Month: December 2025

Louisiana Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026: What Residents Should Know

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Several new laws and policy changes are set to take effect across Louisiana beginning January 1, 2026, impacting drivers, homeowners, court proceedings, insurance policyholders, and those involved in civil lawsuits. The changes stem from legislation passed during recent sessions and reflect a broader shift in public safety, legal standards, and consumer protections.

Key Louisiana Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026

• Hands-free driving law fully enforced
• Modified comparative fault standard in injury lawsuits
• Limits on recoverable medical expenses in civil cases
• Expanded tax credits for home fortification projects
• New licensing requirements for residential roofing contractors
• Mandatory electronic or in-person court filings for attorneys
• Insurance companies required to disclose credit score use

One of the most visible changes involves the state’s expanded hands-free driving law. Beginning January 1, full enforcement will begin following the end of a grace period. Drivers will no longer be allowed to hold a mobile phone while driving for texting, scrolling, browsing, or similar actions. Penalties will increase in school zones and construction zones, and repeat violations may result in steeper fines.

Louisiana will also see a major shift in how fault is assessed in personal injury lawsuits. The state is moving from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault standard. Under the new law, a person found to be 51 percent or more responsible for an accident will be barred from recovering damages. Those found 50 percent or less at fault may still recover compensation, but any award will be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

Changes are also coming to how medical expenses are calculated in injury cases. Under the new law, plaintiffs may only recover the amount actually paid for medical care rather than the higher amounts originally billed by healthcare providers. Supporters say the change brings awards more in line with real costs, while critics argue it may limit recovery for some injured parties.

Homeowners will see new incentives aimed at strengthening properties against severe weather. Expanded tax deductions and credits will be available for qualifying home fortification projects, including improvements that increase wind resistance. One measure allows homeowners to receive up to a $10,000 tax credit for qualifying roof fortification upgrades.

New licensing requirements will also take effect for residential roofing contractors. For roofing projects exceeding $7,500, contractors must now hold a state-issued residential roofing license or a residential construction license with a roofing designation. The law is intended to protect homeowners from unqualified contractors, particularly following major storms.

Court procedures will also change beginning in 2026. Attorneys will be required to submit court filings electronically or in person in paper form, in accordance with systems established by each clerk of court. The move is aimed at modernizing court operations and improving efficiency statewide.

Additionally, insurance companies operating in Louisiana will be required to disclose to policyholders whether credit scores are used in determining insurance premiums. While full implementation of this requirement begins later in 2026, the change marks a shift toward greater transparency for consumers.

Together, the new laws represent a mix of safety enforcement, legal reform, and consumer-focused policy changes that will affect residents across the state as the new year begins.

Arrest Report

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The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

12/22/25

Jasmine Millican of Arcadia was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole; 2 accounts of Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence – Minor Injury (Felony); 2 counts of Simple Battery (Misdemeanor); 2 counts of Battery of a Police Officer (Misdemeanor); and Disturbing the Peace – Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition (Misdemeanor). 

12/24/25

Tracy Hampton III of Ruston was arrested for 2nd Degree Battery (Felony) and Simple Battery (Misdemeanor).

12/25/25

Nathan Peek of Jamestown was arrested for Telephone Communications – Improper Language, Harassment (Misdemeanor); Domestic Abuse Involving Strangulation with Child Endangerment (Felony); Fugitive; Simple Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling (Felony); and Simple Criminal Damage to Property (Felony). 

12/26/25

Hannah Davis of Shreveport was arrested for Simple Battery of the Infirm (Misdemeanor) and Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Strangulation with Child Endangerment (Felony). 

Jennie Cloud of Ringgold was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

12/27/25

Jeremy Smith of Simsboro was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams (Felony) and Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor). 

Christy Hicks of Bossier City was arrested for Theft by Shoplifting (Misdemeanor) and Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor). 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Final reminder: Property taxes due TODAY

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The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that the deadline for payment of a property taxes is TODAY, Dec. 31. Taxes become delinquent tomorrow, Jan. 1, 2026. Unpaid taxes will result in a penalty rate of 1% per month after today.
 
There will be special hours for the BPSO today, Dec. 31: 8am to 12pm on Dec. 31. The website for online payments is bienvillesheriff.org.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bienville Parish weather forecast

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Bienville Parish residents can expect a transition from cooler dry conditions early in the week to gradually warming and mostly mild conditions later in the forecast period, with limited precipitation chances. Below is the detailed weather outlook and forecast highlights for the next several days.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve)
A pleasant end to the year with sunny skies and highs climbing into the upper 50s to lower 60s. Overnight lows will be mild in the upper 30s. Outdoor celebrations will be comfortable early, though cool after dark.

Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day)
Sunshine continues with slightly warmer conditions—highs near the upper 60s and overnight lows around the low 50s. Skies will be mostly clear to partly cloudy.

Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
A warm, mostly sunny day is expected with temperatures reaching the low to mid-70s, followed by cooler, pleasant lows in the mid-40s. Winds may be breezy in the morning.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Cooler but still pleasant conditions return. Highs will settle in the low 60s with overnight lows in the upper 30s. Partly sunny skies are forecasted throughout the day.

Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
The weekend closes with comfortable mild weather, featuring highs in the mid-60s and overnight lows in the low-to-mid 40s. Expect a mix of sunshine and light cloud cover.

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
Warm conditions continue early in the week with highs near the low 70s and lows around the mid-50s. Skies will be mostly sunny with light clouds.

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
Mostly sunny conditions are anticipated with highs near 70°F and mild overnight lows near 50°F. A good day for outdoor activity before the chance of more cloud cover later in the week.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Cloud cover increases with temperatures holding in the upper 60s to around 70°F. Overnight lows will be in the low-to-mid 50s. A relatively warm and overcast day is expected.

Forecast Summary

  • Temperature Trend: The first half of the period begins cool and dry, with a marked warming trend into the 60s and low 70s through early January.

  • Sky Conditions: Predominantly sunny to partly cloudy conditions for most of the forecast, shifting toward more cloud cover late in the period.

  • Precipitation: Limited chances for rain appear later in the forecast period, particularly around Jan. 8.

This forecast reflects the latest available National Weather Service projections and regional data. Residents should monitor local advisories for any updated weather alerts as conditions evolve.

State Fire Marshal shares safety guidance ahead of New Year celebrations

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As fireworks stands and tents experience increased business after Christmas, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to prioritize both safety and awareness when purchasing and using fireworks.

For the current end-of-year season, more than 600 retail fireworks stands are permitted statewide. State law requires all wholesale and retail fireworks sellers to be properly licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office in parishes and municipalities where fireworks sales are permitted. Fireworks may be sold through 11:59pm on January 1, 2026.

The State Fire Marshal strongly recommends that families attend organized public fireworks displays rather than setting off fireworks themselves. For those who choose to buy fireworks, it is important to confirm that the retailer is properly permitted. Consumers may ask to view a stand’s permit at any time. Any suspected illegal or unsafe fireworks sales should be reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 1-800-256-5452 or through the agency’s website at www.lasfm.org.

The office also emphasizes the importance of using fireworks responsibly. According to recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries continue to increase nationwide.
To help prevent accidents, the State Fire Marshal recommends the following safety measures:

• Keep fireworks at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles, and flammable debris
• Never let children handle fireworks; offer safe alternatives like glow sticks
• Avoid using fireworks if impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Light one firework at a time and monitor with a hose or bucket of water nearby
• Soak used fireworks before disposal—never toss them dry into the trash

Residents are also urged to consider local weather conditions before using fireworks. Check for any active burn bans and be mindful of dry conditions when selecting a safe area for fireworks use.

This old college athlete says college athletics is moving in the wrong direction

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As things wind down in 2025, I continue to question where we are headed with college athletics. Let me preface this article by saying that, yes, I’m old school when it comes to college athletes being paid. It’s just not right in my opinion, though I do believe in “reasonable” compensation.

Why is it no longer good enough to get a full scholarship and leave college with a degree that sets up a student-athlete for the rest of their life? Why does that no longer have value?

I’m all for subsidizing these athletes so they can go out and enjoy a pizza or go to a movie with a date, but we have now surpassed the idea of a little “spending money” to have a good time and enjoy college life.

As a former college athlete, I get that in the past certain athletes have been taken advantage of. I also get the positive financial impact some athletes can have on a university. But what we are doing with regard to paying college athletes is out of control!

Let’s not deceive ourselves into thinking this is something new. Ever since the beginning of college athletics, certain athletes with gifted abilities have always been catered to in some form. From the early days, the prized recruits might get a meal paid for or maybe a cow and some land given to their family—all due to an athlete’s ability to play at a high level.

In the 1970s, some elite athletes received cars as a gift or incentive to sign with a particular university. In certain instances, it took a briefcase full of money or a well-paying job for mom or dad to get a kid to sign. Some athletes were given high-paying summer jobs that exceeded the normal minimum-wage jobs other students got.

So, great athletes have been catered to for decades! But in 2025, this has gone above and beyond a car or a good-paying summer job. Today, kids are getting millions of dollars up front just to sign with a university—players who have yet to play a down or a minute in college.

What message are we sending to today’s young athletes with all this money being given up front?

They’re being paid whether they start or sit on the bench. What has happened to the idea of proving yourself and earning what you’re worth? Where’s the incentive for today’s athletes? Aren’t we setting them up for failure down the road?

We have placed kids on a pedestal and lifted their egos to levels never seen before! The word “entitlement” comes to mind as the number-one issue among all college coaches. Kids today don’t want to compete for a position—they want it given or promised to them. Oh, and coach, make sure they get some cash.

Just because they were an All-State player in high school, they think they should be starting as a true freshman and handed a starting position in college. Forget the idea of competing for a job and earning it—they expect it to be given to them! After all, they were All-District in high school.

Here’s another issue for today’s athlete. While travel ball in any sport has historically been a good thing, it has also been one of the worst things that has ever happened to so many of today’s athletes. The mindset and lessons learned through travel ball make some kids very hard to coach.

We have now raised a generation of athletes who are truly soft and uncoachable. Kids today cannot handle hard coaching and think a coach yelling at them means he or she doesn’t like them.

Over their entire careers, travel ball kids have been told how good they are and catered to. The recruitment of players, even at this level, is not beyond a few dollars being exchanged by a parent to get their kids on the right travel team.

A lot (not all) of these highly paid travel ball coaches, no matter what sport, are not in it to help develop players and make them better. Some (not all) are strictly in it to win. Winning is their primary focus, not making the kid better. But as all travel coaches know, the best way to attract the best players is to win!

Here’s the kicker with a lot of college athletes today: if they’re not happy, they’ll just transfer to another school. This is also starting to trickle down even to the high school level. If you’re not happy, transfer!

Forget competing and trying to get better—just go where they will pay you more money and promise you a starting position.

A college coach recently told me the first thing that goes through many players’ heads today after the season is over is not “How can I get better?” but “Where can I go and make more money?” Commitment and loyalty to the team have gone out the window with the bathwater, as so many athletes today are out for themselves.

Oh, I’m sure I’ll have many who will disagree with my assessment, especially those who have kids playing today. But just like a referee, I call it like I see it! This comes from someone who has coached and played at the Division I level in two sports.

I also know this: as a booster, it’s getting awfully hard to write those checks to a program where athletes only want one thing—more money. I want my money to be spent on things that will make the program better, not pay an athlete!

I can’t stand the idea that the check I’m writing is going to pay a kid to stay and play for a university that, in some cases, was the only scholarship offer they had. How about staying and playing for the college or university that made a commitment to you? How about playing for your teammates—now there’s a new concept!

If the powers that be (NCAA) don’t make some major changes to the structure and the money that college athletes can make, there’s no end to what lengths colleges will go to get the best players. As they say, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Yay, go team!

The Audubon’s 126th Christmas Bird Count continues

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that it is time for Audubon’s 126th Christmas Bird Count, which officially began on Dec. 14 and runs through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. 

For more than 120 years, volunteers across the Western Hemisphere have spent one winter day counting 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿—helping track population trends and guide conservation efforts. This annual event, known as the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), originated on Christmas Day in 1900.

Whether a seasoned birder or brand new, the CBC is open to everyone. Each count is organized inside an established 15-mile diameter circle by a local compiler who will guide participants through the process. Live inside a circle? Participants can even report birds from their feeders.

It is free to participate in the CBC, all skill levels are welcome, and it is a fun way to contribute to a real community science. 

Counts happen within the Dec. 14 to Jan. 5, 2026, window. Each circle picks 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 for its count. Want to learn more or find a count circle nearby? Full details are available here: https://buff.ly/66ybUNg

OPINION: New Year’s Resolutions and Other Myths We Tell Ourselves

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By That One Pastor Who Still Believes in Miracles, Even After Trying to Assemble IKEA Furniture

As the calendar flips to January—because apparently time insists on moving forward whether we’re ready or not—Americans everywhere are once again drafting their annual list of New Year’s resolutions. These are the same resolutions we made last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, like a Hallmark movie plot that keeps getting recycled with slightly different actors.

We all know the classics:

  • “I’m going to eat healthier.”
    (Translation: I will buy kale, let it wilt in the fridge, and then throw it away with a sense of moral superiority.)
  • “I’m going to exercise more.”
    (Translation: I will wear athleisure clothing while sitting on the couch.)
  • “I’m going to get organized.”
    (Translation: I will buy a planner so beautiful it intimidates me, then never write in it.)

But here’s the thing: resolutions are basically promises we make to ourselves while hopped up on leftover Christmas sugar and the delusion that a new calendar equals a new personality.

Which brings me to a radical proposal for 2026:
What if we skipped the resolutions and followed Jesus instead?

Now before you roll your eyes and say, “Pastor, that sounds like the churchy version of ‘live, laugh, love,’” hear me out. Following Jesus is not the safe, predictable, colorcodedplanner life we imagine. It’s not even the tidy “new year, new me” vibe we try to manufacture every January.

Following Jesus is… well… an adventure.

And not the kind of adventure where you book a cruise and spend seven days eating shrimp cocktail. I mean the kind where you wake up and say, “Lord, I have no idea what You’re doing today, but please don’t let it involve snakes, public speaking, or me having to apologize to someone before coffee.”

Jesus has a way of inviting us into things we never would’ve put on our resolution list:

  • “Love your enemies.”
    (Not on anyone’s planner.)
  • “Forgive seventy times seven.”
    (Also not on anyone’s planner.)
  • “Feed my sheep.”
    (We prefer feeding ourselves.)
  • “Take up your cross.”
    (Definitely not on the planner.)

But here’s the twist: while our resolutions tend to fizzle out by mid-January—right around the time the gym parking lot empties and the kale turns brown—Jesus’ invitations don’t depend on our willpower. They depend on His grace.

And grace, unlike my treadmill, actually works.

Following Jesus won’t give you a slimmer waistline or a color-coded pantry, but it will give you something far better: purpose, joy, courage, and the kind of hope that doesn’t expire on January 31.

So this year, instead of resolving to become a slightly improved version of yourself, maybe resolve to follow the One who already knows who you’re becoming.

It’s riskier. It’s wilder. It’s holier.
And yes—it’s far more adventurous than kale.

Happy New Year, friends. May your 2026 be full of grace, laughter, and the kind of holy surprises that make you say, “Only Jesus could’ve pulled that off.”

Letter to the Editor: A Resolution Worth Making in 2026

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As this letter is published on December 31, many of us are doing what we always do at year’s end—looking back, taking stock, and quietly thinking about what we want to do better in the year ahead.

From a woman’s point of view, one resolution worth making in 2026 is simple: stop mansplaining.

Mansplaining is not a disagreement. It is not a healthy debate. And it is certainly not men expressing opinions. Mansplaining happens when a man explains something to a woman in a patronizing or condescending way, often assuming she lacks knowledge or understanding—sometimes even when she is the most qualified person in the room.

Most women recognize it instantly. It shows up as being talked over, corrected unnecessarily, or lectured on subjects we already understand—our professions, our finances, our health, our lived experiences. It often arrives disguised as helpfulness, wrapped in phrases like, “What you need to understand is…” or “Let me explain this in simple terms.”

Whether intentional or not, the effect is the same. It diminishes women’s voices, discourages participation, and reinforces outdated assumptions about who holds authority. In workplaces, it chips away at credibility. In civic discussions, it narrows perspective. In everyday life, it undermines respect.

Ending mansplaining does not require silence. It requires listening. It requires recognizing that women come to the table with knowledge, experience, and expertise that do not need translation or approval. It means entering conversations as equals, not default instructors.

As we step into a new year, striving for better habits and stronger communities, this is one change that costs nothing—and improves everything. Conversations are richer, decisions are smarter, and communities are stronger when everyone is heard without being talked down to.

If we are serious about doing better in 2026, this is a resolution worth keeping.

Ida B. Torn
A Woman Who Knows What She’s Talking About

First planning meeting for Saline Watermelon Festival announced for Jan. 6

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The first planning meeting for the Saline Watermelon Festival has been announced for Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at 6pm.
 
Come help kick off 2026 at the first planning meeting of the year. Whether a person has volunteered before or are just curious, everyone is welcome.
 
The meeting will be held at 5369 Ridge Road in Castor. Bring ideas, enthusiasm, and maybe a friend.

Remember This: Jeane’s New Year’s Resolutions

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As the new year approaches, many of us will be compiling our New Year’s resolutions, a tradition that dates back to 2000 B.C. in ancient Babylon. The Babylonians held their New Year’s celebrations during a 12-day festival called Akitu which began with the first new moon after the vernal equinox, usually in what is now March. Their New Year began with the beginning of their farming season. One common resolution from their agricultural-based society was the return of borrowed farm equipment. The ancient Romans adopted this Babylonian celebration along with the tradition of New Year’s resolutions. In 46 B.C., the Romans reformed the calendar year and created the Julian calendar which was named after Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The Julian calendar officially set January 1st as the New Year’s Day.

In more recent history, people have shifted their resolutions away from returning borrowed farm equipment to what has become the most popular New Year’s resolution of all, improved fitness. When 29-year-old Jeane Mortenson sat down in the winter of 1955 and scribbled her extensive list of resolutions for the upcoming year on the first page of her Gucci address book, she focused mainly on her career. Jeane was in the midst of a very successful career, but she was unhappy. In the margin, probably as an afterthought, Jeane scribbled, “Try to enjoy myself when I can – I’ll be miserable enough as it is.”

While most people list a maximum of three resolutions, Jeane detailed 11 resolutions. Her first four resolutions dealt with going to classes in her career field. Her first resolution was, “go to class – my own always – without fail.” Another resolution showed her determination toward her craft. She wrote, “go as often as possible to observe…other private classes.” She continued, “keep looking around me – only much more so – observing – but not only myself but others and everything – take things (it) for what they (it’s) are worth.” In her list, she made notes on correcting certain aspects of her life. She wrote, “must make strong effort to work on current problems and phobias that out of my past has arisen – making much much much more more more more more effort in my analisis [sic]. And be there always on time – no excuses for being ever late.” Jeane resolved to take at least one class in literature and to take dancing lessons. While most of our lists of New Year’s resolutions would begin with improving physical health, that was last on Jeane’s list. She scribbled, “take care of my instrument – personally & bodily (exercise).”

Despite Jeane’s seemingly constant feeling of miserableness, her list of New Year’s resolutions allows us to see how determined she was to make the most of the opportunities she had earned or had been given. By the time she scribbled these New Year’s resolutions in December of 1955, Jeane had appeared in 26 films, she had become a star, and there were several more films to come. On February 23, 1956, just two months after she scribbled her New Year’s resolutions, Jeane legally changed her name to the one she used in her professional career. Jeane ultimately became more than a star; she became a pop culture icon. Everyone knows Norma Jeane Mortenson as Marilyn Monroe.

Sources:

1. Catherine Boeckmann, “The Interesting History Behind New Year’s Resolutions,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Almanac.com, December 17, 2025, accessed December 21, 2025, https://www.almanac.com/history-of-new-years-resolutions.

2. “Marilyn Monroe’s Go-Getter List of New Year’s Resolutions (1955),” Open Culture, January 1, 2015, accessed December 21, 2025, https://www.openculture.com/2015/01/marilyn-monroes-go-getter-list-of-new-years-resolutions-1955.html.

3. “Marilyn Monroe,” ImDB.com, accessed December 21, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000054/?ref_=fn_t_1.

Y2K: How December 31, 1999 Became the Night the World Held Its Breath

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On December 31, 1999, as nations prepared to welcome a new millennium, millions braced for what some feared might be the most significant technological disaster in modern history. The Y2K computer bug, a programming issue linked to the way early software recorded dates, sparked widespread predictions ranging from power grid failures to global financial collapse.

The concern stemmed from a simple problem: many computer programs stored years with only two digits, meaning “00” could be read as 1900 instead of 2000. As computers became deeply integrated into banking, government, aviation, and utilities, analysts warned that the rollover at midnight could cause catastrophic malfunctions.

For years leading up to the event, engineers and governments spent billions examining critical systems. By late 1999, the global response involved one of the largest coordinated technology audits in history. Still, uncertainty lingered. As the final hours of the decade approached, everything from hospital equipment to nuclear facilities faced scrutiny.

Cities around the world implemented contingency plans. Emergency operations centers remained fully staffed. Banks increased cash reserves. Airlines added additional monitoring teams. New York, London, and Tokyo all prepared to reroute or ground flights if necessary.

In many households, people stockpiled water, batteries, and emergency supplies. Some even treated the night as a potential survival scenario rather than a celebration.

Australia and New Zealand were among the first major nations to cross into the year 2000. When midnight passed without significant disruption, relief spread globally—but so did skepticism. Had the threat been exaggerated, or had the massive preparation prevented disaster?

By the time the clock struck midnight across Europe and then the United States, the feared collapse never materialized. Minor errors did appear—such as mistaken dates on receipts and a few isolated software glitches—but critical infrastructure remained intact.

The night became a worldwide exhale. Crowds that had been cautiously optimistic broke into full celebration. For many, the Y2K experience transformed from cause for concern into a story retold with humor. Yet computer experts emphasize that the absence of catastrophe was not proof that the problem was exaggerated; rather, it reflected the enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work performed over years.

Today, the events of December 31, 1999, are remembered as one of the most unusual moments of modern technological history—a rare example when the entire world watched the same countdown not just with excitement, but with uncertainty about whether digital systems would continue to function on the other side of midnight.

Notice of Death – December 30, 2025

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Mark Taylor
January 7, 1959 – December 27, 2025
Service: Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2pm at Bryceland Baptist Church, Bryceland.
 
Juanita Thomas Barron
October 9, 1939 – December 11, 2025
Service: Saturday, January 3, 2026, 3pm at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ringgold.
 
Bienville Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com.)

BPJ Wishes You a Very Merry Christmas

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As Christmas approaches, the Bienville Parish Journal would like to extend our warmest wishes to each of our readers. This season reminds us of the joy of community, the comfort of tradition, and the importance of taking time to appreciate the people who make life meaningful. We are truly grateful for your support and for the privilege of sharing Bienville Parish’s stories throughout the year.

To allow our staff time to enjoy the holiday with family and friends, BPJ will take Thursday and Friday off. We’ll return Wednesday, refreshed and ready to bring you more of the news and updates that matter to our parish.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, and may your holiday be filled with peace, warmth, and all the things that make this season bright.

Continue your article here…

Arrest Report

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The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

12/14/25

Christopher Patton of Jamestown was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

Deshawn Gipson of Gibsland was arrested for Battery of a Dating Partner (Misdemeanor) and Violation of Probation/Parole.

Kentayjia Jones of Arcadia was arrested for Unauthorized Use  of Food Stamp Coupons, Cards, Devices (Misdemeanor).

12/16/25

Steven Garner of Ruston was arrested for Flight from an Officer (Misdemeanor), Evidence of Compulsory Motor Vehicle Liability Security Contained in Vehicle, Careless Operation, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Misdemeanor). 

12/17/25

Jessica Williams of Ringgold was arrested for Simple Battery (Misdemeanor).

Xyzeria Lard of Castor was arrested for Cruelty to Juveniles – Assault (Felony), Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles (Felony), and Obstruction of Justice – Hindrance/Delay. 

Jesse Brown of Weston was arrested for Operating a Vehicle While Under Suspension for Certain Prior Offenses (Misdemeanor).

12/18/25

Douglas Cloud of Jamestown was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – Other Offenses, Possession of Methamphetamines Less Than 28 Grams (Felony), Illegal Use of Controlled Drug in Presence of Persons Under 17 Years Old (Misdemeanor), and General Speed Law.

12/19/25

Samantha Anderson of Shreveport was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor) and Violation of Probation/Parole.

12/20/25

Victor Harris of Arcadia was arrested for Taking Contraband to/from Penal Institutions Prohibited (Felony), Violation of Probation/Parole, Failure to Appear – Execution of Sentence, Possession of Firearm/Carry.Conceal Weapon by Convicted Felon (Felony), and Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor).

Lasteven Felder of McComb, MS, was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued and Maximum Speed Limit.

Robert Culver of Bienville was arrested for 2 counts of Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor), Fugitive, and Violation of Probation/Parole.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Property taxes due Dec. 31

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The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that the deadline for payment of a property taxes is Dec. 31. Taxes become delinquent Jan. 1, 2026. Unpaid taxes will result in a penalty rate of 1% per month after Dec. 31.
 
Governor Landry has declared Dec. 24-26, 2025, state holiday. The BPSO office will reopen on Monday, Dec. 29, and be open Tuesday, Dec. 30, and observe normal hours. There will be special hours for Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8am to 12pm on Dec. 31. The website for online payments is bienvillesheriff.org.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Assessor’s Office clarifies maps, surveys

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Thinking about putting up a fence? Planning to build or buy? Before making any moves, it’s important to understand what assessor maps can and can’t demonstrate about a property. The Parish Assessor’s Office shared a few key things every property owner should know about assessor maps and surveys.

Assessor maps are NOT legal surveys. The maps on the assessor’s website are helpful tools, but not legally binding. They’re based on parcel data and tax rolls, not precise measurements.

A survey is the most accurate way to know the boundaries of a property. If a property owner needs to know exactly where the property begins and ends (especially before building, fencing, or selling), they should hire a licensed land surveyor.

Disputes should be handled with documentation. If there’s a boundary dispute with a neighbor, start with property deed, title documents, and a survey. The assessor’s office can show what’s on record, but the assessor’s doesn’t settle disputes.

Easements and rights-of-way matter. Just because land appears to be within property lines doesn’t mean a person has full rights to use it. Utility easements, drainage servitudes, or public rights-of-way might exist on a person’s property.

Remember, when in doubt, consult with the Parish Assessor’s Office.

“Shop with a Cop” events benefit Bienville Parish students

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment
The Grinch attended the BPSO event.

The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Arcadia Police Department hosted “Shop with a Cop” events that benefited students in the parish. 

The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies shopped with 40 Bienville Parish school students on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Minden Walmart. Funding for the event was provided by BPSO employees who generously donated funds from their paychecks on a bi-weekly basis. BPSO thanked the Minden Walmart which also provided a number of gift cards used to purchase gifts for the students. It was a fun time for all and apparently even the Grinch had a great time.

The Arcadia Police Department served almost 80 children at their event this year. The APD want Bienville youth to know that they serve multiple roles in the community. APD strive to spread positivity, build trust, and leave a lasting impact on youth. APD thanked everyone who played a part in making this year a HUGE success, through donations and time.

How to improve your land for wildlife!

/ NPJ / Leave a comment
Quail Forever, the LDWF (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries), the USDA-NRCS and many more partners in the AR-LA WGCP CDN are offering an exciting opportunity for private landowners with the Open Pine Program for Quail, Turkey and other wildlife!

We can help you transform dense forests into healthy, open woodlands, savannas, and native prairies that support quail, turkey, deer, and songbirds.

Through the AR-LA Open Pine Landscape Restoration RCPP, landowners in 20 parishes across northern and central Louisiana can help improve and restore habitat for wildlife like turkey and quail!

Funding is available to help with:
  • Forest Stand Improvement: Thinning dense woods to create open habitat.
  • Prescribed Fire: A key tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
  • Bird Monitoring: See the results of your hard work.
 
FAQ’s: 

1. How do I start? NRCS and associated conservation partners will deliver this program collaboratively. You can begin by going to openpine.org to let a partner biologist know you are interested!

2. What does it cost me and what cost share is available? Funding is available for reimbursement through this program to reduce forest density and allow sunlight to reach the ground at differing rates based on management activities.

READY TO GET STARTED? CLICK BELOW!

Cajun Navy 2016 deploys to Washington State to assist with flood recovery efforts

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Cajun Navy 2016, a nationwide grassroots volunteer rescue and relief organization, is deploying a team to Washington State to assist communities impacted by recent historic flooding.

The deployment will focus on recovery and cleanup efforts, particularly in hard-hit areas where floodwaters have damaged homes, infrastructure, and roadways. As part of the mission, Cajun Navy 2016 will bring a skid steer to help remove debris, clear mud and sediment, and assist residents as they begin the long recovery process.

“After the waters recede, that’s when the real work begins,” said Jon Bridgers Sr., Founder and CEO of Cajun Navy 2016. “Families are left with homes filled with mud and debris, roads blocked, and no clear path forward. Our goal is to step in quickly, provide heavy equipment and manpower, and help communities start moving forward again.”

Cajun Navy 2016 volunteers specialize in rapid response and recovery operations, often filling critical gaps in the early days following disasters. The organization works in coordination with local officials, churches, and community leaders to ensure efforts are targeted where the need is greatest.

While Cajun Navy 2016 is widely known for swift-water rescues, the organization remains committed to long-term recovery efforts—bringing equipment, volunteers, and compassion to communities long after headlines fade.

“Our hearts are with the people of Washington State,” Bridgers said. “From Louisiana to the Pacific Northwest, neighbors helping neighbors is what this mission has always been about.”

For updates on Cajun Navy 2016’s deployment to Washington State or to learn how to support ongoing recovery efforts, visit www.CajunNavy2016.org.

About Cajun Navy 2016

Cajun Navy 2016 is a nationwide, nonprofit, volunteer-led rescue and relief organization founded in Louisiana after the historic 2016 floods in the southeastern part of the state. While many individuals and groups use the “Cajun Navy” name to describe volunteer disaster response efforts, Cajun Navy 2016 was among the earliest organizations to formally establish a nonprofit under that name, The general term “Cajun Navy” first gained widespread use in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, when volunteer boaters from Louisiana mobilized to rescue stranded residents—reflecting a long-standing tradition of neighbors helping neighbors in times of crisis.

LSU AgCenter – Lincoln and Bienville share winter issue of “Fresh Picks” newsletter

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The Lincoln-Bienville branch of the LSU AgCenter has shared its winter 2025 issue of their “Fresh Picks” newsletter. The purpose of the newsletter is to examine a seasonable horticultural topic AND share a new recipe (sometimes related to the horticultural topic).

Check out the newsletter below.

Winter 2025-2026 Horticulture NewsletterDownload

Highly pathogenic avian influenza causing mortality in wild birds, LDWF announces

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is causing mortalities in wild birds in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. Most mortalities have been detected in southwest Louisiana.

This year’s fall migrations have created a resurgence of HPAI-induced disease in waterfowl and other birds in Louisiana.

Many different species of wild birds can be infected with HPAI. Geese and other waterfowl are particularly susceptible to HPAI. Many wild birds recover from infection and develop immunity to a particular strain of AI, but others may exhibit neurological symptoms, which ultimately lead to the death of the bird. Scavenging raptors, including vultures, are also susceptible to the disease.

Although public health officials consider this strain of HPAI to be of minimal threat to humans, sick birds should not be handled. Additionally, as this disease is highly contagious to other wild birds and domestic poultry, sick birds should not be comingled with other birds.

Although uncommon, fatal infections have been documented in dogs, cats, foxes and even dolphins. For information pertaining to infections in domestic pets and livestock, refer to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Contact between pets and birds showing neurologic signs should be avoided.

Wildlife rehabilitators should be careful not to bring potentially HPAI-infected birds into their rehabilitation facilities to prevent introduction and spread of the disease within the facility. Clothing and other objects, or even seemingly healthy waterfowl, which may have come in contact with the disease should be washed thoroughly and kept away from other birds, especially domestic poultry.

Once again, sick birds should not be handled and no bird exhibiting signs of disease or found dead should be utilized for human consumption.

Sick or dead birds should be reported to regional LDWF offices. The contact information for these offices is as follows: Hammond Office, 985-543-4777; Lake Charles Office, 337-491-2575; Lafayette Office, 337-262-2080; Minden Office, 318-371-3050; Monroe Office, 318-343-4044; Pineville Office, 318-487-5885.

More information about HPAI may be found at the CDC’s bird flu webpage and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service avian influenza webpage.