Month: January 2026

APSB promotes January Mental Health Series for parents, caregivers

/ Megan Lowe
The Avoyelles Parish School Board has announced that ParentGuidance.org is offering FREE virtual sessions all month long to support families on important mental health topics such as ADHD, bullying, confidence building, anxiety and depression, suicide prevention, and more.
 
Sessions are offered at 6pm and 8pm (CST) – join any or all sessions from the comfort of home.
Sessions are open to all parents and caregivers.
 
Special events include:
 
Watch Together Series – Jan. 14 @ 7pm
Ask a Therapist Live – Jan. 27 @ 7pm
 

MFD urges public to refrain from outdoor burning

/ Megan Lowe
Marksville and much of Avoyelles Parish are currently experiencing Moderate Drought (D1) conditions. This, combined with higher than usual wind speeds, has led to many outdoor fires getting out of hand in Marksville and surrounding areas in the last few days. The Marksville Fire Department urges the public to refrain from all outdoor burning.
 
Pursuant to the Marksville Code of Ordinances, Section 22-258, Open burning is prohibited inside the city limits of Marksville.
 
Section 22-258:
 
It shall be unlawful for any person to start or set any fire to any grass, leaves, brush, or debris unless:
 
(1) The fire is protected by a proper furnace or incinerator; and
(2) The municipal fire department is given prior written notice of the intent to burn, together with a street address or other description of the property where the burning is to occur and indicating when the burning is to occur.

APPJ issues Public Notice about tire waste

/ Megan Lowe

The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury, under the recommendation of the Avoyelles Planning Commission, after having a public hearing, entertained a motion during the December 2025 regular meeting to consider newly proposed parish waste tire ordinances. The motion was passed in effect adopting the program as part of the Avoyelles Litter Abatement project.

The program will be administered by the Avoyelles Litter Abatement Officer with the cooperation of the Louisiana Dept. of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). The litter abatement effort has already removed over 3,500 illegally stored waste tires in the parish. And as a reminder, citizens (not businesses) can bring up to five (5) waste tires daily at the facility in Mansura.

A copy of the ordinances will be available on the APPJ website.

MFD to host Jambalaya Fundraiser

/ Megan Lowe

The Marksville Fire Department is hosting a Jambalaya Fundraiser on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10am to 1pm at the St. Joseph Church Hall.

Tickets are $10 per plate and can be purchased from any MFD fireman or at the Station. Plates come with jambalaya, corn, and a roll. 

Proceeds from this event to benefit Jerry, Ruth, and Kelsey Bordelon.

Mansura Chamber of Commerce gumbo event this Saturday

/ Megan Lowe

The Mansura Chamber of Commerce invites its citizens to join them for a delicious free bowl of gumbo starting at 11am through 2pm this Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Mansura walking track, weather permitting.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held by the Mansura Cochon de Lait Pavilion.

This event is being sponsored by Ramondo Ramos, the Mansura Chamber of Commerce President and the Mansura Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact Ramondo Ramos at 318-289-9069.

Bayou Blast Youth Shootout set for February 22 at Camp Grant Walker

/ JSLLC

Young shooting sports participants from Grant Parish and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to showcase their skills during the Bayou Blast Youth Shootout, scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Camp Grant Walker.

The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is open to active, paid youth shooting sports members from Rapides, Grant, and Avoyelles parishes. The competition will feature multiple disciplines designed to test accuracy, focus, and sportsmanship, including:

Archery (Genesis)

Rifle (CMP Scope)

Shotgun (Modified Trap)

Organizers say the shootout offers a fun and competitive environment for youth participants to demonstrate their abilities while building teamwork and confidence.

Those interested in participating must register online through the 4-H Online system. Registration instructions include logging in at oh.4honline.com using the same email and password used to enroll in 4-H, selecting the appropriate family member, clicking on “Events,” completing all required questions, and submitting the registration.

Participants are encouraged to register early and come prepared for a full day of competition.

Additional information may be obtained through local 4-H offices.

Annual 2026 NW Region Master Cattleman Course being offered by LSU AgCenter

/ Megan Lowe

Sign up now for the LSU AgCenter’s Annual 2026 NW Region Master Cattleman Course. 

The course will begin March 5, with weekly evening classes for 10 weeks, at the Red River Parish Extension Office (919 Alonzo Street, Coushatta).

The cost of the course is $225 per person. This cost includes all classes, materials, and evening meals. It also covers curriculum, meals, Master Cattleman metal farm sign, and handouts. Space is limited; sign up soon.

Classes include one topic each week. Topics include pasture, agronomy, cattle nutrition, reproduction, breeding and selection, Beef Quality Assurance Certification, pasture weed management, economics and marketing, animal health, end product, and cattle handling.

For more information contact Lee Faulk, afaulk@agcenter.lsu.edu, 318-245-4200; Joshua Salley,   jsalley@agcenter.lsu.edu, 318-872-0533; or Randall Mallette, rmallette@agcenter.lsu.edu, 318-932-4342.

The LSU AgCenter is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Anyone requiring special assistance to attend this event should contact Lee Faulk at 318-927-2578.