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The cooler months are ideal for planting many tree species in Louisiana. Staking newly planted trees can offer much-needed support as they start to put down roots — especially in the case of large trees. “When you get that instant effect from a mature tree being put into the landscape, you’ve got a lot of top-heavy growth, but you don’t have the root ball to accommodate that,” said Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station. “Staking is a great method to be able to give a little bit of stability to the tree as it’s integrating into its new landscape.” Staking prevents the root ball from shifting and incurring damage while the tree acclimates to its surroundings. To reap the benefits of staking, however, you must do it properly. Follow these steps from Abdi for the best results. Step 1: Install stakes Gather two to three stakes about 6 feet long. Many people use metal fenceposts or rebar. Place the stakes in the native soil surrounding the tree, spacing them equally.

Arrests as of January 5, 2026: East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office: 1/1/26 - Autron King, 26, burglary, possession of firearm by a convicted felon. $50,000 bond.

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 Media 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.

Food Distribution - Jan. 27, 2026 • 10am • parking lot, First Baptist Church • Doris James, 559-1543..

H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is causing mortalities in wild birds in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) said recently. Most mortalities have been detected in southwest Louisiana.

Two East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s deputies were working security at a blues concert when they heard gunshots on Sparrow Street. Tystin White and Greg Campbell headed into the area of the gunshots and immediately spotted four individuals fleeing the scene. One of the individuals was carrying an assault rifle. White said that a man allegedly fired several shots into a car. In his haste to flee from the shooter and after suffering five gunshot wounds, the driver lost control of his vehicle, causing it to flip several times before coming to rest upside down.

Louisiana will leverage an anticipated $1 billion in federal funding for rural health care over the next five years by expanding existing training programs and creating new financial incentives for medical professionals to work in rural communities.

Registration for the Bayou League Youth Football program is scheduled to begin on New Year’s Day and continue through February 28th. Organizers Tystin White and Gregory Campbell have organized the league to give area youth the opportunity to compete in a competitive sport. “We need something for our kids,” White said. “This league will stimulate mental and physical health, promote a sense of belonging, and give our youth something constructive to care about.” These activities are tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit, he added.

January 2026 THURSDAY 8 DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICE 9am-3pm (lunch 12-1) East Carroll Parish Police J ury office building (old health unit) FRIDAY 9 Chair exercise for adults • 10am • ECP Library SATURDAY 10 Signups continue for Bayou League Youth Football and Cheer • ages 6-12 • Cost is $140 for football, $100 for cheer • call 318-418-7219 or 318-418-0362 for mor info • register here: www.zortssports.com/ join/league/23723 SUNDAY 11 MONDAY 12 Chair exercise for adults • 10am • ECP Library TUESDAY 13 SNAP benefit signup 9:30am-3pm East Carroll Parish Community Action Agency EAST CARROLL PARISH POLICE JURY 12 noon • in the Police Jury Room WEDNESDAY 14 Chair exercise for adults • 10am • ECP Library EAST CARROLL HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD 10am • at Housing Authority, Mike Ave. THURSDAY 15 LAKE PROVIDENCE HOUSING AUTHORITY 3rd Thursday of month @ noon LPHA office, Foster St.