Early Voting will be held in the Registrar of Voters office in the Winn Parish Courthouse Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9 (closed Sunday, May 3) from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM.  Enter through the Main Street entrance.  The election will be Saturday, May 16.  Download the GeauxVote app which allows you to view your sample ballot and monitor results on Election night.

A wet weather pattern is expected to take hold across Winn Parish through the end of the workweek, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms forecast before drier conditions arrive just in time for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will start with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, increasing to more widespread activity after 1 p.m. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 84 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Rain chances stand at 60 percent.

Wednesday night brings a continued likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation. Overnight lows will fall to around 60 degrees under mostly cloudy skies, with northeast winds near 5 mph.

On Thursday, conditions remain unsettled with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy skies will keep temperatures cooler, with a high near 74 degrees. Northeast winds between 5 and 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph at times.

Thursday night will see increasing rain chances once again, with showers likely and possible thunderstorms developing after 1 a.m. Lows will drop to around 55 degrees, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation.

Friday is expected to be the most active day of the forecast period. Showers are likely throughout the day, with thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m. High temperatures will reach near 66 degrees, and the chance of rain climbs to 80 percent. Friday night will continue the wet trend with showers and storms likely before gradually tapering off after midnight. Lows will dip to around 50 degrees.

A much-needed break arrives over the weekend. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 69 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies Saturday night and a low around 45 degrees.

Sunday brings sunny and pleasant conditions, with a high near 76 degrees and mostly clear skies continuing into Sunday night, where temperatures will fall to around 49 degrees.

Looking ahead to Monday, mostly sunny skies return with a warming trend, as highs climb to near 81 degrees.

Residents are advised to remain weather aware through Friday, as repeated rounds of rain and thunderstorms could lead to localized impacts on travel and outdoor plans before calmer conditions settle in for the weekend.

Public safety and law enforcement officials are issuing a warning about a rapidly emerging synthetic opioid threat after new laboratory findings confirmed additional detections across multiple jurisdictions in North Louisiana.

According to the North Louisiana Crime Lab, a dangerous synthetic opioid known as cychlorphine is continuing to spread, reinforcing concerns first identified last month. Officials say the situation is not isolated but instead reflects a developing and expanding drug trend in the region.

Lab analysts report that cychlorphine belongs to a class of synthetic opioids referred to as “orphines” and may be more potent than fentanyl, one of the most dangerous opioids currently impacting communities nationwide. The substance has been found in counterfeit oxycodone tablets, often mislabeled as “M30” or “K56,” creating a significant risk for unsuspecting users who may not realize what they are ingesting.

Authorities emphasize that illicit pills circulating in the community are frequently not what they appear to be. According to the crime lab, most submitted counterfeit tablets tested do not contain the substances they are represented to contain, increasing the danger of accidental overdose.

For law enforcement, officials caution that exposure cases may present symptoms consistent with opioid toxidrome, which can resemble narcotic analgesic impairment. First responders are being advised to remain alert for potentially life-threatening overdose situations linked to these substances.

Public safety officials are also stressing the severe risk to the community, noting that even a single counterfeit pill may be enough to cause a fatal overdose.

The North Louisiana Crime Lab has released an updated law enforcement bulletin with additional details and response guidance as agencies across the region work to track and respond to the emerging threat.

Officials are urging continued vigilance and awareness as the situation develops, emphasizing prevention and public education as critical tools in reducing overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids.

Winn Parish Medical Center physical therapist Tiffany Camp Waters spoke to the Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, April 28, highlighting nearly three decades of service to the community.

Waters, who earned a degree in kinesiology from Louisiana Tech University before attending physical therapy school at LSU Shreveport, has been with the medical center for 27 years. Since graduating in 1998, she has worked at the Specialty Clinic, primarily focusing on outpatient care while also providing inpatient services for acute care patients and home health visits.

During her presentation, Waters emphasized the importance of staying active, noting that for every day a patient spends in the hospital, it typically takes a week to regain the lost strength.

The Specialty Clinic treats a broad range of conditions, including recovery from joint replacements, strokes, sports injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Waters also works with patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, fibromyalgia, and TMJ. Because the clinic does not currently have an occupational therapist, Waters is trained to treat upper-body issues involving the hands and shoulders.

Waters also discussed several key aspects of modern therapy:

• Pre-surgery therapy: A newer approach focused on strengthening patients before a procedure to reduce post-operative recovery time.

• Balance therapy: Waters demonstrated techniques used to help patients improve stability and prevent falls.

• Adaptive equipment: She showcased various tools available to assist the elderly population in maintaining independence.

• Home programs: Patients receive specialized routines to continue their progress during and after their formal clinical sessions.

As a hospital employee, Waters requires a doctor’s order for her services. She operates with a team of four at the Specialty Clinic, including a licensed physical therapist assistant, a receptionist, and a physical therapy tech with more than 20 years of experience.

Waters noted that those interested in entering the field as a physical therapist assistant can pursue two-year degrees at Louisiana Christian University or Bossier Parish Community College. Additionally, the University of Louisiana at Monroe is graduating its first class in the field this year.

On a personal note, Waters shared that her daughter is currently in medical school and plans to practice in a rural community.

The 2026 Louisiana Forest Festival brought thousands of residents and visitors together in Winnfield this weekend, marking one of the most successful celebrations in recent years and reaffirming the event’s role as a cornerstone of local tradition and culture.

Organizers of the Louisiana Forest Festival reported more than 2,000 attendees during the weekend festivities, not including rodeo attendance, as the city of Winnfield came alive with food, entertainment, and community activities.

Festival highlights included live equipment demonstrations, family-friendly events such as the Sawdust Social for children, and a Saturday night rodeo that drew strong crowds. The scent of traditional Louisiana crawfish boils filled the air as vendors served food and crafts throughout the grounds.

Organizers described the weekend as a celebration of unity and community pride, noting that the festival’s success was made possible by attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who supported the event.

“From the roar of the equipment to the lights of the rodeo, this festival was alive because of the community,” organizers said in a statement, emphasizing that the turnout demonstrated strong local support and renewed momentum for the long-running event.

The Louisiana Forest Festival, which celebrates Winn Parish’s deep ties to the forestry industry, logging heritage, and rural culture, has long been a signature event for the region. This year’s turnout signals continued growth and enthusiasm as the festival returns to prominence.

Officials expressed gratitude to everyone who participated, noting that the event’s success reflects the strength and resilience of Winnfield and the surrounding communities.

With another successful year in the books, organizers say they are already looking ahead to future festivals, promising even more activities and attractions as the tradition continues to grow in Winn Parish.

For some reason, ever since someone came up with the concept of competition, man has always looked for a way to gain a competitive edge — even if it means cheating!  

In any contest, there are rules and just like records, some feel that rules are made to be broken. Today, we are going to look at some of the worst bass tournament cheaters to ever wet a hook, and how these incidents should be handled.

Years ago, an angler got caught cheating on Lake of the Pines in a bass tournament called the “KYKX Big Bass Splash.” In one tournament when the polygraph examiner questioned if the catch was legit, he was unsure on whether to pass or fail the guy. So, the tournament director decided to award him the victory despite questions surrounding his catch. 

The following year, the same angler was in position to win again but this time the polygraph examiner failed him. Then a man came forward and told the tournament director how and where this angler was getting his fish.   

He was pulling his bass out of a basket under a dock just before weigh-in. Convicted of fraud, this guy paid a price with a prison sentence and a heavy fine. 

Then there is the story of Elro McNeil who, in 1983, tried to weigh-in a bass that he purchased from Florida. It was rejected, but the bass was then frozen and thawed at his Louisiana home before being turned over to another angler for weigh-in at a Tyler, Texas tournament. 

The saddest part of this story was that one of the anglers involved in this elaborate scheme was found shot dead at his favorite fishing hole. At first it was considered a murder, but it was later ruled a suicide. 

What may be the best cheating scheme ever was orchestrated by Japanese angler, Yuming Gao, a few weeks ago during a Bassmaster Open. This dude took cheating to another level as he was placing air tags inside other angler’s bass boats so he could track them and learn where they were catching their fish. 

The one thing I’ve learned over my many years of seeing guys that cheat in bass tournaments is, most of the time, it wasn’t about the money they could win, but more about their ego and wanting to be recognized as one of the best bass fishermen in their region.

As an angler, the only thing you have is your name. Once you cheat and get caught, not only is your fishing career over, but you’ve now lost the reputation you had as a person. 

All anglers want to be recognized as one of the best, especially on whatever tournament trail they are fishing. But for some, the need to cheat can be so strong that no matter what the consequences are they just can’t stand winning the right way. I guess they think they won’t get caught… until they do. 

Here’s the deal; if you’re an angler looking to bend the rules in order to gain a competitive advantage, you’re already a loser! You have no place in tournament bass fishing, and I hope the next time you decide to cheat, the hands of justice come down on you with both prison time and a hefty fine, along with a lifetime ban from all fishing tournaments. 

Please vote Yes for Constitutional Amendment 5 on the ballot for May 16. The amendment raises the age of retirement for Judges in Louisiana to 75 years, from the current 70-year retirement mandate. The reasons are simple.

• The voters are best suited to decide if a candidate should continue to serve.
• Experienced, highly qualified Judges are being forced into retirement.
• People are living longer productive lives and working longer.
• No other political office has a mandatory retirement age.
• By Supreme Court oversight, incompetent Judges can already be removed.

While the amendment does not put an end to what can only be called age bias, it does soften its effect. Voting Yes to raise the age is simply the right thing to do. In this election cycle alone, some 60 Judges of the approximately 360 in the State are being forced to retire. While some are doing so voluntarily, many others have an earnest desire to continue to serve the people of this great state. They should have the opportunity to do so, and it should be up to the voters to decide if they can continue, not some arbitrary age limit.

Early voting starts May 2 and ends May 9.

For more information go to http://www.yeson5for75.com

Thank you for your consideration.

Judge Van H. Kyzar

If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.

Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.

But as I walked out of the office, ears squeakyclean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?

Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.

Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.

Spiritual wax works the same way.

• A little pride here.
• A little resentment there.
• A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”

Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:

• The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
• The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
• The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”

But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.

After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.

Spiritually, the same principles apply.

1. Stop sticking things in your ears.
You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doomscrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.

2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning.
Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.

3. Get professional help when needed.
Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned cometoJesus moment.

When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.

When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.

Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”

By: Jason Pugh, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations

NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State athletic department and Rhodes Properties and Development have partnered to create a unique opportunity for fans and supporters of Demon athletics.

The two entities have combined to present the 2026 Rhodes Properties and Development Demon Dream Home giveaway – a raffle that will see the winner collect a brand-new Rhodes-built home in the Hidden Oak subdivision in Natchitoches, located along Louisiana Highway 3191.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each beginning May 4 and can be purchased through Northwestern athletes or online through www.NSUDemons.com. The live drawing will take place Nov. 6 at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches with additional prizes awarded at the event.

Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Northwestern athletic department in support of its student-athletes.

“Working hand-in-hand with Rhodes Properties and Development to bring the Demon Dream Home to life was an easy decision,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Their support of Northwestern State athletics never has been in question, but it has reached another level with this partnership. We are far beyond grateful for Rhodes Properties and Development for their input and expertise in this process.”

The home, valued at $265,000, is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,450-square foot heated building in one of Natchitoches’ newest subdivisions that Rhodes Properties and Development and Rhodes Realty began developing in early 2026. Hidden Oak subdivision is located near Sibley Lake, west of Louisiana Highway 1 in Natchitoches.

“We at Rhodes Properties and Development, alongside Rhodes Realty, understand the importance of the Northwestern State athletic program to the Natchitoches community,” Rhodes Properties and Development owners and operators James and Justin Rhodes said. “We believe in the vision of Northwestern State athletics and where it is going. We presented this opportunity to Kevin as our way to support nearly 400 student-athletes as well as the coaches and staff members with whom we have developed relationships. The vendors who will help us bring this home to life share that same vision. Being involved in all facets of this project allows us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to Northwestern State and Natchitoches.”

Purchase Raffle Tickets: https://nsudemons.com/

“When a mother realizes her child is watching history unfold in real time—and feeling afraid—she faces a question no parent is ever quite prepared to answer: how do you explain a frightening world without making it feel even more dangerous?”

 See what Ida says