Grow healthier gardens with help of a soil test

Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden, but let’s be honest, most gardeners don’t like spending time, energy, and money on it. It’s more fun to show off pretty flowers or share tasty vegetables.

One in custody, two at large

The Natchitoches Police Department arrested Germarlon Page, 19, of Natchitoches, for simple burglary. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 4 a.m., NPD officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Desoto Rd. for suspects breaking into vehicles. Residents had detained Page prior to officers arrival.

Patriotic Kids

Patriotic Kids

Parish Council budget delay could impact roads and more

The Parish Council’s refusal to adopt its 2025 budget at the Oct. 21 meeting may have more impact than first believed.Perhaps the biggest consequence is that the vote delays spending $4 million on the Goldonna Road since that money is included in the 2025 budget.

High school graduation rate increases and students with disabilities improve 1.6%

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released graduation data this week for the 2022-2023 school year. The state’s overall cohort graduation rate increased and is now above 83%. The 2022-2023 cohort graduation rate is 83.2%, up from 82.7% the previous year.

State breaks in-person early voting record

Secretary of State Nancy Landry announces that Louisiana has broken its previous in-person early voting record set in 2020. Between Oct. 18-29, 849,784 voters cast their ballots early in-person, versus the 817,957 who did so in 2020.

JUST TALKIN’

The rains we got early Thursday were sure welcome. In fact, JT believes it was the first time in October we actually had any measurable rain. There was no rain in September and the last good rain was at the end of August.Thank goodness it came early enough not to dampen the Halloween activities.

The next in a series of granite memorial slabs is unloaded and installed at the Roque House Preservation Wall

The next in a series of granite memorial slabs is unloaded and installed at the Roque House Preservation Wall

Park celebrates anniversary

Cane River Creole National Historical Park and Cane River National Heritage Area are kicking off our 30th anniversary celebration. In 1994, U.S. Congress acknowledged the unique qualities of this region by creating the Park and Heritage Area.

Harris Road off Martelli Road is closed

Natchitoches Parish President John Salter announces Harris Rd, off Martelli Rd is closed to all traffic for general repairs. The duration of this closure is until further notice.