Former Southwood High School Band Director Indicted on Federal Child Pornography Charges
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana
A former Southwood High School band director has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Lennard Holden, 50, of Shreveport, was indicted Oct. 8, according to an announcement Tuesday from U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. Federal prosecutors allege Holden asked a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and produce a video. The FBI is seeking information from additional potential victims, particularly former Southwood band students between 2011 and 2026. Holden faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted of all charges. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Holden is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
DOTD Announces New Vehicle Width Restrictions on Barksdale Boulevard
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Motorists and commercial vehicle operators traveling along U.S. 71 in south Bossier Parish should prepare for new width restrictions associated with an ongoing $7.9 million roadway improvement project. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that a maximum vehicle width of 10 feet is being implemented in both directions along U.S. 71, also known as Barksdale Boulevard. Vehicles and loads exceeding that width must use an alternate route. The project extends from Shreveport-Barksdale Highway to Sligo Road and includes roadway base repairs, asphalt paving, concrete panel replacement and new pavement markings. Construction began in late September and is expected to continue into early 2027, weather permitting.
Federal Prosecutors Announce Election Integrity Plan During Louisiana Early Voting
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana
Federal prosecutors in western Louisiana announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that they are coordinating with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to enforce federal election laws during early voting and the Nov. 3 general election. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller said the initiative focuses on protecting eligible voters from intimidation, discrimination and unlawful interference while investigating credible allegations of election-related violations. Early voting continues through Oct. 27, excluding Sunday, with polling locations open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters who encounter suspected fraud or voting rights violations may contact local law enforcement, the FBI or the Louisiana Election Integrity Division at 800-722-5305.
Shreveport Symphony Brings Music and Storytelling to Library’s Youngest Readers
Shreve Memorial Library
Shreve Memorial Library will host a special musical storytelling program Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Cedar Grove/Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Ave. The Shreveport Symphony’s Sym-Phonics program is scheduled from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and is designed for children ages 6 and younger. A musician and storyteller will combine literature, music, songs and audience participation to introduce young children to musical expression and imaginative storytelling. The program encourages children to listen, sing and engage with stories through live music. Families seeking additional information may contact the Cedar Grove/Line Avenue Branch at (318) 868-3890.
Shreve Memorial Library Offers Robotics Workshop and Fire Prevention Activities
Shreve Memorial Library
Children and teenagers can participate in educational activities Thursday, Oct. 22, at Shreve Memorial Library’s Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. A fire prevention-themed story time for children ages 5 and younger is scheduled from 10:30 to 11 a.m., featuring books and activities about firefighters and emergency response. From 3:30 to 5 p.m., teenagers ages 12–17 can participate in Teen Time: Think-It Thursdays, an interactive robotics program encouraging experimentation and creative problem-solving. The programs are part of the library system’s continuing effort to provide educational activities for children and families throughout Caddo Parish.
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