Following the recent bouts of violence in our area, Sheriff John Ballance penned the following message to the younger generation:

“Everybody has an opinion on the foolish violence that’s been happening in the Minden/Arcadia/Ruston area in the past few months. One group blames it on parents another on the lack of confidence in law enforcement. For the younger generation who may not have heard of New York Yankees Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle who once said, “A team is where a boy can prove his courage on his own. A gang is where a coward goes to hide.” The cowardly acts of violence that have recently occurred by driveby shootings and bringing guns to fist fights are prime examples of “The Mick’s” prophetic words spoken in the 1960’s. So, to the younger generation, do you want to be a team player and play by the rules, or do you want to be a coward who hides by the cover of darkness to do your dirty work? It’s your choice. I pray it’s the right one🙏🙏”

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