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Articles by Curtis Heyen
Panel to discuss Shreveport’s water system, fire stations, police station and substations
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — A potential economic development project as well as the status of Shreveport’s water system, fire stations, police station and police substations will be discussed Tuesday (April 8). The topics will be taken up at 1:30 p.m. that day by the City Council’s Planning & Infrastructure/GIS Committee, which last met Feb. 25. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held in the Government Chamber on the first floor of Government Plaza, 505 Travis St. in Shreveport.
Train hits 18-wheeler in Arcadia; police capture collision on video Original
ARCADIA, La. (KSLA) — A train struck a tractor-trailer rig that was stalled or otherwise stuck on the tracks in downtown Arcadia late Thursday (April 3) morning. And Arcadia police captured video of it happening. The train can be heard blasting its horn moments before the collision. ‼️Actual Footage of accident of Semi and Train collision ‼️ Posted by Arcadia Police Department on Thursday, April 3, 2025 There’s no immediate word of any injuries. As for the 18-wheeler, it has extensive damage.
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Bienville Parish man drowns while fishing near Lake Bistineau dam
LAKE BISTINEAU, La. (KSLA) — The search will resume at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 21) for the body of a Bienville Parish man who drowned near the Lake Bistineau dam in Bossier Parish, the Bossier Sheriff’s Office reports. He has been identified by family members as 55-year-old Kenneth Gibson, of Ringgold. Gibson and his nephew were fishing near the dam about 1 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 20) when they decided to try to cross a rock shelf that had swift water flowing over it, Sheriff Julian Whittington said.
Shooting at Bossier High stemmed from fight between man in his 40s, group of juveniles
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) — There has been a shooting at Bossier High School in Bossier City. The shooting occurred in a stadium parking lot behind the school during a school spirit night Monday (Aug. 19), authorities said. The sheriff’s office says a fight broke out between Anthony Hughes, 43, and a group of juveniles.
Blaze burns house on Denny Drive that also caught fire last month
CADDO PARISH, La. (KSLA) — Fire officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the recurrence of a house fire in Caddo Parish. The single-family home in the 8800 block of Denny Drive was fully involved in flames when firefighers from Caddo Fire District 4 arrived about 2:15 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 18). “This property had previously experienced a fire last month,” CFD 4 spokesman John Phelan said. Crews managed to bring the blaze under control within 15 minutes of their arrival.
Man dies after being struck by vehicle at N. Hearne at Hilry Huckaby III
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — A Shreveport man died after apparently being struck by a vehicle while walking along a busy highway in north-central Shreveport early Thursday morning (Aug. 15), authorities report. The Caddo coroner’s office has identified him at 31-year-old Melvin Linear Jr. He was discovered by Shreveport police just after 2:20 a.m. when officers responded to a passerby’s report of a man down in the highway at North Hearne and Hilry Huckaby III avenues, the coroner’s office reports.
Plans underway for 2025 Humor & Harmony?
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Well before the four-day weekend ended, the host of Humor & Harmony already is talking about plans for the next one. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is on social media indicating he’s ready to do Humor & Harmony Weekend in Shreveport again in 2025. One thing though, he says in a Facebook post made at lunchtime Sunday, “We are going to need more hotels and pools down here next year... I’ve got work to do... 😂 ✈️.” A number of Humor & Harmony Weekend events sold out.
LDH confirms 2 West Nile cases in NWLA
(KSLA) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed two cases of West Nile Virus in Northwest Louisiana. There was one each in Bossier and Caddo parishes, according to the latest surveillance report. Both cases were the neuroinvasive type. “This is really the month for it. We are starting to see an increase” in West Nile cases, LDH spokesman Kevin Litten said. While still rare, West Nile Virus is the most common disease the can be contracted from a mosquito bite.
Humor & Harmony Weekend FAQ
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux held a news conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 6) on the first floor of Government Plaza at 505 Travis St. THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE>>> The announcement focused on the city’s plans for the Humor & Harmony weekend, which starts Thursday.
New law lets homeschooled students take part in athletics, extracurricular activities
(KSLA) — If you are a parent of a homeschooled student, field trips might have gotten a bit more exciting. Louisiana now has mandated that homeschool students can apply or try out for public school activities, including extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics, at a public school in their attendance zone. Private school homeschoolers had been barred from public school athletics since 1970.
New law lets homeschooled students take part in athletics, extracurricular activities
(KSLA) — If you are a parent of a homeschooled student, field trips might have gotten a bit more exciting. Louisiana now has mandated that homeschool students can apply or try out for public school activities, including extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics, at a public school in their attendance zone. Private school homeschoolers had been barred from public school athletics since 1970.
Shreveport announces winners of water tower art competition
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — The City of Shreveport and Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) announced the winners of the water tower art contest Tuesday (July 30). Artist Terri Rhodes White won for her designs, “Celebrating All” for the St. Vincent elevated storage tank, and “City on the Red” for the Linwood elevated storage tank. “When one wants to convey a message of ‘love’ or ‘welcome,’ a gift of flowers often comes to mind.
Bossier City Charter Commission to undergo shakeup, revisit some of its previous actions
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) — There will be a change in the membership and leadership of Bossier City’s Home Rule Charter Commission when the panel meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday (July 29) in the Bossier City Council chambers at 620 Benton Road. [Watch the Bossier City Charter Commission meeting] On the agenda is acceptance of the resignations of Commissioners Preston Friedly and Panderina Soumas. The commission then intends to entertain nominations for two new members and select a new chairman.
4 indicted on murder charges; another charged with rape
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — A Caddo grand jury recently indicted five people, including four on charges of second-degree murder. The panel formally charged 27-year-old Michael Keith McKnight with two counts of second-degree murder and 37-year-old Lederrick Dewayne Gant, of Shreveport, 40-year-old Shemika Draper Johnson and 44-year-old Keelon Bernard Nelson with one count each of second-degree murder.
Bossier City man convicted of raping one child, behaving indecently with another over several years
BENTON, La. (KSLA) — A Bossier City man faces a mandatory life sentence after being convicted of raping a child over a period of several years. A Bossier District Court jury unanimously found 52-year-old Cristian Jose Vargas Borbon guilty of first-degree rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile under the age of 13. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 12.
Speckles goes missing at Natchitoches; livestock agents seek help finding the mini donkey
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KSLA) — It’s now been days since Speckles went missing near Natchitoches. Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission agents are looking for the mini donkey and are asking for the public’s help in finding her. An undisclosed reward is being offered to anyone who knows where Speckles is. A notice released late Friday night said the mini donkey went missing within the previous couple of days.
LaDowns celebrating the Fourth by paying tribute to the late Toby Keith
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) — Watching fireworks, enjoying a Toby Keith tribute concert and getting to see horse races named after the late country music star’s most popular songs. That’s how folks are celebrating the Fourth of July at Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino at Interstate 20 at Interstate 220 in Bossier City. Keith, who died Feb. 5 after a stomach cancer diagnosis, was an overt patriot whose second love was horse racing.
Teenager dies of gunshot wound
NATCHITOCHES, La. (KSLA) — A 16-year-old is dead. Now Natchitoches police are investigating to learn who is responsible for the homicide. It was about 5:35 p.m. Wednesday (July 3) when officers were sent to the 1500 block of Sabine Street in reference to a gunshot victim. It’s there that they found the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound. The 16-year-old was taken to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has an eye on creating gateway for Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is buying up properties in downtown Shreveport with an eye on improving the first impression the city has on visitors, his representatives said. “I would say 10 or more properties at this point, and we have more under contract and we actually are looking at more properties,” said G-Unit Realtor Gerod Durden, PSA, MRP. “And these are, of course, all cash sales.
Fajardo assumes command of Red River Army Depot
RED RIVER ARMY DEPOT, Texas — Col. Jonathan W. Meisel has relinquished command of Red River Army Depot, a post he’s held since July 14, 2022. “I leave here extremely proud of this depot and our work force,” he said. “At Red River Army Depot, we manufacture, remanufacture and repair equipment or support those who do. It takes every one of you to ensure our success. Thank you for all your efforts to continually support our mission.” Succeeding Meisel as the depot’s 45th commander is Col. Denis J.
Ex-Natchitoches Parish teacher accused of behaving indecently with a student
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KSLA) — A former Natchitoches Parish schoolteacher is accused of sending inappropriate messages to a student by phone and on social media. Marques D. Washington, 32, of Natchitoches, was arrested Tuesday (June 25) and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile. His arrest stems from an ongoing investigation the Sheriff’s Office began when patrol deputies responded to a complaint filed June 15.
3 hurt when stolen UTV crashes while fleeing from Natchitoches sheriff’s deputies
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KSLA) — Three people on a stolen utility terrain vehicle were hurt when they tried to flee from Natchitoches sheriff’s deputies, the Natchitoches Sheriff’s Office reports. Deputies identified two men, ages 21 and 23, and a 19-year-old woman as the UTV’s occupants. All three were taken to a regional trauma center with treatment of injuries that authorities said did not appear to be life-threatening. Their names have not been released.
Fire damages Holly Street residence
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Shreveport firefighters are on the scene of a fire on Holly Street. About 17 units responded to the call that came in at 3:34 p.m. Sunday (June 23), Caddo 911 dispatch records show. Neighbors said it’s a residential fire. Someone apparently was cooking and went outside, they said. Neighbors said they then saw smoke coming out and went to grab a fire extinguisher, but the fire already had grown. There’s no immediate word on whether anyone was hurt or on what caused the fire.
Let the Good Times Roll, with the festival’s new HBCU Homecoming, gets underway
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Friday marked Day One for the 2024 Let the Good Times Roll Juneteenth Festival and its good music, food and fun. Dancing, celebrating HBCUs and more also were available in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza. Festival Chairman Lyndon Johnson said the inaugural night of the new homecoming feature was about showing pride for your college. “So tonight what we are having is whoever brings out the most alumni, they will then be able to be awarded a stipend from us.
3 killed, several injured in high-speed crash involving a stolen car
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA/Gray News) — Three people were killed and four others were injured in a high-speed crash involving a stolen car. At 2:20 a.m. Sunday, deputies with the Caddo Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash. When they arrived, they discovered a stolen 2005 Toyota Camry overturned at the scene. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office identified the deceased victims as Devion Patterson, 19, Jamario Washington, 18, and Zaleia Young, 17. The coroner’s office said all three were dead at the scene.
LaTech student is Miss Louisiana 2024 Original
(KSLA) — A Louisiana Tech University student will represent Louisiana in the Miss America pageant in January. Olivia Grace George, who lives in Ruston, was crowned as Miss Louisiana on Saturday night in Monroe. George, who won a $15,000 scholarship, was selected from a field of 32 young women competing for their share of $64,000 in scholarships.
Crash on Hwy. 1 kills one person, injures two
CADDO PARISH, La. (KSLA) — One person is dead and two are injured as a result of a three-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Caddo Parish. Deputies were called to the scene of the wreck between Scarpengo Road and Roy Road Extension at 5:22 p.m. Monday (June 10). Preliminary investigation shows a silver Chevrolet truck traveling south on Hwy. 1 crossed into the oncoming lane, where it collided head-on with a Ford Edge and sideswiped a Toyota Camry.
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