A Red River Parish sheriff’s deputy, Asia Pikes, 23, was arrested for negligent homicide following a fatal car crash while responding to a house fire on February 22.

The accident resulted in the death of Ella Winn, 70, of Coushatta. Pikes is free on a $25,000 bond and on paid administrative leave.

After the Louisiana State Police investigated and shared findings with the District Attorney, the case went to a grand jury in June.

Pikes, who suffered serious injuries in the crash, returned to work on light duty after recovering.

Liberty Baptist Church marked 163 years of ministry on Sunday morning with a special service filled with gratitude and praise. Bro. James Hester delivered a powerful message reminding the congregation that “living for the Lord is rooted in freedom, not bondage.”

The church, affectionately known as “The Little Church on the Hill,” gave thanks to God for more than a century and a half of faith, fellowship, and service to the community.

Wednesday, August 13

Sunny along with a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds light and variable.

A few clouds overnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. 

Thursday, August 14

Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds in the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds light and variable.

Partly cloudy overnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. 

Your nose might just be your car’s best early warning system. Certain smells can signal trouble under the hood—or even danger. Recognizing these odors can help you avoid costly repairs or hazardous breakdowns. Here are six car smells you should never ignore:

Burning Rubber

What it might mean: A slipping or misaligned drive belt, or tires rubbing
What to do: Pull over safely and check for melted hoses or belt issues. If nothing is obvious, visit a mechanic immediately.

Maple Syrup (Sweet Smell)

What it might mean: Leaking engine coolant (ethylene glycol)
What to do: Coolant leaks can cause overheating and engine damage. Don’t ignore it—have it checked before it leads to serious trouble.

Burnt Oil or Acrid Smoke

What it might mean: An oil leak dripping onto hot engine parts
What to do: Check the oil level and look for leaks. It could also be old oil or overdue service. If smoke is visible, have it towed.

Rotten Eggs

What it might mean: A failing catalytic converter or fuel system problem
What to do: This sulfur smell is often due to excess emissions. It can damage your vehicle’s performance and is expensive if ignored.

Burning Plastic or Electrical Smell

What it might mean: Electrical short circuit or overheated wiring
What to do: Turn off the car and have it inspected. Faulty wiring can cause fires.

Moldy or Musty Smell

What it might mean: Clogged A/C drain or mold in the ventilation system
What to do: Replace the cabin air filter and have the system cleaned. Breathing in mold is harmful—especially for allergy sufferers.

Trust your nose. If something smells “off,” it probably is. Acting quickly can prevent bigger problems and keep you—and your passengers—safe on the road.

Every August 13, the world tips its hat to the left-handed legends among us with Left-Handers Day—a fun and lighthearted holiday dedicated to the unique 10% of the population who use their left hand as their dominant one.

More Than Just a Quirk

Being a lefty means adapting to a world designed for right-handers—from scissors and desks to can openers and spiral notebooks. But left-handers are known for their creativity, resilience, and sometimes even ambidextrous talents.

Some of history’s most iconic names were lefties, including Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Barack Obama.

How to Celebrate Left-Handers Day:

Try writing with your left hand if you’re right-handed—it’s tougher than it looks!
Learn fun facts about famous lefties throughout history.
Lefties unite! Host a left-handed trivia night, game night, or social get-together.
Raise awareness of the challenges left-handers face in daily life.

Whether you’re a proud southpaw or just know someone who is, Left-Handers Day is the perfect time to celebrate being a little different—and a lot awesome. 

Northwestern State University recently honored Dr. Julie McDonald for a career in education that has spanned more than four decades, beginning with manual typewriters and ending in an era of advanced technology and artificial intelligence.

A native of Coushatta, McDonald first enrolled at NSU as an accounting major, determined not to follow in the footsteps of her mother, a teacher. That plan changed, and in 1979 she graduated in just three years with a double major in business and distributive education. At just 21 years old, she began teaching at Campti High School, where she spent a decade — with a short break for the birth of her child.

The next step in her career, a one-year temporary contract at NSU, soon became a lifelong commitment. Over the next 39 years, McDonald taught thousands of students, served as advisor for the college’s Future Business Leaders of America group, and worked alongside colleagues who were once her students.

Her own education continued along the way. She earned her master’s degree in education and a “30 Plus” degree — 30 hours beyond her master’s — before completing her Ph.D. in vocational education from LSU. That doctorate was achieved while working full time and raising four children, without the convenience of online courses. Instead, she commuted weekly to Baton Rouge for a year and a half and spent summers there, all with the support of her NSU family.

McDonald’s teaching motto was inspired by a plaque she first received while teaching high school: “To teach is to touch a life forever.” That plaque hung in her office for 45 years. She says some of her most meaningful moments have been hearing from former students who tell her they remember something she taught or that she made a difference in their lives.

As she retires, McDonald reflects on a career and life rooted deeply in the Natchitoches community. “It’s been a good 45 years, and I wouldn’t have done anything different. It fit my family, and NSU has been good to me,” she said.

The NSU College of Business held a reception on Aug. 11 celebrating her retirement, with past coworkers, colleagues, friends, and family honoring the legacy of a teacher who has touched generations.

Christianity is full of beautiful contradictions. Not the kind that make you question your GPS or your life choices after eating gas station sushi, but the kind that make you sit back and say, “Wait… what?” It’s a faith built on polarities—divine paradoxes that somehow make perfect sense if you squint hard enough and drink enough coffee.

Let’s start with the classic: free yet bound. Christians are told they are “free in Christ.” Free from sin, free from death, free from the tyranny of trying to earn God’s love through interpretive dance or excessive casserole-making. But then, in the very next breath, we’re told we’re “slaves to righteousness.” Bound to Christ. Servants of the King. So which is it? Are we liberated spiritual butterflies or holy house elves?

The answer is yes.

It’s like being given a lifetime supply of chocolate and then being told you can only eat it in moderation. You’re free to indulge, but bound by wisdom, love, and the haunting memory of your last dentist bill. In Christian terms, freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want—it’s about finally being able to do what you were created for. Like a fish being “freed” from land and tossed back into water. Sure, it’s wet and smells like algae, but that fish is finally home.

Then there’s the delightful identity crisis of being both saint and sinner. This one really messes with your spiritual résumé. On one hand, you’re a redeemed child of God, washed clean, clothed in righteousness, and probably glowing faintly in the dark. On the other hand, you still yell at slow drivers, binge-watch morally questionable TV shows, and occasionally eat an entire pizza alone while contemplating the Book of Lamentations.

Martin Luther, the original Reformer and part-time beer enthusiast, coined the phrase simul justus et peccator—simultaneously justified and sinful. It’s like being declared legally innocent while still tripping over your own shoelaces in public. You’re a walking contradiction, a spiritual mullet: business in the front (saint), party in the back (sinner).

This duality is not a bug—it’s a feature. It keeps Christians humble. Just when you start feeling holy enough to levitate, you remember that you still need grace like a toddler needs snacks. And just when you feel like a hopeless mess, you’re reminded that God sees you as beloved, chosen, and inexplicably worth saving.

Even Jesus himself embodied paradox. Fully God, fully man. Eternal, yet born in a barn. Sinless, yet hung out with tax collectors and people who probably didn’t wash their hands before dinner. His entire ministry was a masterclass in flipping expectations: the last shall be first, the meek inherit the earth, and the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed—which, let’s be honest, is not the most majestic metaphor unless you’re really into condiments.

So, what do we do with all these polarities? Embrace them. Laugh at them. Let them stretch your mind and soften your heart. Christianity isn’t a tidy spreadsheet—it’s a divine mystery wrapped in grace, dipped in paradox, and served with a side of humility.

Because in the end, being free yet bound means we’re tethered to love. Being saint and sinner means we’re never too far gone, and never too perfect to need saving. And that, my friends, is the kind of holy tension worth celebrating—even if it makes your brain do theological cartwheels.

Everybody in town has heard the story – the LSUS baseball team became the first in college baseball history to post a perfect record – 59-0.

But the words were uttered in the highest of places as the U.S. Senate read a resolution on July 21 honoring LSUS baseball’s feat. The joint resolution was signed by Louisiana senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy.

LSUS coach Brad Neffendorf and Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith received physical copies of that resolution this past week, which will eventually be housed in a display case.

“I’m happy for the guys – they deserve all the recognition in the world,” said LSUS baseball coach Brad Neffendorf. “The support grew throughout the year, and it kept going and going and helped fuel us.
“These guys deserve every bit of what is coming their way for what they did for the university and the City of Shreveport.”

The resolution lauded LSUS baseball’s efforts in achieving the first NAIA national championship for the school in any sport by defeating Southeastern University (Fla.) 13-7 in the title game on May 30.

Neffendorf was congratulated for winning various Coach of the Year honors along with other headliners like Isaac Rhode (NAIA Pitcher of the Year and Tournament MVP), Jose Sallorin (Golden Glove Award winner), and Cooper Huspen (Hustle Award winner).

The resolution is the latest of many, which include the Louisiana Senate, the Louisiana House of Representatives, the Shreveport Mayor’s Office, the Caddo Parish Commission, the Shreveport City Council, and the Bossier Parish Police Jury.

“I think it’s a reflection of where we’ve come in the world,” said LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith. “I’ve got a framed copy of the Wall Street Journal article, and it began with 59-0.

“Nobody does that, and this is a reflection of how big a deal that is.”
The team has been invited to the White House with the visit date still pending.

Red River Parish 4-H will hold a livestock meeting August 13 at 3:30 at the 4-H office. Anyone planning to show animals or is interested in learning more about livestock projects are invited to attend.

A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday, August 14, at 6 p.m. at the Coushatta Boat Launch to honor and celebrate the life of Shatalma “Moolie” Guye, who was tragically killed last week. Friends, family, and community members are invited to gather in remembrance and support.

The next local Farmer’s Market & Maker’s Fair is August 16 from 7-11am Front Street in Coushatta.

The August Genealogy Meeting will be held at the Red River Parish Library Wednesday, August 20 at 10am. Learn how to use research tools to complete your family tree. Dr. Virginia Webb and library staff will offer tips and assistance. For more information, call 318-932-5614.

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce will host a Bass tournament Saturday, September 13 on the Red River. Launch will take place at the Red Oak Boat Launch. $2000 guaranteed pot plus 50% payout on entries. For questions contact Brandon Baxley (318) 332-4159.

Based on recent audits, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has paid out approximately $9.6 million in Medicaid benefits on behalf of deceased individuals between February 2019 and March 2025. This money was paid to managed care organizations, even though the beneficiaries were deceased and therefore not receiving health care services.

AOL to discontinue dial-up Internet service September 30.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash Saturday on U.S. Highway 71, just south of Fairview Alpha.

According to the sheriff’s office, there were no injuries reported.

Deputies say a 27-year-old Red River Parish man was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Impala northbound on US-71 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway on the left side. The car struck a tree and overturned, causing the tree to fall into the roadway and partially block traffic.

Crews worked to clear the debris and reopened the road to full traffic flow.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Source: Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page

On August 6, 2025, the Police Jury held its regular monthly meeting with members Young, Taylor, Davi, Moore, and Murray in attendance.

A main agenda item was preparing for the November renewal of the Parishwide Fire Protection District tax and the Council on Aging tax. The resolutions to include these items on the November 15 ballot were unanimously approved. These renewals had been rejected during the March 29 election. President Murray clarified that these are continuations of existing taxes intended to maintain current fire protection and services for older residents.

Visitor comments began with Ms. Marie Babers, who requested additional assistance with litter control on Steward St. and nearby areas. She also conveyed appreciation for prior cleanup efforts on Bruce St. Captain James Moseley provided an update regarding a Sheriff’s crew assigned to assist, indicating preparations are nearly complete with safety equipment and signage ready.

Jacque Fontenot from the Red River 4-H Office expressed thanks for the Police Jury’s support and introduced several students to share their recent experiences.

The CVU report indicated $11,000 generated through fees and fines, with an expected increase in trucking activity due to upcoming operations at five well sites, including Swint Road, Sandy Bayou, and Temple Rd.

Budget discussions highlighted a $1 million decrease in sales tax collections. Mr. Davis stated that budget adjustments would be necessary to account for the shortfall, given ongoing repair, construction, and cleanup projects.

This summer, Red River Parish 4-H was fortunate enough to have Avery Barber as an intern.

Avery, who is a Louisiana Tech student majoring in Education, was part of the LSU AgCenter Aspire summer intern program.

The purpose of this 10-week program is to engage undergraduates in agricultural-related internships in research, extension, and teaching, with mentorship from faculty in LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture.

Ms. Barber was very active in 4-H in her home parish of Desoto, both in junior leaders and shooting sports.

This summer, she worked with the 4-H agent, Jacque Fontenot, on various projects and events, such as Wetlands camp, Teen Leader Retreat, and Agriculture class at the library summer reading program. She also helped train students in their various contests for 4-H University, as well as attending 4-H camp with the Red River Parish students.

As a requirement of the program, Avery researched and a presented a final project, highlighting one major project that she worked on over the course of her internship. On August 1st, she presented at a symposium held on LSU Campus in Baton Rouge. The topic of her research was “Developing Entrepreneur Skills in 4-H Students”.

Red River 4-H would like to thank Avery for her commitment to this program.

Submitted by Jacque Fontenot

Monday, August 11

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High around 95F. Winds light and variable.

Partly cloudy overnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. 

Tuesday, August 12

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds light and variable.

Clear to partly cloudy overnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. 

The Cane River National Heritage Area announced they are in the planning phase for the new Cane River Discovery Center in Natchitoches.

This center will embody our commitment to preserving and celebrating the unique relationship between the landscape and its people. The central theme, “Our stewardship of the land is a symbiotic dance between the landscape and its people – each flowing into the other, connecting us all,” perfectly captures the essence of this initiative.

The Discovery Center will serve as a future hub for education, conservation, and community engagement, highlighting the deep, interwoven relationship between the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the Cane River region. By showcasing the rich history, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant communities of this area, the center will foster a greater understanding and appreciation of how the landscape and its inhabitants have shaped each other over time.

Source: caneriverdiscovery.org

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is turning 250 years old in 2025, making it one of the oldest institutions in the country. It all started back in July 1775, when the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General—a full year before the U.S. even became a country!

To commemorate the anniversary, USPS has unveiled a special “Eagle in Flight” logo, designed by Turner Duckworth. It builds on the iconic sonic eagle design—symbolizing USPS’s tradition and its forward-moving commitment. The new emblem will feature prominently on anniversary events and branding throughout 2025.

From pioneering rural free delivery to early airmail routes and the iconic ZIP code and Optical Character Recognition systems, USPS played a historic role in American innovation. The organization continues to adapt under its Delivering for America modernization agenda.

Despite financial headwinds—including a $9.5 billion loss in 2024 and rising criticism over service delays—USPS remains a pillar of American connectivity and commerce. Public support, however, remains strong in favor of keeping the agency independent.

Even after 250 years, the Postal Service is still evolving. With new technology and services, it plans to keep delivering well into the future. As the agency celebrates this major birthday, look for local displays, stamp sales, and maybe even community events at your neighborhood post office.

For 250 years, the USPS has been delivering more than mail—it’s delivered trust, connection, and service to Americans everywhere. Here’s to the next 250!

A good crowd saw a good amount of give-and-take in Northwestern State’s first full-scale scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday morning.

“There was really good balance as far as offense making plays and defense making plays,” second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “That’s what you want to see. You don’t want one side to completely dominate.

“Usually at this time of year the defense is a little bit ahead but we’re pretty balanced right now, so I’m pleased. I liked what I saw. We got a lot of plays run. Got a lot of good things on film and it was a pretty productive day.”

The Demons were presented with a variety of field position and down-and-distance scenarios throughout the scrimmage with each side of the ball winning their fair share of the reps.

The defense forced a pair up punts in the first few series of the day before Abaram Johnston found Kody Finley for a 5-yard touchdown pass to cap a drive that began at midfield. The offense reached the endzone twice more on drives that began in the red zone with the defense forcing a 22-yard field goal from Cooper Evans on another.

“We were able to find a good rhythm,” running back Kolbe Burrell said. “Offensive line was blocking great. Quarterbacks were throwing the ball great and making great calls. We just kept that momentum going and carried on throughout the scrimmage. That’s really what we’ve been harping on.”

Backed up against their own goal line in the goal-to-go portion of the scrimmage, the defense forced two of their turnovers on the day with interceptions by Ja’Marion Bonner and Danny Sears.

“It’s always excitement anytime we can get the ball back to the offense,” linebacker Fernando Washington said. “We’re going up against those guys everyday so any time we can get the ball back like that is really good. It’s always a party on the sideline when it happens.”

The defense forced three turnovers on the day while the offense crossed the goal line six times, cashing in three scores with the ball starting at the three yard line. Johnston threw four touchdowns to three different receivers and two running backs, Ian Vigo and Jeremiah James, picked up rushing touchdowns.

The touchdowns and turnovers added to the bump in energy and enthusiasm in Turpin Stadium already present as fans endured the sweltering heat to get their first glimpse of the young 2025 Demons.

“It felt good having the community out here watching us today seeing as we’re a pretty new football team,” Washington said. “We’re getting better everyday and I think they saw that today. I’m happy they came out. Happy they were here.”

While the Demons never lack for energy at any practice, the presence of fans in the stands on Saturday did not go unnoticed or unfelt.

“Anytime that we can have our home field filled up or have our fans there it makes it more exciting,” Burrell said. “We’re here for them. They’re here for us. We work off each other. All that bounce back and forth helps us play better.”

The Demons continue their development into week three of camp that begins with Monday’s practice leading to next weekend’s mock game and ultimately for the August 28 home opener against Alcorn State

“The thing that I’m most happy with this team about right now is the maturity level,” McCorkle said. “We are brutally young, in my estimation the youngest roster in FCS football, but for such a young team, they are extremely mature and coming to work. We do a lot of things to track effort and toughness and those kind of metrics. They practice hard. Practicing as hard as they did today, this many days into camp, shows they’re maturing at a pretty rapid rate. That extreme culture shift in a year has been pleasant to see.”

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is actively seeking a highly qualified, ethical, and results-driven professional to fill the role of Director of Finance. This key leadership position is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the district and ensuring strong fiscal management in support of
academic excellence.

The Director of Finance will play a critical role in managing the district’s budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, financial reporting, and audits. As the chief financial officer of the district, this individual will work closely with the Superintendent and School Board to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds
and support long-term financial planning aligned with the district’s strategic goals.

Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in public finance, proven leadership, and a deep understanding of governmental accounting practices and Louisiana school finance regulations. A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of five years of financial management experience—preferably in an educational or public sector setting. A CPA or master’s degree is preferred.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing the district’s annual budget
• Overseeing payroll, purchasing, grants, and financial reporting
• Ensuring compliance with state, federal, and local financial regulations
• Supervising business office staff and maintaining effective internal controls
• Supporting district-wide planning and resource allocation

Interested candidates can view the full job description and apply online at: www.npsb.la/page/careers.

The Red River Parish Library will host Sizzlin’ Hot Bingo Wednesday, August 13th at 1pm. Join in for lots of fun with  a bunch prizes and also refreshments.

Grand Cane Merchants Fall Market is slated for September 6 from 9am until 2pm. If you are interested in being a vendor fill out the jotform (https://form.jotform.com/251554279515159)

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches is hosting its 9th annual Kiwanis 5K Color Run and Pancake Festival. The event will take place at Northwestern State University’s Collin’s Pavilion on September 20, 2025. A full pancake breakfast will be available from 7-11 am. The pancakes will be FREE to all guests. At 8am, 1-mile fun run begins and at 8:45am the 5K Color Run kicks off. A free Kids Zone will be setup with face painting and bounce houses.

Jacksonville Jaquars’s kicker, Cam Little, hit a 70-yard field goal in their preseason game this weekend against the Pittsburg Steelers. 

New Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1860 Hwy 153 in Castor, is holding their 3rd annual Big Buck Contest. Participants must attend the kickoff event to enroll in the contest Saturday, September 27 at 6pm. Guest speaker is Richie McCarthy. The grand prize winner at the end of the season will win a free shoulder mount. 

According to Tripadvisor, more Americans traveled abroad this summer with the Top 5 destinations: Cancun, Paris, London, Rome and Cabo San Lucas.

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Coushatta Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on August 7 at 6:30 pm.  A car was hit by a train at the Wilkinson crossing.  Observers at the scene confirmed that a 28-year-old female had been killed in the accident.   

This is a developing story