News

Last week, on the first day of the 119th Congress, the House of Representatives voted to reelect Speaker Mike Johnson on the first ballot to continue serving as the 56th Speaker of the House. Following his election, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks on the House floor.

“But in recent months, we have witnessed something happening, something that’s really remarkable. A political moment in modern history. A groundswell of Americans from every state, race, and religion who now demand that we put the interests of Americans first again. And we will,” Speaker Johnson said. “This is a powerful new coalition of our country, it’s a coalition that insists that we purge the policies of ‘America last’ and we bury them in the graveyard of history’s mistakes. To that end, this Congress will renounce the status quo, and we will listen to the voices of the people. We will act quickly, and we will start by defending our nation’s borders. That’s the number one priority.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful suggests 10 resolutions aimed at litter prevention and removal Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser ask Louisianans in all 64 parishes to stop littering in 2025. Adopt one, or all 10, of KLB’s proposed New Year’s resolutions to help clean up our Sportsman’s Paradise.??”Litter hurts our economy, our environment, and our quality of life,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “By adopting one or all of these resolutions, you are doing your part to prevent litter and helping to let Louisiana shine.” “Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s 2023 litter study revealed Louisiana is spending an estimated $91.4 million each year on litter abatement,” said Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “We also found that 92% of Louisiana citizens believe that litter is a problem. It’s time to work together to address our state’s litter problem.” In 2025, I resolve to: Bag my trash, tie the bag tight, and put a lid on my outdoor trash can.

Books and Biscuits recently met for a discussion of Kristin Hannah’s The Women, which is a deeply moving historical novel that illuminates the untold stories of women who served during the Vietnam War. Through the eyes of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, the novel explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the challenges of returning home to a divided and often dismissive society.

Set in 1966, the story follows 21-year-old Frankie, a sheltered young woman from a privileged family on Coronado Island, California. Inspired by her brother’s service and seeking purpose, she impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps and is deployed to Vietnam. As a novice nurse, she is thrown into the chaos and trauma of wartime, where she rises to the occasion, becoming a highly skilled surgical nurse. The harrowing realities of war — the daily fight to save lives amid bloodshed and despair — are portrayed with vivid intensity.

In May 2023, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police — Gaming Enforcement Division (LSP-GED) received a complaint regarding contraband smuggling into multiple Louisiana Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities, including Elayn Hunt Correctional Center (EHCC).

Upon receiving the complaint, LSP with the assistance of Department of Public Safety and Corrections launched an extensive investigation, uncovering a large-scale illegal sports gambling operation led by 48-year-old Broderick Scott from Addis, a DOC inmate. Evidence revealed that Scott operated the scheme from within the correctional facility, utilizing contraband smuggled into the facility to facilitate and sustain his activities. Troopers identified over 30,000 transactions linked to the operation.

DOTD advises the public that the second bridge site will close beginning on Monday, January 6, 2025 as part of this ongoing project to replace six rural bridges in Red River and Bienville Parishes.

The second bridge site is located on LA 507 over an unnamed waterway near the Village of Castor, approximately 0.5 miles southwest of the intersection of LA 507, LA 4, and LA 153 in Bienville Parish (see below map).

This closure is anticipated to be in place for approximately 8 months, and is necessary to allow for the removal and replacement of the bridge. Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place.

All work will be performed weather permitting, with progress dependent upon weather conditions, water levels, and other factors that can impact construction timelines. DOTD appreciates your ongoing patience while this work is underway.

Stonewall 2024 Christmas Parade

Join us at BackAlley Community Theatre in Grand Cane as we present Rock-n-Roll Christmas with FlashbackShow times are Friday, December 13, at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, December 14 @ 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are available for $20 at backalleygrandcane.com. If you have questions or need assistance, call our box office at 318-461-0202.

Flashback, Louisiana’s premier9-piece195060’s show band, includes some of Louisiana’s most talented and experienced instrumentalists, vocalists, and recording artists who simply love and want to preserve the root of rock-n roll. Flashback has always been very popular at BackAlley, and will be even more so with their addition of Christmas to their doo-wop music of the 50’s. Make your reservations soon, as they will be performing at Back-Alley for one weekend only.

Math and science master teacher will join national network of 3,000 pioneering professionals working to shape the future of education On December 5, Milken Educator Awards Founder Lowell Milken delivered Charday Wilson, a Logansport High School math and science master teacher, the surprise of a lifetime. The LHS alumna walked up to accept the prestigious honor as everything started to crystalize: The assembly with State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley was in her honor.

“Charday Wilson is a strong instructional leader, caring mentor, and dedicated member of her community,” said Lowell Milken. “As a product of Logansport High School, Charday understands the school’s goals and needs intrinsically and works with students and staff every step of the away to meet them. I look forward to the useful contributions she will bring to the national Milken Educator Award Network.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 4th, DARE Officers with Shreveport PD, Caddo & Bossier Sheriff, and DeSoto Sheriff, gathered at Target for the annual “Shop With a Cop” event! The Northwestern Louisiana DARE Officers Association allows for 10 kids to come in and spend $200 each on anything their hearts desire. Their aim is seeking out families who may be experiencing less fortunate circumstances during the Christmas season. From the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Natasha Jones and SRO Dy. Tony Turner participated in the event along with many others who enjoyed a great time and many smiles with all the kids.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson reports that three more arrests were recently made involving the illegal distribution or possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), among other related crimes. In an ongoing effort to keep dangerous drugs off of our streets, DeSoto Sheriff teams of SWAT, SLIU (Street Level Interdiction Unit), Narcotics Agents, and K9 Units are constantly active in their investigative methods to bring justice to those aiming harm to our community. The following are just the recent string of narcotics arrests, with more to follow in the coming days: On 10/19/2024, Triston L.