The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.
4/19/26
Sam Manshack Jr. of Coushatta was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued; Possession of Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams (Felony); and Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
Gregory Voner of Arcadia was arrested for Theft (Misdemeanor); Simple Criminal Damage to Property (Misdemeanor); License Plate Light Required; and Criminal Sanctions for Operating Motor Vehicle Not Covered by Security.
4/21/26
Eric Bazar of Castor was arrested for Fugitive.
4/22/26
Montoya Padilla of Dallas, TX, was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.
4/23/26
Danny Weaver of Castor was arrested for Violation of Protective Orders (Misdemeanor).
Elizabeth Barnett of Arcadia was arrested for Theft (Misdemeanor).
Lucas Nunn of Saline was arrested for Simple Assault (Misdemeanor).
4/25/26
Hannah Davis of Bossier City was arrested for Violation of Protective Orders (Misdemeanor); Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling (Felony); and Battery of a Dating Partner (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.
Daniel W. Newell, District Attorney for the Second Judicial District in and for the Parish of Bienville, made the following announcements relative to disposition of cases in Bienville Parish in April 2026.
Michael Cottingham of Ringgold pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor. This sentence will run consecutive with his parole.
Brandon Fraizer of Nashville, NC, pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS 2 grams or more but less than 28 grams of cocaine, fentanyl, and ANPP. He also pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS 2 grams or more but less than 28 grams of oxycodone. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor on each charge, which was suspended. He was placed on 5 years supervised probation and required to pay fines and cost to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
Scott Cameron Jessup of Bossier City pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor to be served without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. He also pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine more than 2 grams but less than 28 grams. He was sentenced to 3 years at hard labor. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
Michael Palmer, Jr. of Ringgold pled guilty to 2 counts of Distribution of Schedule II Cocaine. He was sentenced to 10 years at hard labor on each charge, to run concurrently.
Jaycee Davis of Castor pled guilty to Theft over $1,000. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation, and ordered to pay restitution.
Jasmine Millican of Arcadia pled guilty to 2 counts of Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence. She was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor on each charge to run concurrently.
Jeremy Smith of Simsboro pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine less than 2 grams. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation.
Chad Young of Arcadia pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I Marijuana. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor. He also pled guilty to Distribution of Schedule II cocaine. He was sentenced to 7 years at hard labor. These two charges are to run consecutively. He also pled guilty to Distribution of Schedule II Cocaine. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor. This charge is to run concurrently with previous two charges. His total sentence was 12 years at hard labor.
The Bienville Parish School Board meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at 6pm has been rescheduled. The new date for the meeting is Monday, May 4, at 6pm.
Participants from Love the Boot Campaign Community Clean-Up.
The Town of Arcadia expressed gratitude to everyone who came together to make their Love the Boot Campaign Community Clean-Up a tremendous success. The effort reached its goal of 250 pieces of litter.
In partnership with Beehive Lodge #105 PHA, Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. Beta Eta Sigma Chapter, and Citizens for a Better Arcadia, the town witnessed the true spirit of unity, service, and community pride.
The town issued a special “thank you” to all who participated, including:
Crawford Elementary BAPs and Gents
Crawford Elementary 4-H and National Elementary Honor Society
Divine 9 members
Community members
Local NAACP members and NAACP Youth Council
Arcadia Town workers
District Attorney Candidate Colby Bowman
Local churches
The willingness of these participants and organizations to give their time and energy to help beautify the town does not go unnoticed. Together, everyone is making Arcadia cleaner, stronger, and more beautiful—one project at a time.
Bienville Parish is facing another week of partly cloudy skies, showers, and thunderstorms. Temperatures will start in the 80s before dipping into the 60s briefly before returning to the 80s. Nighttime temps will range in the 40s-60s. The forecast period will start with thunderstorms but give way to varying degrees of cloudiness for the rest of the period. The highest chance of rain is also at the start of the forecast period, with the highest chance of being being 80%.
Wednesday, April 29
Wednesday will feature scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy skies during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely, with an 80% chance of rain. The high will be 79°F and overnight lows around 59°F. The evening will see thunderstorms, with a 70% of rain, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers.
Thursday, April 30
Thursday will see overcast skies with showers at times – chance of rain 40% – with a high of 69°F. Overnight lows will be 54°F with a few showers in the evening becoming a steady rain overnight – chance of rain 60%.
Friday, May 1
Friday will feature rain with a high of 61°F. Chance of rain will be 80%. Steady rain in the evening with showers continuing late, chance of rain 80% and rainfall around a quarter of an inch. The night’s low will be 50°F.
Saturday, May 2
Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a high of 71°F. Evening and night will be cloudy with a few showers; chance of rain is 30%. Overnight low will be 48°F.
Sunday, May 3
Sunday will be partly cloudy with a high of 77°F and a low of 48°F. Overnight skies will be mostly clear, with winds light and variable.
Monday, May 4
Monday will be generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds with a high of 81°F. Overnight skies will be partly cloudy with a low of 57°F and winds light and variable.
Tuesday, May 5
Partly cloudy skies will characterize Tuesday, with a high of 83°F. The overnight low will be 59°F, with a shower or two around the area in the evening, then partly cloudy overnight – chance of rain 40%.
Forecast Summary
This forecast period will feature a lot of clouds and some rain. None are currently predicted to be severe. Temperatures will start in the 80s then dip to the 60s before climbing back up into the 80s. Rain and clouds will be the prevailing weather for the period.
This forecast period starts in the 80s but will drop into the 60s before recovering up into the 80s at the end of the forecast period.
The period will be begin with a thunderstorm before giving way to rain showers and clouds.
The greatest chance for rain, 80%, will occur on Wednesday during the day and Friday, day and night.
Overall, the period is defined by rain, clouds, and a rollercoaster ride of temperatures.
The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office took to social media to warn the parish about a scam that has emerged recently. This text message-based scam warns the potential victim that the text is the final notice of court enforcement action from the State of Louisiana and its Traffic Division. A copy of the scam can be seen above. Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance advised parish residents to not respond to the text message.
Shreveport, LA – In response to heightened safety concerns in the community, United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) and Project Celebration, Inc. (PCI) have announced a collaborative effort to support survivors of domestic violence by providing home safety tools that enhance security and peace of mind.
Through this partnership, United Way of Northwest Louisiana is providing funding to purchase Ring doorbell cameras, which will be distributed to survivors served by Project Celebration, Inc. The cameras offer real-time monitoring, increased awareness of activity around the home, and an added layer of protection for individuals and families working toward stability and independence.
This initiative is part of United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Disaster Response Fund, which remains open to support emerging community needs both now and in the future, including safety initiatives, mental health services, 211 support, and other coordinated resources.
“Safety is a critical need for survivors of domestic violence, particularly as individuals work to rebuild their lives,” said Mitzi Harris, Executive Director of Project Celebration, Inc. “We are grateful for United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s partnership and investment, which allows us to provide practical tools that help survivors feel more secure in their homes.”
United Way of Northwest Louisiana is approaching this work with a coordinated, survivor-centered approach, ensuring support is delivered responsibly through trusted community partners.
“Partnering with organizations like Project Celebration allows us to respond directly and effectively to urgent community needs,” said LaToria W. Thomas, President and CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “By funding these safety measures, we are helping survivors strengthen their sense of security while reinforcing the network of support around them.”
Project Celebration, Inc. serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across the region, providing shelter, advocacy, counseling, and comprehensive services that promote safety, healing, and long-term stability.
For more information about Project Celebration, Inc. and its services, visit www.projectcelebration.com.
Half-and-Half Twist Pattern Quilt by Emma Kidd, for the Spring Raffle. (Photo courtesy of the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society)
Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s annual Spring Festival will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 11am to 3pm at the Stagecoach Trail Museum south of Gibsland. The Country Store will serve Steve’s Famous Hot Dogs, snacks, desserts, and soft drinks. Events include a large silent auction, cakewalk with music by DJ John Cole, and a Split-the-Pot after the cakewalk.
The spring raffle features a 76”x76” Half-and Half Twist pattern quilt by Emma Kidd. Raffle tickets are $1 each, and can be purchased at the festival or in advance from Gibsland Grill. The drawing will be held at 3pm, and the winner does not need to be present to win. Make plans to attend. All proceeds benefit the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Target Range Grant Program, which provides financial assistance for development of shooting ranges in Louisiana, has begun its 2026 application period that will be open until July 1.
The program is designed to help fund planning, development and construction of new, or expansion of existing, shooting ranges. The program uses a portion of existing federal funds allocated to LDWF through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act from excise taxes paid on certain firearms, ammunition and archery equipment.
Local governments and their subsidiaries, non-profit organizations, commercial entities and other state and federal government agencies are eligible to apply. Following the application period, LDWF will conduct its project selection process and applicants recommended for funding will be notified in September.
For some reason, ever since someone came up with the concept of competition, man has always looked for a way to gain a competitive edge — even if it means cheating!
In any contest, there are rules and just like records, some feel that rules are made to be broken. Today, we are going to look at some of the worst bass tournament cheaters to ever wet a hook, and how these incidents should be handled.
Years ago, an angler got caught cheating on Lake of the Pines in a bass tournament called the “KYKX Big Bass Splash.” In one tournament when the polygraph examiner questioned if the catch was legit, he was unsure on whether to pass or fail the guy. So, the tournament director decided to award him the victory despite questions surrounding his catch.
The following year, the same angler was in position to win again but this time the polygraph examiner failed him. Then a man came forward and told the tournament director how and where this angler was getting his fish.
He was pulling his bass out of a basket under a dock just before weigh-in. Convicted of fraud, this guy paid a price with a prison sentence and a heavy fine.
Then there is the story of Elro McNeil who, in 1983, tried to weigh-in a bass that he purchased from Florida. It was rejected, but the bass was then frozen and thawed at his Louisiana home before being turned over to another angler for weigh-in at a Tyler, Texas tournament.
The saddest part of this story was that one of the anglers involved in this elaborate scheme was found shot dead at his favorite fishing hole. At first it was considered a murder, but it was later ruled a suicide.
What may be the best cheating scheme ever was orchestrated by Japanese angler, Yuming Gao, a few weeks ago during a Bassmaster Open. This dude took cheating to another level as he was placing air tags inside other angler’s bass boats so he could track them and learn where they were catching their fish.
The one thing I’ve learned over my many years of seeing guys that cheat in bass tournaments is, most of the time, it wasn’t about the money they could win, but more about their ego and wanting to be recognized as one of the best bass fishermen in their region.
As an angler, the only thing you have is your name. Once you cheat and get caught, not only is your fishing career over, but you’ve now lost the reputation you had as a person.
All anglers want to be recognized as one of the best, especially on whatever tournament trail they are fishing. But for some, the need to cheat can be so strong that no matter what the consequences are they just can’t stand winning the right way. I guess they think they won’t get caught… until they do.
Here’s the deal; if you’re an angler looking to bend the rules in order to gain a competitive advantage, you’re already a loser! You have no place in tournament bass fishing, and I hope the next time you decide to cheat, the hands of justice come down on you with both prison time and a hefty fine, along with a lifetime ban from all fishing tournaments.
By: Jason Pugh, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations
NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State athletic department and Rhodes Properties and Development have partnered to create a unique opportunity for fans and supporters of Demon athletics.
The two entities have combined to present the 2026 Rhodes Properties and Development Demon Dream Home giveaway – a raffle that will see the winner collect a brand-new Rhodes-built home in the Hidden Oak subdivision in Natchitoches, located along Louisiana Highway 3191.
Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each beginning May 4 and can be purchased through Northwestern athletes or online through www.NSUDemons.com. The live drawing will take place Nov. 6 at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches with additional prizes awarded at the event.
Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Northwestern athletic department in support of its student-athletes.
“Working hand-in-hand with Rhodes Properties and Development to bring the Demon Dream Home to life was an easy decision,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Their support of Northwestern State athletics never has been in question, but it has reached another level with this partnership. We are far beyond grateful for Rhodes Properties and Development for their input and expertise in this process.”
The home, valued at $265,000, is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,450-square foot heated building in one of Natchitoches’ newest subdivisions that Rhodes Properties and Development and Rhodes Realty began developing in early 2026. Hidden Oak subdivision is located near Sibley Lake, west of Louisiana Highway 1 in Natchitoches.
“We at Rhodes Properties and Development, alongside Rhodes Realty, understand the importance of the Northwestern State athletic program to the Natchitoches community,” Rhodes Properties and Development owners and operators James and Justin Rhodes said. “We believe in the vision of Northwestern State athletics and where it is going. We presented this opportunity to Kevin as our way to support nearly 400 student-athletes as well as the coaches and staff members with whom we have developed relationships. The vendors who will help us bring this home to life share that same vision. Being involved in all facets of this project allows us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to Northwestern State and Natchitoches.”
“When a mother realizes her child is watching history unfold in real time—and feeling afraid—she faces a question no parent is ever quite prepared to answer: how do you explain a frightening world without making it feel even more dangerous?”
If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.
Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.
But as I walked out of the office, ears squeakyclean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?
Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.
Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.
Spiritual wax works the same way.
A little pride here.
A little resentment there.
A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”
Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:
The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”
But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.
After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.
Spiritually, the same principles apply.
1. Stop sticking things in your ears. You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doomscrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.
2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning. Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.
3. Get professional help when needed. Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned cometoJesus moment.
When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.
When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.
Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”
It’s 2026, and they’ve put AI inside everything from your toaster to your toothbrush. Now, a local genius claims to have optimized the highway driving experience. Our advice? If the app gives you the option to ‘Cancel,’ hit it before it hits your windshield.
Peace River K9 Search and Rescue is a non-profit corporation located in Englewood, Florida, dedicated to providing a professional highly trained search and rescue team for the rapid, effective, and safe return of lost or missing persons. PRSR uses every tool available to them to find people including but not limited to human searchers, tracking dogs, boats, jet skis, helicopters, remote control airplanes, and drones.
Since 2016, Michael Hadsell has worked as a forensic diver for PRSR. When not on a rescue mission, Michael trains dogs how to sniff out humans. Michael and the other K-9 searchers know that the major drawback for searches with dogs is that they lose the scent trail at the water’s edge. From there, search and rescue divers don scuba equipment and continue the underwater search by sight and, in murky water, by feel. Then, Michael began training a four-month-old pup named Splash. As the name implies, Splash loves the water. He seems to feel most comfortable when in the water. Unlike the other dogs used by the PRSR, Splash’s unique senses allow him to, as Michael described it, “‘taste’ the bubbles in the water for a human scent.” Splash spent about three months on scent training following months of conditioning and other training such as deployments from land and boat, and with Michael in the water and with Michael remaining on land.
When Michael and his team begin a search, they use their K-9 dogs to track a scent to the water’s edge. Once a dog alerts on a spot, Michael unleashes Splash at that location. Splash swims around, blows bubbles, and then tastes the bubbles. He continues this bubble tasting routine always in search of a stronger scent which can lead him to the source, usually the remains of a missing person. Once he finds the source, he alerts by making a squeaking sound. Then, he leads divers to the location. As of February of 2026, Splash has been deployed on 27 missions nationwide and has had six confirmed finds. Now two years old, Splash has grown from a pup to an adult dog, but he is different than the dogs you and I keep as pets. This dog named Splash is a full grown Asian small-clawed otter.
April 29 has served as the backdrop for events ranging from historic weddings to moments of unrest, each leaving a lasting imprint on society.
One of the most widely recognized events tied to this date occurred in 2011, when Prince William married Catherine Middleton in a ceremony watched by millions around the world. The royal wedding was seen as a modernizing moment for the British monarchy, blending tradition with contemporary appeal and capturing global attention.
April 29 is also remembered for the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which erupted following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. The unrest lasted several days, resulting in widespread damage, injuries, and loss of life. The riots highlighted deep racial and economic tensions in the United States and prompted ongoing discussions about policing and justice.
In wartime history, April 29, 1945, marked the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by Allied forces during World War II. The discovery of the camp’s conditions exposed the full extent of atrocities committed during the Holocaust and became a pivotal moment in documenting those crimes.
The date also carries significance in technological progress. In 2004, the final Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of one of America’s oldest automobile brands and symbolizing shifts within the auto industry.
From celebration to conflict and remembrance, April 29 reflects the wide spectrum of human experience, illustrating how a single date can hold moments of joy, tragedy, and transformation.
John P. Glover June 9, 1946 – April 26, 2026 Service: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 2pm at Springhill CME Church, Ringgold.
Betty Weathers May 18, 1940 — April 18, 2026 Service: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:30am at St. Luke Baptist Church, 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.)
The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.
4/13/26
James Colbert IV of Homer was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed.
4/14/26
Jasper Peterson of Ada Taylor was arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Felony), Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor), and two (2) counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine (Felony).
Jessica Williams of Ringgold was arrested for two (2) Failure to Appear warrants.
4/15/26
Brandon Black of Homer was arrested for Failure to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender (Felony), No License Plate, and Driver Must Be Licensed.
4/16/26
Jose Ortega of Dubberly was arrested for Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic; Driver Must Be Licensed; and D.W.I. – 1st Offense (BAC .08 to .15; Misdemeanor).
Jeremy Scott of Shreveport was arrested for Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor); Possession of Marijuana Over 14 Grams/1st Offense (Misdemeanor); Obedience to Police Officers, Weights and Standards Police; and D.W.I. – 1st Offense (BAC .08 to .15; Misdemeanor).
Frederick Furman II of Gibsland was arrested for Telephone Communications, Improper Language, Harassment (Misdemeanor).
John Solomon of Ringgold was arrested for Fugitive.
4/17/26
Elexis Mayorga of Denton, TX, was arrested for Fugitive.
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.
The Sheriff of Bienville Parish and citizens in Northwest Louisiana will host a public meeting on the topic of Earthquakes on Thursday April 23 at 6 p.m. at the Ringgold High School Cafeteria in Ringgold. This meeting follows one last month by Red River Parish Emergency officials, and will address prevention and policy issues as well as Pipeline Protocol.
The 4.95 magnitude earthquake last month was a first for the Bienville Parish area. Citizens there strongly opposed the produced water injection permit for the Brickyard Trucking, LLC facility at Jamestown, believing what scientists have now confirmed: that fracking and underground injection contribute to seismic activity. Multiple active faults have been identified in the Haynesville Shale, and a State Task Force has been formed to address the issues.
At the meeting Thursday, Bill Berger of Berger Geosciences (based in Houston), will explain how earthquakes can be predicted and prevented, using Artificial Intelligence to analyze seismic monitoring and injection well information from oil and gas exploration and production operations. In response to its problems, Texas has encouraged alternatives to produced water injection, including above-ground treatment and beneficial use of the purified wastewater (such as for prairie restoration). Louisiana-based companies can also clean produced water to “better than bottled water standards” and are operating all over the world.
Given recent reports from property owners around Fryeburg, where rights-of-way are being sought for a CO2 pipeline, Mike Nichols of Pitkin (a District 4 candidate for Congress) will address the evolving laws regarding Eminent Domain and the various problems of Carbon Capture pipelines and injection. Capture Point, LLC has contacted area landowners for a pipeline from Colombia County, Arkansas, heading south to Fryeburg then towards Ringgold. This is happening in spite of the Bienville Parish Police Jury’s November 2025 resolution opposing Carbon Capture, reflecting citizen concern about additional sources of risk to their health, property, and drinking water aquifers.
NW Louisiana residents seek to reduce: the incidence and severity of man-made earthquakes, the proliferation of commercial injection facilities, risks to drinking water, & trucking and pipeline hazards. They are demanding a Cumulative Environmental Impact Study of the effects of underground waste injection and consideration of alternative disposal methods, particularly as operations in the Haynesville Shale are projected to double (www.ShiftTheSubsidy.org).
Bienville Parish is facing another week of partly cloudy skies, showers, and scattered thunderstorms. Temperatures will start in the 80s before dipping into the 70s briefly before returning to the 80s. Nighttime temps will stay mostly in the 60s with dips the 50s. The middle of the forecast window will feature scattered and isolated thunderstorms with a 50-70% chance for rain.
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday will feature mostly cloudy skies early that will become partly cloudy later in the day and a high of 81°F and overnight lows around 60°F. Night skies will be clear with a few passing clouds with winds light and variable.
Thursday, April 23
Thursday will see partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon – chance of rain 40% – with a high of 82°F. Overnight lows will be 66°F with mostly cloudy skies and winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Friday, April 24
Friday will feature variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms with a high of 83°F. Chance of rain will be 60%. Friday night will see thunderstorms with a 70% chance of rain. The night’s low will be 65°F.
Saturday, April 25
Saturday will see variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms – chance of rain 60%. Temps will dip a little, with a high of 80°F. Evening and night will feature scattered showers and thunderstorms; chance of rain is 50%. Overnight low will be 59°F.
Sunday, April 26
Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers will be Sunday’s forecast with a 40% chance of rain. Temps drop into the 70s, with a high of 79°F and a low of 57°F. Overnight skies will be overcast with rain showers at times – chance of rain will be 60%.
Monday, April 27
Monday will see mostly cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms developing during the afternoon with a high of 80°F. Chance of rain will be 30%. Overnight weather will feature scattered thunderstorms, chance of rain 50%, with a low of 59°F and winds light and variable.
Tuesday, April 28
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will characterize Tuesday, with the chance of rain at 60%. High for the day will be 83°F. The overnight low will be 62°F, with partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms later during the night – chance of rain 50%.
Forecast Summary
This forecast period will feature a lot of clouds and some storms. None are currently predicted to be severe. Temperatures will start in the 80s then dip to the 70s before recovering into the 80s. Rain and storms – scattered and isolated – will be the prevailing weather for the period.
This forecast period starts in the 80s but will dip into the 70s before recovering up into the 80s.
There will be rain showers and scattered and isolated thunderstorms, though none severe.
The greatest chance for rain, 70%, will occur on Friday.
Overall, the period is defined by daytime temperatures in the 80s and storms.
A rusted and overgrown pump jack sits abandoned, a scene playing out thousands of times across the state as orphaned oil and gas wells outpace the ability to plug them.
State faces record 6,465 orphaned wells, a cleanup bill that could top $1 billion, and a broken oversight system
Louisiana’s oil patch is leaving behind a growing legacy of abandoned wells that leak, contaminate groundwater and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars — and on a per capita basis, the state’s problem is more than four times worse than Texas, which has drawn national attention for the same issue.
As of March 2025, Louisiana has 6,465 orphaned oil and gas wells — unplugged, abandoned sites with no responsible operator — according to the state Department of Conservation and Energy. Texas has approximately 10,029 orphaned wells, according to its Railroad Commission. But Texas has nearly seven times Louisiana’s population. Louisiana has roughly one orphaned well for every 711 residents. Texas has one for every 3,130. Louisiana’s per capita burden is more than four times heavier.
The Numbers Are Accelerating
Between 2014 and 2023, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that an average of about 445 wells were added to the orphaned list each year. In 2025, more than 1,600 wells were added — more than three times the historical annual average. In just the first months of 2026, another 517 wells have already been added.
Behind those orphaned wells sits an even larger problem: inactive wells not yet orphaned but at risk. The Legislative Auditor found the inactive well count climbed 21.7 percent from 2019 to 2024, reaching 21,629 statewide.
What It Will Cost — and Why the Numbers Differ
The cleanup bill has been reported in different ways, and understanding why requires a distinction between two categories of problem wells.
The first is the orphaned well count itself — the 6,500 wells with no responsible operator. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor places the average plugging cost at $113,000 per well. Multiplied across the current orphaned well list, that produces the widely cited $730 million figure.
But that number covers only orphaned wells. A July 2025 white paper from the LSU Center for Energy Studies, commissioned by the state, calculated that plugging and abandoning both orphaned and idle wells in just the Monroe and Shreveport regulatory districts — two of Louisiana’s three oil and gas districts — would cost approximately $860 million. The Lafayette district, which holds roughly 41 percent of the state’s total orphaned and idle well inventory, was not included in that estimate. When all three districts and all idle wells are accounted for, the total cost to Louisiana taxpayers could well exceed $1 billion.
Since 2023, the state has plugged just 490 orphaned wells at a combined cost of nearly $90 million in state and federal funds — far behind the pace needed to make meaningful progress.
The Oversight System Failed
Louisiana’s attempt to manage the problem through a private industry-led entity collapsed. The Louisiana Oilfield Restoration Association, created in 2019 to collect operator fees and fund plugging activity, was dissolved after a state audit found it falling far behind — and after allegations of self-dealing that included a $780,000 loan to a state official. An audit also found the association’s administrative partner was charging a 36 percent fee on revenues, nearly double the agreed cap. During fiscal years 2020 through 2023, the state plugged 976 orphaned wells through the program. During that same period, nearly 1,700 new orphaned wells were reported — meaning the system was losing ground even while operating.
The Louisiana Legislature responded in 2024 by creating the Natural Resources Trust Authority under the Department of Conservation and Energy, tasked with rebuilding oversight and funding. Financial security requirements — the bonds operators must post to cover future plugging costs — remain a structural weakness. Though coverage rose from 25 percent of wells in 2014 to 74 percent by 2024, the Legislative Auditor found the amounts collected still fall well short of actual plugging costs.
The Bottom Line
Louisiana is producing new orphaned wells faster than it can plug old ones, carrying a per capita orphaned well burden more than four times that of Texas, and facing a total cleanup bill that state and university researchers suggest could exceed $1 billion when all idle and orphaned wells statewide are fully accounted for. The consequences — contaminated groundwater, leaking methane, degraded land — fall most heavily on the rural communities where these wells are concentrated.
Sources: Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy; Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office; LSU Center for Energy Studies, “Orphan and Idle Wells in Louisiana,” July 2025; Texas Railroad Commission; Louisiana Illuminator.
Cooling assistance through LIHEAP will be available to Bienville Parish residents this year.
Call in TODAY at 318-872-0880 to be placed on the waiting list for LIHEAP cooling assistance. The first 100 callers will be added to the waiting list and assisted in the order in which the calls were received.
Persons wishing to be placed on the waiting list MUST press the correct number on the prompt to speak with the case manager for their parish to ensure a spot on the waiting list. Voicemails will not suffice.
The income guidelines are as follows (number of household members and monthly income limit).
The Summerfield Academic Foundation, the sponsor of the Summerfield High School, will host its annual school auction on May 9 at 5:30pm in the school gym. It is the school’s largest fundraiser and community gathering, and they are inviting the public to join.
Meal tickets are $15, and dinner is served at 6pm. The auction begins soon after.
For more information on the Foundation and how the funding is used, see the letter below.
The Bienville Parish School Board will receive sealed bids for the sale of 63 rooftop package HVAC units declared surplus by the board. They are all gas/electric and 460 volt, and they are listed below by size and manufacturer. These units are located at the Ringgold School Complex.
4 Trane 20 ton 2 Trane 10 ton 5 Carrier 12.5 ton 4 Goodman 7.5 ton 40 Carrier 3.5 ton 1 Rheem 10 ton 4 Ruud 5 ton 3 OLD carrier 3 ton
Bids will be opened on Thursday, May 7, at 11am at the Bienville Parish School Board office. Use the form below as the bid sheet. Submit one price for the entire lot. The minimum bid is $5000.
For questions or to arrange inspection, contact Eric Carter, Director of Maintenance and Transportation, at 318-547-8475.
