Masterful speller

Riverdale Academy 8th grader Brylee Halbmaier recently placed 5th at the MAIS Overall Spelling Bee in Jackson, MS. She is the daughter of Jake and Jonna Halbmaier.

Winning Perennials for Your Gardens

When creating a new garden or looking for new additions, check out the Perennial Plants of the Year (PPOY). Selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association, winners must be suited to a wide range of climate conditions, low maintenance, and provide multiple seasons of interest.

Mark Your Calendars! January

OngoingA love fund for Richard “Dickie” Adkins has been established at City Bank and Trust, Natchitoches to help with out-of-pocket expenses related to his hospice care. Richard is known and cared for by many people from all walks of life and from all over town, especially in the music community.

Remembering two-sport standout Jim Willis First Demon to reach MLB

Military service as World War II ended interrupted Jim Willis’ two-sport Northwestern State athletic career, but nothing could sever the deep-seated admiration he had for his alma mater.

Give this underappreciated camellia species a try

With the old year behind us and a new one straight ahead, it’s a good time to think about making some changes in the garden.

Here are the most popular baby names for 2025

The Louisiana Department of Health released the most popular baby names in the state for babies born in 2025, with Noah and Amelia taking the top spots.

Gifting new opportunities

Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council (CACRC) hosted its Computers for Christmas – Natchitoches event on Dec. 22, at the Natchitoches Events Center, providing laptops to children and families in need and helping bridge the digital divide in the local community.

NSU English professor lectures on research at Keats-Shelley House in Rome

Dr. Nicole Lobdell, assistant professor of English in the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University, was invited to discuss her research on the English writer Mary Shelley at the Keats-Shelley House in Rome, Italy, last month.

Northwestern State awards degrees to Summer, Fall 2025 graduates

Northwestern State University awarded 292 degrees to 290 Summer 2025 graduates and 607 degrees to 595 Fall 2025 graduates during commencement ceremonies Dec. 17-18. Summer graduates listed by hometown are followed by Fall graduates listed by hometown.

Honoring graduating seniors at Apple Pinning

Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development and the School of Education honored seven graduating seniors during an Apple Pinning ceremony Dec. 8 to mark the end of their journey as undergraduates and the start of their careers as educators.