Month: February 2026

Central Louisiana, Say “YES” to CCS!

/ NPJ

We have a great opportunity to begin transforming local economies by creating new jobs and developing the infrastructure to bring additional businesses to the Central Louisiana region. For this to happen, local elected officials and other stakeholders should support the development of the Beaver Lake Biofuels project and the Capture Point CO2 sequestration site in Vernon Parish.

The posts being delivered mainly through Facebook about both these projects have been so full of misinformation and fear mongering that it is comical at times.

The new attack tactic is posting “CCS what-ifs.” The anti-CCS activists are attempting to place doubt and fear in the minds of people with “what-ifs.” It is a very common approach of many environmental activist groups across the nation. The “what-ifs.” It is hard to argue against what might happen. Imagine using this approach in other instances. You can fight against any kind of development with the “what-if” approach. Any industrial site could have an accident or something. What if this pipe leaks? What if someone gets hurt? What if I slip and fall on my way out the door? What if I wreck my car on the way to the store? There is a “what if” for everything in life.

It is precisely because of the “what-ifs” that there are rules and regulations surrounding industrial facilities and pipelines. Everyone must follow the rules and regulations regarding safety and construction, and they are substantial. As a testament to these rules and regulations, there has never been any deaths from CO2 asphyxiation around a U.S. CO2 pipeline or sequestration site or an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) field. Remember, CO2 pipelines and EOR have been around for 50+ years. Can you say the same about other activities? Of course not. But the “what-if” crowd says they support industry and new jobs, but they make you believe someone is going to “take your land” or “poison your water” or scare you into believing that people near these sites are in danger. This is a pure, tried-and-true “what-if” approach used by environmental activists for decades. Take a kernel of information and blow into a “what-if.” If businesses and communities took that approach to every project, big or small, nothing would ever be built.

The Sierra Club and other groups use the exact same tactics. This is how we know some of their leaders are engaging with the “local” anti-CCS groups. They say they’re not affiliated or aligned but they took down the Zoom call from the internet that proved that some of their leaders were meeting with the Sierra Club.

I encourage you to read https://dcjournal.com/sierra-club-quietly-teams-with-conservative-groups-to-block-louisiana-energy-projects/

We know that in early 2025, some of the first anti-CCS meetings in Central Louisiana were sponsored by the Sierra Club. Sierra Club has been all over the country working to fight CCS in every state because they know that CO2 sequestration could be a life extender for the oil and gas industry depending on future global and domestic rules surrounding carbon dioxide. In the near future, if the US wants to be a major producer of fuels and products to sell abroad, then carbon sequestration may be necessary for many markets.

Again, the anti-CCS groups in Louisiana say they are pro-oil and gas, but you can’t say you support a specific industry when you are fighting something that industry is supporting and may need to thrive in the future. You can’t have it both ways.

To be clear, if local elected officials are pressured into ensuring these two projects fail, the economic downturn will continue in Central Louisiana. Why is it that the forestry industry, business organizations, logging groups, Chambers of Commerce, and regional economic development organizations all support these two projects? Because they understand how they will positively impact the region now and into the future.

These projects will help bring prosperity to the area and no one is going to “take your land” or “poison your water!” That is the “what-if” crowd trying to scare you.

Don’t let them ruin this opportunity for Central Louisiana.

Desiree Lemoine
Executive Director, Industry Makes

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Arrest Report

/ Megan Lowe

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from Feb. 9 through Feb. 15.

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 Arrest Report Feb. 9 – Feb. 15, 2026Download

Avoyelles Parish Weekly Weather Forecast

/ Megan Lowe

Avoyelles Parish is looking a more cloudy weather with fairly steady and mild temperatures. Skies will be partly cloudy or mostly cloudy much of the week, with a break for sunshine just in time for the weekend. 

Wednesday, Feb. 25

A cloudy day with highs near 77°F and overnight lows around 64°F with wind gusts possible in the afternoon. The night will feature a few clouds with winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday, Feb. 26

Thursday is the main day for rain. The day will be cloudy in the morning, with off and on rain showers during the afternoon hours. Highs reach 77°F, with nighttime temperatures dipping to 53°F with rain showers early. Morning chances for rain are 50%, with night chances at 60%.

Friday, Feb. 27

Friday will see mostly sunny skies. The High will be 71°F, with lows near 44°F. Overnight skies will be clear with winds light and variable.

Saturday, Feb. 28

Sunshine will persist into Saturday. Expect 77°F for the high and 50°F overnight. Mostly clear skies overnight with winds light and variable again.   

Sunday, March 1

The sunshine will be present early on Sunday but will be mixed with clouds. The high will reach of 78°F with a low around 52°F. Nighttime will see mostly clear skies, winds continuing to be light and variable. 

Monday, March 2

The sunshine will be more present than clouds on Monday. Temps will dip slightly, with highs near 72°F and lows around 51°F. Winds light and variable at night with partly cloudy skies.

Tuesday, March 3

Partly cloudy skies return, with a slight temperature increase – highs near 76°F and lows around 57°F. Night see will a few clouds, with winds light and variable. 

Forecast Summary 

Avoyelles Parish starts this forecast window with mild temperatures with little cooling effect from the clouds. Friday through Sunday will see sunny skies (for a change!) before the clouds return. 

  • The week will be consistently cloudy, ranging from partly to mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures will stay mild temps, ranging in the 70s throughout the forecast window. 
  • Thursday is the greatest risk for precipitation in the afternoon and evening. 
  • Friday and Saturday will bring the sunshine before the clouds return for the rest of the forecast period.

Overall, the period is defined by by clouds, clouds, and more clouds, with a break for sunshine, but less risk for precipitation than last week. 

APPJ publishes minutes from Feb. 11 regular meeting

/ Megan Lowe
The Police Jury of the Parish of Avoyelles Parish, State of Louisiana, met for a Regular Meeting at its meeting place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, in the Police Jury Room of the Parish Courthouse, 312 North Main Street, Marksville.
 
There were present: Mark Borrel, Jacob Coco, Clyde Benson, Allen Thomas, Sam Pearce, Ingrid Wilson, Travis Franks, Rhett Desselle- Pan American Engineers, Kevin Bordelon, Laura Gaspard, Twyla Lemoine, Jacob Guillory-Delta Engineers, Ronald Coco, Kenneth Augustine, Tookie Pearce, Amy Guidry, Joseph Frank, Teryl St. Romain, Justin Moreau, Gloria Moreau, Chad Guillot, Steven Mayeux
 
Absent: McKinley Keller and Darrell Wiley
 
The meeting opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call by Secretary-Treasurer.
 
On motion by Clyde Benson, seconded by Allen Thomas, to adopt the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 13, 2026, as printed in the Weekly News and emailed/mailed to all Jurors. Motion passed.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Mark Borrel, to adopt the minutes of the Tourist Commission meeting held on January 29, 2026, as presented.
 
Prior to the regular meeting, a public hearing was held to receive comments regarding the proposed restriction of use of Levi Gremillion Road during wet conditions. Several individuals were present in opposition to the closure.
 
Mr. Justin Moreau, a landowner, strongly opposed the restriction, stating that it could potentially cause delays in emergency services. He offered to meet with the Police Jury to discuss possible solutions to address the drainage issues.
 
Mr. Teryl St. Romain also expressed opposition. He recommended installing culverts and suggested that if the parish could not fund the project, Road District 2 might be able to use its funds to cover the cost.
 
DELEGATION(S)
Amy Guidry, Operations Coordinator for Acadian Ambulance reported for January Acadian Ambulance responded to over 800 calls. The average response time was 14:10. The workforce consists of 39 paramedics and EMTs. Marksville remains the highest call volume at 145, followed by Bunkie with 87, Mansura 64, Simmesport 34, and Cottonport 33.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Travis Franks, to keep Levi Gremillion during wet conditions. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Mark Borrel, award bid to low bidder, Diamond B Construction Company, the contract for improvements to Business Loop Road and Riche Road, funded by Treasury, Act 461 of the 2025 RLS. The line appropriation for Business Loop Road is $336,925, Riche Road $622,010, Jurors Franks inquired what the budget amount was. Rhett Desselle stated the Engineers estimate was $790,000. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Mark Borrel, to approve construction cost, in-house material, and engineering to be paid from Act 461of the 2025 RLS funds. Juror Franks inquired if this would be open ended, or if it would be tracked by Oversight Committee. Civil Works Director, Kevin Bordelon informed the jury all expenses would be within the appropriation, and the Oversight Committee would oversee expenditures as the project would progress. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Ingrid Wilson, seconded by Clyde Benson, to approve payment of $1659.07 for Kenneth Augustine vehicle damage claim. On vote:

Yea Clyde Benson and Ingrid Wilson
Nay Travis Franks, Mark Borrel, Sam Pearce and Allen Thomas
Abstain None
Absent McKinely Keller and Darrell Wiley
The motion failed.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Mark Borrel to accept the Memorial Resolution for the late Carlos Mayeux as a part of the meeting minutes. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Mark Borrel, seconded by Clyde Benson, to authorize the president to sign a letter to DOTD assuring compliance with the Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, Off-System Bridge Program. Motion carried.
 
Authorize the president to sign the Cooperative Agreement with Department of Veteran Affairs, annual contribution $28,488.54-Motion to table offered by Clyde Benson, seconded by Ingrid Wilson, to table pending clarification. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Travis Franks, authorizing Delta Engineers to submit a CWEF application Water Works District of Avoyelles (Moreauville) to make necessary repairs to an existing ground storage tank. Water Works District has agreed to fund any repairs in excess of the CWEF grant. Motion caried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Sam Pearce, selecting Delta Engineers for Road District 2 roadway improvement project for 2026. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Sam Pearce to solicit RFPs for Beaugard Lemoine Drainage Improvement Project. Jurors Franks requested Oversight Committee to review. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Clyde Benson, to request the PJ send a letter to RAPC requesting a discount of fees for the permit for APSB project in Bayhills, PJ will match by 50%. Prior to the vote, Marcus Guillory with Delta Engineers explained that the reduction of fees would benefit the School Board. He stated that there was a shortfall with the Culinary Arts building which is estimated to be approximately 17,000 square feet. Twyla Lemoine inquired whether the reduction would offset the Culinary Arts building shortfall, to which Mr. Guillory responded in the affirmative. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Allen Thomas, to amend Demolition fines as follows:
• An individual performing their own demolition without first obtaining a demolition permit shall have seven (7) days from the start of the project to obtain the required permit. Failure to do so shall result in a $500 $250 fine.
• Individuals performing their own demolition shall have six (6) months to complete the project. Failure to complete the project within this timeframe shall result in a $2,500 $250 fine.
• Contractors performing demolition work shall have thirty (30) days to complete the project. Failure to complete the project within this timeframe shall result in a $2,500 fine.
• A demolition permit is required for any structure larger than 500 square feet, regardless of whether the structure has utilities.
 
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Mark Borrel, to introduce the One Acre Lot Ordinance, and to advertise a public hearing in March. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Markk Borrel, to approve placement of a historical marker t the site of Sarto Bridge in Big Bend area of the Bayou des Glaises Cultural District to commemorate events associated with he 1927 Mississippi River Flood. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Allen Thomas, seconded by Ingrid Wilson to reappoint Cody Jackson to the Fire District 2 board (Simmesport) for two years. Motion carried.
 
On motion by Mark Borrel, seconded by Allen Thomas, granting Secretary/Treasurer to pay all bills and waive a reading of the whole.
 
On motion by Clyde Benson, seconded by Allen Thomas, the meeting adjourned.

Moreauville Chief of Police resigns, Asst. Chief to serve as interim

/ Megan Lowe
Moreauville Mayor Beryl Holmes and the Town Council announced on Feb. 12 that Chief Nick Ducote has announced his resignation as Chief of Police with the Village of Moreauville, after accepting a new position that reflects his true passion. While he will be missed in his leadership role, the Mayor and Council expressed genuine happiness for Mr. Ducote and wished him the very best in this next chapter. They also expressed gratitude that he will continue serving the community as a part-time officer.
 
In the interim, Assistant Chief Craig Lee will step in and serve as Acting Chief, effective Feb. 16.

Burn ban lifted in Avoyelles Parish

/ Megan Lowe
Sheriff David L. Dauzat announced that Mr. Joey Frank, Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness, stated the parish-wide burn ban has officially been lifted. While citizens are now permitted to burn, officials ask that citizens still use extreme caution.
 
SAFETY REMINDERS:

-Never leave a fire unattended.
-Keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
-Avoid burning on windy days to prevent fires from spreading rapidly.
 
Sheriff Dauzat stated, “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the ban to help keep our parish safe from wildfires. Please continue to be responsible when burning.”
 
For emergencies, always dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact the office at 318-253-4000.

Gov. Landry calls for expanded investigation into DEI practices in Louisiana higher education

/ Megan Lowe

Baton Rouge, LA-Governor Landry formally requested on Feb. 23 that the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation be expanded to include every public institution of higher education in Louisiana to ensure full compliance with federal law across the state. Letter attached.

“Let me be clear: Louisiana is done with woke DEI policies. Discrimination against ANY student will not be tolerated,” said Governor Landry. “This issue began under the previous administration, and we are fixing it. That is why, I’ve formally requested that the investigation be expanded to EVERY public higher education institution in Louisiana. If there are violations of federal law anywhere in our system, we want them corrected.”

02.23.26 Governor DOE ResponseDownload

MBF shares its January impact

/ Megan Lowe

Move Bunkie Forward recently shared the impact of its efforts from the month of January.

65 community members participated in their first Taste Testing of the year, sampling healthy snacks and receiving nutrition education.

12 participants attended their January Lunch & Learn, engaging in meaningful conversation about habits and increasing awareness of choices that support (or harm) a person’s health.

98 total fitness class visits took place through MBF’s free community fitness offerings.

Senior participants completed four group visits to Anytime Fitness as part of their weekly movement sessions. 

APPJ issues Public Hearing Notice

/ Megan Lowe
Notice is hereby given that the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 4:40 p.m., in the Police Jury Meeting Room located on the second floor of the Parish Courthouse, for the purpose of receiving public comments regarding a proposed One Acre Lot Ordinance.
 
All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard.
 
By order of the
Avoyelles Parish Police Jury
 
Proposed One Acre Lot Ordinance Amendment
 
Section 1: Title and Applicability
1.1. Title. This section shall be known as the “Minimum Lot Size and Area Requirements” for the Avoyelles Parish Subdivision Ordinance.
1.2. Applicability. The standards set forth in this section shall apply to all proposed land divisions/subdivisions, creating new lots for residential or non-residential purposes within the jurisdiction of all non-incorporated land which falls under the Avoyelles Parish Subdivision Ordinance.
All land previously subdivided, conveyed and recorded with the Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court before November 12, 2025, shall be exempt from this ordinance.
 
Section 2: Minimum Lot Area and Dimensions
2.1. Minimum Lot Area. No lot created within any subdivision shall have a gross area of less than one (1) acre. One acre is defined as forty-three thousand five hundred and sixty (43,560) square feet.
2.2. Minimum Lot Dimensions. Each lot shall meet one of the following minimum dimensions:
• Minimum Lot Width: one hundred twenty (120) feet.
• Minimum Lot Depth: one hundred fifty (150) feet.
 
Section 3: Health and Sanitation Requirements
3.1. On-Site Sewerage Disposal and Water Supply. Where individual on-site sewerage disposal facilities (septic systems) and/or individual water supply systems (wells) are to be utilized, the minimum lot size specified in Section 2.1 shall apply. Larger areas may be required by the Louisiana Department of Health if soil, topography, or other conditions indicate the necessity for a larger area to ensure adequate separation and safe operation of facilities.
3.2. Public Utilities. If connections to public or community water and sewerage systems approved by local municipality or state Health Department are provided, the minimum lot area shall remain one (1) acre unless a separate zoning district with different density standards is applicable.
 
Section 4: Compliance and Variances
 
4.1. Compliance. All lots created through the subdivision process must also comply with the minimum lot size requirements and all other applicable regulations of the ordinance. If the ordinance specifies a larger minimum lot size, the more restrictive requirement shall control.
4.2. Variances. The Avoyelles Parish Planning Commission may only grant a variance from these minimum lot size requirements in cases of:
1. Demonstrable exceptional hardship, as provided for by state law and the relevant procedures of this jurisdiction.
2. Land to be subdivided by family to be given to family. Valid family partitions cannot be sold within a period of 2 years.
3. Special cases where the property has an odd configuration or circumstance that would have to allow for certain size lot configuration.
4. Sewer Connectivity: the one-acre requirement only applies to lots using on-site septic systems. If a developer connects the subdivision to a public or private community sewer system, they may be permitted to use significantly smaller lot sizes.
 
Variances shall not be granted if they would result in lots not meeting the minimum requirements for health and safety established by this ordinance.