The Cenla Report

12/31/2025

Luther W. Lott, Jr.
June 6, 1959 — December 28, 2025
Natchitoches

Luther “Buddy” Lott was born on June 6, 1959, and passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

Buddy lived in Natchitoches his entire life. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1977, and in 2011 he was inducted into the SMH Hall of Fame for his continued support of his Alma Mater. Buddy attended Northwestern State University and was a decades long time supporter of Demon Athletics and the NSU Demons Unlimited Foundation, providing support for all 14 men’s and women’s sports teams. In 2017 Buddy and his family established the Luther W. Lott, Sr., Memorial Scholarship, a perpetual four-year scholarship offered through the NSU Foundation. He was named to the Purple Line, a distinguished group of NSU alumni and supporters, in 2019. Buddy joined his father in the family business, Lott Oil Company, when he was still a teenager, and he learned the business from the ground up. He grew with the business as it continued to expand throughout Louisiana, eventually becoming president of the business, leading the company to the success it has reached today. In addition to running a company of over 500 employees, Buddy was a committed leader in the oil marketers industry, including serving on numerous state and national councils and boards. Buddy was so proud to welcome both of his children, Michael and Camille, to join him in the company in the past several years. Michael and Camille will continue to carry on the legacy Buddy has established at Lott Oil.

Buddy enjoyed spending time fishing in Natchitoches and hunting with dear friends and family members in West Texas. He also graciously hosted large family events at the camp in Natchitoches.

A recent highlight of Buddy’s life was becoming a grandfather. He found himself saying “Yes” to many more things when they were for Emery. Buddy was looking forward to becoming a grandfather for second time in May with the birth of Camille and Brandon’s son.

Buddy was preceded in death by his father Luther Lott, Sr., his mother Betty Self, his sister Martha Chapman, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Chris and George Mourad.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kim Mourad Lott, and their son Michael and wife Kelsy and granddaughter Emery, and daughter Camille Lott Donahue and husband Brandon, all of Natchitoches. Buddy is also survived by his stepmother Gwen Lott and her children Harry Hyams, David Hyams, and Katy Lyons. He is also survived by his Mourad family including Kalani Merrill, Renee Stewart, Kip and Jenny Mourad, and Kathy and Winky Newer and all their special kids and grandkids. Buddy was loved and will be remembered by so many friends and extended family members as well as loyal employees.

Buddy was an organ donor, and his death will allow others to live. In accordance to his wishes, Buddy was cremated. A celebration of Buddy’s wonderful life will be held Friday, January 2nd, at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches from 2:00-6:00 P. M. Serving as Buddy’s honorary pall bearers will be Mark Massia, Steve Crews, Steve Rachal, Kip Mourad, Winky Newer, Gary Moreland, John Ackle, and the Krewe of ‘77. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the NSU scholarships of your choice by following this link northwesternstatealumni.com or mailing NSU Foundation 535 University Parkway Natchitoches, LA 71457.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Buddy’s team of doctors and nurses at LSU Oschners not only for their care of Buddy but also for their kindness and compassion to his family.

12/31/2025

A Minneapolis-area daycare at the center of a Minnesota fraud investigation has corrected its misspelled “Quality Learing Center” sign after it went viral during reporting on alleged widespread fraud in the state.

via Fox News

12/31/2025

San Francisco Democrat mayor quietly signs reparations fund that could lead to $5M payments per person.

"The Reparations Plan outlines a variety of methods to provide restitution, compensation and rehabilitation to individuals who are Black and/or descendants of a chattel enslaved person and have experienced a proven harm in San Francisco," the ordinance reads, in part.

The ordinance specifically cites a 2023 policy report and recommendation document produced by the San Francisco African American Reparations Advisory Committee (AARAC), a city-appointed advisory committee.

12/31/2025

At least $1 billion in fraud has been uncovered, including fraudulent food, housing and child care payments, with warnings that the true figure could be $9 billion.

12/31/2025

NPSO Detectives Investigating Incident of Projectile Damaging Vehicle Traveling on U.S.-71 in Fairview Alpha Community

(Fairview Alpha)-In response to a recent article published by the Red River Parish Journal, detectives with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating reports of possible projectiles damaging vehicles traveling along U.S. Highway 71 in the Fairview Alpha community.

On Friday evening, December 26, 2025, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Louisiana State Police Troopers were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Louisiana Highway 6 in Clarence. Deputies responded after a motorist reported that the passenger-side glass of her vehicle had possibly been shot out while she was traveling on U.S. Highway 71 in the Fairview Alpha community.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the motorist, gathered preliminary information, and examined the vehicle for evidence. No injuries were reported. Deputies and Louisiana State Police troopers canvassed the surrounding area for possible suspects or additional evidence; however, no one was located.

An offense report was completed and forwarded to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau for further investigation.

Since that time, deputies have learned through community sources of other alleged incidents involving property damage in the Fairview Alpha area. To date, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office has received only one official report related to these incidents. The other alleged incidents have not been reported to law enforcement.

On Monday, detectives spent most of the afternoon talking to residents in the area attempting to gather information and leads in the investigation.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have been the victim of property damage while traveling on U.S. Highway 71 in the Fairview Alpha community within the past month to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851 or 318-352-6432.

This incident remains under investigation.

Case Agents:
Detective Captain Glen Sers
Detective Sergeant Thurman Baptiste
NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau
318-357-7851

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

The U.S. is poised to end 2025 with the largest one-year drop in homicides ever recorded, according to data.

12/31/2025

BDC Radio: Over the past 24 hours, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office reports 3 arrest(s). All persons accused of a crime are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Any questions about today’s arrest report should be directed to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318)-256-9241. Arrested were:

Spencer Horn, black, male, 56. Arrested on charges of manufacture/distribution/poss with intent to distribute CDS 2, second or subsequent offence. Arrested by SPSO.

Carlton Naquin, white, male, 36. Arrested on charges of domestic abuse battery. Arrested by ZPD.

Chester Sepulvado, white, male, 41. Arrested on charges of FTA warrant. Arrested by SPSO.

12/31/2025

Inbox: Acadian Ambulance begins EMS service in Sabine Parish

December 31, 2025 – Acadian Ambulance Service has officially begun 911 emergency response service in Sabine Parish. One ambulance began coverage at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, and the other two ambulances will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, January 1.

Acadian brings a fleet of 3 ambulances, 12 paramedics and 12 EMTs to its Sabine Parish operations. One of the ambulances is equipped to provide Critical Care Transport (CCT) capabilities with specialized paramedics, advanced ventilatory equipment, and capability for full hemodynamic monitoring.

Acadian’s local EMS operations are stationed in Zwolle and Florien.

“We have had great conversations with the local fire departments and police department, as well as hospital leadership, Chamber members, and other local organizations. We’re excited to be part of the community and begin providing service to these residents,” Regional Vice President Taylor Richard said.

Christian Dennis serves as operations manager for Sabine Parish. A native of Lake Charles, Dennis has been with Acadian Ambulance for nearly 10 years, previously working in the company’s Southwest Louisiana, Orleans, and Tennessee operations areas before becoming the operations manager for Central Louisiana.

As part of its commitment to long-term workforce development, Acadian Ambulance and its training division, the National EMS Academy, will offer local EMT classes with the first Central Louisiana class of 2026 held in Leesville. For more on Acadian’s training opportunities, visit www.BecomeAMedic.com.

Acadian reminds the public to continue to call 911 for emergencies. Facilities that would like to request non-emergency transportation for their patients should call Acadian at 800-259-1111.

About Acadian Ambulance Service:

Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and a member of the American Ambulance Association, dedicated to safeguarding the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. Its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.



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12/31/2025

Mutual Aid Wildland Fire!

At 1:21pm, Ward 6 Fire responded to a mutual aid request from Beauregard Parish Fire District 2 for a reported grass fire threatening structures.

12/31/2025

VIOLENCE IS VIOLENCE — AND IT’S NEVER OK