The Natchitoches City Council held its Nov. 10 meeting, addressing a mix of administrative approvals and zoning matters.

Ordinance 38 of 2025, which proposes rezoning a .438-acre property at 1041 Washington Street from R1 to R1 with a special exception for short-term rental use. The property, originally built for the owner’s daughter attending Northwestern State University, is now being considered for temporary Airbnb use until it is sold. The council noted the surrounding area already contains similar rentals, and no opposition had been reported. The ordinance will return for a second reading at the Nov. 24 meeting.

Ordinance 036 of 2025, amending the city’s building codes to adopt the International Residential Code standards for tiny homes, was presented and adopted. The ordinance establishes construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC standards for tiny homes up to 400 square feet and will regulate placement on individual lots. Council members highlighted the potential for affordable and energy-efficient housing while ensuring new structures align with the character of existing neighborhoods.

Ordinance 037 of 2025, authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Natchitoches Historic Foundation for use of the Roque House property, was approved. The agreement allows the foundation to maintain the property and make it available for events, including weddings, while ensuring city access to facilities such as restrooms. Council members expressed enthusiasm about the project’s contribution to the riverbank area and the broader community.

Ordinance 039 of 2025, concerning pole placement, was tabled for further review. The council also approved a variance request to increase the height of a residential fence from six to eight feet to improve privacy. Commissioners confirmed similar variances had been granted in comparable situations elsewhere in the city.

Additional items included approval of property subdivisions, a mobile home replacement request on Highland Park Drive, and reminders of procedural requirements for residents engaging with city applications.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Meeting recordings and agendas are available at http://www.cityofnagish.com.

Northwestern State University and the City of Many Police Department formalized a partnership to support law enforcement training and professional development utilizing university faculty, staff and facilities. Through the agreement, NSU will serve as a training provider for the Many PD by providing specialized courses and workshops relevant to law enforcement, along with training in leadership, crisis responses, community engagement, legal and ethnical practices and technology. The Nov. 10 signing ceremony marked the collaboration “in support of education, training and service to the northwest Louisiana region,” said Laurie Morrow, executive director of Economic Development & University Advancement. Seated from left are Dr. Francene Lemoine, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; NSU President James Genovese, Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley and Assistant Chief Mason Wiley. Standing are Morrow, NSU Criminal Justice faculty Dr. Daniel Gordy, Dr. Mark Melder and JD Cox, University Police Chief Craig Vercher, NSU PD Captain Wes Harrell and Gwen Fontenot, NSU’s director of Corporate and Community Engagement.

The City of Natchitoches would like to notify the public that Church Street Bridge will
be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 8:30 AM – 1 PM. During this time, the City’s Utility
Department will install Christmas lights on the Church Street Bridge and there will be no thru
traffic for the safety of the workers and motorists.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time as we turn the City of
Natchitoches into the City of Lights for the holiday season.

The City of Natchitoches Distribution System would like to notify the public that the Boil Advisory issued, starting at 5423 Hwy 6, Collins Rd, McCallister Rd, and RH Bills Rd on Nov. 5 has been lifted. The Louisiana Department of Health collected a sample of water from the area on Nov. 7 and notified the City of Natchitoches that the water was safe for human consumption and use. The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time. For more information or questions, contact the Utility Department at (318) 357-3850.

This tax only affects those living in the Provencal School District, which includes the Provencal and Cloutierville areas, and it will result in benefits for Provencal Elementary and Jr. High. 

This plan restructures old Provencal construction debt and funds new improvements to benefit every Provencal student. This plan also cleans up old taxing districts that previously did not match attendance zones. Now, your taxing district will match your child’s attendance zone, meaning your tax dollars support the school your child attends!

The bond will provide $12.5 million in funding for important projects, including:
• Replacing the school’s aging HVAC system
• Upgrading classrooms and technology
• Making repairs to the building and campus
• Improving athletic and music facilities

You may be wondering how this will impact your tax bill:
• Residents in the Provencal area will see a 5-mill reduction.
• Residents in the Cloutierville area, who previously did not financially support the school because their students did not attend Provencal, will begin contributing with 15 mills.

Vote YES!  Together,  we can ensure that Provencal School stays safe, modern, and ready for the future!

Political Ad Paid for by the Friends of the Students, Faculty and Staff of the Natchitoches Parish Schools

Inside stories about the production of the 1989 box office hit movie “Steel Magnolias,” filmed on location in Natchitoches, will be shared during a Thursday evening, Nov. 13 program at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Louisiana’s oldest city.

The “Steel Magnolias Memories with Tom Whitehead and Friends” event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Natchitoches museum includes a reception and panel discussion with audience participation, recounting memories of the beloved classic film with a star-studded cast.

Written by Natchitoches native Robert Harling Jr. and originally produced on stage, it was adapted for the screen and featured the breakout performance by future Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts, alongside Oscar winners Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis, superstar entertainer and actress Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah, with acclaimed actors Tom Skerritt and Dylan McDermott in key supporting roles.

The comedy/drama continues to resonate four decades later, inspiring thousands of stage adaptations around the world and a 2012 Lifetime Network movie remake, and is treasured for its themes of friendship and reliance and its portrayal of Southern small-town charm.

Harling wrote about the life and 1985 passing of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, a young mother who died from complications with diabetes.

After he persuaded TriStar Pictures executives to shoot the movie in Natchitoches, the production was a seminal event for the community, with many locals working behind the scenes and appearing as extras or even with small speaking parts in the film. Its release and reception sparked a stream of visitors to Natchitoches to see the film’s location and soak in the ambiance of the city, a phenomenon that continues today.

Whitehead, a professor at Northwestern State University, was the second local person hired by the production company, assisting in logistics and hosting the stars in the cast throughout their stays in Natchitoches.

He will be joined on the panel by others involved in the production.

Tickets are $20 for the public, $10 for NSU students, and free for FLASH members. Enjoy complimentary refreshments during the event.

The event is a fundraiser for FLASH, Friends of Louisiana Sports and History, the local support group for the museum, which is part of the Louisiana State Museum system.

For more information or to join FLASH, call the museum at 318-357-2492. It is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with modest admission prices topping out at $6.

Mayor Katrina Evans recently represented the Town of Campti, along with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and ICLEI USA, at the C40 World Mayors Summit 2025 held Nov. 3–5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Summit, co-hosted by the COP30 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies, brought together more than 300 mayors and city leaders from across the world to address the urgent challenges of climate change and sustainability.

Hosted at the Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro, the Summit was co-chaired by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes, who emphasized that it is time to move from the era of climate negotiation to the decade of delivery—where cities take the lead in driving real, measurable progress.

Mayor Evans joined this distinguished gathering to share Campti’s ongoing efforts to strengthen climate resilience and improve local infrastructure. Under her leadership, Campti has been upgrading and modernizing its water infrastructure to ensure consistent, safe, and sustainable access to clean water for all residents.

With aging systems and increasing climate pressures having caused recurring low-pressure issues and service disruptions, Mayor Evans and her administration are implementing advanced water management technologies, exploring renewable energy integration for pumping systems, and developing a long-term resilience plan to separate vulnerable lines and prevent widespread outages.

“These investments safeguard one of our community’s most essential resources and position Campti as a model for equitable and sustainable rural infrastructure transformation,” said Mayor Evans. “Our goal is to ensure that every resident has reliable access to clean water—today and for generations to come.”

By participating in the C40 World Mayors Summit, Mayor Evans helped elevate the voice of small rural communities in the global climate dialogue, building partnerships and exchanging innovative solutions to advance a more sustainable and resilient future.

After a fantastic freshman campaign last season, Vernell Atamah has picked up right where she left off.

After she averaged 21.3 points in Northwestern State’s first three games against Nebraska, Wichita State and Kansas, Atamah earned the first Southland Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week award of the season, the league announced Monday.

Atamah, a sophomore nursing major from Mesquite, Texas, scored 20 points in the season-opening loss to Nebraska, beginning a week in which she scored at least 19 points in all three games. Her 21.3 points per contest leads the Southland.

Among her performances was a 25-point outburst in the victory at Wichita State, one in which she buried a career-high seven 3-pointers.

Atamah helped the Demons earn their first road victory against an American Conference team in program history.

She became the first NSU player with consecutive 20-point games against Division I opponents to start a season in more than 25 years.

Overall, she made 13 3-pointers in the three games and drained at least three triples in each game. Last season, Atamah made at least three 3-pointers just once during the entire season.

Her 52 percent from deep is the best mark in the SLC for anyone who has attempted at least eight 3-point shots.

It is the second weekly award won by Atamah in her career, also doing so Jan. 20, 2025, after posting a career night against New Orleans, scoring 29 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, as well as recording three steals before scoring 21 points against Southeastern Louisiana (Jan. 18).

Atamah and her NSU teammates open the home schedule at Prather Coliseum Saturday night at 6 against Champion Christian.

FLORENCE, Alabama – The Northwestern State men’s basketball  team wraps up its early three-game road swing tonight, visiting defending American Sun Conference co-champion North Alabama inside Flowers Hall.

Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game will stream live on ESPN+.

The Demons (0-2) look to regroup after Thursday’s 80–53 setback at North Texas, a game that saw NSU battle within five midway through the second half before the Mean Green’s hot shooting took over.

Sophomore guard Justin Redmond led the Demons with nine points, while Chris Mubiru and Izzy Miles each added eight.

Freshman guard Omar Adegbola was a bright spot off the bench, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.

For third-year head coach Rick Cabrera, the trip to Florence is both a test and a familiar challenge.

The Lions (1-1) captured their first win of the season Friday with a 90–84 home win over Lane College behind a balanced offensive attack that featured multiple double-figure scorers.

The matchup also reunites Cabrera with North Alabama head coach Tony Pujol, a longtime friend and fellow product of a blue-collar basketball background.

“Tony Pujol is a heck of a coach,” Cabrera said. “I’m so excited for the success he’s had. His job is very similar to ours — small school, blue-collar guys who get after it. He’s of Cuban descent, I’m Dominican, so when we have the chance to compete against each other, we really cherish that.”

Cabrera said Pujol was one of the first coaches he reached out to when taking over the Northwestern program in 2022.

“He’s got the blueprint,” Cabrera said. “When I got the job, I talked to him, and he told me, ‘Do it your way. Be patient. There’ll be rough roads, but good coaches handle that.’ He did that at his place, and I plan to do that here.”

Northwestern grabbed a 71-58 victory when the teams met a season ago in Natchitoches.

The rematch will pit two teams who are still strikingly similar.

“They’re kind of mixed like us,” Cabrera said. “They’re returning five or six guys from a championship team that shared the title with Lipscomb last year. We came out victorious against them here last season, but going on the road is different. You’ve got to be mentally and physically tough to win away from home, and that’s what we’re preparing to do.”

The contest also marks the end of a season-opening road gauntlet for the Demons, who play their first three games away from Prather Coliseum — a deliberate scheduling move by Cabrera to forge early toughness and chemistry.

“We prepared our preseason scrimmages that way,” Cabrera said. “We knew our first three would be on the road. Everybody likes playing at home, and we’ll have our time, but to be really good, you’ve got to win road games. These trips give us a chance to learn and to bond as a team.”

Oh, sweet Cassie! With her round little cheeks, adorable face, and mismatched white socks, she’s impossible not to fall in love with. Her sweet meow and tiny clipped ear only adds to her charm.

Cassie is a young cat, with the most gentle nature. She once had a loving home, but when her owner lost their housing, she suddenly found herself without one too. Thankfully, a kind stranger saved Cassie and provided an outdoor catio to keep her protected. It’s a temporary haven, not ideal, but Cassie dreams of something more — a real home, a cozy couch, and a warm lap to curl up in for the holidays.

This young girl is affectionate, gentle, and full of love to give. She greets everyone with a soft purr and melts into your touch. Cassie is truly a gem, a cat who’s been through hardship but hasn’t lost her sweetness or her hope.

For more information about fostering or adopting Cassie, please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit the website at npfauna.org.

Peter wanted to be a writer. His father, Nathaniel, was an author. His grandfather Robert was a humorist and co-founder of the Algonquin Round Table, an informal group of writers, critics, and actors who met for daily lunches at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Writing seemed to be in Peter’s genetic makeup.

After earning a degree in English from Harvard in June 1961, Peter received a student grant which allowed him to spend the next year traveling the world and making notes about his experiences. Upon his return, he served a six-month stint in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, but his passion was writing. In 1963, Peter began working as a reporter for The Washington Post and soon thereafter began working as the radio and television editor for Newsweek magazine. It was far from the writer’s dream that Peter had envisioned, but he was earning a living. In the summer of 1963, 23-year-old Peter joined other tourists on a tour of the White House. He purchased the $1 White House guidebook that first lady Jacqueline Kennedy had organized. During the tour, Peter got the idea for a children’s book in which a little girl visits the White House on her birthday. She smuggles her kitten onto the tour, but it escapes, causes all sorts of chaos, and she ends up face-to-face with President Kennedy. During the writing process, Peter decided the mischief was more befitting a boy and his puppy than a girl and her kitten. In the book, the boy, Jonathan, eludes guards and ignores the numerous roped off areas as he chases his puppy, Tiger, through the Blue Room, the Red Room, the State Dining Room, the Lincoln bedroom, through the garden on the White House lawn, and ends up in the Oval Office where he finds President Kennedy scratching Tiger’s ears. “You’re—you’re the president,” Jonathan gasped. “And you must be Jonathan,” President Kennedy replied. “You—you know me?” President Kennedy responded with a chuckle, “Everyone in the White House knows you now.”

President Kennedy never saw Peter’s book. He was assassinated on November 22, 1963, just two months before the book was published. In her first public document as first lady, “Lady Bird” Johnson wrote the foreword for Peter’s book on White House stationary. She ended the foreword with this invitation to young readers: “My husband and I hope one day soon you will come to visit the White House in person.” The book went on sale in February 1964. Six months later, Peter published his travel memoir entitled “Time and a Ticket.” His books sold well but failed to provide Peter with the financial security necessary for him to focus solely on writing books.

Peter worked for Newsweek until 1967 when he was hired as “a (very) junior” speechwriter for President Lyndon Johnson. When President Johnson’s term ended in January 1967, Peter was determined to build a career as a freelance writer. He wrote stories for newspapers and magazines such as National Geographic, LIFE, The New Yorker, and pitched book ideas to publishers. In 1974, Peter published what was advertised as “a novel of relentless terror.” The book was such a big hit that Peter was hired to co-author a screenplay based on the book. Peter, who wrote the popular children’s book about the White House, who was a speech writer for President Lyndon Johnson, is Peter Benchley, mostly known for his “superthriller” shark tale “Jaws.”

Sources:

1. The Boston Globe, June 15, 1961, p.12.

2. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), January 5, 1964, p.50.

3. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), June 27, 1964, p.9.

4. Peter Benchley, “Jaws, (New York, Doubleday, 1974).

Fall is nearly done.
And the birds are mostly gone.
But I keep the birdbath clean,
refilling it with fresh water
in my bucolic backyard.
Daily, a squirrel comes
to quench its thirst.
A brief bushy-tailed ballet
during the hop-on and hop-off
the birdbath makes me happy.
It keeps me from brooding over
the “dark and deep” woods of winter.

A Cloutierville man arrested in Oklahoma and wanted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office on Failure to Register as a Sex Offender charges has been extradited back to Natchitoches Parish, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Justin Robert Jones, 36, of the 2500 block of La. Hwy 491 in Cloutierville, was arrested in Oklahoma and held in the Alfalfa County Detention Center on Natchitoches Parish charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender – 2nd or Subsequent Offenses. The charges were secured by detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau Sex Offender Unit.

Jones was convicted of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile in the Tenth Judicial District Court in Natchitoches in 2006.

Detectives had been looking for Jones over a year. His family had been contacted. After being notified of his arrest, the NPSO Warrants Division consulted with Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, who authorized extradition proceedings to transport Jones back to Natchitoches Parish.

NPSO Warrant Division Deputies traveled to Oklahoma on November 7th and transported Jones back to Natchitoches Parish, where he is currently being held in the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting court proceedings.

If you have any information, contact Major J. Byles or Detective Lt. J. Kilpatrick at 318-357-7830.

Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 15:542 et seq.), individuals convicted of certain sex offenses are required to register with local law enforcement authorities within three business days of establishing a residence, employment, or school attendance in any parish.

Registered sex offenders must verify their address periodically typically every 90 days, six months, or annually depending on the offense and notify authorities of any changes in residence, employment, or vehicle ownership.

Failure to comply with these registration and notification requirements is a felony offense, with penalties that may include imprisonment and additional registration time.

The purpose of Louisiana’s Sex Offender Registry is to enhance public safety and ensure that citizens are informed of potential risks in their communities.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages all residents to stay informed and aware of registered sex offenders living in or near their neighborhoods. You can search for registered offenders in Louisiana by visiting the Louisiana State Police Sex Offender Registry at: lsp.org/socpr/default.html

Staying informed helps protect you, your family, and your community. Sheriff Stuart Wright stated, “Our detectives and warrant deputies work diligently to locate and bring back individuals who fail to comply with sex offender registration laws. These laws exist to protect our citizens and maintain transparency within our communities. I want to thank our team for their persistence and also encourage the public to remain vigilant by using the state’s online registry to stay informed.”

A state agency has launched an investigation into the City of Natchitoches administration, issuing subpoenas to elected officials and key employees while requesting interviews with business community members and former city employees, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the investigation.

The investigation stems from complaints filed with state authorities alleging improper actions, questionable behavior and possible nefarious activity by the current city administration, the sources said. The complaints were initiated by city council members, former utility employees and private citizens.

The Journals reviewed copies of all complaints provided by sources familiar with the matter. The complaints detail specific allegations regarding the nature and type of actions under investigation.

Subpoenas have been issued to key elected officials and current employees, including Mayor Ronnie Williams, City Clerk Stacy McQueary, Director of Finance Clarissa Brown-Smith and Grant Writer Nicole Gray, according to sources. Contact requesting interviews have also been sent to members of the local business community and former city workers now in the private sector, according to sources at both the city and the state agency conducting the investigation.

As of publication, city officials have not publicly acknowledged receiving state subpoenas or disclosed details about the investigation. The lack of transparency regarding the investigation has raised questions about the administration’s response to the inquiry.

The Journals contacted the offices of Mayor Williams, City Clerk McQueary and a council member on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, requesting comment on reports of the state investigation and subpoenas. None returned calls as of Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.

Editor’s Note: The Journals granted anonymity to three sources—one with direct knowledge at the city, one with the state agency conducting the investigation, and one additional source familiar with the matter—because they are not authorized to speak publicly and could face professional retaliation. The Journals independently verified the existence of the investigation through multiple sources and reviewed all complaints filed with state authorities before publication. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Energy activity continues to build across Natchitoches Parish

Oil and gas exploration in Natchitoches Parish continues to gain traction, with over 25 new leases filed at the Parish Clerk’s office through Friday, November 7, 2025.

The latest filings bring the year-to-date total to more than 307 leases recorded since January 1 — further solidifying the parish’s role within the expanding Haynesville Shale region. Industry analysts note that this sustained leasing pace signals continued confidence from energy producers rather than the short-term surge seen in some neighboring areas earlier this year.

Geographic Expansion Continues

Recent filings extend the geographic reach of activity beyond the traditional corridors near DeSoto, Red River, and Sabine parishes. Areas around Robeline, stretching toward Marthaville, the Shady Grove Road area and along Highway 6, continue to attract exploration interest as companies broaden their mapping and drilling strategies.

Legal Advisory for Property Owners

Landowners approached with new lease offers are reminded to consult with qualified oil-and-gas attorneys before signing. These agreements can carry long-term implications for mineral rights, royalty structures, and surface use — areas that require careful legal review to protect property interests.

Why It Matters

The steady stream of lease filings demonstrates that Natchitoches Parish remains a hotbed for upstream energy investment in 2025. As Louisiana continues to benefit from national demand for natural gas and liquefied natural gas exports, the parish’s position within the Haynesville Shale keeps it squarely on the radar of regional and national operators.

What Comes Next

With nearly 320 leases now on record this year, observers expect to see a gradual transition from leasing to preliminary exploration and production activity heading into early 2026. Tracking well permits, seismic studies, and surface operations will offer the next key indicators of how this leasing wave translates into tangible economic impact for the parish.

A quick review of the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records shows that over twenty-five leases have been filed in the Parish records since October 20, 2025. (The NPJ pulled a list of leases from the Public Records in Natchitoches Parish online service – Attached)

Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, Nov. 10 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. to discuss non-agenda items. The City Council meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and will be reserved to only items on the Agenda.  The public is invited to both the pre-council meetings and council meetings with the understanding that items not on the agenda will not be discussed at the scheduled council meetings, but the public is welcome to discuss any topic at the pre-council meetings.  The City Council Meetings are held at the Natchitoches City Council Chambers, located at 716 Second St. in Natchitoches.

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:

#038 Nielsen Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Containing 0.438 Acre-Shown as Tract 2A on a Plat By Robert L. Davis, PLS Dated September 8, 2021. Recorded at Map Slide 834-B (1041 Washington St.)

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

#036 Petite Ordinance To Amend And Reenact Section 8-1 Of Chapter 8 Of The Code Of Ordinances, Entitled Building And Building Regulations, Said Amendment Being Made To Adopt Appendix AQ Of The International Residential Code (IRC) Titled Tiny Houses To Reflect Current Building Codes, As The Official Building Codes Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.

#037 Smith-Kirkendoll Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana, To Enter Into A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement With Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Whereby The City Of Natchitoches Will Lease To The Natchitoches Historic Foundation The Ground Upon Which The Roque House Is Located And The Natchitoches Historic Foundation Will Lease Ground And Facilities To The City Of Natchitoches, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

#039 Elie Ordinance Revoking The Dedication Of A Portion Of Payne Street Which Is Situated In The City And Parish Of Natchitoches And Located North Of The Intersection Of Lake Street And Payne Street On The Western Side Of Payne Street, Declaring That Said Portion Of Payne Street Is Abandoned And The Dedication Revoked, Retaining An Easement Across The Former Payne Street For Public Utility Purposes, Providing For An Effective Date Of The Ordinance, And Savings Clause

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• The next scheduled City Council meeting will be November 24, 2025.

PAID CONTENT

In response to the SNAP crisis, Trinity Episcopal Church is establishing a small food pantry that will be available for public access Wednesday mornings at 10 am each week. The church will hold its first distribution on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

All who are in need of support are invited to come. The church will provide bags and boxes of goods to as many as possible on a first come basis.

Anyone in the community that would like to support this community effort, the church will need donations of staple items, funds for grocery cards, and volunteers to help sort donations. Empty boxes are also needed and/or reusable tote bags for people to use to transport their items.

For the holidays, items like Stovetop stuffing, dried cranberries, canned cranberry sauce, canned yams, canned ham, gravy packets, etc. would be useful. Apple juice, tea bags, and coffee are always valued.

Contact Mother Kris or the Office for more information. Pantry items may be brought to the church office (148 Touline). Financial donations may be brought/mailed to the office or placed in the offering plate with “food pantry” in the memo line.

Mother Kris shared, “Thank you in advance for your investment in our community of faith by helping us to provide sustenance to our neighbors.”

NSU Middle Laboratory School proudly names Mrs. Bobbi Caballero as our 2025 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Caballero teaches 6th and 7th-grade math and is known for her exceptional instructional skill, deep content knowledge, and continued commitment to student growth.

In 2025, 87% of her students scored at the Mastery or Advanced level on the LEAP assessment, a testament to her ability to create a classroom where high expectations and student success go hand in hand.

Mrs. Caballero’s classroom is characterized by structure, engagement, and a focus on student growth. She uses data to drive every decision and ensure each student reaches their full potential. Her lessons are purposeful, her feedback is precise, and her students know that she believes in them — every day.

We are proud to honor Mrs. Bobbi Caballero for her outstanding dedication to teaching and learning. She exemplifies the mission of NSU Middle Laboratory School – Where leaders flourish, and excellence thrives.

NSU Middle Lab School proudly announces Khloe Kaufman as its 2025 Student of the Year. A dedicated eighth-grade student and leader, Khloe exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character.

She currently serves as President of NSU Middle Lab Student Council, is an active member of the Junior Beta Club, 4-H and Youth Volunteer Corps, and represents her school through orchestra, volleyball, and basketball. Beyond the classroom, Khloe leads worship and youth initiatives at Westside Baptist Church, earning numerous recognitions for academic and community achievements, including multiple Superior Ratings in orchestra and state honors through Louisiana 4-H. Known for her faith, perseverance, and compassion for others, Khloe’s commitment to learning and leadership embodies the true spirit of NSU Middle Lab School.

Natchitoches Central earned its spot in the LHSAA’s Non-Select Division I playoff field with a 27-13 win Friday night at Benton while St. Mary’s warmed up for the Select Division IV bracket with a 58-0 rout of parish rival Lakeview.

NCHS is seeded 24^th in the 28-team bracket and will travel to Houma to meet No. 9 Terrebonne Friday night in a first-round game.

St. Mary’s also goes south, to Plaquemine, on Friday night for postseason. The 21^st-seeded Tigers meet 12^th-seeded St. John in the 24-team bracket.

The Chiefs (6-4) won five of their last six games, losing only to defending District 1-5A champion Airline, to surge into postseason under second-year head coach Brad Laird. NCHS got a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown from Jeremy Lowe, a 79-yard TD catch by Samaj Thomas on an Owen Smith pass, a 15-yard Smith run and a 26-yard TD run by Kelton Howard to outpace the Bossier Parish Tigers on their homefield.

St. Mary’s (5-5) closed a 4-1 District 3-1A schedule in its victory at Lakeview (0-10) with eight different Tigers scoring.

The Natchitoches Central volleyball team has been among north Louisiana’s best for several years, but this season the Lady Chiefs have raised their stature to rank among the very best teams in the state.

Saturday, they made history by giving the school its first-ever state tournament appearance by beating visiting Brusly 3-1 at The Teepee.

NCHS (32-3) is the fifth seed in Division II and will play No. 4 South Lafourche on Thursday at 3:40 in the state quarterfinals in Lafayette at the Cajundome. A possible semifinal contest Friday at 1:40 would be against the hometown favorite, top-seeded St. Thomas More, or No. 8 Kenner Discovery. The state championship match is Saturday at 4:30.

The Lady Chiefs overcame losing the first set to Brusly 25-21 to get it done in the next three sets, 25-17, 25-22, and 25-18.

NCHS rolled over West Ouachita in a first-round match, 3-0, earlier last week.