A $13.4 million figure that has fueled public concern about Northwestern State University’s finances was a projected budget shortfall, not a final accounting of the university’s fiscal year 2025-26 results.

The distinction is important as the figure continues to be discussed at civic meetings and in public conversations about NSU’s financial condition.

A July 1 article about a proposed North Louisiana law school reported that Northwestern State projected a $13.4 million shortfall for the fiscal year ending June 30 and said the university had covered the cost by spending down its cash reserves.

The University of Louisiana System report cited for that figure, however, identified the $13.4 million as a projected surplus or deficit based on third-quarter financial information. The report was prepared before the fiscal year had closed and before all final revenues, expenses and year-end adjustments had been recorded.

That means the $13.4 million should not be described as NSU’s final deficit or actual year-end loss.

The final result could be substantially different from the projection because university budgets include salaries, benefits and operating costs that may not ultimately be spent. Vacant positions, delayed hiring, employee turnover and positions filled below their budgeted amounts can reduce actual personnel expenses. Departments also may postpone purchases or spend less than originally budgeted.

NSU’s final fiscal year result cannot be determined until the university and UL System complete their year-end accounting and release actual revenue and expenditure figures.

The same third-quarter report provides additional context that was not reflected in the public discussion surrounding the $13.4 million projection.

As of the quarter ending March 31, Northwestern State averaged 148 days of unrestricted cash on hand — the strongest unrestricted liquidity position among the current universities in the UL System. NSU also averaged 120 days of total cash, ranking second among those institutions.

The report separately projected that NSU would finish the fiscal year with $11.3 million in unrestricted reserves and $51.3 million in total reserves.

Those figures do not prove that Northwestern State avoided a year-end deficit. A university can spend more than it receives during a fiscal year while still maintaining substantial cash and reserves.

They do show, however, that the $13.4 million projection was not the same as an immediate cash shortage, an inability to meet payroll or a final documented loss.

Budget projections and cash measurements address different questions. A projected deficit estimates whether expected annual revenue will cover planned expenditures. Days of cash on hand measure how long an institution could continue meeting expenses using available cash resources.

Public concern over the university’s finances is understandable, particularly when a multimillion-dollar deficit figure is reported without a clear explanation of how it was calculated. But the available UL System documents do not establish that Northwestern State ended the year $13.4 million in the red.

A more precise description is that NSU was projected during the third quarter to end fiscal year 2025-26 with a $13.4 million budget shortfall. The university’s actual year-end result remains subject to final accounting.

Until those actual figures are released, the $13.4 million amount should be treated as a forecast — not as Northwestern State’s confirmed deficit.

The university’s year-end closing, expected within four weeks, should provide the first reliable answer to whether the projected $13.4 million shortfall was close to reality or substantially overstated.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), in conjunction with the Saline Game and Fish Preserve Commission, has scheduled a drawdown of Saline Lake (Natchitoches and Winn Parishes) for giant salvinia control, organic reduction, and fish habitat improvement. The drawdown is designed to reduce the further expansion of giant salvinia as summertime temperatures promote maximum growth.

The water control structure is scheduled to open on or about July 13, 2026, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 4 -10 inches per day. The water level will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage, depending on Red River Pool 3 water level. The Saline Lake control gates are scheduled for closure on October 5, 2026, to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter, and early-spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500-3,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters may still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Caution is also advised when on the water, as numerous obstructions that are normally not seen are present.

This action is an important component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation and to improve and sustain access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system and replicate the natural ebb and flow of the watershed.

The current LDWF Saline Lake Management Plan Part A, can be viewed online: wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/freshwater-inland-fish

For vegetation related questions contact Kane Finkbeiner, LDWF Aquatic Plant Control Biologist Manager, at (318)-362-3089 or wfinkbeiner@wlf.la.gov. For fisheries related questions contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist Manager, at (318) 357-3214 or vdowden@wlf.la.gov.

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Over my career, I have fished in every southern state below the Mason Dixon Line. Of all the lakes and river systems I have fished, I have never heard as many anglers hate on a body of water like they do the Red River. 

Why does this body of water garner such disdain? What is it about the Red that makes anglers’ blood boil like it’s the worst place on Earth to fish? 

For the life of me I have never been able to figure this out. Before we answer these questions, let’s take a look at some history of this wonderful river system. 

Before the great floods of 2015 and 2016 and from the time the locks and dams were implemented, the Red River became a fishing and hunting paradise. There was great duck and deer hunting along with some awesome bass fishing; fishing so good that both major professional bass fishing organizations, the FLW (now MLF) and the Bassmaster Classic, held championship events on the Red.

Well-known backwater areas like the Jungle, Little Jungle, Knee Knock, Sutherlands, White House and Goose Pond, to name a few, offered some of the best bass cover imaginable. Lush green acres of lily pads and hydrilla along with plenty of standing timber and laydowns were just loaded with bass.

Then in 2015 and 2016 the Red River went through two floods of Biblical proportions. These were truly 100-year events that took the Red River system years to recover. 

So much of the main river was destroyed with small islands totally wiped out. Tree lines along the river were completely stripped of the timber that once stood tall. 

Backwater areas off the river that held good vegetation like reeds, hydrilla and lily pads were all wiped clean. There was little to no cover left behind after these devastating floods. 

Just to give you an idea of how massive these back-to-back floods were, the water reached record levels of 25 to 30 feet above pool! 

There was also a huge fish die-off during the floods but give credit to the Red River Waterway Commission for developing a restocking program that has brought the river back to life with quality bass being caught once again.  

OK, enough history. Let’s get back to the question: why do so many anglers hate the Red River? First, it can be a tough place for a bass boat to navigate, especially in some of the backwater areas. It’s full of stumps and laydowns that can do damage to an outboard engine’s lower unit, not to mention the fiberglass damage that can occur to the boat. It is a very unforgiving body of water if you don’t know how to get around.

Additionally, there are underwater rock jetties. Knowing where these are located is VERY IMPORTANT, especially along the main river system. Some of these jetties are not visible and run straight off the bank several yards underwater. If you cut the corners too tight or run the river too close to the bank, you can hit these rocks and do major damage to your outboard motor. But if you stay between the red and green buoys that line the main river, you’ll be just fine. 

Let’s talk about the fishing! Some anglers really struggle to catch fish on the Red River, especially anglers who have never fished a river system. Rivers are a different animal than your man-made lakes. Fish relate a little different in a river system than they do in a lake.

Current and moving water can be a big factor in catching bass with any river system. Bass relate to current breaks like sand bars, big laydowns, and rock jetty points, making the main river current very important. However, the backwater areas do fish like any other lake.

So, between the difficulty of navigating the Red and the challenges of river fishing, the weigh-ins are a cry fest of guys complaining about coming to fish here! Tournament directors are inundated with complaints from the guys who can’t stand a Red River event. 

Here’s my advice to all the whiners. “Get your butt in the boat and learn it like you would any other body of water!” It’s no different than going to a new lake; you have to learn it! STOP YOUR WHINING!

Another reason some anglers hate coming to the Red is the fact that it levels the playing field. Every lake has a handful of local guys who you must beat when you back your boat in the water, which can make it more difficult for a lot of anglers to compete for a win. But the Red River is an equalizer and gives a lot of anglers a shot at winning.

Here’s my personal viewpoint. I absolutely love the Red River and everything about it! It’s a great fishery with both backwater and main river habitat. It’s a body of water on the rebound as local tournaments are now taking over 18 pounds to win. 

After the two major floods of 2015 and 2016, anglers needed 14-15 pounds to win. But now, due to the impact of the restocking program, good fishing has returned with more quality bass being caught.

From the very first time I fished an event here, I was hooked! I have loved the Red River ever since and made it a priority to learn it. As an angler, some of my greatest tournaments have been on this body of water. To all those who hate it, take the time to learn it and it will probably become one of your favorite places to fish!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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MIKE’S OBITUARY

Mr. Charles Micheal Coburn of Georgetown, LA, was born on April 2, 1948, in Tioga LA and went to his heavenly home on July 13th, 2026, at Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehab in Winnfield LA, at the age of 78.

Mike was an avid fisherman and hunter who truly loved the outdoors. Whether he was in the woods, out on the water, or sitting on his porch target practicing, he was happiest surrounded by nature. If you knew Mike, you knew he was either outside enjoying the outdoors or spending quality time with his family—two of the greatest joys in his life. One of Mike’s greatest pleasures was sharing his love of the outdoors with his daughters and grandchildren. He took great pride in teaching them how to fish, hunt, and shoot, creating cherished memories and passing down traditions that will continue for generations. The time he spent with them was priceless, and the lessons, laughter, and love they shared will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles William Coburn; his mother Bertha Peters Coburn; granddaughter Ragan Breland; great granddaughter Cheyenne Breland.

Those left to cherish his memory include his four daughters, Shannon Booker and husband, Meredith, Brandy Coburn, Ronnie Graves, Ashley Fife and husband Jimmy; Many grandchildren; and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Zion Baptist Church, near Georgetown, LA.

Friends may visit with the family at the church prior to the service from 2:00 PM until service time

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July 15 has been the date of several notable events throughout history, but one of the most influential in modern communication happened in 2006 when Twitter officially launched to the public.

Originally created as a simple platform for users to post short status updates of 140 characters or less, Twitter quickly evolved into one of the world’s most influential social media platforms. The service became a hub for breaking news, emergency alerts, entertainment, sports and public conversation, fundamentally changing how information is shared in real time.

The platform’s first tweet was posted months earlier on March 21, 2006, by co-founder Jack Dorsey, who wrote, “just setting up my twttr.” The public launch on July 15 marked the beginning of what would become a global communications tool used by millions of people.

Over the years, Twitter played a major role in covering elections, natural disasters, sporting events and other major world events, often delivering news faster than traditional media outlets.

In 2023, the platform was rebranded as X, though many people still commonly refer to it by its original name.

Nearly two decades after its public debut, the platform continues to influence how people communicate and consume news around the world.

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By Brad Dison

William Bruce “Bill” Rose was an unsavory character.  Police arrested him numerous times for non-violent crimes.  In 1964, 22-year-old Bill left his 18-year-old wife Sharon and their two-year-old son William Bruce Rose Jr. and infant daughter Amy.  In 1965, Sharon met Stephen Bailey and married him the following January.  When they married, Sharon told Billy and Amy that Stephen was their father, and they took his last name.  As a teenager, Billy disliked the name because kids teased him for being Bill Bailey.  Stephen and Sharon raised Billy, Amy, and their only child together, Stuart, in a Pentecostal church.  Their children often performed in church as the Bailey Trio, but there were problems at home.  Billy and his stepfather fought constantly.  When he was 17 years old, Billy accidentally learned that Stephen was not his biological father.  Billy knew nothing about his biological father, but he began going by the name Billy Rose.  For better or worse, Billy never met his father as an adult.

In 1984, Bill Rose, who had recently been paroled from prison, disappeared from Marion, Illinois.  Three years later, in May 1987, police arrested 39-year-old James Faulkner for murdering Bill sometime between May 1 and July 4, 1984.  The family had kept the murder a secret until James’s son Jimmy revealed it to Katie Adams, a counselor with the area Youth Services Bureau.  At her insistence, Jimmy contacted the police.  Jimmy told investigators that Bill was killed in their home at 409 E. DeYoung Street in Marion.  Jimmy said that on the night of Bill’s murder, “My mom and dad and Bill went out drinking.”  Later, they returned to the Faulkner’s home where the trio began having intercourse.  At some point, James left the bedroom, went to Jimmy’s bedroom, and woke him.  James told his then 15-year-old son that he needed him to see something.  Jimmy followed instructions and walked toward the bedroom.  He noticed that his father was holding a long knife.  As Jimmy stood there in shocked silence, his father stabbed Bill, then dragged Bill into the bathroom.  He said “Sayonara, Bill” and finished him off with a baseball bat.  Jimmy said his parents wrapped Bill in painter’s cloth and tied it with a piece of clothesline.  James put the knife into a jug of bleach.  James had his wife and son help load Bill’s body into the trunk of their car, and the family drove five miles to a remote wooded area known as Crenshaw Crossing.  James, Judith, and Jimmy removed the body from their trunk, and they rolled it down one of the area’s many embankments.  James covered the body with debris to disguise it.  The family returned home and James and Judith began scrubbing the floor and carpet in the bedroom.  James told Jimmy to throw the knife in the city reservoir a few blocks south of their home and to put the baseball bat on a public baseball diamond.  Jimmy complied.  Jimmy later showed investigators where he had thrown the knife and divers retrieved the weapon.  Judith’s testimony initially agreed with Jimmy’s, but she later changed her story to help James.  On September 9, 1987, James was found guilty of murder even though Bill’s body had not been found, and he was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.  Bill’s body has never been found. 

Had Billy Rose wanted to meet his biological father as an adult, he never had the chance.  Like his father, Billy was arrested numerous times for various crimes.  Just as he had done as a child in church, Billy always found comfort in singing.  Billy became a famous singer.  The world knows William Bruce “Billy” Rose Jr. as Axl Rose, lead singer for Guns N Roses.

Sources:

1.     Southern Illinoisan, May 7, 1987, p.1.

2.     Southern Illinoisan, August 13, 1987, p.9.

3.     Southern Illinoisan, August 24, 1987, p.9.

4.     Southern Illinoisan, September 2, 1987, p.21.

5.     Evansville Courier and Press, September 4, 1987, p.1.

6.     Southern Illinoisan, September 10, 1987, p.1.

7.     Dave Basner, “25 Things You Might Not Know About Birthday Boy Axl Rose,” February 6, 2025, IHeart Radio, https://kfmqrock1061.iheart.com/content/2020-02-06-25-things-you-might-not-know-about-birthday-boy-axl-rose/.       

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None. 

Winn Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or bill@journalservicesllc.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to WinnNewsLa@gmail.com

July 1, 2026

• Donnie Folden, 49, of Winnfield, was arrested for theft (shoplifting) and criminal trespass.

July 2, 2026

• Dalandrius Lebum, 31, of Natchitoches, was arrested for second-degree battery.
• Demondrey Lewis, 27, of Natchitoches, was arrested for possession of Schedule I with intent to distribute.
• Jacob Lawson, 34, of Natchitoches, was arrested for abuse, child endangerment, and possession of Schedule I.
• Robert Earl Jackson, 51, of Natchitoches, was arrested for rape and sexual battery.

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After executing a formal search for a new senior pastor over the past five months, First Baptist Church Winnfield is excited to welcome Rev. Brian McAllister to lead its 155-year-old congregation into a new era of spiritual growth and service. His first Sunday in the pulpit here as pastor will be June 19.

McAllister grew up in Winn Parish, a native of Calvin and graduate of Calvin High School. His roots in the area were considered a strong asset as the FBC pastor search team narrowed down their choice of candidates.

Lyn Bankston, chair of this committee, explained, “We received many resumes for our pastor position. Through the interview process, sermon evaluations, and deep dives into doctrinal beliefs, it became clear that Brian was the clear choice and the right fit for FBC Winnfield. Growing up in Winn Parish, Brian and his wife Melanie know the culture of Winn Parish and have a connection with FBC Winnfield with Melanie formerly serving as our children’s minister and Brian as our interim youth minister.”

“We as a pastor search team for FBC Winnfield and Brian McAllister and his family connected through the clear and precise direction from the Holy Spirit at the right time and at the right moment,” Bankston continued. “When the committee was formed, we developed a Pastor Search Survey because we wanted input from the church. That survey told us we were searching for a man that could lead us into our next season with leadership, vision, and a compelling plan for the future of the church.” The survey results also revealed the importance of a “man that could preach, teach, and pastor the church with love for the congregation and church staff in times of need.”

McAllister earned his Bachelor of Science in Religious Education degree at Louisiana College (now known as Louisiana Christian University) and went on to earn the Master of Arts in Religion (Biblical Studies) degree at Liberty University. During this time, he served various churches as youth minister.

But even before college, McAllister began to gain ministry experience. As a high school student, he worked with Scott Sullivan, FBC Winnfield’s youth minister at the time, to put on a rally for students in Winn Parish, and it was there that he preached his first sermon. He later served as an intern at FBC, eventually stepping into the interim youth minister role when Sullivan left.

Sullivan, now leading as Discipleship Catalyst with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, commented, “One of the greatest joys in ministry is watching God continue the work he begins in someone’s life. Brian McAllister is one of those blessings for me. I had the privilege of mentoring Brian and, over the years, I’ve watched him grow from a young man with tremendous potential into a faithful, trustworthy man of God.”

Sullivan offered words of encouragement to McAllister as he steps into this new role: “Know that God has been preparing you for this calling long before this opportunity arrived. Shepherd his people with courage, humility, and unwavering faithfulness to his Word. I believe in you!”

An additional “perk” of both the youth rally and serving at FBC Winnfield was that McAllister met and began dating his future wife Melanie Taylor, an Atlanta, LA native. At the end of the summer of his internship, the church collected a love offering which he used to buy Melanie an engagement ring. He and Melanie, who was then Children’s Minister at FBC, married in 2004.

A turning point in McAllister’s ministry call happened while serving as youth minister in Bastrop under the mentorship of Marty Black. He felt a love and burden for the local church and understood that his path forward was as pastor of a local church. He was ordained in April 2008.

Since this time, McAllister has sought to guide the churches he served towards revitalization and spiritual health through pastoral ministry, expository preaching, and building relationships with the faith family. “My family and I are so grateful for the Lord leading us back home to serve the wonderful people of Winn Parish,” he expressed. “It’s our desire to see lost people saved and our community transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

As Dr. Allen Jackson completes his time as interim pastor at FBC Winnfield, he noted, “The past six months has been an amazing season of reunion for Judi and me. Among the unexpected blessings of this time has been meeting Brian and Melanie McAllister. The search team worked with honesty, prayer, and integrity in finding the next pastor for this great and historic church. Brian and Melanie are returning home, and I believe they will minister in Winnfield for a lot of years. I appreciate getting to be part of the story that now will have many more fantastic chapters.” Jackson was on staff at FBC Winnfield as Education and Youth Minister from 1984-1989 under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Calvin Phelps.

McAllister has previously served as pastor at FBC Jonesboro, Bethlehem Baptist (Winn Parish), and Pleasant Hill Baptist (Union Parish). He and Melanie have four children: Madelyn, 19; Andrew, 16; Kaitlyn, 14, and Grace, 9.

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WINNFIELD, La. — Winnfield Senior High School is celebrating a strong academic achievement after posting measurable gains in student proficiency on state assessments.

According to information released by the school, student proficiency increased from 29% in 2025 to 37% in 2026, marking an impressive 8-point improvement in just one year.

The school highlighted the achievement under the theme “Mastery + Growth”, emphasizing its commitment to helping students reach higher levels of academic success.

The increase reflects continued progress in student learning and underscores the dedication of teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and families working together to improve educational outcomes.

School leaders noted that the results demonstrate the impact of focused instruction and a continued commitment to academic excellence. The improvement is part of the school’s ongoing efforts to increase student mastery of state standards while preparing students for future success.

Displayed prominently on the school’s announcement is the message “Committed to Excellence,” reinforcing Winnfield Senior High School’s mission of continuous improvement.

With proficiency climbing from 29% to 37%, Winnfield Senior High School is celebrating not only higher test scores but also the momentum created through perseverance, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student achievement.

“We Can. We Will.” remains the school’s rallying message as it continues striving for even greater academic success in the years ahead.

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WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish will experience another stretch of hot summer weather this week, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and scattered afternoon thunderstorms remaining possible throughout the forecast period.

The greatest chance of rainfall arrives on Wednesday, when a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected. Despite the possibility of rain, skies will remain partly sunny, and temperatures will reach around 93 degrees.

Dry and hotter conditions return for Thursday and Friday, with abundant sunshine and afternoon highs climbing to 95 degrees both days.

As the weekend approaches, isolated afternoon thunderstorms make a return, although much of each day will remain warm and mostly sunny.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday
40% chance of showers and thunderstorms
Partly sunny
High: 93°

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy
Low: 75°

Thursday
Sunny and hot
High: 95°

Thursday Night
Mostly clear
Low: 74°

Friday
Sunny and hot
High: 95°

Friday Night
Mostly clear
Low: 75°

Saturday
20% chance of showers and thunderstorms
Mostly sunny and hot
High: 95°

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy
Low: 76°

Sunday
30% chance of showers and thunderstorms
Partly sunny
High: 94°

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy
Low: 75°

Monday
Chance of showers and thunderstorms
Mostly sunny
High: 93°

Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the hottest part of the day by staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities when possible. If thunderstorms develop, remember that lightning can occur well before heavy rain begins, so move indoors at the first sound of thunder.

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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.

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The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present “A Visit with the Bagpipe” at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.  The event will be free and open to the general public. 

Attendees at this interactive workshop will learn the basics of traditional Celtic bagpipe playing and drumming, as well as Highland dance.  The origins and history of the Great Highland bagpipe will be discussed.  Practice chanters will be provided so that participants can try their hand at playing a Great Highland bagpipe in a hygienic manner.  In addition to the scales, participants will learn to play an iconic bagpipe tune.  Also featured will be the Bouzouki guitar and the Irish Bodhrán drum.  The workshop will also include a Celtic music and dance performance by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers.  Workshop instructors Susan Hyams and L. Collier Hyams will share their long experience and cultural knowledge of Celtic music and dance. 

“This musical workshop will provide attendees a rare opportunity to learn firsthand the basics of playing the Highland bagpipe,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University.  “We are grateful to tradition bearers like the Hyams who so generously offer the priceless gift of sharing their cultural knowledge.” 

Susan Hyams has been playing bagpipes for over 35 years and started Scottish Highland dancing at age five.  After competing and performing in both piping and dancing throughout the Northeastern states she decided to pursue her dream of having a Celtic school and formed the Thistle Dancers and Pipers in Virginia.  The school became one of the largest highland dance schools on the East coast and in the early 2000’s had over 70 dancers and 15 piping students.  She met Collier Hyams in 2002 at the Savannah Scottish Games. Collier was playing guitar and percussion with a Celtic rock band. In 2005 they were married in Laggan, Scotland.  She has been a member of the City of Alexandria (Virginia) Pipes and Drums, the St. Andrews College Pipe Band, the Chesapeake Caledonians and the St. Andrews Ladies’ Pipe Band and has played pipes with the famous Celtic band The Chieftains, opened for the Tannahill Weavers, played for then President Clinton at the Presidential Golf Cup and for the Republic of Ireland National Soccer team at the U.S. Cup at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts.  The Hyams moved to Natchitoches in 2016 and in 2019 the Thistle Dancers and Pipers was reformed, debuting with two dances at the Natchitoches Folklife Festival.  Since 2019, the group has grown to 15 dancers and 3 pipes and has performed all over Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.  This past spring the group’s three teen dancers auditioned and were invited to travel to New York City to perform during National Tartan Week.  Susan is a certified Highland Dance Teacher through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and was a member of the Eastern United States Piping Association for many years.  She currently teaches highland dance and bagpipes in her private studio in Natchitoches.

L. Collier Hyams grew up as a foreign service dependent in culturally rich places such as Thailand, Germany and Louisiana with stints in Ghana, Jamaica and Scotland.  He has toured and recorded with world, reggae, rock, future music, and Celtic groups in North America, Europe, and bits of West Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.  His primary creative outlet is as frontman and writer for the CMJ charting 50 Man Machine.  Collier has spent the better part of a decade touring with Highland Bagpipers Neil Anderson (Seven Nations, Rathkeltair), EJ Jones (Clandestine, Teribus, Brizeus) and others.  While based in NYC he worked with Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Jaron Lanier, Sussan Deyhim, Shirin Neshat, Laurie Anderson, Richard Horowitz, Peter Scherer, Julia Duka Duka Heyward, Big Twin, Sean Lennon and currently Scott Ambush of Spyro Gyra.  

The Thistle Dancers and Pipers will participate in the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on July 18.  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.  Over 70 traditional crafts persons from throughout the state will display their crafts, handcrafting their work during the festival. 

Held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum, the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival features three stages of live music, Louisiana cuisine food vendors, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, music informances, narrative sessions, on-site demonstrations and more.  Admission to this family friendly event is $10 for an all-day all event pass, with children 12 and under admitted free all day. 

For more information on the bagpipe workshop or the festival, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/.  Questions about the workshop can also be directed to instructor Susan Hyams at (571) 217-7705 or thistledancersandpipers@gmail.com.

The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum and is in partnership with the City of Natchitoches.  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 Historic District Development Commission, the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, 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 do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

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Winn Parish is celebrating another remarkable achievement as one of its own has been elected to lead one of the nation’s largest student organizations.

Winn Parish 4-H announced that Joe Lewis IV, a dedicated Winn Parish 4-H member and the current Louisiana State 4-H President, has been elected National President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

The prestigious leadership position places Joe at the forefront of an organization that represents thousands of student members from across the United States. As National FBLA President, he will serve as the voice of the organization, promote leadership development, represent FBLA at national events, and inspire students to pursue excellence in business, education, and community service.

Winn Parish 4-H shared its excitement over the accomplishment, offering congratulations to Joe on reaching another significant milestone in his leadership journey.

Joe’s election is a testament to years of dedication, hard work, and service through both 4-H and FBLA. Already serving as Louisiana’s State 4-H President, he has become a recognized leader among his peers, and his latest achievement brings national recognition not only to himself but also to Winn Parish and the state of Louisiana.

Community members, educators, and fellow 4-H and FBLA members are celebrating the accomplishment, recognizing Joe Lewis IV as an outstanding example of the leadership, character, and commitment being developed in today’s youth.

His election as National FBLA President marks a historic achievement and serves as an inspiration for students across Winn Parish and beyond to dream big, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact.

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