Editor’s note: The following commentary was submitted the Council on Criminal Justice and was co-authored by Marc A. Levin of Houston and Scott Peyton of Washington, La.There is no more vital function of government than protecting public safety, and that solemn duty must include anchoring criminal justice policies in evidence.While Louisiana leaders are rightfully making crime a priority during this …

A Farmerville man has been arrested and charged with having sexual contact with multiple minor children who attended the church where his wife worked as a youth minister.Dan S. Parker, 45, of Farmerville surrendered to Union Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Monday after a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to Sheriff Dusty Gates.The charges stem from a complaint investigators received …

Native American leaderspeaks today at museumJohn Barbry, a prominent figure among Native American leaders in Louisiana, will give a public presentation in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville on at 5 p.m.Barbry, who heads the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Language and Culture Revitalization Program, will discuss the work of his organization. The museum is located at 211 N. Main …

BATON ROUGE — A bill allowing Louisiana residents, 18 and older, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit received final approval from lawmakers Wednesday.After years of GOP-led efforts for permitless concealed carry, the bill is poised to become law with Gov. Jeff Landry signaling that he plans to sign the legislation. Upon the Republican’s signature, Louisiana would become the …

By Luke BrittEditorReaction to the news last week that Farmerville had purchased property adjacent to Lake D’Arbonne where a mega boat ramp will be constructed can be summed up in a single word: “excited.”Business owners, community leaders and public officials reacting to the news all said they were excited about the possibilities for the community and pleased to see the …

There will be an XLR8 RECOVERY meeting held at the former Marion High school gymnasium at 3062 Taylor Street in Marion on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 pm.  This is a community connection for recovering addicts or other to come to and enjoy your journey to a new beginning in your recovery.  We all are recovering from some dysfunction, …

As an outdoor writer/broadcaster, there are several things on my work schedule. For instance, every week I write an outdoor column appearing in seven newspapers around north Louisiana. In addition, I produce and record four weekly radio programs. When opportunities are presented, I write an occasional article for magazines. One buck featured in LA Sportsman was a 155 inch 12 …

The Union Parish Police Jury fired Public Works Director Tommy Durrett a little more than two weeks ago without stating, publicly, why they took this action. At the time, we at The Gazette assumed whatever prompted the action would be made public shortly thereafter.That didn’t happen and this week we learned that the Jury has filed a complaint against Durrett …

Grambling alumnito be honored Feb. 25The Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville will host a special reception on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 3 p.m., to recognize Grambling State University honors graduates.The event, presented by the Grambling State University Honors College and Office of Continuing Education, will recognize selected local Grambling alumni who have graduated from the Honors College …

The Louisiana Legislature convened this week for a special session called by Gov. Jeff Landry in an effort to implement new tough-on crime policies.The bills lawmakers approve are likely to drastically reshape the state’s justice system, rolling back many of the efforts by former Gov. John Bel Edwards to reduce the number of people incarcerated in state prisons.Bills filed this …