Month: June 2026

Arrest Report

/ Megan Lowe

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from May 25 through May 31.

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 May 25 – 31, 2026Download

APSB reminds public of safety first when visiting campuses

/ Megan Lowe

School safety is a shared responsibility and remains a top priority all year long, including throughout the summer months.

As summer programs, meetings, maintenance projects, and other activities continue across Avoyelles campuses, it is imperative that all safety procedures and guidelines are followed at all times when entering any school or district facility.

For the safety and security of the students, staff, and visitors:

• All visitors are required to sign in upon arrival
• A valid state-issued ID must be scanned through our visitor management system
• Visitors will receive a visitor’s pass before proceeding anywhere within the building

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and commitment to helping maintain safe and secure learning and working environments across Avoyelles Parish Schools. Safety first. Every campus. Every building. Every time.

Louisiana Legislature Ends 2026 Session, Approves $47 Billion Budget

/ NPJ

By Richard Searles

Education, infrastructure and economic development among top priorities

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Legislature adjourned its 2026 Regular Session after approving a balanced $47 billion state budget focused on education, economic development, infrastructure improvements and debt reduction.

The budget includes approximately $4 billion in State General Fund support for K-12 education and $1.3 billion for higher education. Funding also includes $420 million for early childhood education and $30 million for tutoring programs.

Lawmakers approved more than $360 million in economic development initiatives, including incentives for higher-paying jobs, business site development and workforce recruitment efforts.

The Legislature also allocated more than $500 million for additional road and infrastructure projects, $33 million for Medicaid home and community-based services and $144 million to reduce state retirement debt.

Before adjourning, lawmakers approved a new congressional district map, eliminated vehicle inspection sticker requirements in most parishes, added $50 million to the fortified roof grant program and approved additional protections for minors online.

During the session, legislators considered more than 2,500 measures and sent more than 900 bills to Gov. Jeff Landry for consideration.

The 2026 Regular Session concluded with lawmakers approving major investments in education, infrastructure and economic development while advancing a wide range of policy measures affecting Louisiana residents.

Weather Outlook: More thunderstorms abound

/ Megan Lowe

Avoyelles Parish is looking at a forecast window that begins and ends with storms. High temps will stay in the 80s, with lows ranging in the 60s and 70s. The highest chance for rain during this period will be 80% on Saturday.

Wednesday, June 3: Mostly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day with a 50% chance of rain. High will be 85°F and the overnight low will be 69°F. Scattered thunderstorms in the evening and partly cloudy skies overnight – chance of rain 50%.   

Thursday, June 4: Partly cloudy in the morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day with a 50% chance of rain. The high will be 86°F. Nighttime temperatures will be 69°F with a few clouds and winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.

Friday, June 5: Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will give way to occasional showers in the afternoon with a 60% chance of rain. The day’s high will be 87°F. Nighttime skies will feature considerable cloudiness with a low of 72°F and winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday, June 6: Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon with a 80% chance of rain. The high will be 85°F. At night, scattered thunderstorms during the evening, then partly cloudy overnight, with a 50% chance of rain and a low of 74°F. 

Sunday, June 7: Thunderstorms likely and a 70% chance of rain. The high will be 85°F. Nighttime skies will see widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm early then partly cloudy with a 30% chance of rain and a low of 74°F.

Monday, June 8: Monday will see widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm early then partly cloudy with a 40% chance of rain and a high of 86°F and lows around 73°F. Nighttime weather will feature partly cloudy skies and winds light and variable. 

Tuesday, June 9: Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon, with a 40% chance of rain and a high of 89°F. Tuesday night will see a few clouds and an overnight low 73°F with winds light and variable. 

Overall, this will be characterized by a pattern of scattered thunderstorms and no sun. No storms are forecast to be severe, but several days carry significant chances for rain.

APL to host TMM Project this Friday throughout parish

/ Megan Lowe

Avoyelles Parish Library will host several events on Friday, June 5, in support of the True Mission Matters (TMM) Project. TMM Project focuses on using dance to foster confidence and creativity; these events will kick off summer reading in the parish. 

There will be three separate locations for these events as follows.

  • 9am at the Bunkie Branch of APL
  • 12pm at KC Hall, Cottonport
  • 3pm at Fox Theatre, Marksville

Arts Council announces scholarship winners

/ Megan Lowe
The Avoyelles Arts Council has announced and congratulates Arianna Gerace and Braylon Pierite as the recipients of the Norma Roy Scholarship and Avoyelles Arts Council Scholarship, respectively.
 
Their hard work, passion, and dedication truly stood out. The Council is honored to support their journey and can’t wait to see all the things the recipients will accomplish.

Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival seeking volunteers

/ Megan Lowe
The 15th Annual Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival will be held on July 4 this year — along with 250 years of America.
 
The Festival is seeking volunteers for the event. Help create an unforgettable event by assisting with setup, 5K, kids’ activities, hospitality, cleanup, and more.
 
Whether one can volunteer a few hours or the whole weekend, the Festival would love to have folks be part of the festival experience and help celebrate America250 with the community.
 
Interested? Follow the link to fill out the volunteer recruitment form https://form.jotform.com/avoyellesarts/volunteer-AAMF

Guide to the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival

/ NPJ

Celebrate the Louisiana Peach Festival’s 76th year with free admission, a wide range of entertainment and activities, and plenty of peachy events to enjoy leading up to the festival. Browse our guide below and start planning your trip to Downtown Ruston for the weekend of Saturday, June 6.

EAT:
From June 1-6, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach cocktails and desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available on the Peach Fest website.

SEE:
Get a preview of all the arts of the festival with the 39th Annual NCLAC Peach Art Exhibit. Check out the display of local artist of all ages in the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center happening all through July.

– Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, take the quick drive to explore downtown Ruston, scope out the festival grounds, and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!

EXPERIENCE: There’s plenty to enjoy Friday before the festival:

  • Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 3-6.
    – Peach Fest Hack: Find your perfect festival outfit during the sidewalk sale!
  • The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will roll down W. Alabama Ave. and N. Monroe St. on Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM.
  • After the parade, you can head over to the North Louisiana Expo Center for the 37th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family fun entertainment, trick riders, and more.

Saturday June 6: Festival Day!

Festival activities start at 9:00 AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.

EAT:

Festival Eats

  • This year, enjoy bites from 15 food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks.
  • You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi
    – Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival

Local Eats
Feeling like a sit-down meal? Check out these local restaurants that are walkable from the festival:

  • The Local: morning pick-me-up coffee, pastries, and breakfast bites.
  • Uptown Downtown or Heard Freighthouse Food Park: perfect for lunch and plenty of options! For sandwiches, wraps, and a sweet treat, go to Uptown Downtown. For BBQ, Burgers, Chinese, or Mexican cuisine, head over to the Food Park.
  • Sundown Tavern or Ponchatoulas: both are beloved Ruston staples with that classic dive bar charm. Be sure to try the fried green beans at Sundown or the stuffed catfish at Ponchatoulas.
  • Roma or Utility Brewing: For classic Italian-style pizza, pasta, and fresh salads, take a stroll to Roma’s Italian Bistro. Want to try something different? Utility Brewing serves up creative wood fire-baked pizzas paired with craft beer in a cozy setting.

SEE:

  • Festival Art Displays: Discover Plein Air artists painting the scenes and capturing the action of the festival in real time. At Kids Alley, there will be interactive displays and activities for the kiddos to participate in the arts themselves!
  • Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
  • Fireworks Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s Firework show at 8:45 PM! This dazzling sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.
  • Go to www.lapeachfest.com/schedule to see all festival events!

EXPERIENCE:

  • Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 consecutive hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Chee-Weez, taking the stage at 9:00 PM.
    – Peach Fest Hack: Bring a lawn chair or blanket in case seating runs out!
  • Kids Alley: Make fun memories in this family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
  • Curated Market: Browse the booths of more than 90 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op.
    – Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out. Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering.

SUNDAY:

After a busy Saturday, sleep in, take Sunday slow and enjoy Ruston’s cozy charm:

EAT:

  • Trios: Enjoy their signature brunch menu in a trendy atmosphere.
  • The Local: Order specialty brunch cocktails and bites in the heart of Downtown.
  • Beau Vines Steakhouse: Not a brunch fan? Dive into a hearty lunch and bottomless mimosas.

SEE:
While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.

EXPERIENCE:
Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.

From peachy treats and live music to charming shops and peaceful parks, the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 76 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories!

To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.