Community Corner

🌱 What led the Natchitoches school board to uphold this student’s expulsion?

Happening soon: Gregg Martinez on the Natchitoches Patch calendar

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Hi Natchitoches! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What led the Natchitoches school board to uphold this student’s expulsion?
  • How you can brighten a Natchitoches child’s Christmas this Saturday
  • Why Louisiana’s top prosecutors gathered in Natchitoches this week

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Drone Show and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Natchitochesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Natchitochesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 63 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Friday: Low clouds may break; warmer, temps: high: 73, low: 45.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, a shower or two, with a high of 66 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Natchitoches Parish School Board votes on appeal regarding student's expulsion after fight (natchitochesparishjournal.com) — Natchitoches Parish School Board has upheld the expulsion of a Natchitoches Junior High seventh-grader after a September fight, with a 45-day review set for Jan. 8. Board members debated notification delays, ADHD considerations, and communication gaps, and pledged clearer parent contact requirements while leaving open the possibility of an earlier return if behavior improves.
   

2. M*A*S*H – Make A Smile Happen Toy Drive (natchitochesparishjournal.com) — A long-running Natchitoches holiday tradition returns this Saturday as the M*A*S*H Toy Drive sets up at the Walmart parking lot to collect new, unwrapped toys and donations for local children. Residents can also register children in need at Family Doctors of Natchitoches through Dec. 12, helping ensure kids across Natchitoches Parish wake up to Christmas presents.
   

3. DA Harrington hosts LA District Attorneys Association to discuss public safety priorities (natchitochesparishjournal.com) — District attorneys from across Louisiana met at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches to set public safety priorities and discuss upcoming criminal justice legislation. Hosted by Natchitoches Parish DA Billy Joe Harrington, the gathering highlighted victim support, traffic safety, digital evidence, and the university’s role in preparing future justice leaders while showcasing the city’s holiday traditions.
   

4. NSU's Cradle to College Project grows with new donations and funding (ktalnews.com) — Northwestern State University in Natchitoches is expanding its Cradle to College Project, using new donations and funding to provide family literacy bags to local families. Early Childhood Education majors and the International Paper Foundation are backing the effort, which focuses on building children’s early literacy skills and supporting struggling households in the community.
   

5. Louisiana lawmakers, advocates worry ending Medicaid contract could create care gaps • Louisiana Illuminator (lailluminator.com) — A Natchitoches-based law firm, Salim-Beasley, is at the center of a legal dispute tied to Louisiana’s abrupt cancellation of UnitedHealthCare’s $4.2 billion Medicaid contract, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. Lawmakers from both parties say they were blindsided and fear rushed plan changes over the holidays could disrupt care, while questions mount over the attorney general’s contracting approach and recent court setbacks.
   

📸 Around Natchitoches

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Natchitoches

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★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 13
  • Gregg Martinez
    Natchitoches Christmas Festival, 781 Front St, Natchitoches
    3:30 pm

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Other local events

📣 Natchitoches Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Brookshire Grocery Company posted a job opening for Grocery Stocker in Natchitoches. Apply here.
  • Stine posted a job opening for Assistant Manager - FT in Natchitoches. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Natchitoches here.

Ok Natchitoches! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
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