Well, well, well, you just never know what life will throw at you until it does. In early June of this year, after going through a few cardio tests like an EKG, ultrasound and a stress test, we (Dr. Chris Ingram and I) felt like everything was going to be okay.
Nothing really showed up during the tests that was alarming. Then a few days later, Dr. Ingram looked at my imaging and saw a shadow that got his attention. During my consultation, I could tell by his reaction while going over the imaging with my wife and I that he was very concerned.
Now my first reaction, like anyone else who thinks there’s nothing wrong, was that it can’t be that bad. I mean I’m only 65 years old and fit as a racing horse that’s been put out to pasture.
But then reality set in and after a heart Cath two days later, doctors discovered that there were seven blockages! That’s right, seven! Two in the back that had almost 100% blockage and 5 frontal arteries with partial blockage.
Finally, they had my attention and no longer could I deny that there was an issue. I then knew that this was something that would require extensive surgery to fix. My summer plans were now going to be altered dramatically.
It also explained why I was having the issues I had been experiencing during my last two bass tournaments. During and after both event’s, exhaustion does not describe how bad I felt.
I had major muscle fatigue and tightness across the shoulders. Leaning over to pick up a rod on the deck of the boat resulted in almost total black out, especially once the heat of the day set in from noon till 3:00. At first, I chalked it up to maybe being dehydrated or just getting too hot.
But at the end of my last tournament on the Red River with thirty minutes left before weigh-in, the rod I was holding in my left hand felt like it weighed 20 pounds. No chest pain, no arm pain, just extreme muscle fatigue.
But the worst part was when I had to beach my boat at the weigh-in and walk up the long 50 yard boat ramp to retrieve my truck and boat trailer. It felt like the walk of shame as I glanced around hoping no one was watching me. It was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other.
As I got in my truck, I just sat there for ten minutes trying to recover. Then once I got my boat on trailer, I had to climb into the back of my boat and get my fish out of the live well and into my weigh-bag. Then tote the bag of fish to the scales, which really pulled my energy level down to zero.
Once again, I got back in the truck to head home but sat there for at least fifteen minutes trying to catch my breath and recover. I knew something was wrong as I’ve never experienced this kind of fatigue even during my worst two-a-day football workouts from my high school or college days.
It got worse, as I arrived back home and parked the boat, I basically rolled out of the truck and walked into the house where I literally collapsed on the floor. My wife walked in and asked if I was ok to which I responded, “No!”
She then realized I was not good and got me a cold towel for my face. I laid on the floor for about forty minutes just so I could get enough energy to take a shower.
My thoughts and reasoning were, “It’s just hot (95 degrees). Maybe I didn’t drink enough water and just got too hot.” But as it turned out, there were some major issues going on internally. Problems that could not be fixed with medication or more exercise.
I owe a huge thank you to Dr. Chris Ingram and my personal physician Dr. Anil Matta for their persistence and due diligence in putting me through tests that, at the time, I thought were unnecessary.
After all, based on MY many years of medical experience and watching You Tube videos on heart related issues, I just knew nothing was wrong! Yeah right! Ha, a typical man who thinks he knows more than any doctor.
So, here’s the moral of this story. First, listen and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Understand your symptoms and what they mean. Second, trust your doctor and follow the directions he or she gives you on what needs to be done because it will probably save your life.
Update: It’s been over a week (June 29th) since my quadruple bypass surgery and I’m doing much better. Still a long way to go but making progress every day. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory is warning the public after recent testing found that nearly one in three pharmaceutical-style tablets examined by the lab were counterfeit.
According to the crime lab, analysts examined 3,394 pharmaceutical tablets bearing legitimate drug imprints intended to identify the medication. Of those, 1,047 tablets were determined to be counterfeit, representing a counterfeit rate of 30.8%.
Lab officials said fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were the most commonly identified substances found in the counterfeit pills. Designer benzodiazepines, including bromazolam and phenazolam, were the second most common. Combined, those two drug classes accounted for approximately 80% of the counterfeit pills analyzed.
The remaining counterfeit tablets contained stimulants, other mismatched substances, and emerging novel opioids such as nitazenes and orphines.
According to the lab, the most frequently counterfeited pill was the M30 tablet, which is the imprint for legitimate 30-milligram oxycodone. Investigators also identified counterfeit versions of several alprazolam (Xanax) bar imprints, including S903, B707, GG249 and G3722, which instead contained designer benzodiazepines.
The crime lab said counterfeit pills have been identified throughout its 29-parish service area, including Ouachita, Caddo and Bossier parishes, as well as rural parishes such as Sabine, Lincoln, Morehouse and Winn.
Officials emphasized that it is impossible to determine what a pill contains based solely on its appearance and urged the public to only take medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.
The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory warned that any pill obtained outside of a pharmacy should be considered potentially lethal, noting that a single counterfeit pill can be fatal.
Demetria Gene Guynes was born in 1962 in Roswell, New Mexico. Hers was a troubled childhood. Demetria’s parents, Dan and Virginia Guynes, were alcoholics and the family moved often to avoid debt collectors. Dan and Virginia fought often, and they married and divorced twice. When Dan left for the last time, in contrast to the natural order of things, Demetria had to take care of her unstable mother. Virginia found occasional work as a model in Los Angeles, California, but her alcoholism worsened. When Demetria was 12 years old, her mother tried to commit suicide the first time by taking pills. Demetria saved her mother’s life by digging the pills out of her unconscious mother’s mouth and calling an ambulance. Shortly thereafter, she learned that the man she called dad was not her biological father. Her real name was not Demetria Gene Guynes, but Demetria Gene Harmon. Her family had withheld the fact that her biological father was Charles Foster Harmon, an airman with the Air Force who had abandoned Virginia while she was pregnant with Demetria.
Virginia’s lack of steady employment and abuse of alcohol led to constant money problems. The money problems led to more alcohol abuse, which led to more money problems. It was a vicious cycle. When Demetria was a young teenager, her mother started taking her to bars to get attention. Late one night, Demetria and her mother returned to their apartment from a bar. Demetria was surprised to find a man they knew waiting for them inside their apartment. Virginia was not surprised. The man had a key to their apartment. The man took Demetria into her bedroom and raped her. Demetria was 15 years old. Before the man left, he asked her how it felt to be sold by her mother for $500. In addition to the awfulness of being raped, Demetria felt betrayed by her mother, the one person who should have protected her.
At 16, Demetria became a high school dropout and a runaway. Like her mother, Demetria began working sporadically as a model. At just 5 feet, 5 ½ inches, she was considered too short for most modeling jobs. Like her parents, Demetria tried to drown her troubles with alcohol. With nothing to lose and with no experience, she began auditioning for acting jobs. As with modeling, her acting jobs came sporadically. Alcohol abuse led to drug abuse. Demetria was headed for certain self-destruction when her boss and coworkers forced her to go to rehab. While Demetria’s mother’s life spiraled out of control with numerous arrests including burglary, arson, and multiple charges of drunken driving, Demetria led a life of sobriety. Because of her troubled childhood, Demetria now works with a foundation whose goal is to eliminate child sex slavery and human trafficking called Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children. You may not have known about Demetria Gene Guynes’s troubled childhood or her work with Thorn, but you certainly know her from films such as “Striptease,” “G.I. Jane,” and “Ghost.” You know Demetria Gene Guynes as Demi Moore.
Sources:
1. Concord Transcript (Concord, California), March 31, 1970, p.18.
2. Citizen (Solana Beach, California), December 11, 1987, p.58.
3. “Demi Moore reveals the devastating childhood that shaped her – ABC News – Part 1/3,” ABC News, Youtube.com, September 23, 2019, accessed June 21, 2026, https://youtu.be/MlFl5WiMzBI?si=7f03o7LeOZqfYj3-.
4. The Fresno Bee, October 7, 1994, p.2.
5. The Signal (Santa Clarita, California), October 5, 1995, p.2.
Shelby H. Loe Sr. Oct 8, 1936 — Jul 5, 2026 Visitation: Wednesday, July 8 at Olla Methodist Church beginning at 1:00 PM Services: to follow visitation at 2:00 PM
LaSalle Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
State Representative Gabe Firment officially announced his candidacy for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, pledging to bring proven conservative leadership, rural values, and a results-driven approach to Washington.
Firment, who has represented his district in the Louisiana House of Representatives since 2019, currently serves as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee and has built a reputation as a principled conservative leader, small business owner, and advocate for Louisiana families.
“Washington doesn’t need another career politician,” Firment said. “It needs leaders who understand the people they serve, share their values, and are willing to fight for them.
I’m running for Congress because Louisiana deserves a proven conservative who will stand up for our families, our freedoms, and our future.”
A native of Rapides Parish, Firment is a graduate of Louisiana Christian University and Louisiana Tech University. He and his wife, Erica, a public school educator, raised their family in Grant Parish and are proud parents of three children and grandparents of three grandchildren.
A committed Christian, deacon, and Sunday School teacher, Firment has been recognized as a defender of traditional values and individual liberties, earning thePrestigious Gladiator Award from Louisiana Family Forum for his leadership in the Louisiana Legislature.
As a lifelong Republican, Firment has championed policies that defend life, protect the Second Amendment, strengthen public safety, lower taxes, and protect private property rights. He has been a vocal advocate for farmers, timber producers, and rural communities throughout Louisiana.
If elected, Firment says his priorities will include securing the border, restoring American energy dominance, protecting Social Security and Medicare, defending constitutional freedoms, and supporting President Trump’s America First agenda.
“Louisiana’s 5th District deserves a fighter who will stand firm and deliver results,” Firment said. “I’m ready to take that fight to Washington.”
The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Town of Jena is advising residents that the walking bridge located at the town park has been closed until further notice due to safety concerns caused by significant erosion.
Town officials announced the closure on June 22, stating that erosion around the bridge has created conditions that require immediate attention. As a precaution, public access to the bridge has been suspended while the area is evaluated and plans for repairs are considered.
Officials are asking residents and park visitors to respect all barricades, signs, and closures put in place around the structure. The temporary closure is intended to protect the safety of pedestrians and prevent potential accidents.
While the bridge remains off limits, visitors can continue to enjoy other areas of the park that are not affected by the erosion issue.
No timeline has been announced for repairs or reopening, but town officials say the bridge will remain closed until it is deemed safe for public use.
Residents are encouraged to monitor Town of Jena announcements for updates regarding repair efforts and the eventual reopening of the walking bridge.
LASALLE PARISH, La. — Summer heat will continue across LaSalle Parish through the Independence Day weekend, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and heat index values climbing above 100 degrees. While sunshine will dominate much of the forecast, residents should remain alert for scattered afternoon thunderstorms, particularly late this week and into early next week.
Wednesday will bring mostly sunny skies and hot temperatures, with a high near 94 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms are likely between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Heat index values could reach as high as 106 degrees.
Wednesday night will become mostly clear, with only a slight chance of lingering storms and a low around 75 degrees.
Thursday is expected to be sunny and warm, with a high near 93 degrees. Mostly clear conditions will continue Thursday night as temperatures fall to around 75 degrees.
Friday will remain sunny with a high near 94 degrees. A slight 20 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms develops after 1 p.m., while Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 75 degrees.
For Independence Day on Saturday, forecasters are calling for sunny skies and a high near 94 degrees. A 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms could briefly impact outdoor celebrations, but much of the day is expected to remain dry.
Saturday night will be mostly clear with temperatures dipping to around 76 degrees.
Rain chances increase significantly on Sunday, with showers and thunderstorms likely across the parish. Despite the increased storm activity, temperatures will remain hot with a high near 94 degrees. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of lingering storms and a low around 75 degrees.
Looking ahead to Monday, another round of showers and thunderstorms is likely, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. High temperatures will reach around 92 degrees.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: High 94, Low 75 – 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms; heat index up to 106.Thursday: High 93, Low 75 – Sunny
Friday: High 94, Low 75 – Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Saturday (Independence Day): High 94, Low 76 – 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Sunday: High 94, Low 75 – Showers and thunderstorms likely.
Monday: High 92 – 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Residents planning outdoor activities, holiday gatherings, or fireworks celebrations are encouraged to stay hydrated, take precautions against the heat, and keep an eye on the forecast for developing afternoon storms.
Livestock producers, veterinarians, agricultural professionals, and landowners across Louisiana are being encouraged to learn more about the growing concerns surrounding the New World Screwworm during an upcoming educational panel discussion hosted by the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine and the High Plains Veterinary Medical Association.
According to information shared by LaSalle Parish 4-H, the event will take place on July 2 and will feature industry experts discussing management, prevention, and treatment strategies related to the New World Screwworm, a parasitic pest capable of causing serious harm to livestock and wildlife populations.
The panel discussion is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with check-in beginning at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 5:30 p.m. for those attending in person in Amarillo, Texas.
For those unable to attend in person, organizers are offering a live webinar option, making the information accessible to producers and agricultural stakeholders throughout Louisiana and beyond.
The discussion will focus on developing management and treatment plans and will feature presentations from recognized industry experts, including Dr. Chris Womack, Dr. Gary Warner, Dr. Dustin Dorris, and Dr. Kristina Stafford. The event will be moderated by Dr. Jennifer Koziol of the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.
The New World Screwworm remains a significant concern for animal health officials because infestations can affect cattle, horses, wildlife, pets, and other warm-blooded animals. Educational opportunities such as this webinar are designed to help producers recognize signs of infestation, understand prevention measures, and stay informed about current monitoring efforts.
LaSalle Parish 4-H officials encourage local livestock producers, veterinarians, agricultural educators, and anyone involved in animal care to take advantage of the learning opportunity.
Those interested in participating can register for the webinar through the QR code provided on the event flyer or contact event organizers for additional information.
Agricultural leaders say staying informed and prepared is one of the best defenses against potential threats to Louisiana’s livestock industry and wildlife resources.
LaSalle High School is providing important information for students and parents regarding invitations some students have recently received from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
According to information released by the school, several students have received letters inviting them to join NSHSS, with the correspondence referencing Mrs. Munson as the educator who nominated or recognized them.
School officials want families to understand that these invitations are not affiliated with LaSalle High School, the school’s National Honor Society (NHS) chapter, or Mrs. Munson.
LaSalle High School explained that NSHSS uses publicly available academic information, along with the names of students’ schools and educators, to personalize invitations. However, the organization operates independently and is not connected to the school’s National Honor Society program or any other school-sponsored organization.
The school emphasized that joining NSHSS is a personal family decision. While students may choose to participate in the organization if they wish, membership in NSHSS is separate from and should not be confused with membership in LaSalle High School’s National Honor Society.
Administrators issued the clarification to ensure families have accurate information and understand the distinction between the two organizations.
Parents and students with questions about National Honor Society membership at LaSalle High School are encouraged to contact school officials for additional guidance.
Adult learners in LaSalle Parish looking to gain new skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, or begin a new career path will soon have an opportunity to apply for financial assistance through Louisiana’s M.J. Foster Promise Program.
According to information shared by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) and promoted by Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) in Jena, applications for the 2026-2027 M.J. Foster Promise Program will officially open on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The program is designed to help Louisiana residents pursue education and workforce training in fields that are experiencing high demand across the state. Eligible participants can receive financial support to earn credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities in growing industries.
Beginning July 1, new applicants must be at least 21 years old to qualify for the program. Officials note that students under age 21 who have previously received M.J. Foster Promise funding will remain eligible as long as they continue to meet all program requirements.
The program supports training and credential programs in several in-demand career sectors, including:
Construction
Healthcare
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation and Logistics
Local residents interested in expanding their career opportunities may find the program especially beneficial as employers across Louisiana continue seeking skilled workers in these industries.
Students in the Jena area can explore training opportunities through Central Louisiana Technical Community College, which offers workforce-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment and career advancement.
Officials encourage interested residents to review eligibility requirements and begin preparing their applications before the July 1 opening date.
Additional information about the M.J. Foster Promise Program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures is available through LOSFA at the program’s official website.
The initiative continues to provide Louisiana adults with a pathway to affordable education, workforce development, and long-term career success while helping meet the state’s growing workforce needs.
James Genovese will be the next president of Northwestern State University (Chris ReichCourtesy of Northwestern State University)
By Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator
Northwestern State president says his plan is ‘wasting away in Margaritaville’
State Sen. Alan Seabaugh takes credit for ousting Northwestern State University’s president in 2024 and, with the backing of Gov. Jeff Landry, replacing him with former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Genovese.
Two years later, Genovese says he isn’t able to count on either of his two supporters to advance his plans for the school, which include starting the first law school in North Louisiana.
In recent interviews, Genovese said his feud with Seabaugh, a Republican whose district includes the Natchitoches campus, is costing Northwestern State much-needed cash from the state. And it was Landry who came up with the idea to open a law school at the university, but the governor has since dropped his support of the plan, he said
“It wasn’t my idea,” Genovese said. “When I came on board … there were discussions coming out of the governor’s office regarding a law school, so I just went with the flow.”
When asked if the governor supports a new law school at Northwestern State, Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said that decision is completely up to the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education in Louisiana.
While he maintains the governor still privately backs the idea, Genovese said two factors have led Landry away from providing any public or material support. The first, Genovese said, is Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, whose district includes Tulane University, home to one of the state’s four law schools. Genovese said the governor doesn’t want to get crosswise with a legislative leader he needs to advance his agenda.
“The last thing Louisiana needs is more lawyers,” Henry said when reached for comment about Genovese’s proposal.
Another obstacle, Genovese said, is that promoting a new law school might create the impression that Landry supports trial attorneys. The governor himself is an attorney and has received campaign contributions from trial lawyers.
“There was this nasty fight … between the insurance industry and the trial lawyers, and I don’t think the governor wants to be labeled a trial lawyer person,” Genovese said.
Genovese provided a copy of his law school proposal he said he submitted to the Board of Regents and the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, which oversees Northwestern State. Genovese and UL System board member Robert “Skeeter” Salim, Genovese’s lifelong friend and a prominent trial attorney in the state, requested the Regents expedite their review process so it could receive approval from the UL System Board just a month after it was proposed.
Emails the Illuminator obtained through a public records request show Board of Regents staff discussed the matter with Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, who was not comfortable with an expedited review. Genovese and Salim have not brought the law school pitch to the full UL System board.
Genovese described his proposal as “wasting away in Margaritaville,” a reference to the Jimmy Buffet song.
Despite no further moves to make the proposal a reality, Genovese has continued to publicly advocate for the law school in speeches and in news interviews, rankling state lawmakers and other stakeholders.
“If the Board of Regents wanted another law school, they would do it,” said state Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, whose district includes Natchitoches. “So I don’t know why he continues to talk and advocate for things like that and get people’s hopes up, when obviously an application to do a law school has not moved within the Board of Regents.”
From reference to rival
While he seemingly tilts at windmills for a new law school, Genovese has also feuded with the lawmaker who got him the job at Northwestern State.
Seabaugh, an conservative lawmaker, said in an interview last week his first order of business after joining the Louisiana Senate in 2024 was ousting Marcus Jones, the first Black leader at Northwestern State, who Seabaugh said was responsible for the school “going downhill in many ways.”
Sen. Alan Seabaugh
After being forced to resign, Jones returned to the University of Louisiana System office as executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Seabaugh proposed Genovese replace Jones in Natchitoches. Landry also backed Genovese for the job.
“Nobody was more responsible for putting him there than me,” Seabaugh said.
Genovese, despite having had no experience in higher education leadership, touted his budget expertise when interviewing with faculty and staff for the president’s job. He took credit for securing money for the Louisiana Supreme Court during his time as an associate justice from 2017-24.
That claimed fiscal prowess isn’t reflected in the state budget that takes effect Wednesday, however.
Northwestern State was the only public university in Louisiana to receive no additional funding in the primary budget bill on top of what each campus is required to receive. It was also the only campus left out of the supplemental budget, where lawmakers dole out millions for special projects. These special projects find their way into the budget at the request of lawmakers, usually senators.
When asked about Northwestern State’s omission in the budget, Genovese blamed Seabaugh.
“We don’t have a senator that helps us,” Genovese said. “[Seabaugh has] been mad at me from day one. I … hardly even know this guy.”
‘I don’t think he’s suited for the job’
Genovese said the feud started because he refused to fire Northwestern State employees Seabaugh asked him to dismiss. Since then, Genovese said, Seabaugh hasn’t answered his phone calls.
Seabaugh said none of that is true. By his account, he never asked Genovese to fire anybody but rather warned him not to take advice from the same people he viewed as leading Jones astray.
Jones has not responded to a request for comment.
Seabaugh also said he hasn’t refused any calls from Genovese, because he hasn’t gotten any to reject.
“If they want me to put something in the budget, they might want to ask,” Seabaugh said.
Though he wouldn’t characterize the tension between the two leaders as a “disagreement,” Seabaugh expressed frustration in the way Genovese handled the first major hire of his administration.
Genovese brought in former Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy as a special adviser in fall 2024 shortly after he was hired. McConathy is a Louisiana basketball coaching legend who was recently inducted into the state’s Sports Hall of Fame. He also ran against Seabaugh in his 2023 Senate bid.
Seabaugh said he didn’t mind that he hired McConathy, but he did take issue with how Genovese addressed it with him.
“When he called me, he said, ‘I know this is going to piss you off, but I don’t care. I’m doing it anyway,’” Seabaugh recounted.
Genovese said that was not the language he used but confirmed he did call Seabaugh as a courtesy to tell him he was hiring McConathy, which he said angered the senator.
The two confirmed they haven’t talked since that call in 2024.
“He doesn’t know how to ask,” Seabaugh said. “I think he’s used to being a judge and telling people what to do. I don’t think he’s suited for the job he’s in.”
“The university has not improved and it’s not going to as long as he’s there,” the senator added.
Spending in question
McFarland, who leads the legislature’s budget-writing committee, said some of Genovese’s “decision making has been questioned.”
McFarland didn’t detail the gripes he has heard from lawmakers, but a look into Northwestern State’s budget shows warning signs of financial difficulties ahead.
Genovese has raised pay for Northwestern State’s approximately 800 employees three times in less than two years, despite the university operating at a deficit. The university projects a shortfall of $13.4 million for the fiscal year that ended Tuesday, according to a UL System financial report. The university has covered the cost by spending down its cash reserves.
Other UL System schools are in worse financial positions, but Northwestern State’s spending has raised the eyebrows of its board members, who questioned Genovese about the deficit at last week’s meeting. Genovese said the university was likely to end the next fiscal year in the black, possibly with a surplus.
While Genovense’s spending at Northwestern State has increased, enrollment at the school has dropped. Its student body reached 8,847 in 2023 and fell to 8,402 for fall 2025, a 5% decrease. Less than a quarter of NSU students attend class on campus, which means they bring in less revenue for the school.
Other schools in the UL System are also experiencing enrollment declines, but most are adjusting their budgets to match.
“We’re closely monitoring the enrollment projections and being optimistic that they will be able to turn the tide on their own,” UL System President Rick Gallot, Genovese’s boss, said about the budget situation.
Photo and Article Courtesy of the Louisiana Illuminator
As Northwestern State University (NSU) looks ahead to the Fall 2026 semester, internal tracking data reveals that high school dual enrollment programs are projected to play an even larger role in the university’s total headcount than in previous semesters.
According to an official institutional research document, the university has set an aggressive Next Fall Target of 7,879 undergraduate students. However, a closer look at the tracking metrics shows that nearly one-third of that entire target population is made up of high school students.
The ‘Enrollment Mask’ Expands
The university separates its high school and introductory enrollment into two tracking categories: University (Non-Prep) and University (Prep). For the upcoming Fall 2026 semester, the university’s targets for these categories are:
UNIV (Non-Prep) Target: 351 students
UNIV (Prep) Target: 2,183 students
Total High School Target: 2,534 students
If NSU hits its goals, dual enrollment students will account for 32.2%—nearly one out of every three—of the total undergraduate student body. This represents a significant shift from previous years, expanding the “Enrollment Mask” that higher education analysts say allows institutions to report stable or growing total headcounts while masking a structural decline in full-time, on-campus students.
Current Summer Progress
As of June 24, 2026, registration tracking shows the university still has a long hill to climb before reaching its census goals, which is typical for this point in the summer cycle.
The university’s Current Enrollment stands at 4,732 out of the 7,879 target. When isolating the true degree-seeking undergraduate numbers from the high school dual enrollment categories, the breakdown shows:
Total Reported Current Enrollment: 4,732*
Current Dual Enrollment (Prep & Non-Prep): 768
True Current Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,964**
*Note: Across the university’s broader tracking metrics, true undergraduate enrollment stands at 3,964; however, it should be noted that many of these students are online-only or attend classes outside of the main campus in Natchitoches.
While a vast majority of the targeted 2,534 high school students will be registered later in the summer as school districts finalize their schedules, the physical campus infrastructure remains tied to the 3,964 true undergraduates currently on the books.
Budget vs. Body Count
The economic reality for the Natchitoches campus remains stark. Traditional undergraduate students pay full tuition and generate critical “auxiliary revenue” through campus housing, meal plans, and student fees. In contrast, dual enrollment students pay deeply discounted contract rates or receive state-funded exemptions.
The physical presence of these students on campus remains rare. While a select few students from local institutions like Natchitoches Central and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) are granted rare permission to attend classes in person, the vast majority of the dual enrollment population completes coursework remotely or at their respective high schools.
As the university pushes toward its ultimate master plan under leadership to stabilize total institutional footing, the tracking data indicates that the path to high headcount numbers relies more heavily than ever on the high school demographic.
**Note Dual Enrollment (DE) students are excluded from “True Enrollment” figures above. While these students are academically valuable, their reduced tuition and minimal use of campus facilities mean they do not reflect the institutional sustainability or the market demand for the university’s core physical and residential services.
As Louisiana families prepare to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th year, the Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is urging residents to put safety first and use fireworks responsibly.
Fireworks remain a leading cause of preventable holiday injuries each year. Sparklers can reach temperatures above 2,000 degrees, creating a serious burn risk, especially for children.
According to 2025 data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks misuse and malfunction were linked to at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries. Sparklers accounted for an estimated 1,300 injuries. People ages 15 to 24 were injured most often, with burns to the hands, fingers and head among the most common injuries.
More than 660 permitted fireworks stands will operate statewide this season, with retail sales allowed through 11:59 p.m. July 5. Louisiana law requires fireworks vendors to be licensed and permitted through the SFM and to sell only where fireworks are authorized.
“Public fireworks displays remain the safest way to celebrate,” said DPS Principal, Assistant Chief Bryan J Adams. “If you choose to use consumer fireworks at home, plan ahead, follow safety guidelines and buy only from licensed vendors.”
To help prevent injuries, the Office of State Fire Marshal recommends:
Check local burn bans and avoid fireworks during dry or windy conditions
Use fireworks in open areas at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles and flammable materials
Never allow children to handle fireworks; consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks or public displays
Never use homemade, altered or illegal fireworks and always follow label instructions
Do not use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs
Light one firework at a time and keep a hose or bucket of water nearby
Soak used fireworks before disposal and never place dry fireworks in the trash
LOUISIANA — With summer officially underway and temperatures soaring across Louisiana, the LSU AgCenter is reminding residents to take precautions against the dangerous effects of extreme heat and humidity.
As many Louisianans spend time outdoors gardening, mowing, farming, fishing, and participating in recreational activities, experts say heat-related illnesses can develop quickly when proper precautions are not taken.
The LSU AgCenter encourages residents to schedule outdoor chores during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, and to stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
Frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas can also help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Health officials warn that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can occur when the body is unable to cool itself effectively.
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Heavy sweating
Dizziness
Excessive thirst
Nausea
Weakness or fatigue
If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, experts recommend moving them to a cooler location, loosening clothing, and encouraging them to sip cool water. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms do not improve.
Heat Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
Heat stroke is far more serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include:
Confusion
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Altered mental state
Extremely high body temperature
Anyone suspected of experiencing heat stroke should be moved to a cooler area immediately while someone calls 911. Cooling measures, such as applying water or ice and removing excess clothing, should begin while waiting for emergency responders.
According to health officials, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if left untreated.
With heat index values frequently exceeding 100 degrees across Louisiana during the summer months, residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight clothing, and check on elderly family members, neighbors, and pets during periods of extreme heat.
The LSU AgCenter’s message is simple: stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed as Louisiana enters the hottest months of the year.
Have you ever questioned why you’re here? Ever wondered, ‘what am I supposed to be doing with my time on this Earth?’
Each of us has a calling but it may take a while to discover what it is. As a child, I questioned a lot of things that took place during my younger years, especially as I started school.
It became very apparent that the classroom was going to be a challenge. The biggest problem was that I had no guidance, no one to make sure I did my homework or that I even got up every day to go to school.
But there was one day in my life that I will never forget. It was the day they had Little League baseball tryouts. Even though I was not old enough to play Little League, I still showed up with glove in hand and ready to show anyone that I could play this game.
I rode my bike up the street to a local ballpark where the tryouts were taking place. I hopped off my bike and ran onto the field and got in the first line of players I saw as they were taking ground balls and throwing them back to a coach.
When my turn came around, the coach hit the ball to me, and I scooped it up and fired it back at the coach. I’ll never forget his reaction as he waived me over to talk to him. Then he uttered words that I will never forget.
“Son, I don’t think you’re old enough to play Little League, but I can tell you one thing for sure. You’re going to be one heck of a player when you get older.”
Disappointment that I was not eligible to play baseball yet really hit me hard mentally. Finally, there was something that I knew I was good at! Baseball was going to give me purpose!
It would be on a baseball field that I would shine. It would be through baseball that my confidence and self-esteem would soar. The baseball field was where I was supposed to be!
School on the other hand would continue to be difficult as I was diagnosed with dyslexia going into the second grade. But because of a couple of great teachers by the name of Mrs. Mickey Sinclair and Mrs. Elwanda Carpenter, my world in the classroom was turned around.
From the third grade on, school curriculum would not be as challenging, but I had to work hard to make passing grades. Studying was a necessary evil in order for me to do good in school and get to play sports.
My parents understood school was a challenge but expected nothing short of A’s and B’s. C’s were not acceptable and there would be consequences for bringing home one. Mother would threaten to pull me out of sports when a C appeared on a report card.
But again, I figured out early in life that sports, especially baseball, would be my purpose in life. It would be my calling and my saving grace for me as person. It gave me a feeling of confidence that nothing else could.
Today when I speak to youth, this is one of the topics I’ll discuss. No matter what it is, find that one thing you’re good at and make that your purpose. Make that the reason you get up every day. Make that your passion whether it’s sports, education, music or, maybe if you’re lucky, it’s bass fishing!
Life can offer us so many opportunities but it’s up to each of us to take advantage when those opportunities roll around. I truly believe that God has a purpose for each of us.
It just might take some of us longer to figure out exactly what our purpose is, but isn’t that what life is all about? The journeyis the great adventure.
The 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held on Saturday July 18, in the air–conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 S. Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 a.m. with live entertainment scheduled for 9:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The family-oriented festival is fully wheelchair accessible. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are $10 at the door for all events or $6 for an evening pass to all events after 5 p.m.
In honor of the 2026 Festival theme, “America the Beautiful,” the Festival will feature the traditional music of the nation – blues, gospel, Cajun, Celtic, country, bluegrass and zydeco on three stages of music as well as in the Magale Recital Hall. Music and dance headliners include Cajun bands Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Poisson Rouge, zydeco band Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, blues artists the Wayne “Blue” Burns Band and the Snake Doctors, western swing and classic country artists Gal Holiday and the Honky Revue, the Rising Dragon Lion Dance Team, bluegrass group Catahoula Drive, gospel groups the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples and the Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble and dance performances by Native Nations Intertribal, the Rising Dragon Lion Dance Team, the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Fijian traditional dance by the Rokobou Family. In addition will be a special appearance by Kovanda’s Czech Band which will accompany the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers. The festival also includes numerous food vendors offering traditional Louisiana cuisine. Outdoor activities feature demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking and a child-friendly hands-on demonstration of a 19th century wash day.
More than 80 crafts vendors have been invited to display and discuss their traditional work with festival patrons. Craftspeople are expected to display beadwork, baskets, cowhide chair covers, alligator jewelry, Pysanky eggs, Native American crafts and pottery. Other expected craftspeople will display needlework, wood carvings, handmade toys and dolls, paintings, sculpture, homemade soap, spinning and weaving, handcrafted knives, handmade brooms, walking sticks, folk art quilts and more.
The Festival will include a Gumbo Cook-Off, in which professionals and hobbyists alike can compete in one of the multiple categories and demonstrate their cooking skills in any of three categories, Seafood, Poultry Plus and People’s Choice. All gumbo must be cooked on-site, with no commercial or pre-made roux allowed. Poultry, meat, seafood, rice and broth or stock may be prepared in advance or on-site and canned broth is allowed. Registration and the Cooks’ Meeting will take place at 8:00 a.m. Tasting and judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. with winners announced at 3:15 p.m. There is no fee to compete in the Cook-Off.
The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall. There will be a non-championship class and a championship class. A twin fiddle category will also be held. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage at Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m.
The festival includes several opportunities for patrons to engage directly with Louisiana folk culture. Free dance lessons include clogging or flatfoot dancing with Clancey Stewart, Celtic dance taught by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Cajun and zydeco dancing taught by the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe. Interactive activities include dancing with the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers and Native Nations Intertribal.
“The festival bridges the distance between artists and the festival patrons, thus breaking the artificial barriers between artists and audience,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. “Rather than watching from the sidelines, everyone who takes part in these activities will share and engage in Louisiana’s rich culture.”
KidFest will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidfest is an area dedicated to child-friendly activities and is a fun way for children to examine their own cultural and family traditions as well as those from around the state.
Narrative sessions will be held in the festival N-Club Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature presentations on the making of the first sinker cypress fiddle, traditional carding, spinning and weaving, Fijian traditional culture, Louisiana foodways and heritage language revitalization. In addition will be music informances on Cajun music with bands Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Poisson Rouge. ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices and audio description for these cultural discussions will be made available upon prior request by July 10.
This year also features several pre-Festival events which are free and open to the general public. A Visit with the Bagpipe will be held at 2 p.m. on July 11 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. Attendees at this free workshop will learn the basics of traditional Celtic bagpipe and drumming, as well as Highland dance. The workshop will also feature a Celtic music and dance performance by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers. A second free pre-festival event will be a music and dance performance by Native Nations Intertribal at 6 p.m. on July 17 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Members of Native Nations Intertribal will also engage in a discussion of their traditions with anthropologist Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory, an expert on Southeastern Native American tribes and culture.
For a full schedule of events, online registration forms to participate in the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship and the Gumbo Cook-Off or to make a donation contact the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu or go to nsula.edu/folklife/.
Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program will not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
The festival is sponsored by Alliance Compressors, Atmos Energy, C&H Precision Machining, City Bank, Cleco, Evans Family, LLC, the Harrington Law Firm, Natchitoches Wood Preserving Company, Ronnie’s Auto Glass and Collision Center and Young Estate, LLC.
Doug said, “I drive, therefore I am,” and honestly, I’m starting to trust my version more.
I spend so many hours with my body attached to a car that I’m basically a mobile Methodist. I know I20 like the back of my hand—every bump, every dip, every spot where my cell signal disappears as if it’s entering the Witness Protection Program. I know where law enforcement hides, waiting to catch those who treat the speed limit as a suggestion from a friend rather than a command from the state. I know exactly how far I can push the fuel light before I’m praying in tongues at the next exit. If you see me on the Interstate, give me a wave. I’ll wave back. I’m friendly like that.
Driving entertains me. I read bumper stickers like they’re sacred texts. If you see me tailgating, don’t worry—I’m not being aggressive; I’m just trying to discern whether your “Coexist” sticker is faded or ironic. And I’ve developed a spiritual gift: I can tell when someone is talking on the phone while driving. They always slow down. Always. It’s like the car senses the conversation and decides to meditate.
Today I was headed to Bossier City when the nice truck in front of me decided it was time for a midjourney spa treatment. He hit his windshield washer at 70 mph. At my following distance, his washer fluid became my washer fluid. A surprise baptism by RainX. I just smiled and thanked God for the improvisational rain shower. Louisiana weather is unpredictable, but apparently so are Louisiana drivers.
Now here’s where the sermon sneaks in.
My actions can change your attitude, and your attitude interprets my actions. That’s the whole ballgame.
I could’ve gotten mad. I could’ve imagined he did it on purpose. I could’ve turned on my wipers and smeared my windshield into a Monet painting. Or I could interpret it factually: I was following too closely behind a man with a dirty windshield who needed to see better. Or I could interpret it spiritually: God’s grace falls on the just, the unjust, and the guy behind the truck who wasn’t expecting a windshield blessing.
We don’t live in a vacuum. Our actions splash onto the people behind us—sometimes literally. That’s why Scripture tells us to be careful how we walk. We don’t want to trip someone else up. But the other side is just as important: I’m not responsible for what you do to me, but I am responsible for what I let your actions do inside me.
The world is small. The road is shared. And whether we like it or not, we’re all windshield washers for somebody.
So drive kindly. Live kindly. And if you must baptize the car behind you, at least use the good fluid.
July 1 marks the anniversary of one of the most significant events in American history—the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
Fought over three days in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the battle became the largest and deadliest engagement of the American Civil War. More than 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers converged on the small town, where intense fighting ultimately resulted in an estimated 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured or missing.
The battle began on July 1 as Confederate and Union forces unexpectedly encountered one another outside Gettysburg. As additional troops arrived throughout the day, the fighting intensified and eventually spread across the surrounding hills and ridges.
The conflict reached its climax on July 3 with Pickett’s Charge, a massive Confederate assault against the center of the Union line. The attack failed, forcing Confederate General Robert E. Lee to retreat south, ending his second and final invasion of the North.
Historians widely consider the Battle of Gettysburg a turning point in the Civil War. Lee’s defeat halted Confederate momentum, while the Union victory strengthened Northern morale and shifted the course of the conflict.
Just four months later, President Abraham Lincoln returned to Gettysburg to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. During the ceremony, he delivered the Gettysburg Address, a brief speech that became one of the most enduring expressions of American democracy and the nation’s founding ideals.
Today, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield, allowing millions of visitors each year to explore the site where one of the defining moments in United States history began on July 1, 1863.
For 20 years Cris had worked as a commercial fisherman and a dockworker. On this particular cold March afternoon, Cris had some time on his hands. He had just returned from working on a ship in the Bahamas and was waiting to catch another ship which would take him to yet another port city. He never caught that ship. While he waited, Cris walked over the frozen, snow-covered ground to King Street, the port city’s main hub of activity. Cris carried a pound stick, a tool of his trade. A pound stick was a large stick used to strike or pound a ship’s deck to summon crew to their stations and for setting the pacing for others while they were loading and unloading a ship’s cargo. When not on duty, Cris and other sailors used their pound sticks as walking sticks.
Shopkeepers on King Street recognized that something other than the comings and goings of regular commerce was happening in front of the government building nearby. Shopkeeper Edward Payne stood in his entry doorway gazing at the large crowd trying to understand the situation. Edward heard the voices of men and boys yelling at each other in the crowd. Suddenly, chaos erupted. The men and boys threw rocks, hard-packed snowballs, and anything else they could get their hands on at the nine guards protecting the government building. Some of the sailors swung their pound sticks at the guards. Whether Cris swung his stick has never been confirmed, but he was in the front when the guards opened fire. The gunfire lasted for only a few seconds.
Yells of anger turned into a mixture of moans of pain and shrieks of terror. 51-year-old Sam Gray, a rope maker, was shot in the head and died instantly. 17-year-old Sam Maverick, an apprentice, was shot in the stomach and died the following day. 49-year-old James Caldwell, a mate on a ship, was shot twice in the back and died in the street. 30-year-old Patrick Carr, leather worker, was shot in the hip and died nine days later. Cris was shot twice in the chest and died instantly.
Others were injured but survived. Shopkeeper Edward Payne’s arm was broken when he was struck by a shot as he stood in his shop’s doorway. John Green, a tailor, was shot in his thigh. Robert Patterson, a sailor, was shot through his right arm. A youth named David Parker was shot in his thigh. Two 17-year-old boys, Christopher Monk and John Clark, both apprentices on ships, were shot; Monk in the back and Clark in his abdomen. All but Monk recovered from their wounds. Monk’s wound was extremely severe, left him disabled, and led to his early death ten years later.
Most citizens in Great Britain are unaware of this altercation, but the British government officially referred to it as the Incident on King Street. Colonists initially called it the Bloody Massacre. The world now refers to the Incident on King Street as the Boston Massacre.
Sources:
1. The Boston Gazette, March 12, 1770, p.1-3.
2. “The bloody massacre perpetrated in King Street Boston on March 5th 1770 by a party of the 29th Regt.,” Library of Congress, accessed June 28, 2027, https://www.loc.gov/item/2008661777/.
