As of Oct. 9, Caddo Parish is under a parish-wide burn ban due to the extremely dry conditions and no significant chance of rain in the long-range forecast.
As soon as conditions improve, the ban will be lifted.
Caddo Parish under burn ban
News
Bossier City Makers Fair tomorrow at the Boardwalk
The Bossier City Makers Fair is back this Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11am to 6pm at the Louisiana Boardwalk.
Experience the magic of local creativity as more than 150 makers, artists, and local food vendors fill the Boardwalk with unique, handcrafted treasures — from stunning artwork and jewelry to home décor, soaps, pottery, and mouthwatering baked goods.
Food lovers, come hungry and indulge in a huge variety of food trucks and local eats serving up tacos, BBQ, Cuban and Venezuelan food, southern cuisine, and sweet treats galore.
Enjoy live music, street performers, and plenty of activities for kids — face painting, balloon art, bubbles, games, and more. It’s the perfect day to bring the family, meet local artists, and enjoy the fall weather by the river.
The makers fair is pet-friendly, family-friendly, and 100% FREE – free admission and free parking.
LSUS to hold 27th Annual Pioneer Day on Saturday
When Pioneer Day first started 30 years ago with a handful of living historians and demonstrators, part of its purpose was to educate and attract people to traditional ways of life.
Close to 70 living historians will breathe life into LSUS’s Pioneer Heritage Center, which consists of seven historic structures from the 19th century.
Demonstration groups include blacksmiths, wood carvers, leatherworkers, basket weavers, flint knappers, pottery throwers, and sewers/stitchwork just to name a few.
When the crowds come flowing through the gates Oct. 11 for the 27thannual Pioneer Day, blacksmith Marty Young hopes attendees might pick up a hobby inspired by one of the demonstrators.
“I believe in teaching through demonstration, it’s such a great tool,” said Young, who is also the director of the Pioneer Heritage Center. “Our demonstration groups teach this way at Pioneer Day, but they’d also recruit new members at events like these as well.
“Pioneer Day is a celebration of these traditional methods of doing things, but it’s also about preserving these methods by finding the next generation of people to pass these traditions to.”
While Pioneer Day demonstrations cover a wide variety of techniques and methods, Young notes that demonstrators are aging.
At 53, he’s one of the youngest living historians at Pioneer Day, which lost one demonstrator who passed away and two more to retirement since the 2024 event.
“It’s important to keep these ways of life going because these things can go extinct pretty quickly,” Young said. “The internet and YouTube are useful because anybody can watch a video of a blacksmith or flint knapper or a potter who throws a pot on the wheel.
“But until you put your hand on something and learn to strike it here, put pressure there, or carve like this – you’re not learning the process in a deep and meaningful way. Our demonstration groups would love to help someone get started in the learning process, and most groups conduct regular meetings.”
So when attendees stroll through the property and step inside the Caspiana House, the dogtrot log cabin, the commissary or the doctor’s office, Young hopes that they’re captivated by the people and the methods that made this way of life possible.
And ask how they too can learn a craft.
“You want people to come and get that spark,” Young said. “You hope that everybody who shows an interest will take it up and continue on for a lifetime,” Young said.
The Oct. 11 event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adult tickets cost $5 with students of any age admitted for free.
Vendors will also be selling their craft and wares.
Sales are becoming ever more important to vendors as general inflation also increases costs for materials like wood, coal, metal, thread, cloth and other items used in their demonstrations.
For more information about Pioneer Day or ways to get involved with local folklife groups, contact Young at marty.young@lsus.edu.
‘Empty the Shelter’ event by BISSELL this Saturday at Caddo Parish Shelter
The BISSELL Pet Foundation is sponsoring a national “Empty the Shelter” adoption event with their rescue partners this month, including an event at the Caddo Parish Animal Shelter this Saturday, Oct. 11, 11am to 2pm.
The adoption fee will be reduced from $50 to $25, for that day only, and will include the spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccinations. If anyone is ready to give a shelter animal a FOREVER home, come meet Caddo’s animals. There are so many dogs and cats to choose from, so come check them out. The website at caddo.gov also shows who will be available for adoption that day.
Caddo Parish Animal Shelter
1500 Monty Street
Shreveport, LA 71107
(318) 226-6624
Boil advisory issued after water main break in Princeton
A boil water advisory is in effect for residents along the 8200–8500 blocks of Highway 80 in Princeton after a water main break was discovered early this morning.
To complete emergency repairs, Bossier Parish Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 temporarily shut off water service in the affected area. As a precaution, officials issued a boil advisory.
Residents should:
• Boil tap water for at least one minute before use.
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation.
Water samples will be tested by the Louisiana Department of Health. The advisory will remain in place until results confirm the water is safe.
SPD needs assistance in identifying suspect in voyeurism case
The Shreveport Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in a
voyeurism incident.
On Sunday, Oct. 5, at approximately 1:10pm, a female customer was shopping inside a local
business when a male suspect began following her. The suspect crouched down and used his phone to take several photographs underneath the victim’s dress without her consent.
Fortunately, while the suspect was attempting to secretly record the victim, surveillance cameras inside the store captured clear images of him.
Detectives are now releasing those images to the public in hopes that someone can help identify the suspect.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is urged to contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373. Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible.
Joint investigation leads to armed robbery arrest
Shreveport Police Uniformed Patrol officers responded to a business in the 2000 block of Centenary Boulevard following reports of an armed robbery on Monday, Sept. 15, at approximately 8:42pm.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a male suspect, described as a Black male approximately 6 feet
tall, 230 pounds, and around 40 years of age, entered the store armed with a large knife. The suspect rushed behind the counter, threatened the clerk, and demanded that she fill a bag with cartons of cigarettes. He then fled the scene on foot, traveling northbound with the stolen items.
As detectives pursued leads, a collaborative effort between the Shreveport Police Department’s Violent
Crimes Unit, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana Probation and Parole developed. On Tuesday,
Oct. 7, at approximately 1pm, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Solly Thompkins (DOB: 12/08/1961). During the search, detectives recovered evidence directly linked to the armed
robbery.
Following the discovery, probable cause was established, and Thompkins was taken into custody at the
Shreveport Police Department Detective’s Office. He was later transported to the Shreveport City Jail, where he was booked on one count of Armed Robbery.
The Shreveport Police Department is grateful for the assistance provided by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana Probation and Parole in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.
DOTD provides updates for ongoing projects in Caddo-Bossier
In its “Weekly Wins” feature, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) provided updates and announcements on several ongoing projects in Caddo and Bossier parishes.
U.S. 80 Overlay Project Complete (Bossier Parish) – The official completion of the U.S. 80 asphalt overlay project near Haughton has arrived approximately four months ahead of schedule. DOTD and the contractor coordinated to conduct paving operations and other tasks as efficiently as possible, particularly in the high traffic areas of the project.
I-20 Major Rehab Project (Bossier Parish) – Concrete paving operations are well underway on the Airline Drive on- and off-ramps, as well as the Barksdale Boulevard/Benton Road ramps that are currently closed. Airline Drive ramps should reopen in late October 2025. Project is 95% complete at this time. Its estimated completion is late 2025/early 2026.
U.S. 171 (Hearne Avenue) Overlay Project (Caddo Parish) – A project kicked off this week that will provide repairs to a 4.6-mile section of U.S. 171 (Hearne Avenue) from LA 3132 to U.S. 80 in Shreveport. Project includes full-depth patching, drainage repairs, new asphalt paving, and signage/striping. Its estimated completion is late spring 2026.
LA 530 Overlay Project (Caddo Parish) – Another project kicked off in Caddo Parish this week to repair a 5.3-mile section of LA 530 near Oil City. Project includes full-depth patching, drainage repairs, new asphalt paving, and signage/striping. Its estimated completion is late spring 2026.
I-20 Major Rehab Project (Bossier and Caddo Parishes) – This ongoing I-20 major rehabilitation project from Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive in Bossier Parish also includes extensive concrete repairs in Caddo Parish. Its estimated completion is late 2025/early 2026.
Jimmie Davis Bridge Replacement Project (Bossier and Caddo Parishes) – This ongoing project is building a new four-lane LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge) over the Red River and widening and realignment of LA 511 as well. Its estimated completion is mid-late 2027.
U.S. 80 Overlay Project (Bossier Parish) – This ongoing project provides a patch, mill, and overlay on a five-mile section of U.S. 80 from Flat River to Merrywoods Boulevard in Bossier City/Haughton. Its estimated completion is October 2025.
LA 3227/LA 157 Realignment Project (Bossier Parish) – An ongoing project that will realign and build a new section of LA 3227, creating a new intersection with LA 157 in Haughton. This project (Phase 2) serves to boost economic development in the area with an estimated completion of spring 2026.
LA 160 Bridge Replacements (Bossier Parish) – This ongoing project replaces two bridges on LA 160 over Cypress Bayou and Cypress Bayou Relief with an estimated completion of spring 2026.
LA 3 (Benton Road) Concrete Repairs (Bossier Parish) – This ongoing project is removing and replacing numerous concrete panels on LA 3 (Benton Road) between Old Minden Road and Viking Drive in Bossier City, with nighttime work only during the week. Its estimated completion is late fall 2025.
Bossier Chamber seeking sponsorships for Annual Golf Classic
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for sponsorships for its Annual Golf Classic.
This is a fun tournament for the golfers, but this is also a super fun event for local businesses. Sponsorships are going fast, so check out what’s still available to make an impression on the 120+ golfers who will be in attendance. Oh, and there will be prizes for the best hole sponsor, too.
Now is the time to register to be a sponsor for this year’s event. Return sponsors are welcomed. Registration can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/4kzzwdpk
After Greenwood PD responds to hit-and-run, things turn interesting
The Greenwood Police Department responded to a hit-and-run late last week that seemed simple at first but upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered an entirely different situation.
Allegedly, the victim chased the suspect vehicle down and rammed it twice. Apparently, the victim’s grandmother was in the car with the victim-turned-suspect begging him to stop. The initial suspect vehicle was immobilized.
The driver of the immobilized vehicle exited and ran from the other driver, who was reportedly brandishing a knife. A foot chase ensued between the drivers across a waterlogged field.
Both drivers were arrested. Impairment was being investigated by officers on scene.
Hit and Run, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, and Aggravated Assault are a few of the charges these drivers/suspects are facing.
BAC announces leadership shift
The Bossier Arts Council has announced that their organization is experiencing a shift in leadership as Brittainy Pope steps away from her role as the Executive Director of the Bossier Arts Council.
Brittainy originally took on her leadership role in September of 2022, almost exactly three years ago. During her time with BAC she made great efforts in forging connections with the locals of the community, spearheading programs that highlighted artists with a focus on music, theatre, and the performing arts, and facilitating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all creatives within the twin-cities.
As BAC transitions into this new chapter, they wish her good fortune on her new endeavors and thank her for all of the work, time, and dedication she has given to the mission in support of the arts.
DOTD provides update on LA 3227 realignment at LA 157
DOTD has announced that progress continues on Phase 2 of a $6.5 million project to build a new section of LA 3227 and realign its intersection with LA 157 in the Town of Haughton in Bossier Parish.
Beginning on Monday, Oct. 13, LA 3227 near its existing intersection with LA 157 will close to allow the contractor for the project to remove the old portion of LA 3227 and tie it in with the newly constructed section.
There will be access to LA 3227 from LA 157. The closure on LA 3227 will take place between Aqua Drive and Delacriox Street. Westbound motorists on LA 3227 wishing to access the businesses will need to detour utilizing Delacroix Street to LA 157 back to LA 3227.
Once LA 3227 reopens in March 2026, the existing intersection at LA 157 will shift to right-in/right-out only. Motorists wish to travel south on LA 157 will need to proceed to the new intersection located just south of the Pilot Truck Stop.
The traffic signal will be moved from its current location to the new LA 3227/LA 157 intersection.
The entire project is anticipated to be complete in Spring 2026, weather and other factors permitting.
As a reminder, Phase 1 was completed in Summer 2024, and included the widening of LA 157 from two to five lanes, as well as other preparatory work ahead of Phase 2 construction.
Mosquito control update from Bossier Parish Highway Department
As cooler temperatures settle in, more residents are enjoying late-afternoon walks and outdoor activities. To help keep nuisance mosquitoes at bay, the Bossier Parish Highway Department is continuing its mosquito spraying efforts across the parish.
Over the next couple of weeks, three trucks will be deployed to cover the parish, reducing mosquito populations and making outdoor time more enjoyable for everyone.
If members of the public see a mosquito spray truck in their area, maintain a safe distance and avoid walking or biking directly behind the vehicle. The spray is effective but should not be inhaled or contacted directly.
Fatal train vs. vehicle crash under investigation
Shreveport Police dispatchers received a report of a major crash involving a train and a motor vehicle at East 85th Street near Fairfield Avenue on Monday, Oct. 6, at approximately 2:09am. Due to the severity of the incident, both Shreveport Police and Fire personnel responded.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered that two occupants of the vehicle had sustained fatal injuries and
were pronounced deceased at the scene by Shreveport Fire Department personnel.
The Shreveport Police Crash Investigations Unit was notified and responded to the scene. Preliminary
findings indicate that a maroon 2011 Nissan Armada was traveling eastbound on East 85th Street when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle drove around the lowered warning arm at the railroad crossing while the red warning lights were active and flashing. The Nissan continued across the tracks and was struck on the driver’s side by a northbound Kansas City Southern freight train.
The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, ejecting occupants before coming to rest. The driver and a rear passenger did not survive. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office responded and assumed custody of the
deceased.
While conducting death notifications, investigators located a third occupant of the vehicle at a residence
associated with the family. The individual, who stated he had been riding in the front passenger seat,
confirmed that the driver disregarded the activated crossing arms before the train struck the vehicle. He was transported to Ochsner LSU Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
The circumstances of the crash, including final determinations on occupant seating positions, remain under active investigation by the Shreveport Police Crash Investigations Unit.
Ray appeal on Landry Anglin murder sentence denied
The life sentence of Kenmichael Dano Ray, 26, convicted in June 2024 of second-degree murder for the May 1, 2022, gunshot slaying of 13-year-old Shreveporter Landry Anglin, has been affirmed by the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal.
In a decision rendered Wednesday, October 1, Justices Jeff Cox, James M. Stephens and Jefferson R. Thompson upheld Ray’s conviction and application of the mandatory life-without-parole sentence imposed by District Judge Ramona Emanuel.
The justices rejected defendant Ray’s argument that the Caddo court erred in three ways. Ray argued the state failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt that he did not act in self-defense, that the court erred in not instructing the jury about his self-defense claim, and that the record appears to indicate he was prejudiced by alternate jurors being allowed to participate in jury deliberations.
The justices considered all assignments of error in detail and dismissed all as having no merit.
Caddo Parish’s First District Court was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Tommy J. Johnson, Ron C. Stamps and Alex L. Porubsky. The Louisiana Appellate Project, through Christopher A. Aberle, represented Kenmichael Ray.
Ray’s docket No. was 389215. The Court of Appeal decision is No. 56,426-KA.
SPAR provides Cross Lake boat launch update
Work is underway on the parking lot improvements at the Municipal Pier & Boat Launch, that is the Cross Lake boat launch. While crews had planned to wrap up last week, the project timeline has shifted slightly.
The good news? SPAR expects the boat launch to reopen next week with a fresh new surface that’s safer and smoother for everyone.
SPAR thanks the public for its patience as they put those tax dollars to work on this exciting upgrade.
In the meantime, boaters can still use alternative launch sites around Cross Lake, including:
- Melvin’s Landing
- Barron’s Landing & Marina
- Ark-La-Tex Landing
- Johnson’s Fishing Camp
- Shreveport Yacht Club
Fatonious Ballard guilty of murder, gun crime
A Shreveport man was convicted of second-degree murder Thursday, October 2, in Caddo District Court, as well as an associated gun charge.
The seven-woman, five-man jury in District Judge John D. Mosely Jr.’s court unanimously determined that Fatonious Darell Ballard, 32, shot and killed Dwight Green, 29, at a barbeque grill near the intersection of Broadway and Cleveland avenues on Feb. 18, 2024. Before Ballard could flee, he was in turn shot in a leg by another individual. The jury also unanimously found Ballard guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Ballard will return to court Oct. 21 for any post-trial motions. When he is sentenced, he faces at least five and up to 20 years at hard labor for the weapons conviction, and a mandatory life sentence without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence for second-degree murder.
Ballard was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William Edwards and Kodie K. Smith. He was defended by Casey Simpson and Caleb Traylor.
The case was docket No. 400341.
Two cited for selling alcohol to underage persons
Two individuals were cited for the illegal sale of alcohol to underage persons during an operation conducted by the Caddo Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, according to Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr.
Detectives Jared Marshall and Roosevelt Tadlock carried out an underage alcohol sales operation at 11 businesses throughout both the northern and southern areas of Caddo Parish on Sept. 30. Nine of these businesses complied with the regulations and refused to sell alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
The following list includes the names of the employees whose addresses were issued summonses for selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21, which is a violation of the law.
– Cheri Morgan, 6230 Colquitt Road, Keithville, LA 71047
– Vicki Hailey, 6950 Mira Myrtis Road, Ida, LA 71044 (was also cited for not having an ABO card on her person).
CPSO seeks owner of a horse, two donkeys
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the owner of a horse and two donkeys that were found running loose on Sept. 28 in the 11500 block of Bethany State Line Road. The owner has 10 days to claim the animals before they are sold at auction. For more information, contact Lieutenant Scoggins at 318-681-1100.
Gain St. fire victim succumbs to injuries
The fire victim who was rescued from a house fire that occurred in the 1700 block of Gain Street on Sept. 28 has died. The male victim, rescued by Shreveport firefighters, ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 3 per reports provided by Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office.
This death marks the eighth fire-related death for the City of Shreveport in the year 2025.
Book signing Tuesday with author Anthony L. Mullins at Bossier Central Library
Bossier Parish Libraries has announced a book signing with Anthony L. Mullins, author of the book Evie, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 2 p.m.
Mr. Mullins resides in Webster Parish. In his recently-published Halloween-inspired book Evie, he recreates his childhood adventures with his brother.
The public can meet with Mr. Mullins at the Bossier Central Library and listen to a special reading at 3pm by his wife, Carol Mullins. Autographed books will be available for $20.
Inmate death at local hospital being probed by Shreveport PD
The Shreveport Police Department is investigating the death of an inmate who passed away at a local
hospital.
On Sept. 20, a female was arrested for Entering and Remaining After Forbidden. On Oct. 2, she was transported from the Shreveport City Jail to Ochsner LSU Health for a medical evaluation in accordance with department policy regarding infectious diseases.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the female began experiencing additional health complications, which caused her condition to worsen. Despite medical efforts, she passed away today, Oct. 3, as a result of these
suspected health issues.
Detectives with the Shreveport Police Department’s Investigations Division are reviewing all aspects of this incident. Initial findings indicate that the female’s death appears to be the result of a catastrophic medical event.
SPD will release the name of the individual once next of kin has been notified.
No further information is available at this time.
Shreveport Police seek public’s help identifying suspects in shooting
Shreveport Police patrol officers responded to the 2800 block of Lillian Street in reference to a reported shooting on Oct. 1 at approximately 5:13pm.
Upon arrival, officers located a female victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers also observed that the victim’s vehicle had sustained damage consistent with gunfire. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Detectives with the Shreveport Police Violent Crimes Unit were summoned to the scene and immediately
began their investigation. Surveillance images obtained from the incident show the suspects and the vehicle they arrived in. In the final image, a female suspect can be seen exiting the vehicle and driving away while the shooters walk toward an alley, where they waited for the victim.
The suspects in this case are considered armed and dangerous. Investigators are asking for the public’s
assistance in identifying and locating them.
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of these individuals is urged to contact the
Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373 or use the P3 Tips app. Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
SPD seeking public’s assistance to identify theft suspect
Detectives with the Shreveport Police Department are trying to identify this gentleman who seems to keep forgetting to pay at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Bert Kouns. Since July of last year, he’s walked out with meat and cleaning supplies more than 11 times.
If anyone knows who he is, give SPD a call at 318-673-7300 or stay anonymous with Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.