News

A new state agency designed to strengthen the planning, delivery, and oversight of highway and bridge construction across the state will become the overseeing agency for most of the bridges and state highways in East Carroll Parish.

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Preparations are in full swing for the Louisiana Soul Food & Heritage Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, on the grounds of the old and new East Carroll courthouses in Lake Providence. The event is to begin at 11 a.m. and continue to 7 p.m. at 400 First St. in town. Highlights of the festival will be the fourth annual rib cookoff, a car and motorcycle show, vendors selling homemade wares, and food, food, and more food. Entertainment will be provided by local groups and will continue throughout the day. Anyone desiring to have a booth at the festival can contact Juanita Turner, 318-669-4827 or email her at juanita7216@att.net, or contact Bobbie Facen at facen@ bellsouth.net. You can also leave a message on the Soul Food Festival website – https://www.facebook. com/LouisianaSoulFood-HeritageFestival/, and they will make sure you get an application or answer any questions.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Administration (USDA FNA) has approved a temporary waiver allowing all Louisiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot or prepared foods with their SNAP benefits through August 13, 2026, following Tropical Storm Arthur.

The East Carroll Parish Police Jury held its regular meeting last Tuesday, beginning with committee reports from committee meetings held on July 8. For June, the general fund reported revenues of approximately $100,000 against expenses of $113,000, resulting in a $13,000 deficit.

As the 2026 hurricane season unfolds, Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming is urging Louisianans to include a financial disaster plan in their hurricane preparedness. “Louisiana residents are aware of the need for water, non-perishable food and batteries when preparing for hurricanes, but it is essential to have your finances in order as well.

Arrests as of July 13, 2026: East Carroll Parish Sheriff: 7/13/26 - Rodney Branch, 33, disturbing the peace. Bond $300.

Breaking down the town’s fire hydrants for a critical inspection could cause the water to look a little browner than usual, but the problem will be temporary and a boil advisory will not be necessary, according to town clerk, Lee Ann Clement.

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Money taken from the East Carroll Parish School System’s Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funds to pay stipends for teachers could be returned to the school system, contingent on approval from the office of Gov. Jeff Landry, Meagan Brown, district superintendent, told the school board last week.