GRANT PARISH, La. — Hot and mostly dry conditions will continue across Grant Parish through the weekend, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and heat index values reaching triple digits before rain chances increase early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will begin with patchy fog before 8 a.m. before skies turn sunny. Temperatures are expected to reach around 97 degrees, with heat index values as high as 106 degrees. Winds will be calm before becoming easterly at around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 73.

Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Mostly clear skies are expected Thursday night as temperatures fall to around 69.

The hot and dry pattern continues Friday, with sunny skies and a high near 97 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 70.

Saturday will bring another sunny and hot afternoon with a high near 96 degrees. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 71.

A slight chance of rain returns Sunday, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will remain sunny and hot with a high near 95. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 71.

By Monday, the chance of showers and thunderstorms increases to 40%. Temperatures will ease slightly, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 93.

With heat index values potentially reaching 106 degrees Wednesday and several consecutive days of temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s, residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

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Students at Grant Junior High School are continuing to develop valuable life and leadership skills through the school’s KidsMatter2 program, which has kept participants busy with educational activities and field trips since May.

The KidsMatter2, or KM2, program provides students with opportunities to learn skills they can carry beyond the classroom and share throughout their school and community.

Over the past several months, students have participated in a variety of experiences, including learning proper dinner etiquette before putting those skills into practice during a visit to Tunk’s Cypress Inn.

Other activities have included summer outings, team-building exercises at B22, a trip to the Grand Theater to see Toy Story 5 and a skating outing at Skateville.

While the activities provide students with opportunities to have fun and spend time together, the program also focuses on personal growth, teamwork and practical skills.

KM2 students meet each Thursday to continue building those skills and finding ways to apply what they learn within Grant Junior High and the surrounding community.

School officials said they are proud of the students’ continued growth and accomplishments as the KidsMatter2 program continues throughout the school year.

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Grant Parish Animal Care recently participated in the Ageless Innovation program at Legacy Nursing Home, bringing a special four-legged visitor along to spend time with residents.

The program is designed to provide nursing home residents with companionship and meaningful interaction through companion pets.

Roxy spent the day visiting with residents and providing an opportunity for them to interact with an animal in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Grant Parish Animal Care said the visit served as a reminder of the positive impact animals can have on people of all ages, particularly through the companionship and joy they can provide.

Roxy’s visit was part of an effort to create meaningful moments for residents while highlighting the special connection between people and animals.

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Paul Howard Wright
November 18, 1947 – September 14, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday September 16 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Georgetown Baptist Church
Services: Thursday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Georgetown Baptist Church

Grant Parish Journalpublishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com)

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Two Texas men were arrested following a multi-parish pursuit and the discovery of a drone allegedly carrying approximately $31,000 worth of methamphetamine intended to be smuggled into a federal prison, according to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began when a Grant Parish sheriff’s deputy noticed a vehicle stopped in the middle of Hooper Road. According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy turned around to check on the vehicle, but the driver sped away at a high rate of speed.

Authorities said the resulting pursuit traveled through Grant, Rapides, Winn and Natchitoches parishes before eventually coming to an end.

As the pursuit began, another deputy returned to the location where the vehicle had initially been parked. Investigators said a drone landed nearby with methamphetamine attached to it.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies determined that the occupants of the fleeing vehicle had allegedly been attempting to use the drone to smuggle the drugs into a federal prison. Authorities said that after the men fled, the drone’s battery began running low, causing the aircraft to automatically return to the location from which it had been launched.

The sheriff’s office estimated the methamphetamine attached to the drone had a value of approximately $31,000.

Leroy Rocha, 35, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was arrested on allegations of principal to aggravated flight from an officer, principal to reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of fentanyl and criminal conspiracy.

Javier Hernandez, 31, also of Corpus Christi, was arrested on allegations of taking contraband into a penal institution, aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office also reported that both men are allegedly affiliated with Tango Blast, which the agency described as a Mexican street and prison gang.

The allegations and charges are based on information released by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office. An arrest is not a conviction, and both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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A new Louisiana law that took effect Aug. 1, 2026, increases the potential criminal penalties for possessing marijuana on or near school property, including possible jail time and fines.

Under Act 305 of the 2026 Regular Session, possession of marijuana in a designated school zone can carry a penalty of up to one year of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $1,000.

The law applies on school property, within 2,000 feet of school property and on school buses and covers public and nonpublic elementary, middle and high schools in Louisiana.

The change represents a significant increase in potential consequences for marijuana possession within those areas. According to information released by the State of Louisiana, prior to Aug. 1, possession of 14 grams or less carried a fine of up to $100. Act 305 created a new penalty specifically addressing marijuana possession within a school zone.

The law also specifically addresses smoking and vaping. A provision added under Act 305 applies to individuals who violate drug laws while smoking, vaping or otherwise using a controlled dangerous substance in covered locations. THC vape pens are included.

Another important provision is that a person does not have to know they are within the designated school zone for the law to apply.

Under the statute, lack of knowledge that an offense occurred on or within 2,000 feet of school property is not a defense.

The possibility of a sentence involving hard labor also creates what state officials describe as felony-level exposure, since Louisiana defines a felony as an offense for which an individual may be sentenced to imprisonment at hard labor.

Students may face consequences through the school system in addition to any criminal proceedings. For students in grades six through 12, a first occurrence involving marijuana possession at school, on a school bus or at a school event may result in a recommendation for expulsion. A second or subsequent occurrence requires expulsion for at least two complete school semesters and referral to the district attorney, according to the state notice.

The new provisions apply statewide and are intended to strengthen restrictions on controlled substances in and around Louisiana schools.

With the law now in effect, residents should also be aware of the size of the covered area. A 2,000-foot school zone extends approximately 667 yards — more than one-third of a mile — from school property.

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GRANT PARISH, La. — Hot and humid conditions will continue across Grant Parish through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures in the low to mid-90s and daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 94 degrees. Heat index values could climb as high as 102 degrees during the afternoon. There will be a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Winds will be calm before becoming easterly around 5 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 73.

Thursday will remain mostly sunny with a high around 93 degrees. Rain chances will increase slightly, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 72.

A better chance for rainfall arrives Friday. Showers will be possible during the day, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 40%. Otherwise, skies will remain mostly sunny with a high near 93 degrees. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 73.

Saturday will bring another 40% chance of rain, beginning with a slight chance of showers before increasing to a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. The high will reach around 94 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73.

Conditions become somewhat drier Sunday, with sunny skies, a high near 94 degrees and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72.

Looking ahead to Monday, mostly sunny conditions are expected with a high near 93 degrees and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

While no widespread washout is currently expected, residents with outdoor plans should keep an eye on the sky, particularly during the afternoon hours Friday and Saturday when rain chances will be highest.

With Wednesday’s heat index potentially reaching 102 degrees and highs remaining in the 90s throughout the forecast period, residents are also encouraged to stay hydrated and take breaks from prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.

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The search is underway for the next group of Louisiana Pecan Festival royalty, with entry forms now available for the 2026 Louisiana Pecan Festival Pageant.

Organizers are inviting contestants to take part in the long-standing festival tradition, offering participants an opportunity to represent the Louisiana Pecan Festival and the community throughout their reign.

Applications for the pageant became available beginning Aug. 15 and can now be completed through the Louisiana Pecan Festival website.

For contestants entering the Teen and Miss divisions, applications must be submitted by Oct. 14.

For all other divisions, the Early Bird registration deadline is Oct. 21.

Organizers also released attire information for the Children’s Pageant. Contestants in the Deb and Jr. Teen divisions will compete in a formal gown, while contestants in all other children’s divisions may wear an outfit of choice.

The festival is encouraging those who have dreamed of becoming a Pecan Queen and representing the Louisiana Pecan Festival to take advantage of the opportunity.

The Louisiana Pecan Festival Queens Pageant is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, according to the event announcement.

Entry forms and additional pageant information are available through the festival’s forms page at Louisiana Pecan Festival Pageant Forms.

The pageant is part of the traditions surrounding the annual Louisiana Pecan Festival in Colfax and Grant Parish, bringing contestants and families together to celebrate the community and one of the parish’s signature events.

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The Georgetown High School Bulldogs boys cross country team opened its season with a strong showing, racing to a second-place team finish in its first competition of the year.

Leading the way individually for Georgetown was Luke Fry, who crossed the finish line in ninth place. Fry was the Bulldogs’ lone runner to earn a spot among the top 10 individual finishers.

The second-place performance provided a promising start to the season for the Georgetown boys as they begin their 2026 cross country campaign.

Georgetown High School congratulated the runners on their performance and celebrated the team’s successful season opener.

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Grant High School’s football facilities are getting a fresh look thanks to a team effort involving students and a local business.

The Grant High School Football program recently recognized Mrs. Bell’s class for helping paint and touch up the school’s goal posts, contributing their time and effort to improve the football facilities.

The program also thanked Ball’s Crane Service for providing a lift and its services to assist with hanging the school’s new goal post poles.

The work is part of ongoing efforts to improve the facilities used by Grant High School students and athletes.

“We appreciate everyone who continues to help us improve our facilities and invest in our kids,” the football program shared.

The project highlighted the impact that students, school supporters and local businesses can have when working together to improve their community’s athletic programs and facilities.

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JoAnn Deen Bordelon
July 19, 1947 – September 5, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, September 9 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville.
Services: Wednesday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville. Burial will follow at Liberty Chapel Cemetery in Williana.

Grant Parish Journalpublishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com)

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Four more people have been arrested by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office for allegedly taking drugs to the federal prison, according to the department.

The Sheriff’s Office announced the following arrests:

Shontelkria Wilder, 36, of Katy, Texas, was arrested on charges of taking contraband to a penal institution, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patra London, 27, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested on charges of taking contraband to a penal institution, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brittany Light, 32, of Katy, Texas, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and taking contraband to a penal institution.

Eduardo Romero II, 23, of Travis, Texas, was arrested on charges of taking contraband to a penal institution, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office said all four arrests were connected to individuals allegedly taking drugs to the federal prison.

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The Grant Parish School Board recently recognized longtime educator Kimberly Byer as she begins retirement following 25.5 years of teaching and service to students.

Byer was honored during the district’s August School Board meeting, where officials reflected on the impact she made on generations of young students throughout her career.

As a Pre-K teacher at South Grant Elementary School, Byer often served as one of the first teachers children encountered as they began their educational journeys. School officials said she had a special ability to make her young students feel loved, comfortable and excited about learning.

Her dedication in the classroom also earned her recognition as South Grant Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year.

Over more than two decades in education, countless students began their school years in Byer’s classroom, where district officials said her patience, laughter, care and love of teaching left a lasting impression.

“Thank you for being the kind of teacher children remember,” the Grant Parish School Board shared in its retirement recognition.

“We hope retirement brings you just as much joy as you brought to the students who were lucky enough to call you their teacher.”

As Byer closes the classroom chapter of her career, the district congratulated her on a well-deserved retirement and thanked her for the many years she dedicated to some of Grant Parish’s youngest learners.

Congratulations, Mrs. Byer, on 25.5 years of service to education and the beginning of your retirement.

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August 26, 2026 – 11 new emergency medical technicians are beginning the next chapter of their EMS careers after completing training at the National EMS Academy’s Central Louisiana campus. Through 12 weeks of classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and clinical experience, these students are well-prepared to provide skilled emergency care to patients across Central Louisiana.

The Central Louisiana campus’ newest graduates are:

Lydia Blood of Evergreen

Claire Butts of Pitkin

Zina Callegari of Bunkie

Domunique Johnson of Alexandria

Alyssa Jordan of Pineville

Graci Morgan of Moreauville

Andrew Moss of Columbia

Andy Nguyen of Alexandria

Trestan Rousseau of Georgetown

Ava StAnn of Ville Platte

Libby Johnson of Bienville

During their training, the graduates learned to assess patients, provide emergency medical care, and respond to medical and traumatic emergencies. Their clinical experience allowed them to put those skills into practice in real patient-care settings.

“Completing EMT training is a big accomplishment, and these graduates have put in the time and effort to get here,” said National EMS Academy Director TJ Dronet. “We’re excited to see where their EMS careers take them and the impact they’ll have in our communities.”

Registration is open for the next Central Louisiana EMT class, beginning September 8. EMT training can be the first step toward a career in emergency medical services and continued advancement into roles such as paramedics.

HOW TO ENROLL: Visit BecomeAMedic.com to learn more about training opportunities and register for an upcoming class.

Acadian’s National EMS Academy offers entry-level, continuing education and refresher courses for a number of EMS career pathways, including EMTs and paramedics. The second largest EMS education provider in the United States, the Academy is a nationally accredited EMS training facility with locations in Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee and is an authorized American Heart Association Training Center for CPR and ECC courses, underscoring its commitment to high-quality emergency care training.

National EMS Academy is a division of Acadian Companies, which has a global reach and a mission of improving the lives of its patients, customers and employees through its innovative spirit and diverse divisions, also including Acadian Ambulance, Acadian Air Med, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, Acadian Total Security, Safety Management Systems, and Acadian Health.

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GRANT PARISH, La. — Grant Parish will face another stretch of hot weather through Labor Day, with heat index values potentially reaching dangerous levels Wednesday before rain chances increase heading into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95 degrees. Heat index values could climb as high as 107 degrees. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected between 1 and 4 p.m. Winds will be calm before becoming southeast around 5 mph during the afternoon.

Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 73.

Thursday will be sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop after 1 p.m. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 74.

Rain chances will increase considerably Friday, with showers possible earlier in the day followed by showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Despite the increased rain chances, temperatures will remain hot with a high near 95. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 73.

Saturday will bring a 50% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Otherwise, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 94. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 73.

For Sunday, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot conditions are otherwise expected with a high near 96. Sunday night will be mostly clear with a low around 74.

The heat will continue into Labor Day, when temperatures are forecast to reach around 98 degrees. The day will be sunny and hot with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Overall, Grant Parish can expect highs ranging from 94 to 98 degrees through Labor Day, with the greatest chance for rain arriving Friday and Saturday. The most significant heat concern in the current forecast comes Wednesday, when the heat index could reach 107 degrees.

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Residents will have an opportunity to shop local, grab a bite to eat and possibly head home with a new four-legged family member during a Vendor and Adoption Event benefiting Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Animal Care and Control this weekend.

The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Word of Grace Church, 2825 Monroe Highway in Pineville.

Organizers said the afternoon will feature local vendors, food trucks and adoptable dogs from Grant Parish Animal Care and Control.

With the shelter continuing to operate well over capacity, adoption fees for all dogs remain waived. Shelter officials said every successful adoption not only gives a dog a new home but also creates kennel space for the next animal in need.

The event offers residents several ways to show their support, even if adopting a pet is not currently an option. Community members are encouraged to stop by, shop with local vendors, enjoy food from participating food trucks, visit with the dogs and help spread the word about animals awaiting homes.

Grant Parish Animal Control is hoping the event will introduce more potential adopters to the dogs currently in its care while also providing an enjoyable afternoon for families and community members.

Event Details: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 3-7 p.m. at Word of Grace Church, 2825 Monroe Highway in Pineville. Dog adoption fees are waived.

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Grant High School’s JROTC program has introduced a new flag drop box, giving community members a convenient and respectful way to retire American flags that are worn, damaged or no longer suitable for display.

The drop box was installed along the entrance walkway at Grant High School on Thursday, Aug. 13, according to the Grant Parish School Board.

JROTC students created the box by repurposing an old mailbox, transforming it into a permanent collection point where members of the Grant High School and Dry Prong communities can leave flags in need of proper retirement.

Beyond providing a service to the community, the project also serves as an educational opportunity for JROTC students. The program uses the initiative to reinforce lessons about respect for the American flag, military traditions, citizenship and community service.

Its location near the school’s main entrance was selected to make the box easily accessible while also serving as a visible reminder of the importance of properly caring for and retiring the American flag.

The project reflects the Grant High School JROTC program’s continued emphasis on service and citizenship while providing a practical resource for area residents.

Community members with American flags that have become worn or damaged may place them in the new drop box located at the Grant High School entrance in Dry Prong for proper retirement.

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Grant Parish Journalpublishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com)

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GRANT PARISH, La. — Investigations by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Prisons led to the arrests of five people accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into the Federal Prison.

According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, those arrested include:

Lisa Pena, 33, of Eustace, Texas, was arrested on charges of distribution of crack cocaine, taking contraband to a penal institution and illegal use of a controlled substance in the presence of children.

Ashley Hamilton, 35, of Suitland, Maryland, was arrested on a charge of taking contraband to a penal institution.

Alexis Fascio, 28, of New Orleans, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, criminal conspiracy and taking contraband to a penal institution.

Anglee Jones, 33, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana and taking contraband to a penal institution.

Lorenzo Facen-Watson, 31, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was arrested on a charge of taking contraband to a penal institution.

The arrests resulted from investigations conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Prisons into attempts to smuggle drugs into the Federal Prison.

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The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office is recognizing Carla Blair following her retirement after nearly 24 years of service.

Blair spent nearly two and a half decades serving with the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office before retiring from the department.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed its appreciation for Blair’s years of work and dedication to the community.

“Grant Parish is truly appreciative of the efforts and service to our community,” the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office stated.

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The Grant Parish School Board is asking students, parents, educators and community members to help recognize the employees working behind the scenes to support local schools.

Nominations are now being accepted for Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year, part of a statewide effort to recognize Louisiana school employees whose dedication and service make a difference for students and schools.

Grant Parish officials are encouraging teachers, principals, district employees, colleagues, parents, students and members of the community to nominate deserving school support employees.

Eligible nominees include paraprofessionals, school bus drivers, food service workers, clerical staff, and custodial and maintenance personnel.

“Behind every successful school day are incredible people who make a difference but too often don’t get the recognition they deserve,” the Grant Parish School Board stated.

Multiple nominations are allowed, and employees may also nominate themselves for consideration.

The nomination portal will remain open through Sept. 11.

School officials are encouraging the Grant Parish community to use the opportunity to recognize the support employees whose work and dedication contribute to the success of students and schools throughout the parish.

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GRANT PARISH, La. — Grant Parish will see hot temperatures Wednesday before increased chances for showers and thunderstorms bring slightly cooler conditions Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 98 degrees. Southwest winds will be around 5 mph. Wednesday night will bring a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms at various times, with a low around 75.

Thursday will bring the highest rain chances of the forecast period. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 1 p.m., with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. The high will be near 94. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., followed by a slight chance of showers. The low will be around 73.

Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 94. There is a 20 percent chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 72.

Saturday will return to sunny and hot conditions with a high near 96. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72.

Sunday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees.

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