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.
Marlan Rebecca Hodges March 28, 1940 – July 3, 2026
MARLAN’S OBITUARY
Miss Marlan Rebecca Hodges, age 86, of Calvin, Louisiana, passed away peacefully Friday night, July 3, 2026.
Born in Winnfield, Louisiana, on March 28, 1940, Marlan was a lifetime resident of Calvin. She attended and graduated from Calvin High School, then NSU where she earned her degree in Education.
She taught for 2 years in Columbia, Louisiana, and then spent the next 31 years as a teacher, librarian, and Vice Principal at Dodson High School.
After her retirement, Marlan worked as a florist at Eva’s Flower Shop in Winnfield for 10 years.
Finishing up her working years, she was the secretary for the Village of Calvin for another 10 years.
After she fell ill, she was a resident of Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehab where she passed away. Marlan was preceded in death by her parents, James Webster Hodges and Addie Mae Rudd Hodges.
Marlan leaves behind two sisters, Kathy Carter and Susie Killingsworth. Never being married, she loved her nieces and nephews including Candace Paul Smith, Dewade Killingsworth, Robbin Willis, Lisa Haymon, Jamie Carter.
Great nieces include Colie Killingsworth, Piper Killingsworth, and Gracie Killingsworth.
Great nephews include Tyler Haymon, Matthew Haymon, Stetson Hickman, Dennon Paul, Austin Willis, John David Huckaby, and Wayne Curtis Huckaby.
Great-great nieces include Harper Willis and Graysen Long.
Great-great nephews include Gus Haymon and Jake Haymon.
Per her wishes, a graveside service was held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery at 1:00 p.m., with Bro. Lamar Carpenter as officiate. Interment followed under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.
Pallbearers were Alan Willis, Austin Willis, Jamie Carter, James Haymon, Matthew Haymon, and Tyler Haymon.
Thanks to all the staff at Autumn Leaves for all their kindness and support. Also to Dr. Dupree for the care provided and understanding with her.
Thank you for all the prayers, calls, and support from friends and family. She loved you all. Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.southernfuneralhome.com
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.
James Caesar Jr. May 6, 1937 — June 24, 2026 Service: Friday, July 3, 2026, 1pm at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home, Winnfield.
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 toWinnNewsLa@gmail.com
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.”
Katrina McFarland, 49, of Winnfield, was arrested for domestic abuse battery.
Jennifer Corbett, 43, of Winnfield, was arrested for no proof oWinn Parish Arrest Logs
By Journal Staff
June 22, 2026
Johnnie Faye White, 54, of Winnfield, was arrested for disturbing the peace and entry or remaining in places after forbidden.
June 26, 2026
Demarcus Berguin, 31, of Natchitoches, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
Destiny Douglas, 25, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
Demorris Jones, 22, of Natchitoches, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
Taral Thompson, 26, of Natchitoches, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
June 29, 2026
Robert Snelling, 41, address listed as homeless, was arrested for direct contempt of court.
Troy Tillman, of Winnfield, was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and illegally supplying a felon with firearms.
June 30, 2026
Author L. Kent, 36, of Winnfield, was arrested for theft, theft of a motor vehicle, domestic abuse battery, and aggravated second-degree battery.f insurance and a bench warrant. (Note: Arrest date listed in logs as June 17, 2025).
June 20, 2026
Tyliyah Sapp, 20, of Winnfield, was arrested for battery of a dating partner.
Nick’Tavis Wainwright, 20, address unlisted, was arrested for battery of a dating partner.
Latham Wooten, 19, of Winnfield, was arrested for criminal trespassing and disturbing the peace (drunkenness).
June 22, 2026
Deann Cascio, 47, of Coushatta, was arrested for a probation and parole violation.
WINNFIELD, LA — The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield welcomed a vital community protection presentation during their regular weekly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 30. Courtney Mounce, the Central Louisiana Outreach Representative for Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, traveled from Vernon Parish to serve as the keynote speaker. Mounce delivered an eye-opening and urgent address focusing on the rapid escalation of elder fraud, predatory financial scams, and the sophisticated ways criminals utilize emerging technologies to target vulnerable residents across the state.
As the regional outreach coordinator, Mounce manages an expansive territory stretching from Vernon Parish eastward to Concordia Parish, bringing critical educational programming directly to municipal groups, civic organizations, and schools. Her message to Winnfield civic leaders was clear: consumer fraud has mutated into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and local awareness is the first and most effective line of defense.
”Everyone is a target,” Mounce noted during her presentation, referencing structural data compiled by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. “Fraud does not care about race, education, or income. However, elderly Americans are heavily targeted because they often live independently, hold hard-earned retirement savings, and possess a traditional politeness that malicious strangers exploit.”
Mounce detailed several prevalent predatory schemes currently plaguing Louisiana families, emphasizing two categories where local residents have suffered massive financial losses: romance scams and high-tech “grandparent” imposter schemes.
According to federal data referenced in the presentation, Americans over the age of 60 lost more than $356 million to confidence and romance scams in a single calendar year. Scammers frequently monitor local obituaries and social media platforms to identify recently widowed individuals. Operating through platforms like Facebook Messenger, these digital predators spend weeks building artificial emotional connections before engineering a fabricated crisis requiring urgent financial help.
Mounce shared a sobering case study from her previous legislative work where an elderly woman was systematically deceived by an online predator claiming to reside domestically. Over several weeks, the victim was manipulated into wiring her family’s entire 401(k) savings—totaling half a million dollars—to an account that vanished into overseas networks. Local authorities later discovered the scammer was operating entirely out of Nigeria, placing the funds beyond the reach of domestic court systems.
The presentation also highlighted a disturbing new evolutionary leap in criminal tactics: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) voice-cloning technology. In modern “Grandparent Scams,” criminals no longer rely on simple generic voice scripts. Instead, they scrape public videos from social media platforms—such as family holiday greetings posted by parents or grandparents—and extract short audio samples of children or grandchildren.
Using sophisticated software, scammers clone the exact pitch, tone, and inflection of a loved one’s voice. They then execute high-pressure phone calls pretending to be a grandchild who has been arrested, hospitalized, or stranded in an emergency, demanding immediate bail or medical funds. Mounce related a personal family scare where her own grandmother received a cloned collect call that perfectly replicated her brother’s voice, highlighting just how convincing these digital audio deepfakes have become.
Winnfield civic leaders in attendance verified that the impact is hitting close to home. Local organizational records and feedback indicated that multiple elderly residents within Winn Parish alone have fallen victim to these exact psychological manipulations over the past year, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars combined being drained out of local accounts.
The core barrier to asset recovery, Mounce explained, is that over 90 percent of these financial scams originate overseas, leaving local law enforcement and state agencies without traditional jurisdictional enforcement powers. “Because these funds are sent voluntarily under false pretenses to international entities, recovering them is mathematically improbable,” Mounce stated. “That is why the Attorney General’s mandate focuses heavily on prevention, awareness, and proactive community blocking techniques.”
In addition to elder fraud prevention, Mounce reviewed the broader logistical scope of the Attorney General’s Outreach Representative program, which covers contractor fraud prevention ahead of hurricane season, fair housing compliance, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and comprehensive digital safety curriculums designed to protect schoolchildren from online predators on gaming platforms like Roblox.
The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield expressed deep gratitude to Mounce for providing these vital safety materials to the community. Local residents seeking to report suspicious solicitations, file a formal consumer complaint, or coordinate an educational safety presentation for a civic group are strongly encouraged to contact the regional outreach network or utilize the direct hotline channels managed by state and federal authorities.
WINN PARISH, La. — Residents across Winn Parish should prepare for another stretch of intense summer heat as temperatures climb into the mid-90s through the Independence Day weekend.
Heat index values are expected to approach 109 degrees at times, creating potentially dangerous conditions for those spending extended periods outdoors.
Forecasters are also monitoring scattered thunderstorm chances throughout the period, with the greatest likelihood of widespread rainfall arriving early next week.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected after 1 p.m. Heat index values could reach as high as 109 degrees. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 75 degrees.
Thursday brings sunny skies and continued hot weather, with temperatures reaching approximately 95 degrees. Overnight lows will remain warm, settling near 75 degrees under mostly clear skies.
Friday’s forecast calls for sunny and hot conditions with a high near 96 degrees. Friday night will remain mostly clear with temperatures dropping to around 76 degrees.
For Independence Day on Saturday, expect sunny skies and hot temperatures with highs near 96 degrees. A 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms develops after 1 p.m., which could briefly impact outdoor celebrations. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 76 degrees.
Rain chances increase on Sunday, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly sunny skies. Despite the possibility of rain, temperatures will remain hot with highs near 96 degrees. Sunday night will feature a slight chance of lingering storms and a low around 75 degrees.
Looking ahead to Monday, showers and thunderstorms become more likely across the parish, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. High temperatures will remain warm near 94 degrees.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: High 96, Low 75 – 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms; heat index up to 109.
Thursday: High 95, Low 75 – Sunny and hot.
Friday: High 96, Low 76 – Sunny and hot.
Saturday (Independence Day): High 96, Low 76 – 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Sunday: High 96, Low 75 – 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Monday: High 94 – 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Emergency officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon heat, and monitor weather conditions during holiday events. Those planning outdoor activities should have a way to receive weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop.
The Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program Grant funded by The Rapides Foundation and in consultation with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is accepting applications from candidates and placement sites in nine parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn. Applications will be accepted until June 30.
The program helps bridge the gap between a master’s degree in mental health and licensure in Louisiana and supports mental health and community support systems in central Louisiana. It’s administered through Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development.
Eligible candidatesare master’s level mental health professionals interested in pursuing Louisiana licensure as either a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The program supports candidates through licensing exam preparation, licensure application fees, professional development and mentoring by content experts in counseling and social work. The program also covers the cost of candidate’s clinical supervision if the employer does not provide it.
Eligible placement sites are employers offering mental health services to children, adults and families living in central Louisiana. The program supports placement sites through job placement assistance and partial reimbursement of salaries for up to two years.
“We look forward to reviewing applications and to welcoming our next cohort of approved candidates and placement sites,” said Steven Gruesbeck, MS, NCC, executive director of Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program at NSU.
Joe Rosier, President and CEO of The Rapides Foundation, said the Foundation’s Board of Trustees created the Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program Grant in 2025 to help address the critical shortage of licensed mental health professionals in Central Louisiana. The four-year grant was awarded to NSU to carry out this important work.
“The program builds on our longstanding commitment to strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce, particularly in nursing, behavioral health and allied health fields,” Rosier said. “By supporting mental health professionals on their path to licensure, this program will help expand access to quality behavioral health services throughout our nine-parish service area.”
“Social workers are desperately needed and highly sought after in rural Louisiana to meet the needs of individuals with diminished access to services,” said Byron D. McKinney, MSW, LCSW-BACS, an associate professor of social work at NSU and social work mentor for the program.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPCs) beginning their licensure journey and a win for our region,” said Dr. Gerra Perkins, program coordinator for NSU’s Master of Arts in Counseling program and counseling mentor for the program. “Increasing the number of licensed mental health professionals and improving access to mental health care brings a host of benefits for individuals and families in our communities, including connection and resilience, economic well-being and better health outcomes.”
“By removing obstacles and providing relevant support, we will increase the number of fully licensed professionals in Central Louisiana by 2029,” said Dr. Susan Campbell, associate professor of social work at NSU and associate director of the program.
More information and applications are available at nsula.edu/mental-health-workforce/
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.
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
Winn Parish 4-H members returned home with an impressive list of awards and accomplishments following a successful week of competition at the 2026 Louisiana 4-H University.
Parish leaders praised the students for their dedication, preparation, and hard work, noting that their efforts resulted in multiple state championships and top finishes across a wide variety of contests.
“Last night was a dream,” Winn Parish 4-H officials shared. “We are so proud of our students. Their hard work and dedication paid off.”
Among the top achievements were several state championship performances.
The Consumer Foods Evaluation Team of Catherine Page and Ella Higginbotham captured a first-place state title, while the Esports Team consisting of Kenneth Richard, Zachary Kelley, and Chanler Baker also earned a first-place finish.
Another championship was claimed in the Next Healthy Food Star Contest, where Ava Canerday, Sienna Box, and Rylan Gill secured first place honors.
In the Photography Contest, Blakelyn Busha earned a state championship with a first-place finish, while fellow competitor Maycie Poche placed ninth overall.
Several Winn Parish participants also earned podium finishes in their respective events.
In ATV Safety, Leo Bryant captured second place, while Andrew Chevallier finished fifth.
The Teens Driving Teens competition produced two top-performing teams, with Brady Fallis and Blakelyn Busha earning third place, while Gustavo Vargas and Jewel Boudreaux placed fifth.
Additional third-place finishes were earned by:
Saven Blacksher and Brady Fallis in Sports Broadcasting
Emily Grace Adams and Emma Miller — 6th Place, Healthy Living Demonstration
Lillie Claire Hatten — 7th Place, Healthy Living Illustrated Talk
Presley Gilcrease — 7th Place, Personal Trainer
Adalynn McDow — 7th Place, Public Speaking
In addition to contest success, Gracie Moore received special recognition as Most Fashionable in the Ready-to-Wear competition.
The outstanding results highlight the strength of Winn Parish’s 4-H program and the commitment of its members, volunteers, coaches, and families.
As the students return home with medals, awards, and memories, Winn Parish 4-H leaders say the accomplishments represent more than competition success—they reflect the leadership, responsibility, and life skills that 4-H helps develop in young people across the parish.
Congratulations to all Winn Parish 4-H members who represented their parish with excellence at the 2026 Louisiana 4-H University.
