Simmesport RISE issued an announcement on July 5 that all Riverside Elementary School students’ school supplies will be fully covered for the 2025-2026 school year. In addition, each student will receive a new clear backpack and a water bottle! Thanks to RISE sponsors, RES is the only school in APSB with full funding.
The Avoyelles Arts Council will feature the art of James Hunter at Gallery on the Square, August 4-September 12.
James Hunter’s artwork continues the Folk Art Legacy of his grandmother, Clementine Hunter. James grew up in the Cane River culture in Natchitoches Parish, and his paintings document his personal experiences as well as the history relayed to him by his grandmother.
The Arts Council will host an artist reception on Wednesday, August 6, at Gallery on the Square from 5-7pm. Meet James and see his story on the gallery walls.
North Martin Luther King Dr. between East Brushy St. and West Brushy St. will be partially closed because of a cave-in. Severe rains in May and June eroded the subsurface beneath the road and caused a partial collapse.
The Town of Simmesport is working with the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury Road District 2 to repair the road. Use extreme caution when near this area. The Town suggests motorists loop around through West Brushy or East Brushy to avoid this section of road.
The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.
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.
Avoyelles Parish Schools will hold a Back-to-School Bash on Monday, July 14, 3:30pm to 7:30pm, at Avoyelles High School.
The event will cover school and grade-level expectations, high school performances, and back to school information.
All students are welcomed to attend.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has reopened Cas-Cas Road to vehicle traffic on the Grassy Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The road was closed due to flooding.
Grassy Lake WMA is located in northeastern Avoyelles Parish, approximately 12 miles from Bordelonville.
Available game species include swamp rabbit, white-tailed deer, squirrel, woodcock, and waterfowl. There is a youth deer season. Trapping for furbearers is allowed. Recreational fishing is fair for largemouth bass, crappie, and bream. There are two primitive camping areas on Grassy Lake WMA. There is also opportunity for hiking, photography, and birding.
All visitors to Grassy Lake WMA and all 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 https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.
For information on this WMA, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/grassy-lake or contact the Lafayette Region at 337-262-2080 or Schuyler Dartez at sdartez@wlf.la.gov or Arthur Hebert at ahebert@wlf.la.gov.
Louisiana made history last week with two of the most transformative health bills in the nation. Governor Jeff Landry joined by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senator Patrick McMath and other health freedom advocates at Pennington Biomedical Research Center for a press conference and official signing of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Bill and the Ivermectin Access Bill. In addition to the bill signings, Governor Landry submitted a formal waiver request to the federal government to reform Louisiana’s SNAP program, prohibiting the use of benefits on sugary sodas, candy, and processed junk food, while rewarding the purchase of fresh, nutritious options.
“This fight is about our kids, our health, and the future of our state,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “We’re done letting chemicals, corporations, and career bureaucrats decide what’s best for our families. In Louisiana, we’re putting parents back in charge, putting real food back on the table, and giving people the tools to take their health into their own hands. I would like to thank Secretary Kennedy and Senator McMath for their hard work to make our country and Louisiana healthy.”
Senator Patrick McMath, author of the MAHA Bill, echoed the urgency: “Louisiana ranks 43rd in the nation for heart disease and diabetes, and 40% of our adult population struggles with obesity. The people are demanding action, and we’re delivering. This bill gives families the power to make informed decisions and breaks the grip Big Food and Big Pharma have had on our state for too long.”
Louisiana’s MAHA Bill (SB 14) introduces long-overdue reforms to improve the state’s health outcomes, including banning artificial dyes and harmful preservatives in school meals, requiring physicians to complete nutrition education, and mandating food manufacturers and restaurants disclose dangerous ingredients like seed oils. The legislation is backed by overwhelming public support—86% of Louisianans support the bill, and 98% agree consumers deserve transparency about chemicals and additives in their food. The MAHA Bill also passed unanimously in both chambers, a powerful, bipartisan statement that Louisiana is united in putting health and transparency first.
The Ivermectin Access Bill (SB 19) empowers adults across the state to obtain ivermectin directly from pharmacists under a standing order from the Department of Health. The bill includes patient protections, immunity for pharmacists and helps eliminate barriers to low-cost, long-trusted treatments.
Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed Louisiana’s first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) of the 2025 mosquito season and urges all Louisianans to protect themselves from mosquito bites. This case was confirmed in an individual from Livingston Parish who was hospitalized due to complications from the infection. To protect patient confidentiality, no further information about the patient will be released.
About 1 in 150 people who are infected with WNV develop a severe illness that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which may even cause paralysis or death.
West Nile virus has been actively spreading throughout Louisiana since its first detection in the state in 2002. To date in 2025, WNV activity has been confirmed in 14 parishes. In 2024, there were 57 confirmed human cases of WNV in Louisiana, including three deaths.
West Nile virus
West Nile virus is spread to people by mosquitoes and can cause mild to severe illnesses. While most people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms, about 20% of infected people develop West Nile fever. West Nile fever is a flu-like illness with symptoms that can include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, and rashes.
A small percentage of infected people develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a severe illness that affects the central nervous system and can result in hospitalization or even death. Symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, numbness, coma, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and carry the risk of death or permanent damage.
It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites to prevent illness. People 55 years of age and older and people with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk for severe disease if they are infected.
Tips to protect yourself against mosquitoes
Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellent outdoors and always follow label instructions.
Apply repellent on exposed skin only. Do not apply under clothing or on broken skin.
Carry a travel-size repellent if you will be outdoors for an extended period.
Apply sunscreen first, insect repellent second, if you are also wearing sunscreen.
Make sure windows are tight-fitting and screens are free of holes to keep mosquitoes out.
Tips to protect your home from mosquitoes
Visit the CDC online for more tips on preventing mosquito-borne diseases.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is excited to announce the launch of a new Online Bowhunter Education Course.
This convenient, self-paced course provides hunters with the opportunity to complete their bowhunter education online for $35. The course link can be found by visiting the LDWF website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov under the Education and Events tab.
While Louisiana does not currently require bowhunter education, many other states do require it for bowhunting. This new online course ensures Louisiana hunters understand safe bowhunting practices and are properly certified and eligible to hunt in other states where bowhunter education is mandatory.
“We’re excited to offer this new option to our hunting community,” said LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “It’s never been easier or more convenient to get certified. This course offers flexibility, accessibility, and ensures our hunters are prepared to meet education requirements across state lines.”
The course includes lessons on bowhunting safety, equipment, wildlife identification, ethical shot placement, and conservation principles. It’s a valuable resource for new and experienced bowhunters alike.
For more information, or to start the course, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov and click on the Education and Events tab.