Pamela Sleezer

A chance meeting with a global business owner last year led to what officials are calling a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the Beauregard Parish animal control kennel to receive a desperately needed renovation this year. Sheriff Mark Herford confirmed to the American Press this week that Cathy Bissel…

Four artists from Southwest Louisiana will be featured in an exhibit in southern France this summer that highlights the intriguing history and culture behind “No Man’s Land.” Beauregard Parish artist Joey Governale and Vernon Parish artists Isabelle Massart-Bursh, Tony McDonald, and photographer Ric…

Serving on a team that works together to achieve goals for the greater good has been one of Deputy Chief Darren Hall’s most passionate goals over his 29-year career in law enforcement. Hall was appointed as Deputy Police Chief for the DeRidder Police Department in March of 2020. During his interview…

The hard work and dedication contributed daily for more than 20 years by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Montgomery was rewarded recently when he was promoted to lieutenant and made public relations officer at the Bell City Law Enforcement Center. Now Lt. Montgomery is responsible for the ov…

Vernon Parish voters approved the continuation of a 10 mills tax on Saturday to benefit the West Vernon Parish Waterworks District, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office. Of the 115 total votes cast, 73 percent, or 84 votes, were cast in favor of the tax continuation.…

Beauregard Parish Deputy Brittany Smart was praised recently by Sheriff Mark Herford for her outstanding service to the department, naming her the BPSO Deputy of the Month. A 2004 graduate of DeRidder High School, Smart worked in the medical billing and coding field while attending McNeese State Uni…

A Leesville man charged with handcuffing and chaining his mentally impaired fiancé in a bedroom for days against her will received additional charges this week. Robert Allen McCrary, 30, was arrested on June 23 and was charged with false imprisonment and domestic abuse battery, but on Friday Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft announced that additional […]

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Detective Michelle “Shelli” Fontenot was recognized last week for her hard work and determination when she was awarded the 2022 Law Enforcement Officer Distinguished Service Award by the Louisiana Bankers Association. Fontenot said she was grateful…

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Cpt. Tracy Darbonne was recognized recently for her ongoing dedication to the state’s D.A.R.E. program when she was presented with the 2022 D.A.R.E. Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony in Opelousas. Darbonne has been with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Offi…

A motion to begin the process of filling the soon to be vacant seat of Superintendent of the Beauregard Parish School Board failed Tuesday afternoon after a 4-4 split vote by board members. Board members David Vidrine, Cassie Henry, Wesley Taylor and Casey Jones voted in favor of the motion that wou…