Month: October 2025

LSMSA soars in 2026 Niche rankings

/ Megan Lowe
NATCHITOCHES – The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) has once again been recognized among the nation’s elite in the newly released 2026 Niche.com rankings, earning an overall grade of A+ and improving in every major category from the previous year.
In the national report, LSMSA was ranked #2 of 19,115 schools for Best Public High School Teachers in America and #46 of 20,262 for Best Public High Schools in America, placing the school in the top fraction of a percent nationwide.

In Louisiana, LSMSA claimed the top spot across all major categories, including:
  • #1 of 335 – Best Public High Schools in Louisiana
  • #1 of 323 – Best Public High School Teachers in Louisiana
  • #1 of 12 – Best Magnet High Schools in Louisiana
“These rankings highlight the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, and students,” said LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton. “For more than four decades, LSMSA has provided a transformative education to Louisiana’s most talented and motivated students. To be recognized nationally, year after year, confirms the strength and sustainability of our mission.”
 
One especially noteworthy development in the 2026 rankings is Niche’s recognition of LSMSA’s rigorous college-level curriculum, which does not rely on the traditional Advanced Placement (AP) structure. 

LSMSA’s faculty, consistently ranked at the top in the state and now second-best nationwide, bring extraordinary experience and dedication to their teaching. Required to hold a master’s degree or higher in the areas they teach, 85 percent of LSMSA’s faculty hold a Ph.D., M.F.A., or a terminal degree in the area they teach. Beyond classroom instruction, they devote significant time each week to one-on-one tutoring, mentoring, and research guidance.

Founded in 1983 as the state’s preeminent residential high school for high-achieving students, LSMSA provides a tuition-free education to qualified Louisiana sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Through articulation agreements with 14 in-state universities, students have the opportunity to earn more than 70 general education credit hours during their time at LSMSA. Many students graduate with dual enrollment credit and some with an Associate of General Studies degree.

“From our classrooms to our residence halls, LSMSA offers an experience that goes beyond academics,” said Emily Shumate, Director of Enrollment Management and Outreach. “Students are challenged to grow intellectually while also developing independent living skills and forming lifelong friendships with their peers from throughout Louisiana. These experiences and opportunities equip them to succeed in college and beyond.”

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is Louisiana’s top state-supported residential high school, offering selective admissions for the state’s high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition, and support from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program remains accessible to all qualified students regardless of financial need. 
 
To learn more go online to LSMSA.EDU.

Tickets on sale now for Bunkie Service League Family Halloween Dance

/ Megan Lowe

Bunkie Service League has announced that tickets are sale for the Family Halloween Dance on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 5:30pm at the Haas Auditorium. 

This dance is for children to grandparents. Halloween costumes are required. 

Child tickets for under 16 are $5. Adult tickets and children 16 and over are $10. 

Tickets are available at:

  • Bunkie Chamber of Commerce

  • Steele’s Florist

  • Mikell Management

  • City Drug

  • Melancon Funeral Home

  • Poppa J’s Donuts

For more information call 318-729-3802.

Friends of APL sponsoring Louisiana Forest Animals Scavenger

/ Megan Lowe

The Friends of the Avoyelles Parish Libraries will be sponsoring a Louisiana Forest Animals Scavenger Hunt from throughout the month of October, ending on Thursday, Oct. 30. This event is for children ages 3 to 10 years old at the Marksville Main Branch.

Animal images will be hidden in the Children’s Section only. The Scavenger Hunt entry sheet will be available at the front desk of the library. Children will simply circle each animal as they find one. One entry sheet per child, and the sheet must be turned in at the Children’s desk. A prize will be given to the children who complete the list. Children may participate only once. All animal images are located in the Children’s Section only. The animal images must be found by the child and not the members of another prize.

Pick up a Louisiana Pelican coloring sheet at the front desk will be displayed. A prize for the best colored Pelican will be given to the winner.

Notice of Death – October 7, 2025

/ Megan Lowe
Robert Wayne Ducote
April 24, 1948 – October 6, 2025
Service: TBA
 
Dale Anthony Paul, Sr.
May 29, 1957 – October 6, 2025
Service: Friday, October 10, 2025, 2pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Marksville.
 
Ernest Joseph “Tubby” “Eno” Daigrepont
September 7, 1937 – October 5, 2025
Service: Friday, October 10, 2025, 2pm at Bayou Des Glaises Baptist Church, Moreauville.
 
Sheron Louise Desselle
August 1, 1950 – October 5, 2025
Service: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 10am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Bordelonville.
 
Earl Fitzgerald Lavalais
February 18, 1970 – October 3, 2025
Service: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 11am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Mansura.
 
Avoyelles Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com.)

Upcoming lane closures on LA-114, LA-107

/ Megan Lowe
L-R: Maps indicating the two lane closures, LA-114 and LA-107

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced upcoming lane closures on LA-107 and LA-114. 

The first lane closure, LA-114, near Hessmer, is actually the LA-114 bridge over Bayou Belle Deau. The closure began Monday, Oct. 6, and will run through Thursday, Oct. 9, 7am to 4pm daily, weather permitting. The westbound lane of the bridge will be closed. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place, and no detour is required.

The second lane closure, LA-107, near Dupont, is actually the  LA-107 bridge over Bayou Jack Relief. The closure will begin Friday, Oct. 10, for approximately two days, 7am to 4pm daily, weather permitting. The northbound lane of the bridge will be closed. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place.

The DOTD appreciates the public’s patience and reminds everyone to drive with caution through the construction sites and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Allow for extra travel time in these areas.
 
For emergencies, always dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact the APSO office at 318-253-4000 or via email at info@AvoyellesSO.org.

Audit Flags Problems With Village Fine Collections

/ JSLLC

Hessmer Report Notes Incomplete Records on Police Revenues

By Journal Staff

Findings in Audit

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor released the annual financial report for the Village of Hessmer, covering the year ended August 31, 2024. The audit issued a qualified opinion on the General Fund due to problems in how police fine revenues were documented and reconciled.

Auditors noted that the Village budgeted $80,000 in fines and court costs, but only $44,000 was reported as collected, with $43,502 deposited into the bank. Because the Village did not maintain adequate records of ticket activity and reconciliations, there is no way to confirm whether all fines assessed were collected or whether all collections were deposited.

Impact on Financial Statements

The lack of documentation left auditors unable to verify the accuracy of fine revenue. As a result, the General Fund was classified as materially misstated. Other funds, including the Sales Tax Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund, received unmodified opinions.

Recommendations

Auditors recommended that the Village strengthen controls over police fine collections by:

  • Maintaining detailed records of citations issued and payments received.

  • Reconciling ticket reports to deposits made.

  • Ensuring that all deposits are fully supported by underlying documentation.

The report emphasized that without these measures, the Village cannot demonstrate that all funds collected are properly safeguarded and reported.

Editor’s Note

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report on the Village of Hessmer does not specify a dollar amount of theft. The audit explains that because police fine records were incomplete and unreconciled, it was not possible to confirm whether all fines assessed were collected and deposited. The discrepancy between budgeted revenues and actual deposits reflects poor documentation and oversight, not a proven loss.

Hessmer AuditDownload

Arrest Report

/ Megan Lowe

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from Sept. 22 through Sept. 28.

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 9-22 through 9-28Download

Investigation leads to the arrest of APSO corrections deputy

/ Megan Lowe
Roslin Finister
The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) began an investigation into a fight that occurred in the APSO Detention Center #1 (DC-1) Jail Facility on Aug. 27. The subsequent investigation revealed that an APSO Corrections Captain had committed criminal offenses. The APSO Corrections Captain was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the matter.
 
Further investigation revealed that Captain Finister had committed multiple criminal offenses while commissioned as an APSO Deputy and while employed full-time as a Corrections Captain. Her employment with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office has been terminated.
 
On Sept. 24, pursuant to a 12th Judicial District Court Arrest Warrant, 59-year-old Roslin Finister of Cottonport, was arrested for committing the offenses of Malfeasance in Office (Tampering with Evidence), Obstruction of Justice, and Malfeasance in Office (Sexual Conduct Prohibited with Offenders). Bond was set at $60,000.
 
Offender Finister was arrested, booked, and released on bond. The investigation is still ongoing.
 
Sheriff David L. Dauzat wants the People of Avoyelles to know that they take their oath of office seriously. APSO holds itself to a higher standard. The public has entrusted APSO to perform their duties lawfully with honesty and integrity. They will continue to do so.
 
Note: All persons named or shown in photographs and/or videos as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not yet been convicted of that criminal offense, and all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

APSO K-9 Deputy recognized by Humane Society of Louisiana

/ Megan Lowe
Sheriff David L. Dauzat wanted to share this news release from the Humane Society of Louisiana.
Please take a moment to read the full story from the Humane Society of Louisiana below.
 
***Humane Society of Louisiana***

 
Hessmer, LA – September 12, 2025 – The Humane Society of Louisiana is honoring the efforts of local animal rescuer Malaine Glover and Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Sgt. James Whittington, a K9 handler, for their swift and compassionate response to an injured dog struck by a vehicle late Tuesday evening.
 
At approximately 10:00 p.m. on September 10, Malaine, an experienced rescuer and animal advocate, received an urgent call from fellow rescuer Linda, operator of Atchafalaya River Rescue, as well as dispatch messages regarding a German shepherd-type dog injured along the roadside in Hessmer. Sgt. Whittington, also responding to the incident, arrived at the scene to find the dog, later identified as “Karma,” lying helplessly in a ditch with multiple injuries.
 
Together, Malaine and Sgt. Whittington carefully assessed Karma’s condition, which appeared to include hind leg injuries and heavy bleeding. After canvassing the area for her owner without success, the pair worked together to stabilize the dog. Using a body bag as a makeshift stretcher, they gently lifted Karma and transported her to safety. Sgt. Whittington followed closely behind to assist with unloading and ensuring the dog was as comfortable as possible.
 
Shortly afterward, Karma’s owner came forward and took her home to provide comfort until veterinary care could be arranged the following morning.
 
Tragically, veterinary examination revealed that Karma’s spine had been severed in the impact, leaving her injuries beyond repair. With her family by her side, Karma was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.
 
“This situation demonstrates both the heartbreaking realities of roadside accidents involving animals and the incredible compassion of those who respond,” said Jeff Dorson, Founder of the Humane Society of Louisiana. “Sgt. Whittington’s and Malaine’s care and dedication went above and beyond, and we are grateful to them for treating Karma with dignity and kindness.”
 
The Humane Society of Louisiana extends its condolences to Karma’s family and expresses gratitude to the rescuers and law enforcement officers who continue to show unwavering compassion for animals in need.
 
To thank Ms. Glover, HSLA mailed her a $100 Petco gift card and made a monetary donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Sgt. Whittington, since he is a veteran, per Sgt. Whittington’s wishes.
 
Established in 1988, HSLA is one of the largest animal protection organizations in the state. For more information, please visit its website at www.humanela.org.

Out-of-state train stowaways arrested by Bunkie Police

/ Megan Lowe
The Bunkie Police Department responded to a report of two individuals riding on top of a southbound Union Pacific train on Sept. 25. Union Pacific was immediately notified, and the train made a stop in Bunkie.
 
Upon arrival, Bunkie PD officers located the individuals on one of the rail cars and quickly detained them. The suspects told officers they had been traveling across the United States by riding trains from California. An on-scene investigation determined there was no imminent threat to the public and no evidence of tampering with the train.
 
The individuals were transported to the Bunkie Police Department, where they were charged with Criminal Trespassing on Railroad Property. They were later booked into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center #1.
 
The individuals are Mason Crowe Zimmerman (22), Truckee, CA, and Evan Anthony Susswood (22), Portland, OR.
 
Assistant Chief of Police Brandon Horton issued the following statement: “I am extremely grateful to the concerned citizens who reported this incident, as well as to the swift actions of my officers. Entering railroad property is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. No matter where you are from, and no matter how big or small the crime, if you come to Bunkie, Louisiana, and violate the law, we will find you and hold you accountable.”