The Krewe of The 9 Mardi Gras parade originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31 is postponed due to forecasted inclement weather. Parade organizers announced the event is rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21.

Here’s my latest Q & A

About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

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Cold rain, sleet, snow, empty store shelves and persistent cold temperatures have made the past few days quite challenging for area residents. For our fellow citizens without adequate shelter or heat, the weather poses a deadly threat as rain worsens the effects of cold. Hypothermia and carbon monoxide have already claimed several lives in Louisiana.

The pastor and congregation of Natchitoches’ Trinity Episcopal Church saw a need and stepped in to fill it. Volunteers turned the church hall into a warming shelter where anyone is welcome to come in out of the cold. The church is also serving hot meals to anyone in need as well as helping with coats and blankets. Donations of coats for adults and children, sleeping bags and blankets have come in from residents and churches all over the city. It is truly a community effort.

In addition to Trinity Episcopal Church, the Red Cross is operating a warming shelter located at the Martin Luther King Recreational Center. The center is staffed by volunteers from the local area and from as far away as Baton Rouge. The center’s gym has been converted into a dormitory with cots and bedding.

One of the best things about living in a small town is that when trouble comes, so do your neighbors, ready to help. In a church hall and in a gym in Natchitoches, Louisiana, there is a microcosm of everything that is right and good about our country. People of every race and walk of life saw what needed to be done and came together to help their fellow Americans in need. On a bitterly cold night with freezing rain America was at its best.

Emergency responders were dispatched on Jan. 26 around 6:42 am to a reported mobile home fire in the 1800 block of Johnson Chute Road near Natchitoches. With temperatures around 24 degrees, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 6 responded to the scene after being notified by the NATCOM 911 Center. The incident remains under investigation, and the scene was still active at the time of the report.

No injuries were reported. Deputies said the family living in the mobile home was able to safely exit the residence. Additional family members arrived on scene, and the displaced family will shelter with relatives.

In light of cold weather conditions, officials are reminding residents to follow heating safety precautions to reduce the risk of fires. Authorities stress that candles should never be used for heat or light and should not be left unattended. Heating sources should be kept at least three feet away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and bedding.

Residents are encouraged to use space heaters equipped with automatic shut-off features and to place them on flat, stable surfaces. Space heaters should never be left unattended and should be turned off before sleeping or leaving a room. Officials also warn against using extension cords with space heaters, advising that they be plugged directly into wall outlets.

Additional safety guidance includes ensuring fireplaces and chimneys are clean and properly vented, using generators outdoors only and away from windows, doors, and vents, and never using ovens, grills, or outdoor heaters inside the home for warmth. Residents are also urged to install and maintain working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and to check on elderly neighbors or those who may need assistance during extreme cold.

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested a juvenile for a theft involving a firearm that occurred last week in the 200 block of Willow Bend Drive. NPD officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Willow Bend Drive on Jan. 23 around 7:20 pm in reference to a firearm theft. Upon officers’ arrival they made contact with the victim who was able to provide video surveillance of the theft and the identity of the juvenile offender.

Officers were able to locate the juvenile, and he was placed under arrest without incident. The juvenile was brought to the Natchitoches Police Department where he was read his Miranda Rights in the presence of his mother and admitted to committing the theft.

The juvenile has been charged with theft of a firearm and was transported to a juvenile facility in Jackson Parish.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

UPDATE: January 27, 2025 at 5am

CLOSURES:

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that its administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to winter weather conditions. Communications and patrol operations will continue to operate as normal. In case of an emergency, residents are advised to dial 911. For non-emergency assistance, the Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 318-352-6432 or 318-357-7851.

Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) customer service centers in Natchitoches Parish will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to winter weather. State officials advise residents to monitor official OMV communication channels for updates on reopening and rescheduled services.

Northwestern State University will close all campuses on Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to anticipated winter storm conditions, with the decision made in coordination with the National Weather Service and local officials. Residence halls will remain open with limited services operating, and updates will be provided through official university communication channels.

All Natchitoches Parish School Board schools will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to inclement winter weather. 

All parish bin sites will be closed parishwide from Jan. 25-27, due to inclement weather, with reopening scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Bossier Parish Community College campuses in Bossier, Natchitoches, and Many will be closed Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27, in anticipation of winter weather conditions expected to impact our region.

Parish offices and the parish courthouse will also be closed Monday, Jan. 26 and Tuesday, Jan. 27 and will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Due to forecasted sub-freezing temperatures and icy travel conditions, the Office of the Clerk of Court and all divisions of the Tenth Judicial District Court in Natchitoches Parish will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 27. All court proceedings scheduled for those days will be continued and reset by the court, and any filing deadlines or time-sensitive matters falling on those dates are extended to Wednesday, Jan. 28. The court is scheduled to reopen for regular business at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.

City Court will be closed Monday and Tuesday (Jan. 26-27) to anticipated sub-freezing temperatures and hazardous travel conditions. All scheduled proceedings during the closure will be postponed, and the court is expected to resume normal operations later in the week, weather permitting.

OPENINGS:

Due to expected severe winter weather, LSMSA will reopen on Monday, Feb. 2.

City of Natchitoches will reopen.

The NSU Wellness, Recreation, Activity Center (WRAC) will be open Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 8 am – 8 pm.  The WRAC will resume normal hours of operation on Wednesday, Jan. 28. 

RESCHEDULED MEETINGS/EVENTS

The City Council meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the usual location. 

The Northwestern State Lady Demons’ women’s tennis match against UL Lafayette scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, has been postponed due to inclement weather and rescheduled for March 11 at 4:45 p.m. in Lafayette. Additional schedule changes remain possible as weather conditions continue to be monitored.

The City of Natchitoches announced that all City offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and resume regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

City officials also confirmed that the shelter located at the Martin Luther King (MLK) Recreation Center will close at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

The announcement follows recent inclement weather that prompted closures and the activation of emergency services. City officials expressed appreciation for essential personnel, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Utilities, and other critical staff, for their continued service to the community during the weather event.

Residents were also thanked for their patience and cooperation. City officials encouraged the public to continue taking appropriate precautions as weather conditions improve.

NPSB RFP Category 2 Products and Services

Bids/Proposals will be accepted until February 3, 2026 1:00 p.m. and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 PM in the School Board’s Central Office, 310 Royal Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71457-5709. Please find bid-related documents at WWW.CENTRALBIDDING.COM  Bids/Proposals received after the date and time of opening will not be considered. Facsimile transmissions will not be considered. Additional information may be obtained upon request by contacting Jordan Rowell,

Purchasing Coordinator, at Jordan.Rowell@npsb.la or 318-352-2358, Ext. 6373, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bids may be mailed in or dropped off at 310 Royal Street address. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

1/12//26, 1/19/26 & 1/27/26

NPSB Notice of Advertising for Bid Signed letter.

Blowing off some steam on a frigid winter afternoon:

“Can you imagine,” a friend asked, “if there was a professional portal for the best educators? Absolutely illogical if one looks at this objectively and what’s the true mission of a university.”

We all know how crazy it is that college athletes now – not just major college coaches – make millions more than professors and instructors at the same schools. This is because of a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that allows NCAA athletes – mostly at the top-tier levels —  to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL). They can get endorsement deals, sponsorships, and direct compensation, mostly in football and basketball and some high-profile individual sports.

It changed big-time college sports into a minor league sports conglomerate fueled by wealthy donors, massive TV deals, and brand partnerships. 

 And, yes, this is illogical if one considers the mission of a university.

LSU’s mission statement, for example: “To cultivate transformational leaders and generate impactful research that enhances individual, organizational, and societal well-being through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and community engagement.”

Maybe we should edit or translate that to: “To do whatever it takes financially to hire successful coaches and talented portal athletes who project to becoming All-Americans and social media stars, thereby generating more revenue and a broader fan base and interest in the university.”

For some perspective as to how we got here, recall the comment legendary Alabama football coach Bear Bryant said many years ago when asked by a school professor why Coach Bryant made so much more ($200,000/year) than he did.

“If you got 50,000 people to watch your math class,” Bryant reportedly said, “you’d get $200,000, too.” 

On other things …

“The only thing I can talk about is the cold,” wrote William Saroyan in his popular short story, “A Cold Day,” “because it is the only thing going on today.”

That’s the way I feel working on this column at a time when most of our state and the Southern region is enduring a severe winter attack, with some quipping it might’ve been launched this way by Greenland.

“If you can’t write a decent short story because of the cold,” wrote Saroyan, “write something else. Write anything. Write a long letter to somebody.”

My hands and feet are cold and my breath is cold, so maybe I can write about things that raise the temp.

Sunday’s AFC Championship game was a low-scoring, miserable game in the driving Denver snow. That was not a test of talent as much as it was a test of grit and survival. There were four missed field goals in the game, two by each team. Former Saints kicker Wil Lutz missed two for Denver, with one, from 45 yards, being blocked. Andy Borregales missed two for the New England Patriots from 46 and 63 yards.

Watching that snow-slog made an already cold day seem colder.

Louisiana Super connections …

LSU will have five former players in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in presumably balmy Santa Clara, California.

Four will play for the New England Patriots: offensive tackle Will Campbell, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and pass rushers K’Lavon Chaisson and Bradyn Swinson. One will play for the Seattle Seahawks: guard Anthony Bradford.

Bradford, 24, is a 6-4, 355-pound native of Muskegon, Michigan who played at LSU from 2019-22. He helped the Tigers rebound from a down season in 2021 with a 10-win season in ’22 and a berth in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

The 6-6, 319-pound Campbell, the fourth overall NFL Draft pick from Monroe/Neville High School in last year’s NFL Draft, has lived up to his billing in his rookie NFL season. He is an offensive line legacy, being the son of Brian “Bull” Campbell, who played on the offensive line for East Texas State, which now goes by East Texas A&M University, still located in Commerce.

Boutte, from New Iberia, didn’t get drafted until the sixth round of the 2023 draft. He’s had a solid season for the Patriots with 33 catches for 551 yards and 6 touchdowns. He may be best remembered at LSU for setting an SEC record for receiving yards in a game, with 308 yards on 14 catches, with three touchdowns, against Ole Miss in 2020.

Swinson, 21, is a 6-4, 255-pound native of Douglasville, Georgia, who was a 5^th-round pick in last year’s draft, and the 6-3, 255-pound Chaisson is a Houston native who was the 20^th overall first-round pick (Jacksonville) in the 2020 draft. He wore the prestigious No. 18 jersey at LSU, being recognized as a special team leader. Chaisson rose to legendary status as a senior at Houston’s North Grove High School, when he was named the defensive MVP of Texas’ Class 6A state championship game against Austin’s Westlake High School. He had 2 sacks, 4 tackles behind the line, a blocked kick, a forced fumble and a game-saving tackle on 4^th-and-goal in a 21-14 victory.

Former Louisiana Tech star Milton Williams is hoping to extend his Super Bowl LIX luck from last year, when the 6-3, 290-pound defensive tackle from Crowley, Texas played for the winning Philadelphia Eagles at the Superdome. Williams, who had two sacks and forced and recovered a fumble in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over the Chiefs, signed with New England as a free agent after last season.

‘As well’  …

Finally, since weather has been on the minds of so many of late, brace yourself — in any town in the state or country — for hearing many, many times on the TV weather report two words from the meteorologists or weather readers – “as well.”

It’s as if they are instructed to say “as well” – at a bare minimum — a half-dozen times in each broadcast. Or be fired.

Personally, I much prefer when they report “all is well” with the weather.

Participants in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program were recognized for completing the course during a graduation ceremony held at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on Jan. 22.

The program focuses on emergency preparedness, teamwork, and basic response skills designed to assist during emergencies and disasters. Officials said the graduates demonstrated dedication and commitment throughout the training process.

Detention center officials expressed pride in the participants’ accomplishments and noted that the skills gained through CERT training promote preparedness, responsibility, and service.

The graduation marked the successful completion of the program, with officials thanking all involved for their efforts and contributions to the training initiative.

Yujun (June) Yao, was selected to be the concertmaster of the Louisiana Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra which convened in New Orleans over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

“Being the concertmaster of the All-State Orchestra was the culmination of every tireless hour of practice I have dedicated to my violin. It is an incredible honor to lead such a talented ensemble and turn all my hard work into a performance the audience could enjoy and appreciate.” – Yujun Yao, NCHS sophomore

Under the direction of Dr. Gene Moon, Director of Orchestral Studies at California Baptist University, June led an ensemble comprised of over one hundred of the best string and wind players in the state.

“Being selected as concertmaster of the All-State Orchestra is very prestigious for high-school violinists in our state. It is the first time this century that a Natchitoches Central student has been awarded this position, and it might be the first time ever. “ -Lincoln Hall, NCHS Orchestra Director

Originally self-taught, June learned how to play by imitating violinists on YouTube. Her formal violin instruction began in the NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra and continues in the Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra.

“June joined the NSU Middle Lab Orchestra in the 7th grade, displaying advanced techniques beyond her age level. Her ability inspired her peers to work harder. She was one of the most dedicated students in the ensemble.” -Katrice LaCour, NSU Middle Lab Orchestra Director

Since becoming a high school student, June has also studied privately with Northwestern State University violin professor, Dr. Andrej Kurti.

“June is very talented, both technically and musically. She has a strong desire to explore and improve her abilities. She is very pleasant to work with and has a bright future awaiting.” -Dr. Andrej Kurti, Professor of Violin, NSU

June’s story is not only a testament to hard work and dedication, but also to courage and resiliency when confronted with adversity. Her father, Bingkun Yao, unexpectedly passed away in January 2025 when June was playing in last year’s All-State Orchestra, where she earned the assistant concertmaster position as a freshman. June left the ensemble on its first day of rehearsal to be with her family.

One year later, she returned to the All-State Orchestra and earned the most respected seat in the ensemble.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Northwestern State men’s basketball team returns to action this afternoon with a nationally televised Southland Conference matchup against league-leading Stephen F. Austin inside William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Tipoff is set for 3 p.m., with the game telecast airing live on CBS Sports Network. Radio coverage will be available on the Demon Sports Network, flagship station 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches.

The Demons (6-13, 4-6) arrive in Nacogdoches a day later than scheduled following two postponements, starting with their scheduled Saturday home contest against East Texas A&M, because of Winter Storm Fern.

Northwestern will play for the first time in eight days. The Demons endured a challenging weekend on the road, dropping back-to-back games at UIW on Jan. 17 and Houston Christian on Jan. 19, both in the final seconds.

The loss at UIW came when Tahj Staveskie converted game-winning free throws with 1.4 seconds remaining, while HCU sealed its win two days later on a Kylin Green layup with four seconds left. The previous weekend, NSU won a pair of home games in equally dramatic style.

Despite the 0-2 road swing, the Demons’ veteran leaders delivered strong performances. Seniors Micah Thomas and Willie Williams paced the offense, with Thomas averaging 17 points per game and Williams posting 16.5 points per contest across the two outings.

Today’s contest is the second meeting between the longtime rivals this season.

Stephen F. Austin claimed a 74–64 win on New Year’s Eve afternoon at Prather Coliseum, holding Northwestern to 41 percent shooting from the field and 23.5 percent from 3-point range. Junior Chris Mubiru and Thomas combined for 29 points in the loss.

“They’ve been handling business,” Northwestern head coach Rick Cabrera said. “They’re very balanced on both ends of the floor, but what probably doesn’t get talked about enough is how well they defend. Their defensive numbers are really, really good.”

The Lumberjacks (17-3, 10-1) have a five-game winning streak and stand as one of just two Southland Conference teams undefeated at home, along with second-place McNeese.

SFA is led by senior guard Keon Thompson, a two-time Southland Player of the Week who averages 17.4 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.

As a team, Stephen F. Austin leads the Southland Conference in scoring offense (83.5 points per game) and 3-pointers made per game (11.0), using pace and perimeter shooting to set the tone.

“We had our moments to keep it a possession game the first time,” Cabrera said. “But they made some big-time plays and big-time shots, and we didn’t capitalize.

“It’s good to get them a second time around and try to redeem ourselves,” Cabrera said. “I think we can go into any game in this conference and win if we’re locked in defensively.”

Meet Lucy Lane! At just over one year old, Lucy is a beautiful, sweet, enthusiastic girl who is still learning about the world around her. She’s at an age where she hopes to be discovering life from the comfort of a loving home, not growing up in a shelter environment.

Lucy is smart and eager to please, already knowing the sit command and kennel trained. Starting with a young dog like Lucy Lane offers a wonderful opportunity to continue training and help her grow into a confident, well-mannered companion. She does well with other dogs and would enjoy having a canine friend, but she’s just as happy soaking up affection and companionship from her people. With her big brown eyes and expressive face, Lucy turns heads wherever she goes!

This young girl has so much potential and love to give, she just needs the chance to show it. She is hoping for an active family who will give her all of the fun and affection she deserves. If you’re looking to make a difference in a young dog’s life and gain a loyal, loving companion in return, Lucy Lane is ready to meet you.

For more information about fostering or adopting Lucy Lane, please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit the website at NPFauna.org

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches held its weekly meeting on January 22, 2026, featuring a presentation from Craig Sylvia that spotlighted several community-focused programs aimed at supporting youth, families, and personal development.

Sylvia shared insights into the work of Light City Martial Arts, The Gate Outreach, and the Light City Afterschool Program, each of which plays a role in promoting positive growth and stability within the community. Light City Martial Arts offers training for both youth and adults, focusing on discipline, respect, confidence, perseverance, physical fitness, and self-defense skills.

The Light City Afterschool Program provides children with a safe and structured environment after school hours. The program is designed to help participants develop social skills, teamwork, confidence, and emotional stability while encouraging healthy routines and positive habits.

Sylvia also discussed The Gate Outreach, a faith-based organization centered on mental, spiritual, and community growth. The organization’s mission includes reconnecting individuals and families with God, offering encouragement and healing, and promoting positive life choices throughout the community.

Kiwanis members expressed appreciation for Sylvia’s presentation and the impact of the programs he represents. The club emphasized its continued commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the community and invest in the well-being of future generations.

Those pictured at the meeting included, from left to right, Kiwanis member Jerald Kompelien, presenter Craig Sylvia, and Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches President Tiffany Woods.

March 27, 1941 — January 21, 2026

Bossier Parish

• LA 154 in both directions from Houghton Rd. to Lakeview Circle (Lake Bistineau Bridge)
• LA 3 overpass over the KCS railroad tracks in both directions

Caddo Parish

• Greenwood Rest Area (located along I-20 east at mile marker 2)
• I-220 east ramp to I-49 north
• I-49 south ramp to I-220 east
• I-49 north from LA 526 to I-20
• I-49 south from I-20 to LA 3132
• LA 3132 west ramp to I-49 south

Rapides Parish

• LA 8; Richard Thompson Memorial Bridge (Boyce Bridge) Rapides & Grant Parishes

Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. 

Contact
District 08 Emergency Operation Center
(318) 561-5233

Due to hazardous road conditions, families still without power, and continued cold temperatures preventing ice from melting quickly, and in coordination with guidance from the National Weather Service, all NPSB schools and offices will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. and the Natchitoches City Council have announced that the regularly scheduled City Council meeting set for Monday, Jan. 26 is postponed due to anticipated inclement weather.

City officials cited safety concerns related to weather conditions as the reason for the postponement. The meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at its usual location, unless otherwise announced. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official City of Natchitoches communication channels for any additional updates or changes.

City officials thank the public for their understanding and encourage citizens to prioritize safety during the winter weather event.