Dove hunting season opens statewide on Sept. 5

White-winged dove.

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.


Athens High School Class of 1966 celebrates 60th Anniversary Reunion

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.


Krewe of Dionysos introduces 2027 Royal Court: “Sunken Crown: Pirates of the Abyss”

Amanda and Jeremy Miller, King and Queen XXIX. (Photo courtesy of the Krewe of Dionysos)

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.


Arrest Reports

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.


AG Murrill secures another major victory ending decades-old federal oversight of Bienville Parish Schools

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 opens Fall Pledge 10 grant cycle

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.


Weather Outlook: Cloudy, stormy, hot

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.


DOTD provides update on LA 9 overlay project

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.


2026 state gag grouper season to open Sept. 1, close Oct. 1

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.


2026 Hornets Football Schedule released – season opens tomorrow with Jamboree

Mark those calendars and get ready to cheer on the Arcadia High School Hornets as they take the field this season. Pack the stands, support student-athletes, and show everyone what Hornet Pride is all about.

Aug. 28 – Jamboree at Lincoln Prep

Sept. 4 – Booker T. Washington (away)
Sept. 11 – Winnfield High School (away)
Sept. 18 – Darbonne Woods Charter (away)
Sept. 25 – Ringgold High School (away)

Oct. 2 – HOMECOMING – Jonesboro High School (home)
Oct. 9 – Lincoln Prep (away)
Oct. 16 – Haynesville High School (away)
Oct. 23 – Cedar Creek (home)
Oct. 30 – open

Nov. 6 – Glenbrook High School (home)


LDWF Enforcement Division hosting recruiting open house in Ruston this Saturday

he LDWF Enforcement Division Recruiting Section is hosting an open house on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10am to 4pm at the Lincoln Parish Library (910 North Trenton St., Ruston). At the recruiting open house enforcement agents will be available to visit with potential candidates to speak about their careers as Wildlife Enforcement Agents, answer questions and provide guidance on the qualifications and application process.

For more information, contact Lt. Ray Ellerbe at 318-362-3027 or tellerbe@wlf.la.gov.


Notice of Death – August 25, 2026

Ja’Karian Carter
Octpber 16, 2025 — August 22, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 2:30pm at Memorial Funeral Home, Arcadia.
 
Anna Jones
March 23, 1940 — July 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11am at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, Ringgold.
 
Bienville Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

Arrest Reports

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

8/11/26

Dantonio Hart of Hodge was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued; Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor); and Maximum Speed Limit.

Olivia Plunkett was arrested for Telephone Communications, Improper Language, Harassment (Misdemeanor).

Marcus White Jr. of Ruston was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor).

8/14/26

Broderick Ramey of Arcadia was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor).

8/15/26

Tremaine Arkansas was arrested for Battery of a Police Officer (Misdemeanor) and Maximum Speed Limit.

Deihlea Anderson of Ruston was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License – No License Issued.

Dominic Turner Jr. of Collin, TX, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit.

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.


Recreational alligator harvest lottery to open Aug. 20

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recreational alligator harvest lottery will open Thursday (Aug. 20) through Aug. 30. LDWF will conduct the recreational season on eight harvest zones beginning Oct. 1-31.

Please note: This is for the recently adopted recreational alligator lottery and not the longstanding commercial alligator lottery harvest application that was completed in July.

Recreational alligator lottery applications will only be available on the LDWF licensing website. Those wanting to apply should click on the Lottery Applications tab, update or create their customer details similar to purchasing a license, and then submit an application for the zone that they wish to hunt.

There is a non-refundable $50 application fee for each zone application submitted. Customers may apply for and win a harvest opportunity for more than one zone, but there will be an application fee for each zone applied for. Applicants must be legal Louisiana residents, 16 years of age or older and meet all hunter education requirements.

If selected, you will be required to purchase a Resident Alligator Sports Hunter License ($25). To assist applicants with their selection(s), LDWF has posted a map and descriptions of the recreational harvest zones on its website.

For more information about recreational lottery alligator hunting please visit the LDWF website.


Hunters tor the Hungry Louisiana to host 2026 Clean Out Your Freezer Day on Aug. 23

Hunters For The Hungry Louisiana is back again on Aug. 23 asking Louisiana to make more room in their freezer for the upcoming hunting season. They’re welcoming all perishable donations to one of the drop-off locations throughout the state for the annual Clean Out Your Freezer Day on Aug. 23 (dates and times may vary).

 While most Clean Out Your Freezer Day drop-off locations are open on Aug. 23 only, everyone is encouraged to visit www.cleanoutyourfreezer.com to check ALL drop-off times and dates in their community as some may begin on Aug. 17 or run as late as Aug. 28. Hunters For The Hungry Louisiana (H4H) will accept any properly packaged, labeled, and dated game, fish, or other protein, as well as other frozen food at the multiple drop-off locations.

“Moving Clean Out Your Freezer Day to late August the last few years have proven to result in great success with record breaking pounds of donations. We want to continue to make it convenient for all sportsmen as they’re preparing for the upcoming hunting season and possibly unloading from the fishing season,” says Julie Grunewald, executive director of Hunters For The Hungry Louisiana. “We’ve also continued to make the drop-off locations more convenient so you’ll find that we’re hosting at more markets, specifically with a few more Rouses Markets on the schedule. We feel this will be easier for everyone, especially as they’re shopping for the week ahead.”

Nearly 18,500 pounds of frozen goods were collected from Clean Out Your Freezer Day 2025, just clearing over the 18,251 pounds in 2024. The goal for H4H is to surpass the 2025 donations to provide for the needy. The distribution goes through the five (5) major food banks in Louisiana, as well as direct to shelters and kitchens and other agencies.

With the support of local food banks, churches, and community betterment organizations, H4H hosts a 2026 Clean Out Your Freezer Day drop-off location in the following cities and regions:

  • Alexandria
  • Baton Rouge
  • Central
  • Clinton
  • Denham Springs
  • Eunice
  • Gonzales
  • Houma
  • Lafayette
  • Lake Charles
  • Marksville
  • Monroe
  • Natchez
  • Natchitoches
  • New Orleans (Metairie)
  • Opelousas
  • Ruston (Dubach)
  • Shreveport
  • Slidell
  • Thibodaux
  • Youngsville
  • Zachary

To find a local drop-off locations’ date and times, visit the Hunters For The Hungry Louisiana website.


Weather Outlook: Very hot and cloudy

Hot and humid conditions will continue yet again across Bienville Parish this week as a typical midsummer weather pattern remains in place. Afternoon highs will climb into upper 90s most days, though the forecast window opens with highs of 100. A few clouds will make an appearance later in the forecast window with a chance for thunderstorms over the weekend.

Wednesday, Aug. 19: Sunny with a few clouds in the afternoon. A few clouds overnight. High 100, low around 76.

Thursday, Aug. 20: Hot and sunny. Partly cloudy skies overnight. High 100, low around 75.

Friday, Aug. 21: Partly cloudy skies. A few clouds overnight, winds light and variable. High around 98, low near 73.

Saturday, Aug. 22: Partly cloudy in the morning; scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, chance of rain 50%. High near 96, low around 72.

Sunday, Aug. 23: Partly cloudy day and overnight. High near 96, low around 71.

Monday, Aug. 24: Mostly sunny skies; winds light and variable. Clear to partly cloudy skies overnight. High near 98, low around 73.

Tuesday, Aug. 25: Sunny with a few clouds from time to time. Overnight skies will be clear with a few clouds. High 98, low 74.

Bienville Parish continues into the third week of August with sunshine, high temps, and clouds. Saturday may see scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, but none are predicted to be severe. 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.


Notice of Death – August 18, 2026

Elizabeth Juanita Sims
November 21, 1956 – August 11, 2026
Service: Saturday,  August 22, 2026, 1pm at Shiloh Baptist Church, Bienville. 
 
Anna Jones
March 23, 1940 — July 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11am at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, Ringgold.
 
Bienville Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

Arrest Reports

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

8/02/26

Brandon Gray of Saline was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – Other Offenses.

Donovan Haulcy of Arcadia was arrested for Possession of Marijuana Over 14 Grams/1st Offense (Misdemeanor) and Violation of Probation/Parole.

Patrick Hawk of Camden, AR, was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed (2nd or Subsequent).

Destini Weathersby of Richland, MS, was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed and Maximum Speed Limit.

8/03/26

Zeke Kelpe of Ruston was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor).

Jameion Cooper of Ringgold was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

Kyle Wiggins of Ringgold was arrested for  Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment (Felony).

Braxton Fenton of North, MS, was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – Other Offenses and Maximum Speed Limit.

Wesley Smith of Campti was arrested for Child Support Obligation (Misdemeanor).

Robert Denson of Ringgold was arrested for Aggravated Battery with Dangerous Weapon (Felony).

Kiante Duffie of Arlington, TX, was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor).

8/04/2026

Lewis Abney of Arcadia was arrested for 2 counts of Criminal Trespass (Misdemeanor).

Breuna Love of Minden was arrested for 3 counts of Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor).

Justin Willis of Ringgold was arrested for Possession of Marijuana Over 14 Grams/1st Offense (Misdemeanor); Distribution of Marijuana; Distribution of Methamphetamine (Felony); Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor); Illegal Carrying of Weapons (Felony); and Distribution of Klonopin (Clonazepam; Felony).

Mark Adams of Ringgold was arrested for Aggravated Assault (Misdemeanor) and Aggravated Battery with Dangerous Weapon (Felony).

James George of Princeton was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Misdemeanor).

8/05/26

Nicholas Regan of Monroe was arrested for 2 counts of Fugitive.

Curtis Morgan of Bienville was arrested for Theft (Misdemeanor); Violation of Probation/Parole; and Caretaker Has Willfully Failed to Attend Meeting with Child’s School.

Martez Miller of Minden was arrested for Fugitive.

8/06/26

Arkeciyah Ward of Arcadia was arrested for Theft (Misdemeanor); 2 counts of Disturbing the Peace – Offensive, Derisive, Annoying Words to Another (Misdemeanor); and Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor).

Jherick Mireles Sierra was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed.

Rolando Ashley of Ringgold was arrested for Enter/Remain After Being Forbidden – Immovable Structure (Misdemeanor); Criminal Trespass – Immovable Structure (Misdemeanor); and Violation of Probation/Parole.

Natassja Griffin of Mendenhall, MS, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Driver Must Be Licensed.

8/07/26

David Buckley of Ruston was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).

Michael Bryant of Sibley was arrested for Identity Theft (Felony); Operating Vehicle with Suspended License – Other Offenses; Evidence of Compulsory Motor Vehicle Liability Secured Contained in Vehicle; Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor); and Owner to Secure Registration (Misdemeanor).

Jaylen Stafford of Arcadia was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

Kenny Daniels of Homer was arrested for Fugitive.

Adrian Garcia of Grand, TX, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit.

Shannon Little of Campti was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams (Felony).

Erica Edwards of Arcadia was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

Jarred Dickson of Campti was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams (Felony) and Simple Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce (Misdemeanor).

8/08/26

Don Duck of Saline 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.


Assessor’s Office shares city millage rates over last couple years

City millage rates don’t always change from year to year, and in many cases, they remain the same, according to the Bienville Parish Assessor’s Office.

This comparison shown above from the 2026 Annual Bienville Parish Tax Roll Booklet shows the city millage rates for 2024 and 2025, along with the property tax revenue generated for each municipality.

While the Bienville Parish Assessor’s Office determines the assessed value of property, each municipality is responsible for setting its own millage rate. Those property tax revenues help fund local services and operations within each community.

For more information about millage rates, property assessments, and how property taxes work in Bienville Parish, check out the 2026 Annual Bienville Parish Tax Roll Booklet.


Weather Outlook: Higher temps, lots of sun

Hot and humid conditions will continue yet again across Bienville Parish this week as a typical midsummer weather pattern remains in place. Afternoon highs will climb into the middle and upper 90s each day. A few clouds will make an appearance later in the forecast window, the week will largely see lots of sun.

Wednesday, Aug. 12: Sunny and hot. Clear skies overnight. High near 97, low around 76.

Thursday, Aug. 13: Hot and sunny. Clear skies overnight. High near 97, low around 74.

Friday, Aug. 14: Hot and sunny. Clear skies overnight, winds light and variable. High around 98, low near 74.

Saturday, Aug. 15: Mainly sunny skies. Clear skies overnight. High near 98, low around 74.

Sunday, Aug. 16: Mostly sunny skies. A mostly clear sky overnight. High near 98, low around 74.

Monday, Aug. 17: Lots of sunshine; winds light and variable. High near 99, low around 74.

Tuesday, Aug. 18: Sunny with a few clouds from time to time. High 99, low 75.

Bienville Parish continues into the second week of August with sunshine, heat, and occasional clouds. No sign of thunderstorms this week. Heat index values may 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.