Commission ruling could leave customers with big rate hikes

The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 4-1 last week to halt a years-long effort to examine alternative electricity models that could give industrial and residential customers more choice in how they buy power.

New seawall underway downtown on Cane River

The Cane River National Heritage Area, in partnership with the Cane River Waterway Commission and the City of Natchitoches, has begun construction on a new seawall along the east side of Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches.

Wiley says there were plenty of showers during May

Much above normal precipitation totals for May were observed at Natchitoches and most of Natchitoches Parish. For Natchitoches, total precipitation is 10.64 inches. Normal total precipitation for the month is 3.87 inches per NOAA, NCEI climate data which dates to year 1893.

Shelter Fundamentals & Simulation Training set for June 7

Put your name on the roster of volunteers who are trained and prepared to help neighbors when a major catastrophe strikes.  A Shelter Fundamentals  & Simulation Training by the American Red Cross is taking place Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m.

Annual fish for free weekend is June 7-8

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announces June 7 and 8 is Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend, where anglers are exempt from possessing a recreational fishing license to fish state waters. All other rules and regulations still apply.

LDWF schedules drawdown for Saline Lake

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Saline Lake (Natchitoches and Winn Parishes) for giant salvinia control, reduction of organic muck, and fish habitat improvement.

Report: Louisiana’s democracy distorted by ‘prison gerrymandering’

A report from the Prison Policy Initiative says Louisiana’s political map gives unfair influence to residents in districts with large prison populations because of a Census Bureau policy the state continues to follow.

City gets positive financial report at short council meeting

The City Council meeting Tuesday was a short one, 30 minutes and 54 seconds with the financial report being the highlight.Finance Director Clarissa Brown Smith said sales tax collections are trending upward during both the budget year and calendar year.

LaDOTD to inspect Red River Bridge

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises that on Tuesday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, the bridge on LA 6 over Red River will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 2.3 Miles North of JCT 3175.

Bill to prioritize affordable, domestic energy sources advances

State Rep. Jacob Landry, R-Erath, hopes that House Bill 692 will strengthen Louisiana’s electricity grid and prevent the sort of “brown outs” that struck New Orleans on Sunday.