By Marilyn Miller
The Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) has been in force for almost a year in Dixie Inn, and the residents like it. At least the citizens who showed up to voice their opinions at the June 9 meeting of the Village’s Board of Aldermen do.
“Yes, it’s really a good program,” one citizen said. “We’ve finally got those idiots on Hwy. 80 watching their speed.”
“I think it’s a really good program. It’s not just speeding that is a concern. It’s public safety. And it’s not speed traps!” alderman Nell Finlay agreed.
Kay Hallmark-Stratton, former mayor of Dixie Inn, has seen a lot of scary things on the highways that crisscross her town in the years that she has lived and served there. “For me, it’s not just speeding. Vehicles will get right up on you while you are trying to turn.”
Alderman Judy McKenzie agrees that speeders should be fined, but “there’s a lot going on. We are getting a reputation for being a speed trap.” Alderman McKenzie told the story about her 77-year-old friend who was given his first speeding ticket while trying to find her house (about six weeks ago). She denied arguing with the policeman who gave her friend the $250 “cookie-cutter” ticket. After more “back and forth” discussion, Police Chief Jeff McNeill got up and began handing out copies of Louisiana Legislation outlawing councilmen from harassing or interfering with police officers. He then showed the Board of Aldermen the police officer’s body cam footage from the event, showing that the officer assured McKenzie’s friend that the ticket would not go on his record.
“But he wasn’t speeding,” Alderman McKenzie argued.
“Yes, he was.” Chief McNeill said.
“Anybody driving over the limit deserves a ticket,” someone in the audience offered.
“I’ll bow out and not say another thing,” McKenzie said.
Alderman Finlay spoke up and pointed out that “giving a ticket” is at the discretion of the officer. She then directed the conversation to the “big intersection” in Dixie Inn, claiming that “somebody is going to get killed out there. I suggest that we get flashing signs that say ‘Dangerous Intersection’ and post them at all four sides.”
Alderman Lance Milligan volunteered to talk to a vendor about the cost of the signs. He then made a motion to purchase and install the “danger signs.”
Chief McNeill added that “What we’re doing is not being b— holes here. Until you’ve picked a child up off asphalt because of a speeder…..”
In other business, the board:
Unanimously approved the 2026-27 General Fund and Utility Fund budgets;
Heard from Mayor Donna Hoffoss that the Village of Dixie Inn received an “A” water grade for 2026;
Mayor Hoffoss also announced that the Louisiana Municipal Association will meet June 23 at the Minden Civic Center at 6 p.m. She encouraged aldermen to let her know if they plan to attend;
Adopted the Minden Press-Herald as the official journal for 2026-27;
Adopted the Minutes of the May Regular and Special sessions;
Adopted the Financial Statements for May 2026.