Natchitoches Parish residents should prepare for continued cold conditions and periods of freezing fog through the end of the week, followed by a slow warming trend early next week.

Patchy freezing fog is expected Wednesday morning before skies turn mostly sunny. High temperatures will reach around 50 degrees, with northwest winds near 5 mph.

Wednesday night will remain cold, with partly cloudy skies becoming mostly cloudy overnight. Patchy freezing fog is expected in the evening, developing into areas of freezing fog after midnight. Overnight lows will fall into the mid-20s, with light winds.

On Thursday, patchy freezing fog is again possible during the morning hours before conditions become partly cloudy. Highs will climb into the mid-50s with light south winds. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy and cold, with lows dropping into the lower 30s. Winds will shift from southwest to northwest after midnight.

Cooler temperatures return Friday under mostly cloudy skies, with afternoon highs in the mid-40s. Friday night will be colder, with partly cloudy skies and lows near 20 degrees.

Saturday will be mostly sunny but cold, with highs in the mid-30s. Clear conditions Saturday night will allow temperatures to fall again near 20 degrees. Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies with highs in the lower 40s, followed by clear and cold conditions Sunday night with lows in the mid-20s.

A gradual warming trend begins Monday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the lower 50s. Partly cloudy conditions will continue Monday night into Tuesday, with overnight lows around 30 degrees and daytime highs reaching the upper 50s.

Residents are encouraged to use caution during early morning travel due to freezing fog and to protect pets, plants, and exposed pipes during the continued stretch of cold weather.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board has announced that Lakeview Junior and Senior High School will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 28 due to a water service outage affecting the town of Campti.

According to school officials, there is currently no estimated time for water service to be restored. The closure was deemed necessary to ensure the health and safety of students and staff.

All other Natchitoches Parish School Board schools will remain open and operate on a regular schedule.

The school board said it will provide an update on Wednesday regarding the status of water service and any potential impact on school operations for Thursday, Jan. 29. Officials apologized for the inconvenience and thanked families for their patience and understanding.

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Due to hazardous icy street conditions, Waste Connections was unable to complete trash collection on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Officials announced that regular trash pickup will resume Wednesday, Jan. 28 with crews operating on the normal Wednesday route. Customers whose service was missed on Monday and Tuesday will have their trash collected next week on their regularly scheduled pickup days.

Residents are thanked for their patience and understanding as crews prioritize safety while navigating winter weather conditions. The public is encouraged to continue using caution and staying safe as cleanup operations resume.

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Following the recent winter weather event and after continued coordination with the National Weather Service and local officials, Northwestern State University will resume normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Due to ongoing winter conditions, the NSU Shreveport Campus and NSU at Barksdale Air Force Base will remain closed.

The decision to reopen reflects improving conditions across the region and careful evaluation of travel and campus safety considerations. The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remains our highest priority, and the university will continue to monitor conditions as operations resume.

Safety Guidance While conditions have improved, members of the university community are encouraged to continue exercising caution, particularly during morning travel. Students traveling from outside the area or longer distances should use discretion and allow additional time for travel. Students who are unable to return to campus or attend class are encouraged to contact their professors or academic advisors as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Faculty and staff who are unable to safely travel are encouraged to work directly with their supervisors to discuss individual circumstances.

Be alert for any remaining icy patches on roads, sidewalks, and parking areas, dress appropriately for cold temperatures, and take reasonable steps to protect personal safety.

Campus Operations and Student Services Academic and administrative operations will resume on Wednesday as the university returns to normal operations. Classes will be held as scheduled, and faculty and staff will return to their regular work schedules, with appropriate flexibility for travel-related concerns.

Dining services will also return to normal schedules. Students and members of the campus community are encouraged to continue monitoring official university communications and dining services channels for any service-specific updates as operations fully resume.

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January 28, 1986, stands as one of the darkest days in the history of space exploration. Just 73 seconds after liftoff, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all seven crew members and shocking viewers around the world.

The mission had drawn unprecedented public attention due to the presence of Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire schoolteacher selected to become the first civilian educator in space. Millions of students watched the launch live in classrooms, making the tragedy especially traumatic for a generation of Americans.

Investigations later determined that the disaster was caused by the failure of O-ring seals in one of the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters. Cold temperatures on the morning of the launch compromised the seals, allowing hot gases to escape and ultimately leading to structural failure. Evidence revealed that engineers had raised concerns about the risks, but those warnings were not acted upon.

In the aftermath, NASA grounded the shuttle fleet and launched an extensive review of its procedures, management culture, and safety protocols. The Rogers Commission’s findings led to significant changes within the agency, emphasizing the importance of engineering judgment and transparency in decision-making.

The Challenger disaster reshaped public perception of space travel, underscoring the inherent risks of exploration. Memorials, scholarships, and educational programs were established in honor of the crew, ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations.

January 28 serves as a solemn reminder that progress often comes at great cost. The lessons learned from Challenger continue to influence aerospace safety and remind the nation of the human lives behind scientific ambition.

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Louisiana Christian University has announced the appointment of Dr. Marcia Hardy as the new dean of the Ray and Dorothy Young School of Business and the Martin MBA program, a move that brings a familiar name back into regional academic leadership circles.

Hardy previously served as a professor of business administration and management at Northwestern State University, where she taught in the College of Business and Technology. 

Hardy holds a Ph.D. from the University of California–Los Angeles, with specialization in management from the Anderson School of Management and research and evaluation from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education. Her doctoral research focused on the success factors of entrepreneurship. She also completed Ph.D. certification through the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in organizational leadership, strategic management, and planning.

Her academic background includes a master’s degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans. Hardy also holds a certification in artificial intelligence and business strategy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with national certifications in Quality Matters, Google Analytics, and negotiation and leadership from Harvard Law School.

At LCU, Hardy said her initial focus will be on listening, learning, and building trust across the university community.

She said she plans to evaluate both undergraduate and graduate programs, engage with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners, and identify areas of strength and opportunity. Hardy noted that expanding experiential learning, internships, applied projects, and mentoring opportunities will be a priority, along with strengthening enrollment and partnerships with the business community.

Hardy also emphasized the role of values-based education, stating that Christian business education should prepare graduates who are skilled and competent while also being ethical and purpose-driven leaders.

LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson said Hardy’s appointment aligns with the university’s vision for graduate education and workforce development, emphasizing personal formation alongside professional preparation. He noted that her background in entrepreneurship, organizational leadership, and emerging technologies positions the university to expand its impact across Louisiana.

Hardy is the author of the book EDI: A Guide to Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Commerce Applications and has published dozens of journal articles. She has delivered professional presentations at the local, state, and national levels and has received multiple awards for teaching and service, including a legislative award from the U.S. Department of Defense for leadership and dedication.

She currently serves as international president-elect of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International

Scholars, which includes more than 200 chapters worldwide.
In addition to her academic career, Hardy has experience as a business owner and community leader.

She has served as co-founder and president of McLure, Moynihan Inc. in California, CEO and owner of The Nest Wellness Spa & Wellness Center, and recently as chairman of the United Way of Central Louisiana. She is also active at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Henry Robertson said Hardy’s experience and scholarship will strengthen the Young School of Business and its MBA program, noting her commitment to student success and academic excellence.

Hardy said her combined experience in academia, business, and community leadership allows her to bridge theory and practice while preparing students to lead with integrity and purpose in the business world.

Note: Dr. Marcia Hardy was a former professor in the College of Business and Technology and former faculty Senate President at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

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Do you have a drawer under your oven? And more importantly—what’s living in there? Cookie sheets? Muffin tins? A colony of plastic lids that haven’t had matching bowls since the Bush administration.

And the bigger question: Are you even using that drawer correctly?

My mother used that drawer for cookie sheets, and therefore—by the sacred laws of Southern motherhood—I was required to do the same. You don’t question Mama’s kitchen theology. You just obey and hope she doesn’t notice you put the castiron skillet in the dishwasher.

But who gets to tell you what’s right? Who shapes your choices? And when does “that’s how Mama did it” turn into “that’s how I got myself into trouble”?

Before we go any further, let me ask something bold: Do you know the truth about oven drawers?

Let me tell you a story.

There’s an old African tale about a man and his beloved lamb. He fed it by hand, played with it, probably let it sleep on the porch. Hard times came, and he had to take the lamb to market.

Three thieves heard about this and cooked up a plan.

As the man walked down the road with the lamb over his shoulders, the first thief said, “Why are you carrying that dog?”

The man laughed. “It’s a lamb.”

A little farther along, the second thief said, “Finelooking dog you’ve got there.”

The man frowned. “It’s… a lamb. Pretty sure.”

Near the market, the third thief shook his head. “Sir, they won’t let you bring a dog in there.”

That did it. The man set the lamb down, stared at it, and thought, “Well, if three different people say it’s a dog, it must be a dog.” And he walked away.

If he’d turned around, he would’ve seen the thieves scooping up his verymuchnotadog lamb and heading home for supper.

Now, back to the oven drawer.

For years, I never questioned its purpose. Mama said it was for cookie sheets, so it was for cookie sheets. End of discussion. But like the man with the lamb, I realized I’d let other voices define reality for me.

Then I learned the shocking truth: Some oven drawers are storage drawers… and some are warming drawers.

If your oven is older than your church’s carpet, it’s probably storage. But newer ovens? That drawer might be designed to keep food warm.

Which means: Trying to warm your biscuits in a storage drawer is just wishful thinking. Storing your plastic lids in a warming drawer is how you end up explaining yourself to the fire department.

It is not your mother’s oven.

And that’s the point.

In a world where everyone has an opinion—loudly—and where people will swear up and down that the lamb you’re carrying is a dog, you need a center that doesn’t wobble. You need truth that isn’t based on trends, polls, or whoever shouts the loudest.

You need someone who won’t call darkness “light” just because it’s fashionable.

You need the One who doesn’t change.

You need the One who won’t mislead you for His own gain.

You need the One who tells you the truth—even when three thieves insist otherwise.

And that place, that Person, is where I always end up: Jesus.

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NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Northwestern State men’s basketball team clawed within striking distance late, but a cold shooting start and Stephen F. Austin’s free throw aim down the stretch sent the Demons to a 69–67 loss to the Southland Conference leading Lumberjacks Tuesday afternoon inside William R. Johnson Coliseum.

The Demons (6-14, 4-7) trimmed a double-digit second-half deficit to two in the final seconds and held the Lumberjacks without a field goal over the final 4:32.

However, Stephen F. Austin (18-3, 11-1) did just enough at the free throw line to secure the SLC victory and its sixth straight win. It was NSU’s third straight loss by a combined six points.

“We were better defensively at the end of the game,” said third-year NSU coach Rick Cabrera. “(We gave up) no field goals in the last four-and-a-half minutes. But now it’s about putting offense and defense together at the right time.”

Trailing 64–59 with just over four minutes remaining, Northwestern tightened defensively and made one final push.

Senior Willie Williams scored twice in the paint in the final minute to pull Northwestern within three, and the Demons nearly forced a turnover on the ensuing possession.

Jerald Colonel’s diving save preserved the possession, however, leading to Keon Thompson — the game’s leading scorer and reigning Southland Player of the Week — heading to the free-throw line with 10 seconds remaining.

Thompson’s two free throws pushed the margin back to five, effectively sealing the outcome.

SFA led for almost the entire contest, racing ahead 18-3 in the opening minutes. Behind 16 points from Chip Brunt, Northwestern fought back within 37-32 at halftime and tied the game at 37, but the Lumberjacks ran off seven straight points and pushed the lead to as many as 11.

Micah Thomas carried the Demons offensively in the second half, scoring repeatedly off the dribble. Williams added consistent production inside as the Demons chipped away, cutting the deficit to four with 5:47 remaining before SFA answered with its final field goal of the afternoon.

Brunt’s 16 points in just seven minutes of first-half action came while shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.

“Chip really woke us up in the first half,” says Cabrera. “If he doesn’t have the half he had, I don’t know where we’d be going into halftime. He gave us a huge lift.”

SFA’s Thompson led all scorers with 27 points on an efficient 11-of-17 shooting performance.

“He’s the straw that stirs the drink,” Cabrera said. “That dude is the LeBron James of the Southland. He’s so strong, gets to his spot and doesn’t get rattled. We had moments with our game plan, but we’ve got to be better.”

Northwestern received balanced offensive production with Thomas and Brunt combining for 37 points. Thomas finished with 18, including 14 in the second half, while Brunt paced Northwestern with a career-high 19.

Despite not scoring in the first half, Williams recorded his third double-double of the season, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The Demons go south to New Orleans for a Saturday matchup against the Privateers.

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Once again I’m going off the rails and taking a break from talking fishing. Those of you that have read my articles from the very beginning know about my history as a kid. Growing up on the streets of Rosenburg, Texas, and Houston, made me a little tougher than most kids my age. I knew first-hand by the age of 8 what it was like to be footloose and fancy free running the streets ‘til all hours of the night, with zero guidance. 

While my biological mother was more concerned with her modeling career and surviving the beatings she took at the hands of my stepdad, I was just trying to survive. I was the one sneaking into houses looking for a quick meal. 

The one thing I always wondered — where was my real dad during all of this and why did I never get to meet him? Why was he never involved in my life?

Was this his choice to avoid contact with me or was there some kind of a mutual agreement between my mother and him that he was to never reach out to me for any reason?

These are questions that I’ll never get the answers to until the day I’m reunited with my dad and the loved ones who have crossed over to the other side. But as a father myself, I cannot imagine having a child in this world and not knowing who or where they were. 

I’ve always heard that my athletic abilities came from my dad. I’ve heard stories from my older brother, Mike (we share the same mom and dad), on the kind of dad he was to him and how he supported him and his athletic career. 

But the same questions continue to go through my head today, even at the age of 64. How was it that we never met? Why didn’t he reach out to me? 

Every kid wants that relationship with their dad. A dad plays an important role in the development of a young boy growing into a man. He also provides a sense of security to all his children that no matter what, dad always has their back.  

He provides advice and guidance for life’s troubled journey and teaches how to navigate those trials and tribulations. He’s the man who jerks a knot in your tail when you need correcting or get out of line. He’s the rock you look up to and hope to make proud one day. He’s the man you only hope you can be one day. 

But for me, that connection was never made. The years went by with zero contact from the man that I only heard about from relatives. From what I’ve been able to learn over the years, he had a good side and a bad side. 

I’ve been told that he enjoyed his Friday and Saturday nights at local taverns, but he also had wandering eyes for the ladies and traded one for another frequently. Guess this is why he and my mother divorced while she was pregnant with me. All total, he was married seven times (the legal limit in Texas) and once to the same lady, twice. 

So, maybe those that knew him thought it was in my best interest NOT to have a relationship with him; that nothing good would come out of us having that father-son bond that a boy wants with his dad. 

But looking back, he missed out on so much of my life’s great experiences. Things that a dad is supposed to be there for like a high school state championship, graduation, signing an athletic scholarship, getting married, being drafted by a Major League Baseball team and so much more! He missed out on so many of my life’s ups and downs — and three great grandkids. 

Growing up, I had the best childhood a young boy could ever ask for while being raised by my aunt and uncle in an awesome small town in East Texas. My uncle, who I called Dad after being adopted, was a great provider and taught me about responsibility and hard work while growing up on a ranch. He assumed the role of a loving father as best he could, but it’s just not the same.

There’s something about having a relationship with the man you share the same DNA with as it completes the internal connection — the connection that only a father can have with his children. 

So, I know the day will come when I’ll get all my questions answered. I’ll finally get to meet the father I never met.  But in the meantime, I’ll do my best to be the best father I can be to all three of my children.  

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Louisiana snow day essentials: space heater, extension cord, boiling water, generator, candles, and a phone at 3% battery. While some outside the South might chuckle at a Louisiana winter, we know how to stay prepared, make the most of any situation, and get through it together.

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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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