The Ouachita Citizen

08/21/2026

Georgiann Potts: "Louisiana’s own Jerry Lee Lewis was another successful “physical” performer. He used his entire body to knock out his songs – his voice, of course, but also his body as he “attacked a song”. Whoever saw him perform will remember his stomping on his piano’s top or keyboard with wild abandon. His machinations were much less subtle than those Elvis hips . . .

​While many have tried to copy these two legends, their work has landed woefully short. However, there is one current performer who owes much to Elvis and Lewis. Both influenced Elton John’s performance art. Elton can sing with the emotion the Elvis made famous. Perhaps Elton’s performance of “Candle in the Wind” at Princess Diana’s funeral is the best example. Elton also works out on his piano with the same energy and enthusiasm that Jerry Lee did."

08/21/2026

John Diarse scored a playoff victory in his first season as the Wildcats head coach. What's in store for year two? District 2-4A got a whole lot better with his alma mater's inclusion. Where will the Wildcats finish?

2025 Record: 6-6

08/20/2026

The city of West Monroe plans to test new traffic patterns and parking arrangements, including one-way streets, in the downtown area beginning Sunday and lasting up to six weeks.

Under the six-week demonstration, there will no longer be two-way traffic on Trenton Street and Commerce Street. Instead, traffic on Trenton and Commerce will go one way: South on Trenton, and north on Commerce.

08/20/2026

West Ouachita is coveting leftover turkey sandwiches this year. Can the Chiefs have a milestone season in 2026?

2025 record: 6-5

08/19/2026

The state Public Service Commission recently blocked a court order that would have opened up public access to records surrounding Meta’s $50-billion artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Richland Parish, named Hyperion.

During its regular meeting on Aug. 12, the Commission reversed administrative law judge Melanie Verzwyvelt’s order that Meta should make several records public, including projections for investment, permanent job creation and electricity demands associated with the AI data center. The order would also have required Meta to reveal how the company arrived at investment projections for Hyperion.

08/19/2026

"We're all in."
Hard to believe it's been more than a decade since Neville hoisted that state championship trophy. Is this the year Neville finishes on top? Neville fans have to like what's being brought to the table:

2025 Record: 9-4

08/18/2026

"That state championship (last season) is still paying dividends."
The defending champs are up next. Ouachita has the most to replace of any parish squad going into this season. Leonard Ceaser III believes a new mindset will help the Lions:

2025 Record: 11-4

08/17/2026

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw endorsed on Monday Monroe Marshal Robert Cherry Jr. for re-election.

“I'm endorsing Marshal Robert Cherry, Jr. Marshal Cherry has spent over 20 years in the Marshal's Office and has the court security training and certifications to do the job right," Sheriff Marc Mashaw continued. "He's run a professional office, managed taxpayer money responsibly with clean audits, and maintained the public trust that is non-negotiable for anyone who runs a law enforcement agency. He's a proven leader.

08/17/2026

Devyn Downs showed out at the MLB All-American Game last week. Downs talked about his experience and why he's still choosing to play football his senior year:

Potential future top MLB draft picks shined in the 2026 MLB High School All-American Game as the National League edged the American League, 3-1, last Wednesday at the Field of

08/17/2026

It’s time. Our in-depth football previews begin with the Rebs. Nearly 2,000 words.
“I ain’t over it. I’ll never get over it.”
— OVERVIEW
— QUOTE OF THE SUMMER
— OFFENSE
— DEFENSE
— SCHEDULE OUTLOOK

2025 Record: 8-4