DONALDSONVILLE, La. – CF Industries Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest producer of ammonia and its partners have announced an approximately $4 billion final investment decision to establish a low-carbon ammonia facility. Upon completion, this new facility on the West Bank of Ascension Parish will be the largest facility of its kind in the world.

The investment is a joint venture with JERA Co., Inc., Japan’s largest energy company, and Mitsui & Co., Inc., a leading global investment company. The project is expected to create 103 direct new permanent jobs with an average salary of $110,000. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the project will result in 311 indirect new jobs, for a total of 414 potential new jobs in the Capital Region.

“This project demonstrates that Louisiana is continuing to lead the world in innovative energy and manufacturing processes, and I am proud that we are creating even more new, high-paying jobs that will ensure Louisianans will not have to leave the state looking for work,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “This project moves us even closer to announcing $50 billion in projects since I took office by the end of this summer, continuing a historic run of investments that are changing the narrative about Louisiana as an outstanding place to do business.”

The facility is expected to export approximately 1.4 million metric tons of low-carbon ammonia annually to international markets, playing a significant role in the global energy market. The facility will utilize cutting-edge carbon reduction and carbon capture and sequestration technology, with carbon sequestered by 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental.

“CF Industries and our partners are proud to bring the world’s most advanced low-carbon ammonia production facility to Louisiana and the West Bank of Ascension Parish,” said CF Industries Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Tony Will. “Our project will be uniquely advantaged to meet global customer demand for low-carbon ammonia thanks to Louisiana’s skilled workforce, strong business environment, ample natural resources, and access to carbon capture and sequestration. We appreciate the support from Governor Landry and his team, as well as from Ascension Parish and local leaders, that enabled this industry-leading project to become a reality.”

For more than 50 years, CF Industries has invested in Louisiana. The company’s existing Donaldsonville Complex on 1,400 acres on Highway 3089 is currently the world’s largest and most flexible ammonia and nitrogen production facility and has more than 500 employees.

The $4 billion project is the final investment decision for CF Industries’ 2022 announcement that it was evaluating the site in Ascension Parish for the world-scale facility.

“Louisiana is experiencing an unprecedented wave of momentum that is fostering innovation, creating opportunities and putting our state on the global stage,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “When forward-thinking manufacturing leaders like CF Industries make investments in new energy technology, the world sits up and takes notice. We thank CF Industries for choosing to expand its footprint in Louisiana, and we look forward to many more years of partnership ahead that will drive industry advancements and impact.”

The new production facility will be located at the RiverPlex MegaPark on the West Bank in Ascension Parish, the same industrial park where Hyundai Steel Company will establish its nearly $6 billion clean steel manufacturing facility.

“Entergy Louisiana is proud to power this transformative project, bringing one of the world’s first low-carbon ammonia production facilities to life in Louisiana,” said Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May. “Our collaboration underscores the critical role strong partnerships play in advancing global energy technology while creating meaningful economic opportunities here at home. Together, we’re not only fueling innovation, we’re building a more sustainable future for our communities and our customers.”

“CF Industries has been an incredible community ally and their continued investment in Ascension is a testament to their commitment to our shared future,” said Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment.

To win the project, LED offered CF Industries a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $6 million performance-based grant for project development and infrastructure expenditures. The company is also participating in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program and is expected to utilize the Quality Jobs program.

“This is the kind of win we work toward every day — bringing meaningful, lasting opportunities to the areas that need them most,” said Ascension Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Kate MacArthur. “It’s a sign that our local economy is on the rise and that clean energy innovation is happening right here in our backyard.”

“This project’s progression from feasibility to full realization is a significant win for our region,” said Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO Lori Melancon. “We are committed to supporting CF Industries’ growth in the Baton Rouge area and anticipate significant economic benefits from the continued development of the RiverPlex MegaPark.”

---

Longtime Alexandria attorney and civic leader Charles S Weems was among the seven honorees from throughout the state inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in its 33rd annual induction ceremony Saturday, April 5 at Winnfield’s civic center.

Winnfield’s Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame tells the story of the state’s ofttimes colorful political history with historical artifacts and memorabilia. The Hall of Fame honors those politicians and civic leaders who have made a particularly noteworthy mark on our state’s leadership scene. 

Charles S. Weems was recognized for a lifetime of public service to Alexandria and Louisiana. A Bolton high school alumnus, Weems went on to earn a Law degree with honors from LSU Law School. After graduation, he served our nation in the US Army and Louisiana National Guard. One of Louisiana’s most outstanding trial attorneys, he has won honors as the Louisiana Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Attorney of the Year, been inducted into the LSU Law Center Hall of Fame and been recognized as a Louisiana Legend by Louisiana Public Broadcasting- a truly impressive array of accomplishments.

Charles Weems’ contributions as a civic leader are as varied and impressive as his legal career. He was integral to the successful efforts to transform LSU-A into a four-year institution. He served twice as the chair of the LSU Boad of Supervisors as well as chairing its athletic committee.

In the area of business, Weems was a two-term president of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce and founded the Central Louisiana Diversity Alliance. He has left an eclectic and lasting legacy to our region.

His fellow 2025 inductees were: Judge Marion F. Edwards, Jimmy “Jim” Harris, The Honorable James Maxwell “Max” Kelley, Carloyn R. Phillips, Marsha Shuler, and Dom M. Burkett.

---

By JERRY BYRD JR., Journal Sports

When my father was a sophomore at Bossier High, my grandmother heard about a remedial speech program at Fair Park High School. She encouraged him to transfer and he did.

During the interview with Fair Park principal E. L. Alberson, he asked for my father to tell him his name.

“I couldn’t get the words out,” my father wrote in a column about the incident years later. “As usual, I clinched my fists, tilted my head back with veins bulging out of my neck.”

Several times, his mother tried to tell Mr. Alberson his name, each time Mr. Alberson held up his hand.

When my father finally got the words out — “My name is Jerry Byrd” — Mr. Alberson smiled and said “Jerry, I think you’re going to like it at Fair Park.”

Mr. Alberson was right. My father did like it.

However, during his senior year my grandmother would accompany my father to school again when he applied for a vocational rehabilitation scholarship to Northwestern State College.

The director, Mr. Kahn, asked my father what vocation he was considering.

He raised an eyebrow when my father stammered something about writing for a newspaper.”

“Well, one thing’s for sure,” Kahn said. “You’ll never be able to interview anybody.”

“Oh, yes he can!” my grandmother shot back. “He can do anything he wants to do.”

I know that my father held on to that last receipt because I’ve held onto a couple of my own over the years.

In middle school, I had a football coach who told me I was the “worst center in the city of Shreveport.”

If what that coach said was true, i was probably Louisiana’s most improved offensive lineman as four years later I would make all-state and earn a full ride to Louisiana Tech University.

In college, a coach tossed me a dry erase marker and told me to get up on the white board and draw up the blocking assignments on a certain play.

Admittedly, I did a terrible job and he said “you’ll never make a football coach.”

If I’m being honest — at the time — I would’ve totally agreed with him. I wanted to be a sportswriter, like my father, but God had other plans.

I was an assistant coach at Byrd High School for seven years before taking over a North Caddo team which was 0-9 the year before. In 2003, that North Caddo team won the school’s first home playoff game and yours truly was The Times All-City Coach of the Year.

That same coach would see me in the stands while he was the field at Tiger Stadium as Tech was playing at LSU. He saw me and pointed at me. I’m no lip reader, but I know exactly what he said.

“I’m proud of you.”

When I spoke about my father Friday when he was honored at NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism, and Communications Distinguished Professionals Award Luncheon, I didn’t mention his stutter — because he rarely did.

Some people mention it. Most don’t. Some saw it as a disability. For my father it was just another hurdle to overcome in doing what he loved to do — what God was called him to do.

(Editor’s note – Jerry Byrd covered sports from 1957-2013 and authored six books, earning status as one of Louisiana’s greatest all-time sportswriters. He became a professional writer at the Shreveport Journal in the early morning hours of the day following his college graduation from Northwestern in 1957. He passed away in 2016 at age 80, and Friday was once again recognized for his amazing against-the-odds career in journalism. Son Jerry Jr. is assistant principal at Byrd High School and has been a contributor to the Shreveport-Bossier Journal since its inception in early 2022.)

Contact Jerry Jr. at sbjjerry@gmail.com

---

By Olivia McClure

By now, you’ve probably had to crank up the lawnmower and give your lawn its first cut in a while.

Turfgrasses are emerging from their winter dormancy, turning green and growing once again — and so are warm-season weeds. As you get back into the habit of lawn maintenance this spring, think about helping your grass along with a dose of fertilizer sometime soon. Now also is the perfect opportunity to get a handle on weeds while they are small and easier to control.

You can buy combination weed-and-feed products at garden centers and hardware stores. But Eric DeBoer, an assistant professor of turfgrass management with the LSU AgCenter, recommends handling the tasks of weed control and fertilization with separate products.

Before you start, you need to do a few things. First, get your hands on a broadcast spreader for applying granular fertilizers and herbicides. If you want to use a herbicide that’s meant to be sprayed, you may need to locate a sprayer; some of these products come in containers with built-in sprayers or can be connected to a garden hose.

Next, you should determine how big your yard is — you need to know how much product to buy. And you need to know what kind of grass — or grasses — and weeds are growing in your yard. This information not only will allow you to select the most effective fertilizer and herbicide products for your situation. It also will help you avoid damaging your lawn, as some products are not safe for use on certain grasses.

Visit www.LSUAgCenter.com/turfgrass for guides that can help you identify common lawn weeds and differentiate between popular turfgrass species such as St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. These pages also provide suggested fertilization rates for different grasses and cultural and chemical weed control strategies.

When it comes to controlling weeds, your focus right now should be treating newly germinated warm-season weeds with a post-emergence herbicide. Mature cool-season weeds like chickweed and annual bluegrass should be removed by hand pulling or mowing at this point. They will die back soon as temperatures continue to climb.

To prevent an infestation of warm-season weeds later on, it’s important to apply herbicide now while they are young and tender.

“A more mature weed is always going to be more difficult to control than a weed that’s freshly germinated,” DeBoer said.

Carefully read the label directions of the product you intend to apply. Labels will tell you which weeds the product is labeled for, which grasses it can safely be used on and other critical details.

“A lot of herbicides will have directions saying not to spray if the ambient temperature is 85 degrees or warmer, so you have to pay attention to the outdoor temperature,” DeBoer said.

Also be mindful of application instructions. Herbicides come in liquid and granular forms. If you’re using a granular product, the label likely will direct you to apply it after you’ve irrigated the yard or following rain or heavy dew.

“The idea is that the granules stick to the leaves to deliver the herbicide,” DeBoer said.

On the fertilization front, carefully following directions is important, too. Read the product label to see how much should be applied to your yard and adjust the dial on your spreader accordingly to set the correct application rate.

There are lots of formulations of fertilizer out there. DeBoer suggests looking for something that is higher in nitrogen and lower in other nutrients such as phosphorous.

“Nitrogen is the most important nutrient to get out in the spring,” he said.

Keep up with regular mowing and irrigate as needed as spring and summer wear on. Along with fertilization, these steps promote a healthy, vigorously growing lawn that can outcompete unattractive weeds.

Continue your article here…

---

THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University and Shell Pipeline Company have signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines efforts to enhance pollinator habitat along terrestrial pipelines. The purpose of this agreement is to collaborate and increase pollinator habitat, while establishing a framework for ongoing cooperation between Nicholls and Shell to enhance pollinator habitat and overall habitat quality along pipeline right-of-ways.

Native pollinators, such as bees, wasps and butterflies, are an integral part of ecosystem function and play a crucial part in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and other anthropogenic factors, populations of many pollinator species have declined. Pipeline right-of-ways provide an ideal opportunity to improve pollinator habitat by promoting native flowering plants and installation of nesting habitat such as bee boxes for native pollinators.

Nicholls State University and Shell installed 16 bee boxes along a pipeline right-of-way in Thibodaux near Burma Road as a pilot project. The bee boxes were constructed on campus using The HUB makerspace. Different hole sizes were monitored for native pollinator nesting activity.

Bee boxes were used by a variety of native pollinators including carpenter, leafcutter, mason and resin bees along with several types of wasps. The boxes were also used by frogs, lizards and spiders. Additionally, 58 species of birds have been identified on the right-of-way. The success of the pilot project exceeded expectations, and the collaboration will support future efforts to improve pollinator habitat on right-of-ways and in our communities.

---

By Pat Culverhouse, Webster Parish Journal

Minden police investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man who stole a large sum of cash from a local hotel.

Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, said the unidentified suspect entered the hotel on Sibley Rd. Wednesday, March 26 at approximately 1 p.m. No one was present at the front desk when the man entered the lobby.

“This person was caught on a surveillance camera reaching over the counter and stealing money from the cash drawer,” Smith said. “He took approximately $300, left the hotel and walked towards Minden.”

Smith said the suspect is a black male of average height and build. He appears to have two full-sleeve tattoos.

Anyone with information on the individual shown in accompanying photo is asked to call Minden police headquarters at 318-371-4226 or Lt. Smith at 318-268-1441. Any information will be confidential.

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.

Continue your article here…

---

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement agents cited 13 people for alleged turkey hunting violations during the opening weekend of the 2025 turkey hunting season. Turkey season opened statewide on April 5.

On April 5, agents cited:

Preston Thompson, 46, of Baton Rouge, for hunting turkeys over a baited area, and hunting turkeys without a basic hunting license, turkey license and without turkey tags in in St. Helena Parish.

James Puckett, 47, of Kentwood, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Tangipahoa Parish.

Sam Campo, 57, of Houma, for failing to tag a turkey.

William D. Coker, 66, of Glenmora, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Rapides Parish.

Joshua C. Johnson, 49, of Glenmora, for possession of an illegally taken turkey and failing to tag a turkey in Rapides Parish.

Shady Johnson, 30, of Glenmora, for hunting turkeys without turkey tags in possession in Rapides Parish.

James Lensing, 38, of Lake Providence, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Morehouse Parish.

Keegan Lewis, 39, of West Monroe, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Ouachita Parish.

Michael Chain, 42, of Bastrop, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Morehouse Parish.

Donnie Goleman, 71, of Bastrop, for hunting turkeys over a baited area in Morehouse Parish.

Michael Alexander, 26, of Ruston, for hunting turkeys while under hunting license revocation in Lincoln Parish.

On April 6, agents cited:

John A. Cook, 60, of Hineston, for discharging a firearm from a public roadway, hunting from a moving vehicle and failing to tag a turkey in Rapides Parish.

Harold S. Holt, 57, of Otis, for possession of an illegally taken turkey in Rapides Parish.

According to the 2025 Turkey Regulations, no person shall hunt or take turkeys by the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area. Hunters are not allowed to place, expose, deposit or scatter corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed to lure turkeys to their hunting area.

Also, turkey hunters are required to possess a Louisiana basic hunting license, turkey license and turkey tags. The possession limit on turkey is one gobbler (male turkey) per day and two gobblers per season.

Hunting turkeys over a baited area brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Possession of an illegally taken turkey carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to comply with turkey tagging regulations carries up to a $350 fine. Failing to possess basic hunting, turkey hunting licenses and hunting while under hunting license revocation brings up to a $350 fine for each offense.

Hunting from a moving vehicle brings up to a $350 fine. Discharging a firearm from a public roadway carries up to a $50 fine and 30 days in jail.

---

Info and Photo courtesy of Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office 

An investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of the Director of Grant Parish Library System.

Deidre Fuqua, 40 years old, of Alexandria, was arrested for:
• Computer Tampering
• 3 counts of Filing or Maintaining False Public Records
• 3 counts of Injuring Public Records
• Public Payroll Fraud
• 2 counts of Malfeasance in Office

---

The impact of the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, housed in the museum on Winnfield’s Main Street, was verified Saturday night when literally busloads of visitors arrived for an early reception at the museum, then moved on to the Winnfield Civic Center for the annual banquet and induction of the seven newest members of the Hall of Fame.

The vast room was set elegantly to seat the estimated 300 guests who had traveled here to view the museum and honor the 2025 inductees. Those seven bring to a total of 222 who now have their names and memorabilia enshrined in the Hall. While the venue of the annual banquet has rotated, the first held in 1993 was in this same Civic Center with the likes of Gov. Jimmie Davis and Gov. Edwin Edwards taking part.

With the introductions, video presentations and acceptance talks, a lot of political insight was imparted on the audience, as well as praise for the local museum. Of particular interest were the two local inductees, Winnfield native Max Kelley and “adopted” Winnfield native Carolyn Phillips, both instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Hall of Fame.

Excellent video presentations on each of the honorees were produced by Brent Chandler with audio easily heard throughout the building. The clip of Kelley showed the young mayor standing in front of the tattered old L&A Railroad depot which had just been transported from the south side of town to its present location. He described his vision for this hall as it has now grown to be three decades later.

Appointed by Mayor Deano Thornton in 1993, Phillips served as the longtime director of the Louisiana Political Museum and described the up and down funding trials and battles to keep the institution afloat. This was among the many hats she wore here, promoting tourism to promote Winn.

The largest entourage Saturday night belonged to Judge Marion F. Edwards, a Monroe native who ended up making a law career in Jefferson Parish. He vocal supporters totaled more than 65. Some humor was injected into his video presentation that included an old campaign clip when camera crew members asked, “Aren’t you Edwin’s brother?” His short reply, “No, I am not.”

Also inducted were longterm 11th Judicial District DA Don M. Burkett; pioneer in Louisiana politics and public affairs Jimmy Foster Harris; political reporting and media advocacy journalist Marsha Shuler; and attorney Charles Weems for shaping the state’s legal, educational and civic landscapes.

Sometimes described as a “local treasure hidden in plain sight,” the museum housed in the old L&A depot at 499 East Main Street has grown from its scant 1993 launch (Huey P. Longs 100th birthday celebration) to an overflowing showcase today. A $1.2 million project soon in the works will combine the depot with the adjacent brick building into an impressive single facility.

Officials invite local residents, students and visitors to come tour the museum’s collection.

---

Amy Magee has been selected as one of twelve from across the state to be a Class of 2025 inductee into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame. The announcement was made on March 31st by state directors.  

The long-time 4-H supporter, who for years has invested her time to help empower generations of young leaders and effect a positive change in our community, was greatly appreciative of the honor.

“This honor is not just about me, it’s about the incredible youth, volunteers and supporters who make 4H such a transformative organization. Seeing young people develop confidence, skills, and passion for service and leadership has been the most rewarding part of my journey. My parents were amazing examples of investing in young people today, and I’m just trying to continue their legacy. I am extremely honored to represent Jackson Parish and all volunteers and supporters of 4H. We are blessed to have such a thriving organization and dedicated agent in our parish.” – Amy Magee

---