Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade Opens Registration for Participants
Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade Opens Registration for ParticipantsNATCHITOCHES, LA - September 17, 2025 - The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Committee is excited to announce that registration is now open for participants in the 2025 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade. This year marks the 99th year of the beloved Natchitoches Christmas Festival, and the parade will once again bring joy, lights, and festive cheer to the heart of Louisiana on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The
Ribbon-cutting for Northwestern State's $45M Alost Hall set for Friday, Oct. 3
Ribbon-cutting for Northwestern State's $45M Alost Hall for Friday, Oct. 3 NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will hold a ribbon-cutting for Dr. Alost Hall, the university's state-of-the-art academic hub that opened this semester. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 in conjunction with the university's Homecoming festivities. "This building represents the promise of Northwest State University," said NSU President James T. Genovese. "Dr. Robert Alost Hall stands as a commitment
Construction Underway on New Pet Adoption & Welfare Center in Natchitoches
Construction Underway on New Pet Adoption & Welfare Center in Natchitoches On a bustling stretch of Hwy 1 Bypass, construction crews are hard at work on a project that promises to transform animal care and community life for families throughout Natchitoches Parish. Rising from the foundation is a new community center for animal care and adoption, designed not only to provide lifesaving care for animals in need, but also to serve as a hub for families, volunteers, and the wider community. Guided by local
BPCC Theatre to Present An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe to Kick Off Spooky Season
BOSSIER CITY – Just in time to usher in the Halloween season, the Bossier Parish Community College Theatre Program and the Cavalier Players proudly announce their upcoming production of An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, adapted by Robert Mason. Performances will run Oct. 3–12 in the Stephen W. Slaughter Theatre, located inside Building C on BPCC’s Bossier Campus. Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, 4, 10 and 11, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 12. Audiences are invited to step
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Natchitoches Young Professionals Relaunch
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Natchitoches Young Professionals Relaunch with a Bold New Vision The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the complete relaunch of the Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP) program, marking a significant milestone in the group's ten-year history. Through a comprehensive strategic planning process, NYP has been redefined with a clear mission, vision, governance model, and robust programming designed to attract, retain, and develop young
Northwestern State University showcases innovation driving workforce growth at Rural Economic
Northwestern State University showcases innovation driving workforce growth at Rural Economic Development Summit NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University showcased its leadership in advancing rural workforce development through artificial intelligence, drone technology and advanced manufacturing at the Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit, hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana September 8-9 at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville. The summit brought together leaders in business,
Demons for Recovery offers extra support for college students healing from addiction
Demons for Recovery offers extra support for college students healing from addiction NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University students seeking support while navigating addiction recovery have an extra resource starting this semester. Demons for Recovery is one of Louisiana's newest collegiate recover programs (CPRs), a growing student resource that can be a lifesaver for students making the transition from a home environment to a college environment. NSU's Department of Psychology and Addiction
New Opportunity for Veteran Dependents at NPSB High Schools
New Opportunity for Veteran Dependents at NPSB High SchoolsNATCHITOCHES - The Natchitoches Parish School Board is proud to announce that Natchitoches Central High School and Lakeview High School have officially been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as instructional facilities. This designation allows eligible dependent children of veterans to access valuable Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits while still in high school, providing additional support for
NPSB Announces New Director of Finance
NPSB Announces New Director of FinanceNATCHITOCHES - The Natchitoches Parish School Board is proud to announce the appointment of Tammi Ritchie as the district's new Director of Finance. Ms. Ritchie is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with more than 20 years of experience in school system finance, bringing a wealth of expertise in financial procedures, budget preparation, grant accounting, and annual financial reporting. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong reputation for accuracy,
LSMSA Recognized with Seal of Biliteracy Award at BESE Meeting
LSMSA Recognized with Seal of Biliteracy Award at BESE Meeting NATCHITOCHES, La. - The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) was honored this summer at a Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting in Baton Rouge for its achievements in language education. Dr. John Littlejohn, Lecturer of German and Chair of the Language Department, accepted the Seal of Biliteracy Award on behalf of the school. The Louisiana Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating seniors who
Yale STORY Program to hold College Information Session at LSMSA, Open to ALL Cenla high school students
Yale STORY Program to hold College Information Session at LSMSA, Open to ALL Cenla high school students NATCHITOCHES - High school students and families in central Louisiana will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from some of the nation's top colleges and universities during the STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment and Yield) Information Session on Sunday, Sept. 14, presented by Yale University's Admissions Office. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. in Natchitoches and is free to
.jpg)
Northwestern State welcomes largest freshman class in four years, full housing for Fall 2025
Northwestern State Welcomes largest freshman class in four years, full housing for Fall 2025 NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University reported Fall 2025 enrollment at 8,402 students, highlighting steady progress in student engagements and academic quality. The university welcomed its largest freshman class in four years, a record number of transfer students, and full capacity in campus housing. This year's entering freshman class reflects a stronger academic profile, with the average ACT score rising
NSU Homecoming Oct. 3-4
NSU Homecoming Oct. 3-4 NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will celebrate Homecoming Oct. 3-4 with programs to honor alumni and students. This year's Homecoming festivities will take place in tandem with the 2025 Natchitoches Classic Car Show, affecting changes with the Homecoming parade and pep rally. Events will begin Friday, Oct. 3 with the Demon Brothers Booster Club's Homecoming Golf Scramble beginning at 8 a.m. at Northwestern Hills. Registration and information on sponsorships are
LSMSA Welcomes 136 New Students During 43rd Annual Matriculation Ceremony, 16 from Natchitoches
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) officially welcomed 136 new students during its 43rd annual Matriculation Ceremony held on Aug. 29. First-year LSMSA students from Natchitoches Parish include: Kimoni Ajise, Nathan Collinsworth, Shelby Eugene, Valentina Forkner, Myles Gabriel, Ethel Guidry, Pierce Hyams, Brian Lee, Josephine Longlois-Marney, Meenakshi Matta, Emmett Nelson, Evelyn Nicholson, Gabriel Parrie, Aleda Shirley, Riya Weber, and Kelsey Whitten.After gaining acceptance through
BPCC EXPANDS CULINARY TRAINING WITH NEW EVENING COHORT
BOSSIER CITY, La. – Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) will offer a new evening cohort for culinary students, beginning September 11, 2025. This fast-paced, flexible option is designed to support working individuals who are passionate about entering or advancing in the culinary and hospitality industries. The cohort will include the following courses:CULA 120 – Food Preparation PrinciplesCULA 125 – Basic Skills DevelopmentCULA 130 – The Hospitality Industry Students enrolled in these courses can
NSU will offer Remote Pilot Certification prep course
NSU will offer Remote Pilot Certification prep course NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will offer an in-person Remote Pilot Certification prep course, a comprehensive two-day, instructor-led workshop designed to prepare individuals for the FAA Remote Pilot Certification Exam. This course will take place Sept. 13-14 in Kyser Hall Room 107 at a cost of $250 and is open to professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, public safety personnel and anyone interested in legal and safe commercial drone
Announcing the 1st Annual Summer Show at Orville Hanchey Gallery
Announcing the 1st Annual Show at Orville Hanchey Gallery Northwestern State University of Louisiana's Fine + Graphic Arts program, in partnership with the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery, proudly presents the inaugural Summer Show at the Orville Hanchey Gallery on campus. Running from September 15 through October 5, 2025, this vibrant exhibition features an eclectic selection of 40 extraordinary pieces by 22 talented artists hailing from five different states. Juried by esteemed artist Bill Gingles,
LDOE Superintendent Visits M.R. Weaver Elementary
LDOE Superintendent Visits M.R. Weaver ElementaryNATCHITOCHES - The Natchitoches Parish School Board was honored to welcome Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley to M.R. Weaver Elementary School this morning. During his visit, Dr. Brumley toured the campus, observed classrooms in session, and met with Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi, Principal Armetrice Williams - a 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year Honoree - Board President Reba Phelps, and several other NPSB leaders. The visit
BPCC NATCHITOCHES ANNOUNCES OPENING OF PETULA HOLDEN STUDENT SALON
NATCHITOCHES – Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) announces the opening of the Petula Holden Student Salon at its Natchitoches campus, 6587 Highway 1 Bypass. Beginning Tuesday, August 19, the salon will provide the public with affordable, professional-quality services performed by BPCC Cosmetology students under licensed instructor supervision. The Petula Holden Student Salon (Room 115) will be open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am to 2pm and will offer a full range
