Patricia Ann Swafford
July 5, 1946 — September 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11am at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Winnfield.
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By Fire Chief Emeritus Michael Louis Kuk, PhD.
Without question, the story of United Airlines Flight 93 is one of the most profoundly moving and heroic chapters in American history. It is a narrative that shifts rapidly from a routine morning flight to a terrifying crisis, and ultimately to a self-sacrificing battle that saved countless lives.
A beautiful Tuesday morning was found everywhere when Flight 93 went airborne on the morning of September 11, 2001. As the early hours of the day unfolded, a rush of unknown terror filled the airspace of the upper eastern part of the United States, and one of America’s most infamous events started to unravel a peaceful passage of time in the skies.
One cannot imagine the horror that the plane’s crew and passengers faced that morning in the confined space of an aircraft. It should have been an enjoyable experience of flight and travel to arrive at destinations of living a full life in the freedom of America.
The terrorists did not win that morning on Flight 93. A group of determined American Patriots came together in mind, spirit, and courage to thwart the evil plans that America’s enemies wanted to carry out.
America has been built upon sacrifice, and it was that same manner of resolve and sacrifice that stood up to evil, and win another battle for freedom. The cost was high, but it will never be forgotten, and America will continue to be the bastion of freedom for the rest of the world to behold. America’s defenders that morning were inspired to do what is right and just for the cause of mankind to sustain life and liberty, despite the cost of paying for it with their lives.
The Delayed Departure
Out of the four flights involved on that fateful morning, there was one major scheduling glitch which caused a delay in the departure of the fourth aircraft at the Newark International Airport.
Thus United Airlines Flight 93 was not on time on the runway, causing the aircraft to not be in sync with the other three flights, all of which were headed for their respective flight paths to cause a massive wave of destruction.
First of all, United Airlines Flight 93 was a fairly new Boeing Model 757 aircraft at that timeframe in air travel. The Boeing sported a large fuselage body with a modern design and powerful engines for excellent thrust in takeoffs. It easily established itself as a trusted aircraft in the skies around the world. Being highly respected by the flight crews, and enjoyed by the countless number of passengers whenever a flight went airborne, people were delighted to board that plane to their destination.
On that sunny Tuesday morning, it was scheduled to fly from Newark International Airport in New Jersey to San Francisco, California. Pretty much a routine westbound flight for the crew, and with excellent weather conditions, a stable and safe journey to be welcomed by the passengers, who were embarking on both business and pleasure activities.
This growing situation compounded what the air traffic controllers were dealing with on a daily basis. A lot of travelers were opting to use Newark and then take other ground modes of transportation into New York City.
The plane didn’t lift off until 8:42 AM—just four minutes before the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This 41-minute delay would inadvertently change the course of history.
Information Trickles In
For the first 45 minutes, the flight proceeded normally. The aircraft kept gaining altitude and traversing the skies smoothly to its determined flight path. There was quiet and calm in the passenger section of the plane. Light breakfast snacks and beverages were being served, and no one expected anything to turn ugly. The plane finally reached its cruising altitude of 35,000 feet over Pennsylvania and turned west toward Ohio.
Meanwhile, the world below was fracturing. New York City and its population throughout the five boroughs was being thrust rapidly into a war zone. An unknown enemy, a ponderous destruction of iconic buildings, with death appearing everywhere on the streets below, and without question, something horrific attacking everyone’s lives in lower Manhattan. Of which New Yorkers were totally unprepared for.
The first tower struck at the World Trade Center was thought to be an accident. A real tragedy that was going to test New York City’s 1st Responders. No one thought it was an act of terror. Just horrible bad luck and very poor judgment on the pilot of the aircraft.
The tower appeared stable, despite the elevated crash and fire, with heavy dark smoke issuing forth from the impact zone. Everyone had faith that New York’s Bravest of the FDNY would handle the fire, rescue the building’s occupants, and get everything under control, despite the high-rise challenges that come with the duty of serving as a firefighter in our Nation’s largest city.
But by 9:03 AM, the second tower was hit by another terrorist controlled aircraft. This act quickly changed everyone’s thinking that we are now dealing with acts of terror via aircraft as weapons of mass destruction.
By 9:24 AM, United Airlines dispatchers began sending out text message warnings to all of their pilots: “Beware any cockpit intrusion—Two aircraft have now hit the World Trade Center in an act of terror.”
At 9:26 AM, Captain Dahl responded, asking for more clarification. In his mind, he had to be asking himself, would he and his aircraft become involved in an attack of some sort while still in the sky? He probably was also asking his co-pilot if any of this seemed real, and to watch the radar screen closely for any approaching aircraft near or on their flight path. Unfortunately it was his last normal communication. Flight 93’s radio traffic stopped at that moment.
The Takeover (9:28 AM)
At 9:28 AM, all hell broke loose on Flight 93. The aircraft was flying over Cleveland, Ohio at that moment, and the hijackers immediately started their attack in the air. The four terrorists quickly scrambled out of their seats, grabbing passengers and cabin crew members. They displayed knives and large razor like construction blades to everyone. Although not confirmed, it is believed that one terrorist struck an innocent passenger with his improvised weapon, causing them harm. This cowardly act sent a shockwave to all who witnessed the attack that this was for real! War in the air was just declared by the terrorists!
Meanwhile on the ground, air traffic controllers suddenly heard unmistakable bursts of screaming, scuffling, and shouts of “Get out of here!” over the cockpit radio. The hijackers, armed with their small knives, managed to gain entry into the cockpit. The crush of foreboding trouble was now at the threshold for the United Airlines’ pilots and personnel of Flight 93.
They first turned their attention to the pilot and co-pilot by shouting at them to leave their seats and controls, while directly forcing them to comply with their concealed weapons being waved wildly in the atmosphere. They also loudly proclaimed to have a hidden bomb on board, and would activate it if their orders were not obeyed immediately. Despite their commands in broken English, their message of terror was well understood by all.
Of special note regarding the bomb, it was found that during the intense post-crash investigation on the ground near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, it was determined and later revealed to be a fake threat, as no debris evidence yielded any bomb and/or incendiary materials. It was one of the hijackers’ scary maneuvers to force their way into the cockpit for control of the aircraft.
Once the terrorists gained control of the aircraft and were firmly seated in the cockpit, Jarrah took the controls in a rather calm and determined manner, thereby turning the plane around from its original flight path. He then headed back in an easterly direction. His new flight path actually shadowed US Route 30 on the ground below.
US Route 30 is very well known as the Lincoln Highway. This notable roadway stretches across our Nation, encompassing 3,000 miles. During his time in office, President Lincoln used that path of travel to return to his home state of Illinois during his presidency. Thus, US Route 30 will take one directly into DC, and then with a few extra turns, it becomes an easy connection to Pennsylvania Avenue and the White House.
Of course, with the Capitol also being in close reach from Pennsylvania Avenue and Route 30, both nearby historic structures would be of immeasurable target value to any terrorist. Overall, US Route 30 is a much chronicled highway in our Nation’s history. Our enemies know this fact all too well.
A noted railroad line also parallels the highway. The Union Pacific Railroad built their tracks to mirror the path of the highway. Union Pacific’s management wanted to provide a more rapid mode of transportation in the early days of America spreading westward, but also staying duly connected with the seat of the Federal Government.
By maintaining this new course of travel, and in concert with the highway direction of Route 30 below the aircraft, the evil mindset of terrorist/pilot Jarrah was truly aiming directly for Washington, D.C., and a handsome collection of America’s treasures in our Nation’s Capital.
His intended target is widely believed to have been the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House. It’s entirely possible that Jarrah was receiving critical damage information all the while in the airplane’s cockpit via a cell phone, and also being updated as to which target in DC would cause the greatest casualties and destruction.
The Airphone Calls: Operational Intelligence
While the struggles in the cockpit were going on, the other two hijackers forced the cabin crew and passengers to the back of the plane. Since the terrorists could not watch every angle of the plane’s new “manifest” hostages, they started to quietly communicate with each other via eye sight, blinking, and other body language to come up with a plan for a counterattack to regain control of the plane.
Some were hopeful that they were just hostages being held for leverage, but then they started learning about the Twin Towers attacks and the Pentagon strike. They then knew that this was a deathtrap, to say the least. Finally the passengers, with help from the cabin crew, began using the aircraft’s GTE Airphones and their personal cell phones to call loved ones and authorities.
Overall, in the remaining few minutes of life in the sky, they made a total of 37 calls. Through these conversations, a devastating reality set in, and it was confirmed that America was under attack, but not in a war scenario like World War II or even Vietnam. It was a combination of planned terror, with unsuspecting aircraft as the weapons, to render as much damage to America and its institutions of prominence. All on board came to realize the following and extremely shocking information:
Some of the last conversations of loved ones spoke of courage in the face of death. “Deena, they are breathing fire. They are going to use this plane to destroy something. It’s up to us. I think we can take them.” — Passenger Tom Burnett, Jr., in a phone call to his wife, Deena. Courage was now replacing fear!
The Vote and the Plan
Putting fear aside and instead of panicking, the passengers organized. A group of fighters was coming up to take action. A core group—including Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, and Jeremy Glick—retreated to the back of the cabin to formulate a plan.
They took a vote, and their decision was unanimous…they would fight back! It would be bold, but no other choice could be made. They knew that some would have to suffer injury and possible death to counteract the ongoing work of the terrorists. When one is in a confined space, with limited resources like a ship on the ocean, there are few options for defense. This is what they faced in the final moments of Flight 93’s time in the air. A fight for freedom!
Without question, they weaponized what they had access to—hot water from the galley, heavy catering carts, coffee pots, forks, and even rolled-up magazines. Anything that could hurt another human being was put in close proximity for use by the team. These items were ready to be used as improvised weapons of defense. Nothing of value was overlooked.
Just before the counterattack began, Todd Beamer tried to place a call to his wife, but couldn’t get through. He was connected instead to GTE supervisor Lisa Jefferson. She listened to what he said about going up against the hijackers. After detailing their plan and praying the Lord’s Prayer together, Beamer turned to the other passengers. His last audible words over the open line became the rallying cry for our nation:
“Are you guys ready? Let’s roll!”
The Counterattack (9:57 AM)
Todd Beamer’s open line was being heard intensely and recorded by the GTE staff on the ground. What the GTE personnel heard at 9:57 AM was the rush and noisy chaos of a group of determined American Patriots, going for broke in taking back the control of the aircraft, no matter what the cost. The passenger revolt against the terrorists began without delay. No one hesitated in going forward to do battle with this evil group, who only wanted to inflict death upon innocent people, and destroy their communities and livelihoods.
Beamer and his resolute team of fighters first sprinted down the narrow aisle, and knocked down the two main cabin hijackers with their improvised weapons. It is believed that the hijackers were quickly overpowered, thereby becoming knocked out and unconscious. It is also believed that they both suffered serious, if not fatal blows, to render them completely out of action.
Now the fight for the cockpit was paramount. Regaining control of the aircraft meant everything. Otherwise, this aircraft would find its target and submit a final succession of terror upon America. This bold action, led by a very courageous Todd Beamer, became the prime mission objective for the retaking of the plane. Mission failure was not the anticipated result.
Beamer’s team started using a food cart as a battering ram against the cockpit door. The cockpit voice recorder, via the back-up recording of the plane’s Black Box, captured the terrifying and chaotic sounds of the struggle. One could hear the smashing of heavy dishes, with shouting and indiscernible screams as the doorway was being rammed.
Inside the cockpit the two sole hijackers were desperately trying to keep the door blocked. Each new blow was weakening the integrity of the lightweight door and its frame rails. It was slow work, but Beamer and his fighters were not going to give up. Total success of disabling the hijackers was close at hand. Entry into the cockpit was the end game.
Now realizing that he was about to lose everything that the hijackers accomplished a short while ago, Jarrah was starting to panic. The door was failing, and he knew that one of the relentless blows was going to be the final straw to be broken for entry, thus he felt that he needed to take another course of action against the passengers.
So to throw the passengers’ attacks off balance, Jarrah began violently rocking the plane left and right with his joystick. He slammed it left and right to make the aircraft pitch itself into a series of scary shakes. Even though he thought he was gaining the upper hand, he quickly noted that no one was giving up. He figured that they would overpower him, and end his evil mission.
He even went so far as to pitch the nose up and down. This action had no negative effect on the passengers. They didn’t stop. They didn’t want to. They just kept pounding on the door, and Jarrah knew that it would soon be over for him. He would have failed in his mission to reach the inside of DC for a juicy target.
By 10:00 AM, Jarrah realized the passengers were seconds from breaching the cockpit and overpowering them at the controls. He felt that only one final piece of action would work.
The Crash (10:03 AM)
In his final and desperate act to prevent Beamer and the rest of the passengers from taking the wheel, Jarrah rolled the plane upside down. He could easily see the ground below him. He even caught a glimpse of US Route 30. Jarrah, now in a state of unforgiving desperation, took the controls, thereby moving the plane’s speed to a very high rate of descent. In the post-crash analysis, it was determined that he drove the aircraft into the ground at over 560 miles per hour.
Without any further embellishment, Flight 93 crashed into an empty reclamation coal field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 AM. The destruction and resultant fire was immediate.
All of the 40 passengers and crew members died instantly. The impact of unforgiving percussion would have easily killed anyone else being on the ground within a short range also.
United Airlines Flight 93 was only about 20 minutes of flying time away from the heart of Washington, D.C.
September 4, 2026
Earnest Smith, 56, of Winnfield, was arrested for shoplifting.
Daboris Collins, 28, of Natchitoches, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute.
Patdricus Telsee, 41, of Campti, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute (Schedule I), prohibited acts (Schedule II), drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and carrying a firearm while selling a controlled substance (second offense).
Ashley White, 40, of Natchitoches, was arrested for theft.
September 8, 2026
Ashley Evans, 35, of Natchitoches, was arrested for theft.
Arrest Report
NONE REPORTED
8/26/26 Selena Horton W/F 53- Battery of a Dating Partner
8/29/26 Alayna Woods W/F 21- DWI 1st Offense, No Seat-belt, Open Container
Winn Parish was among four Central Louisiana parishes involved in a multi-parish pursuit that began after authorities say two Texas men attempted to use a drone to smuggle approximately $31,000 worth of methamphetamine into a federal prison.
According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when a deputy noticed a vehicle stopped in the middle of Hooper Road. When the deputy turned around to check on the vehicle, authorities said it sped away at a high rate of speed.
The pursuit ultimately traveled through Grant, Rapides, Winn and Natchitoches parishes before coming to an end.
While the pursuit was underway, another Grant Parish deputy returned to the location where the vehicle had initially been stopped. Authorities said a drone then landed nearby with approximately $31,000 worth of methamphetamine attached to it.
Investigators allege the occupants of the vehicle had been attempting to use the drone to smuggle the drugs into a federal prison. After the men fled, the drone’s battery reportedly began running low, causing it to return to its launch location.
Leroy Rocha, 35, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was arrested on charges including principal to aggravated flight from an officer, principal to reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of fentanyl and criminal conspiracy.
Javier Hernandez, 31, also of Corpus Christi, was arrested on charges including taking contraband into a penal institution, aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that both men are affiliated with Tango Blast, which the agency described as a Mexican street and prison gang.
The case remains based on allegations reported by law enforcement. An arrest does not constitute a conviction, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
WINN PARISH, La. — Hot and humid conditions will continue across Winn Parish through the weekend and into Monday, with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 90s and daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. The combination of heat and humidity could push the heat index as high as 105 degrees. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop after 1 p.m. Winds will be calm before becoming easterly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 73.
Thursday will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high around 96 degrees. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected after 1 p.m. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 73.
Rain chances increase Friday, with showers possible during the day and thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 40%, the highest currently forecast during the period. Otherwise, conditions will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 73.
Saturday will bring a slight chance of showers early, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Rain chances are around 30%. The high will climb to approximately 97 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73.
Sunday will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high around 96 degrees and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday night will be mostly clear with a low near 72.
Looking ahead to Monday, little change is expected. Mostly sunny and hot conditions will continue with a high near 96 degrees and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
While isolated or scattered storms could provide temporary relief from the heat, no widespread washout is indicated in the forecast, with Friday currently carrying the highest rain chance at 40%.
The heat will remain the bigger concern, particularly Wednesday when the heat index could reach 105 degrees. Residents working or spending extended periods outdoors should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and watch for signs of heat-related illness.
WINNFIELD — Leadership for Kiwanis Division 11 officially returned to Winnfield this week as local member Kim Futrell was installed as the new Lieutenant Governor during the Tuesday meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield.
Outgoing Lieutenant Governor Danny Wilburn of Pineville attended the September 8 meeting to formally pass the division banner to Futrell. The ceremony marks the end of Wilburn’s two-year tenure leading Division 11, which encompasses six regional clubs: Winnfield, Alexandria, Pineville, Natchitoches, Leesville, and Sabine.
Wilburn delivered an update on district affairs, reporting positive membership trends across the 120-club district and emphasizing the key role local clubs play in supporting youth programs such as Terrific Kids and Builders Club. To support local efforts, Wilburn made a personal financial contribution to the Winnfield club’s upcoming Pancake Breakfast fundraiser set for September 24.
Following the general meeting, Wilburn and Futrell held an orientation session to review district operations, leadership goals, and upcoming division events. Futrell’s term will focus on supporting club operations, fostering regional coordination, and representing Division 11 at the district level.
The meeting also featured historical reflections from longtime member Rita James, a former Lieutenant Governor who recalled how inter-club visits during her term brought signature programs to Winnfield—such as the weekly “Happy Bucks” fundraiser and the original concept for the annual Pancake Breakfast.
Futrell steps into her new administrative role as Winnfield Kiwanis prepares for its busy fall schedule, including youth reading award presentations, community festival involvement, and holiday service projects.
WINN PARISH, La. — Louisiana has a new Wildlife Management Area, and it is located in southwest Winn Parish.
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has officially established Coochie Brake Wildlife Management Area, opening 1,894 acres to public hunting, outdoor recreation and conservation opportunities, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The property, formerly known as the Coochie Brake State Preservation Area, became a WMA through a partnership between LDWF and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s Office of State Parks.
Coochie Brake consists primarily of cypress swamp, transitioning into upland habitats characteristic of the surrounding area.
Beginning Oct. 1, the new WMA will offer public hunting opportunities, including archery-only deer hunting and small game hunting. Additional regulations and season information are included in LDWF’s 2026-27 hunting season materials.
“We’re proud to partner with the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism-Office of State Parks to provide more public lands to the people of Louisiana through Coochie Brake WMA,” LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said. “It gives another outdoor recreation opportunity to our sportsmen and women, especially those in the north central part of the state, which is a big goal of this administration.”
Beyond its recreational opportunities, Coochie Brake has a history intertwined with local folklore. According to LDWF, the area’s roots stretch back to its days as the site of a Spanish fort.
The rugged landscape was once considered an “impenetrable barrier” and over the years became associated with local stories involving curses, outlaws, moonshiners and the mysterious woods.
Its history and folklore have also inspired music about Coochie Brake and the stories surrounding the area.
LDWF added some humor to its announcement, borrowing from the lyrics of Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” while introducing the new WMA, including the line, “It gets hotter than a hoochie … Coochie Brake.”
With its official designation, Coochie Brake WMA adds nearly 1,900 acres of public land in Winn Parish, providing additional opportunities for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts beginning this fall.
Laurel Heights Baptist Church celebrates 81 years with Homecoming on September 13, 2026. All members, former members and visitors are invited to attend. Service will begin at 10:30 AM and a covered dish lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Laurel Heights Baptist Church
1001 San Pedro Street
Winnfield, Louisiana
All Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles customer service centers will be closed Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, for system modernization efforts and staff training.
All private companies contracted to do business with the OMV, including Public Tag Agents and Auto Title Companies, will be unable to perform driver’s license, reinstatement, vehicle registration and title transactions from Saturday, Sept. 12, through Monday, Sept. 14.
Additionally, the OMV’s website, Expresslane.la.gov, and LA Wallet will be temporarily unavailable from Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 13.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is welcoming its largest entering freshman class in three years this fall, with 1,120 first-time freshmen choosing NSU for fall 2026. The class represents a 6 percent increase over last year and continues a trend of growth in Northwestern State’s traditional student population.
The fall 2026 entering class also arrives with one of the strongest academic profiles in recent years, posting an average ACT score of 21.7 and an average high school GPA of 3.4. The class’s average ACT score is well above Louisiana’s average, reflecting the continued strength and academic quality of Northwestern’s incoming students.
The academic strength of the class is further reflected in the 114 high school valedictorians and 22 salutatorians who selected Northwestern State.
“This is the type of growth we want to see at Northwestern,” said NSU President James T. Genovese. “We are attracting talented students who want the complete college experience, and they are choosing a university where they can receive an outstanding education while developing the relationships and experiences that prepare them for life after graduation. The strength of this freshman class is a testament to the work taking place across our university.”
NSU’s reach continues to extend well beyond Natchitoches. Members of the entering class represent 10 states, 25 countries and six continents, creating an increasingly diverse student body while the university simultaneously strengthens its connection to its home community.
A record 112 members of the entering class are from Natchitoches Parish, the largest number in the last decade. NSU also continues to draw students from throughout northwest and central Louisiana. Some of the largest feeder schools include Tioga High School with 28, Airline High School with 27, Parkway High School with 26 and Pineville High School with 24.
Demand for the residential Northwestern experience remains strong. Campus housing is again at 100 percent occupancy, filling University Place I and II, University Columns and Varnado Hall. The second consecutive year of full housing reflects continued demand for the traditional, face-to-face college experience on the Natchitoches campus.
“The numbers within this freshman class tell an exciting story about where NSU is headed,” said Vanner Erikson, director of enrollment at Northwestern State. “We have more first-time freshmen, a strong academic profile, record participation from Natchitoches Parish and students coming to NSU from around the world. When you combine that with full housing, we are seeing important indicators that our focus on the traditional student experience is working.”
Student success is another significant component of the fall 2026 enrollment picture. Northwestern’s first-to-third-semester retention rate reached 70 percent, exceeding the Louisiana average of 64 percent and placing NSU among the strongest-performing institutions in the region.
The retention rate reflects a university-wide emphasis on helping students successfully transition from their first year into their second.
“Recruiting a student is only the beginning,” Erikson said. “Our responsibility is to help that student persist, graduate and ultimately accomplish what brought them to Northwestern in the first place. Seeing 70 percent of our freshmen continue into their second year tells us that the work being done by our faculty and staff is making a difference.”
At the 14-day count, overall fall 2026 enrollment was 8,245 students, compared with 8,402 in fall 2025. The decline was attributable largely to increased degree completion, including students progressing more quickly through accelerated programs.
Graduate enrollment increased to 904 students, and NSU enrolled more dual enrollment students than in fall 2025. These gains reflect continued efforts to expand graduate education, strengthen partnerships with Louisiana high schools and provide flexible pathways for students seeking college credit and advanced credentials.
“Our goal has never been simply to chase a headcount,” Genovese said. “We are focused on sustainable enrollment, attracting students who are prepared to succeed and creating an environment that makes them want to remain at Northwestern through graduation. Growth in our freshman class, strong retention and full residence halls are important signs of progress toward that goal.”
Northwestern continues to serve students throughout Louisiana through its Natchitoches campus, instructional sites and eNSU online programs while expanding recruitment efforts in Louisiana, Texas and other markets. With a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Northwestern offers students the personalized attention of a private education at a public university.
The university has also continued to invest in the student experience, academic programs and facilities, including the $45 million Robert Alost Hall, which opened in fall 2025 as a new academic hub on the Natchitoches campus.
With a larger freshman class, a strong academic profile, record enrollment from its home parish, full residence halls and retention above the state average, Northwestern officials say the fall 2026 enrollment picture provides important evidence that the university’s focus on recruitment, student success and the traditional campus experience is producing results.
“Students and families are recognizing what makes Northwestern special,” Genovese said. “They find outstanding academic programs, faculty and staff who know them personally and a campus community where they can belong. We are proud to welcome this exceptional class to the Demon family.”
High school students across Louisiana have an opportunity to promote safe driving while competing to earn thousands of dollars for their schools through the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest.
The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office is encouraging local students to participate in the statewide campaign, which focuses on two simple but potentially lifesaving habits: wearing a seat belt every time they are in a vehicle and putting cell phones down while driving.
“As we begin a new school year, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to support the Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign and encourage our young drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel,” the department shared.
The contest is open to Louisiana high school students in grades 9 through 12 and runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31.
Students are challenged to create a unique video encouraging others to buckle their seat belts and put their phones down whenever they are in a vehicle. Participants are also encouraged to get fellow students and members of their communities to take the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” pledge.
Schools have the opportunity to win significant cash prizes through the competition. First place will receive $5,000, second place will receive $3,500 and third place will receive $1,500.
The campaign is supported by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and AAA as part of efforts to encourage safer driving habits and reduce preventable crashes.
The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office is encouraging students to get creative, have fun and use their videos to show others why making responsible choices behind the wheel matters.
Official contest rules and guidelines are available through the QR code included on the contest flyer.
The safety message for young drivers is straightforward: “Buckle Up. Phone Down. Arrive Alive.”
Turnovers were the towering tale of Winnfield’s Week 1 victory at Glenbrook, 20-6.
The Tigers forced five Glenbrook turnovers and committed a couple costly ones themselves that thwarted additional scoring opportunities.
Winnfield (1-0) will welcome an Arcadia bunch that had plenty of its own turnovers problems.
The Hornets (0-1) surrendered multiple defensive touchdowns in a slew of turnovers in a 54-0 loss to Booker T. Washington.
A revamped Winnfield defense, which features many of its best athletes on that side of the ball, under new coordinator Scott Green is paying dividends early.
“Defense was our main focus after last season,” said Winnfield head coach Byron Keller. “We brought in a veteran defensive coordinator in Scott Green to take the helm and put our defense back into championship form.
“He has done a great job with his approach and scheme.”
Winnfield’s first score of the game on an interception returned for a touchdown by one of its linebackers, which erased an early Tiger turnover of their own.
All three of Winnfield’s touchdowns were set up by turnovers, the final two scores of which were runs from quarterback Nickalas Mockosher.
The Tigers owned both lines of scrimmage as Glenbrook didn’t find a ton of room to operate, although the second half did generate more offense.
After a Glenbrook score cut Winnfield’s lead to 20-6, the Tigers made sure the Apaches came no closer with an interception in the end zone by a cornerback.
Winnfield should hold the same advantage on the lines of scrimmage, but now the Tigers need to deliver more sustained offense if they aim to compete in an explosive District 4-2A.
The Tigers missed the playoffs in Keller’s first year with a 3-7 record, which also included a season-opening win (against Jonesboro-Hodge).
Winnfield then lost the next four games, albeit against larger schools with better track records than the 2026 slate in front of them.
Winnfield should be favored this week against Arcadia and next week against Jonesboro-Hodge before a telling two-week stretch that includes at Jena and at home against St. Mary’s.
WINNFIELD, La. — Winnfield Senior High School is welcoming two new members to the Tiger family, adding a new band director and paraprofessional to the school’s staff.
Corian Moore has joined Winnfield Senior High School as the school’s new band director, while Tyra Triplett has joined the staff as a paraprofessional.
School officials shared their excitement in welcoming both Moore and Triplett to campus as they begin their new roles working with Winnfield students.
Moore will take the helm of the Winnfield band program, working with student musicians and continuing the school’s musical traditions. Triplett will serve as a paraprofessional, providing additional support to students and staff throughout the school day.
Winnfield Senior High celebrated the new additions with a simple message: “We are excited to welcome you home!”
The announcement was also shared with the school’s familiar #TigerPride message as the newest staff members begin their time at Winnfield Senior High School.