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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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March 27, 1941 — January 21, 2026

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Due to continued winter storm conditions and in coordination with guidance from the National Weather Service and local officials, all campuses of Northwestern State University will remain closed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This closure is a continuation of the university-wide closure in effect on Monday, January 26, 2026.

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remains our highest priority. Ongoing winter weather and the potential for hazardous travel and outdoor conditions continue to impact the region, and maintaining the campus closure reflects the university’s commitment to protecting the well-being of the Northwestern State community.

Campus Operations and Student Services
Residence halls will remain open for students who choose to remain on campus. Students staying on campus are expected to follow all university protocols and safety guidelines and to remain attentive to official communications.

Dining services will continue to operate on a modified schedule.

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St. Mary’s Catholic School is actively accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year for grades Pre-K through 12. As part of its commitment to making high-quality Catholic education accessible to more families, St. Mary’s offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including new and expanded programs for the upcoming school year.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance Highlights:

Arete Scholarship:

• Provides generous tuition support ranging from $4,400 to $4,950
• Designed to assist qualifying families based on household size and income
• Application Period: February 2 – April 15

ACE Scholarship:

• Need-based tuition assistance for qualifying families
• Application period: February 2 – July 26

Tuition Assistance for Current Families (TADS):

• Partial tuition grants designed to support existing St. Mary’s families
• Application Deadline: May 1

“At St. Mary’s, we are dedicated to providing a faith-centered education that empowers every child to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially,” said Stephen Wren, Principal. “Through our expanded financial aid and scholarship programs, we are excited to open the doors of opportunity to more families, ensuring that a St. Mary’s education remains accessible to all.”

How to Apply for Financial Aid:
Families interested in financial assistance are encouraged to visit http://www.smstigers.org and navigate to Admissions > Financial Aid to explore and apply for the available opportunities, including the Arete, ACE, and TADS programs.

Why Choose St. Mary’s Catholic School?

• Faith-Driven Academic Excellence: Offering a well-rounded education that integrates rigorous academics with Catholic values to inspire lifelong learning and moral leadership
• Small class sizes and personalized instruction
• Competitive Athletics Program: A wide range of sports offerings promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness
• A vibrant, safe community fostering academic, spiritual, and social development

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the St. Mary’s family. Enroll now to secure your spot for the 2026-2027 school year. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Debbie Norman at 352-8394 or dnorman@smstigers.org.

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Come join us at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the first biannual Natchitoches Community SPEAR Awards presented by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation and FLASH (Friends of Louisiana Sports & History). This event, which is free and open to the public, will recognize Natchitoches Central and St. Mary’s Fall 2025 playoff teams. There will be snacks and students are encouraged to show their school pride! The St. Mary’s program will start at 6:30 pm and the NCHS Program will start at 7 pm. For more information, visit the FLASH Facebook page or call 318-357-2492. The museum is located at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

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NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Northwestern State’s men’s basketball game originally scheduled for tonight at Stephen F. Austin has shifted from tonight to Tuesday afternoon as a result of the winter storm.

The Southland Conference contest at William R. Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches has been rescheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Despite the change in date and time, the matchup between the Demons and the conference-leading Lumberjacks will still be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network.

The postponement follows the decision to delay NSU’s scheduled Saturday home basketball doubleheader against East Texas A&M as Winter Storm Fern began to impact travel and campus operations across the region.

The Lady Demons will resume their schedule at home Thursday night against Nicholls on Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum.

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The LSU AgCenter will be offering cattle producers the opportunity to become certified Louisiana Master Cattlemen this spring. The Louisiana Master Cattleman Program was developed in 2004 to increase cattle producers’ knowledge of the cattle industry and help them become more profitable and productive. The Master Cattleman Program is a series of lectures held once a week in the evenings that cover topics including pasture management, animal health, nutrition, cattle handling, and economics of beef cattle operations. In addition to these topics, participants in the Master Cattleman Program will complete the Beef Quality Assurance Certification Program. Classes will be held at the Red River Parish Extension Office in Coushatta, LA. Lectures begin on Thursday, March 5, and will be held each Thursday night until May 7 from 6 P.M until 9 P.M. Evening meals will be provided. Tuition fees for this course are $225 per person and pre-registration is required. The deadline to register for this course is February 23. Space is limited so sign up soon. For more information on this course, please contact any of the following LSU AgCenter extension agents: Lee Faulk (318-245-4200), Joshua Salley (318-872-0533), or Randall Mallette (318-932-4342).

“It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability. If you need special assistance to participate in this course, please call 319-927-2578.”

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Embracing the spirit of Mardi Gras in Natchitoches Parish and beyond, the city’s newest Mardi Gras organization, Krewe of The 9, will host its inaugural Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, Jan. 31, rolling through downtown Natchitoches and the surrounding residential historic district.

Parade staging and lineup will take place in the parking lot of the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, located at 200 Church Street from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. The parade is scheduled to roll at noon.

The family-friendly parade will be led by grand marshal Bennie Logan, a Coushatta, Louisiana native and former NFL defensive tackle. Logan had an accomplished athletic career at Red River High School before playing college football at LSU. He was drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft and went on to play six seasons in the league with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans. The Eagles later went on to win the Super Bowl following his tenure with the team.

Following his professional football career, Logan transitioned into coaching and business. He recently joined longtime friend Marshall Faulk and his staff at Southern University and A&M College after Faulk was named head football coach in December. Logan currently serves as the Jaguars’ defensive line coach.

The parade will feature a mix of local and out-of-town entrants and will follow a route beginning at the staging area and traveling Church Street, Second Street, Texas Street, Fifth Street, and returning to Church Street.

Those interested in additional information or in entering the parade may contact kreweofthe9parade@gmail.com or call (318) 332-0414, (318) 521-4799, or (318) 332-8254.

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The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning motorists not to travel this evening, Jan. 25, due to hazardous road conditions. If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists are urged to use extreme caution and be alert for “black ice.”

Black ice is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on roadways, bridges, and overpasses when temperatures drop below freezing. Because it is difficult to see, drivers may not realize it is present until they begin to slide or lose control.

Deputies and the NATCOM 911 Center have responded to multiple reports of downed trees, limbs, and power lines throughout Natchitoches Parish today. Louisiana DOTD crews and the Parish Highway Department have been working continuously to clear roadways; however, some debris remains.
Additional trees and limbs may continue to fall due to the weight of accumulated ice.

Temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing this evening, causing areas that appeared to have melted earlier to refreeze. These conditions will increase the risk of black ice and roadway hazards.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to urge motorists not to travel unless it is absolutely essential due to dangerous conditions.

SWEPCO is currently reporting more than 4,000 power outages across the parish. 

Sheriff Stuart Wright commends motorists for reading and adhering to traffic advisories and exercising patience and caution during this weather event. He also recognizes the dedication and hard work of Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies, extra-duty deputies, NATCOM 911 Center operators, Louisiana DOTD, Town Marshals, and Natchitoches Parish Fire Districts for their continued assistance.

Deputies also remind residents to use caution when walking on icy surfaces, including steps, sidewalks, driveways, and porches. Wear shoes with good traction, walk slowly, and use handrails when available.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Natchitoches Office of Emergency Preparedness will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Your cooperation and caution are appreciated as we work together to keep our community safe.

NWS Shreveport has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Natchitoches Parish tonight with expected lows near 15 degrees.

Stay warm, don’t travel.

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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.

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The Cane River Waterway Commission has announced that the regular meeting scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, has been canceled due to projected winter weather. Officials cited safety concerns related to the forecast as the reason for the cancellation.

A new date for the meeting will be announced once conditions allow. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated through official Cane River Waterway Commission channels for further information.

Officials urge citizens to exercise caution and prioritize safety during the winter weather event.

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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.

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