Parish

Jury Acquits Veterinarian in Allen Parish on Rape and Sexual Battery Allegations

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Oberlin, LA — A veterinarian in Allen Parish has been acquitted of rape and sexual battery charges by a local jury. The verdict was reached after careful consideration of the evidence presented during the trial, marking the conclusion of a case that has closely engaged the community. The veterinarian, who had maintained his innocence since the allegations surfaced, faced charges related to an incident that allegedly occurred last year. According to court documents, the charges stemmed from an accusation made by a female who claimed to have been assaulted at the veterinarian’s residence during a … Read more

Jury Clears Parish Officials in First Amendment Case, Activist Joy Banner Vows to Continue Fight for Transparency

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NEW ORLEANS — A federal jury in New Orleans has ruled in favor of St. John the Baptist Parish leaders in a First Amendment lawsuit brought by environmental justice activist Joy Banner. The verdict, delivered in the U.S. Eastern District of Louisiana, concluded that Parish President Jaclyn Hotard, Council President Michael Wright, and the parish itself did not infringe upon Banner’s freedom of speech or engage in retaliation against her. During the trial, jurors deliberated for over three hours before determining that the officials did not impede Banner’s speech nor violate Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law … Read more

New Leadership Voted In: Concordia Parish Police Jury Welcomes President Cornell Lewis and Vice President Genesia Allen

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Vidalia, La. — In a pivotal session that marks the beginning of its 2025 agenda, the Concordia Parish Police Jury saw a leadership change with the election of new officers during its first meeting of the year. Cornell Lewis has taken the helm as the new president, while Genesia Allen will serve as the vice president. Lewis, who recently secured the District 3 Place B seat, replaced former President Collin Edwards after a competitive roll call vote. This election follows Lewis’s initial entry into parish governance in 2024 when he ousted Scottie Whittington. Prior to … Read more

Community Leader and Former Allen Parish Police Juror Buddy Farris Passes Away at 80

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Oakdale, LA — The community of Allen Parish is mourning the loss of a prominent public servant, Allie Marvin “Buddy” Farris, who died Tuesday at the age of 80. Farris, a longstanding member of the Allen Parish Police Jury and one-time president of the jury, was remembered for his devoted service spanning two decades. Farris’s tenure as a police juror was marked by significant contributions to the region, including his advocacy for local infrastructure projects such as the development of a reservoir, the construction of a new parish jail, and securing the establishment of the … Read more