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CPA Marsha Millican said the COA paid $80,183 in “loyalty payments” during fiscal year 2024-25.

Millican cited a provision of the Louisiana Constitution that prohibits bonus payments, or any other “gratuitous unearned payment, to public employees.” She recommended the COA comply with the law.

In a response included in the audit, Executive Director Cheryl Lane said, “We agree with the finding. We were unaware the Loyalty Awards would constitute a bonus.”

According to the audit, the COA receives most of its funding from federal and state agencies. Because of this, the source of income for the council is rather steady. However, some of the council’s grants and contracts are contingent upon the level of service provided; therefore, revenues may vary from year to year.

24-Hour Fundraiser Kicks Off April 18; New Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic Dedication Set for April 17 BFF of DeSoto Animal Services, in partnership with DeSoto Parish Animal Services, invites the community to take part in the 2026 3rd Annual Shelter Slumber Pawty, a one-of-a-kind 24-hour fundraising event beginning April 18 at noon.

This unique event brings together shelter staff, volunteers, and supporters who will spend 24 hours at the shelter — eating, sleeping, and “pawtying” alongside the animals — while raising funds and awareness through social media and community support.

Just before 9:00 PM on March 31, 2026, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a vehicle in the median of Interstate 49 near the DeSoto/Caddo Parish line. The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified, and deputies from both agencies initially responded to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies located a black Nissan Sentra in the median, where two individuals were found suffering from gunshot wounds. One male (passenger, from DeSoto Parish) was pronounced deceased on arrival to the scene, while a female (driver, from DeSoto Parish) was transported to a local hospital and, as of this morning, remains in critical-but stable condition.

Visitors to the April 10-12 Battle of Pleasant Hill commemoration and re-enactments in Sabine Parish can view a newly dedicated marker honoring the Union Army soldiers and units that fought in the battle 162 years ago.

The marker was paid for and produced by the Shreveport-Marshall- based Brig. Gen. Joseph Bailey Camp 5 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, a national organization of male descendants of Northern soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War and is the direct successor to the Grand Army of the Republic, formed the Union veterans in the years immediately after the conflict. It is a rough parallel to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, formed as the successor to the United Confederate Veterans, formed by Southern Veterans after the war.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) attempted to pass his resolution to withhold senators’ pay during government shutdowns via unanimous consent on Sunday, but Senate Democrats objected and blocked the resolution.

“And here is what my resolution would do: It would change Senate rules to provide that, when we are in a shutdown, that Senators cannot be paid, cannot receive their salaries. Their checks would be — think of it this way, Mr. President — locked in a vault. And once the shutdown is over, the Senators could pick them up,” Kennedy explained.

“This resolution — again, it is not a bill — is about shared sacrifice. And I am not doing it to punish anybody. I am not doing it to try to embarrass anybody,” Kennedy said, later adding, “It is about shared sacrifice and sending a message. We have about a squillion employees at the Department of Homeland Security that aren’t being paid, and there is no prospect of them being paid.”

The staff of the Pelican Branch Library would like to say a very heartfelt thanks to local author, Emily Myers, for coming to share a few chapters of her new book with us yesterday. After reading the first chapter, the audience was captivated and asked her to read another one! Emily also took the time to answer questions and give us a little insight on new projects that she is currently working on. Also, thanks to our wonderful patrons that came to participate in this great event. Be on the lookout for more exciting books from this very talented author!

Join us in the Ozarks for an outdoor adventure at the Reel ‘Em Inn as we follow the story of the Wilburn family headed by D. Gene Wilburn, who desires a peaceful fishing weekend. Unfortunately, he finds himself surrounded by chaos, including his caffeine-addicted wife, a relationship guru, and an axe murderer. The play features a cast of quirky characters, including a shy retiree and a feisty sister, all contributing to the comedic and chaotic narrative.

We have four performances this upcoming weekend only — Friday, March 20 @ 7:00 pm; Saturday, March 21, and 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; and Sunday, March 22 @ 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at backalleygrandcane. com. If you have any questions or need assistance, call our box office at 318–461–0202. Join us for glorious hilarity as you laugh your way through our Jones Hope Wooten comedy. This production promises to be one habit you’ll never want to break!

Longtime Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett announced in a meeting to his staff this morning that he will not seek reelection.

Burkett is Louisiana’s longest-serving District Attorney, having served in elected office for over 40 years. He is a past inductee in the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, Judicial Hall of Fame and the Sabine Hall of Fame.

Pete Abington, a Many businessman and highly respected political strategist, said Burkett notified him of his decision in an early morning email.

Longtime Sabine Parish journalist Robert Gentry said he talked to Burkett, and Burkett told him he will not be taking part in the upcoming election for District Attorney.

Ronald “Ronnie” Brandon, who worked as Assistant District Attorney for many years, resigned from the Sabine DA‘s office recently to announce that he will be a candidate in the election this fall.

Deputy Chief Phillip Daniels of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office recently attended the NENA (National Emergency Number Association) “9–1–1 Goes to Washington” event in Washington, D.C. This annual gathering provides 9–1–1 professionals from across the country an opportunity to meet with members of Congress, share ideas, and highlight the critical role of emergency communications in public safety.

During the event, Deputy Chief Daniels was presented with a United States flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on February 4, 2026, by Louisiana Representative Troy Carter. The flag was also signed by Louisiana U.S. Senator John Kennedy, making it a meaningful recognition of the work being done by public safety professionals across the country.

An extraordinary life deserves an extraordinary celebration! Join us in honoring Mrs. Peoples’ 100thbirthday,aremarkablemilestone that inspires us all. On February 1st, her loving family and friends gathered to commemorate this special day, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Mrs. Peoples was showered with heartfelt letters from loved ones and special recognition from The City of Mansfield, presented by Mayor Thomas Jones Jr. Here’s to 100 years of spreading love, joy, and inspiration! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Peoples, may your life continue to be a shining example of God’s goodness!