News

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.

The East Carroll 4-H junior leaders spent part of their December bringing the true spirit of the holiday season to life by providing winter essentials and holiday gifts for low-income families in their community.

Most of the country will have its eyes turned toward New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl today as number two Georgia takes on number six Ole Miss. For East Carroll Parish residents, the game resonates with a personal connection. Wydett Williams Jr., the son of East Carroll’s sheriff and clerk of court, will take the field with the Ole Miss Rebels, bringing pride and excitement to his many relatives, friends and just plain fans in Lake Providence.

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Arrests as of December 28, 2025: East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office: 12/16/25 - Marcus Bland, 36, domestic abuse battery by strangulation. Bond $50,000.