Arrest Report

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from Jan. 12 through Jan. 18.

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’s Weekly Weather Forecast

A stretch of shifting winter weather is on tap for Avoyelles Parish, with light mid‑week showers, a warm and rainy weekend, and a mild finish to the period. While temperatures trend above seasonal norms at times, the parish will also see a brief cool‑down early next week.

Wednesday, Jan. 21

A quiet start to the period brings 59°F for the high and 44°F overnight. Light rain is possible, with totals near 0.04 inches.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Moisture increases as a warm air mass moves in. Expect highs around 60°F, lows near 53°F, and 0.41 inches of rain likely.

Friday, Jan. 23

A warm, breezy day with highs near 73°F and lows around 60°F. Only 0.03 inches of rain is expected.

Saturday, Jan. 24

The wettest day of the week. A widespread rainmaker could bring up to 1.71 inches of rainfall. Temperatures remain unseasonably warm, ranging from 75°F to 62°F.

Sunday, Jan. 25

Conditions turn cooler and dry. Highs fall to 60°F, with lows near 51°F and no measurable rainfall.

Monday, Jan. 26

A calm, cool day with highs around 60°F and lows near 46°F. Skies remain mostly clear.

Tuesday, Jan. 27

The period ends on a warm, breezy note. Highs climb to 69°F, lows hover near 60°F, and light showers may return, bringing about 0.11 inches of rain.

Weekly Summary

Avoyelles Parish will see a mix of mild temperatures and intermittent rainfall through the week.

  • Light mid‑week showers give way to a warm, rain‑soaked Saturday — the wettest day of the period.
  • Cooler, drier air settles in Sunday and Monday.
  • The week wraps up with a warm Tuesday and a slight chance of showers.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service and local meteorologists.


DOTD updates for Avoyelles Parish

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently provided updates on a project in Avoyelles Parish. 

The LA 454 bridge replacement project continues. This $11 million project is focused on replacing the bridge over Wiggins Bayou on LA 454. The estimated completion date is early this year. 


Avoyelles Parish Police Jury: Minutes of Jan. 13 meeting

The Police Jury of the Parish of Avoyelles Parish, State of Louisiana, met for a Regular Meeting at its meeting place on Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the Police Jury Room of the Parish Courthouse, 312 North Main Street, Marksville.
 
There were present: Mark Borrel, Jacob Coco, Darrell Wiley, Clyde Benson, Allen Thomas, Sam Pearce, Ingrid Wilson, Travis Franks, Rhett Desselle- Pan American Engineers, Civil Works Director, Kevin Bordelon; Assistant District Attorney, Jenny Donaghey; Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, Laura Gaspard; Dr. Jenny Falls, Twyla Lemoine, Jacob Guillory-Delta Engineers, Ronald Coco, Todd Laborde, Johnny Rogers, Kenneth Augustine
 
Absent: McKinley Keller 
 
The meeting opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Roll call by Secretary-Treasurer.
 
On motion by Mark Borrel, seconded by Ingrid Wilson, to adopt the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 9, 2025, as printed in the Weekly News and emailed/mailed to all Jurors.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Clyde Benson, to adopt the minutes of the Tourist Commission meeting held on December 22, 2025, as presented.
 
Assistant District Attorney Jenny Donaghey open the floor for nominations for President.
A motion was made by Clyde Benson, seconded by Ingrid Wilson, to nominate Darrell Wiley for President.
A motion was made by Travis Franks, seconded by Sam Pearce to nominate Allen Thomas for President.
A motion was made by Clyde Benson, seconded by Mark Borrel, to close nominations.
Vote to close nominations carried unanimously.
 
Vote for Darrell Wiley for President was as follows:
Yea: Wiley, Wilson, Coco, Borrell, Benson.
Nay: Pearce, Thomas, Franks.
 
Vote for Allen Thomas for President was as follows:
Yea: Pearce, Franks, Thomas.
Nay: Wiley, Wilson, Coco, Borrel, Benson.
 
Darrell Wiley is elected President for 2026.
 
Assistant District Attorney Jenny Donaghey open the floor for nominations for Vice-President.
A motion was made by Clyde Benson, seconded by Ingrid Wilson, to nominate Jacob Coco for Vice-President.
A motion was made by Clyde Benson, seconded by Ingrid Wilson, to close nominations.
Vote to close nominations carried unanimously.
 
Vote for Vice-President was as follows:
Yea: Wiley, Wilson, Borrell, Benson, Pearce, Thomas, Franks.
Nay: None
 
Jacob Coco is elected Vice-President for 2026.
 
Delegations
 
Amy Guidry, Operations Coordinator for Acadian Ambulance reported for December Acadian Ambulance responded to a total of 809 calls. Of these, 646 were medical emergencies and 163 were non-medical emergencies. The average response time was 15:02. The workforce consists of 39 paramedics and EMTs. Available resources include seven ambulances, two sprint trucks, 1 Air Med helicopter, and one ambulance bus. Acadian employs twenty-nine residents of Avoyelles Parish, with an annual payroll of approximately two million dollars. During community outreach efforts, Acadian took part in six holiday events and one public event.
 
On motion by Clyde Benson, seconded by Sam Pearce to approve an added $1,518 for security cameras at the Bunkie Health Unit. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Mark Borrel to continue with the sale of adjudicated property on Ebony Street in Bunkie, Parcel # 0121000700, to Zelda Bell, $2,800. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Clyde Benson, seconded by Mark Borrel, to reappoint Secretary-Treasurer for a term of Two years. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Clyde Benson, seconded by Allen Thomas to authorize the president to sign the Agreement with Pan American for Bridge Inspection services, effective for 5 years. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Ingrid Wilson, to enter in and authorize the president to sign the Agreement with Pan American for Engineering service for Business Loop Road and Riche Road. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Mark Borrel, seconded by Allen Thomas, to approve the Courthouse Christmas Committee to host the annual lighting event on December 5, 2026. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Jacob Coco, seconded by Clyde Benson to approve purchase of enclosed trailer, not to exceed $35,000, Civil Works Director will provide quotes to Secretary-Treasurer. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Jacob Coco, seconded by Allen Thomas to authorize the purchase pot patcher on state contract, not to exceed $120,000. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Jacob Coco, seconded by Allen Thomas, to advertise a public hearing February 10, 2026, at 4:45 pm to hear comments on limiting use of Levi Gremillion Road in wet conditions. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Mark Borrel to reappoint Jude Glorioso to the Bunkie General Hospital Board. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Ingrid Wilson to reappoint William Tebow to the Bunkie General Hospital Board. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Jacob Coco, to appoint Cameron LeDoux to the expired term of Derrick ‘Digger “Earles, February 1, 2026. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Jacob Coco, seconded by Allen Thomas, authorizing Delta Engineers to continue with applying for LGAP (limestone). On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Jacob Coco, seconded by Allen Thomas, authorizing Delta Engineers to apply for CWEF for parish waterworks districts. On vote, the motion carried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Mark Borrel, authorizing Wilbert Carmouche to apply for the La. Culture Care Grant, further authorizing him to sign all documents related to said grant. On vote the motion carried.
 
On motion by Ingrid Wilson, seconded by Allen Thomas, granting Secretary/Treasurer to pay all bills and waive a reading of the whole.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Allen Thomas, the meeting adjourned.

Mansura VFD publishes monthly call report, smoke alarm advice

The Mansura Volunteer Fire Department recently shared its monthly call report for Dec. 8, 2025, through Jan. 12, 2026. 

Fire Alarms1
Structure Fires1
Vehicle Crashes0
Hazardous Conditions1 – power pole/electrical
Brush Fires3
Landing Zone Request0
Other0
Total Calls6

Mansura VFD reminds the public that 65% of homes have ZERO working fire alarms, while 35% of homes only have ONE working fire alarm. Avoid becoming part of these statistcs. If anyone needs smoke/fire detectors for their home, contact the department at 318-964-5319.


Krewe of Cyllenius opens applications

The Members of the Rotary Club of Avoyelles have announced the Krewe of Cyllenius Mardi Gras Parade for Sunday, Feb. 8, at 1pm. This event is being held not only to provide a source of family entertainment for Avoyelles Parish and Central Louisiana, but also to remind us of Avoyelles’ French heritage and some of the traditions associated with the “Cajun” Culture.

There is a new parade route this year. Line-up will begin at 12pm at 352 Moreau St., Marksville.

There is no entry fee. However, all applicants must be pre-registered no later than February 6. Contact Chrystal Adams via email at chrystal@empowerwealth.net or by phone at 318-359-3534 or Rotary Club of Avoyelles, P. O. Box 489, Marksville, LA 71351. Applicants can apply online

Feel free to contact the parade coordinator for question: Chrystal Adams via email at  chrystal@empowerwealth.net or by phone at 318-359-3534.


Avoyelles Youth Art Expo 3 coming Jan. 29

The Avoyelles Arts Council will present the Avoyelles Youth Art Expo #3 on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Paragon Casino Resort Ballrooms. Doors open at 5pm. 

The Expo is open to all Avoyelles students, kindergarten through 12th grade. All mediums accepted including paintings, sculpture, photography, drawings, collage, stained glass, etc. There is no size limit on artwork.

All entries must be dropped off Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26 and 27, at Gallery on the Square (122 Mark St, Marksville). The Expo exhibit will open to the public Thursday, Jan. 29 at Paragon Casino Resort Ballrooms beginning at 5PM. 1st–3rd place awards in each division will be presented at the Expo on Jan. 29.

For more information about participating call Allison Augustine 318-264-9392 or Josiah Blood 318-717-2719; The Gallery Office at 318-264-1826; check out the website at avoyellesarts.com, or via email at avoyellesarts@gmail.com.


MBF publishes its 2025 impact

Movie Bunkie Forward recently shared its 2025 impact in terms of programs, community events, and participants in those activities. 

  • 1,831 total program visits across fitness, education, and events

  • 1,190 community visits to the free fitness classes

  • 79 new participants engaged through Lunch & Learns, fitness classes, and programs

  • 434 individuals reached through taste-testings, camps, and community events

  • 671 youth visits to the Whole Child Enrichment programs afterschool and Mondays

  • 550+ youth volunteer hours

These numbers represent real people, real movement, and a growing commitment to healthier habits across the community.