The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from Aug. 24 through Aug. 30.
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.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has issued a progress update regarding the ongoing bridge replacement project on Louisiana Highway 454 over Wiggins Bayou in Avoyelles Parish.
All lanes on LA-454 in both directions at the Wiggins Bayou Bridge remain closed to all through traffic.
The $11 million, 0.178-mile project includes the complete removal of the old concrete girder bridge, installation of a modern precast pre-stressed girder bridge, construction of permanent sheet pile walls, and associated roadway improvements.
Since construction began, crews have demolished and removed the previous bridge structure, carried out major earthwork, and resolved the severe erosion and scour conditions that affected the original crossing. Active operations currently underway include pile driving and the placement of caps and girders.
The project is estimated to be completed by early 2027 (weather permitting).
Motorists traveling through the area must continue utilizing designated state detours:
– Eastbound Traffic: Detour south on LA-107 to LA-454 West.
– Westbound Traffic: Detour north on LA-107 to LA-454 East.
Sheriff David L. Dauzat and the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office remind all motorists to exercise caution, observe all posted detour signage, and allow extra travel time for daily commutes. Please remain mindful of heavy equipment and construction personnel working in and around the project boundaries.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Lester Duhé as the agency’s new Public Affairs Director.
Duhé joins DCFS with a strong background in media relations and public communications. He most recently served as Press Secretary for Attorney General Liz Murrill and the Louisiana Department of Justice, where he acted as the official spokesperson, led the communications strategy for major legal actions, investigations, and initiatives, and managed all public messaging across social and digital platforms.
He previously worked as a reporter and anchor for WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge and KLFY-TV in Lafayette, producing coverage for top-rated newscasts and creating digital content for large audiences. Lester also served as the Communications Director for the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana.
In his new role, Duhé will oversee DCFS communications, press engagement, public messaging, and digital communications strategy.
Press inquiries for DCFS can still be made to dcfspress@la.gov at this time, but in the future can be directly sent to lester.duhe.dcfs@la.gov.
Avoyelles Parish should expect more storms and clouds throughout the coming week. Autumn may be around the corner, but the temperatures still don’t reflect that. High temperatures will range in the lower 90s.
Wednesday, Sept. 9: Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a stray shower or thunderstorm possible. Partly cloudy skies overnight. High near 93, low around 73.
Thursday, Sept. 10: Partly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon; chance of rain 50%. A few clouds from time to time overnight. High near 91, low around 72.
Friday, Sept. 11: Partly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon; chance of rain 40%. Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm after midnight. High around 90, low near 72.
Saturday, Sept. 12: Scattered thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon; chance of rain 50%. Partly cloudy skies overnight. High near 90, low around 72.
Sunday, Sept. 13: Scattered thunderstorms, especially in the morning; chance of rain 40%. A few clouds from time to time overnight. High near 91, low around 72.
Monday, Sept. 14: Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon; chance of rain 40%. A few clouds overnight. High near 93, low around 72.
Tuesday, Sept. 15: Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm in the afternoon; chance of rain 30%. Partly cloudy overnight. High of 92, low of 72.
Isolated and scattered thunderstorms are possible throughout f the forecast window, but none are forecast to be severe. Highest chance of rain will be Thursday, with a 50% chance of rain. Temperatures remain in the 90s, in defiance of the autumn equinox, but no daily temps over 95. Heat index values may exceed 100 degrees during the afternoon, so residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if working outdoors. Seek shelter in the event of thunderstorms.
All Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles customer service centers will be closed Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, for system modernization efforts and staff training.
All private companies contracted to do business with the OMV, including Public Tag Agents and Auto Title Companies, will be unable to perform driver’s license, reinstatement, vehicle registration and title transactions from Saturday, Sept. 12, through Monday, Sept. 14.
Additionally, the OMV’s website, Expresslane.la.gov, and LA Wallet will be temporarily unavailable from Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 13.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is welcoming its largest entering freshman class in three years this fall, with 1,120 first-time freshmen choosing NSU for fall 2026. The class represents a 6 percent increase over last year and continues a trend of growth in Northwestern State’s traditional student population.
The fall 2026 entering class also arrives with one of the strongest academic profiles in recent years, posting an average ACT score of 21.7 and an average high school GPA of 3.4. The class’s average ACT score is well above Louisiana’s average, reflecting the continued strength and academic quality of Northwestern’s incoming students.
The academic strength of the class is further reflected in the 114 high school valedictorians and 22 salutatorians who selected Northwestern State.
“This is the type of growth we want to see at Northwestern,” said NSU President James T. Genovese. “We are attracting talented students who want the complete college experience, and they are choosing a university where they can receive an outstanding education while developing the relationships and experiences that prepare them for life after graduation. The strength of this freshman class is a testament to the work taking place across our university.”
NSU’s reach continues to extend well beyond Natchitoches. Members of the entering class represent 10 states, 25 countries and six continents, creating an increasingly diverse student body while the university simultaneously strengthens its connection to its home community.
A record 112 members of the entering class are from Natchitoches Parish, the largest number in the last decade. NSU also continues to draw students from throughout northwest and central Louisiana. Some of the largest feeder schools include Tioga High School with 28, Airline High School with 27, Parkway High School with 26 and Pineville High School with 24.
Demand for the residential Northwestern experience remains strong. Campus housing is again at 100 percent occupancy, filling University Place I and II, University Columns and Varnado Hall. The second consecutive year of full housing reflects continued demand for the traditional, face-to-face college experience on the Natchitoches campus.
“The numbers within this freshman class tell an exciting story about where NSU is headed,” said Vanner Erikson, director of enrollment at Northwestern State. “We have more first-time freshmen, a strong academic profile, record participation from Natchitoches Parish and students coming to NSU from around the world. When you combine that with full housing, we are seeing important indicators that our focus on the traditional student experience is working.”
Student success is another significant component of the fall 2026 enrollment picture. Northwestern’s first-to-third-semester retention rate reached 70 percent, exceeding the Louisiana average of 64 percent and placing NSU among the strongest-performing institutions in the region.
The retention rate reflects a university-wide emphasis on helping students successfully transition from their first year into their second.
“Recruiting a student is only the beginning,” Erikson said. “Our responsibility is to help that student persist, graduate and ultimately accomplish what brought them to Northwestern in the first place. Seeing 70 percent of our freshmen continue into their second year tells us that the work being done by our faculty and staff is making a difference.”
At the 14-day count, overall fall 2026 enrollment was 8,245 students, compared with 8,402 in fall 2025. The decline was attributable largely to increased degree completion, including students progressing more quickly through accelerated programs.
Graduate enrollment increased to 904 students, and NSU enrolled more dual enrollment students than in fall 2025. These gains reflect continued efforts to expand graduate education, strengthen partnerships with Louisiana high schools and provide flexible pathways for students seeking college credit and advanced credentials.
“Our goal has never been simply to chase a headcount,” Genovese said. “We are focused on sustainable enrollment, attracting students who are prepared to succeed and creating an environment that makes them want to remain at Northwestern through graduation. Growth in our freshman class, strong retention and full residence halls are important signs of progress toward that goal.”
Northwestern continues to serve students throughout Louisiana through its Natchitoches campus, instructional sites and eNSU online programs while expanding recruitment efforts in Louisiana, Texas and other markets. With a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Northwestern offers students the personalized attention of a private education at a public university.
The university has also continued to invest in the student experience, academic programs and facilities, including the $45 million Robert Alost Hall, which opened in fall 2025 as a new academic hub on the Natchitoches campus.
With a larger freshman class, a strong academic profile, record enrollment from its home parish, full residence halls and retention above the state average, Northwestern officials say the fall 2026 enrollment picture provides important evidence that the university’s focus on recruitment, student success and the traditional campus experience is producing results.
“Students and families are recognizing what makes Northwestern special,” Genovese said. “They find outstanding academic programs, faculty and staff who know them personally and a campus community where they can belong. We are proud to welcome this exceptional class to the Demon family.”
Labor Day weekend often marks the unofficial end of summer, but with hot temperatures continuing across Louisiana, families still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy pools, lakes, bayous and other waterways. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is reminding parents and caregivers to make water safety a priority.
“It is important that everyone in your family knows how to swim – children and adults. Swimming lessons are available all across the state. My nephew, Nathan Landry, was the victim of a drowning, so I know all too well the dangers of the water. I don’t want another family to experience that kind of loss. So please, Louisiana, get a swim plan – whether that means getting your children into lessons now or making a plan for next summer,” said DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris.
DCFS encourages families to:
– Always supervise children around water. Put your phone away, stay alert and keep your eyes on children at all times.
– Remember water safety goes beyond the pool. Drowning can happen in lakes, bayous, ponds and even bathtubs.
– Make sure children wear life jackets when they are on a boat or around open water. Use a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved flotation device.
– Consider swimming lessons and CPR training to help prepare your family for emergencies.
– Add barriers around home pools, such as a fence, to help prevent children from accessing the water unsupervised.
“Water safety doesn’t end at the pool,” said DCFS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rebecca Hook. “Water safety is any time your children or your family is in or on the water. Supervising our children without distractions, using a Coast Guard-approved flotation device and having a safety plan are important ways we can help keep our children safe.”
For more water-safety information and resources, visit getaswimplan.ldh.la.gov.
I’m a huge fan of the Little League World Series. There’s so much joy watching baseball at its purest form, kids having fun in a game that has been played for over a century, not worried about how much money they are making.
It’s probably the one time in a young baseball player’s life that money is not a factor. It’s kids playing a game they grew up with on a sandlot or in the side yard of their neighbor’s house.
This is how I learned to play baseball, either on a sandlot or in someone’s backyard. Sure, there were a few broken windows and an occasional broken nose when someone (probably me) lost control of a fastball. But at the end of the day, it was just a part of the game we all loved!
Of course, once a window was broken, we scattered like a covey of quail and ran to our houses as if nothing had ever happened. No one wanted to accept or admit they were responsible for the damage done. But eventually over time, the truth would come out and the person responsible had to pay for the window either by handing over cash or doing yard work for a month, or maybe even both.
While we very seldom had enough players to field a full team, baseball is the only game that I’m aware of where you have ghost runners. That’s right, imaginary runners who could literally fly around the bases. You could play with 3-4 players on a team and make it work, all due to the ghost runner rule.
The thing about growing up in a small Texas town was that there really were neighborhood rivalries. East side vs. West side, North side vs. South side. One elementary school vs. another. The rivalries were real until you got to high school and you became one team.
What is the secret to a winning athletic program? Well, in the town of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, during the 1970s, the athletic talent level was insanely high for such a small town. There were many great athletes coming through MPHS during this time frame. The Mt. Pleasant Tigers had a statewide reputation for winning and doing well in all sports.
Championship teams were a constant and expectations from the community were high. But the one thing I remember the most was the support we had from the school and the community itself.
The leadership came from a lot of people like the mayor, school principals, teachers, booster club members, the student body, auxiliary groups, coaches and our parents, that paved the way for so many championship teams. You cannot put a price on how much community support means.
We took pride in representing Mt. Pleasant High School and looked forward to anyone who wanted to challenge the Mt. Pleasant Tigers in any sport.
I was so blessed to have the opportunity to play for a Texas baseball state championship in 1978 and win. I’ll never forget what our head coach told the team after we won. “Fellows, this win tonight will mean more to you later in life than it does now.” Truer words have never been spoken.
To this day at the young age of 65, it’s the proudest moment I have ever experienced as an athlete including the day I signed to play college football and baseball at Northwestern State. Winning a state title has meant more to me than being drafted by Major League Baseball.
There’s something special about growing up in a small town and winning a state title during your high school years, playing with guys and friends you grew up with.
It’s that closeness and comradery that made us great, along with the talent we possessed as a team. It has made us friends for life as we continue to get together from time to time to celebrate our accomplishment and share the same stories over and over.
The one thing I have noticed over time is just how much better we have gotten with each passing year. That’s right, we’re now legends in our own minds!
How lucky was I to have been a part of such a great community of people who cared about and made sure we had the support we needed to be successful! I would like to say thank you to those who played a part in not only my personal success, but the success of many teams that represented Mt. Pleasant High School. Go Tigers!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
The Avoyelles Parish Library will host ‘Tales & Ales’ – a short story discussion group – at Broken Wheel Brewery on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 5-7pm.
This month’s authors are Eudora Welty and Sandra Cisneros. The selected stories for Welty are “Why I Live at the P.O.” and “A Worn Path.” The selected stories for Cisneros are “Eleven” and “Barbie-Q.”
Louisiana law regarding marijuana on and near school campuses changed effective August 1, 2026. The Avoyelles Parish School Board wants all students, families, and community members to understand what the new law means.
Under Act 305 of the 2026 Regular Session, marijuana possession on school property, within 2,000 feet of school property, or on a school bus can carry serious criminal consequences, including up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.
The law also addresses smoking or vaping controlled dangerous substances in these areas, including THC vape pens.
For students in grades 6–12, school disciplinary consequences are separate from criminal consequences. A first occurrence involving marijuana may result in a recommendation for expulsion. A second or subsequent occurrence requires expulsion for at least two complete school semesters and referral to the district attorney.
Students and families: take a few minutes to review the information in the graphic and talk about the consequences of bringing, possessing, smoking, or vaping marijuana or THC products at or near school.