Join Marvin as he talks about recent murders in the City of Natchitoches.
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Local artist Mary Striegel, featured in a September 2024 NPJ article as NSU’s only freshman with a PhD, has made quite a splash in the area art scene since beginning her art studies under NSU Assistant Professor of Art, Edgar Cano.
Twenty-four of Striegel’s paintings and prints, produced during her tenure at NSU’s Art Department, are currently featured in a one-woman art show at NSU’s Hanchey Art Gallery. The exhibition’s opening reception was held on Tuesday, January 20. The pieces depict subjects ranging from a waiter at Café du Monde, to self-portraits, each of which tells a story.
After earning a PhD in Chemistry 38 years ago, Dr. Mary Striegel moved to Natchitoches, raised a family, and completed a successful 29-year career with the National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Never one to stand still, her retirement has seen her developing her talents in an entirely different area, art.
Mary Striegel is a past president of the Natchitoches Art Guild and has exhibited her works at their gallery as well as the State Museum in Shreveport and Centenary College’s Meadows Museum.
Senior citizens, at least 60 years of age, may take one class per semester at NSU free of charge. This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun, expand your horizons or take your life in a totally new direction. In Mary Striegel’s case, that direction will be printmaking next semester and a Master’s Degree in Art from NSU after that. For students of any age, NSU can open a whole new world. Fork ‘em Demons!
I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. James Metoyer after the Hwy. 495 DOTD meeting this past Tuesday. Mr. Metoyer started a petition last October regarding the ongoing closure of a portion of hwy. 495 in Cloutierville. The highway has fallen into disrepair and a 2.2-2.5 mile portion was closed on May 9th 2019 due to an embankment slide that compromised the safety of that portion of the highway.
After over 6 years of no signs of action, members of the community decided to organize a petition to bring light to the situation. They also contacted their state and federal representatives and senators and their parish council member and president. Mr. Metoyer gave credit to Mr. Dewitt for being instrumental in getting answers and setting up the DOTD meeting.
At the meeting the attendees were informed that there was a plan to fix the highway. By realigning the curves of 2 areas further from Cane River it would move the road from the eroded embankment onto more stable ground. This plan would call for the purchase of right of way from land owners in the affected area. That is the current stage the project is on. Attendees were also told that funding had been secured for the project at a cost of 1.6 million. The project would utilize the PROTECT program(Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation) for funding. The project is due to be bid out around June of this year. Mr. Metoyer did have concerns about funding falling through so close to the end of the fiscal year.
If all goes to plan the project is estimated to take 18 months. So it’s reasonable to estimate a completion date of very late in 2027 or early 2028. While the official closure was in 2019, residents recall issues with the road beginning in 2016 after a hurricane. We hope our elected officials and parish DOTD engineers will keep the Cloutierville community in the loop as the project continues and that everything goes to plan. With the rough estimates and start dates, residents are still looking at almost a decade of having a state highway shut down right in the middle of their community. I commend the residents who came together to advocate for their community.
Northwestern State University will host a documentary screening and panel discussion on “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect” as part of Black History Month. The film explores the life and legacy of the nation’s first African American Supreme Court justice and follows Justice Thurgood Marshall, known as “Mr. Civil Rights,” from his legal career with the NAACP to his 1967 appointment to the nation’s highest court.
The event is sponsored by Black Studies, Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies, the Gail Metoyer Jones Center and NSU NAACP. The celebration of Justice Thurgood Marshall’s legacy will include a panel featuring local judges and the NAACP Louisiana president.
The program will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 in the NSU Student Union Ballroom. Panelists will include Michael McClanahan, Louisiana NAACP State Conference president; Judge David Wiliams, Division F – 9th Judicial District Court, and Judge Monique Freeman Rauls – 9th Judicial District Court.
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Rebecca L. Riall, JD., Ph.D., attorney at law, at riallr@nsula.edu. Riall is an associate professor and coordinator of Prelaw and Paralegal Studies and Indigenous Studies.
The City of Natchitoches is urging residents to prepare now for a significant winter weather system expected to impact the area from Friday through Sunday, bringing the potential for snow, ice, freezing rain, and hazardous travel conditions.
City officials emphasize that preparation must take place before Friday, as conditions Friday evening through the weekend may limit travel and response capabilities.
Resident Safety & Preparedness Guidance
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
City Preparations:
The City has been closely monitoring the incoming weather and has made these necessary preparations:
Final Reminder
City officials stress that Friday and Saturday will be too late to prepare. Residents are urged to complete preparations today and tomorrow to ensure the safety of their households and the community as a whole.
The City of Natchitoches will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve and appreciates the community’s cooperation in keeping everyone safe during this weather event.
The annual Northwestern State softball auction, scheduled for Saturday night, has been postponed due to projected inclement winter weather.
The decision was made by head softball coach Jenny Fuller out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of all expected attendees, participants and supporters, many traveling from long distance for the event. A new date for the auction will be announced soon.
As for other weekend athletic events involving Northwestern teams, including a Saturday afternoon basketball doubleheader on Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum, NSU officials are monitoring National Weather Service forecasts before making any final decisions, which should happen at some point today.
Fans are encouraged to follow @NSUDemons on all social media channels for the most up-to-date news and information.
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two out of three would be really good for the Northwestern State Lady Demons basketball team.
Northwestern (9-8 overall, 6-3 in the Southland Conference), wraps up a three-game SLC road swing tonight visiting rival Stephen F. Austin (13-5, 7-2) for the second and final regular season meeting between the two schools.
Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. at the William R. Johnson Coliseum with coverage on ESPN+ and a radio broadcast on 100.7 FM KZBL.
NSU split two road games last week, winning at Houston Christian, then struggling Saturday in a 10-point loss at Incarnate Word.
Coach Anna Nimz team has bounced back particularly well this season, owning a 6-1 record when coming off a loss. A win at SFA would be especially valuable, she said, because of the tight pack in the conference standings.
“The top eight in the Southland all have winning records,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “It is one big logjam. I’d rather get slapped in the face like we did last game now when we have time to learn and grow instead of it being down the stretch when that game could be the determining factor of our placement in the Southland Tournament.
“We’re fighting to get into the conference tournament and get a good placement and maybe that (loss at UIW) was the slap in the face we needed. Now we need to learn from it.”
On New Year’s Eve in Prather Coliseum, the Demons dropped a tight 76-71 contest to SFA. That game marked the beginning of a six-game winning streak for the Ladyjacks.
NSU has two of the top five scorers in Southland play in Vernell Atamah (16.6 average) and Nya Valentine (15.3). They are the only pair of teammates who each average more than 15 points per game in conference action.
In addition to the big two, the Demons have recently received scoring contributions in a big way from Stephie Salumu and Tiara Abron.
Salumu, a sophomore from Belgium, just came back after missing eight games. In the two games against Houston Christian and UIW since her return, she has averaged 11.5 points per game on 57.1 percent shooting with 6.5 rebounds and one block per game.
Abron has scored in double figures in four straight games and five of the last six.
While the Demons have two of the top scorers in league play, SFA has four of the top 14.
“They are very good,” Nimz said. “There is no drop off from the starting five to the next three in the eight kids they play. They play very well together, and they are very fast in transition. Every single one of them has the green light to shoot the ball, so it is going to be about being incredibly efficient. It won’t be about taking one individual away because that means someone else will be there because they are such a good unit.”
Expect many 3-pointers to be attempted in the game, as the teams are the top two schools in made 3-pointers in both overall games and in conference.
The Demons come back home for their next two games, hopefully starting with a visit from East Texas A&M on Saturday (pending a possible weather postponement) before hosting Nicholls next Thursday.
The Natchitoches Farm Bureau has named Tatum Roberts as the 2026 recipient of the George R. “Ronnie” Owens Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the late Mr. Owens, who served as Parish President for more than 20 years and was a longtime advocate for local agriculture. Roberts, a 2025 graduate of Magnolia Bend Academy, is currently pursuing a degree in Agriculture Business at East Texas A&M University.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board entered executive session during its Jan. 20 meeting before voting to extend Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi’s contract through Dec. 31, 2028.
Prior to entering executive session, board members acknowledged the past year’s work and the challenges faced by the district, including staffing shortages, school closures, and major operational transitions. Board leadership noted that the district has continued to demonstrate academic growth and stability during a period of significant change.
Following the closed session, the board reconvened and considered the superintendent’s contract extension. Board members were informed that the extension does not include a pay increase. Instead, the updated contract focuses on revised performance metrics tied to district priorities.
Those metrics include graduation rates, ACT performance, student attendance, enrollment growth, and maintaining a financial surplus. Board members were told the performance objectives were selected from a broader list provided by the board’s attorney and were intended to present measurable challenges aligned with district goals.
The extension moves the superintendent’s contract two years into the next board term, a provision allowed under state law. The board approved the extension by roll-call vote.
The decision followed an annual evaluation process that board members noted was completed earlier than in previous years, allowing the board to enter executive session with all required documentation already submitted.
Natchitoches Parish is expected to see a period of unsettled weather this week, with widespread rain followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and the potential for freezing rain and sleet beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend.
Rain chances will increase significantly on Wednesday, with showers expected throughout the day and precipitation chances near 100 percent. Showers are expected to continue into Wednesday night, with a slight chance of thunderstorms and overnight lows near 50 degrees. Cloudy conditions and scattered showers may linger into Thursday, particularly during the morning hours, before rain chances begin to decrease.
Cloudy skies and isolated showers are expected on Friday, with daytime highs in the mid-50s. Conditions are forecast to deteriorate Friday night as temperatures fall into the upper 20s. Rain is expected to transition into freezing rain after midnight, creating the potential for icy roadways and hazardous travel. Precipitation chances Friday night are around 80 percent.
More significant winter weather impacts are possible on Saturday, with a mix of rain showers, freezing rain, and sleet expected throughout the day. Sleet is forecast to become more likely during the afternoon, though little to no accumulation is currently expected. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the upper 30s, with precipitation chances near 90 percent.
Freezing rain is expected to continue into Saturday night, with lows falling to around 20 degrees. A lingering chance of freezing rain remains into Sunday, with cold conditions persisting and highs reaching only the mid-30s. Overnight temperatures Sunday night are expected to drop into the 15 to 20 degree range.
Cold but drier weather is forecast to return on Monday, with partly cloudy skies and highs around 40 degrees.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, particularly during the weekend when freezing rain and sleet could impact travel and outdoor activities across Natchitoches Parish.
A shop north of Campti was destroyed in a fire Tuesday evening, while a nearby home sustained minor damage, authorities reported.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and multiple units from Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #9 responded to a reported fire on Jan. 20 around 6:37 pm in the 100 block of Bud Sullivan Road, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Additional calls indicated that nearby homes may have been at risk.
No injuries were reported. NPFD #9 Chief Doug Rachal said the shop was a total loss, and the home suffered damage to its siding.
Deputies K. Middleton and J. Severance were on the scene, and the fire response remained active as crews worked to secure the area.
A former Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested following a five-month investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
The investigation began in August 2025 when the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding a deputy assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau. An offense report was forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Bureau for further review.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Deputy Javien R. Etienne, 23 of Youngsville, was terminated. Command staff collected his commission card, duty weapons, and all other sheriff’s office-issued property.
Detectives conducted a thorough investigation, which included interviews with the victim, potential witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, and the execution of at least twelve search warrants. Evidence gathered led to the issuance of an arrest warrant by a judge of the Tenth Judicial District.
On Jan. 14, 2026, Etienne turned himself in to NPSO detectives at the Criminal Investigations Bureau. He was booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center and charged with one count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. He was later released on a $75,000 bond pending his court appearance.
Sheriff Wright issued a statement emphasizing the department’s commitment to integrity and accountability:
“The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism. Any behavior that violates the law or undermines the trust placed in this office will not be tolerated. Our priority remains the safety of our community and the protection of our children.”
Etienne had been employed with the NPSO for less than one year. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are being released to protect its integrity. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.
In addition to calendar and superintendent actions, the Natchitoches Parish School Board addressed a wide range of financial, facilities, and policy matters during its Jan. 20 meeting, including acceptance of the annual audit, approval of a construction bid, discussion of historic facility preservation, and a failed vote on board travel.
The board voted to accept the district’s audit report, noting that it was completed and presented significantly earlier than in past years. Board members said previous audits were often received more than a year after the reporting period, while the current audit was delivered within approximately six months. District leaders attributed the improved timeline in part to federal compliance guidance becoming available in early December.
Board members also acknowledged staffing shortages within the finance department and commended staff for managing a large workload despite limited personnel. The board noted that some audit findings were influenced by those staffing challenges and said corrective actions are expected.
The board approved a construction bid for the Marthaville Elementary and Junior High baseball facility, awarding the project to Rhodes Properties and Development at a cost of $396,000. Board members noted a significant discrepancy between bids submitted. The motion passed by roll-call vote, with one member abstaining.
Later in the meeting, the board heard a presentation proposing the creation of a legacy room or historical space at the former Natchitoches Junior High campus. The proposal outlined a vision for preserving the school’s history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programming aligned with Louisiana history standards. Supporters emphasized the importance of honoring the school’s role in the Black community and preventing the loss of historical materials.
The idea mirrors discussions held during the Jan. 13 committee meeting, where board members and administrators acknowledged both the cultural significance of closed school facilities and the challenges associated with funding, insurance, and long-term maintenance. No formal action was taken, though board members expressed interest in further exploration.
The board also considered whether to send members to a national school board conference. Discussion centered on budget constraints, recent financial pressures, and the estimated cost per attendee. After a roll-call vote resulted in a tie, the motion failed.
Additional updates referenced during the meeting included ongoing transportation contract evaluations, with proposals from four vendors under review and a recommendation expected later in February, as well as reminders regarding upcoming evaluations, contracts, and district events.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted to table consideration of the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic calendars during its Jan. 20 meeting, following a divided discussion over planning timelines, instructional structure, and the purpose of the district calendar.
Board members first addressed the proposed 2026–2027 calendar, with a motion made to delay approval until a future meeting. Supporters of tabling said the calendar had only recently been distributed and warranted additional review. Some members expressed concern that the calendar appeared to prioritize employee scheduling rather than student needs and said more time was needed to fully evaluate its impact.
Opposing members argued that delaying approval undermines long-term planning for families and staff.
They noted that many surrounding school districts finalize calendars earlier in the year and that approving a calendar well in advance helps parents, teachers, and students plan vacations, medical appointments, and extracurricular commitments. Several members said tabling the calendar created the appearance of disorganization and prolonged an issue that had already been discussed at the committee level.
The board voted by roll call to table the 2026–2027 calendar.
A similar discussion followed for the 2027–2028 calendar, which had been presented alongside the earlier year as part of a proposed two-year calendar plan. Members who opposed tabling said adopting a two-year calendar would reduce repeated annual debates and provide greater consistency for district families. Others maintained that if the first calendar was delayed, the second should be handled the same way.
The board again voted to table the item.
The calendar discussion built on issues raised during a Jan. 13 committee meeting, where district leaders outlined the rationale behind the proposed calendar structure. Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi and staff explained that professional development days were consolidated at the beginning of the school year to reduce shortened instructional weeks scattered throughout the fall. District officials said teachers had previously expressed a preference for a full fall break rather than multiple three- and four-day weeks.
Administrators also noted that remaining shortened weeks are driven by legal holidays and required parent-teacher conferences, which will continue in their current format to accommodate families with varied work schedules. District leaders said the calendar complies with state instructional requirements and has not negatively impacted academic performance.
According to information shared at the committee meeting, the district’s alignment with neighboring systems has also contributed to improved teacher recruitment and retention, reducing losses to nearby districts.
No date was set for when the calendars will return to the board for consideration.
Editor’s note: This message was originally shared publicly by the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches. We are sharing it with readers as it highlights ongoing community work and outreach efforts taking place locally.
I am reaching out to all my family and friends who may be willing to support a charitable organization that is trying to make a difference in their community—whether you live in Natchitoches or New York or New Zealand—if you’re someone who still believes the world can be better – more importantly, if you want to help keep a house of God available to everyone, I want to invite you into something practical and powerful.
For those of you who don’t know, I run Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Becoming a priest has been a gift I cannot explain in a Facebook post, but at the same time, it is an incredibly difficult time to be one, far harder than I ever imagined.
Trinity is striving to be a house of God that lives into Jesus’ life and example.
There’s a million other little things that make Trinity special. Bottom line, we are a little church, in a little town, trying very hard to follow Christ’s example, to stand with those on the margins, to care for anyone and everyone we can, and to be a house of worship that is a safe haven for everyone – no exceptions.
It’s a hard place to be sometimes, but it is deeply important and I need your help – we need your help. If you have it in you ability to support our efforts, we would greatly appreciate it. You can set up a recurring pledge to our church, or you can make a one-time payment. Any amount would be helpful.
This is an institution that deserves your support. Things in our world are incredibly hard at the moment, I promise with all that I am that we are trying to be more – we are trying our very best to live into Christ’s countercultural example.
If you can support us, please visit http://www.trinitynatchla.org and select the “Online Giving Form” tab.
If you have any questions, feel free to call our church office at 318-352-3113 or contact me directly at 443-734-4243. Thank you for whatever help you can give, we appreciate your support in keeping us going in our ministries and place in this community.
With love,
Kris+
Kristen E Paul, Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana
The Natchitoches Rowing Club is inviting new members to join its junior and master’s teams this spring. The club welcomes students in grades 7-12 for the junior program and adults 18 and older for the master’s program. No prior experience is required, as all participants will receive training from the club’s experienced coaching staff.
Rowing offers a full-body workout, an opportunity to meet new people, and a chance to challenge yourself in a supportive environment. Those interested can contact Coach Tori at natchitochesrowingclub@gmail.com with questions or to learn more about joining.
For those who may not want to row but still want to support the program, the club offers sponsorship opportunities that help give back to youth and the local community.
Coach Tori, founder and head coach of the Natchitoches Rowing Club, brings an accomplished athletic background to the program. A First Team All-American and Academic All-American at Northwestern State University, she finished her collegiate rowing career as the most decorated rower in NSU history, earning more than 16 gold medals and consistently placing in the top five in every race. Her competitive experience includes Rochester Rowing Club, NSU, and Craftsbury in Vermont, with highlights including a bronze medal at the ACRA Nationals, a Canadian Henley semifinal appearance, a USRowing Midwest Championship title, and a USRowing Summer National Championship.
Coach Tori previously founded and coached the LSMSA Crew program and serves as an assistant coach for NSU Crew. She is dedicated to expanding access to rowing in Natchitoches and creating a supportive environment for athletes of all levels.
Spring registration links:
Masters (Adults 18+): https://forms.gle/AaPLn71qQeiaAxY59
Juniors (Grades 7–12): https://forms.gle/VBww42XEeTGRmmDc8
In a world of endless alerts and nonstop trends, the public’s attention rarely makes it past the loading screen before the next “new thing” drops.
Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.
The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.
One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.
Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.
Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.
In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.
The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.
All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.
Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.
The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery has launched a new educational series spotlighting the fish species raised at the facility, beginning with the paddlefish, a prehistoric species native to North American river systems.
Often referred to as gentle giants of the river, paddlefish have existed for more than 100 million years, predating trees and humans. The species is easily recognized by its long, flat snout, known as a rostrum, which helps the fish detect movement and navigate its surroundings.
Despite their long history, paddlefish populations have declined significantly, largely due to overharvesting linked to the American caviar industry. Paddlefish eggs, or roe, are used to produce American caviar, a market valued at approximately $250 million. Unsustainable harvesting practices in the past contributed to population losses that conservation efforts continue to address today.
Protecting paddlefish populations is considered critical to ensuring the species can be sustained for future generations while allowing for responsible commercial and recreational use. Conservation strategies focus on balancing ecological preservation with regulated harvesting practices.
At the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery, staff are actively involved in breeding and restoration programs aimed at rebuilding paddlefish populations. These efforts are part of a broader mission to conserve native aquatic species and restore healthy ecosystems throughout the region.
