7/8/26 Victoria Ramsey W/F 26- Warrant, Misdemeanor Probation Violation

7/8/26 Kelvin Sepulvado W/M 27- Probation Violation

7/9/26 Jared Sanders W/M 48- Aggravated Second Degree Battery

7/10/26 Keith Smith W/M 34- Domestic Abuse Battery

7/10/26 William Sandford Jr W/M 65-DWI 2nd , Open Container, Careless Operation, Failure to Appear

7/12/26 Rekita Fountain B/F 40- Failure to Appear

7/11/26 William Sandford Jr W/M 65- Failure to Appear

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cara Barnes, executive director of the Winn Council on Aging, spoke to the Winnfield Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, July 14, highlighting significant growth and upcoming changes at the senior center.

Barnes, who will celebrate her two-year anniversary in her position this October, shared how daily attendance has nearly doubled during her tenure.

“When she took over as director there were 12 to 15 people there on a good day,” Barnes said, noting that bingo days historically drew the largest crowds. In recent months, average daily attendance has climbed to 25 people, with even higher numbers on bingo days.

The center, which serves residents aged 60 and older, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. to noon. Popular activities include bingo at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, alongside arts and crafts, board games, word games and puzzles. While the center remains open until mid-afternoon, Barnes noted that activities typically wind down after lunch as participants return home to rest.

The Winn Council on Aging has a busy schedule of upcoming activities, including movie and popcorn days, an ice cream tasting party, a picnic, a trip to the Alexandria Museum of Art, and a visit to the Columbia Council on Aging.

Beyond on-site activities, the agency provides vital support services, including local transportation for errands, appointments and trips to the center. The center also organizes regional excursions, including a monthly trip to the NOW Church in Pineville.

For homebound residents who are unable to drive, the center operates the Meals on Wheels program, which delivers frozen meals to homes in Winnfield, Dodson and Sikes. The program currently serves 52 residents.

The agency is housed at 200 N. Church St. but plans to relocate by October to a new facility at 6285 Hwy. 167 N., situated to the right of Subway. Barnes said she hopes the new location will feature dedicated storage space to house library books for visitors and emergency food pantry items for seniors in need.

The center is currently hosting its annual fan drive, asking community members to donate new box fans. The agency also received grants from Entergy and Weyerhaeuser to purchase additional fans for local seniors.

“The Winn Council on Aging is a place to connect, engage and thrive,” Barnes said. “They support seniors and strengthen the community. Stay active, stay connected, stay independent.”

Winn Community Health Center is expanding its specialty care services with the addition of Dr. John Kevill to its medical team, bringing expert neurology services directly to the Winnfield community.

The addition of neurology services aligns with the health center’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality care to patients close to home, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to see a specialist.

“Access to specialty care shouldn’t require a long drive,” representatives for the health center said in a statement. “We’re excited to offer comprehensive neurology services right here in Winnfield!”

Community members are invited to welcome Dr. Kevill to the Winn Community Health Center family.

About Trinity Community Health Center

Since 2009, Trinity Community Health Center (CHC) has provided affordable access to quality healthcare for residents in and around Central Louisiana.

Trinity CHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), receiving partial funding from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to serve areas with documented unmet medical needs. FQHCs were specifically created to meet the healthcare needs of individuals with limited access to care due to income, medical conditions, or regional shortages of healthcare professionals.

Supported by a strong community response since its inception, Trinity CHC has steadily expanded its medical offerings and staff. The organization provides primary care, oral health, and behavioral health services, and has expanded its footprint to cover six parishes and more than 30 schools across Central Louisiana.

Local supporters of the shooting sports and the Second Amendment are invited to the annual Dugdemona Friends of NRA Banquet on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Winnfield Civic Center.

This family-friendly event raises funds to support local, state, and national youth shooting sports programs, hunter education, and conservation efforts.

Event Details

• What: Dugdemona Friends of NRA Banquet

• When: Thursday, July 23, 2026

  • Doors Open: 6 p.m.

  • Dinner Served: 7 p.m.

• Where: Winnfield Civic Center (Winn Parish Fairgrounds), 2000 S. Jones St., Winnfield, Louisiana

• Why: To raise money for shooting sports programs. Friends of NRA is a grassroots fundraising program that returns 100% of its net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs.

Highlights and Activities

• Auctions and Games: The evening will feature a live auction, silent auction, specialized games, and raffles.

• Featured Firearm: Attendees will have a chance to see the 2026 Gun of the Year, the exclusive Daniel Defense H9 9mm with a Vortex red dot.

• Exclusive Drawings:

  • All individual ticket holders will be entered into a drawing for a Smith & Wesson SD9 9mm (must be present to win).

  • All table buyers will be entered into a drawing for a Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport .22 LR semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity red dot (must be present to win).

Ticket and Sponsorship Information

Tickets and customizable sponsor tables can be purchased in advance or at the door the night of the event.

• Single Ticket: $40

• Couples Ticket: $60

• Standard Reserved Table (8-person): $400

• Premium Sponsor Tables:

  • Revolution Table ($1,000): Includes choice of a Legacy Citadel Mariner 12-gauge, Taurus GX2 9mm, or Savage 64FXP .22 LR.

  • Independence Table ($1,500): Includes choice of a Beretta APX Carry 9mm, Savage Axis 2 Gray Compact 6.5, or Winchester SXP Camp/Field 12-gauge.

  • Spirit of 1776 Table ($1,776): Includes choice of a Sig Sauer P365X 9mm, Diamondback DB15 5.56 NATO, or Kel-Tec KS7 12-gauge.

  • USA Anniversary Table ($2,500): Includes choice of a Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite .270 Win, Mossberg 940 Pro Super Bantam Sporting 12-gauge, or Kimber Nightstar 1911 .45 ACP.

Note: Custom firearm and caliber table options are available based on current inventory.

Media & Ticket Contact

To purchase advanced tickets, reserve a specialty table, or request media credentials, contact:

Ed Harrell

Phone: 318-413-1533

By Jim Rhodes, Special to the Journal

We all honor the events of June 6, 1944. It was a monumental task and should be recognized for the bravery and sacrifices of all involved on that day. It was the beginning of the end of Hitler’s Thousand Year Reich. It would be another year to finish it but we did and the world rejoiced. But there was another completely different war taking place in the Pacific theatre.

The United States military, along with Australia, England and a few others were fighting the Imperial Japanese in the Pacific. Beach landings such as Normandy were happening on a more frequent basis. At Normandy 160,000 soldiers hit the beaches on that famous day. Casualties were horrendous. Too many killed, maimed and injured (2,500 killed in action, 5,000 injured and an untold number of missing). In comparison on July 21, 1944, 65,000 hit the beach on Guam, spearheaded by the United States Marines, United States Army and our allies. The staggering results of that landing were 1,718 killed and 6,000 wounded.

I take up this comparison not from a historical perspective but from a personal one. You see I happened to be quite familiar with a participant in the Pacific Theatre. He was Private First Class Joseph Bernard Rhodes USMC Co D 1St Bn (Pioneers) 19th Marines Third Marine Division.

He was never one to talk about those days, as many of “Our Greatest Generation” participants, chose not to. On one particular day back when nothing was digital I had received my National Geographic magazine with its coveted fold out map. This particular issue was entitled “The Pacific Theatre”. As I had the map spread out on the kitchen table my Father walks in the side door asking what I was doing. I explained in short detail; he walked up standing behind me and started detailing his 3 year adventure. He pointed to each island that he had been to and explained very briefly what had happened and why he was there. When he got to Guam his only comment was “and that’s when I got to come home.”

There were no other comments after that. I sensed that there would be no questions or answers after that. Everything had gotten put back in that mental box and locked away.

Guam, what was so important about that island, aside from the strategic placement, it was an American Territory until December 10, 1941 when the Imperial Japanese captured it.

Later in life I started doing a little research on my Dad’s role in this part of history. The most intriguing part was trying to understand what one particular word meant “PIONEER”. There is no clear meaning as it is no longer used. But following that trail the best I could manage was that in today’s military jargon he was a combat engineer. Ask today’s military people and they give you this description that has no bearing on the 1940’s. Basically from what I could piece together here is my definition.

USMC PIONEER (n): Operates as member of crew of specially trained troops in constructing and repairing roads and bridges, removing natural and man-made obstacles to facilitate movement of friendly forces, executing demolitions, and creating man-made obstacles to prevent or slow advance of enemy force. My Dad’s training records indicate that he was qualified on most heavy equipment and specialized in putting potable water systems in place. His actual classification was part of the 3 man crew for heavy machine gun Browning M1919.

My Dad hit the beaches of Guam on the initial wave on July 21st. He was wounded on July 22nd and evacuated to a hospital ship to start his journey home to begin building a “normal” life. But he was reminded every day that he took a step of that hidden part of his life. I could see the physical pain that stayed as a reminder but I often wonder about the mental pain so many of those guys carried with them. I thought us as a family lived a normal life. That perspective changed as I grew older. I know I was loved as a child and throughout my life. But the words were never spoken by him or me until too late in life. I remember the phone call as clear as yesterday. He apologized for the personal troubles his actions had cased in my life and said he wanted me to know that he loved me. After shedding tears with a sense of relief I told him that I was proud to have been by his side and that I had always loved him and even more now. He passed shortly after that and finally found peace after the early 1940’s.

So when we pause to honor those who gave more than enough for us please honor all who have defended us and our way of life not just the ones from that particular event. REMEMBER THEM ALL.

A Brief History of the Invasion of Guam

The Battle of Guam, codenamed W-Day, commenced on July 21, 1944, as a vital piece of the American campaign to recapture territory lost to the Japanese Empire early in World War II. Japan had captured the U.S. territory on December 10, 1941, just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, subjecting the local Chamorro population to a brutal occupation.

Reclaiming the island was strategically paramount for the Allies. Guam’s large size and deep-water harbors made it an ideal base for upcoming operations against the Philippines and Taiwan, while its airfields would put Japan within range of the new American B-29 Superfortress bombers.

The assault began with an intense, multi-day naval and aerial bombardment to soften Japanese defenses. When the 3rd Marine Division, the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, and the Army’s 77th Infantry Division finally hit the western beaches on W-Day, they faced fierce resistance from roughly 18,500 dug-in Japanese defenders. Despite steep limestone cliffs and heavily fortified machine-gun positions, Allied forces secured the beachheads. After weeks of brutal, close-quarters jungle warfare, heavy nighttime counterattacks, and massive casualties on both sides, the island was officially declared secure on August 10, 1944.

As summer temperatures climb, the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is sharing critical research that connects rising heat to a significant increase in domestic violence, particularly intimate partner abuse.

Since 1994, DART has worked to keep local families safe. By understanding how environmental factors like extreme heat act as behavioral triggers, the organization aims to empower the community to recognize warning signs and support survivors during high-risk seasons.

The Heat-Aggression Connection

According to recent studies, warmer weather acts as an environmental amplifier for domestic tension through several distinct channels:

• Physiological Stress: Extreme heat triggers physical discomfort, including sweating, dehydration, lethargy, and restless sleep. These stressors lower impulse control and increase irritability, reducing the threshold for violent behavior.

• Seasonal Surges: Research analyzing over 1 million assault reports shows that domestic violence rates peak during the summer months, rising by approximately 12% compared to cooler seasons. Unlike outdoor public assaults—which often decrease on extremely hot days as people seek shelter—domestic violence continues to climb both indoors and outdoors.

• Social Triggers & Alcohol: Summer months bring increased socializing, outdoor gatherings, and alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs judgment and heightens aggression, serving as a notable contributor to volatile situations.

• Cooling Inequities: Low-income housing and homes lacking proper insulation or air conditioning trap families in stressful, overheated environments. This disproportionately impacts vulnerable households, compounding existing financial and social pressures.

Seeking Help

While hot weather does not cause domestic abuse, it serves as a powerful trigger for underlying control and violence. Increased community awareness, prevention, and active intervention are vital during the summer months.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available. You do not have to navigate this alone.

• Agency: Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART)

• Winn Parish Office: 301 W. Main St., Winnfield, LA 71483

• Phone: 318-648-0559

About DART

DART has been dedicated to helping keep families safe since 1994. Supported in part by the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services and the United Way of Northeast Louisiana, DART provides free, confidential advocacy, safety planning, and resources to survivors of domestic violence.

Third-quarter financial report ranks NSU first in unrestricted liquidity and second in total cash among current University of Louisiana System institutions.

By Richard Searles

Northwestern State University entered the final quarter of fiscal year 2026 with the strongest unrestricted cash position among the current universities in the University of Louisiana System, according to a third-quarter financial report presented to the UL System Board of Supervisors.

The report shows Northwestern State averaging 148 days of unrestricted cash on hand through March 31 — nearly five months of unrestricted operating liquidity and the highest level reported among the system’s current universities.

Grambling State University ranked second with 99 days, placing Northwestern State 49 days ahead of the next-highest institution.

NSU leads the system in unrestricted liquidity

“Days of unrestricted cash” is a measure of institutional liquidity. It estimates how many days a university could continue paying unrestricted operating expenses using available unrestricted cash resources.

Unlike restricted money designated for grants, scholarships, capital projects or other specific purposes, unrestricted cash generally provides greater flexibility for meeting payroll, vendor obligations and other ordinary operating expenses.

The quarter-average rankings were:

• Northwestern State University — 148 days
• Grambling State University — 99 days
• Nicholls State University — 79 days
• McNeese State University — 64 days
• Southeastern Louisiana University — 48 days
• University of Louisiana Monroe — 27 days
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette — 17 days
• Louisiana Tech University — negative two days

Northwestern State reported nearly five months of unrestricted operating liquidity — more than any other current University of Louisiana System institution.

Louisiana Tech’s negative quarter average and UL Lafayette’s 17-day average indicate substantially tighter unrestricted liquidity than Northwestern State reported during the same period.

The report, however, does not establish that either university delayed vendor payments, experienced difficulty meeting payroll or transferred money between funds. Determining whether those practices occurred would require additional records, including accounts-payable aging reports, cash-by-fund schedules and payment-timing data.

NSU ranks second in total cash

The report also measured total cash on hand, which includes both unrestricted cash and funds that may be legally or contractually restricted for specific purposes.

McNeese State University ranked first in total cash with a quarter average of 163 days. Northwestern State ranked second with 120 days, followed closely by Grambling State with 118 days.

Nicholls reported 91 days of total cash, Southeastern Louisiana 68 days, UL Lafayette 37 days, UL Monroe 36 days and Louisiana Tech 12 days.

The distinction between unrestricted and total cash is important. A university can report a substantial total cash balance while having far less money available for general operating purposes because portions of the cash may be restricted.

Two measures show NSU among system’s strongest

Taken together, the two measures show Northwestern State entered the final quarter of fiscal year 2026 with one of the strongest liquidity positions in the UL System.

NSU ranked:

• First in unrestricted cash, at 148 days
• Second in total cash, at 120 days

The findings also provide important context for discussions surrounding Northwestern State’s projected fiscal year 2026 operating deficit.

A projected budget deficit and cash liquidity measure different aspects of an institution’s finances. The budget projection estimates whether revenues will cover planned expenses during the year. Days of cash on hand measure the university’s existing liquidity and its ability to continue meeting obligations from available cash resources.

While Northwestern State faces a projected budget imbalance, the third-quarter report shows the university maintained the strongest unrestricted cash position among the current institutions in the UL System.

The report was based on financial submissions from each university for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. It was presented to the UL System Board of Supervisors for discussion and required no board action.

Footnote: The University of New Orleans was included in the March 31, 2026, University of Louisiana System report but left the UL System effective June 30, 2026. UNO has therefore been excluded from the rankings in this article.

Source: University of Louisiana System, Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Financial Report, Page 7.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 29^th) 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.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

June 17, 2026

• 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.

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.” 

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

North Louisiana law school proposal puts university leader at odds with Landry, lawmakers