The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

8/30/26

Cameron Roberson of Gibsland was arrested for DWI – First Offense and Careless Operation.

Bryan Murphy of Gibsland was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.

9/02/26

Mkylah Green of Ruston was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.

9/03/26

Ronderrius Blackson of Pineville was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.

Ronald Chatman of Gibsland was arrested for Violation of Protective Orders (Misdemeanor).

9/04/26

Jermaine Tate of Arcadia was arrested for 2nd Degree Battery (Felony).

9/05/26

Christopher Brisker of Minden was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment (Felony); False Imprisonment (Misdemeanor); Taking Contraband To/From Penal Institutions Prohibited (Felony); Theft (Misdemeanor); and Failure to Appear Warrant.

Terrance Rabb of Homer was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant and Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.

Jeffery Jackson of Ringgold was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant – Execution of Sentence.

Michael Brunson Jr. of Dubberly was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (Felony) and Fugitive.

Randall Cavett of Quitman was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment (Felony).

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 Bienville Parish Police Jury will be convening for their September regular meeting today, Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 9am at the Bienville Parish Courthouse in Arcadia.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Lester Duhé as the agency’s new Public Affairs Director.

Duhé joins DCFS with a strong background in media relations and public communications. He most recently served as Press Secretary for Attorney General Liz Murrill and the Louisiana Department of Justice, where he acted as the official spokesperson, led the communications strategy for major legal actions, investigations, and initiatives, and managed all public messaging across social and digital platforms.

He previously worked as a reporter and anchor for WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge and KLFY-TV in Lafayette, producing coverage for top-rated newscasts and creating digital content for large audiences. Lester also served as the Communications Director for the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana.

In his new role, Duhé will oversee DCFS communications, press engagement, public messaging, and digital communications strategy.

Press inquiries for DCFS can still be made to dcfspress@la.gov at this time, but in the future can be directly sent to lester.duhe.dcfs@la.gov.

As we make our way deeper into September and closer to autumn, the weather persists in its summertime temperatures. The forecast for the parish contains a mix of sunny days and cloudy ones. Afternoon highs remain in the mid to upper 90s most days.

Wednesday, Sept. 9: Mostly sunny with a few clouds in the afternoon. A few clouds overnight, winds light and variable. High 96, low around 73.

Thursday, Sept. 10: Partly cloudy skies with a stray shower or thunderstorm possible. Partly cloudy overnight. High 94, low around 73.

Friday, Sept. 11: Sunshine and clouds mixed with a stray shower or thunderstorm possible. A few clouds from time to time overnight with winds light and variable. High around 92, low near 73.

Saturday, Sept. 12: Sunny with a few clouds. Mainly clear skies overnight. High near 93, low around 72.

Sunday, Sept. 13: Partly cloudy skies. A few clouds overnight. High near 95, low around 71.

Monday, Sept. 14: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. Clear skies with a few passing clouds overnight. High near 94, low around 72.

Tuesday, Sept. 15: Sunshine and clouds mixed. A few clouds from time to time overnight with winds light and variable. High 92, low 72.

While a stray shower or thunderstorm is possible in this forecast window, none appear to possess a significant chance for precipitation. Sunny skies will alternate with partly cloudy skies, forming the main part of the forecast. Heat index values will climb well above the actual air temperature during peak afternoon hours, so residents should stay hydrated and limit prolonged outdoor activity.

This Saturday, Sept. 12, 10am to 1pm, the NAACP will host its Community Cafe Conversations Series #3, Civic Engagement Roundtable: Strengthening the Community’s Voice, at the Eugene Smith Events Center in Arcadia.

The purpose of this event is to identify community concerns, discuss recent policy changes affecting the community, and build a collaborative roadmap for getting voters to vote in the upcoming election season. The event will also feature special guest speaker Louisiana State Representative Rashid Young.

Lunch will be served. The community is invited to come participate in this engaging event. For more information, call 225-963-6772.

Labor Day weekend often marks the unofficial end of summer, but with hot temperatures continuing across Louisiana, families still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy pools, lakes, bayous and other waterways. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is reminding parents and caregivers to make water safety a priority.

“It is important that everyone in your family knows how to swim – children and adults. Swimming lessons are available all across the state. My nephew, Nathan Landry, was the victim of a drowning, so I know all too well the dangers of the water. I don’t want another family to experience that kind of loss. So please, Louisiana, get a swim plan – whether that means getting your children into lessons now or making a plan for next summer,” said DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris.

DCFS encourages families to:

– Always supervise children around water. Put your phone away, stay alert and keep your eyes on children at all times.
– Remember water safety goes beyond the pool. Drowning can happen in lakes, bayous, ponds and even bathtubs.
– Make sure children wear life jackets when they are on a boat or around open water. Use a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved flotation device.
– Consider swimming lessons and CPR training to help prepare your family for emergencies.
– Add barriers around home pools, such as a fence, to help prevent children from accessing the water unsupervised.

“Water safety doesn’t end at the pool,” said DCFS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rebecca Hook. “Water safety is any time your children or your family is in or on the water. Supervising our children without distractions, using a Coast Guard-approved flotation device and having a safety plan are important ways we can help keep our children safe.”

For more water-safety information and resources, visit getaswimplan.ldh.la.gov.

The Bienville Parish Library’s annual Community Health Fair is coming up this Friday, September 11, at the Eugene Smith Events Center, and there are a few slots still available. Anyone interested in participating in this well-attended event should call Susie Graham at 318-263-7410 ext. 2.

Vendor Registration forms are quick and easy to complete. Reserve a space TODAY.

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

8/23/26

Schyler Harrell of Ringgold was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole and First Degree Rape (Sex Offense; Felony).

8/24/26

Remington Jellum of Gibsland was arrested for Fugitive.

8/25/26

Alfred Newman of Jonesboro was arrested for Failure to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender (Felony) and Stalking (Misdemeanor).

Christopher Patton of Ruston was arrested for Third Degree Rape (Sex Offense – Registration Required; Felony); Violation of Probation/Parole; and Fugitive.

Christopher Sanders of Ringgold was arrested for Child Support Obligation (Misdemeanor).

8/27/26

Christopher Lewis of Ruston was arrested for Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles and Possession of Marijuana Over 14 Grams/1st Offense (Misdemeanor).

8/28/26

Johnathan Williams of Monroe was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – Other Offenses.

Alayjarya Dove of Jackson, MS, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.

Edward Richardson of Arcadia was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment (Felony).

8/29/26

Maxx Sharp of Ringgold was arrested for 2 counts of Aggravated Assault (Misdemeanor).

Triana Everett of Killeen, TX, was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed.

Christopher Burnett of Austin, TX, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Driver Must Be Licensed.

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.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a medical paraprofessional at a Caddo Parish high school on multiple charges related to the sexual assault and abuse of a student with severe medical disabilities.

30-year-old Maurice Devon Grant, of Haughton, was identified during an investigation that began with a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The initial report detailed a user sharing a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child.

Following the tip, investigators located multiple videos showing Grant sexually assaulting a student victim inside a special needs classroom at the high school. The victim, due to severe medical disabilities, is non-verbal and physically unable to resist the assault.

Grant is currently incarcerated at the Bossier Maximum-Security Facility on a charge related to the production of Child Sexual Abuse Material and is awaiting booking at Caddo Correctional Center.

Grant was arrested on the following charges:

•Count(s) 3 of RS 14:81.4 Prohibited Sexual Conduct Between Educator and Student
•Count(s) 3 of RS 14:42 First-Degree Rape
•Count(s) 3 of RS 14:93.3 Cruelty to Elderly and Persons with Infirmities
•Count(s) 3 of RS 14:81.2 Molestation of a Person with a Physical or Mental Disability
•Count(s) 3 of RS 14:283.3 Abuse of Persons with Infirmities Through Electronic Means
•Count(s) 3 of RS 14:93.5 Sexual Battery of Persons with Infirmities
Grant was being held in the Bossier Maximum-Security Facility on a previous LBI arrest on August 21, 2026.

Previous arrest info here: https://aglizmurrill.com/Article/606

The investigation remains ongoing.

Special assessments help fund important services that benefit specific areas of Bienville Parish, including fire protection, recreation, schools, hospitals, and water systems.

This edition of Bits from the Book highlights how special assessment millage rates have changed across various districts from 2021 through 2025. Because these millages are approved by the voters and governing authorities of each district, they can vary over time based on the needs of the communities they serve.

To learn more about special assessments, millage rates, and other property tax information, check out the 2026 Annual Bienville Parish Tax Roll Booklet.

The forecast for Bienville Parish during the first week of September contains an abundance of sunshine with a few clouds here and there. Afternoon highs remain in the mid to upper 90s most days. While autumn is supposed to begin September 22, the forecast shows no sign of autumnal temps.

Wednesday, Sept. 2: Mostly sunny with a few clouds in the afternoon. Mostly clear skies overnight, winds light and variable. High 94, low around 74.

Thursday, Sept. 3: Mostly sunny with a few clouds in the afternoon again. Some clouds early overnight that will give way to clear skies. High 95, low around 73.

Friday, Sept. 4: Mostly sunny again with a few clouds possible in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies overnight with winds light and variable. High around 95, low near 73.

Saturday, Sept. 5: Mostly sunny skies. Mainly clear skies overnight. High near 95, low around 74.

Sunday, Sept. 6: Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. Hot. Mostly clear skies overnight. High near 99, low around 73.

Monday, Sept. 7: Lots of sunshine. Mostly clear skies overnight. High near 97, low around 73.

Tuesday, Sept. 8: Sunny with a few clouds from time to time in the afternoon. Overnight skies will feature a few clouds. High 96, low 72.

Autumn may be around the corner, but the weather forecast isn’t reflecting that. While a few clouds will make appearances, no storms or showers are predicted. Heat index values will climb well above the actual air temperature during peak afternoon hours, so residents should stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activity, and seek shelter immediately if thunderstorms develop.

United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) joins communities around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, whose life, generosity, music, and commitment to children touched generations.

For UWNWLA Dolly’s legacy is especially meaningful. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, approximately 6,700 children across Northwest Louisiana currently receive a free, age-appropriate book each month.

Following Dolly’s passing, her family shared a simple request for those wishing to honor her memory: “In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”

UWNWLA is inviting Northwest Louisiana to help fulfill that wish by supporting the Imagination Library and continuing the work that meant so much to Dolly throughout her life. A donation of $50 can provide books to one child for an entire year, giving that child the opportunity to build a home library of their own while developing a lifelong love of reading.

“Dolly had a remarkable way of bringing people together around something that matters so much —giving children the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream,” said LaToria W. Thomas, president and CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “She has been one of our most impactful community partners, and one of the most meaningful ways we can honor her is to continue the work she loved. Every donation helps put books into the hands of children right here in Northwest Louisiana and keeps Dolly’s dream alive for another generation.”

Dolly launched the Imagination Library in 1995 with a simple but powerful vision: inspire a love of reading by making sure children have books of their very own. Through the local program, that vision continues in homes throughout Northwest Louisiana.

Those who would like to honor Dolly’s legacy can make a gift through United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book Club. Donations through the Book Club help sustain the local Imagination Library program and put books into the hands of Northwest Louisiana’s youngest readers.

Ways to Honor Dolly:

Give in Dolly’s Memory: Make a donation to help sustain Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Northwest Louisiana.

Give a Year of Books: A $50 donation can provide one local child with books for an entire year, helping build early literacy skills and preparing children to enter kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and thrive.

Share Dolly’s Legacy: Encourage friends, family members, and others who loved Dolly to honor her memory by supporting the program she created to inspire generations of young readers.

UWNWLA will also share additional opportunities in the coming weeks for the community to come together and celebrate Dolly’s life and legacy. A special community celebration is being planned for September 25, with additional details to be announced soon.

Dolly spent her life showing that generosity can change lives. Here in Northwest Louisiana, her legacy arrives on doorsteps every month in the form of a book with a child’s name on it. By honoring her family’s wishes and supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Northwest Louisiana can help make sure that legacy, and Dolly’s belief in the dreams of every child, continues for generations to come.

To make a gift in Dolly’s memory and support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Northwest Louisiana, visit: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library- Book Club

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is accepting applications for deer and waterfowl lottery hunts on LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for the 2026-2027 hunting season. The deadline to apply for the waterfowl lottery hunts is Sept. 30.

A general waterfowl lottery hunt will be held on Sherburne WMA. 

Lottery hunts for deer and waterfowl will be held for youth between the ages of 10-17 on select WMAs. Note that youth under the age of 10 may apply, provided he or she will be 10 on or before the date of the hunt for which they apply.

Visit the lottery application page on the LDWF website to enter. To apply, update or create your customer details similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. There is a $5 application fee and $3.50 transaction fee per application. Paper applications are not available.

These hunts offer the opportunity for selected hunters to experience an enjoyable, unique experience. Details of qualifications, application requirements, application deadlines and dates of the hunts are set forth in the application instructions for each lottery.

Go the LDWF lottery hunt webpage for more information on lottery hunts.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs, refuges, and conservation areas must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License, or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to the LDWF WMA webpage for more information.

For more information, contact David Hayden at dhayden@wlf.la.gov or 318-487-5353.

The 2026 dove hunting season begins Saturday (Sept. 5) statewide, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced.

Louisiana is divided into the North and South zones for dove season. The North Zone runs from Sept. 5-27, Oct.10-Nov. 15 and Dec. 19-Jan. 17, 2027. The South Zone runs from Sept. 5-20, Oct. 17-Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-Jan. 10, 2027.

Dove hunters 18 and older are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certification to dove hunt. To purchase a hunting license, go to the LDWF licensing webpage.

LDWF will have lease fields available in DeRidder and Colfax for the opening day (Sept. 5) of dove hunting season along with several LDWF Wildlife Management Area (WMA) dove fields.

Hunters may access permits for the lease field hunts through the LDWF website. Hunting on each of the lease fields will begin one-half hour before sunrise on Saturday. The registration fee for the lease fields is $10 for adults plus a convenience fee. Youths age 17 and younger do not have to pay the registration fee.

Only non-toxic shot size 6 and smaller may be used at these hunts and no lead shot is to be used. Dogs are allowed and ATVs are allowed but may be restricted to field roads if wet conditions prevail.

LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offering dove fields or dove hunting opportunities, including Bodcau WMA, Boeuf WMA, Clear Creek WMA, John Franks WMA, Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA, Richard K. Yancey WMA, Russell Sage WMA, Sabine WMA, Sandy Hollow WMA, the U.S. Forest Service Calcasieu Ranger District Vernon Unit and West Bay WMA. For more information on WMA dove fields, see the LDWF dove fields webpage.

For a complete list of WMAs open to dove hunting and more information on WMA dove hunting, go to the LDWF seasons and regulations webpage.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to the WMA permits webpage for more information.

For more information on dove hunting in Louisiana, see the LDWF dove webpage or contact Richard Temple at rtemple@wlf.la.gov or 337-491-2110.

ARCADIA, LA — The Athens High School graduating class of 1966 gathered on August 22 to celebrate their historic 60th anniversary reunion. The milestone event was hosted at the beautiful, historic Dove House in Arcadia, Louisiana, a local landmark originally built in 1903 and currently owned by Bonnie Stephenson, with great help from her sister, Sandra Melder.

Those attending were warmly welcomed with a special banner prominently featuring their school colors of black and gold alongside their class motto. Classmates were greeted upon arrival with refreshing coffee, sparkling juice, and delicious apricot walnut muffins. The morning quickly filled with lively conversation, fond remembrances, and a deep appreciation for their shared history. Longtime friends spent hours exchanging stories, looking through old memorabilia, and enjoying the warm nostalgia of their high school days in Athens.

Those in attendance to celebrate the 60-year milestone included Archie Allen, Gene Bailey, Richard Gandy, Linda Murphey, Randy Peeples, Sue Stovall, Billy Thornton, Kaye Wilson, and Kay Woodard.

While the day was filled with joy and reconnection, it was also a time of solemn reflection. Attendees paused to honor and remember their beloved deceased classmates who could not be there in person, but remain a vital part of the class history: Sharon Allen, Sherry Abercrombie, Jane Dance, Calvin Garner, Jimmy Harmon, Jack Spurlock, Mary Lynn Thornton, and David Valentine.

Several classmates were also unable to attend but were greatly missed, including Sharon Dillon, Daniel Groves, Ann Johnson, and Douglas Reynolds.

Following the time of fellowship, attendees sat down to enjoy a wonderful multi-course meal together. The afternoon luncheon opened with a comforting cup of corn chowder served with crackers. For the entree, guests were treated to Chicken-Rice Roger, paired with a refreshing cranberry-apple green leafy salad and fresh baguette. The celebratory meal concluded with a decadent very berry cobbler served with homemade ice cream, alongside peach tea and coffee. The afternoon ended with promises to keep in touch and continued appreciation for the lifelong bonds formed six decades ago at Athens High School.

The class extends its sincere appreciation for the technical assistance rendered by Linda Murphey’s niece, Stephanie, whose help contributed greatly to the success of this landmark celebration.

The Natchitoches Krewe of Dionysos proudly introduced its 2027 Royal Court on August 22, 2026, during a celebration held at Riverside Reserve, a valued Krewe corporate sponsor.

Guests enjoyed an evening of fellowship, excitement, and entertainment as food was provided by the Krewe and refreshments were provided by corporate sponsor Murphy’s Beverage Catering Service.

Live music by the Born to Boogie Band kept attendees on the dance floor throughout the evening. Members are excited to officially kick off the Mardi Gras season with the Krewe’s 2027 theme, “Sunken Crown: Pirates of the Abyss”.

The Krewe of Dionysos extends its heartfelt congratulations to its 2027 Royalty and looks forward to an unforgettable Mardi Gras season.

Announcing the 2027 Royal Court:

Captain XXIX: Leonard Sarpy

King & Queen XXIX: Jeremy and Amanda Miller

Duke & Duchess of Dance XXIX: Chuck Morgan and Kristen Carpenter

Duke & Duchess of Destiny XXIX: Jason Methvin and Megan Nicholson

Duke & Duchess of Decadence XXIX: David and Jennifer Thornton

Duke & Duchess of Desire XXIX: Anthony and Randee Moore

Congratulations to the Krewe of Dionysos 2027 Royal Court as they prepare to reign over a Mardi Gras season filled with adventure, mystery, and celebration beneath the waves of the Sunken Crown: Pirates of the Abyss.

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

8/16/26

Jon Alsup of Coushatta was arrested for Telephone Communications, Improper Language, Harassment (Misdemeanor).

Romello Henderson of Bossier City was arrested for Simple Criminal Damage to Property (Misdemeanor); Disturbing the Peace – Offensive, Derisive, Annoying Words to Another (Misdemeanor); and Violation of Probation/Parole.

Stormy Snipe of Arcadia was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

8/19/26

Vernon Jones of Ringgold was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (Felony) and Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault (Felony).

8/20/26

James Sievers III of Downsville was arrested for Maximum Speed.

Brandon Mincey of Arcadia was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment (Felony); False Imprisonment – Offender Armed with Dangerous Weapon (Felony); and 2 counts of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault (Felony).

8/22/26

Cassalis Lard Jr. of Castor was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery (Misdemeanor).

Ronnie Phillips III of Castor was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Strangulation With Child Endangerment (Felony).

Brian Hurt of Sidon, MS, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.

Bueil Borden of Castor was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed.

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.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill secured another major victory today as another case of federal oversight involving the Bienville Parish School Board officially came to an end.

The case, United States v. Bienville Parish School Board, et al., was filed in 1966 and has been pending in federal court for six decades. Today, the parties filed a Joint Stipulation of Dismissal With Prejudice, formally bringing the case to a close.

The dismissal means the federal case against the Bienville Parish School Board is now over. The parties agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning the case is permanently dismissed.

“After 60 years, Bienville Parish finally has its school system back. Another one down, more to go. I’m proud to have worked with the Bienville Parish School Board and school system leaders, along with the U.S. Department of Justice, to get this done,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

“I feel that our board members voted to do what’s in the best interests of our students and schools. It is imperative that our board members think proactively and make decisions to ensure a better future for communities. I would like to thank the AG’s office for giving our board an opportunity and the authority to move our school system forward. We will remain committed and continue our efforts to make Bienville Parish a great school system,” said Leroy Hamilton, Superintendent of Bienville Parish Schools

Today’s dismissal marks another significant step in Attorney General Murrill’s effort to bring decades-old federal court cases involving Louisiana schools to an end and return decision-making to local communities.

• In April 2025, following her office’s involvement, the U.S. Department of Justice dismissed its long-pending case against the Plaquemines Parish School Board.
• In January 2026, following the involvement of Attorney General Murrill’s office, the U.S. Department of Justice dismissed its long-pending case against the DeSoto Parish School Board and released the school board from the federal court order that had been in place since 1967.
• In July 2026, Attorney General Murrill secured a major victory before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which ordered the district court to end decades-old federal court oversight of the Concordia Parish School Board.
• Earlier this month, Bossier Parish became the latest Louisiana school system to move beyond decades-old federal court oversight after a Joint Stipulation of Dismissal With Prejudice was filed to bring the case to a close.
• Today, the Bienville Parish case became another decades-old federal case to come to an end.

Attorney General Murrill’s Solicitor General team, led by Solicitor General Ben Aguiñaga and Deputy Solicitor General Morgan Brungard, represented the Bienville Parish School Board’s interests in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice throughout the effort to bring the case to a close.

Read the stipulation of dismissal here.

Jonesboro State Bank is accepting applications for the fall cycle of its Pledge 10 grant program through Sept. 15. The bank awarded $75,009 to ten area organizations in the spring cycle, funding projects that ranged from Jackson Parish’s first public kayak launch to vehicle stabilization equipment for local firefighters.

Pledge 10 grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and support projects in four areas: Education, Youth Development, Financial Literacy, and Community Enrichment. Jonesboro State Bank has awarded Pledge 10 grants every spring and fall since 2017, funded by the bank’s pledge to donate 10 percent of its profits back into the community.

“Some of the best ideas come from people who have never written a grant application before,” said Thurston Allen, President at Jonesboro State Bank. “If your organization sees a need and has a plan to meet it, we want to read about it. You don’t have to be a large organization, and you don’t have to bank with us.”

Eligible applicants include charitable organizations, governmental bodies such as parish agencies and fire departments, accredited public and private schools, and churches applying for projects that serve the wider community. An organization is not required to have a banking relationship with Jonesboro State Bank to qualify.

Funded projects must serve people in Jackson, Bienville, Winn, or Lincoln parishes, though the applying organization does not have to be headquartered in one of those parishes. Pledge 10 funds new and creative projects rather than existing or ongoing services, and does not fund scholarships, contests, travel, or political causes. Each organization may submit up to two proposals per cycle.

Applications are submitted online at Pledge10.com and are due September 15. A rotating panel of anonymous community members reviews and scores each application, and applicants are notified roughly six weeks after the deadline. Funded projects begin six to twelve weeks after the cycle closes and must be completed within twelve months.

The bank publishes an applicant guide and a sample application to help first-time applicants prepare. Questions may be sent to Pledge10@jboro.com.

The following ten projects received Pledge 10 grants in the spring cycle, listed from largest award to smallest.

$9,950 Louisiana Center for the Blind
Summer EDGE for Blind and Low-Vision Teens
Supports a three-week residential program teaching blind high school students braille, cane travel, assistive
technology and independent living skills, along with job exploration and career-readiness instruction.

$9,928 Montessori School of Ruston
Strong Bodies, Bright Minds Playground Project
Replaces deteriorated monkey bars, adds a toddler playscape and climbing stairs, and installs required soft
surfacing beneath the equipment to support safe, age-appropriate play for children as young as 18 months.

$9,750 Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
Prime Time Family Literacy Programs
Funds a six-week family literacy program pairing shared meals with guided discussions of children’s books led by
trained storytellers and scholars. The project is expected to reach at least 60 underserved participants and train
six to eight local educators.

$9,450 Jonesboro-Hodge High School Agriscience
Home Economics Kitchen Renovation
Renovates the school’s long-outdated home economics kitchen with new countertops, faucets, convection
ovens and a refrigerator, giving Agriscience students a modern space to learn food science and cooking skills.

$8,500 Quitman Fire Protection District 1
Rescue Ready: Vehicle Extrication Project
Purchases a battery-powered vehicle stabilization system that lets firefighters secure damaged vehicles quickly
during crash rescues, shortening extrication times and improving both responder safety and patient outcomes.

$7,500 Jackson Parish Hospital Service District #1
Healthy Alternatives and Sustainability
Installs four Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations in a 24-hour accessible lot near Highway 167, providing
public charging access for patients, visitors, staff and travelers passing through the parish.

$7,494 Jackson Parish Watershed District
Public Kayak Launch on Caney Lake
Builds Jackson Parish’s first public kayak launch, giving paddlers a safe, dedicated point of access to Caney Lake.

$6,500 Trinity Methodist of Ruston
Weekend of the CROSS
Covers materials and supplies for a mission weekend that sends youth groups across Lincoln Parish to build
wheelchair ramps and porches, paint houses and do yard work for residents in need.

$3,100 Jackson Parish Recreation District
Club House Chairs and Tables
Replaces worn-out furniture at JPRD complexes with commercial-grade chairs and picnic tables built to hold up
to heavy outdoor use.

$2,837 Jonesboro-Hodge High School
Girls’ Flag Football Team
Launches the school’s new girls’ flag football program, covering the equipment and support needed to get the
team on the field.

ABOUT PLEDGE 10
The Pledge 10 grant program has awarded grants every spring and fall since 2017. Grants support projects in
four focus areas — Education, Youth Development, Financial Literacy, and Community Enrichment — that serve
people in Jackson, Bienville, Winn and Lincoln parishes. Applications, guidelines and past awarded projects are
available at Pledge10.com.

This week will bring a break in the typical summer weather pattern. Afternoon highs will climb into the mid to upper 90s most days. The forecast window will open with clouds then give way to thunderstorms before switching to sunny skies. None of the storms are predicted to be severe.

Wednesday, Aug. 26: Partly cloudy with a stray shower or thunderstorm possible. Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms overnight; chance of rain 40%. High 97, low around 74.

Thursday, Aug. 27: Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then partly cloudy later; chance of rain 50%. Scattered thunderstorms during the evening followed by a few showers overnight; chance of rain 50%. High 96, low around 72.

Friday, Aug. 28: Intervals of sun and clouds mixed with a slight chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon; chance of rain 30%. Partly cloudy overnight, winds light and variable. High around 95, low near 71.

Saturday, Aug. 29: Mostly sunny, winds light and variable. Mainly clear skies overnight. High near 97, low around 71.

Sunday, Aug. 30: Generally sunny. Partly cloudy skies overnight. High near 98, low around 73.

Monday, Aug. 31: Lots of sunshine. Mostly clear skies overnight. High near 98, low around 74.

Tuesday, Sept. 1: Sunny with a few clouds from time to time. Overnight skies will feature a few clouds. High 97, low 75.

Bienville Parish finds itself in a mix of sunshine, high temps, and thunderstorms. Storms are possible Wednesday night through Friday, though none are predicted to be severe. The greatest chance for rain is Thursday, with a chance of 50%. Heat index values will climb well above the actual air temperature during peak afternoon hours, so residents should stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activity, and seek shelter immediately if thunderstorms develop.

All the asphalt paving is officially done on the 7.5-mile stretch on LA 9 between I-20 and LA 518 in Bienville and Claiborne Parishes. Bridge guardrails are fully installed, too.

Crews are finishing up with permanent lane striping and a few minor details. Watch out for slow-moving equipment or occasional lane/shoulder closures while they wrap things up.

The whole project, which cost $11.3 million, should be completely wrapped up by September. DOTD thanks the public for their patience.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued a Declaration of Emergency to modify the Gag Grouper season. The season for the recreational harvest of Gag Grouper in Louisiana state waters shall open at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 1 and remain open until 11:59 pm on Sept. 30.

The regional administrator of NOAA Fisheries has informed the Secretary that the 2026 recreational season for the harvest of Gag Grouper in the federal waters of the Gulf of America has been modified to open on September 1, 2026, and close on October 1, 2026. Compatible season regulations in state waters are often enacted to facilitate efficient enforcement of the fishery and to prevent long-term overfishing of the species.