Remembering ~Joseph Kent Scott~

Joseph Kent Scott passed away on July 9, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was born on May 10, 1960, in Natchitoches, LA.

In his younger years, Kent was an avid basketball and baseball player, and his love of sports carried into adulthood when he coached girls’ softball throughout the 1990s, sharing his passion for the game with a new generation of players.

Kent built a career in the insurance field spanning nearly 50 years, where he was known for his dedication to serving his family, friends, and community. He was also a licensed notary, always ready to lend a helping hand to those who needed him.

A devoted LSU football fan, Kent never missed a chance to cheer on the Tigers. He also loved music and concerts, especially classic rock and country. But above all, Kent treasured the time spent with his children and grandchildren. Kent never met a stranger. He loved telling jokes and could always make people laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Betty Scott, and his siblings, Ray and Nancy.

Kent is survived by his children, Eva, Eric, and Kevin Scott; his grandchildren, Karli, Kennedi, Katherine, Kinley, and Theo; his siblings, Marianne, Tommy, and Jeannie; and his partner, Becky Scott, of Natchitoches.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. Burial will follow in Memory Lawn cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Kent will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on in the laughter and love he shared so freely.

Louisiana House Votes to Increase Salaries for State Officials

BATON ROUGE, La. — In a move drawing attention during an election year, the Louisiana House of Representatives voted 54–35 to approve salary increases for statewide elected officials, including the governor.

Shortly after the vote, several House members requested to change their votes — a shift that would have killed the bill — but the measure ultimately advanced.

Under the proposal, the governor’s salary would rise from $130,000 to an increase of $34,000, aligning it with the annual pay of members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill now heads to the Louisiana Senate for consideration.

As always, please confirm legislative updates with an official state source.

Proposed Bill Would Allow Veterans to Serve as School Resource Officers

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana lawmakers are considering new legislation aimed at addressing a shortage of school resource officers across the state.

House Bill 682 would allow qualified veterans to serve in school security roles in public, private, and charter schools.

The measure has passed the House Education Committee and is now headed to the House floor for debate.

Under the proposal:

  • Veterans would receive training in accordance with BESE (Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) policies
  • They would not have arrest powers

Supporters say the bill could help improve school safety while filling critical personnel gaps.

Get your tickets for Flavor of Louisiana, NSU’s popular seafood festival fund raiser

March 10, 2026

Get your tickets for Flavor of Louisiana, NSU’s popular seafood festival fund raiser

NATCHITOCHES – Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s spring fund raiser, will return Friday, March 20 with an impressive line-up of popular restaurants offering samplings of Louisiana seafood delicacies and tasty non-seafood options.  Doors open at 6 p.m. in Prather Coliseum. 

Among the vendors are Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant, Legacy Cafe, Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant, La Casa Del Taco, Savoie’s, Lasyone’s, Mama’s Oyster House, Sweet D’s Kitchen, Russell’s Meat Pies, Sizzle and Drizzle, Peggy’s Pizza and others from around the region.  Coffee, desserts, craft beers and specialty cocktails will also be available. Wrinkle Free Entertainment will provide music for mingling and dancing.  

Tickets are $95 per person and $145 per couple and can be purchased online or at the door. 

All proceeds go to support academic programming, faculty development and scholarships for students.  To purchase tickets online visit  https://northwesternstatealumni.com/flavor-of-louisiana/.