JUST TALKIN’

We’re less than two weeks away from one of JT’s favorite local festivals. That’s the Natchitoches- NSU Folk Festival, which celebrates its 46th year. It’s one of JT’s favorites because it’s inside air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the NSU campus.

Mark Your Calendars! July

Complimentary Downtown Walking Tours of the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. Depart from the Natchitoches Visitors Center on Front St. Call 318/356-5555 for more information and to book group tours.

Northwestern names 6 to Long Purple Line to be honored at homecoming

- Northwestern State University will induct six new members into its Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line as part of the annual Homecoming celebration on Oct. 2224. The inductees are Bryan David Arceneaux of Larose, Edwin Dunahoe, Billy Joe Harrington and Dr.

Natchitoches Parish residents get $34,919 in unclaimed property from State Treasury

Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D., announced that 44,614 unclaimed property checks totaling $6.5 million were mailed out on Friday, June 12, following a data match to update addresses with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Class of 2026 inductees savor their selection to La.Sports Hall of Fame

The power of family and relationships was on full display during Thursday afternoon’s introductory press conference for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

Celebrity Bowling Bash

The Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM was June 26 at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. This event features a catered lunch buffet, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine, music by Geaux DJ, raffle, photo booth, and a 2026 Induction silent auction preview.

Church News

Mt. Olive Baptist Church is seeing a dedicated, spiritually grounded musician to serve during Sunday worship services and special programs. Must be dependable, musically skilled with the ability to play with excellence and committed to supporting an hour of worship per what honors God.

Mansfield Police Officer Arrested on Malfeasance, Battery, and Assault Charges

June 26, 2026– This morning, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit arrested a Mansfield Police Department Officer on criminal charges. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 58-year-old Curtis Jones of Mansfield.

Gumbo Cook-Off to be part of Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival

NATCHITOCHES – The Louisiana Gumbo Cook-Off is returning to the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on Saturday July 18, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches.