Library Sets Free September Programs for All Ages
The Natchitoches Parish Library has scheduled free programs for children, teens and adults in early September at its Main Branch and Northeast Branch in Campti. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Main Branch hosts a needle felting class for adults at 6 p.m., a painting program for children ages 9 to 12 at 6 p.m., and teen game night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Belly dancing classes for teens and adults begin Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6:15 p.m. and continue weekly through October, ending with a performance at Witch Way to Main Street. Pokeno for adults is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Northeast Branch in Campti. Ongoing weekly programs include story time for young children and caregivers Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Spanish classes for adults Wednesdays at 6 p.m., both at the Main Branch.
America 250 Celebration Set for Sept. 26 at Fort St. Jean Baptiste
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site and the Cane River Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will hold an America 250 celebration at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the fort, 155 Jefferson St. The program includes the Natchitoches Central High School JROTC, patriotic music, a flag folding ceremony, a reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and tours of the American and Catholic cemeteries. Admission is free for ages 6 and under, $6 for ages 7 to 61 and $4 for ages 62 and older. Parking is available at the Riverside Reserve lot. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic basket.
NSU Part-Time Job Fair Set for Sept. 15
Northwestern State University’s Career Center will host its annual Part-Time Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. The fair connects students of all majors and classifications with local employers offering part-time jobs, internships and flexible schedules. Scheduled employers include RoyOMartin, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, BOM Bank and Cane River National Heritage Area. Students register through Handshake. Employers may register through Sept. 8. Information is available from Job Location and Development Officer Natalie Mangandi at mangandin@nsula.edu.
STEM Day Registration Open for High School Students
Northwestern State University’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will host NSU STEM Day from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 25, on the Natchitoches campus. The event is open to students in grades 9 through 12 interested in STEM fields and related careers and includes hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to meet STEM faculty and students. Registration is open through Sept. 20 at nsula.formstack.com/forms/nsustemday.
Ten Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot
Louisiana voters will decide 10 proposed constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot, alongside the parish, municipal and judicial races for which qualifying closed Aug. 7. Amendment text and ballot language are available through the Secretary of State’s office and the Legislature.
August Brought 11 Straight Days Above 100 Degrees
A high pressure dome that moved from Oklahoma across North Texas into North Louisiana produced 11 consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures in the Natchitoches area during August. The heat coincided with the burn ban that remains in effect across much of the region and with the extended dry conditions behind it.
ROAD CLOSURE: U.S. 84 at Bourbeaux Bayou
U.S. 84 over Bourbeaux Bayou, just east of the Village of Clarence, remains closed until further notice. DOTD said the condition and size of the box culvert require the roadway to stay closed for the safety of the traveling public. The department is developing a contract and seeking emergency funding to allow a contractor to replace the existing culvert with a new structure. Motorists should prepare for an ongoing closure and detour. DOTD said a more definitive timeline will be provided once available.