fgazette.com Community news site for Union Parish Louisiana

At last week’s Commission meeting, I asked howmuch our jurisdictional utility, SWEPCO, pays to be amember of the Southwest Power Pool (“SPP”), one oftwo Regional Transmission Organizations (“RTOs) doingbusiness in our state, but the SPP representatives inattendance were not able to answer that question. I havesince found the answer — $14 million per year. I havealso found out that our …

 Ice Storm Tests Region, but Claiborne Electric Keeps Outages Limited  A severe ice storm swept across multiple states during the last week of January 2026, tightening its grip on north Louisiana as temperatures hovered around the freezing mark. Freezing rain coated trees, power lines, bridges, and roadways with a hard glaze of ice, turning routine travel into a hazardous gamble …

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH  “Trafficking in persons,” “human trafficking,” and “modern slavery” are umbrella terms—often used interchangeably—to refer to a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex. When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is …

 INDICTMENT UPGRADES CHARGES IN SIMPSON JUVENILE SEX CASE  In October 2025, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sexual assault involving a juvenile victim. UPSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives initiated an investigation into the allegation. Forensic interviews and evidence collected during the investigation provided detailed accounts of the crimes. 

 On 1/20/2026, UPSO deputies responded to a report of a stabbing at an apartment complex residence inside the city limits of Bernice. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies located a male victim suffering from multiple cut wounds, who was seriously bleeding. Deputies immediately rendered first aid until an ambulance could arrive, and the patient was transported to a local facility. 

 Spearsville native LaShandria (Shan) D. Jackson-Cheeks was officially promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force on January 6, 2026, achieving the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force.  Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank attainable in the Air Force, earned by only 1% of Airmen. The rank reflects exceptional leadership, professionalism, and …

 Winter storm anticipated to hit Louisiana this weekend, beginning Friday night  The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for north central and northwest Louisiana. It will go into effect Friday morning and run through Sunday morning.  Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says freezing rain is expected to arrive on Friday night and the …

 Bill Cassidy challenger digs in against Trump’s preferred GOP Senate candidate  EXCLUSIVE — Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming has no plans to drop his Senate primary challenge against Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) even after President Donald Trump preemptively endorsed another possible Republican contender. Fleming, who has long courted Trump’s blessing, criticized Rep. Julia Letlow’s (R-LA) impending candidacy as an attempt to …

 Union Parish 4-H Youth Shine at Annual Livestock Show  The Union Parish 4-H Livestock Show celebrated another successful year on January 3rd, continuing a tradition that has spanned more than three decades. This annual event gives local youth the opportunity to showcase their hard work, dedication, and skills developed through the 4-H livestock program. Contestants exhibited cattle, sheep, goats, and …

 SPEARSVILLE TEEN ARRESTED AFTER DEADLY SHOOTING IN FARMERVILLE  On Friday, January 9, 2026, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators responded to assist with a reported battery incident inside the city limits of Farmerville on Maple Street. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male subject inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. Life saving measures were immediately started by responding units, and …

 Union Fraternal Lodge #53, F&AM, installs officers for 2026  The 2025 Master of Lodge 53, Brother Joshua Dupree, opened the Lodge on December 15th for his last time. He immediately placed the brethren at refreshment to dine on a delicious Cajun style meal prepared by the members for this special occasion. After the delicious meal; all the brethren, wives, special …

 K9 used to subdue violent man in Union Parish, deputies say  Union Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Thomas Satterwhite, 47, on Dec. 30.  UNION PARISH, La. (KNOE) – The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a man who is accused of violently resisting officers. UPSO said a K9 was involved.  UPSO arrested Thomas Satterwhite, 47, on Dec. 30 on the following charges:  …