BESE Board proposes increase for school operating costs

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has sent its proposed Minimum Foundation Program formula to lawmakers, backing a plan that would increase funding for school operating costs.Public school enrollment is projected to fall by roughly 12,000 to 13,000 students.

The I Heart Cookie Company rolled into Natchitoches Tuesday

Water treatment plant Phase 2 should begin by end of April

The City Council awarded the bid for Phase 2 of the water treatment facility improvements at its meeting Monday.The Lemoine Co. LLL of Lafayette submitted the low bid of $6,250,000 to rehabilitate the plant and increase the capacity by about 2.

State representative introduces bill to end vehicle inspection stickers

State Representative Larry Bagley has introduced House Bill 838, legislation that would eliminate Louisiana’s requirement for annual vehicle inspection stickers.Bagley said the proposal has the support of Gov. Jeff Landry and is part of the governor’s legislative package for the 2026 session.

Wiley: Unseasonably Warm March 7

An anomalously very strong 585-590DM (decameters) at 500 millibar atmosphere level (for this time of year) Sonoran heat dome moved over the Baja Peninsula producing hot temperatures for deep South Texas with lower 100 degree readings on Feb. 27.

FAUNA Pub Crawl begins Saturday rain or shine with 5 stops downtown

FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals) hosts the annual Natchitoches Pub Crawl Saturday, march 14, to raises funds for the 113 dogs and cats currently in its care, as well as allows FAUNA to help neglected, abused and homeless animals in our parish.This event takes place from 4- 10 p.m.

Powhatan earthquake registers 2.5 magnitude, 6.5 miles deep March 11

An earthquake was reported early Wednesday morning some eight miles west of Powhatan in Natchitoches Parish.The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the 2.5 magnitude quake just after 6 a.m. It was some 6.5 miles deep.

Canadian concert pianist to present Piano Series International program

Pianist Asher Armstrong will present a recital at Northwestern State University on Tuesday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.The concert is part of the Louisiana Piano Series International. Tickets are $15 for the recital.