News

The committee meetings of the East Carroll Police Jury last week were at times heated, especially around procurement concerns of jury equipment and delays in having equipment in service. For the second month in a row, the jury met without financial reports, which technically prevents the committees from taking action or making approvals.

At its most recent meeting, East Carroll Parish School Board Superintendent Meagan Brown presented a general fund budget that she said had no real changes except for the ongoing construction projects. Brown said the district had collected some ad valorem and sales taxes, but were looking for additional collections to add to their budgeted amount.

The Riverbend Animal Sanctuary is set to have one of its most important fundraisers of the year this Saturday – a fundraiser that organizers say could be critical to the operation of the parish’s only animal shelter.

Taylor Isaac said what I was thinking and I appreciate it. At least Briarfield scheduled their spring break the week that we had to go on daylight savings time and lose an hour, mess up everyone’s schedule, have the kids getting up an hour earlier in the dark, and keep us all just confused. It’s been a hard week, but this one promises to be better. That’s my prayer. I am going to get only good news. I feel it.

The deadline to turn in photo submissions for the LSU AgCenter’s 2027 Get It Growing Lawn & Garden Calendar is March 31. Forty photos will be selected by project coordinator Elma Sue McCallum and Ag-Center faculty.

1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 2 cups sliced zucchini or yellow squash 2 cups fresh spinach 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, no salt added 1 cup of low-sodium broth 6 whole‑grain lasagna noodles, broken into pieces ½ cup part‑skim ricotta or small‑curd cottage cheese ½ cup shredded mozzarella Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and vegetables in olive oil until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and broken lasagna noodles.

To help families bring the new Dietary Guidelines recommendations from the USDA into everyday meals, Nutrition & Community Health Agents with the LSU AgCenter are spotlighting dishes that deliver comfort without compromising nutrition. One recipe you can prepare for your family this month is a Vegetable Skillet Lasagna, a one‑pan twist on a familiar favorite that swaps heavy layers for a lighter, veggie‑forward approach.

SNAP benefit signup every Tuesday @ 9:30am-3pm East Carroll Parish Community Action Agency EAST CARROLL PARISH SCHOOL BOARD 1st Tuesday of month @ 6:30 pm • in the Board R oom, Administration building DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICE 1st Thursday of month from 9am-3 pm (lunch 12-1) East Carroll Parish Police Jury office building (old health unit) EAST CARROLL PARISH POLICE JURY COMMITTEES 1st Wednesday of month @ 10am • in the Police Jury Room EAST CARROLL PARISH POLICE JURY Tuesday following committee meetings @ 12 noon • in the Police Jury Room EAST CARROLL HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD 2nd Wednesday of month @ 10am • at Housing Authority, Mike Ave. LAKE PROVIDENCE HOUSING AUTHORITY 3rd Thursday of month @ 12 noon LPHA office, Foster St.

Providence Church will hold a revival of “THE WORD WATCH! Reading the Word of God aloud from Genesis thru Revelation.” Volunteers will read the Bible aloud during the specified time. Reading will begin Palm Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m.

A delivery truck driving down Mill Street last Wednesday afternoon slammed into a utility pole, knocking the pole over and the attached electrical infrastructure into the street. East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s dispatch received its initial call about the incident at approximately 3:21 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to the scene and the street was blocked in both directions to prevent through traffic from coming in contact with the downed power lines and equipment.