By Nolan Mckendry | Apr 6, 2026

(The Center Square) – Two Lafayette legislators are seeking a statewide audit of how Louisiana is using its share of opioid settlement money, saying that nearly a year after a legislative audit flagged major gaps in oversight, lawmakers still do not have a clear picture of where the money is going or what it is accomplishing.

The resolution, authored by Rep. Annie Spell and Sen. Brach Myers, would require a report detailing how much opioid settlement funding Louisiana has received, how much has been distributed to each parish and sheriff’s office, and exactly how the money has been spent.The proposed audit would give lawmakers a broader statewide accounting of whether that money is being spent promptly, legally and effectively – and whether Louisiana’s current oversight structure is strong enough to ensure settlement dollars are actually reducing addiction, overdoses and the long tail of costs the opioid crisis has imposed on local communities.

The push comes after a May 2025 audit found that no entity in Louisiana had been specifically tasked with enforcing the terms of the opioid settlement agreements, including payment amounts and approved uses. The audit said the Louisiana Opioid Abatement Task Force serves only in an advisory role and lacks authority under the state’s memorandum of understanding to ensure parish and sheriff spending complies with the agreement.

That report found the task force had distributed about $98.5 million to parishes and sheriffs as of October 2024, while retaining another $21.1 million for administration and the Local Government Fee Fund as of September 2024. But despite the scale of the money, auditors found relatively little had actually been spent and that reporting on expenditures was incomplete.

In a previous interview, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet questioned whether anyone has truly measured the scope of the opioid crisis or the effect of the settlement spending.

“Has it been corrected? I don’t think it has,” Boulet told The Center Square in August.

She added that she wants a clearer picture of what is happening “on the ground from an opioid perspective,” saying there is still “no quantitative understanding” of the crisis.The emerging spending picture has raised fresh questions about whether the money is being deployed quickly enough and whether some uses fit the intent of the settlement.

In Jefferson Parish, records obtained by The Center Square show the parish received about $10.65 million in opioid settlement deposits by late 2024. Records show $2.8 million was transferred into a fund for design and construction of a new 24th Judicial District Drug Court project, while $500,000 was set aside for homeless services through the Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority.

But only a small share of that money had actually gone out the door at the time of the records: about $216,028 on the Drug Court project, mostly for architectural work, and about $125,000 for homeless services.

The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from parish council members.

In Lafayette, city-parish records indicate the local government had received or formally budgeted about $4.2 million in opioid settlement funds by late February. Specific ordinances and agenda items show $434,576 approved in March 2025 for allowable opioid-abatement expenditures, $669,405 in July for the Acadiana Crime Lab from the parish side, $927,179 that same month for the crime lab from the joint city-parish side, and $1,459,365 in February for police departments, the city marshal, public outreach and work on the War Memorial Building.

In East Baton Rouge Parish, Councilmember Laurie Adams described a “holistic approach” that has included support for the district attorney’s office, 19th Judicial District Court intervention programs, behavioral health treatment and recovery providers, the coroner’s office, education and prevention efforts, the public defender’s office and juvenile court. She said the parish has also funded outreach aimed at getting drug-addicted homeless residents off the street and into treatment, including work with Set Free Indeed and the Grove on Perkins residential program.“So it’s been a mixture of providing support for the programs that were hit hard,” Adams told The Center Square in an interview. “And then also intervention programs to try and get people into treatment and get them free from their addiction.”

Adams said East Baton Rouge expects to receive about $30 million over 18 years and estimated that roughly $3.5 million to $5 million has come in so far, with annual contracted services running around $1 million to $1.5 million. She said the scope of the crisis justifies an aggressive response.

“Thirty million over 18 years sounds like a lot of money, but the scope of the problem is pretty dramatic,” Adams said.

Another way parishes are using the funding includes investing the money using Louisiana’s state-affiliated asset management pool. Louisiana’s Opioid Abatement Task Force will allow parishes to invest their funds if they wish.

Wednesday:

Sunny with a few passing clouds in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. 

Mostly clear skies overnight. Low 56F. Winds light and variable.

Thursday:

Mostly sunny for the day. High 82F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. 

A few clouds overnight with a low near 59F. Winds light and variable.

New office will strengthen rural health care access, workforce, and outcomes across Louisiana

Baton Rouge, La. (April 7, 2026) — Governor Jeff Landry today signed an executive order establishing the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), marking a major step forward in strengthening health care access and outcomes for rural communities across the state. The executive order also establishes the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council.

The new office will lead the implementation of Louisiana’s Rural Health Transformation Program, supported by more than $208 million in federal funding. Louisiana’s award is among the highest in the nation and positions the state to draw down more than $1 billion in total funding over the next five years.

The Governor also announced the formation of the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council. The Council will guide implementation and ensure rural health transformation efforts align with statewide priorities, address local community needs, and promote sustainable, data-driven improvements in care delivery.

“This executive order reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes for Louisiana families, no matter where they live,” said Governor Landry. “For too long, rural communities have faced barriers to accessing care. Today, we are taking decisive action to strengthen those systems so that every Louisianan has access to high-quality, reliable care close to home. Thank you to President Trump and CMS Administrator Dr. Oz for the funding.”

“This is a historic opportunity to transform how health care is delivered in rural Louisiana,” said LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein. “With this investment, we are not only expanding access, but we are building a more coordinated and sustainable health system for rural communities. This work is about delivering better outcomes, closing longstanding gaps in care, and ensuring that rural providers and patients have the support they need to thrive.”

“The Office of Rural Health Transformation marks a turning point for the Louisianans who call our rural parishes home. We are ensuring that a resident in Tensas or Cameron Parish receives the same caliber of preventive and emergency care as someone in the heart of New Orleans, making high-quality health care a local reality, not a long-distance journey,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin.

Nearly 1.1 million Louisianans live in rural parishes. Residents in these areas face higher rates of chronic disease, limited access to care, and significant health care workforce shortages. The new office will coordinate statewide efforts to expand access to care, strengthen rural health infrastructure, and tackle chronic health conditions.

The Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability will focus on key priorities, including rural health care workforce expansion, technology modernization, innovative care delivery models, and improved coordination across health care services. These initiatives are designed to reduce the burden of chronic disease, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, expand access to behavioral health services, and support earlier detection and treatment of serious conditions such as cancer. 

About the Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all state residents. The Louisiana Department of Health includes the Office of Public Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Economic Stability, Office on Women’s Health and Community Health, and Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid). To learn more, visit ldh.la.gov or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Emma Herrock, Communications Director
emma.herrock@la.gov

Amy Whitehead, Press Secretary
amy.whitehead2@la.gov

By Alton Wallace | Apr 6, 2026

(The Center Square) – Money from out-of-state environmental groups is funding lawsuits hindering Louisiana’s economic growth, according to The Pelican Institute for Public Policy, a New Orleans-based think tank.

The Pelican Institute said in a recent report that lawsuits filed by “anti-fossil fuel” advocacy groups against oil and gas development have caused a climate of litigation and regulatory uncertainty that cost Louisiana more than $600 billion in lost economic growth between 2009 and 2024.

In Barriers to Louisiana Energy Dominance, the institute says its research shows the state’s oil and gas sector’s share of state Gross Domestic Product fell sharply between 2009 and 2025, dropping from 7% to 3% in the period, while drilling and output grew rapidly in the Permian, Marcellus, Utica and Bakken shale regions that include Texas, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and North Dakota.

“Louisiana has every natural advantage – abundant resources, world-class ports, and a highly skilled workforce,” said Daniel Erspamer, CEO of the Pelican Institute. “Yet a network of well-funded campaigns aims to undermine the energy sector that has driven Louisiana forward for generations.”

The Pelican Institute identified at least $115.5 million from out-of-state donors, including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Bezos Earth Fund, flowing to Louisiana-based environmental advocacy groups.

According to a Pelican Institute review of data from the Foundation Directory, a database that compiles publicly available nonprofit financial documents, out-of-state donors directed at least $115.5 million to an assortment of Louisiana-based environmental advocacy organizations in the six years from 2020 through 2025. This represents 98.4% of the total funding that these Louisiana-based nonprofits received between 2020 and 2025, according to the institute.

“This isn’t organic local activism; it’s a well-funded campaign from the coasts to shut down Louisiana’s economic engine,” said Erspamer.

About $82.6 million or 72% of this funding originated in California, the Washington, D.C., area, and New York City. Major contributors to this pool include Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Bezos Earth Fund, which directed millions to groups such as the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice and the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, both of which have been lead parties in lawsuits aimed at altering or stopping development of carbon capture projects and LNG infrastructure.

Erspamer said “transparency is the concern” in discussions on the influence of outside funding in the state’s energy debates.

The lawsuits, frequently supported by national organizations like the Sierra Club, specifically target liquefied natural gas terminals and pipeline projects. Currently, legal challenges are aimed at blocking three major LNG export projects in Louisiana that would generate thousands of construction jobs and billions in new investment.

The three liquefied natural gas terminal development projects – CP2 LNG and Commonwealth LNG in Cameron Parish and Plaquemines LNG in Plaquemines Parish – are expected to generate up to 14,000 construction jobs and investments totaling about $59 billion.

One advocacy group, Washington-based Environmental Integrity Project, supports the adoption of carbon capture and sequestration technologies as an “energy transition” tool but filed a legal challenge against the EPA’s decision to grant Louisiana primacy, alleging the state’s permitting plan is less strict and less developed than the federal program. The group also opposes provisions in Louisiana law that eventually transfer the ownership of closed CO2 injection sites to the state, effectively transferring the long-term legal and financial liabilities from corporate entities to the state.

While the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently dismissed a challenge to Louisiana’s primacy agreement with the EPA, ruling that the groups that filed the lawsuit – the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, Healthy Gulf, and Alliance for Affordable Energy – lacked legal standing, the Pelican Institute maintains that the ongoing litigation has already created regulatory uncertainty that stalls investment.

Louisiana is one of six states – Texas, North Dakota, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Arizona are the others – that have been granted primary enforcement authority over carbon-sequestration wells.

Other top out-of-state donors cited by the Pelican Institute include the Rockefeller Family Fund, Tides Foundation, Waverley Street Foundation, the Windward Fund which is associated with the former Arabella Network, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the U.S. Energy Foundation.

The Pelican Institute warns that the “lawfare” waged in Louisiana by the out-of-state groups continues to cast a shadow over the state’s ability to compete with other high-growth energy states.

The institute says a steady stream of out-of-state funding is fueling “misinformation” campaigns and legal challenges that threaten to stall at least 65 proposed carbon capture projects across Louisiana.

A March report by the Center for Energy Studies identified 13 of the publicly announced projects with a carbon capture component along with pipeline infrastructure and sequestration wells represent approximately $51 billion in total investment potential.

The environmental groups maintain their actions are a necessary defense of the region. On Thursday, a coalition that includes Sierra Club, Healthy Gulf, Friends of the Earth, and the Turtle Island Restoration Network – collectively represented by Earthjustice – sued in federal court to block the Trump administration’s March decision to exempt offshore drilling activities from the Endangered Species Act.

The groups contend the administration’s action threatens the ‘health and well-being” of “frontline communities” and “critically imperiled” species across the Gulf.”

               Most of us know that laughter is good for us. It eases stress, strengthens relationships, lightens the workplace, and boosts our overall sense of well‑being. Proverbs puts it plainly: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” And honestly, who among us couldn’t use a refill.

               But humor, like everything else, needs healthy boundaries. We don’t have to be stand‑up comedians or laugh at every mishap. And “put‑down humor”—the kind that gets a chuckle by bruising someone else—doesn’t heal anything. It just dries up the bones faster.

               What we need is the kind of humor that grows out of a joyful, grounded way of seeing the world. And believe it or not, Jesus modeled that beautifully.

               Jesus wasn’t the stone‑faced figure we sometimes imagine. He used humor—sharp, surprising, and downright funny—to open people’s eyes. When he talked about someone obsessing over the speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the log in their own, that wasn’t just a teaching. That was comedy. Picture someone with a telephone pole sticking out of their face saying, “Hold still, I think you’ve got a little something right there.”

               Or his line about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. That’s ancient satire. Jesus knew that sometimes the best way to expose our blind spots is to make us laugh at them.

               And that’s the invitation for us today. We can choose joy over cynicism. We can practice humor that lifts people up instead of tearing them down. We can resist becoming a “Negative Nate”—the person who finds the downside of winning the lottery—and instead cultivate the kind of cheerful heart that heals.

               Life is serious enough. Faith gives us permission to smile anyway. And the Great Physician still prescribes a good laugh.

By JONATHON ZENK, Northwestern State Assistant Sports Information Director

During Alan Frey’s introduction as Northwestern State’s new women’s basketball coach Monday afternoon, he reflected on his journey to achieve this moment, one that he didn’t know would come.

“I am so honored and proud to be here,” Frey said to the assembled NSU fans, media members and university staff. “This is a moment I have been waiting for for a long time, so this is very special to me that I have this opportunity. This opportunity is something you work for your whole life for, and you don’t know if it’s ever going to happen.”

He had to make sure it was a right fit  — from the president on down.

“When you feel that support from the administration—and I have had some where it didn’t quite feel like you have here. The alignment between the president (James Genovese), athletics director, all the way down, and (AD Kevin Bostian) talked about the resources and support for women’s basketball here, all of it is absolutely there. There are no excuses for not getting it done here.”

While this is his first head coaching job, Frey has more than 20 years of experience as an assistant coach and associate head coach, with almost two decades at the Division I level.

This past season, as assistant coach at Loyola in his hometown of New Orleans, he helped lead the Wolf Pack to a 25-5 mark and a trip to the NAIA Tournament.

Frey spent the previous season with Monmouth, where he helped the team win 16 games, including the most home wins for the program (10) since 2011-12.

The bulk of his Division I tenure came at Tulane as the lead assistant for Lisa Stockton’s long-term successful Green Wave program.

“What we were looking for is someone with energy, passion and is well connected in the state of Louisiana,” Bostian said. “I talked to numerous people all over the country. I probably talked to 25 to 30 coaches, I talked to agents, I talked to administrators, and a lot of the time it came back to one person: Alan Frey.”

Frey received some major endorsements from colleagues the coaching profession.

(Louisiana Tech coach and former NSU coach) Brooke Stoehr is behind Alan Frey,” Bostian said. “Kim Mulkey at LSU is behind him. Vic Schaefer at Texas is behind him. Lisa  Stockton … is behind him. It all came back to the grit, the blue-collar, a hands-in the-dirt kind of person, which is what I am and this institution is.”

As a Louisiana native, he wants to build the team through his native roots, recruiting mostly in-state, high school players.

“If you look at the Southland Conference first and second team selections, most of them came through high school,” Frey said. “In this time, the portal and JUCO has to be a part of our make-up here, particularly during coaching changes.

“Texas will be a big part for us, but I really want to hone in on Louisiana. One of the reasons I am here right now is because I have all these roots in Louisiana. Kids from the state will be our foundation as we move forward because I think that is what works.”

Coming from New Orleans, he is aware of his new home and north Louisiana. However, coming to Natchitoches, he gained a whole new appreciation for the town and residents in Louisiana’s oldest city.

“My family and I went to Lasyone’s and we walked across the street and they held the door for us and everybody said hello. We even got a ‘Fork Em’ in the street and I don’t think those people knew who I was. Somebody slammed on their brakes, so I could walk across the crosswalk. That does not happen in New Orleans.

“Everybody would stop and say ‘welcome,’’hi’ or whatever. When driving around the city, there were signs and flags everywhere. There are some schools where they know the school is there, but don’t necessarily hold that school. Here, you drive around a neighborhood, and you know the town embraces this school.”

Frey is extremely thankful for his family’s support throughout this journey to becoming a head coach.

“My wife Karen and I have been married for almost 35 years, and we are so excited to be members of this community. The football coach literally texted me as I was walking in saying ‘I have the tennis connection for her’ since Karen likes to play tennis.

In addition to his wife, he brought his three children, as well as two of his brothers and a sister.

One special recognition he gave was to his mother and aunt.

“She sacrificed a lot so my family could enjoy the things we’re enjoying now. (Her sister and husband, who were in the crowd) have both pushed me and been there for me and supported me since I was a young person and I can’t thank them enough.”

Throughout his stops that include highly-successful AAU coaching before he joined the college ranks, he has taken bits from each mentor to form the type of coach he is today.

“I got my start at Loyola in New Orleans and Michael Giorlando, who was the men’s basketball coach and athletic director. I learned so much from him and he ran great practices and I learned what it meant to run really competitive practices. I spent one year at Monmouth where I worked for Cait Wetmore. She had the best work ethic of anyone I have ever been around. Last year at Loyola of New Orleans, what I took from there is that the culture was incredible. The kids and coaching staff were amazing and we won 25 games.

“In the middle there, we don’t have time to talk about all the things Lisa Stockton did for me when I was there. I learned so much from her. In 30 years, she won 600 games. Beyond winning basketball games, she had a 100 percent graduation rate. Anyone who went to Tulane for four years has a degree, and sometimes we lose sight of that. In some ways, it was tough to get a job because of the culture and I was so fortunate to be there.”

In addition to Stoehr, who led NSU to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, he stated he wants to build on the legacy of women’s basketball at NSU and continue on the path that coaches set before him.

“James Smith, Jordan Dupuy—who is a friend of mine, and then Anna Nimz have built a program here that is well respected in the state.

“Stoehr, I watched her do this job and build it the way she did, and I cannot wait to emulate what she did here. She proved it can be done here, and I don’t think she had the support 12 years ago when she got the job like I do today. It’s a full-circle moment for me to carry the torch that Brooke had.”

The next Wellness Wednesday, discussing nutrition for kidney health, is Apr 15 at 12pm at the Red River Parish Extension Office.

Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days will host Hope Fest Apr 17 – 19. It will feature worship services, vendors, a motorcycle poker run, great food and fun for all ages.

Sam’s Club announced last week it is increasing its annual membership fees by $10. Beginning May 1, Basic club membership will be $60 per year and $120 for its Plus membership. 

Centenary Baseball will host a series of youth baseball camps for ages 5-13. $150 per 3-day camp. Lunch is provided. Registration is live at http://www.centenarybaseballcamps.com. Campers should wear athletic attire and bring a water bottle. For more information contact Head Coach Mike Diaz at 318.617.9007.

Steak ’n Shake’s Patriot Milkshake is sticking around all year — and the nearest spot to grab one locally is on the NSU campus in the Student Union. The shake is priced at $2.50 and, according to the company’s post, will stay at that price for the rest of the year. The limited-time treat features red, white, and blue sprinkles, an American flag on a toothpick, and a dark chocolate Lady Liberty on top of whipped cream. The shake is being offered in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Red River Republicans will welcome John Atkins, candidate for Public Service Commissioner, at their Apr 30 meeting at the Red River Parish Library. The meeting begin at 5:30pm and the pubic is invited.

LSU AgCenter 2nd Annual Hay Day will be held June 11 at Dodson Ranch in Coushatta.

Five-star basketball recruit Caroline Bradley has committed to LSU women’s program.

Damarion Deshawn – Tyrell Lewis
November 12, 2007 — April 2, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 11,2026 at 11am at Springville B.C. in Coushatta.

Douglas James Roberson
January 19, 2004 — March 27, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 11, 2026 at 11am at House Of Refuge in Coushatta.

Barbara Ann James Barbo
February 16, 1948 — April 1, 2026
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 11, 2026 at 1pm at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta.

Monday:

Clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 74F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 

Mostly clear skies overnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable.

Tuesday:

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 77F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. 

Considerable cloudiness overnight with a low near 53F. Winds light and variable.

By Nutrition Agent Erin Stockton

Recipe of the Month: Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies
Provided by Elizabeth Martin with the LSU AgCenter
Serves: 24 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

These oatmeal raisin pecan cookies are a perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and pecans, they are a heart-healthy choice that also provides fiber to help manage blood sugar levels. The raisins and applesauce add a natural sweetness, while the sucralose sugar blend keeps the recipe diabetes friendly. Enjoy these cookies as a snack or dessert perfect for family gatherings or an on-the-go treat.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup unsalted margarine, softened
1/4 cup sucralose sugar blend
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place raisins in a small microwaveable bowl and cover them with water. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Let raisins soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
In a large bowl, use the back of a wooden spoon to cream the margarine and sucralose until just blended. Mix in the egg, applesauce, and vanilla.
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the margarine mixture just until moistened.
Gently fold in the oats, pecans, and raisins.
Using two tablespoons to scoop the dough, drop spoonfuls about 2 inches apart on a large baking sheet or two small baking sheets to make 24 cookies. Lightly flatten each cookie with a fork.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until bottoms are golden brown.

Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter. A certified educator for over 20 years, she provides research-based programs to help families make healthy food choices and stay active. For program requests or questions, contact her at 318-872-0533, estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Man Church will take place Thur Apr 9 at 6pm at The Shop in Martin. Speaker will be Peter McGrew. Dinner will be provided by Petersen’s Pit Stop. 

The Battle of Pleasant Hill will take place Apr 10 – 12. Re-enactments and activities will take place 3 miles North of Pleasant Hill at 23271 Hwy 175. Re-enactments will take place at 2pm on both Sat & Sun. Entry fee is $5. Find more info at http://www.battleofpleasanthill.com.

According to the American Legislative Exchange Council Energy Affordability Report, Louisiana has the 2nd lowest electricity rates in the US. 

President Trump signed an executive order Friday designed to limit how long athletes can play college sports and how often they can transfer between schools. The executive order aims to limit NCAA athletes to 5 years and 1 transfer.

NSU Track men’s 4×400 relay team sets school record and moves to No 2 in NCAA. The quartet of Desmond Duncan, Charlie Bartholomew, Kason Jones & Will Achee ran a scorching 3:04.67.

LSU Women’s Basketball announced that every underclassman will return for the 26-27 season.

BOM (Bank of Montgomery) has been named to the LBAs 2025 Advocacy Bank Champions Club.

Hersey announced it is changing Reese’s ingredients back to classic recipe after criticism from founder’s grandson.

NONE

The Red River Parish Police Jury convened for its regular meeting on April 1, with Jurors Young, Taylor, Davis, Moore, Murray, and Brown present.

Following the opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, Karen Squires, Regent of the Coushatta Chute Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), addressed the panel regarding upcoming plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Squires outlined several proposals, including raising a commemorative flag, planting a tree at the new administrative building, and placing an America 250 plaque in front of the courthouse. She also suggested a public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the courthouse steps on July 8. Police Jury President Murray appointed the Building and Grounds Committee to collaborate with the DAR on these initiatives.

District Attorney Jones then presented updates on the reconstruction of the Library Board and revisions to the parish’s library ordinance, along with developments concerning the J&V land purchase. Jones provided a revised ordinance for review and answered jurors’ questions. She confirmed that the land appraisal process had been completed without issue, though the full deed remained under review. Juror Davis inquired about potential displacement concerns tied to the sale, to which Jones responded that the seller had not expressed any such concerns.

During the public comment portion, Virginia Webb, representing the Library Board, voiced support for the ordinance’s inclusion of district representation. However, she questioned the necessity of a four-year contract requirement for the Library Director or Head Librarian. Jones clarified that the provision aligns with state statute and cannot be modified.

In other business, Pelican Broadband introduced its role in the GUMBO 2.0 program, a federally funded initiative under the BEAD program that aims to expand high-speed internet access in rural communities. The company announced plans to install fiber infrastructure across six sections of the parish, with construction expected to begin in June. Additional details on service areas will be released in the coming months.

Preparations are also underway for the parish-wide trash pickup scheduled for April 25. Juror Ben Taylor reported that outreach efforts are ongoing, with communities such as Coushatta, Martin, and Springville already confirmed. Participants will gather at the fairgrounds at 8:00 a.m. before dispersing to designated areas, followed by a communal lunch.

The parish’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit reported monthly permit revenues totaling $37,842.42, along with $8,950.00 collected from 20 citations.

In formal actions, the Police Jury voted to publish the proposed library ordinance in the official journal for three weeks before bringing it to a final vote. Discussion regarding the potential purchase or rental of a tractor was referred to committee for further evaluation. The jury also approved payment of parish and ambulance service bills and accepted the appraisal for the J&V land purchase, authorizing movement toward closing.

President Murray additionally reminded jurors to complete their campaign financial statements ahead of the filing deadline and requested that all sub-entities provide monthly reports during Police Jury meetings.

The meeting concluded with a request from Chianti Price and Brandt Bordelon to set up a sidewalk display offering Bible literature and outreach. The pair emphasized that participation would be voluntary, with no solicitation of donations. Murray thanked them and referred the request to the Community Action Committee for consideration.

The meeting adjourned following the discussion.

             Ms. Kala Sims is our Children’s Librarian—many people may remember her as Kala Hill, daughter of Judy Hill and the late Scotty Hill.  Ms. Sims is responsible for ordering books for our children’s section, conducting story time at 10:00 am each Friday morning, and organizing our summer reading program which begins in July.

            Our children’s section contains books for children of all ages.  We have picture books and early readers for our youngest children, chapter books for our elementary children, young adult novels for our junior high readers, and teen novels and nonfiction for our high school students.

            We have a number of series or collections of books that many adults may remember, such as the Nancy Drew mysteries and the Hardy Boys series; the Boxcar Children mysteries; the Magic Tree House series; and the Hank the Cow Dog series.  We also have the Junie B. Jones books, the Goosebumps books, the Dr. Seuss Books, and the Berenstain Bears books.  One of the best ways for parents to encourage their children to read is to share with them about the books that the parents themselves have read.

            Some of the newest books in the children’s collection include the Ready, Freddy series and the Bad Guys series.  In addition, we have some new titles, such as the Dino-World series, including titles such as Dino-Birthday, Dino-School, Dino-Thanksgiving, and Dino-Hockey.  Several of these titles were requested by students and parents, so we ordered as many of them as we could find.  In addition, our library contains many books which are included in the Accelerated Reader Program.

            Don’t forget that Story Time is held each Friday morning at 10:00.  Ms. Sims chooses a variety of books to read aloud and selects different activities for children to do.  Parents and children also have time to select books to check out for home reading.  Parents and grandparents are welcome to accompany their children to Story Time.

            Information about the upcoming summer reading program will be out soon.  The schedule for Monday and Thursday activities will be placed on our library website as soon as it can be determined, and the entertainers for each Monday will be shared as well.  Be sure to check the website for all information about future events.

Shared by the Red River Parish Library

Friday:

Cloudy skies. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. 

Partly cloudy skies early will become overcast later during the night. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday:

Cloudy early with thunderstorms developing later in the day. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.

Cloudy with light rain overnight with a low near 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Sunday:

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing in the afternoon. High 71F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds light and variable.

Churches, community groups, and local organizations are beginning to announce their annual events, giving families several opportunities to celebrate the season with candy-filled eggs, prizes, and outdoor fun. Below is a look at the local egg hunts already planned in and around the area.

First Methodist Church Coushatta Apr 3 at 10:30am. Egg hunt open to babies through 12 years old. The Easter Bunny will be there for photos.

Martin Baptist Church Apr 3 at 1pm.

Fairview Baptist Church Apr 3 at 5pm. Birth – 4th grade will enjoy the egg hunt while 5th-6th grade will participate in the Escape Room. Fried fish will be served to all.

New Life Church in Hall Summit Apr 4 at 10am.

Bunny’s on Patrol Egg Hunt Apr 4 from 1:30-3pm. The event is hosted by the Coushatta Police Dept and will take place at the Coushatta Ball Park. All kids are welcome. Games & food. 

Gator Country in Natchitoches Apr 4 will host 2 hunts; 11am and 2pm. Age groups 1-3 years, 4-5 years and 7 years and up. Regular park admission applies.

Bossier City Farmers Market (in the south parking lot of Pierre Bossier Mall) Free Easter Egg Scramble
Apr 4 10am and 12noon for kids 10 and under. The market will also be open from 9am until 1pm..

Share you event details with the journal at redriverparishjournal@gmail.com