NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Kappa Iota chapter of Phi Mu raised $2,613 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during its Dancing with the Mu’s philanthropy event Tuesday, Nov. 10, surpassing its $2,000 fundraising goal.
Inspired by the television show “Dancing with the Stars,” the event featured Phi Mu members performing choreographed dances with partners, including fellow sorority members. The event was open to the campus and local community, with funds raised through ticket sales, participant fees and People’s Choice donations.
Alexa Metternich and Daniel Gallagher were named Mirrorball Champions and received the Miracle Maker Award for raising the most money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Heidi Gauthier, a junior communications major from Moreauville, serves as Phi Mu’s philanthropy chairwoman and organized the event.
“Dancing with the Mu’s is a Dancing with the Stars-inspired philanthropy event,” Gauthier said. “All the money that we raise is going to CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.”
“It’s just giving back to something greater than ourselves, to lend to those less fortunate a helping hand,” Gauthier said.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has been Phi Mu’s national philanthropic partner since 1986. The organization raises funds to support pediatric patient care, medical equipment, research and other resources for children and families.
Kellie Veillon, Children’s Miracle Network program director for the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation, attended the event and thanked Phi Mu members for their contributions to pediatric care across Central Louisiana.
“Y’all are changing lives all over 14 different parishes, not just here in Natchitoches,” Veillon said. “We are so grateful for every penny that you raise on behalf of our kids.”
Veillon said contributions from NSU’s Phi Mu chapter have helped the hospital acquire medical equipment, including nitric oxide therapy equipment for premature infants experiencing breathing difficulties. Donations have also helped purchase a specialized transport isolette with servo-controlled temperature regulation, allowing medical teams to transport infants who require a higher level of care.
“These funds, these donations are serious and they make real impact,” Veillon said.
For Abigail Bakay, a junior nursing major from New Orleans and member of Phi Mu, the philanthropy holds personal significance. Bakay received treatment at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital as a child.
“Children’s Miracle Network is so important to me because I was a Children’s Miracle Network child,” Bakay said. “I was able to be treated in a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, and they changed my life and impacted me in ways I can’t even express.”
“I’m here today because I had people willing to change my life and make me healthier,” Bakay said. “You can change a child’s life by being here and supporting Children’s Miracle Network.”
Photo 1: Participants in NSU’s Dancing with the Mu’s philanthropy event, from left, are host Gabe Williams, Samantha Polansky, Brooke Settoon, Hal Williams III, Addy Kate Wright, Alexa Metternich, Kellie Veillon of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Daniel Gallagher, Cara Thomason, Victoria Freeling, Hannah Gauthier, Nathaniel Garner and host Liza White.
Photo 2: Victoria Freeling, left, and Cara Thomason perform during Dancing with the Mu’s, a Phi Mu philanthropy event benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement will present a “Piano by Ear” class on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
The class will be taught via Zoom. The fee is $85
The fee includes an online book, access to online follow-up lessons, a recording of the class, and an optional monthly question-and-answer session. The course is partly lecture/demonstration and partly hands-on instruction and is for those age 13 and over.
The class will teach participants how to play songs without relying on sheet music. This practical presentation of music theory covers predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings and transposing—all explained in everyday language.
This class is an ideal follow-up to the “Instant Piano” course and is open to anyone with a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Those taking the class will be able to expand their musical horizons and break free from dependence on sheet music. Prior experience with chords is recommended.
For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355. Stay up to date with course offerings by following NSU Electronic Learning and Global Engagement on Facebook at facebook.com/NSULA.ece.
NATCHITOCHES – An ongoing service project for students pursuing degrees in Elementary Education at Northwestern State University continues to positively impact teacher candidates, young children and their families.
For several years, Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson had coordinated an initiative to create family literacy bags that are presented free of charge to families with young children to encourage an early love of reading, build vocabulary and strengthen comprehension. The project also encourages children and parents to read together routinely, with parents becoming more closely involved in their children’s learning and development. Grant funding from the International Paper Foundation has been an important part of the initiative.
“Service-learning projects provide early childhood education majors with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills relating to developmentally appropriate practices while meeting critical community needs,” Fazio Brunson said. “Aligning with research on best practices in service learning, the NSU Early Childhood Education program immerses undergraduate teacher candidates and graduate students in collecting books and school supplies, creating and donating family literacy bags that support literacy development in the home. By participating in these projects, early childhood education majors gain practical experience while promoting positive outcomes for children and families.”
Fazio Brunson said the benefits to both students and families is obvious.
“Designing the activities helps preservice teachers connect theory to practice while developing professional skills. They learn how to communicate effectively with families, design literacy-rich materials and reflect on the diverse needs of children and caregivers,” she said. “Research suggests that preservice educators who develop stronger literacy knowledge and instructional confidence are better prepared to support young children’s literacy development. Ultimately, this service-learning project strengthens the NSU teacher preparation program by providing authentic opportunities for community engagement and reflective practice.”
“I have participated in this service-learning project since my first semester at NSU and have observed children’s joyful responses when receiving the materials,” said Taylor Poole of Pollock. “Teachers, children and their families all benefit from this project.
“This semester, I saw first-hand how developmental domains impact each other in kindergarten children,” she said. “Kindergarten children must learn how to manage basic routines, their emotion, and how to stay focused. Simultaneously, some children pick up concepts faster than others. Thus, children who come to kindergarten with strong emergent literacy skills tend to be more successful as they navigate new social and physical tasks at the same time.”
Sepulvado said working with young children who need extra support taught her the importance of individualizing instruction and providing extra resources.
“Participating in the service learning project and donating books and school supplies helped give children access to materials that they would not have had otherwise,” she said. “Growing up, I was fortunate enough to always have what I needed, so this experience gave me a new perspective on supporting all students and giving back when possible.”
“The service-learning project has allowed me to connect what I’ve learned through my courses to real-world experiences,” Cheyenne Lopez of Anacoco said. “ In early childhood settings, literacy is very important. It is the foundation for all future development. By donating books and supplies, I know I can make a difference in a few children’s lives. This makes me proud knowing something small, like donating books, will permanently shape someone’s life.”
“Family literacy bag service-learning projects provide reciprocal benefits for teacher candidates, young children and their families,” Fazio Brunson said. “Early childhood education majors gain hands-on experience with family engagement and literacy instruction, while families receive resources that support literacy learning at home. These projects promote stronger family-school partnerships, enhance children’s literacy development and prepare future educators to engage families as essential partners in children’s educational success.”
Photo: Two-year captain Danny Sears (9) leads Northwestern State out of the locker room and onto the field prior to a game.
Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services
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NATCHITOCHES – Head coach Blaine McCorkle has often referred to linebacker Danny Sears as Mr. Northwestern State football.
It’s a fitting description for a player who has spent five years representing the Demons, wearing the purple and white with pride and embracing the responsibility that comes with being a leader in the program.
Tough. Consistent. Hard-working. People-focused.
For Sears, being a Demon has never been just about what happens between the lines. It’s about showing up every day, doing things the right way and understanding that representing Northwestern State means being part of something bigger than yourself.
And that connection started long before he ever put on a Demon uniform.
Sears’ father, Ken, played football at Northwestern State, while his older brother, Kenny, was a quarterback for the Demons in the late 2010s. Growing up, Danny looked up to his brother, watching him play, following in his footsteps and the reason he wears the No. 9 jersey today.
The family’s connection to Natchitoches began even earlier. When Hurricane Katrina forced the family to evacuate its home in Covington in 2005, they spent time in Natchitoches. The community made an impression on Kenny, who eventually jumped at the opportunity to play for the Demons.
That experience helped shape Danny’s own connection to the university.
“Watching him play here and seeing the role he had, I really wanted to be the exact same person, especially as a little kid,” Sears said. “Coming to Turpin on Saturday nights and watching those games, when I got my first offer and it was from Northwestern State, I committed within the first two days. I had a couple of other coaches reach out after that, but I flat out told them, ‘I’m a Demon.’”
The decision had been made long before that first offer arrived. Sears had even written it in his high school notebook: I need to get the Northwestern State offer.
Five years later, Sears has become the kind of player he once watched from the stands.
A two-year captain, Sears will make his 30th career start for the Demons when Northwestern State hosts HCU in Saturday’s regular-season home finale at 1 p.m. at Turpin Stadium. It will also be his 25th consecutive start, a testament to the consistency and dependability that have defined his career.
This season, Sears has established career highs with 67 tackles, leading the team and 12th most in the Southland Conference, and five tackles for loss. He has recorded at least three tackles in every game, reaching six or more stops eight times.
A two-time Phil Steele Preseason All-Southland Conference selection, Sears has also excelled in the classroom. He earned his degree in sports and recreation management from NSU last year and is completing a master’s degree in health and human performance. He is a four-time member of the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and earned spots on the 2025 Southland Conference All-Academic Team and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
But the numbers and accolades only tell part of the story.
Ask Sears what toughness means, and his answer has little to do with the physical attributes typically associated with a linebacker.
“The thing that has stood out to me the most and something I use in my everyday life is Coach McCorkle’s definition of toughness,” he said. “That’s getting up out of bed, putting two feet on the ground and going to work every single day. That’s the real tough guy.”
The message stuck with him from the first time he heard it.
No matter what time the alarm has gone off or what the schedule called for that day, Sears knew what was expected. Get out of bed, put two feet on the ground and get to work.
That kind of mindset has carried him through five seasons that have included a fair amount of adversity for the program and himself, from the cancellation of the 2023 season, to a coaching transition and multiple position coaches and new teammates along the way.
Through all of it, Sears has remained a constant.
His approach to leadership has been rooted in setting an example, doing the right things consistently and being someone his teammates can depend on.
With five years of college football experience and lessons learned from multiple position coaches, Sears understands that leadership isn’t always about what you say. Sometimes it’s about the standard you establish through your actions.
“I think of two things,” Sears said when asked how he hopes to be remembered as a player, person and leader. “The ability to be an everyday guy. Being able to come in no matter what our record is, no matter what the results are, and putting your head down and going to work. Not be pouty. Not blame other people. And the other is the mentality of never giving up. No matter what. Regardless of the record or the score of the game or whatever is going on. At the end of the day, the one thing you can hang your hat on is the effort you gave.”
That commitment has been easier to maintain because of the people surrounding him.
Sears points to his family as his biggest support system, remembering his first time running onto the field at Turpin Stadium and immediately searching the stands for his mother, father and brother.
They haven’t stopped showing up since.
“I remember running out and immediately looking into the stands to find my mom, dad and brother,” Sears said. “They’re my biggest support without a doubt and have been along with me through this entire journey, the adversity. They’re my first people I go to, and they’re here every single game, home or away. They find a way to be there because they know how much it means to me being able to put on these colors.”
Beyond his family, Sears believes the Natchitoches community is a major part of what makes Northwestern State special.
It’s the same connection that first drew his brother to the university and ultimately helped keep Danny committed through the difficult stretches.
“Obviously you’ve got the team within itself and that brotherhood, but it’s so much more than that,” he said. “It’s the support staff around us. It’s the people who own restaurants in town. They all have it in their hearts to take care of us. I think that is something so rare and so special. When you get here and you get a grasp of the community and the support that they have for us, it’s something really special.”
Saturday’s matchup with HCU carries another small connection to the Sears family. Kenny threw a touchdown pass against the Huskies, then known as Houston Baptist, during his playing days at Northwestern State.
Now, as Danny prepares for his final regular-season home game, he has the opportunity to add another chapter to a family history that has been intertwined with the Demons for years.
He’ll look into the stands and find the same people who have supported him from the beginning. He’ll run onto the same field where he once watched his brother play. And he’ll represent the same university he wrote about in a high school notebook before he ever received an offer.
McCorkle’s nickname for Sears may be Mr. Northwestern State football, but the linebacker has a much simpler idea of what he hopes his legacy will be.
The Cane River Waterway Commission will hold its next public meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. at 1483 Highway 119 in Natchez, Louisiana.
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:14 and 42:19(A), the commission will allow a public comment period before taking action on agenda items requiring a vote.
The meeting will begin with a call to order, roll call, approval of minutes from the October 20, 2026, meeting, and approval of financials, including bank statements and Cunningham Investments.
New Business
River Management Biologist Update by Mitchell Mayfield – Monthly update on ongoing and upcoming tasks.
CRWW Office Update by Erika Cedars – Monthly update on ongoing and upcoming tasks.
High School Bass Fishing Tournament.
Chris Guillet – Amendment to September 15, 2026, minutes regarding his compensation.
Ben Barron – Proposed addendum to Roque House/Main Street Improvements regarding the retaining wall and estimate of costs.
Heart of Hospice Fishing Tournament – Saturday, February 6, 2027, at the Shell Beach Bridge launch.
Kayak Race – Sonny Leget fundraiser for MS, scheduled for May 29, 2027.
Cane River Waterway Commission Personnel Policy Manual.
Old Business
Auction Information – Auction closed October 22, 2026.
Little River Pump – Extend another 30 days.
Signage – Finished November 10, 2026.
Gazebo at Shell Beach Bridge – Construction estimates to be presented.
Dr. Chris Lyles – NSU CEA.
Laura Lyles – NEDA CEA.
The meeting will conclude with adjournment.
Public Meeting Information
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cane River Waterway Commission, 1483 Highway 119, Natchez, LA 71456
Phone: 318-663-8815
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals requiring special assistance should contact the Cane River Waterway Commission at 318-663-8815 and describe the assistance needed.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requiring new safety warnings on popular weight loss and diabetes medications following concerns about a rare eye condition that could lead to permanent vision loss.
The FDA announced November 9 that all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, must carry updated warning labels about the potential increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
NAION is a rare condition caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. It can result in sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, which may be permanent.
The FDA reviewed data from 126 clinical trials involving more than 134,000 participants. Researchers found approximately 6.4 cases of NAION per 100,000 person-years among patients taking GLP-1 medications, compared to 3.8 cases among those receiving a placebo or other glucose-lowering treatments.
The new labeling requirements will apply to all medications in the GLP-1 class, including injectable and oral treatments used to manage type 2 diabetes, obesity and other medical conditions.
Symptoms of NAION may include sudden vision loss, blind spots, tunnel vision, distorted colors or blurred central vision. The FDA advises patients experiencing these symptoms to contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Although the condition is rare, federal health officials say the updated warnings are intended to ensure patients and healthcare providers are informed of the potential risks associated with these medications.
Patients currently taking GLP-1 medications are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers before making changes to their treatment.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board has announced its 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators throughout the district for their dedication to academic excellence, student achievement and school success.
This year’s District Teachers of the Year are:
Angela “Nicole” Mitchell – L.P. Vaughn Elementary School
Kristy Strother – NSU Middle Lab School
Tameshia Frederick – Natchitoches Central High School
Mitchell serves as a kindergarten teacher at L.P. Vaughn Elementary School, while Strother teaches seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics at NSU Middle Lab School. Frederick teaches Financial Literacy and Business Math at Natchitoches Central High School.
The annual recognition honors educators who demonstrate a commitment to providing quality education and making a positive impact on students throughout Natchitoches Parish.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board recognizes these teachers for their contributions to student success and their continued dedication to education.
Fernando Montelongo Flores passed away on November 8, 2026, at the age of 77.
Fernando will be remembered as a hardworking man who dearly loved his family, who was always his top priority. For many years, he worked for Sklar Fertilizer and David Bailey Farms. He could expertly operate any farm equipment, a talent that reflected his years of experience and dedication to his work.
Fernando was also a member of First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Outside of work, Fernando enjoyed gardening and spending time tinkering with lawnmowers, always eager to see if he could get them running again. Although his repair attempts didn’t always go as planned, they often brought a little laughter and became part of the fond memories he leaves behind with those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his daughter, Regina Hinds; his son, Jeff Franks, Sr., and Jeff’s wife, Patricia; his grandchildren, Joseph Uribe, Heather Hinds, Haley Lynn Franks, and Jeffery Franks, Jr.; his great-grandson, Easton Franks; and his sister, Tomasa Montelongo Flores. He is also survived by his extended family, Brandon and Justine Busby and their children, Leigha and Luke; as well as his dear friend, Tomas Rosales Hbarra and his wife, Aracely de la Fuente, and their children, Luz Maria Rosales, Juan Pablo Rosales, Eduardo Rosales, Elian Rosales, and Oliver Rosales. Each held a special place in Fernando’s life, and the love he shared with them will remain in their hearts forever.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marguerite Montelongo Flores; his father, Jose Jesus Montelongo; his mother, Engyasia Flores Ontiberos; and his sister, San Joana Montelongo Flores.
Visitation will be held on November 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, 848 Keyser Ave., Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457.
Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Old Pisgah Cemetery near Marthaville, Louisiana.
The family is deeply grateful to Natchitoches Community Care and his two special friends, Courtney Cruse and Taylor Law, for the kindness, compassion, and support they showed Fernando. Their thoughtfulness and care will always be remembered and appreciated.
Fernando will be remembered with love for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and the many everyday moments that made him so special to those around him. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
NATCHITOCHES – Participants are being sought to perform in the 18th annual Natchitoches-NSU Multicultural Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The concert is from will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum located at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. The concert is free and open to the public.
The concert helps celebrate the cheer of Christmas. Performers such as singers, musicians, dancers, or readers are invited to celebrate the Natchitoches community during this joyous time of the year. All songs, readings and instrumental performances, sacred or secular, which address Christmas or the Christmas season, are welcome. All participants will perform without monetary compensation.
Those wishing to take part can sign up by calling (318) 357-4327 or by email at [email protected] by Nov. 23. The Multicultural Christmas Concert is a benefit concert for Cane River Children’s Services. The Concert is free and open to the public.
This year’s concert is sponsored by Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State men’s basketball team’s home opener went, in many ways, the same way the finale of its season-opening, three-game road trip had.
The one key difference for the Demons was the result.
Northwestern’s offense came to life late Tuesday night on Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum as the Demons pulled away from visiting Millsaps for a 77-49 victory.
“I’m proud of the win,” fourth-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. “It’s hard to win at this level, so we’ll take every win we can get. It was a slow-paced game I didn’t like our first half. The zone slowed us down, and we weren’t able to get enough stops to get into transition.”
Despite a first half where the Demons (1-3) shot just 35.7 percent from the field – including 1 for 7 from 3-point range – Northwestern’s defense stood tall, holding the Majors to 33.3-percent shooting.
Millsaps, which played the game as an exhibition, entered the game having shot nearly 46 percent in its first two games of the season this past weekend at the Rhodes College Classic in Memphis, Tennessee.
The sluggishness continued into the first 10 minutes of the second half, which allowed Millsaps to cut the Demon lead to 10 with 10:56 remaining.
From there, Northwestern did to the Majors on Saturday.
The Demons clamped down defensively, holding Millsaps to 1-for-16 shooting across the final 10:56 of the game. Millsaps missed 15 straight shots from the field before Samuel Holt laid in a second-chance basket at the buzzer.
“Coach preaches (defense) all the time,” said junior point guard Kai Simpson, whose 17 points led five Demons in double figures. “Most of the time in practice, that’s where the emphasis is. Even though your shot may not be falling or I’m turning the ball over, I try to play hard on defense every day.”
The point of offensive emphasis for the Demons in the second half was working to their size advantage. After scuffling around the rim in the first half, Northwestern found its offensive touch in the final 20 minutes.
During the second half, Northwestern outscored Millsaps 22-2 in the paint, thanks to a balanced frontcourt effort.
Sophomore forward Isaiah Vick tallied a double-double in his Demon home debut, scoring 12 points and grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds. Senior forward Kordrick Turner added 11 points to match his career high while Jayden Nesbitt (6 points, 1 block) was active and effective in a short period of time on the floor.
“I will say there were a little bit of nerves for everybody,” Vick said. “We’re learning from every game, finding out who we are as players and as a team. I feel like we learn a lot from every game.”
Doyle Brown and Antoine Almuttar rounded out Northwestern’s five double-figure scorers, marking the first time since a Jan. 3 win against LSU-New Orleans for the Demons to have that many reach at least 10 points.
Overall, nine of the 11 Demons who appeared in the game scored as Northwestern eventually solved Millsaps’ zone, shooting 59.1 percent in the second half.
“Credit to those guys,” Cabrera said. “They gave us a spark. Antoine’s a defensive demon. Armon (Almuttar) is a tough dude. I should have played Jayden more in the first half. We have a three-big rotation, and sometimes you can’t play all three in a half, but I’m proud of him not letting it faze him. He came in to earn his minutes, and he did that.”
The Demons return to action Saturday when they face Little Rock. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center.
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Photo: Northwestern State’s Nathan Ojukwu (13) and Antoine Almuttar trap Millsaps’ Davion James during Tuesday’s win against the Majors. Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services
