Bienville Parish FPD 7 fights forest fire
On Sept. 28, Bienville Parish Fire Protection District 7 experienced a fire that burned approximately 35 acres of pine forest. The crews from Fire District 7 set up for structure protection and Louisiana Department of Forestry plowed lines around the fire to contain it. On Sept. 29, the fire jumped the lines. At this point it estimated that approximately 160 acres were burned.
Fire crews from District 7, 1, 4 and 6 from Bienville were deployed to protect homes and a medium-sized gas plant. Crews from Quitman and Hodge fire joined in the fight as well. Forestry sent seven (7) bulldozers to plow lines around the fire. The volunteer crews stayed on scene until approximately 11:30pm that night. The fire has been confirmed to have burned 208 acres.
No homes were damaged, and the gas plant was protected. FPD 7 thanks all of the surrounding departments for the assistance and immediate response to this event. Thanks to everyone on District 7 for the dedication to help protect others when they have to get up the next day and go to work.
Alexandria International Airport now offers Gateside by TSA PreCheck™
ALEXANDRIA– The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now testing a new program, Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which allows TSA PreCheck® members and individuals with Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs) to access participating airports’ post-security area without a departing flight. This no-cost authorization is now available at select U.S. airports, including Alexandria International Airport (AEX). TSA plans to offer the program at additional airports in the coming months.
Gateside by TSA PreCheck expands upon traditional airline gate pass access, which is limited to special circumstances like accompanying a minor, a person with a disability, or a military service member. With an approved Gateside pass, eligible non-travelers can meet arriving passengers at the gate, accompany departing travelers, or enjoy airport amenities beyond security. Passes are valid for one calendar day, with same-day re-entry allowed.
Shreveport Police seize 17 firearms, ammunition and suspected narcotics in investigation
Shreveport Police Department patrol officers responded Oct. 5 to a treatment center in the 1300 block of Line Avenue after Mathew Bailey reportedly became angry when denied medication, left the facility and returned with three pistols in his waistband.
SPD patrol officers took Bailey into custody, and the Violent Crimes Abatement Team began an investigation. VCAT recovered two additional firearms from Bailey’s vehicle and developed information that led investigators to his residence in Vivian.
Working with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigators executed a search warrant. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 17 firearms, several thousand rounds of ammunition, 60 magazines and suspected narcotics.
Bailey was booked for simple assault. Additional weapons and narcotics charges are pending.
Bossier Parish man dies after being struck by front-end loader at west Shreveport work site
Antonio Harper, 40, of Princeton, Louisiana, was killed Monday evening after being struck by a front-end loader at an industrial work site in the 2700 block of East 70th Street in west Shreveport. Emergency responders pronounced Harper deceased at the scene at 7:48 p.m. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office identified him. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the heavy machinery accident.
Claiborne school board adopts new budget, sets October meeting on tax election
The Claiborne Parish School Board unanimously adopted its 2026-27 General Fund and Special Revenue Fund budgets during its Sept. 10 meeting and scheduled an October meeting to consider calling an election on a proposed property tax.
The board voted 9-0 to adopt the budgets for the fiscal year that began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2027. One board member, Mark Perot, was absent.
The board also unanimously approved the final revision of its 2025-26 budget.
The upcoming tax election was also addressed. Board President Perry Anderson read a notice into the minutes stating that the board plans to consider, at its Oct. 15 meeting, a resolution ordering and calling an election in the Claiborne Parish Consolidated School District to authorize the levy of an ad valorem tax.
The Oct. 15 meeting was approved after the board voted 9-0 to reschedule its October meeting.
Winnfield man arrested after shooting, overnight manhunt
A Winnfield man is in custody facing multiple felony charges following an overnight manhunt that began after a shooting on Oct. 1, according to the Winnfield Police Department.
Andrew Smith, 43, of Winnfield, was arrested and booked into the Winnfield City Jail. He faces charges of aggravated battery, aggravated second-degree battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, criminal damage to property, and trespassing.