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The Louisiana Department of Health announced Friday that beginning May 26, state SNAP recipients will only be able to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for purchases made within Louisiana and in ZIP codes adjacent to the state’s border.
Department officials said the policy change aims to protect benefits from fraud and out-of-state use while ensuring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars support Louisiana grocers, farmers, businesses and local communities.
EBT cardholders who shop at Louisiana stores and through approved online retailers will not be affected. Residents who regularly shop just across the state line in Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas will experience little to no disruption, as many of those border ZIP codes are included under the policy’s approved designation. Out-of-state purchases attempted outside of the approved areas will be blocked.
SNAP recipients who are traveling and need temporary access to make purchases outside of Louisiana can request a short-term exemption online at lifeincheckebt.com, by calling 888-524-3578, or by visiting a local department SNAP office.
Any temporary out-of-state access will automatically expire at the beginning of the following month, returning the card to the default setting.
For more information and a full list of approved border-area ZIP codes, residents can visit ldh.la.gov/page/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt.
The biggest, most star-studded and fun-filled party of every summer for miles around is coming your way in a month.
Three days of festivities are approaching beginning Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.
The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night, June 27 at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67th Induction Celebration.
The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 25, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.
The Friday, June 26 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event.
The slate on Saturday, June 27 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.
At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.
Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.
The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.
The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.
The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.
Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.
LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.
The Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors.
For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.
If every disagreement turns into a critique of how you communicate, the real problem may be what you’re not resolving—here’s how to break the cycle and start working as a team.
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The Indianapolis 500, commonly called Indy 500, is a 500-mile automobile race which has become the largest single-day spectator sporting event in the world. Since its meager beginnings in 1909, people have flocked to the track in record numbers to watch the high-speed thrills. On May 30, 1941, George “Joie” Chitwood readied his cigar-shaped racecar, the Blue Crown Spark Plug Special, for the Indianapolis 500. During qualifying, Joie bounced around the track in his racecar and had a hard time keeping his foot on the accelerator. Out of necessity, Joie used a simple strap to fix the problem. The other drivers objected to the strap because they thought it was dangerous. The heads of the AAA Drivers Association agreed and refused to allow Joie to use the strap. They only relented when Joie promised to release the strap if he thought he was going to crash. Keep in mind that the cars traveled more than 100 miles per hour. Joie did not crash that day. He came in 14th place and won $620. (The first-place winner, Floyd Davis, received $29,200.) Joie believed that using the strap helped his performance in the 1941 Indy 500, but the other drivers remained skeptical.
For decades, the general public remained skeptical as well. Carmakers often adopt equipment designed for racing cars on their vehicles. In 1949, now defunct carmaker Nash Motors offered this strap on about 40,000 of their Airflyte and Ambassador models, but over 39,000 of them were removed by dealerships at the request of the owners. In 1955, Ford offered it as an option on their vehicles, but less than 2% of buyers chose the strap. In 1958, Saab became the first carmaker to include the strap as part of their standard equipment.
Although he had nothing to do with its invention, Joie Chitwood made history that day in May 1941 because he was the first driver to wear the strap in the Indy 500. Today, all race car drivers are required to wear one. It has also become a requirement in all automobiles. At that time, the common misperception was that people were safer in a car accident if they were thrown from the wreck rather than behind held inside the vehicle. They called the strap safety belts, but we know this strap as the seat belt.
Sources:
1. Robert Tate, “The 1949 Nash was an Entirely New Postwar Design,” MotorCities National Heritage Area, October 1, 2025, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2025/the-1949-nash-was-an-entirely-new-postwar-design.
2. “1941 Indianapolis 500 Race Results,” Indianapolis 500 Race Day Stats, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/race-results/1941.
3. “Joie Chitwood (SR.),” National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, accessed May 17, 2026, https://web.archive.org/web/20190619150409/https://www.sprintcarhof.com/helper_pages/FileGet.aspx?id=186.
When you hear ‘Peach Festival’, you may picture baskets of fuzzy peaches, maybe a peach cobbler bake-off, or even a parade. But here in Ruston, the Louisiana Peach Festival is so much more than just a celebration of our locally grown fruit. It is a time to experience the rich tradition and culture that can only be found in our small historic town. Residents and visitors alike come for this special day, filled with activities that keep people coming back year to year. This year’s Peach Festival in Ruston is Saturday, June 6.
Here are 5 ways that the Peach Festival exceeds just peach appreciation (although, we love our peaches too):
1. A Love Letter to Louisiana Culture
Area artists, vendors, musicians, and makers are the forefront of what makes this festival thrive. Browsing our curated arts market with 90+ artists of all mediums allows you to get a glimpse into the vibrant arts of our state. And you can’t miss the music! Louisiana-based musicians play on the Railroad Park Stage to ensure the spirit of the festival carries on into the night. Celebrate our Louisiana roots with us, and dive into what makes our culture so unique.
2. The Food Scene Goes Full Peach (In the Best Way Possible)
Here in Ruston, we pride ourselves on the quality and diversity of our local restaurants and food trucks. The creativity of Ruston’s culinary scene is unmatched, and the sweet peach flavor is no exception. In the week leading up to the festival, 30+ local restaurants come together for the Peach Culinary Crawl, featuring unexpected dishes, drinks, and pairings. From a peach caprese turkey melt to a pint of locally-brewed peach wheat ale, indulge your tastebuds with this staple, seasonal ingredient.
3. It Still Holds Tight to Its Sweet Southern Traditions
Of course, it would not be a southern festival without all of the classic contests and exhibits. The Peach Pageant, Peach Parade, Antique Car Show, Peach Rodeo, Peach Art Exhibit, and Cookery Contest are all ways that the community engages with the roots of the festival. These fun traditions have been happening for generations, and plan to stay for many, many more. The Ruston community continues to add to these celebrations, with sidewalk sales, a 5K race, and even a Pickleball Tournament. All these traditions keep the festival feeling like a small town gathering, keeping it close to the hearts of our residents and visitors.
4. It’s One of the Few Festivals Where You Don’t Feel Nickel-and-Dimed
The Peach Festival prides itself on having free admission, making it accessible for a Saturday full of activities. In Kids Alley, there are no paid vendors, allowing all kiddos to enjoy hands-on crafts, games, entertainment, and more festival activities. It is the perfect opportunity to bring the family out for fun that won’t break the bank. Our goal is to make the festival easy and accessible for all ages to enjoy!
5. It Feels More Like a Community Gathering Than a Carnival
No flashy rides or ferris wheels here – the Peach Festival provides something even more memorable. Surrounded by the painted murals of downtown, local organizations, and all the friendly volunteers, it’s easy to feel like a part of the Ruston community that we know and love. With festivities happening from morning to late into the night, you have plenty of time to experience the festival at your own pace. So bring out your lawn chair, grab a bite, listen to the music, and enjoy all the sights and sounds of our community.
The traditions, culture, and hospitality surrounding this celebration reminds us that this isn’t just a festival, but a signature kind of Southern experience you don’t find everywhere. The peach flavor is just the tip of the iceberg to all of the sweetness of peach season in Ruston, LA.
For more information on the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival and to see the full schedule of events, visit www.lapeachfest.com/.
Today’s kids are booked, busy, and burned out—but one parent is asking if it’s time to bring back a simpler, slower kind of childhood.
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Dear Fellow Citizens,
I’m John Fleming, your State Treasurer and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.
This Saturday’s election is extremely important. DC lobbyists and Baton Rouge elites have poured millions into supporting their preferred candidate — NOT ME.
At stake is the carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) industry’s push to use YOUR tax dollars to seize YOUR private land through eminent domain. Estimates suggest that up to 75% of the nation’s CO2 emissions could be pumped beneath our lands, lakes, and rivers – ‘captured’ for eternity. The whole thing is a “Green New Deal” scam, which will make the elites wealthier at the expense of the rest of us. I am the only candidate who is 100% opposed to this fraud and abuse.
Don’t be fooled! The establishment and powers that be are trying to buy our Louisiana Senate seat. I can’t be bought, bribed, or bullied!
Our future, and the future of our children and grandchildren, hangs in the balance. Please don’t sit this one out — vote this Saturday, May 16th. Polls open at 7:00 a.m.
Thank you,
John Fleming
Louisiana State Treasurer
Republican Candidate for the US Senate
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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Shreveport Police Department and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office to put a new law enforcement helicopter in the skies over Northwest Louisiana.
The aircraft — a 1969 Kiowa 58 acquired from the Louisiana State Police for $15,000 and fully restored with modern equipment — is based in Stonewall and represents a significant upgrade in the sheriff’s office’s aerial capabilities. The helicopter is equipped with FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) thermal imaging technology and a long-range camera system capable of real-time surveillance. Sheriff Jayson Richardson noted that departing from near Mansfield, the crew could already see downtown Shreveport high-rises on the camera system.
Richardson said the aircraft can remain airborne for two to three hours at a time — a major improvement over drones, which are limited by battery life and altitude. The sheriff’s office has operated helicopters for roughly 13 years, beginning with its first aircraft in 2012.
Richardson said the partnership benefits DeSoto Parish residents directly. “A better Shreveport and a safer Shreveport is a safer DeSoto Parish,” he said, noting that many parish residents travel, shop, and work in Shreveport.
Crime Stoppers has established a separate fund to help cover fuel and maintenance costs for the aircraft, with a fundraising goal of $50,000 for the year. Fuel alone runs more than $100 per hour.
Sources: DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office; Shreveport Police Department
After 22 years of shared finances, a new disagreement puts one couple at odds: should they help an adult son with car payments, or protect their retirement?
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Proposal sparks discussion on experience, longevity, and the future of Louisiana’s courts
By Journal Staff
Voters across Louisiana will consider Amendment 5 on the May 16, 2026 ballot, a proposal that would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.
If approved, the change would allow judges to complete full terms—some as long as 10 years depending on the court—provided they have not reached their 75th birthday at the time of service.
A Shift Reflecting Longer Lifespans
Supporters of the amendment point to a broader societal trend: Americans are living longer and remaining professionally active later in life than when the current retirement limit was established decades ago.
Under the existing system, judges who reach age 70 are required to step down, regardless of their health, performance, or desire to continue serving. Proponents argue that this can lead to the loss of experienced jurists at a time when institutional knowledge and continuity are valuable to the court system.
Continued Service Beyond the Bench
Even under current law, many retired judges remain involved in the legal system, often serving in temporary or ad hoc capacities to assist with caseloads. Backers of Amendment 5 say the proposal would formalize and extend that opportunity, allowing qualified judges to remain in full-time roles longer rather than transitioning to limited assignments.
Broad Support Across Legal Circles
The amendment has drawn backing from various members of Louisiana’s legal community, including attorneys, judicial organizations, and others who cite the benefits of experience and stability on the bench.
Advocates emphasize that the proposal does not eliminate voter oversight. Judges would still be required to stand for election, meaning the public retains the ability to decide whether a candidate—regardless of age—should continue serving.
Considerations for Voters
As with any constitutional amendment, the decision ultimately rests with voters. Amendment 5 raises broader questions about balancing experience with generational turnover, as well as how best to structure long-term service in the judiciary.
Voters will have the opportunity to weigh those factors when they head to the polls on May 16.
She’s not just a nervous flyer anymore—she’s dreading every trip. With family and work pulling her cross-country, is it time to face her fears or stay grounded for good?
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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.
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
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?”
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By Richard Searles, Journal Contributor
State faces record 6,465 orphaned wells, a cleanup bill that could top $1 billion, and a broken oversight system
Louisiana’s oil patch is leaving behind a growing legacy of abandoned wells that leak, contaminate groundwater and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars — and on a per capita basis, the state’s problem is more than four times worse than Texas, which has drawn national attention for the same issue.
As of March 2025, Louisiana has 6,465 orphaned oil and gas wells — unplugged, abandoned sites with no responsible operator — according to the state Department of Conservation and Energy. Texas has approximately 10,029 orphaned wells, according to its Railroad Commission. But Texas has nearly seven times Louisiana’s population. Louisiana has roughly one orphaned well for every 711 residents. Texas has one for every 3,130. Louisiana’s per capita burden is more than four times heavier.
The Numbers Are Accelerating
Between 2014 and 2023, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that an average of about 445 wells were added to the orphaned list each year. In 2025, more than 1,600 wells were added — more than three times the historical annual average. In just the first months of 2026, another 517 wells have already been added.
Behind those orphaned wells sits an even larger problem: inactive wells not yet orphaned but at risk. The Legislative Auditor found the inactive well count climbed 21.7 percent from 2019 to 2024, reaching 21,629 statewide.
What It Will Cost — and Why the Numbers Differ
The cleanup bill has been reported in different ways, and understanding why requires a distinction between two categories of problem wells.
The first is the orphaned well count itself — the 6,500 wells with no responsible operator. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor places the average plugging cost at $113,000 per well. Multiplied across the current orphaned well list, that produces the widely cited $730 million figure.
But that number covers only orphaned wells. A July 2025 white paper from the LSU Center for Energy Studies, commissioned by the state, calculated that plugging and abandoning both orphaned and idle wells in just the Monroe and Shreveport regulatory districts — two of Louisiana’s three oil and gas districts — would cost approximately $860 million. The Lafayette district, which holds roughly 41 percent of the state’s total orphaned and idle well inventory, was not included in that estimate. When all three districts and all idle wells are accounted for, the total cost to Louisiana taxpayers could well exceed $1 billion.
Since 2023, the state has plugged just 490 orphaned wells at a combined cost of nearly $90 million in state and federal funds — far behind the pace needed to make meaningful progress.
The Oversight System Failed
Louisiana’s attempt to manage the problem through a private industry-led entity collapsed. The Louisiana Oilfield Restoration Association, created in 2019 to collect operator fees and fund plugging activity, was dissolved after a state audit found it falling far behind — and after allegations of self-dealing that included a $780,000 loan to a state official. An audit also found the association’s administrative partner was charging a 36 percent fee on revenues, nearly double the agreed cap. During fiscal years 2020 through 2023, the state plugged 976 orphaned wells through the program. During that same period, nearly 1,700 new orphaned wells were reported — meaning the system was losing ground even while operating.
The Louisiana Legislature responded in 2024 by creating the Natural Resources Trust Authority under the Department of Conservation and Energy, tasked with rebuilding oversight and funding. Financial security requirements — the bonds operators must post to cover future plugging costs — remain a structural weakness. Though coverage rose from 25 percent of wells in 2014 to 74 percent by 2024, the Legislative Auditor found the amounts collected still fall well short of actual plugging costs.
The Bottom Line
Louisiana is producing new orphaned wells faster than it can plug old ones, carrying a per capita orphaned well burden more than four times that of Texas, and facing a total cleanup bill that state and university researchers suggest could exceed $1 billion when all idle and orphaned wells statewide are fully accounted for. The consequences — contaminated groundwater, leaking methane, degraded land — fall most heavily on the rural communities where these wells are concentrated.
Sources: Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy; Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office; LSU Center for Energy Studies, “Orphan and Idle Wells in Louisiana,” July 2025; Texas Railroad Commission; Louisiana Illuminator.
This is story from a book entitled “Moments for Mothers.” The Rogers family was a strong Christian unit. Mr. Rogers took seriously his role as spiritual leader. Often at supper the family would have a Bible quiz or discuss some spiritual truth. One evening the family was discussing what heaven will be like. 7-year-old Jimmy grabbed this subject and ran with it; he had a very creative imagination.
Jimmy said, “When we get to heaven, the big angel will call the roll. He will come to the Rogers family and say, ‘Daddy Rogers’ and Daddy will say ‘Here! ‘. Then the angel will call out, ‘Mommy Rogers,’ and Mommy will say, ‘Here! ” Then the same thing will happen for Susie and Mavis. Then the angel will call my name, “Jimmy Rogers,” and because I’m little and don’t want to be missed, I will jump up and shout real loud, ‘Here!’”
Just a few days later, there was a tragic accident. A car struck down Jimmy as he made his way to the school bus. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The family gathered round his bed and kept a prayerful vigil through the night. The doctors told them that he had suffered severe brain damage and could not recover.
Just before dawn, Jimmy seemed to be stirring a bit. The family saw his lips move; just one word was all he uttered before he passed from this life. But oh what comfort and hope that word gave for this grieving family. In a voice clear enough for everybody in the room to hear, Jimmy said, “Here!!” and then he was gone, to another world, to a better world, where a big angel was calling the roll.
We Christians believe this is true. It is why we can live with hope in the midst of such a crazy world. We know that we are all pilgrims, simply passing through this life. Our home is in heaven.
Easter people believe that one day we will all answer, “Here!”
“At what point does daycare cost more than your job is worth?”
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The Melrose Arts and Crafts Show scheduled for this weekend, April 18-19, has been canceled due to the threat of severe weather and high winds, which is a safety concern for vendors, attendees and staff. The show has been rescheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026.
The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival, which is going to be held on the downtown riverbank May 15-16 has released its schedule for its 29th Festival, and as usual, it is chocked full with artists for just about every musical taste, including Jazz, R&B (of course), Country, Rock & Roll, Soul, Gospel, Folk, Blues, Zydeco and much more.
This year’s headliner is multiplatinum Country superstar, Joe Nichols, who will appear on the main stage beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. Preceding Nichols will be American Idol runner up and Louisiana native John Foster at 7 p.m., local and regional favorites and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs at 5:25 p.m., hit making R&B/Soul singer, Tiffany Rachal at 3:40 p.m., Natchitoches’ own Country music legend and Curb Recording artist Trini Triggs at 2:35 p.m., with the music being kicked off on the Main Stage by Zydeco legend, Gerard Delafose.
There will be over 15 bands on three stages with the schedule for the Fleur De Lis Stage and Roque House Stage listed below. For the first time ever there will also be a Natchitoches Original Music Showcase Stage located at Beau Jardin. That stage will feature mostly Natchitoches artists performing their original music.
The fun begins on Friday night with Tribute to Legends night which will begin with Led Zeppelin tribute band, The Zeppelin Project at 7 p.m. featuring a faithful recreation of the super group’s hits.
Prior to the Zeppelin, will be Waterloo, the nation’s premiere ABBA tribute act will faithfully create the 70’s Swedish super group’s concert, including dancers and a lights show. Attendees are encouraged dress up and sing along.
As always, there will be plenty of great food and kids’ activities at this family event. For more information and to order tickets go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com
Fleur De Lis Stage
12:00 – 1:00 Snake Doctors. Led by grizzled veteran, Ed Huey, this Natchitoches based Doctors prescription will be an eclectic blend of Blues, Jazz, Folk, with a little Rock & Roll and R&B thrown in. You will hear things you’ve never heard before from this entertaining group.
1:10 – 2:10 The Luke Brouillette Jazz Trio (Traditional and Modern Jazz). Led by guitarist Luke Brouillette, this trio which includes Sammy Nix on drums and Dion Pierre on bass will play through well-loved jazz standards featuring Swing, Latin, and Bebop. Listen and watch while these virtuosos perform some righteous jazz.
2:20 – 3:20 Deep Water Rehab – (Classic, Southern Rock, Country, Originals & Covers). This Winnfield-based band covering Classic & Southern Rock, Country, and even some R&B tunes. They’ll also be performing cuts from their album of original songs which recently dropped.
3:30 – 4:30 Gumbo Delux – (R&B/Soul). This is a high-energy Shreveport based Soul/R&B group serving up a spicy mix of covers of great songs of yesterday and today.
4:45 – 5:45 Junior the Third – (Blues and Jazz). This Shreveport based trio started out as raw, stripped-down Blues and has stretched into something deeper, shaped by soulful jams, old standards, and the kind of feel you can’t fake. Pulling from the well of Delta and Hill Country blues, they built a sound that’s less about polish and more about pocket.
6:00 – 7:00 Becky Birdwell and the Shuffle Kings (Classic Rock/R&B/Country/Gospel). Becky and her family band has been a fixture at the festival for many years and play a crowd-pleasing mixture of classic rock, R&B, Country with some gospel thrown in.
Roque House Stage
1:00 – 2:00 The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (Gospel/R&B/Rock/Country/Inspirational). This Natchitoches-based Gospel/Inspiration group will perform an eclectic blend of secular and traditional gospel music which will include some Rock & Roll, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Contemporary Christian songs. Their set includes some unique “Mash Ups” of traditional hymns with more modern secular music. All of it, music with a message!
2:10 – 3:10 Jenny & Kelli (Harmonious Rock, Covers, & Originals). These popular Natchitoches songbirds play a rousing blend of songs that you know and love along with a few of their very own originals. Every song will feature their spectacular angelic harmonies.
3:20 – 4:20 Broken Peaces – (Classic Rock). This kind of a “Super Group,” made up of members of various bands who have come together to make some great high-energy music, focusing mainly on the Rock & Roll of the 70’s through the 90’s.
4:35 – 5:35 Badd Apple – (Classic Rock/ R&B). Led by local legend, Billy O’Con, featuring some of the finest musicians in north Louisiana, this rocking group will have everyone on their feet and dancing from the first note.
5:50 – 6:50 Jester – (Rock and Blues). This 3-piece high-energy band, exploding out of Bossier City is fronted by 13 year old guitar protégé and vocalist, Odin Cobb, and is fueled by the thunderous drive of a 17 year old drummer and locked in tight by a veteran bassist. Don’t miss this highly entertaining act.
Advance tickets may be purchased at http://www.natchjazzfest.com
The DeSoto Parish Board of Election Supervisors will meet at 10AM on 4/17/26 at the Registrar of Voters office at 104 Crosby St in Mansfield to select commissioners and alternate commissioners for the 5/16/26 election.
04-10-26, 04-13-26 & 04-15-26
Paid Content by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office
Attached Notice of Public Meeting
The DeSoto Parish Board of Election Supervisors will meet at 10AM on 4/17/26 at the Registrar of Voters office at 104 Crosby St in Mansfield to select commissioners and alternate commissioners for the 5/16/26 election.
04-10-26, 04-13-26 & 04-15-26
Paid Content by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office
Attached Notice of Public Meeting
“It breaks my heart to think about children growing up with so much uncertainty because one parent isn’t paying what they should. When the support doesn’t come, it’s the kids and the custodial parent who carry the burden every single day — and no family should have to live that way.”
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“Are you a homeowner who feels stuck because you don’t have enough equity to sell, but still need to bring your monthly housing costs down?”
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