LCU Ranks No. 2 for Safety, Best Value in Louisiana
Louisiana Christian University

Louisiana Christian University has been ranked second in Louisiana for both safest campus and best value among 20 universities evaluated in the Niche.com 2026 Best Colleges list. LCU earned an A- in safety and diversity and a B+ in best value.

“We believe value is about more than the cost of an education,” said LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson. “It is also about the values that shape that education.”

Director of Campus Security John Dauzat credited FEMA-funded investments in AI-powered cameras, expanded perimeter lighting, portable weapon detection systems, and a K-9 unit for the safety recognition. Niche bases its safety rating on campus and local crime rates and student surveys; its best value ranking draws on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates, and student debt data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Alexandria Museum of Art to Screen Award-Winning Louisiana Architecture Documentary
Alexandria Museum of Art

The Alexandria Museum of Art, Louisiana Architecture Foundation, and AIA Central Louisiana will present a screening of the documentary “Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture” on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the museum, 933 Second St., Alexandria.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the film begins at 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion. Named Humanities Documentary Film of the Year by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and recipient of the Louisiana Feature Award at the 2025 New Orleans Film Festival, the film traces the contributions of African and Creole of Color builders, craftspeople, and artisans to Louisiana’s architectural identity from the colonial era to the present. All ticket proceeds benefit the Alexandria Museum of Art. Tickets are available at zeffy.com.

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There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.

This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.

Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.

The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.

Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.

The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.

While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.

Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.

Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.

Lodging link: natchitoches.com/stay/
Calendar link: natchitoches.com/calendar/
Embedded event link: https://natchitoches.com/truvys-blush-bashful-weekend-a-dolly-parton-celebration/

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For the past year, FUMCA’s Urban Sketching Art Ministry has invited people to slow down, look closely, and experience Central Louisiana one sketch at a time.

Since launching in October 2025, the group has met monthly at locations throughout Alexandria and Pineville, bringing together artists, beginners, and curious observers for drawing, conversation, and community. What began as a small gathering of three or four people has continued to grow, with new sketchers joining along the way.

“We have had a wonderful year with Urban Sketching,” said Rev. Jean Sanders, FUMCA Artist-in-Residence and leader of the Urban Sketching Art Ministry. “The core group is still with it, although we have been thrilled to add new sketchers from town come to check us out.”

During its first year, Urban Sketchers have drawn in the Garden District, at Lake Buhlow, throughout downtown Alexandria, at the Alexandria Museum of Art, and at First United Methodist Church. The ministry has also taken its sketchbooks into the wider community through partnerships with local organizations and community events.

Those partnerships have included sketching at the Alexandria Farmers Market, The Original Holi Fest Cenla, and other community gatherings. The group also participated in the 58th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, held in April 2026, with a special display as part of the festival. Established in 1967, the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival has a long history of encouraging the arts through First United Methodist Church and the broader Central Louisiana community.

The ministry’s connection with the Alexandria Museum of Art has provided opportunities for both sketching and learning. Following one sketching gathering at the museum, participants took part in a short micro-tour, adding an opportunity to explore the museum’s artwork and exhibitions alongside their own observational practice.

For Rev. Jean, one of the most rewarding parts of the gatherings is the rhythm of coming together, going out to sketch, and returning to share the results.

“I treasure the experience of coming together at the meet up location, branching out to find our perfect spot, and then coming back together for the ‘throw down’,” she said. “The throw-down is where we see the group of sketches. It is always interesting to see what has been chosen to draw, what techniques and mediums are used. Even when two artists choose the same scene, there is always differences.”

That spirit of discovery is at the heart of urban sketching. Rather than creating artwork from photographs or working toward a polished studio piece, urban sketchers draw what they see while they are there, documenting a particular place and moment through direct observation. Any medium can be used, and artistic experience is not required.

“It is so much fun and so relaxing to just be together outside and focus on our sketches,” Rev. Jean said. “Many have enjoyed progress in their skills and an increase in their comfort level with the materials. We fall in love with where we live one view at a time.”

Celebrating One Year of Urban Sketching

FUMCA Urban Sketching will mark its first anniversary with several opportunities to sketch alongside the broader Alexandria community.

Saturday, October 10 at 10 a.m. – Alexandria Museum of Art

Urban Sketchers will meet at the Alexandria Museum of Art during the museum’s Block n Roll steamroller printing event. Artists and students from throughout Louisiana will create large-scale prints using linoleum and wood blocks with a steamroller provided by Doggett Machinery.

The group will meet at AMoA, 933 Second St., Alexandria, La. 71301, at 10 a.m. Sketchers will meet back up for the art “throw-down” at 11:15 a.m.

Friday, October 16, 5–9 p.m. – Downtown Alexandria ArtWalk

Urban Sketchers will participate in a Pop-Up Urban Sketching event during the annual Fall ArtWalk in downtown Alexandria.

Presented by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, Fall ArtWalk brings local artists, craftspeople, food vendors, musicians, and the community together in the Downtown Cultural Arts District. Urban Sketchers will capture the people, activity, art, and atmosphere of the evening as it unfolds.

Wednesday, November 4 – One-Year Celebration

The anniversary will culminate with a special evening gathering at First United Methodist Church, 2727 Jackson St., Alexandria, La. 71301.

Participants are invited to share a meal at 5 p.m. for $6 per person. The menu will include beef tips over gravy, rice, roasted corn, tossed salad, French bread, and dessert.

Following the meal, free breakout sessions will be held in The Studio at FUMCA from 6–7 p.m., offering opportunities to explore different urban sketching techniques and approaches.

After a year of drawing throughout Alexandria and Pineville and participating in the life of the wider community, the November gathering will bring the group back together to share what they have learned and celebrate the people who have made the ministry possible.

“One of my favorite things about participating in Urban Sketching is watching a group of people sit before the exact same subject and create completely different interpretations of it,” said Rev. Kennon Pickett, FUMCA Senior Pastor. “No two people see exactly the same thing. There’s something beautiful—and even sacred—about learning to appreciate what another person sees.

“At First United Methodist Church, our vision is to create places of healing and belonging where people and their gifts are given voice. Urban Sketching embodies that beautifully. Art becomes the invitation, but belonging becomes the gift.

“After one year, I’m grateful that Urban Sketching isn’t simply something our church hosts. It has become a genuine community of people who gather, create, laugh, learn from one another, and make room for each other. That is exactly the kind of ministry I want our church to be known for.”

Urban Sketching outings remain free and open to everyone, regardless of artistic experience. Participants are welcome to bring their own sketching supplies, but beginners are encouraged to come and give it a try. To stay up to date, visit www.fumca.org/art.

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Phonetic: /goo·​gol/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

the figure 1 followed by 100 zeros equal to 10¹⁰⁰

The inaugural festival brings 10 artists and two nights of country music to Natchitoches as Northwestern State University launches an annual event with ambitions to become North Louisiana’s premier music festival. Get your tickets now at topofthebootmusicfest.com.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

On Oct. 16 and 17, Northwestern State University will welcome country music fans, alumni, students, families and visitors to Natchitoches for the inaugural Top of the Boot Music Festival. The two-day event will bring established country stars, rising artists and Louisiana talent to the NSU campus for a fall weekend centered on live music, good times and the people you want beside you.

Friday, Oct. 16, opens with co-headliners Lee Brice and Louisiana native Dylan Scott.

Brice brings a catalog that includes eight No. 1 country singles and songs such as “I Drive Your Truck,” “I Don’t Dance,” “Hard to Love” and “One of Them Girls.” Scott returns to his home state with four No. 1 songs on the U.S. Country Airplay charts, including “My Girl,” “New Truck,” “Can’t Have Mine” and “This Town’s Been Too Good to Us.”

Lanie Gardner, Jackson Wendell and Clay LaBeff complete Friday’s lineup.

Saturday, Oct. 17, features Flatland Cavalry as the night’s headliner. The Texas Country and Americana group has earned three ACM Group of the Year nominations from 2024 through 2026. Ian Munsick, Rodney Atkins, Laine Hardy and Bottomland round out Saturday’s lineup.

Across two nights, 10 artists will take the stage at Northwestern State.

The reach of Top of the Boot extends well beyond Natchitoches. Marketing for the festival stretches across a multi-state region from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Jackson, Mississippi, south to New Orleans, Louisiana and west to Houston and Dallas, Texas.

That reach reflects the scale of the vision. Top of the Boot is being built as an annual destination event with the goal of becoming North Louisiana’s premier music festival, bringing country music fans from across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas to Natchitoches each fall.

The festival will take place behind the NSU Soccer Complex along Tarleton Drive. Food trucks, vendors and two nights of performances will create a place for friends, families and loved ones to spend a fall weekend together.

For alumni, it is a reason to come home. For prospective students and families, it is another way to experience Northwestern State. For visitors, it is an invitation to spend time on campus and in Natchitoches while enjoying one of North Louisiana’s largest new entertainment events.

Northwestern State Athletics also has a direct stake in the festival’s success. The event was created to benefit NSU student-athletes while showcasing the university and Natchitoches to visitors from across the region.

Every annual tradition has a first year. For Top of the Boot, that year is 2026. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Come back to NSU or experience our campus for the first time. Spend two nights with some of country music’s biggest names and be there at the beginning of something built to return year after year.

Top of the Boot Music Festival
Oct. 16-17, 2026
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, Louisiana

General admission and VIP options are available. Get your tickets now at topofthebootmusicfest.com.

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From FB a decade ago, a timely, for me, reminder of how time slips away. It’s been that kind of week.

My head aches again this morning, the result of too much time spent with old acquaintances.

Suffice it to say there now no longer 99 beers on the wall.

Anyhow, after what has passed for dinner of late I went into the media room, otherwise known as the family room, put on the headphones and slipped a cd (yep still have those) into the player.

The disc was given to me a by a coworker who said I might like the mix a friend had done.

Before I could settle in good Ernie K-Doe was Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta-ing.

Then came Danny White, Smiley Lewis, Shirley & Lee, Irma Thomas, Huey Smith, Frogman Henry, Fats Domino and Joe Jones.

By the time I got to the fifth play of Little Liza Jane I was hearing the Rhythm Aces in one ear and Dick, Bob, Bobby, Teddy, Cade Larry, Brian, Otto, Chuck, Clay, Otto, John, Pickle, Leroy, Ronald, Donald, Charlotte, Susie, C.C., Jeanie, Jean, Joyce, Donna, Jackie, Phylis, Sue, Carole, Kat and others through the other side.

Who would have thought age 18 would be the last time I would see or talk to some of them?

But I could hear and see them clearly last night.

Today? It’s a bit foggy.

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I’ve been thinking about this idea for a few years, and I’ve talked about it with some people, but I’m going to throw it out there for the public to consider.

And I’ll say from the start I know this is preposterous idea, but a lot of great ideas that became real were initially preposterous. Like building a transcontinental railroad. Or the Brooklyn Bridge. Or the Superdome.

Alexandria should build a lighthouse.

OK, I know we’re not a port city, and we’re not located on a coastline. I’m talking about a faux lighthouse. We cannot call it an historic lighthouse, but we could – and should – use it as a connection to the Red River and Alexandria’s history rather than make it simply a decorative tower. As Father Chad Partain, an Alexandria historian, pointed out when I first discussed the idea with him, we could also tie it in with one of the original seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Lighthouse of Alexandria. This was a massive navigational tower built around 280 B.C. on the island of Pharos in Egypt. It guided sailors for more than 1,500 years but no longer stands, although some blocks and underwater ruins from the structure still exist.

This could be a beacon on the Red River, a new landmark that could be a tourist attraction and be a distinctive centerpiece of the riverfront. I admit artificial intelligence has helped with plenty of ideas about such a project. By the way, the lighthouse photo in the column header (AI produced) is just that, a faux lighthouse photo, not necessarily the one for us.

The City of Alexandria has talked of wanting to connect downtown more strongly to the Red River as part of its revitalization strategy, and Louisiana’s Office of Tourism describes the Red River as the focal point of Alexandria and Pineville with festival grounds and the amphitheater beside the river.

I’ll leave it to the Red River, Atchafalaya and Bayou Bouef Districts to guide, with their easement requirements, the way for engineers to build the structure in an approved zone.

But dream away. This lighthouse will be a civic landmark and observation tower. It should then be taller than, say, the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse (43 feet) or the Biloxi Lighthouse (65 feet), which are primarily used for navigational purposes. The ideal height might approach 85-90 feet. At that height it would rise substantially above the levee and surrounding park and be visible from downtown streets and for those approaching downtown. It would also be highly visible from the Pineville side of the river and give Alexandria a recognizable skyline feature.

You think seeing the tall tree by the South Circle lit up in Christmas lights in past years was a warm-and-fuzzy sight, this would magnify that feeling a hundredfold.

At roughly 90 feet, it would also be a modest enough size to not be an overpowering, overpriced skyscraper.

Let’s figure on an observation deck at the top with views of the river and downtown Alexandria and Pineville, as well as a lantern room with a rotating beacon visible at night. There could be a small Alexandria/Red River maritime museum and perhaps interactive demonstrations, fanciful optics and/or an instructional video of how lighthouse beams work. Throw in a Louisiana-themed gift shop and a small café.

Other possible exhibits inside could be historic photographs and maps.

Sure, it’ll cost a bunch (one AI estimate is $8.5 million) to make it happen, with money coming from a variety of sources, from the city, RRWC, Louisiana Capital Outlay, to federal grants, private/philanthropic funding to corporate sponsorships, naming rights and endowments. And the annual operating budget might run $450-$650 thousand a year. But this tower should generate revenue.

The goal is for this to be a big attraction. But even if, in the first year or so, it attracts just a third or half of the minimum 120 thousand visitors that annually go to the Alexandria Zoo, it could generate $400,000 annually, according to AI figures. That’s with tickets costing $8 for adults, $5 for kids, $6 for seniors and $25 for family memberships. Also factor in revenue from the gift shop, private and corporate events, weddings, sponsorships, naming opportunities and memberships.

We can thank those that came before us for improvements that have come in the last 30-plus years. The Red River for so long was just partially navigable by steamboat starting in 1814 (when the first steamboat, the Enterprise, reached the city), but year-round commercial navigation was fully achieved in 1994 after the completion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Red River Waterway locks and dam project.

And, of course, one of the great Alexandria success stories is the development of the Alexandria International Airport in 1996. This came after local leaders created the England Economic and Industrial Development District to reuse the closed England Air Force Base.

It’s time for us to step up and write a remarkable chapter in Alexandria’s history.

Building a lighthouse in Alexandria. Preposterous?

No doubt.

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DHS Secretary Observes Deportation Flight Out of Alexandria
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Monday observed a deportation flight departing Alexandria, Louisiana, that removed 100 Salvadoran nationals to El Salvador. The flight was part of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement operations.

The DHS release highlighted five individuals aboard with serious criminal histories, including convictions for homicide, first-degree manslaughter, child sexual abuse, assault on a law enforcement officer, and multiple DUI offenses.

“Mass deportations save lives,” Mullin said in the release.

Mayor Roy Invites Public to Charles Smith Park Ribbon Cutting Thursday
City of Alexandria

Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy is inviting residents to a ribbon cutting and grand re-opening of the Charles Smith Park Playground at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 8, at 2820 Harris Street in the Sonia Quarters neighborhood of southwest Alexandria.

The renovations, part of the city’s REIGNITE capital improvements program, replaced an aging playground with new age-specific play structures for children 2–5 and 5–12, featuring the themed Sprig® and Tree Tops® environments. The project also added a 16-by-16-foot SkyWays® shade canopy, new sidewalks, improved park access, drainage upgrades, new site furnishings, and landscape improvements. The existing basketball court was preserved.

REIGNITE is the City of Alexandria’s program to accelerate public infrastructure investment across the metropolitan area, combining projects of scale in strategic corridors to attract private-sector investment and improve quality of life.

Louisiana Christian Holds Inaugural Presidential Gala
Louisiana Christian University

Louisiana Christian University held its first-ever Presidential Gala Thursday evening at the Alexandria Convention Center, drawing more than 300 guests to an event honoring the school’s 120-year history and recognizing outstanding alumni and athletes.

Distinguished Alumni honorees included Alonzo “Buzz” Kelley of the Class of 1957, who received an honorary degree during the ceremony after spending his career building long-term care facilities in Central Louisiana; Tommy Bankston, also Class of 1957, who served as principal of Winnfield Senior High School and later superintendent of Winn Parish Schools before entering the nursing home industry; and Debbie Curtis Eutsler, Class of 1975, who has served for more than 40 years in education and currently serves as Lower School Principal at John Curtis Christian School in River Ridge.

The university also inducted two new members into its Sports Hall of Fame: former softball standout Savannah Settle Davis, a four-time First Team All-ASC selection from 2015–2018, and former women’s basketball coach Jason Tinsley, who compiled an 89–25 record and led the Wildcats to three ASC East Division Championships and three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances from 2010 to 2014.

LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson used the occasion to launch the university’s five-year capital campaign — Restore, Rebuild and Reimagine — with a goal of raising $12 million. The campaign received an initial $1.2 million grant. Among the attendees were Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, State Senator Jay Luneau, State Representative Mike Johnson, and Lance Maxwell, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Jeff Landry.

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Senior psychology major Mariel Medrano, of Cypress, has been crowned Louisiana Christian University’s 2026 Homecoming Queen.

“Being chosen as Homecoming Queen is such a special honor, and I’m incredibly grateful to my peers and everyone who supported me throughout this experience,” Medrano said. “It’s a moment I will always cherish and remember.”

Medrano said she was thankful to have shared this experience with her mother, Neela Rodriguez, who escorted her onto the field during the halftime ceremony.

She will graduate in May and plans to attend graduate school.

“I’m extremely excited for what the future holds and grateful for everyone who has encouraged me along the way,” Medrano said. “Go Wildcats!”

The 2026 Homecoming Court included:

Senior Maids

Journi Singleton, of Sulphur, a history major
Jeri Vige’, of DeQuincy, an applied biology and missions & ministries major

Junior Maids

Josie Manning, of Youngsville, a biological sciences major
Malee Stanley, of Dry Creek, a social work major

Sophomore Maids

Riley Nickens, of Baton Rouge, a missions & ministries major
Destanee Stewart, of Natchitoches, a business administration-management/marketing major

Freshman Maids

Terra Erickson, of Orange, Texas; a psychology-clinical concentration major
Makenzi Sampey, of Raceland, a biological sciences major

The LCU Wildcats won the Homecoming football game against East Texas Baptist University 50-36.

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Phonetic: /con·​va·​lesce/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness

He is convalescing from influenza.

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Louisiana Christian Holds Inaugural Presidential Gala
Louisiana Christian University

Louisiana Christian University held its first-ever Presidential Gala Thursday evening at the Alexandria Convention Center, drawing more than 300 guests to an event honoring the school’s 120-year history and recognizing outstanding alumni and athletes.

Distinguished Alumni honorees included Alonzo “Buzz” Kelley of the Class of 1957, who received an honorary degree during the ceremony after spending his career building long-term care facilities in Central Louisiana; Tommy Bankston, also Class of 1957, who served as principal of Winnfield Senior High School and later superintendent of Winn Parish Schools before entering the nursing home industry; and Debbie Curtis Eutsler, Class of 1975, who has served for more than 40 years in education and currently serves as Lower School Principal at John Curtis Christian School in River Ridge.

The university also inducted two new members into its Sports Hall of Fame: former softball standout Savannah Settle Davis, a four-time First Team All-ASC selection from 2015–2018, and former women’s basketball coach Jason Tinsley, who compiled an 89–25 record and led the Wildcats to three ASC East Division Championships and three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances from 2010 to 2014.

LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson used the occasion to launch the university’s five-year capital campaign — Restore, Rebuild and Reimagine — with a goal of raising $12 million. The campaign received an initial $1.2 million grant. Among the attendees were Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, State Senator Jay Luneau, State Representative Mike Johnson, and Lance Maxwell, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Jeff Landry.

Alexandria Police Invite Community to National Night Out Tuesday
Alexandria Police Department

The Alexandria Police Department is inviting residents to join officers and community partners Tuesday, October 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Alexandria Zoological Park for National Night Out.

The annual event gives residents the opportunity to meet officers in a relaxed, family-friendly setting outside of an emergency or service call. APD encourages families to make plans to attend.

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The 2026 Natchitoches Car Show, a sure sign of the upcoming Fall season now in its 20th year, was held Friday and Saturday in downtown Natchitoches. Thousands of visitors filled the downtown area and enjoyed seeing 357 cars parked on the riverbank and Front Street. The vehicles ranged from a variety of classic Volkswagens to a 1939 Rolls Royce limousine. There was indeed something for every taste.

The visiting car owners started arriving on Friday and were treated to a welcoming fish fry. The car show continued Saturday morning and went on throughout the day. Visitors to the show were able to enjoy live music from several local bands as they perused the vehicles on display. At the end of the show, the car owners gathered at the downtown riverbank for the presentation of awards. 

The Natchitoches Classic Car Show has grown over the past 20 years into one of the largest and most eagerly awaited events held in the city as well as a popular destination for antique car aficionados. This year’s show featured a car driven by its owner all the way from British Columbia, Canada as well as a car from Alaska. The show is a solid day of nostalgia with no cost to attend. The event is also a wonderful showcase for our community. Events such as the annual Classic Car Show are part and parcel of what makes life in our community special!

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Donna Arender of Webster Parish has been named the grand prize winner of the Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway to Natchitoches, organizers announced Monday.

The $600 getaway package includes $300 in food cards, $200 in travel cash, and a $100 gas card to fund a weekend trip to Louisiana’s oldest city.

The popular promotion drew more than 4,400 entries from residents across Louisiana. Participating entries represented 27 parishes statewide: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Union, Vernon, Webster, and Winn.

Organizers expressed appreciation to the thousands of readers who participated and congratulated Donna Arender of Webster Parish on winning the weekend retreat.

SAVE THE DATE: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton

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Phonetic: /ep-uh-STEE-mik/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

Epistemic means “of or relating to knowledge or knowing.”

He’s a brilliant teacher who has the epistemic humility to know that there is always more to learn.

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By Journal Staff

BOYCE, La. — The Town of Boyce released a formal response to its newly published Fiscal Year 2024 audit, emphasizing that while significant historical deficiencies were cited, key financial milestones and sweeping cost reductions have substantially altered the town’s fiscal condition since that period.

The annual financial report, prepared by independent accounting firm Rozier, McKay & Willis, examined the fiscal year ending May 31, 2024. Independent auditors issued a disclaimer of opinion on the town’s financial statements, noting they were unable to obtain sufficient audit evidence largely due to poor recordkeeping during a transition between administrations.

“During a portion of the year under audit, the Town’s previous administration made little effort to document expenditures or record financial transactions,” the audit stated.

Town officials pointed out that Mayor Kelvin V. McCoy and the current Board of Aldermen took office in 2023, meaning the FY2024 audit captured operations from both the previous and current leadership.

“The FY2024 audit examines the Town’s financial condition as of and for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2024,” the town said in an official statement. “It is not an audit of the Town’s financial position as of October 2026”.

Resolution of Pension Dispute

A central issue highlighted in the FY2024 audit involved accrued liabilities totaling roughly $1.14 million stemming from disputed contribution claims by the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS). The audit report warned that those claims, combined with requests from MPERS to withhold state distributions, created substantial doubt at the time regarding the municipality’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Boyce administration officials announced that the dispute has since been fully resolved. After contesting the claims through litigation, the town reached a $160,000 settlement with MPERS, which has been paid in full.

“That dispute has since been resolved through settlement,” said Greg Jones, legal counsel for the Town of Boyce. “The approximately $1.14 million claim referenced in the audit is therefore no longer an outstanding $1.14 million obligation of the Town”.

Policing Reductions and Operations

Boyce leadership also underscored steps taken to drastically rein in recurring operational costs, particularly within law enforcement.

Expenditures tied to the town’s elected Chief of Police Department reached nearly $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2022 under the prior administration. Boyce has since downsized the municipal police department and partnered with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to assist with patrol and protection services.

Annual law enforcement expenses are now estimated at approximately $300,000—a recurring annual savings of roughly $1.1 million.

“Financial stability requires us to make decisions based on what the Town can realistically sustain,” McCoy said. “We are reducing recurring expenses while maintaining essential services, and we continue looking for opportunities to operate more efficiently”.

Audit Findings and Corrective Actions

Despite the auditor’s disclaimer of opinion, the FY2024 financial statement showed measurable operating gains. Boyce’s governmental fund balance increased by $295,803 during the fiscal year to finish at $204,031, while governmental activities increased the town’s net position by $56,481, driven by expenditure reductions across multiple departments.

At the same time, auditors identified one material weakness in accounting practices and five material noncompliance findings, many of which carried over from the 2023 fiscal year. Deficiencies cited included:

• Noncompliance with Louisiana public records retention laws due to missing purchase records.
• General accounting dysfunction resulting in late fees, finance charges and delays in financial reporting.
• Unfavorable budget variances exceeding statutory limits in the Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund.
• Failure to make required monthly reserve and contingency fund transfers required under utility bond covenants.
• Failure to submit the completed audit within the state-mandated six-month deadline.

Town officials affirmed that the administration is not minimizing the findings and is actively implementing corrective action plans. Boyce is establishing a regular finance committee review, increasing staff accounting training, tightening accounts payable to avoid late fees, adhering to debt-covenant transfer schedules and improving budget monitoring.

“The audit gives us both accountability and a roadmap,” McCoy said. “We cannot change financial practices or records that existed before this administration took office. What we can control is how we respond to those problems, the financial decisions we make today and the systems we put in place for the future”.

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Louisiana’s First-Ever Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season Opens Saturday
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana hunters have a new opportunity this weekend as the state’s first experimental black-bellied whistling duck season opens Saturday, October 3, and runs through October 11, 2026. The nine-day season is open statewide, filling the gap between the September teal season and the regular duck season in November.

The daily bag limit is four ducks, with a possession limit of 12. Shooting hours run from sunrise to sunset — different from standard duck season hours. Hunters are required to obtain a free black-bellied whistling duck permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before taking to the field. Standard waterfowl requirements also apply, including federal duck stamp registration and Harvest Information Program (HIP) enrollment.

Hunters must submit harvest data to LDWF within 15 days of the season’s close on October 11.

LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said the season was created in response to the growing abundance of the species in the state. The experimental season received approval from the Mississippi Flyway Council and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulations Committee. Only black-bellied whistling ducks may be harvested during this period — hunters should confirm species identification before shooting.

For information or to obtain the required permit, contact LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.

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Rapides Man Convicted of Motor Vehicle Theft, Sentenced to Five Years
Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office

Germaneek Beyard has been convicted of theft of a motor vehicle and sentenced to five years in prison, the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Doggett.

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Rapides Regional Offers Online Breastfeeding Class for Working Mothers
Rapides Regional Medical Center

Rapides Regional Medical Center will host a virtual Breastfeeding for Working Moms class from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The online course is designed for mothers who are working and continuing to breastfeed, with a focus on managing milk supply and maintaining a pumping routine.

Topics covered include types of breast pumps, proper milk storage and handling, strategies to sustain milk production, and how to prevent common problems. The class will be held via Google Meet; login instructions will be sent by email prior to the start time.

To register, call 1-844-630-5295 or visit rapidesregional.com and select Calendar of Events under Health Education.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The entry period for the $600 Natchitoches Weekend Getaway giveaway has concluded.

The official winner will be announced and published on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

Readers can check back Monday morning to see the announcement and details on claiming the getaway prize package. Thank you to everyone across the community who participated and submitted an entry.

SAVE THE DATE: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton

Phonetic: /ob·​se·​qui·​ous/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness was always followed around by his obsequious minions

There are no hushed voices, white tablecloths or obsequious waiters.
—Isabelle Kliger

Not pleasing others enough amounts to surliness, pleasing too much makes one obsequious …
—Carlin Flora

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