No Trick: Library Offers Free Halloween Costume Checkout
Natchitoches, LA, October 9, 2025 - The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is excited to once again offer its popular Halloween costume checkout program this October, giving families and individuals the chance to enjoy the holiday without the extra expense. Costumes for all ages, from whimsical to spooky, are available at the Main Branch in Natchitoches and the Northeast Branch in Campti. Adult patrons may check out up to two costumes per card for up to six weeks. Costumes are available on a first-come,
LSMSA soars in 2026 Niche rankings
NATCHITOCHES - The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) has once again been recognized among the nation's elite in the newly released 2026 Niche.com rankings, earning an overall grade of A+ and improving in every major category from the previous year. In the national report, LSMSA was ranked #2 of 19,115 schools for Best Public High School Teachers in America and #46 of 20,262 for Best Public High Schools in America, placing the school in the top fraction of a percent nationwide. In
NSU celebrates opening of Alost Hall, new $45 M academic building
NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University and President James Genovese hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 3 in the atrium of Robert Alost Hall, the 73,200-square-foot academic building that opened this semester. Administrators from NSU and the University of Louisiana System, the Alost family, former presidents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, public servants and legislative partners were on hand for the ribbon-cutting that was scheduled as part of Homecoming festivities. The state-of-the-art
Exploration Day: LSMSA opens campus to future Eagles on October 13
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA), the state-supported residential high school for academically motivated Louisiana sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will host its next Exploration Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, October 13. Exploration Days - often scheduled to coincide with public school holidays - are "open house" -style events where prospective students and their families can tour campus, explore LSMSA's one-of-a-kind Living/Learning Commons, attend classes, and meet
Fine ForGIVING Returns to the Library in 2025
Natchitoches, LA, October 1, 2025 - The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is excited to announce the return of its annual "Fine ForGIVING" program, running October through December. This initiative offers patrons the chance to reduce their library fines while giving back to the community during the holiday season. Through Fine ForGIVING, patrons can donate items in exchange for fine reductions, with all donations benefiting local organizations. Even if you don't have fines, you are encouraged to join in.
Museum Open for LHSSA Visitors with screening of the documentary ''The Ragin' 13''
The Museum will be open special hours on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 4:00-7:00pm to give the LHSAA Cross Country State Championship participants and their families time to visit while in town. The museum recognizes nearly 500 Louisiana sports icons and ambassadors as well as providing a broad overview about the origin of our region's distinctive regional culture. At 5:00pm there will be a showing of the award-winning documentary "The Ragin'13." The University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Women's Resource Center Announces ''Fill the Boutique Challenge''
As we enter this season of gratitude and giving, the Women's Resource Center of Natchitoches invites you to join us in our "Fill the Boutique Challenge" - a month-long community effort to bless local families and restock our Baby Boutique with essential items for mothers and babies in need. Throughout November 2025, churches, civic groups, businesses, and campus organizations will collect baby items to help us serve the hundreds of women who turn to the WRC each year for compassionate care, parenting
.jpg)
Honoring History, Family, and Country
Honoring History, Family, and CountryNatchitoches, Louisiana - BOM Bank President & CEO Ken Hale, along with his children and BOM Bank employees Ragan and Brake Hale, and Board Members Kay Foshee and Leanne Foreman, and Kay's granddaughter, Thea Foshee are pictured with the American flag that once flew over our Montgomery branch in the 1940s - before Alaska and Hawaii become states. This treasured flag has now been carefully framed to preserve it for generations to come. For our BOM Bank family, this flag
Golden Lens Contest Showcases Northwest Louisiana Through Photography
Photographers across Northwest Louisiana are once again invited to share their perspective on the region as the Golden Lens Photography Contest returns for its fourth year. The community-wide competition, hosted in partnership by the Prize Foundation and Bossier Parish Community College, highlights the culture, creativity and spirit that define Shreveport and Bossier City. From Sept. 27 through Oct. 19, photographers of all skill levels may submit original images that celebrate life in Caddo and Bossier
New England schools are failing. Time to take a lesson from Louisiana and Mississippi.
Ten years ago, New England's public schools were the envy of the country. On the Nation's Report Card, Massachusetts students led the United States across ages, subjects, and most demographic groups, despite wide achievement gaps. Vermont and New Hampshire were near the top. Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maine were in the middle of the pack. On the other end of the spectrum, states in the Deep South, riven by poverty and the legacy of segregation and slavery, sat at the bottom. "Thank God for
Northwestern State University earns top spot in Louisiana in U.S. News 2026 Best Colleges Rankings
Northwestern State University earns top spot in Louisiana in U.S. News 2026 Best Colleges Rankings NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University of Louisiana has earned top honors in the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings, including the distinction of being the No. 1 Top Public Schools among Regional Universities in the South. This year's Best Colleges rankings highlight Northwestern State University's strong academic performance, student success and growing reputation. The
NSU, FAUNA will host Paws for a Cause Week to support animal welfare and student learning
NSU, FAUNA will host Paws for a Cause Week to support animal welfare and student learning NATCHITOCHES – Paws for a Cause Week kicks off at Northwestern State University Monday, Oct. 13, launching a week of “compassion, education, and community action to support animal welfare in Natchitoches and beyond,” according to organizers. The week will include pet therapy, speakers, the 12th annual Farm to Table fund raiser dinner and other activities to engage the community and bring awareness to animal
NSU and Natchitoches Chamber partner to connect students, alumni and employers through Handshake
NSU and Natchitoches Chamber partner to connect students, alumni and employers through Handshake NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University's Career Center, the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement and the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce have partnered to expand career connections for students and alumni through Handshake, the nation's leading early talent network. Handshake is a three-sided marketplace linking students, universities and employers. Serving as the official
North Louisiana PBM Giant Liviniti Wins $390 Million State Contract in Major Business Victory
North Louisiana PBM Giant Liviniti Wins $390 Million State Contract in Major Business Victory In a significant win for North Louisiana's business community, Liviniti, the innovative pharmacy benefit management company headquartered in Natchitoches, has secured a substantial $390 million contract with the state of Louisiana. The Louisiana Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget approved the emergency contract this week, positioning Liviniti to manage pharmacy benefits for the state's commercial employee
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,
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
