Month: October 2025

Arrest Report

/ Megan Lowe

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12.

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.

APSO Jail Bookings Report 10-06 through 10-12Download

Save the date for a Veterans Meal

/ Megan Lowe

A free Veterans Meal will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 11am to 1pm, at VFW Post 3841 (2471 Leglise St., Mansura) .

The VFW Post is opening its doors to all Veterans to share a meal. They want to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who served this country and fought for its freedoms. 

The meal will be dine-in only, no takeout, hamburgers and hot dogs. 

Bring military ID or DD Form 214.

APSO seeking final suspect in golf cart thefts

/ Megan Lowe
Sheriff David L. Dauzat has provided an update on the recent series of golf cart thefts in the Fifth Ward community and is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the final suspect.
 
The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) is now seeking the public’s help in locating the fourth and final suspect, Dylan Moras, 27 of Marksville (DOB: 4/22/98). Moras is a white male, 6’2″, 182lbs, with blue eyes. 
 
 
Sheriff Dauzat stated, “I want to commend our detectives for their non-stop work on this case, which has already led to the recovery of two stolen golf carts. Now we need the community’s help to finish the job. We are asking for any information that can lead us to the whereabouts of Dylan Moras. Your tips are crucial to bringing this case to a close.”
 
If anyone has any information regarding the location of Dylan Moras, contact the APSO Criminal Investigation Unit at 318-253-4000, extension 5.
 
For emergencies, always dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact the office at 318-253-4000 or via email at info@AvoyellesSO.org.
 
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Move Bunkie Forward reopens registration for Move Forward Monday

/ Megan Lowe

Move Bunkie Forward is reopening registration for Move Forward Monday.

Anyone who missed the first round, now’s the chance to sign up a child (or children) for this fun and impactful program focused on learning, health, and growth.

There are spots available in several grades as follows.

1st Grade: 6 spots
2nd Grade: 2 spots
4th Grade: 3 spots
5th Grade: 2 spots
6th Grade: 2 spots

Register here: https://forms.gle/7FRoUXgsrCuDSSMq9

Spots are limited — don’t wait. Let’s keep moving Bunkie’s students forward.

RISE ‘Health Is Wealth’ Fair & Cancer Walk is this Saturday

/ Megan Lowe

It’s finally time – the Simmesport RISE “Health Is Wealth” Fair and Cancer Walk is this Saturday, Oct. 18, starting at 8am at the Simmesport Health Hub (16211 LA Hwy 1, next to the Piggly Wiggly).

The 1-mile Cancer Walk check-in starts at 8am with the walk itself starting at 8:30am. 

The Health Fair will take place from 9am to 11am. There will be free health screenings and vaccinations guest speakers, door prizes and giveaways, food trucks, and community health booths. 

The LifeShare Blood Mobile Unit will be on site 8-11am taking blood donations. Walk-ups are welcome, but appointments are encouraged (see the QR code above). 

Visioning Open House at Bunkie Middle Site

/ Megan Lowe
On the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 7, a visioning open house was held at the Bunkie Middle School site. The purpose of the event was to gain public input on the future of the facility. Attendees explored interactive stations and provided suggestions on how they would like to see the facility used in the future.
 
Mayor Sampson and other city officials gave guests a tour of the gymnasium, highlighting recent renovations, including a new ceiling and lighting on the stage, the remodel and restoration of the bandroom, and upgrades to the gable and woodwork on the exterior.
 
The George Washington Carver Community Center, a private organization separate from the city that owns the cafeteria, set up a table with interesting memorabilia from the Carver High School era. The Bunkie Fire Department provided a gumbo dinner complete with the trimmings and dessert.
 
Mayor Sampson and the Bunkie City Council would like to thank George Washington Carver Community Center, Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX), and City of Bunkie employees for making the endeavor productive and successful. Most importantly, kudos to our residents for the valuable input and insight they provided.

MHS volleyball senior girls make LHSAA All Academic Composite team

/ Megan Lowe
Two of Marksville High School’s volleyball senior girls made the LHSAA All Academic Composite team – Madison Lachney and Kristen Lachney.
 
In order to qualify, student athletes must be a senior that has participated in a sport for at least two seasons and maintained a 4.0 unweighted GPA, which means straight A’s in all high school courses taken over their four years plus attending MHS.
 
These two are part of a very select group of student athletes. The composite team is made up of all classifications combined.

Cottonport Police make arrest following investigation into social media threats

/ Megan Lowe
The Cottonport Police Department has made an arrest in connection with threats that were recently made on social media directed towards the Family Fun Day at Sarah Williams Park and individuals of the community within the Town of Cottonport.
 
The department began investigating after being alerted to the threatening posts on social media (Facebook). Through a coordinated effort by Cottonport Police Department, the suspect responsible for the posts was identified and taken into custody without incident with the assistance from the Louisiana Probation and Parole Division.
 
Chief Earnest Anderson stated, “We take any threat to our community seriously. The quick response and arrest in this case reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety of the citizens of Cottonport. We would like to thank the public and our law enforcement partners for their cooperation.”
 
The suspect, identified as Keathon Washington (DOB:11/17/1992), was arrested Oct. 10 and charged with Louisiana Revised Statute 14:40.1 entitled Terrorizing. Washington was transported to the Avoyelles Parish Jail where he remains on a $100,000 bond and a Louisiana Probation and Parole hold.
 
The Cottonport Police Department reminds the public that making threats—whether online or in person—is a serious criminal offense and will be investigated to the fullest extent of the law.
 
No further information will be released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.

LAWFF launches inaugural raffle to support LDWF conservation efforts

/ Megan Lowe

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), announced the launch of its inaugural raffle Thursday evening during its annual A Wild Night Fundraising Event. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000. 

Tickets are available for purchase now through Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. The winner will be drawn Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. All proceeds will support LDWF’s mission to preserve and enhance Louisiana’s diverse wildlife and fisheries through vital initiatives including habitat restoration, public hunting and fishing area improvements, species monitoring programs, and community outreach programs aimed at sustaining Louisiana’s fisheries and wildlife heritage.

Raffle Details:

  • Raffle Ticket Price: $20 per ticket
  • Raffle Prize: Brand New Chevy Silverado (valued at $60,000)
  • Sales Period: Friday, October 10, 2025, through Thursday, January 8, 2026.
  • Purchase Options: Individual tickets are for sale at org/la-conservation-raffle. No purchase limit.
  • Visit the official rules page to view the complete rules of the LAWFF 2025 Conservation Raffle.

Those who wish to receive raffle updates can sign up for email notifications at lawff.org.

Drawing and Winner Notification:
The winner of the raffle will be drawn on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, and will be notified by phone and email. 

Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26. Visit the official rules page to view the complete rules of the LAWFF 2025 Conservation Raffle.