By Journal Staff

There is something truly magical about bringing Louisiana communities together to celebrate what makes our state so vibrant, welcoming and unique.

Over the past few weeks, the Parish Journals of Louisiana had the privilege of partnering with Paige Alost and the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, alongside Rebecca Blankenbaker and the Cane River National Heritage Area, to help promote a one-of-a-kind regional celebration: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton.

From the moment planning began, our mission was simple: rally readers from across North and Central Louisiana and share the charm, history, and warmth of Natchitoches.

Today, we could not be prouder of the overwhelming response.

Throughout the multi-week promotional campaign, our readers answered the call in record numbers:

• Over 1.29 million total impressions were delivered across our 16 digital Parish Journals, connecting community members to the spirit and schedule of the festival.
• More than 1 million views greeted readers on topboard banners across every single news article published in our network.
• Nearly 300,000 in-depth reads were logged on our dedicated feature advertorials exploring the weekend’s itinerary and the rich heritage of Cane River country.
• More than 4,400 verified, non-duplicated entries were submitted by readers eager to win the exclusive $600 Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway package.

Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the enthusiasm of our neighbors. Whether reading in Lincoln, Webster, Rapides, Jackson, Shreveport-Bossier, or right at home in Natchitoches Parish, readers embraced the chance to support and visit a premier Louisiana destination.

Events like Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend demonstrate the enduring spirit of local community. Partnering with dedicated leaders like Paige Alost and Rebecca Blankenbaker reminds us of the power of collaboration between local tourism organizations and local community journalism.

To the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area: thank you for trusting us to help tell your story. And to our readers across Louisiana: thank you for supporting community events and continuing to make our parish news network your daily home.

We were honored to play a part in this unforgettable celebration—and we look forward to many more to come.

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Week 7 of the Natchitoches Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Natchitoches Parish high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Oct. 16, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the NPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Natchitoches Parish.

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/NPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/NPJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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Phonetic: /toc·​sin/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

an alarm bell or the ringing of it

a warning signal

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Chamber Choir Fall Concert Tonight
Northwestern State University

The NSU Chamber Choir will present its fall concert, “We Tell Each Other Stories,” at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Magale Recital Hall. The program draws on repertoire from many cultures built around music’s role in storytelling. Director of Choral Activities Shane Thomas conducts, with Dan Ley as collaborative pianist. Admission is free, with a livestream at nsu.la/capa-live.

The Chamber Choir is Northwestern State’s flagship choral ensemble, an auditioned mixed chorus that has competed across the United States and Europe and performed at state, regional and national conventions. Its 2026-27 season includes the Christmas Gala and Lessons and Carols at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in December, a Louisiana tour in January and a featured performance at Carnegie Hall in April.

Guest Pianist Kenneth Saxon Performs Wednesday
Northwestern State University

Pianist Kenneth Saxon will present a guest recital at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Magale Recital Hall. The program includes works by Beethoven, Alexina Louie, Debussy, Grieg and Ravel. Admission is free, with a livestream at nsu.la/capa-live.

Saxon is professor of music at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and has performed on three continents, with recent appearances in Costa Rica, Sri Lanka and India. He has premiered works by Gary Smoke, Justin Writer and Kawai Shiu, and his recording of Rachmaninoff’s Preludes, Op. 32, was praised by MusicWeb-International for its “fineness of touch.” He often introduces pieces with a short story about them. His book “Steps to Success” is a sight-reading guide.

Free Movie Night on the Riverbank Friday
City of Natchitoches

The City of Natchitoches and the Natchitoches Parish Library will host a free community movie night at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, on the riverbank. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets along with their own candy, popcorn, snacks and drinks. No glass bottles are allowed.

Halloween Week Shapes Up Downtown
City of Natchitoches; Golden Star Chapter No. 62

Several Halloween events are set for the end of the month.

Pumpkin Glow runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, on the downtown riverbank, with decorated pumpkins displayed by local organizations and individuals and performances by area orchestras, dance groups and community organizations on the riverbank stage.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church holds its annual fall fair Oct. 30 through Nov. 1, with a hayride starting in the church parking lot Oct. 30.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, Witch Way to Main Street runs from 10 a.m. to noon alongside the farmers market downtown. Children 12 and younger in costume, accompanied by an adult, can trick-or-treat at sponsored booths. That afternoon, Golden Star Chapter No. 62 holds a Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot at Ben Johnson Park, 616 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Whistling Duck Harvest Reports Due by Oct. 26
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Hunters who obtained a black-bellied whistling duck permit must report their effort and harvest by Oct. 26, whether or not they hunted. The reporting window opened Oct. 12 at louisianaoutdoors.com/bbwd-report. The special season, Louisiana’s first for the species, ran Oct. 3-11 with a daily limit of four birds.

Your Daily Crossword/Sudoku

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BATON ROUGE, La. — The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has released its comprehensive guide analyzing the 10 proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the fall statewide ballot.

The independent, nonpartisan review is designed to explain the legal background, arguments for and against, and practical effects of each measure so voters can make informed decisions at the polls.

Seven of the 10 proposed changes address Article VII of the Louisiana Constitution, focusing on state and local tax policy, assessment rules, and public finance:

• Amendment 1: Permits the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who qualified for a special property tax exemption to transfer that exemption to a new home in a one-time move.
• Amendment 2: Grants local taxing bodies greater flexibility and time to determine whether to roll forward to their maximum authorized property tax millage or retain a lower rate.
• Amendment 3: Prohibits bail for individuals convicted of certain aggravated offenses against children under state law.
• Amendment 4: Establishes a lifetime limit of two four-year terms for Louisiana governors, replacing the current consecutive-term limit.
• Amendment 5: Gives the Louisiana Legislature and state retirement systems discretion over the order in which state surplus funds are applied toward retirement debt.
• Amendment 6: Authorizes parishes and municipalities to increase property tax exemption levels for qualifying senior homeowners ages 65 to 81.
• Amendment 7: Clarifies that public funds can be used to identify and replace lead drinking water service lines extending from public mains onto private residential property.
• Amendment 8: Prohibits private corporations affiliated with designated foreign adversaries from exercising expropriation powers over private property.
• Amendment 9: Increases the household income eligibility ceiling for property tax assessment freezes from $100,000 to $150,000.
• Amendment 10: Authorizes parishes to create optional property tax exemption programs for the rehabilitation of blighted or derelict properties.

The full PAR report is attached below for review.

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Office Building for Lease:

Size: 1 story / 1,300 Square Feet (approx.). New Driveway, paint inside/out, new flooring and blinds.
Term: Lease – 1 year minimum
Lease Rate: $2,500.00

Location: 301 Church Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana

For more information and/or a showing, please contact, 318-471-9955

Serious Inquiries Only

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Week 7 of the Natchitoches Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Natchitoches Parish high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Oct. 16, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the NPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Natchitoches Parish.

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/NPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/NPJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana hunters using firearm suppressors will not face state penalties for lacking federal tax stamps or registration papers following recent changes to federal law, wildlife officials announced Monday.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued guidance clarifying how enforcement agents will address suppressors in the field after major federal shifts removed long-standing registration mandates.

Congress recently reduced the federal tax on suppressors to $0, and a federal court in Texas ruled in August that the federal government could no longer enforce specific registration requirements. On Oct. 9, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced it would no longer require agency approval or registration to possess a suppressor.

While Louisiana state law permits hunters to use suppressors, state statutes previously relied on the federal tax stamp as proof that the device was possessed legally.

LDWF officials said enforcement agents will adjust their field inspections accordingly. Agents will not cite hunters or seize equipment simply because an individual does not possess an ATF tax stamp or registration paperwork, provided the suppressor is legally owned and attached to a firearm permitted for the active hunting season.

Officials emphasized that standard hunting regulations and restrictions remain in effect. Agents will continue checking licenses, harvest tags, season dates, legal hunting hours, bag limits and approved methods of take.

Key rules that remain unchanged include:

• Suppressors remain legal for taking game birds, wild quadrupeds, outlaw quadrupeds, nutria and beaver.
• Firearms must still meet legal specifications for the specific season and game pursued; attaching a suppressor does not make an otherwise illegal firearm lawful.
• Individuals legally prohibited from possessing firearms may not possess suppressors.
• Anyone convicted of a class four or greater hunting violation remains barred from hunting with a suppressor for five years following the conviction date.
• Machine guns remain fully regulated under federal law.

Hunters with questions or seeking local contact information for enforcement agents may visit wlf.louisiana.gov/page/contact-local-law-enforcement.

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Phonetic: /de·​funct/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

:no longer living, existing, or functioning

wrote for a magazine that is now defunct
a defunct railroad

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Roses on the River Oct. 28 Honors Victims of Violence
Project Celebration Inc.

Project Celebration will hold Roses on the River at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Riverbank Stage. The ceremony, expected to run 45 minutes to an hour, is held in support of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Project Celebration provides domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse services. For more information, contact Shaye Walker at 318-663-5961 or natchitoches.outreach@projectcelebration.com.

Shred Event Took In Thousands of Pounds of Paper
Natchitoches Parish Library

The Natchitoches Parish Library’s Fall Community Shred Event helped residents and local businesses destroy thousands of pounds of documents on Oct. 2, the library said. The semiannual event pairs the library’s own routine document disposal with a scheduled visit from an industrial shredding truck, which the public can use free of charge. The next shred event is expected in late April, after tax season. Details will be posted on the library’s social media and in its monthly newsletter at news.natlib.org.

Planning Commission Meets Tonight; Council Next Monday
Natchitoches Parish Government

The Natchitoches Parish Planning and Zoning Commission meets from 5 to 6 p.m. today. The Natchitoches Parish Council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, in Room 211 of the courthouse, 200 Church St. The parish’s phone number is 318-352-2714.

Your Daily Crossword/Sudoku

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Louisiana 4 th District Congressman and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson made a surprise visit to Natchitoches Saturday, October 10. Speaker Johnson addressed a crowd of supporters and civic leaders at Natchitoches’ Merci Beaucoup, delivering a speech on the issues facing our nation and the importance of the midterm elections. On several occasions, he brought levity to his remarks with amazing imitations worthy of a late night comedian.

This visit to Natchitoches is part of a larger tour of Congressional districts in which Speaker Johnson is addressing audiences across the country before the midterm elections. Before being elected Speaker of the House, Congressman Johnson visited Natchitoches for a Town Hall meeting and as the keynote speaker for the Community Memorial Day commemoration.

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The Big Hair Affair, a Dolly Parton sing along led by the Amazing Rhythm Disciples, costume contest and showing of the iconic “Steel Magnolias”, easily our city’s signature film, was held at the Parkway cinema Saturday, October 11. The event was the culmination of Truvy’s Blush and Bashful Weekend sponsored by Visit Natchitoches, Cane River National Heritage Area, and Natchitoches Main Street Program that featured a full weekend’s worth of events from Bingo to tours. Truvy’s Blush and Bashful Weekend was a fun way to commemorate the late Dolly Parton and her connection to Natchitoches.

© 2026 Natchitoches Parish Journal. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication, including text, photographs, graphics, or multimedia, may be reproduced, distributed, republished, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the publisher.

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The front lawn of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception’s church office was the scene of a Rosary Rally, Saturday, October 25. About 20 parishioners gathered to pray the Rosary in public. The event was Natchitoches’ part of a nation-wide Rally in which people gathered in public areas to pray for America.

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Several thousand people came to visit the Saint Augustine Creole & Family Festival, formerly the St Augustine Catholic Church Annual Fair, held at the historic St. Augustine Church in Isle Brevelle on Oct. 9-11. This beloved event is a celebration of Creole Culture and is something of a family reunion as descendants of the area’s families come home from all over the United States and abroad. The festival also transforms the St. Augustine parish hall into what is undoubtedly the finest restaurant in the state of Louisiana as the hardworking cooks serve thousands of homemade meatpies, tamales, red beans and rice, and, of course, over 100 gallons of their signature gumbo.

This year’s festival featured the third “Run for Rod” 5k on Saturday October. 10 The run honors the memory of Chad “Rod” Nelson, II, a young man and avid runner taken from us all too soon. The proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Augustine Church in his memory. This year’s run drew over 80 runners and a team of sharp NSU Nursing students promoting health and wellness.

There were games for children in addition to music, dancing and a silent auction. Dr. Kent Peacock of the NSU Creole Heritage Center was also on hand with volunteers and an information booth. Saturday’s festivities featured the return of the renowned Zydeco artist Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators.

The Creole and Family Festival is a decades long tradition in our community and is a celebration of one of the many cultures that make Louisiana a wonderfully unique place. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to next year!

© 2026 Natchitoches Parish Journal. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication, including text, photographs, graphics, or multimedia, may be reproduced, distributed, republished, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the publisher.

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Dan Whatley was the winner by tiebreaker of $100 in the Natchitoches Parish Journal High School Football Pick ‘Em Contest, hundreds of participants have had lots of fun.

There’s another $100 prize on the line.  You have until Friday afternoon at 6 to enter this week’s contest. Anyone has the chance to win the $100 prize as the week’s top predictor of High School football games.

Participation is very simple. Just click on this link:

Participants can submit their picks online through the NPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Natchitoches Parish.

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/NPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/NPJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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Week 7 of the Natchitoches Parish Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Natchitoches Parish high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Oct. 16, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the NPJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Natchitoches Parish.

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/NPJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/NPJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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St. Mary’s was one play away from a huge victory Friday night but after winning three non-district games close to or at the end, couldn’t pull off another.

Natchitoches Central and Lakeview were overwhelmed in district games Friday.

LOGANSPORT 29, ST. MARY’S 28:  To say Logansport escaped Turpin Stadium with the win is understating the outcome.

St. Mary’s did everything but celebrate another thrilling victory. Instead, a 21-yard field goal with three seconds left to win was blocked, thwarting a tremendous homecoming effort and spoiling SMHS’s unbeaten record.

The local Tigers outgained LHS 412-330, evenly balanced (207 yards rushing, 205 passing)  as they overcame an early 14-0 deficit. St. Mary’s roared back to lead 22-21 at halftime, and the teams traded second-half scores.

Preston Tilley connected with Brady Childress on an 84-yard first-half TD, and ran for a 3-yard score. John Paul Thibodaux scored on runs of 40 and 3 yards, the latter getting St. Mary’s within 29-28 in the third quarter.

The Tigers came up with another clutch late-game drive, starting at their own 33 with under five minutes to go, converting one fourth down near midfield along the way.

St. Mary’s defense came up with big stops including interceptions by Waylon Bolton, Holt Cedars, Kane Dortlon and Michael French.

Thibodaux ran for 113 yards on 20 carries.

Both teams are now 5-1, but Logansport opened District 3-1A 1-0. St. Mary’s will play another district stalwart, Jonesboro-Hodge (5-1) Friday night at Lakeview High School.

EVANGEL 63, NCHS 28: Take away one of the nation’s top high school quarterbacks and this was a different game, but Peyton “Pop” Houston is a cut above all competition. The Evangel senior, one of 11 players across the nation with an NIL deal from Nike, accounted for eight touchdowns, running for four and throwing for the rest, while only one other Eagles player scored.

David Newton broke a pair of long touchdown runs, 72 and 70 yards, while Kobe Jones threw a pair of scoring passes, 11 yards to Kaden Kuykendoll and 2 yards to KJ Newton.

Houston threw TD passes to Zarico Wyandon on Evangel’s first three series to reach the 100-score milestone in his three seasons, and ran for touchdown of 27, 41, 75 and 5 yards.

The Chiefs (0-6, 0-2) are home Thursday night in Turpin Stadium against Captain Shreve. Evangel (4-2, 3-0) won its fourth in a row this season and 14^th consecutive District 1-5A game overall dating back to the finish of the 2024 season.

MONTGOMERY 44, LAKEVIEW 12:  The Gators couldn’t slow down the Grant Parish Tigers, who opened a 28-6 halftime advantage. Lakeview got a kickoff return touchdown by Jadarious Reliford and a 16-yard TD run from Julius Johnson.

Lakeview (2-4, 0-1 in district) goes to Logansport this Friday.

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Phonetic: /pur·​loin/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

:to appropriate wrongfully and often by a breach of trust

to take (something that belongs to someone else) : steal

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By David Stamey, Clerk of Court, Natchitoches Parish

Voters in Natchitoches Parish are preparing to cast ballots for the office of Member of School Board, District 1.

While the school board serves the entire parish system, governance is divided into distinct single-member representation districts. Because school board district lines follow specific demographic and census boundary plans rather than general municipal lines, electors across three designated precincts are eligible to participate in this contest.

The candidates qualifying for the School Board District 1 seat are:

Barbara Page (No Party)
Lee Waskom (No Party)

Understanding the District 1 Boundary Map
To help clarify voter eligibility in the School Board race, the Natchitoches School Board Plan 2022 map illustrates the reach and boundaries established for District 1:

The Light Green Field (District 1 Core): The large, central-to-eastern area outlined in red and shaded in light green represents the adopted boundaries of District 1. Any registered voter residing within this zone falls under the jurisdiction of School Board District 1 and is eligible to vote in this contest.

The Urban Inset and Street Grid: The brighter green shaded zone on the western edge delineates the populated street grid extending directly eastward out of the central Natchitoches area. While many voters associate school districts strictly with neighborhood school attendance zones, board representation follows balanced redistricting lines that unite both residential subdivisions and surrounding rural corridors.

Key Landmarks and Reach:
Waterways and Eastern Border: The eastern and northeastern boundaries trace along the major bends of the Cane River / Red River waterways, separating District 1 from surrounding rural board seats across the river corridor.

Northern and Southern Extensions: The district extends northward across open agricultural acreage and timber tracts, while sweeping south and southeast along primary parish travel arteries toward rural outer communities.

Western Neighborhoods: On the western boundary, District 1 borders District 2 and adjacent municipal districts, taking in established east-side neighborhoods before transitioning into parish acreage.

District 1 Precincts
The following three precincts are included in the School Board District 1 contest:

Precinct 01/02
Precinct 01/11
Precinct 01/12

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