riverdale (32-6) as a No. 3 seed in the overall state tournament, and Riverdale draws the No. 2 seed out of Class 6A Presbyterian Christian out of Hattiesburg, Miss.

Both teams face a quick turnaround as they tee off today at 11:15 a.m. in the first game of the entire tournament at host Mississippi College.

Class 6A is the biggest in the MAIS, but a Riverdale win would send the Lady Rebels to next week’s quarterfinals to face the winner of Central Hinds and Tunica Academy.

Riverdale is the only team from the smallest classification to ever win an overall state championship in 2003. Pittman led the squad, and Katie Williamson (assistant coach and athletics director) was one of the featured players.

Pittman’s return campaign is in its second season as Riverdale will attempt to climb that mountain again.

It’s Riverdale’s first appearance in the overall state tournament since 2020.

Looking back at the Class 2A state tournament, Riverdale was bounced to the third-place game after a 59-56 loss to Marvell Academy.

The Lady Rebels led 56-55 with 20 seconds left, but two missed free throws led to a Marvell opportunity for the game-winning bucket.

Inbounding from the side, the Marvell guard who made the go-ahead layup runs out of bounds and back in bounds, which is a violation, before she catches, passes, and drives for the layup.

Riverdale couldn’t answer that bucket, and Marvell tacked on two free throws for a three-point margin.

The loss prevented a shot at the Class 2A state title Friday, but Saturday’s third-place win keeps Riverdale’s season alive after falling in the third-place game this past season.

“Marvell was very fast and determined to get into the paint,” Pittman said. “Makayla Pickett took three charges, but they were not deterred.”

Jones and Pickett were named to the all-tournament team.

The Krewe of Dionysos held their Grand Bal XXVII themed, “Under the Big Top” at the Natchitoches Events Center, February 15, 2025. Emcee for the Grand event was Brett Garfinkel. Entertainment was provided by “The Mix” out of Benton, LA.

Reining over the event were Queen Dionysos XXVII Lynn Dortlon with her pages Brandt Meaux, Aubrey Eddy and Piper Collins and King Dionysos XXVII Leonard Sarpy with his pages Stella Mae Thompson, Oakley Thompson and Dawson Carpenter.

Royal Court XXVII:
Captain XXVII Brandi McManus
King Dionysos XXVII Leonard Sarpy
Queen Dionysos XXVII Lynn Dortlon
Jeremy Miller & Kara Morvant, Duke & Duchess of Dance XXVII
Charles & Kelli Todd, Duke & Duchess of Decadence XXVII
Shawn LaCour & Laura Vance, Duke & Duchess of Desire XXVII
Steven Jackson & Haley Graves, Duke & Duchess of Destiny XXVII

Junior Court:

Olivia Elizabeth Bryant, daughter of Krewe members Beau and Jamie Bryant and granddaughter of Krewe members Dennis and Betty Bryant and the God child of Krewe members Steve and Kathy Johnson.

Yancy Ryan Spillman, son of Krewe member Misty Dalme and Yancy and Katie Spillman. He is the grandson of Krewe members Billy and Carolyn Benefield, Martha Dalme and the late Herbert Dalme and Billy and Anne Spillman.

Taylor Grace Gongre, daughter of Krewe member Ashley Martin and Justin Gongre. She is the granddaughter of Tammy Lambert.

Madison Elizabeth Dupuy, daughter of Krewe members John and Elizabeth Greely and Jordan Dupuy.

Ty Kayne Calvert is the son of Krewe member Brad Calvert and Krewe member Amber Calvert. He is the grandson of Krewe members Rick and Cheryl Calvert and Krewe members Johnny Lewis and Peggy Leslie and the late Toni Lewis.

Anna Grace Mabile, is the daughter of Krewe member Connie Mabile and Ray Mabile.

The school calendar for 2025-26 was officially set at the February 14 meeting of the Red River Parish School Board. Superintendent Strong shared that several options were reviewed by a committee of educators/staff, who then selected two versions for a system-wide vote.  This was the overwhelming favorite.

It is very similar to last year’s schedule. 

Red River schools will again follow the balanced calendar model with virtual Fridays. According to principals and teachers, “This model has proven to not only be a favorite of staff and students, but RRPSB has also seen many improvements since its implementation.” 

Staff will begin preparing for the year through Staff Development on Thursday, July 31, and Friday, August 1.  Students start Monday, August 4.  

Intersessions will take place during each grading period. Fall Intersession runs October 4-9; Winter, February 9-12; and Spring, March 30-April 2.

June 16 will be the last day for students. Staff finishes the year on June 18. 

The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office recently honored parish SROs on their social media page. The following was shared on Saturday, February 15. 

Today, on School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, we take a moment to recognize and thank the dedicated School Resource Officers of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sgt. Michael Longino -RRES
Dep. Irvin Raphiel – RRES
Dep. Donta Latchie – RRHS
Dep. Travious Johnson – RRJH
Dep. Tina Smith – Riverdale

Our SROs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of our students every single day. They do more than just protect, they build relationships, mentor, and serve as role models for our youth. Their commitment to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment does not go unnoticed.

To all of our SROs, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and service to the students, teachers, and staff of Red River Parish. Your hard work is appreciated not just today, but every day.

Northwestern State University stands with the Natchitoches community and the surrounding area for miles around as we face the difficult reality of the International Paper Red River containerboard mill closure in Campti.

The closure affects our neighbors, our families, and our way of life. For decades, this mill stood as a cornerstone of industry in Natchitoches Parish, providing livelihoods to hundreds of hardworking men and women. Today, we must recognize the deep impact on those whose lives have been upended.

The immediate financial toll is undeniable — $5.74 million in lost local tax revenue, with consequences for our schools, law enforcement, emergency services, and community resources. But beyond the numbers are the faces of this community. Parents concerned about providing for their children. The timber owners, loggers, and those in related fields impacted. Business owners bracing for the ripple effects. First responders, educators, and public servants preparing for tough adjustments ahead.

Northwestern is deeply committed to the people of Natchitoches and the surrounding region. This university has always been more than an institution of higher learning; it is a pillar of opportunity and a catalyst for creativity and economic development. Now, more than ever, we reaffirm our mission to serve. We are exploring ways to support displaced workers through workforce training, professional development, and fostering pathways to new careers. We will work alongside the City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish government and community leaders, and state and national elected officials to ensure that our region remains resilient and that new opportunities arise from this challenge.

To those impacted by this closure — please know that you are not alone. You are a treasured part of the fabric of this strong community. We will rally together, seek solutions, and forge a path forward.

Sincerely,

James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
President
Northwestern State University

“This scholarship is so appropriate in that Doug Ireland dedicated so much time and effort to the Sports Information Office. Doug went from the NSU student to the real Mr. NSU, but he’s known by many names: Mr. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Mr. Natchitoches, Uncle Dougie and, to dozens of his buddies, the best friend who always answers the call when they get it.”

So said Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey during an event to announce the Doug Ireland Endowed Scholarship, created by Robert “Skeeter” Salim with a $100,000 gift to the Northwestern State University Foundation. The scholarship honors NSU’s long-time Sports Information Director who continues to serve the university as an advisor to NSU President James Genovese and is a devoted ambassador of his alma mater.

“When you have people like Doug Ireland, you have an abundance of institutional knowledge,” Genovese said. “We are so glad to have him. He is a great member of our team.”

The scholarship will benefit undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in communications, media and/or journalism. The Feb. 15 announcement drew friends, colleagues and NSU supporters together to acknowledge Ireland’s long commitment to NSU with contributing comments from Genovese, Salim, Louie Bernard, Buddy Wood, former NSU Women’s Basketball Coach James Smith and NSU’s Associate Athletic Director of External Operations Jason Pugh.

“For those of us who have known Doug all this this time, soon to be 47 years for me, we started praying for him then and we haven’t stopped,” Wood remarked in a preamble to his invocation. “But this is a very special occasion and we’re so honored to be a part of it and to share in this outstanding event.”

“We all gather to honor a man who was born in Pennsylvania but became a Louisiana legend and, more to the point, a national legend, a figure whose attachment to Northwestern began as a student and stretched throughout three decades in his career as an athletic administrator. He is one of his alma mater’s most ardent supporters,” Pugh said.

“He is Deadline Doug,” Smith added. “He is a great guy when you win and he’s a comfort when you lose. He was always there. Winning was much more enjoyable, but he made good excuses when we lost, and I was proud of the way he did that. He has always been right there.”

Ireland retired from NSU in 2019 after 30 years of service. During his career, he earned numerous awards from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and was enshrined in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as a winner of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Since 1990, he has been chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and spearheaded efforts leading to construction and the 2013 opening of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches. Since 2021, Ireland has been the sports director for Online Journals LLC, which encompasses 14 parish journals in northwest and central Louisiana.

Bernard noted the impact of Salim’s generosity that has benefited NSU students over the years.

“Skeeter Salim has chosen to be what can only be called a major force in moving Northwestern forward,” Bernard said. “It must be a deep and gratifying moment for Skeeter to look out over this beautiful and tradition-rich campus and realize how many students in the years to come will walk these hallowed halls and have their lives changed.”

Salim is a 1972 graduate of NSU and long-time supporter of athletics and academics at NSU. In addition to the Ireland scholarship, he established four $100,000 endowments over the past two years in memory of the late Jerry Pierce, Richard Ware, Jack Brittain Jr. and H.N. & Inez Towry. Last year, Salim was appointed to the University of Louisiana System board of supervisors by Gov. Jeff Landry. Both Salim and Ireland were inducted into NSU’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line, in 2024.
Salim talked about the day in November 2023 when he announced the scholarships he created in memory of his friends Brittain, Pierce and Ware, all three regarded as pillars of NSU.

“It was a really great day and great for the families, but it left me with a little bit of a hollow feeling because my three buddies weren’t there to celebrate it with me,” Salim said. “Well, today, my buddy is here. I want everyone here to join me in honoring the most deserving person that could ever be.”

The Doug Ireland Scholarship announcement was one of several big events that took place at NSU Saturday. In addition to several athletic contests, NSU welcomed hundreds of prospective students to N Side View, the university’s preview day for high schoolers, and held a ceremony to name the basketball court in Prather Coliseum for former head Coach Mike McConathy, who attended Ireland’s event. Ireland said he was honored to share the special day.

“Mike has been the pinnacle of what we all should be, not just about Northwestern, but living a life of service, of compassion, of relentless commitment to excellence, of inspiration. You deserve this for infinity. That’s for sure,” he said.

Stamey, who met Ireland in a health class in 1978, mentioned the many students, student workers and assistants that Ireland mentored during his years as Sports Information Director and his efforts to promote the university through Athletics.

“[This scholarship] will make a difference to the media students at NSU for years to come and we all need to accept the challenge of helping make Northwestern a top regional university,” Stamey said.

“It’s good talk about generosity, commitment and compassion for this institution and commitment to this town. This is a forward step, one of many things that Skeeter is doing and has done to support our university,” Ireland said. “Some of us can’t give $1,000. Some of us can’t give $100, but we can all give something, if it’s just our time and promoting the university. I’m proud to have an example like Skeeter doing this for our university.”

Friends can contribute to the scholarship by visiting https://northwesternstatealumni.com/ireland-scholarship/ or accessing the page through the QR code below.

Doug Ireland Scholarship:
A reception to announce the Doug Ireland Endowed Scholarship, created by Robert “Skeeter” Salim, took place Feb. 15 at Northwestern State University. From left are NSU President James Genovese, Buddy Wood, Salim, Ireland, Louie Bernard, David Stamey and James Smith. The scholarship will benefit undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in communications, media and/or journalism

State Senator Alan Seabaugh posted on February 14 his concerns for the people and businesses affected by International Paper’s closure in Campti.  This closure will affect families and businesses in Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and other parishes in our area.  

“I am deeply concerned about the impact the Campti IP plant closure is having on its employees and their families. Rapid Response assistance is in place and additional components are quickly taking shape for affected employees. My top priority is helping workers transition into new jobs as quickly as possible.

The Workforce Commission is providing on-site services and an assistance Mobile Unit. Additionally, the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce has a dedicated IP Closure Resources job opportunities website, which is below.

This site is being continuously updated with companies actively seeking to hire IP employees.

Thankfully, of the workers affected, many will be able to either transfer or retire, leaving a couple of hundred seeking new employment. We are committed to connecting them with opportunities.

I encourage any potential employer to contact the Workforce Commission and Natchitoches Chamber to be sure your hiring information is available to potential hires.

I will continue to work alongside local leadership and organizations to support all those affected.

https://gonatchitoches.com/live-and…/job-opportunities

 Louisiana Workforce Commission

Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce

Of all the accolades, triumphs and accomplishments, Coach Mike McConathy said he is most proud to have given young people the opportunity to get an education playing a game they love.

“Sometimes you don’t see the real picture in sports because you look at the record, which says you didn’t have a good year, but if every kid graduated and every kid went on to be successful…the fact that we gave them an opportunity to advance and tried to influence those young people had redeeming value,” McConathy said.

Northwestern State University hosted a ceremony Feb. 15 to name the playing surface in Prather Coliseum the Mike McConathy Court, honoring the state’s leader in college basketball coaching victories. The recognition took place during halftime of the Southland Conference men’s basketball game against Stephen F. Austin. Family, friends, colleagues, former players and Demon fans filled the courtside to join the celebration.

The ceremony marked the launch of the Mike McConathy Scholarship Fund to support Northwestern student-athletes who have exhausted their NCAA eligibility before completing their degrees. Friends who wish to contribute can do so at http://www.nsu.la/mcconathy.

McConathy compiled 330 of his state-record victories while coaching 23 seasons at Northwestern, the alma mater of his father, two uncles, both of his sons and two of his nephews. He led Northwestern to its first three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the first two NCAA Tournament victories in school history. McConathy’s teams won the first two Southland titles in program history, reaching four SLC Tournament title games and winning three of them. His players also excelled academically, with a graduation rate of about 90 percent. He retired from NSU in 2022.

Last year, NSU President James Genovese recalled McConathy to NSU to serve as an advisor for networking, recruiting and external support.

“The wins and losses are very important, the NCAA tournaments were great and winning against Iowa. Naturally they have to be the pinnacle, but when you take it a little bit deeper, you see the way that championship basketball at Northwestern impacted those young men’s lives,” McConathy said.

Away from the bench, McConathy’s career, which included the starting and building of Bossier Parish Community College’s program into a national tournament participant, landed him the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Association’s Mr. Basketball Award in 2023. He is a member of the N-Club Hall of Fame and Northwestern’s Hall of Distinguished Educators.

The McConathy family’s long history with NSU is also significant.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to extend the legacy of my family’s name at Northwestern. My father and his brothers came from Bienville Parish and got degrees and master’s degrees. Being able to continue that legacy is something special.”

McConathy’s Christian faith and servant-leader philosophy are as closely identified with him as his success as a coach.

“My parents taught me a lot, but the most important thing that they gave me was they exposed me to my faith in which Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of everything that I’ve always tried to do,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that I haven’t failed many times, but I’ve always had to look to Him for guidance and direction in coaching, living, visiting with people and trying to emulate the things that He did for us.”

McConathy had many to thank, starting with his wife of 47 years, Connie, their sons and their families, teammates, fellow coaches, players and all who supported the basketball program, including the pep band and spirit groups.

“God has been good to us. We’ve been able to exercise our faith. We’ve been able to encourage our young people to get degrees. We’ve encouraged them to have high character.”

His gratitude extends to those who helped him on and off the court: the assistant coaches, graduate assistants, trainers, administrative staff and others who taught his players life lessons in their own ways. McConathy maintains close ties with those he’s coached and worked with, attending weddings and appearing at ballgames to watch former students coach or their children play ball. Some pursued careers centered around athletics while others chose education, healthcare, law, medicine, business and other professions. Many were in attendance to support and congratulate the McConathys.

“When recruiting them, I told them that this is this was not about one to two or three or four years,” McConathy said. “This was about a lifetime. That is part of the legacy that I would want for them, that when you come to Northwestern, this is your home and the community will care about you for the rest of your life, not just while you’re playing.”

McConathy:
Family, friends, former players, coaches and supporters joined Coach Mike McConathy Feb. 15 as Northwestern State University named the basketball court in Prather Coliseum in his honor.

Get ready for a fun-filled at the Hall Summit Hometown Festival and BBQ Cook-Off this Saturday, Feb 22 from 9am-6pm. There will be food and craft vendors, obstacle course, a Mardi Gras dog parade. LifeShare will also be there holding a blood drive. Festival will be located at the Hall Summit Community Center and Park.

New Hope #3 Baptist Church will celebrate and honor Pastor Taurus Johnson in his 14th Pastoral Anniversary on Sunday, March 16 at 2pm. Dr. Rodney E. Williams, Pastor of King Solomon Baptist Church in Sibley, will be the guest speaker.

The Black History Month Parade, originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb 15 in Natchitoches, has been moved to Saturday, March 22 at 2pm.

Merl Davis Dickson
November 12, 1946 — February 14, 2025
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 17, 2025 at 3pm at First Christian Church in Monroe.

Jean Freeman
May 23, 1933 – February 14, 2025
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025  at 11am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

March 2 will be an exciting day for Coushatta. The Town will once again have a Mardi Gras Parade.
Beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, floats, trucks, side-by-sides, and horses will roll from the Coushatta Ballpark to Front Street.

Everyone in the community is encouraged to take part in the parade. Traditional and nontraditional parade throws are encouraged as well.

Parade committee members Jeremy Horton and Amy Jones are working closely with Mayor Cole to bring this fun, family-friendly event to life.

In addition to the parade, Front Street will be filled with vendors and music from 2-8 pm. Potential vendors are encouraged to sign up at this link 

To participate in the parade, fill out the following form.

Be ready for some fun!

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The celebration might have been delayed a couple of days, but Red River can officially celebrate an outright district title.

The Bulldogs (22-4) mangled Lakeside 98-34 to end District 3-2A play on Thursday and finish the league with a 7-1 record.

It’s the program’s first outright district title since 2010-11.

“Winning the district title outright is a major accomplishment,” said Red River coach Dadrian Harris. “We set a goal of winning the district title before the season started, and we achieved it.

“However, the job is far from finished. The Division III Non-Select championship title is the most important title to us.”

A veteran squad returns from last year’s run to the championship game, where a No. 13 seeded Bulldogs squad won three games away from home (two true road games) against top-10 seeds.

Red River has been the No. 1 seed in the power rankings virtually this entire season, and they’ve had to adjust from being the hunter to the hunted.

That experience was on full display Tuesday when Winnfield pulled an upset with a buzzer beater, winning 50-49.

“As much as we don’t want to lose, we needed a reality check,” Harris said. “Much respect to Winnfield, they simply wanted it more than we did.

“We gave up too many second-chance opportunities, and they did a good job capitalizing on those opportunities. We have to realize that every team is going to play their best game against us because they want to knock off the top dog. We cannot take nights off and think other teams will just lay down to us. This loss is a lesson learned moving forward. We will self-reflect, get some good film study, make adjustments, and refocus.”

The Winnfield loss ended Red River’s winning streak at 13 games, the first defeat of 2025 and the first since Dec. 28 against Alexandria Senior High.

While district play may be over, Red River will challenge itself in the final week of the regular season.
That starts Saturday with a tussle against Calvary Baptist, the No. 1 team in Division III Select in a neutral site game at Woodlawn High at 6:30 p.m.

Sophomore T.J. Jamison is the top-rated point guard in the Class of 2027 by Rivals and leads a talented Cavs (24-2) squad, which has beaten the likes of Huntington, Ruston and Vandebilt Catholic among others this season.

“We go in as the underdogs, which we are no stranger to being in such a position,” Harris said. “It will be great to play in a championship atmosphere against another elite team on a neutral court.

“A game of this magnitude will help us prepare mentally as we approach the playoffs. (Calvary coach Vic Morris) does a great job with those guys, and our focus and execution have to be sharp. We have to match and exceed Cavary’s energy in every facet. I’m definitely looking forward to the matchup.”

Red River isn’t without its own stars as seniors Jomello McDonald and Jayden Wells have been selected to play in the FastBreak ENT All-Star Classic, which occurs after the season on April 5.

Red River’s top spot in Division III Non-Select isn’t in jeopardy, especially with a flurry of games against good teams to end the regular season.

After Calvary on Saturday, Red River heads to Class 4A Loyola Prep before home games against Homer on Wednesday and Class 1A power Lakeview on Saturday.

Red River handed Lakeview just one of its four losses this season in a 50-39 win back on Jan. 4.

Red River girls pull out regular-season finale against Lakeside
The Lady Bulldogs needed a win after dropping three district games in a row heading into Thursday’s game against Lakeside.

Red River used its homecourt advantage to fend off the Lady Warriors in a 61-45 win, which keeps the Lady Bulldogs in the running for a home playoff game.

Red River (11-16) had been on the inside track of a home playoff game throughout the season before it’s late-season slide, which included a pair of close losses to Mansfield (34-30) and Winnfield (40-37) after a defeat by Many (45-32).

The Lady Bulldogs entered the finale at No. 17 and chasing No. 16 Avoyelles by about 0.60 points, and now Red River must wait and see if the Lakeside win is strong enough to boost itself back above Avoyelles in the power ratings.

The playoff brackets will be released Monday with the deadline to play your first-round game being Thursday.

Red River hasn’t hosted a playoff game since 2021 with just one playoff appearance (2023) since that season.

Red River baseball picks up win season-opener
The Red River baseball team breezed through a season-opening win against Zwolle in 8-1 fashion Monday.

The Bulldogs return to the diamond at Converse on Tuesday and then at Captain Shreve a week later.

Red River Parish is in the enhanced risk for severe weather Saturday. 

The greatest severe potential will be roughly from 3-8pm with damaging wind, possible gusts up to 60mph, the primary concern but a few tornadoes are also possible.

Large hail cannot be ruled out as well.

Forecast as of publication:
Day: Cloudy skies during the morning hours followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 76F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%

Evening: Thunderstorms during the evening, then skies turning partly cloudy overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 37F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Stay with RRPJ for breaking weather updates.