Author: Megan Lowe

Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Tournament registration still open

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Get ready for a golf tournament unlike any other at Trails End Golf Course — the Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Tournament, happening Friday, Oct. 23.

How it works:

– Format: 2-Man Scramble

– Cost: $150 per team

– Be Here: 4pm

– Start Time: 4:30pm

Participants will play the first 9 holes in daylight, then watch the course transform as they play the second 9 in the dark — lit up by glow balls and glow-in-the-dark fun. Dinner will be served between the two sets of nine holes.

Come in costume and earn a free mulligan. Just one rule: the costume can NOT be a golfer.

Glow balls are included. Every player gets one sleeve of glow-in-the-dark balls included with signup. Want more glow power? Grab an extra box of 6 glow balls for just $25.

Spots are limited – first 40 teams only. This event fills up fast, so don’t wait to lock in a spot: https://bit.ly/466ud87

Medicare 101 Q&A Session TODAY at the Arcadia branch of BPL

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Join the Arcadia branch of the Bienville Parish Library today at 10am as they answer frequently asked questions about enrollment timelines, late penalties, and how to choose plans that best fit individual health needs and budget. Tonia Abney from the Fussell Group will be available to answer Medicare questions.

Call or text Ms. Abney at 318-436-7449 for questions prior to the event.

U.S. Constitutional System of Co-federalism Collides with the Climate Hoax

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

I recently delved into the purpose and importance of the Separation of Powers in our constitutional scheme, and the requirement that our Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches “remain in their own lanes.”  This week I am going to address another equally important issue: our American system of co-federalism—the relationship between the 50 states and the national, federal government.  

These longstanding issues emerge again within the context of a case now before the U.S. Supreme Court—Suncor Energy, Inc. v. Commissioners of Boulder County—which will address whether or not state courts may constitutionally weaponize tort law to implement a comprehensive national regulatory regime applied to interstate, and even international, climate energy policy.  This is an area constitutionally, and practically, preempted by federal law.

Our U.S. Constitution sets up a framework by which the states and the federal government are co-equal sovereigns, with the authority of the states being generally limited to their own state lines.  The Framers grounded this idea of dual sovereignty on the principle that both the states and the federal government each have their own independent spheres of authority to protect individual liberty.  (I would argue that the 10th Amendment, primarily, but other constitutional provisions as well, actually provide the states with greater authority in our system of co-federalism but I will address that another day).  

So, by splitting power between state and federal governments, the Framers intended to establish a national government of limited powers while maintaining a distinct zone of autonomy within which the state governments could exercise general police powers on behalf of their state residents including health, education, welfare and the running of elections.  What this really means is that under the Supremacy Clause the federal government would have the final word if there was a conflict between federal and state law but, beyond that, each individual state was to be given great freedom to govern themselves as they saw fit.

Now, let’s apply this principle of co-federalism to the Suncor Energy v. Boulder County case.  Directly at issue are the constitutional limits of states and localities who are attempting to punish oil and gas companies for supposedly contributing to “global warming.”  Boulder, Colorado sued oil companies in Colorado state court for “local climate damage” allegedly caused by their global greenhouse gases.   

Firstly, because I have done so before I won’t again today address the fallacy and deceit surrounding so-called “proof” of man-made climate change.  I simply re-urge that our climate has always changed, including long before man was ever on the earth!  Earth’s temperature occurs in certain rhythmic cycles and did so long before humans appeared on earth, approximately 200,000 years ago.  So, honest science reflects that humans are not the principal cause of climate change, but the Climate Change Religionists stay fanatically focused on it anyway.  

However, today I am focusing only on the key issue in the Suncor Energy case: whether states and localities can turn federalism on its head and dictate policies for the rest of the country.    Well, the U.S. Supreme already broadly addressed and answered this question in AEP v. Connecticut, a 2011 case, wherein the Supreme Court held that federal law—the Clean Air Act—preempts state law claims related to CO2 emissions. 

Here, the attorney for Boulder is attempting to get around that ruling by arguing, in Colorado state court, that Suncor is different: that the oil companies supposedly violated Colorado state law by creating a “public and private nuisance,” “trespass,” and “unjust enrichment” by selling products (presumably oil and gas) without warning about their impact on the climate.

That’s a real reach and flies directly in the face of Supreme Court precedent addressing state and federal power. As the Wall Street Journal summed it up: “… the Framers wrote the Constitution to prevent states from pursuing self-interested policies that intrude on the powers of other states and the nation.  Individual states have sovereign police powers over crime and other matters, but they don’t extend to running the U.S. economy or its foreign policy.”

What this means for us is that, while the Climate Change Religionists in states like Colorado, California and New York may generally pursue such policies within their own state borders, they may not dictate that policy insanity to the rest of the country.  Rather, our Constitution clearly places that responsibility with the U. S. Congress and President.  I hope the Supreme Court will make that point, yet again, unmistakably clear.

BPSO to host 5K/Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office is hosting its first Domestic Violence Awareness 5k Run/Walk on October 24, at 7am. The event will start and end at the Bienville Parish Courthouse. The goal is to raise awareness about domestic violence, support survivors, and help strengthen the resources available to victims in Bienville Parish.

In 2025, BPSO dispatchers and deputies responded to 86 Domestic Violence calls for service that ended in 68+ Incident Reports. In 2026, they responded to 39 Domestic Violence calls for service that have ended in 25+ Incident Reports. Through victim advocacy, BPSO has reached victims within Bienville Parish, and BPSO understands that community support can make a meaningful difference during an extremely difficult time.

D.A.R.T.- Bienville Parish is a major reason this support is possible. Their team goes above and beyond for victims throughout Bienville Parish in many different ways. Not only do they assist victims, but they also assist in training deputies on how to better respond to/assist victims who have been involved in a domestic violence incident. This event is an opportunity for the community to stand behind that work and help ensure victims continue to have access to support when they need it most. All remaining proceeds and donations will be given to D.A.R.T.- Bienville Parish.

For sponsorship opportunities and donations, contact Sgt. Rojas. Follow the link to sign up for the race and obtain more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bienville-so-domestic-violence-awareness-5k-tickets-2002569945615

Notice of Death – October 13, 2026

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Jerry Abney
? – d. Oct 11, 2026
Service: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 3pm at Arcadia Events Center, Arcadia.

Pamela J. Smith
March 5, 1961 — October 9, 2026
Service: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 2pm at Bienville United Methodist Church, Bienville.

Charlotte Colvin Whitman
June 12, 1947 — October 9, 2026
Service: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 10:30am at Hurricane Methodist Church, Arcadia.

Alton Jenkins
December 9, 1960 – September 25, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 11am at Paradise Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Bienville Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

 

Arrest Reports

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

9/27/26

Demario Williams of Arcadia was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended License – No License Issued.

9/29/26

Tylin Malone of Arcadia was arrested for two (2) counts of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Felony; Sex Offense – Registration Required) and Sexual Battery – Forcible Fondling (Felony; Sex Offense – Registration Required).

9/30/26

Dunterion Nelson of Ringgold was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm (Felony) and Simple Battery (Misdemeanor).

Ladarrious Harris of Athens was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery (Misdemeanor).

10/01/26

Erasmo Reyes of Tyler, TX, was arrested for DWI – 1st Offense.

Anthony Bellard of Arcadia was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment (Felony).

10/02/26

Devin Ford of Castor was arrested for Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (Felony) and Fugitive.

Kristin Swain of Castor was arrested for Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (Felony).

10/03/26

Cole Marsalis of Athens was arrested for Aggravated Flight from an Office (Felony); Owner to Secure Registration (Misdemeanor); Modified Exhaust Systems; and Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles.

Dwayne Bessard of Abbeville was arrested for Reckless Operation Without Accident (Misdemeanor); Sale, Distribution, or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription or Order Prohibited (Misdemeanor); and Operating a Vehicle With Suspended License – Other Offenses.

Tradarius Banks of Sibley was arrested for Sale, Distribution, or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription or Order Prohibited (Misdemeanor) and three (3) counts of Child Support Obligation.

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.

Bienville Parish FPD 7 fights forest fire

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

On Sept. 28, Bienville Parish Fire Protection District 7 experienced a fire that burned approximately 35 acres of pine forest. The crews from Fire District 7 set up for structure protection and Louisiana Department of Forestry plowed lines around the fire to contain it. On Sept. 29, the fire jumped the lines. At this point it estimated that approximately 160 acres were burned.

Fire crews from District 7, 1, 4 and 6 from Bienville were deployed to protect homes and a medium-sized gas plant. Crews from Quitman and Hodge fire joined in the fight as well. Forestry sent seven (7) bulldozers to plow lines around the fire. The volunteer crews stayed on scene until approximately 11:30pm that night. The fire has been confirmed to have burned 208 acres.

No homes were damaged, and the gas plant was protected. FPD 7 thanks all of the surrounding departments for the assistance and immediate response to this event. Thanks to everyone on District 7 for the dedication to help protect others when they have to get up the next day and go to work.

October continues with a mix of sun, clouds, and storms

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

October continues the trend it started at the beginning of the month with a mix of clouds and storms, though there will be some sun present at the beginning of the forecast window. The slight cooling trend also continues, as afternoon highs will range between the 80s and low 90s and nightly lows in the lower 60s – but more highs in the 80s than in the 90s. Saturday will see increasing clouds with scattered storms in the afternoon with a 50% chance of precipitation, the highest chance for rain in the forecast.

Wednesday, Oct. 7: Plentiful sunshine with winds light and variable. Clear skies overnight, winds light and variable. High 91, low around 62.

Thursday, Oct. 8: Generally sunny skies. A few clouds from time to time overnight. High 91, low around 62.

Friday, Oct. 9: Partly cloudy skies. A few clouds from time to time overnight. High around 90, low near 64.

Saturday, Oct. 10: Partly cloudy in the morning with increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day; chance of rain 50%. Showers early becoming less numerous late; chance of rain 40%. High near 84, low around 65.

Sunday, Oct. 11: Chance of a shower or two during the morning, followed by partly cloudy skies in the afternoon; chance of rain 30%. Partly cloudy overnight. High near 84, low around 68.

Monday, Oct. 12: Partly to mostly cloudy. A few clouds overnight with winds light and variable. High near 86, low around 66.

Tuesday, Oct. 13: Sunshine and clouds mixed. Partly cloudy skies overnight. High 87, low 64.

Scattered thunderstorm are possible in this forecast window on Saturday, but none appear to be severe. The greatest chance for rain will be Saturday, with day featuring an 50% chance of rain. The rain in the forecast will end on Sunday, followed by cloudy skies on Monday and Tuesday.

Latest America 250 grant awards bring total given to local communities to more than $74,000

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Since launching the Parish America 250 Program Mini Grant in May, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, in partnership with the America 250 Louisiana State Commission and the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor, has awarded $74,150 in grants across 51 parishes to support local projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

The latest round of grants, awarded in July and August, added $24,650 in grant funds going to local communities to support their America 250 programs and projects to that total.

“Our mission has been to ensure every parish in Louisiana is provided resources to celebrate and commemorate the America 250. The diversity of the projects and programs funded reflect the unique ways our communities across the state will mark the semiquincentennial. We are grateful for the diligence of the LEH in helping the state commission towards this end,” said Rep. Mike Bayham, chairman of the Louisiana America 250 Commission. 

Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants of up to $1,500 support projects that engage with the 250th anniversary of our nation and Louisiana’s role in its establishment and ongoing contributions. Proposals are being accepted on a monthly basis through October while funds are available. The next deadline for applications is today, October 7.

In service of the America 250 Louisiana State Commission’s goal of supporting commemorative activities in all 64 parishes, the LEH is particularly interested in receiving proposals from the following parishes where a Parish America 250 Program Mini Grant has not yet been awarded: Assumption, Bienville, Claiborne, East Carroll, Red River, Richland, St. Helena, West Carroll, and West Feliciana. Applicants interested in turnkey projects are encouraged to reach out to dowdy@leh.org.

“As we near the end of this grant opportunity, we are inspired by all of the ways communities have chosen to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, and we encourage those who haven’t yet applied to join in the celebration,” said Miranda Restovic, LEH president and executive director.

Among this round of grantees are the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, which will offer civics literacy programming in three parishes; the Lincoln and Washington Parish library systems, which will install braille American flags; and cities across the state that are hosting celebrations commemorating this historic year.

See the latest round of Parish America 250 Program Mini Grant awardees below.

BackAlley Community Theatre

Dueling Georges

Grand Cane, DeSoto Parish

$1,500

City of Hammond

Light Up the Sky on the 4th of July

Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish

$1,500

Clinton Is Home

Clinton Is Home Celebrates America and its Veterans 

Clinton , East Feliciana Parish

$1,500

Don’t Worry Willy Foundation

Finding Home Away From Home – A Military Family Storytelling Project for America 250

Baker, Plaquemines Parish

$1,500 

Grant Parish Library

The Story of Us: Louisiana and America’s 250th

Colfax, Grant Parish

$1,500

Joseph Candler Junior Memorial Foundation

Tallulah Freedom Stories: A Community Conversation

Tallulah, Madison Parish

$1,500

Lincoln Parish Library

Braille Flag Installation

Ruston, Lincoln Parish

$1,000

Louisiana Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Honoring Louisiana’s Revolutionary War Patriots: Preserving the Legacy of Julien Rachal and François Paul Bossier

Benton, Natchitoches Parish

$750

LSU Museum of Art

Southern Gothic: Literary Intersections with Art from the Johnson Collection

Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish

$1,500

Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum

Fostering Civic Literacy for Youth in LaSalle Parish

Monroe, LaSalle Parish

$1,000

Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum

Fostering Civic Literacy for Youth in Morehouse Parish 

Monroe, Morehouse Parish

$1,000

Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum

Fostering Civic Literacy for Youth in Union Parish

Monroe, Union Parish

$1,000

Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center

The Opelousas Veterans Day Program 2026

Opelousas, St. Landry Parish

$1,500

Saint Joseph Arts, Inc.

America 250 Patriotic Musical

Saint Joseph, Tensas Parish

$1,500

Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

America 250 program and commemorating the Liberty Tree

Jennings, Jefferson Davis Parish

$650

Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government

The Good Earth 4th of July Festival: America’s 250th Birthday

Houma, Terrebonne Parish

$1,500

The Laura Center for Creole Heritage

The Unfinished Arc of the Fight for Freedom: From the American Revolution to Emancipation in Creole Louisiana

Vacherie, St. James Parish

$1,500

Village of Natchez

Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom, Community, Culture, & Tradition

Natchez , Natchitoches Parish

$750

Washington Parish Library

A Flag for Every American: Braille Flags Across Washington Parish

Franklinton, Washington Parish

$1,000

Washington Parish Tourism

Washington Parish:  Our Story, America’s Story

Franklinton, Washington Parish

$1,000

As November Election Approaches, What’s Really on the Ballot?

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

As November 3rd comes closer, I wanted to address what is actually on the ballot in many parts of the country this year.

In many of our “blue” liberal states, socialism is on the ballot. The Democratic Socialist Party of America (DSA) is on the rise in the national Democrat Party, and its candidates espouse views that are directly antithetical to our U.S. Constitution.

What do I mean by that?

Our Framers recognized that our rights don’t come from government, they come from God. And the new government they were instituting was formed precisely to protect those God-given rights. In so doing, our Framers understood the weaknesses of men and the temptations of unlimited power and made certain that this new Constitution held inherent counterweights to those temptations.

That is why, at the foundation of our Constitution, is the Separation of Powers. This critically important principle lies at the heart of James Madison’s view, in Federalist 47, in which he stated that “the accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

So, they set up three branches of government, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. And the Framers intended for each of the three branches to “stay in its own lane” and to insist that the other branches remain in theirs. That is why, for example, the U.S. House of Representatives—the “People’s House” that provides for 2-year terms—controls the “purse strings” of the federal government and can influence policy by what it decides to fund or not fund. The House also initiates impeachments but the Senate, designed to be the more deliberative body, is elected for 6-year terms and conducts all impeachment trials as well as having the power to confirm or reject all presidential appointments.

Further, both chambers of Congress pass legislation which is sent to the president to either sign or veto. If vetoed, a 2/3rds majority of both houses can override the veto, and the legislation becomes law even though it was vetoed. The President is also the Commander in Chief in addition to being the head of the Executive Branch and its enormous federal agencies.

The U.S. Supreme Court, for its part, has the power to declare “what the law is” and determine what the Constitution means and whether the legislative actions of the president and Congress are unconstitutional or illegal. However, Congress may decide to limit the jurisdiction of federal courts, and the Senate may decide not to confirm presidential nominees to the federal courts.

My point is that all three branches of government are delicately positioned to check the actions of the other two branches. And that is why the rise of Democratic Socialist candidates concerns me. DSA candidates would abolish most of these protections. The DSA would dissolve the U.S. Supreme Court and eliminate the U.S. Senate, creating a unicameral Legislature that would make all decisions based upon nothing but the “popular will” or so-called “widely held public opinion.” The great danger here is whose “popular will” and whose “widely held public opinion?” This is the definition of mobocracy which then devolves into anarchy.

The DSA plan for the Supreme Court alone is enough. An impartial and independent judiciary is critical to maintaining our form of government given, one, the crucial role of the Supreme Court in seeing that our Separation of Powers is maintained and, two, because the Court protects the rights of the minority in our constitutional republic from the tyranny of the majority. The will, and very existence, of the minority are threatened if all that is considered is the “popular will” or “widely held public opinion.”

While the U.S. Supreme Court is certainly not perfect—with Dred Scott, Plessy v. Ferguson, and Roe v. Wade being three of its most egregiously wrong decisions—it nevertheless remains a firewall in protection of all of our natural rights. Again, the DSA would eliminate it.

President Reagan warned us:

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

So, let us fight.

Osmose announces new office, lay-down yard in Arcadia

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Osmose Utilities Services is opening a new office, shop, and equipment yard at 3317 2nd Street in Arcadia. The facility will support utility customers and operations throughout Louisiana and the South.

Utilities depend on poles, steel structures, underground equipment, and other infrastructure to deliver safe, reliable power. Osmose works alongside utilities to assess the condition of those assets and help maintain, restore, and strengthen them—supporting the reliability and resilience of the systems their communities count on every day.

With 90 years of experience, more than 400 utility and telecommunications partners, and more than 9.3 million structures visited each year, Osmose brings a national reach to the communities it serves. Establishing a location in Arcadia reflects a meaningful investment in North Louisiana and in the utility customers the company supports across the region.

The Arcadia facility will also strengthen Osmose’s ability to support utilities when severe weather and other emergencies occur. The office, shop, and yard will provide a closer location to stage personnel, equipment, and materials—helping speed mobilization for storm response, restoration efforts, and other urgent utility needs.

The location will serve as a home base for Chris Smith, Director of Business Development, and Tyler Tatum, Sr. Project Manager, both of whom live locally, along with local operations personnel. It will also provide a welcoming place for customers and Osmose team members to meet, review projects, and discuss infrastructure needs.

Additional information, including opportunities to visit the new facility, will be shared as plans are finalized.

2026 Youth Hunter of the Year applications now open

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The 2026 Youth Hunter of the Year Award contest is now accepting applications, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced.

A panel of judges will name one boy and one girl who best represented the joy, thrill and camaraderie of hunting. Youth hunters must be Louisiana residents who were 15 years old or younger at the time of the hunt, and the hunt must have taken place within the 2026 calendar year (Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026). Applications are due Jan. 31, 2027. 

Natalie Perkins of DeRidder and Madden Dowden of Elm Grove were the 2025 Louisiana Youth Hunters of the Year winners.

To enter the 2026 Youth Hunter of the Year contest:
• Complete and submit the application form;
• Submit a short story written by the young hunter describing the hunt;
• Submit photo(s) from the hunt.

Eligibility Requirements:
• Hunter must be a Louisiana resident;
• Hunter must be 15 years old or younger at the time of the hunt;
• The hunt must take place between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026;
• Short story must be written by the youth;
• The hunt does not have to result in the harvesting of an animal;
• One entry per youth hunter;
• Previous winners are not eligible.

The two winners will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement and a gift card. Winners will also be recognized at LWF’s 61st Annual Conservation Achievement Awards banquet in April 2027. Everyone who enters will also be included in a drawing for a $100 gift card. For more information, go to the LWF Hunter of the Year webpage.

Bienville Parish 4-H Sweet Potato & Pecan Sale is here

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

It’s time again for the Bienville Parish 4-H Sweet Potato and Pecan Sale. This fundraiser will help support the Bienville Parish 4-H Junior Leadership Club to conduct service learning projects and participate in leadership opportunities. Orders must be received by November 2.

The sweet potatoes are Louisiana-grown and are perfect for baking and casseroles. A 36-pound box is $30. A 18-pound bag $18. A 3-pound bag is $8.

Louisiana pecans are available in $14 1-pound bags of pecan halves. Choose from the following flavors: sugared, roasted, chocolate-coated, hot and spicy roasted, and praline crunch topping. Plain halves or pieces are $12 a bag.

Make checks payable to Bienville Parish 4-H. Call the office today to place your order: 318-263-7400. 

Potatoes and pecans can be picked up Nov. 18–20, 9am – 4pm, at the LSU AgCenter Office (2710 Maple Street Arcadia).

Arrest Reports

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

9/20/26

Arkeciyah Ward of Arcadia was arrested for Aggravated Battery with Dangerous Weapon (Felony); Theft (Misdemeanor); and Aggravated Assault (Misdemeanor).

Osmar Perez of McComb, MS, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Driver Must Be Licensed.

9/21/26

Frederick Henderson of Arcadia was arrested for Battery of a Dating Partner (Misdemeanor) and Violation of Probation/Parole.

9/22/26

Wiley Bennett Jr. of Ringgold was arrested for two counts of Aggravated Crime Against Nature (Felony) and two counts of First Degree Rape – Sex Offense (Felony).

Iredis Aparicio of Odessa, TX, was arrested Maximum Speed Limit and Driver Must Be Licensed.

Keilon Boston of Ruston was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – Other Offenses.

Carley Shoemaker of Castor was arrested for Fugitive and Domestic Abuse Battery (Misdemeanor).

9/24/26

Jonathan Jackson of Ruston was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor); Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – Other Offenses; Possession of Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams (Felony); and Violation of Probation/Parole.

Hugh Hubbard of Castor was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

9/25/26

Robert Williams of Keller, TX, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Aggravated Flight from an Officer (Felony).

9/26/26

Eddrick Foster of Arcadia was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery (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.

Saline native serves with Navy’s first unmanned patrol and reconnaissance squadron

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment
Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Warren. (Photo courtesy of Navy Office of Community Outreach)

MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Warren, a native of Saline, Louisiana, serves in the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), the Navy’s first unmanned patrol and reconnaissance squadron.

Warren graduated from Saline High School in 2014.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Saline.

“Coming from such a small town taught me how important hard work is because we had to figure out how to get things done,” Warren said. “I also learned that people matter and to never stop pushing myself towards bigger and better things. These lessons help me every day in the Navy.”

Warren joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Warren serves as a robotics warfare specialist.

“I remember being very young and hearing stories from my great-uncles about their time in the military,” Warren said. “They were all drafted between the Korean and Vietnam wars. Their pride in what they did made me want to be a part of the small group of Americans who answer the call to serve.”

Members of VUP-19 support the “Big Red” mission, a historical nod to the command’s role in the Korean War. In 1951, during night interdiction missions, the squadron would drop red night illumination flares to support allied air and ground units.

Today, more than 500 sailors serve at VUP-19. Members of the squadron maintain and launch the MQ-4C Triton aircraft to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, distributing valuable and time-critical intelligence to combatant and fleet commanders.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Warren has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My two proudest accomplishments are being named the 2025 Maintainer of the Year and achieving my ‘Safe for Flight’ designation,” Warren said. “I’m proud of both of those accomplishments because they both took perseverance and dedication to achieve.”

Warren serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means more than I could ever put into words, but I will try,” Warren said. “The Navy gave me the opportunity to protect the ones I love and lead the next generation of warfighters. It has also given me the chance to build a life I can look back on 40 years down the road and be proud of.”

Warren is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“First, I would like to thank my wife, Desiree, for holding down the fort through my many deployments over the past 11 years,” Warren added. “Without her, none of this would even be possible. I also want to thank my parents. Although they did not like that this was the career I wanted to pursue, they have supported me every step of the way. Lastly, I am grateful to all the leaders and mentors I’ve had throughout my career. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for them allowing me to fail, learn and eventually succeed.”

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/

DAR Constitution Week Tea

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met at the home of Honorary Chapter Regent Cindy Madden for their annual Constitution Week Tea. Mayor Nick Cox wrote a Constitution Week Proclamation for their chapter. Hostesses for the tea were Cara Buie, Cindy Madden, Maggie Salter, and Cindy Walker.

In 1955, the National Society DAR petitioned Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to commemorate Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution on August 2, 1956, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915.

The guest speaker was Jerry Madden, Past President of Galvez Chapter SAR in Shreveport. He gave a presentation about Bernardo de Galvez, whose army routed the British from their forts in the Mississippi Valley, including Baton Rouge and Natchez. This prevented these British troops from being strategically moved up the rivers northward to participate in the war’s final battle at Yorktown.

Chapter Regent Donna Sutton began our meeting with the DAR Opening Ritual, followed by a lighted candle and a moment of silence to remember the victims of 9/11. She presented a PowerPoint to show the projects they participated in this summer.

In June at Minden’s America 250 Celebration, the DAR/SAR Relations Chair Cindy Madden organized a DAR/SAR booth with children’s activities and information about DAR. Activities included secret codes and writing with invisible ink. Also to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Donna Sutton who is also the chapter Lineage Research Chair spent several months researching each of the 57 chapter members’ patriot ancestors. She wrote a short biography of each patriot and had all of the biographies printed into commemorative booklets, which are being distributed as gifts to the members.

On the 4th of July, Donna Sutton and the Historic Preservation Chair Mary Claire Kettler participated in the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s Annual Flag Raising Ceremony. They presented 11 veterans with certificates and America 250 challenge coins.

DAR State Workshop took place in August in Baton Rouge. The Chapter Regent was unable to attend this year, but she sent some things to donate on behalf of the chapter. For a state recycling project, she donated prescription medication bottles to use to make mini first aid kits, and eyeglasses to the DAR’s Lions Club donation box. Louisiana DAR collected over 300 pairs of glasses.

Also in August, Donna Sutton and Jessica Gorman, director of the Dorcheat Museum and a board member of the chapter, wrote and received a DAR America 250 Grant from the National Society DAR. The money was used to make a Revolutionary War display at the Dorcheat Musuem. The display includes mannequins in Revolutionary War costumes, a large vertical banner on a portable stand that lists the names of all of the current members’ patriot ancestors, information about each of the patriots, and information about three Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried in Northwest Louisiana. The display was unveiled at an Open House at the museum.

After closing the meeting, the chapter members filled out Christmas cards to send to an organization called Military Missions in Lexington, Kentucky. This is a nonprofit organization that sends cards and care packages to U.S. soldiers around the world. They have a website and a Facebook page with more information.

DAR is a volunteer organization dedicated to education, patriotism, and historic preservation. Any woman age 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) is eligible to join DAR. For more information, contact them at dorcheatbistineau@yahoo.com.

September ends in sun, October comes in with storms

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

While the last day of September will be sunny, the sun will give way to storms and later cloudiness in the forecast. The weather persists in its summertime temperatures, though the slight cooling trend continues, as afternoon highs will range between the 80s and low 90s and nightly lows in the lower 60s and upper 50s. There is an increasing chance of rain beginning Thursday night, peaking at 80% on Saturday night before decreasing again and giving way to cloudiness.

Wednesday, Sept. 30: Mostly sunny skies. A few clouds from time to time overnight, winds light and variable. High 95, low around 70

Thursday, Oct. 1: Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies early giving way to a few showers after midnight; chance of rain 30%. High 94, low around 71.

Friday, Oct. 2: Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms; chance of rain 40%. Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers overnight; chance of rain 50%. High around 90, low near 71.

Saturday, Oct. 3: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers; chance of rain 80%. Thunderstorms in the evening, overcast overnight with occasional rain; chance of rain 80%. High near 83, low around 69.

Sunday, Oct. 4: Cloudy with rain in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon; chance of rain 70%. Rain showers in the evening becoming more intermittent overnight; chance of rain 40%. High near 81, low around 64.

Monday, Oct. 5: Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A few clouds overnight with winds light and variable. High near 82, low around 58.

Tuesday, Oct. 6: Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies overnight. High 81, low 59.

Scattered thunderstorm are possible in this forecast window beginning on Thursday, but none appear to be severe. The greatest chance for rain will be Saturday, with both day and night featuring an 80% chance of rain. The rain in the forecast will end on Sunday, followed by cloudy skies on Monday and Tuesday.

Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Tournament registration is open

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Get ready for a golf tournament unlike any other at Trails End Golf Course — the Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Tournament, happening Friday, Oct. 23.

How it works:

– Format: 2-Man Scramble

– Cost: $150 per team

– Be Here: 4pm

– Start Time: 4:30pm

Participants will play the first 9 holes in daylight, then watch the course transform as they play the second 9 in the dark — lit up by glow balls and glow-in-the-dark fun. Dinner will be served between the two sets of nine holes.

Come in costume and earn a free mulligan. Just one rule: the costume can NOT be a golfer.

Glow balls are included. Every player gets one sleeve of glow-in-the-dark balls included with signup. Want more glow power? Grab an extra box of 6 glow balls for just $25.

Spots are limited – first 40 teams only. This event fills up fast, so don’t wait to lock in a spot: https://bit.ly/466ud87

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center hosts special book signing today with Ashley Ivy

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center will host a special book signing and reading of I F’n Hate Dementia by local author Ashley Ivy today, September 30, from 4:30pm to 7pm at the Bossier Arts Council. Readings will be held at 5:30pm and 6:30pm. Attendees will be able to enjoy food from Mr. Grilled Cheese and drinks from Champagne Charlie’s Bubble Cart, with 10% of each of their sales benefiting The Bridge.

Ivy, born and raised in Louisiana, now resides in Texas. She recently appeared on The Bridge’s Light The Way podcast, where she shared insights from her book along with personal and professional experiences.

Ivy is a speech-language pathologist with advanced training in dementia care and caregiver support. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, and maintains national certification through the American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). She has spent most of her professional career working in long-term care, alongside individuals living with dementia and the families who loved them. Known for her compassionate, honest, and direct approach, Ivy advocates for caregivers by providing practical guidance, empathy, and support through every stage of the dementia journey.

Attendees can RSVP through the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1441276987857812. Additional information about Ivy and her book, I F’n Hate Dementia, can be found on her website at https://ashleyivyslp.com/.

In a Dangerous World, Trump UN Speech Reasserts U.S. Primacy 

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

President Trump this past week returned to the United Nations for its General Assembly in New York City, an event attended by many world leaders.

As the New York Post stated, “In his strong, clear speech at the United Nations, President Trump took credit for his accomplishments abroad while slamming the world body’s dysfunction … His UN addresses from the start have been top-notch statesmanship—and prophetic: The Germans laughed at his 2018 warning not to depend on Russian energy . . . until the tanks rolled into Ukraine in 2022.”

Further, while he fairly labels himself a “president of peace” given the numerous wars he has ended or prevented, he has, at the same time, made clear to Iran and to the world that Iran will not ever possess a nuclear weapon.  Trump characterized the choice he faces in Iran as either striking a deal or undertaking a comprehensive bombing campaign. “Do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival …” (Notably, the U.S. and Iranian delegations met for some 3-hour period at the UN, which Trump described as a “very positive meeting.”)

While the Iran war has burdened Americans with higher gas prices, Trump predicts that prices will fall dramatically after the November election.

Trump pointedly stated that he had inherited the Iran problem from previous administrations and contended that the U.S. military action he ordered prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, saying European nations should recognize that they also benefited from the move.  “I hope the Europeans realize that Iran’s goal was to complete their mad dash to a nuclear bomb from behind this conventional ballistic missile shield,” said Trump. “If they had succeeded, that wicked regime would have been free to spread terror and death forever, knowing that any attempt to stop them would face an arsenal.”

Trump also asserted that the UN has been studiously silent about the worldwide persecution of Christians and that it has made no effort to ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon! However, he did thank the U.N. Security Council for its resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping, then called on “all nations” to join the U.S. in “complete economic isolation of Iran.”

He firmly believes that the Russia-Ukraine war will end in the near term.  He also highlighted a crucial win for the U.S. noting that he had just signed an agreement providing the U.S. a greater military and business presence in Greenland, the large arctic island in Denmark’s kingdom. Trump also announced that the U.S. would soon be building two major military installations on the island. (Greenland is vital to the U.S. given its geographic location by which to control key Arctic shipping lanes, monitor Russian naval forces, and host crucial missile defense systems.)

He also reiterated a topic raised by numerous past presidents, but never concretely addressed, Cuba.  Trump specifically called for regime change in Cuba asserting that the U.S. wouldn’t allow a “haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.” In his speech he rightly accused Cuban leaders of propping up communists and political dissidents in the United States and then declared that “communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba.”

During his time at the UN, Trump also met with Venezuelan leader, Delcy Rodriguez, announcing a deal in which the Pentagon will take a stake in the country’s oil, which Trump believes will lower gas prices for Americans.

Trump also commented on the burgeoning of Artificial Intelligence (AI), (which he has renamed “Super Intelligence”), touting America’s lead. “Welcome to the new world of superintelligence. Whoever wins super intelligence wins.”

In sum, Trump effectively flexed U.S. power with warnings to rivals around the globe: “We are reasserting American power, including American military power, where necessary, in our region and around the world, to create a safer future for all of us.”

Trump presented not only the safest and most prudent path for the U.S. but also reminded the rogue regimes of the world that their barbaric tendencies won’t be tolerated.  And, in a persuasive defense of his policies, he also demonstrated why America is the critical–and only—international bulwark against the destructive cancer of globalism, and the solitary global defender of Western Civilization and a rules-based global order. 

Squirrel, rabbit hunting seasons begin Oct. 3

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The Louisiana squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons begin Saturday (Oct. 3) in all parts of Louisiana and run through Feb. 28, 2027, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. Squirrel and rabbit hunting are both enjoyable and a good way to introduce youth to hunting.

A basic hunting license is needed for those 18 and older to hunt squirrels and rabbits. Squirrel and rabbit hunting are relatively inexpensive and there are many LDWF public lands on which hunting opportunity is available. Hunting on an LDWF WMA requires a WMA access permit and you must check in and out of the WMA.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs 18 and older 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 Access Permit webpage for more information.

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

See the LDWF licensing webpage to purchase a hunting license.

For more information on squirrel and rabbit hunting in Louisiana, go to the LDWF small game webpage or contact LDWF Small Game/Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal at ccedotal@wlf.la.gov.

Special Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season to open Oct. 3

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The special nine-day Louisiana black-bellied whistling duck season will begin Saturday (Oct. 3) and run through Oct. 11, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced.

The daily bag limit for the season will be four with a possession limit of twelve. All hunters participating in the season will be required to have a free black-bellied whistling duck hunting permit from LDWF and are required to report effort and harvest within 15 days of the black-bellied whistling duck season closure.

One major difference to note from other duck seasons is that shooting hours will be sunrise to sunset.

All license requirements normally required for hunting waterfowl apply to this season as well including Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration and the federal duck stamp. Before hunting the species in October, hunters should familiarize themselves with species identification as only black-bellied whistling duck harvest will be legal during this time.

Both hunter effort and harvest must be reported between Oct.12-26. Go to the LDWF website black-bellied whistling duck reporting page to report effort and harvest.

For more information, go to the LDWF website page on the special black-bellied whistling duck season or contact LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.