N-Side View Day invites high school juniors, seniors, and their families to explore Northwestern State University on Saturday, Nov. 14.
By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University
Choosing a college is a big decision. You want a degree that prepares you for a career, professors who care about your success, and a campus where you feel at home. But how do you know if a university is right for you?
Sometimes, you need to see it for yourself.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, Northwestern State University will host N-Side View Day, giving high school juniors, seniors, and their parents an opportunity to experience campus life and get answers to their questions about college.
During the event, you’ll have opportunities to explore academic programs, meet faculty and current students, tour campus and learn about scholarships, financial aid, and admissions.
It’s also a chance to ask questions that matter to your future. What careers can I pursue with this degree? Will I get hands-on experience? Who will help me if I’m struggling in class? What is student life like?
For parents, the visit offers an opportunity to learn about college costs, available support, and the resources that help students succeed.
At NSU, our goal is simple: A degree that leads somewhere. We help students build career skills, gain real-world experience, and get support from people who know their names and care about their goals.
You don’t need to have your entire future figured out before visiting. Come explore your options, meet the people who will help you along the way, and see if Northwestern feels right for you.
N-Side View Day takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Register today at nsu.la/nsideview.
STATE OF LOUISIANA, DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA.
In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with particular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2026, upon the application of ADAMAS ENERGY LLC.
At such hearing the Department of Conservation and Energy will consider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the following matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Carroll Creek Field, Red River Parish, Louisiana.
1. To authorize Applicant to drill, designate and utilize one horizontal well as a unit well and eleven horizontal wells as alternate unit wells for HA RA SUS, at the locations shown on the plat submitted with the application, or at any other legal location within said unit in accordance with LAC 43:XIX.4307, et seq. (Statewide Order No. 29-S).
2. To find that the proposed horizontal wells are necessary to efficiently and economically drain a portion of the Haynesville Zone underlying the unit on which it is proposed to be drilled which cannot be efficiently and economically drained by any existing well on such unit, will prevent waste, avoid the drilling of unnecessary wells, protect correlative rights and promote the full and efficient development of the natural resources of this state.
3. To provide that if the horizontal portion of a well is cased and cemented back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, the distance to any unit boundary and offset well(s) will be calculated based on the distance to the nearest perforation in the well and not on the penetration point or terminus of the well in the Hayesville Zone, Reservoir A.
4. To provide that production from the proposed wells shall be separated and metered individually and that this information shall be reported in the manner prescribed by the Office of Permitting and Compliance.
5. To provide that the unit allowables for the unit to be served by the proposed wells may be produced from the unit well, from any alternate unit well, or from any combination of such wells serving the unit, at the discretion of the operator.
6. Except insofar as set forth above, to confirm and continue in full force and effect the provisions of Office of Permitting and Compliance Order No. 1186-C, effective December 16, 2008, as amended and supplemented by the 1186-C Series of Orders, the units created thereby, and of all applicable Statewide Orders.
7. To consider such other matters as may be pertinent.
The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was defined in Order No. 1186-C, effective December 16, 2008.
A plat is available for inspection in the Department of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana.
All parties having interest therein shall take notice thereof.
BY ORDER OF:
DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY
Baton Rouge, LA 10/27/26;10/30/26 S lck
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN FIVE (5) WORKING DAYS OF THE HEARING DATE.
STATE OF LOUISIANA, DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA.
In accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, and with particular reference to the provisions of Title 30 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, a public hearing will be held in the Hearing Room, 1st Floor, LaSalle Building, 617 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2026, upon the application of ADAMAS ENERGY LLC.
At such hearing the Department of Conservation and Energy will consider evidence relative to the issuance of Orders pertaining to the following matters relating to the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, in the Carroll Creek Field, Red River Parish, Louisiana.
1. To authorize Applicant to drill, designate and utilize one horizontal well as a unit well and eleven horizontal wells as alternate unit wells for HA RA SUS, at the locations shown on the plat submitted with the application, or at any other legal location within said unit in accordance with LAC 43:XIX.4307, et seq. (Statewide Order No. 29-S).
2. To find that the proposed horizontal wells are necessary to efficiently and economically drain a portion of the Haynesville Zone underlying the unit on which it is proposed to be drilled which cannot be efficiently and economically drained by any existing well on such unit, will prevent waste, avoid the drilling of unnecessary wells, protect correlative rights and promote the full and efficient development of the natural resources of this state.
3. To provide that if the horizontal portion of a well is cased and cemented back above the top of the Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A, the distance to any unit boundary and offset well(s) will be calculated based on the distance to the nearest perforation in the well and not on the penetration point or terminus of the well in the Hayesville Zone, Reservoir A.
4. To provide that production from the proposed wells shall be separated and metered individually and that this information shall be reported in the manner prescribed by the Office of Permitting and Compliance.
5. To provide that the unit allowables for the unit to be served by the proposed wells may be produced from the unit well, from any alternate unit well, or from any combination of such wells serving the unit, at the discretion of the operator.
6. Except insofar as set forth above, to confirm and continue in full force and effect the provisions of Office of Permitting and Compliance Order No. 1186-C, effective December 16, 2008, as amended and supplemented by the 1186-C Series of Orders, the units created thereby, and of all applicable Statewide Orders.
7. To consider such other matters as may be pertinent.
The Haynesville Zone, Reservoir A was defined in Order No. 1186-C, effective December 16, 2008.
A plat is available for inspection in the Department of Conservation and Energy in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana.
All parties having interest therein shall take notice thereof.
BY ORDER OF:
DUSTIN H. DAVIDSON, SECRETARY
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY
Baton Rouge, LA 10/27/26;10/30/26 S lck
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ENERGY AT P.O. BOX 94275, BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9275 IN WRITING WITHIN FIVE (5) WORKING DAYS OF THE HEARING DATE.
For more than six decades, Better Finance has built its business around a simple idea:
Financial services should still be personal.
Founded in 1964, Better Finance has served generations of customers in Coushatta and Northwest Louisiana, helping individuals and families find financial solutions for needs that do not always fit neatly into a traditional banking relationship.
Sometimes the need is unexpected.
A vehicle may need repairs. A medical expense may arise. A household purchase may become necessary sooner than planned.
Other times, the need may involve consolidating debt, making home improvements or financing a larger purchase.
Whatever the reason, Better Finance believes the process should begin with understanding the customer and the need.
Local Service Still Matters
Financial services have changed dramatically since Better Finance opened its doors in 1964.
Today, many lending decisions begin with an online application, an automated system and very little personal interaction.
Technology can make financial services convenient, but Better Finance believes there is still value in being able to talk with someone.
That is especially important when a customer’s circumstances may require more explanation than a form can provide.
Better Finance’s approach is built around local service, personal relationships and taking the time to understand each customer’s individual situation.
Helping With Real-Life Needs
Financial needs can take many forms.
For some customers, a personal loan may help address an unexpected expense.
For others, financing may be used for debt consolidation, home improvements, large purchases or other personal needs.
The reason for borrowing may be different from one customer to the next, which is why Better Finance believes lending should not feel like a one-size-fits-all process.
The goal is to help qualified customers explore options that fit their circumstances and budget.
More Than a Transaction
Better Finance has remained part of the Northwest Louisiana community for more than 60 years because relationships matter.
A customer is more than an application.
A loan is more than a transaction.
And good service does not end once paperwork is signed.
For many customers, having a local financial company they know and can contact directly provides something that is increasingly difficult to find in a highly automated financial world.
It provides a relationship.
A Tradition Since 1964
Better Finance’s longevity is part of its story.
Businesses do not serve a community for more than six decades without earning relationships along the way.
Since 1964, Better Finance has continued to serve customers while maintaining the same basic philosophy: listen, understand the need and provide personal service.
As Better Finance introduces itself to more communities across Northwest Louisiana, that philosophy remains unchanged.
If you have a financial need, the first step may simply be a conversation.
Better Finance — Fast. Simple. Local.
To learn more about Better Finance and available personal loan options, visit CoushattaFinance.com or call 318-932-4244.
This is a paid advertorial provided on behalf of Better Finance. Loan approval, terms and availability are subject to Better Finance lending requirements and applicable laws.
Join us Thursday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as we celebrate the grand opening of Beard’s Heavy Duty Truck Parts in Coushatta.
We are proud to serve truck owners, farmers, logging operations, fleets, repair shops, contractors, and businesses throughout Coushatta and the surrounding parishes with heavy-duty truck parts and hydraulic hose solutions closer to home.
Grand opening schedule:
10:30 a.m. – Ribbon cutting
11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. – Raffle drawings
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Hydraulic hose demonstrations
Come tour the store, meet our team, see our hydraulic hose operation in action, enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs, and enter our grand opening raffles.
Louisiana voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, with precincts opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. statewide. Under state law, any voter waiting in line by 8 p.m. is permitted to cast a ballot.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office urges voters to check their precinct locations and review a sample ballot before arriving at the polls by using the GeauxVote mobile app or visiting GeauxVote.com.
Voters are also asked to practice patience and show courtesy toward election commissioners and precinct workers. Because ballots feature numerous candidate races and proposed constitutional amendments, voters may need extra time to complete their selections, potentially extending wait times at polling locations.
Local readership creates opportunities for businesses, organizations and community events across Louisiana
Every day, residents throughout Northwest and Central Louisiana turn to their Parish Journals to find out what’s happening in their communities.
They read about local government, schools, high school sports, community activities, public announcements and the people who make their hometowns special.
Some arrive through their free email subscriptions. Others have bookmarked their favorite Journal and visit directly. Still others discover articles through internet searches or social media.
Regardless of how they arrive, these readers share something important: An interest in the communities their Parish Journals serve.
And among those readers are business owners, managers, professionals, nonprofit leaders and people responsible for promoting local events.
Many may not have considered that the same Parish Journal they read for local news can also help introduce their business or organization to potential customers and supporters.
Local Readers Are an Important Audience
The Parish Journals of Louisiana operate 16 digital publications serving 17 parishes across Northwest and Central Louisiana.
During the seven weeks ending Sept. 30, 2026, the network recorded more than 2.3 million articles read, averaging approximately 333,000 article reads each week.
Those numbers represent actual reading activity, not simply the number of times a social media post appeared on someone’s screen.
More importantly, each Journal serves readers interested in a particular Louisiana community.
For a local business, that distinction matters.
A business in Winn Parish may want to reach people interested in Winn Parish. A business serving several neighboring parishes may benefit from advertising across multiple Journals.
The Parish Journals provide opportunities for both.
No Paywall. No Paygate.
Readers never have to pay to open an article in the Parish Journals.
There are no paywalls or paygates, and email subscriptions are free.
That means an article can be shared with a friend, neighbor, customer or family member without requiring the recipient to purchase access.
Local advertising helps support this free and accessible approach to community news.
An Opportunity Worth Considering
Businesses have always needed ways to introduce their products and services to prospective customers.
Nonprofit organizations need to communicate their missions and programs. Community events need attendance. Public organizations need to reach the people they serve.
The Parish Journals offer advertising opportunities designed around the communities those organizations want to reach.
And for many business owners, the introduction to the Parish Journals has already happened.
They are readers themselves.
The next time you open your Parish Journal to catch up on local news, consider something else:
The publication helping you stay connected to your community may also be able to help your community discover your business.
The Parish Journals of Louisiana are operated by Journal Services LLC. To learn more about local and regional advertising opportunities, visitwww.journalservicesllc.com or text: 318-500-3366.
The winners will be selected from the statewide pool of eligible qualifiers each day. Winners will be notified of their Win!
There is no cost to participate.
October 21, 2026
Candice Adcock Jonas McFerrin Yawnashika Smith Kyle Wilkerson William Bennett Todd Hughes Tyler Woodruff Diane Newton Mike Nelson Hubert Wilkerson II
October 23, 2026
Mary Neill Rachel Onishea Jerry Rush Satasha Bolton Barbara Moran Angela Walker Mark Smith Rachel Boyt Gracie Frost Victoria Cavazos Beth Wilcox Dixie Weileder Elma Cavazos
Gather your bravest friends and head to Timber Ridge Adventure Park in Natchitoches for two haunting experiences in one location. Venture into the sinister Louisiana woods of Deadfall Trail, then step into Alice’s Madhouse in 3D, where Wonderland takes a terrifying turn.
Make it a night out with friends, a date night with a little more screaming, or the Halloween tradition your crew looks forward to all year. Just decide who’s going first before you arrive.
Dark Woods opens select Friday and Saturday nights in October 2026 at Timber Ridge Adventure Park, 4343 University Parkway in Natchitoches.
The last scream you hear may be your own.
Choose your night and buy tickets at DarkWoodsHaunt.com.
SHREVEPORT, La. — A Louisiana tradition 120 years in the making is gearing up for another exciting celebration as the State Fair of Louisiana returns to Shreveport from Oct. 29 through Nov. 15, bringing carnival rides, fair food, live entertainment and the return of the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo.
The historic fair, which dates back to 1906, continues its tradition of bringing families and communities together for one of the state’s most anticipated annual events.
Among this year’s featured attractions is the LRCA Finals Rodeo, scheduled for Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum on the State Fairgrounds.
Presented by Hebert’s Town & Country and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, the three-day championship event will showcase some of Louisiana’s top cowboys and cowgirls competing for rodeo titles.
Fans can expect plenty of action as competitors face off in eight events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and bull riding.
The competition will bring together the best of the LRCA circuit, with championship titles on the line and awards presented following the rodeo performances.
Three Days of Championship Rodeo Action
The rodeo will feature three performances during the fair’s opening weekend.
Friday, Oct. 30, competition begins at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, the rodeo returns at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1, the final performance begins at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. Adding to the excitement will be two nationally recognized rodeo announcers.
T.C. Long returns to call the action, bringing experience from major competitions including the RAM Texas Circuit Finals, United Finals Rodeo and All-American Pro Rodeo Finals.
Joining Long will be Louisiana’s own Andy Stewart, whose announcing career includes the National Finals Rodeo and the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo.
World Champion Western Performers Return
The entertainment won’t be limited to the rodeo competition.
Rider and Bethany Kiesner will return with their Western performance featuring trick roping, whip cracking, gun spinning and trick riding.
Rider Kiesner is a multiple-time world champion in Western performance competitions, including trick roping and gun spinning. Together, the couple brings a fast-paced show celebrating the skills and traditions of the American West.
Their performances add another dimension to an already action-packed weekend designed to entertain rodeo enthusiasts and families alike.
Special VIP Experiences Available
The State Fair is also offering three special rodeo VIP experiences for those looking to make their visit even more memorable.
Friday’s “Denim & Dust” experience includes a pre-rodeo dinner and an opportunity to meet Rider and Bethany Kiesner. Saturday’s “Glitz & Grit” experience features a Southern-style meal, beverages, VIP parking and rodeo seating options. Sunday’s “Boots & Buckles” experience includes fair admission, rodeo admission, a catered meal and live music. A portion of the event’s proceeds will support the State Fair of Louisiana’s new scholarship program.
Additional information and VIP packages are available through the State Fair’s website.
Fair Dates: October29.2026 through November 15, 2026
Advance rodeo tickets are available at the following prices, including fees:
General admission: $23
Box seats: $38.50
Platinum seats: $34
Tickets purchased on the day of the performance are priced at:
General admission: $28
Box seats: $44
Platinum seats: $39
Rodeo tickets also include admission to the State Fair of Louisiana, allowing guests to enjoy the fairgrounds and midway attractions before the competition begins. Carnival rides may require separate tickets or wristbands.
Advance tickets are available online at www.statefairoflouisiana.com and through participating outlets, including Greenwood Feed, Seed and Hardware and Paul’s Farm and Garden Supply.
A Louisiana Tradition Worth Celebrating
For generations, the State Fair of Louisiana has celebrated the state’s agricultural heritage, livestock industry, entertainment and community traditions.
As the fair marks 120 years since its founding, visitors can look forward to a combination of longtime favorites and special events, from carnival rides and midway attractions to competitive exhibits, livestock activities and championship rodeo entertainment.
The 2026 State Fair of Louisiana runs Oct. 29 through Nov. 15 at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds, 3701 Hudson Ave. in Shreveport. The fair will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Whether making an annual family visit or experiencing the fair for the first time, this year’s celebration offers an opportunity to take part in a Louisiana tradition that has entertained generations.
For fair schedules, admission information, rodeo tickets and special event details, visit www.statefairoflouisiana.com.
Experience. Reputation. Personal Attention. Right Here at Home.
When you need an attorney, you have plenty of choices. Television, billboards, and social media are filled with advertisements from law firms across Louisiana and beyond. But when you are facing a serious legal issue, there is something to be said for having an attorney who lives and works in your community, someone you can sit down with, look in the eye, and know personally.
At The Harrington Law Firm, we believe that choosing a lawyer should be about more than a catchy advertisement or a familiar telephone number. It should be about experience, trust, reputation, and personal service.
For nearly 50 years our family law firm has proudly served the people of Natchitoches Parish and the surrounding communities. We have built our practice on a simple philosophy: Treat our clients the way we would want our own family to be treated.
Why Choose The Harrington Law Firm?
An AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The AV Preeminent rating is Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating for professional excellence, recognizing attorneys who have been evaluated by their peers for strong legal ability and high ethical standards. It is a distinction that reflects the respect earned within the legal profession and places our firm in the top 10% of all law firms in the nation! We are very proud of an honored by that recognition.
A Family Firm That Treats You Like Family. We are proud to be a family law firm with deep roots in Natchitoches Andi surrounding area.Our clients are not simply case numbers or files on a desk. They are our friends, neighbors, and fellow members of the community. We understand that behind every legal problem is a person or family looking for answers and help.
Personal Attention from the Firm’s Partners. When you hire our firm, you can expect to work directly with the attorneys responsible for your case. We believe in personal, face-to-face meetings, returning telephone calls, answering questions, and keeping our clients informed. You won’t simply be shuffled off to an associate you’ve never met.
Local Attorneys Who Know Our Community. We live here, work here, and raise our families here. We understand the people, businesses, and concerns of North Louisiana. Our reputation isn’t built solely on advertising. It is built on decades of relationships and service to the community.
Experience Across a Wide Range of Legal Matters. Legal problems come in many forms, and our firm has experience helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most difficult situations. Whether you’ve been injured in an accident, are struggling with overwhelming debt, need help obtaining disability benefits, or want to protect your family’s future, we are here to help.
Accountability and Accessibility. We believe you should know who your attorney is and how to reach them. Our office is right here in Natchitoches, and we stand behind the work we do for our clients. We value the relationships we build, not just the cases we handle.
How Can We Help You?
The Harrington Law Firm provides legal representation in a variety of practice areas, including:
Personal Injury: Automobile accidents, 18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other serious injury claims.
Oil and Gas Matters: Oil and gas lease reviews, lease negotiations, and related property and mineral rights issues.
Social Security Disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability denials, hearings, and appeals.
Bankruptcy and Debt Relief: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, creditor issues, debt negotiations, and financial relief options.
Wills and Successions: Last wills and testaments, estate planning, successions, and assistance with the transfer of property following the death of a loved one.
Big Enough to Handle Your Legal Problems. Small Enough to Know Your Name.
We know that legal problems can be stressful, confusing, and sometimes life-changing. Whether you’re dealing with a serious injury, financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one, or another legal concern, you deserve an attorney who will take the time to listen.
At The Harrington Law Firm, we don’t believe personal service is old-fashioned. We believe it’s the way practicing law ought to be.
When you need legal help, consider the advantages of keeping it local.
THE HARRINGTON LAW FIRM Proudly Serving Natchitoches and North Louisiana for nearly 50 years.
Experience. Integrity. Personal Service. Right Here at Home.
Attorney advertising. The choice of an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For many people, applying for a loan can feel like being reduced to a number.
A credit score may be part of the lending process, but it does not always tell the full story of a person’s financial situation.
Someone may have experienced a job change, medical expense, divorce, unexpected repair or other setback that affected their credit. Another person may simply have a limited credit history because they have not used traditional financial products very often.
That does not mean their current financial need is any less real.
Better Finance believes that is why a conversation still matters.
For more than 60 years, the company has worked with customers in Northwest Louisiana by taking the time to understand why they need financing, what their circumstances are and whether a loan can be structured appropriately.
That personal approach can be especially important for people who feel overlooked by larger or more automated financial systems.
Today, many lending decisions begin online. An applicant enters information, a computer reviews the data and a decision may be made with little or no personal interaction.
Technology can make financial services more convenient, but convenience and understanding are not always the same thing.
Sometimes a borrower needs the opportunity to explain the situation.
Perhaps a vehicle needs to be repaired so someone can continue getting to work.
Perhaps several existing payments have become difficult to manage.
Perhaps a family faces a medical expense, school expense or household need that was not part of the monthly budget.
The circumstances can be very different from one customer to the next.
Better Finance’s approach is to begin by listening.
That conversation does not guarantee that every loan will be approved. Responsible lending requires evaluating whether a loan is appropriate and whether the borrower can reasonably handle the repayment.
But it does mean the customer has an opportunity to discuss the need with someone who understands that financial lives are rarely as simple as a single number on a report.
For consumers who do not have a strong relationship with a traditional bank or financial institution, that conversation can be particularly valuable.
A past financial problem does not necessarily describe where someone is today.
A limited credit history does not necessarily describe someone’s ability to work, earn an income or meet future obligations.
And an unexpected financial need does not always arrive at a convenient time.
Better Finance has built its business around personal relationships and local lending, with financing available for qualified borrowers for a variety of needs.
The first step does not have to be complicated.
Sometimes it simply starts with explaining what you need and asking what options may be available.
Better Finance: Let’s Have a Conversation.
To learn more about Better Finance and its lending options, visit CoushattaFinance.com or contact the Better Finance office in Coushatta.
This is a paid advertorial provided on behalf of Better Finance. Loan approval, terms and availability are subject to Better Finance lending requirements and applicable laws.
The inaugural festival brings 10 artists and two nights of country music to Natchitoches as Northwestern State University launches an annual event with ambitions to become North Louisiana’s premier music festival. Get your tickets now at topofthebootmusicfest.com.
By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University
On Oct. 16 and 17, Northwestern State University will welcome country music fans, alumni, students, families and visitors to Natchitoches for the inaugural Top of the Boot Music Festival. The two-day event will bring established country stars, rising artists and Louisiana talent to the NSU campus for a fall weekend centered on live music, good times and the people you want beside you.
Friday, Oct. 16, opens with co-headliners Lee Brice and Louisiana native Dylan Scott.
Brice brings a catalog that includes eight No. 1 country singles and songs such as “I Drive Your Truck,” “I Don’t Dance,” “Hard to Love” and “One of Them Girls.” Scott returns to his home state with four No. 1 songs on the U.S. Country Airplay charts, including “My Girl,” “New Truck,” “Can’t Have Mine” and “This Town’s Been Too Good to Us.”
Lanie Gardner, Jackson Wendell and Clay LaBeff complete Friday’s lineup.
Saturday, Oct. 17, features Flatland Cavalry as the night’s headliner. The Texas Country and Americana group has earned three ACM Group of the Year nominations from 2024 through 2026. Ian Munsick, Rodney Atkins, Laine Hardy and Bottomland round out Saturday’s lineup.
Across two nights, 10 artists will take the stage at Northwestern State.
The reach of Top of the Boot extends well beyond Natchitoches. Marketing for the festival stretches across a multi-state region from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Jackson, Mississippi, south to New Orleans, Louisiana and west to Houston and Dallas, Texas.
That reach reflects the scale of the vision. Top of the Boot is being built as an annual destination event with the goal of becoming North Louisiana’s premier music festival, bringing country music fans from across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas to Natchitoches each fall.
The festival will take place behind the NSU Soccer Complex along Tarleton Drive. Food trucks, vendors and two nights of performances will create a place for friends, families and loved ones to spend a fall weekend together.
For alumni, it is a reason to come home. For prospective students and families, it is another way to experience Northwestern State. For visitors, it is an invitation to spend time on campus and in Natchitoches while enjoying one of North Louisiana’s largest new entertainment events.
Northwestern State Athletics also has a direct stake in the festival’s success. The event was created to benefit NSU student-athletes while showcasing the university and Natchitoches to visitors from across the region.
Every annual tradition has a first year. For Top of the Boot, that year is 2026. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Come back to NSU or experience our campus for the first time. Spend two nights with some of country music’s biggest names and be there at the beginning of something built to return year after year.
Top of the Boot Music Festival Oct. 16-17, 2026 Northwestern State University Natchitoches, Louisiana
Donna Arender of Webster Parish has been named the grand prize winner of the Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway to Natchitoches, organizers announced Monday.
The $600 getaway package includes $300 in food cards, $200 in travel cash, and a $100 gas card to fund a weekend trip to Louisiana’s oldest city.
The popular promotion drew more than 4,400 entries from residents across Louisiana. Participating entries represented 27 parishes statewide: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Union, Vernon, Webster, and Winn.
Organizers expressed appreciation to the thousands of readers who participated and congratulated Donna Arender of Webster Parish on winning the weekend retreat.
There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.
This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.
Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.
The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.
Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.
The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.
While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.
Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.
Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.
The entry period for the $600 Natchitoches Weekend Getaway giveaway has concluded.
The official winner will be announced and published on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Readers can check back Monday morning to see the announcement and details on claiming the getaway prize package. Thank you to everyone across the community who participated and submitted an entry.
There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.
This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.
Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.
The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the LSHOF at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.
Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.
The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.
While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.
Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.
Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.
The Parish Journals of Louisiana are giving one statewide reader the opportunity to enjoy a special weekend in Natchitoches Parish during the Dolly Parton Celebration.
One qualifying reader will receive a $600 travel package to help make the trip possible.
The prize package includes:
$300 Food Card
$200 Travel Cash
$100 Gas Card
The winner will be selected from the statewide pool of eligible qualifiers on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
The getaway is intended for the winner to visit Natchitoches Parish during the Dolly Parton Celebration weekend, Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Events being planned for the weekend include Dolly Bingo at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Dolly Karaoke, downtown dining and drink specials, the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, the Creole Festival at St. Augustine Church, Butterflies and Books at the Natchitoches Farmers Market, Steel Magnolias-themed activities, shopping and entertainment along Front Street, Truvy’s Big Hair Affair on the riverbank and a Blush & Bashful Brunch.
Some celebration events remain tentative and individual schedules, locations and activities may change.
Each participating Journal will have its own signup link, but all eligible qualifiers will be combined into one statewide pool from which the winner will be selected.
There is no cost to participate.
Every eligible qualifier who completes the registration process will also receive a Lifetime Free Subscription to the Journal through which the reader qualified, delivered directly to the email address provided during registration.
The Parish Journals of Louisiana are giving one statewide reader the opportunity to enjoy a special weekend in Natchitoches Parish during the Dolly Parton Celebration.
One qualifying reader will receive a $600 travel package to help make the trip possible.
The prize package includes:
$300 Food Card
$200 Travel Cash
$100 Gas Card
The winner will be selected from the statewide pool of eligible qualifiers on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
The getaway is intended for the winner to visit Natchitoches Parish during the Dolly Parton Celebration weekend, Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Events being planned for the weekend include Dolly Bingo at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Dolly Karaoke, downtown dining and drink specials, the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, the Creole Festival at St. Augustine Church, Butterflies and Books at the Natchitoches Farmers Market, Steel Magnolias-themed activities, shopping and entertainment along Front Street, Truvy’s Big Hair Affair on the riverbank and a Blush & Bashful Brunch.
Some celebration events remain tentative and individual schedules, locations and activities may change.
Each participating Journal will have its own signup link, but all eligible qualifiers will be combined into one statewide pool from which the winner will be selected.
There is no cost to participate.
Every eligible qualifier who completes the registration process will also receive a Lifetime Free Subscription to the Journal through which the reader qualified, delivered directly to the email address provided during registration.
There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.
This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.
Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.
The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the LSHOF at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.
Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.
The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.
While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.
Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.
Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.
For years, businesses throughout Red River Parish have traveled to Shreveport, Natchitoches, Alexandria, and beyond for the heavy-duty truck and equipment parts they need.
Those days are coming to an end.
Beard’s Heavy Duty Truck Parts is proud to bring quality parts, dependable service, and hometown expertise to Coushatta and the surrounding communities.
Proudly Serving
Owner-Operators
Commercial Fleets
Farmers & Agricultural Operations
Logging Companies
Construction Contractors
Municipal & Government Fleets
Anyone who depends on heavy-duty trucks and equipment to get the job done
Now Stocking
Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings
Oil, Fuel, Air & Hydraulic Filters
Brake Components
Suspension Parts
Bearings & Seals
Belts
Commercial & LED Lighting
Air Brake Components
Batteries
Shop Supplies
And Much More!
Need a Part We Don’t Have?
Send us your parts list today!
Our commitment is simple: stock the parts our local customers use every day and help keep your trucks and equipment working while saving you the time and expense of traveling out of town.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is welcoming its largest entering freshman class in three years this fall, with 1,120 first-time freshmen choosing NSU for fall 2026. The class represents a 6 percent increase over last year and continues a trend of growth in Northwestern State’s traditional student population.
The fall 2026 entering class also arrives with one of the strongest academic profiles in recent years, posting an average ACT score of 21.7 and an average high school GPA of 3.4. The class’s average ACT score is well above Louisiana’s average, reflecting the continued strength and academic quality of Northwestern’s incoming students.
The academic strength of the class is further reflected in the 114 high school valedictorians and 22 salutatorians who selected Northwestern State.
“This is the type of growth we want to see at Northwestern,” said NSU President James T. Genovese. “We are attracting talented students who want the complete college experience, and they are choosing a university where they can receive an outstanding education while developing the relationships and experiences that prepare them for life after graduation. The strength of this freshman class is a testament to the work taking place across our university.”
NSU’s reach continues to extend well beyond Natchitoches. Members of the entering class represent 10 states, 25 countries and six continents, creating an increasingly diverse student body while the university simultaneously strengthens its connection to its home community.
A record 112 members of the entering class are from Natchitoches Parish, the largest number in the last decade. NSU also continues to draw students from throughout northwest and central Louisiana. Some of the largest feeder schools include Tioga High School with 28, Airline High School with 27, Parkway High School with 26 and Pineville High School with 24.
Demand for the residential Northwestern experience remains strong. Campus housing is again at 100 percent occupancy, filling University Place I and II, University Columns and Varnado Hall. The second consecutive year of full housing reflects continued demand for the traditional, face-to-face college experience on the Natchitoches campus.
“The numbers within this freshman class tell an exciting story about where NSU is headed,” said Vanner Erikson, director of enrollment at Northwestern State. “We have more first-time freshmen, a strong academic profile, record participation from Natchitoches Parish and students coming to NSU from around the world. When you combine that with full housing, we are seeing important indicators that our focus on the traditional student experience is working.”
Student success is another significant component of the fall 2026 enrollment picture. Northwestern’s first-to-third-semester retention rate reached 70 percent, exceeding the Louisiana average of 64 percent and placing NSU among the strongest-performing institutions in the region.
The retention rate reflects a university-wide emphasis on helping students successfully transition from their first year into their second.
“Recruiting a student is only the beginning,” Erikson said. “Our responsibility is to help that student persist, graduate and ultimately accomplish what brought them to Northwestern in the first place. Seeing 70 percent of our freshmen continue into their second year tells us that the work being done by our faculty and staff is making a difference.”
At the 14-day count, overall fall 2026 enrollment was 8,245 students, compared with 8,402 in fall 2025. The decline was attributable largely to increased degree completion, including students progressing more quickly through accelerated programs.
Graduate enrollment increased to 904 students, and NSU enrolled more dual enrollment students than in fall 2025. These gains reflect continued efforts to expand graduate education, strengthen partnerships with Louisiana high schools and provide flexible pathways for students seeking college credit and advanced credentials.
“Our goal has never been simply to chase a headcount,” Genovese said. “We are focused on sustainable enrollment, attracting students who are prepared to succeed and creating an environment that makes them want to remain at Northwestern through graduation. Growth in our freshman class, strong retention and full residence halls are important signs of progress toward that goal.”
Northwestern continues to serve students throughout Louisiana through its Natchitoches campus, instructional sites and eNSU online programs while expanding recruitment efforts in Louisiana, Texas and other markets. With a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Northwestern offers students the personalized attention of a private education at a public university.
The university has also continued to invest in the student experience, academic programs and facilities, including the $45 million Robert Alost Hall, which opened in fall 2025 as a new academic hub on the Natchitoches campus.
With a larger freshman class, a strong academic profile, record enrollment from its home parish, full residence halls and retention above the state average, Northwestern officials say the fall 2026 enrollment picture provides important evidence that the university’s focus on recruitment, student success and the traditional campus experience is producing results.
“Students and families are recognizing what makes Northwestern special,” Genovese said. “They find outstanding academic programs, faculty and staff who know them personally and a campus community where they can belong. We are proud to welcome this exceptional class to the Demon family.”
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