With Hammons absent, Bossier City Council falls back to its old ways of doing business
Plus — Overlay work begins this morning on Swan Lake Road.
Bossier City weather — Today: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid-70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable. Thursday: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the upper 90s. West winds around 5 mph. Heat index values up to 106.
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With Hammons absent, the Bossier City Council falls back to its old ways of doing business
The vigor and transparency that characterized its first meeting with new leadership were lacking at the Bossier City Council's second meeting on Tuesday. Several new initiatives were introduced for a vote without explanation or discussion — the most glaring being an apparent walk-back of higher utility rates for apartment complexes.
District 1's Brian Hammons was absent from the meeting, which contributed to the lack of questions regarding proposed measures.
An ordinance was introduced to amend sanitation rates for residential apartment complexes and residential facilities with a single master meter, rather than individual meters. Sponsored by at-large councilmember Craton Cochran, there was no discussion on how the change would impact the annual budget shortfall that the City has been experiencing.
In December 2024, City CAO Amanda Nottingham said the City lost $4.3 million in 2023 providing sanitation, water, and sewer services — and the budget pressure would likely require a tax hike and higher utility bills. In January, the council approved the administration's rate hike, which included a $6 increase in flat-rate monthly water bills and a $12 increase in sanitation fees.
In May, apartment complex owners and managers complained about what they said amounted to "14,000% increases in sanitation rates."
In other business, the council:
Adopted a resolution asking the City administration to create a comprehensive plan detailing city-managed upgrades, landscaping enhancements, consistent trash pickup schedules, and regular street sweeping activities for I-20 on- and off-ramps.
Adopted a resolution encouraging the administration to engage a professional marketing firm to develop a branding strategy to help attract new residents, businesses, and visitors, "thus enhancing economic development and improving quality of life."
The council also gave final approval to a previously announced tax reduction audit of municipal finances encompassing the preceding 12 fiscal years.
Bossier Parish crews to begin overlay work on Swan Lake Road
Beginning at 8:00 am this morning, Bossier Parish Highway Department crews will begin overlaying a half-mile section of Swan Lake Road between Myers Road and Pintail Street.
Officials anticipate some delays and advise motorists to proceed cautiously, and to follow all posted signage while traveling through the work zone.
This project is part of Bossier Parish’s ongoing overlay program, which actively upgrades the 575 miles of paved roads and 104 bridges throughout the parish.
BPCC enters second year of life-changing grant: the only one of its kind in Louisiana
Bossier Parish Community College has received a second-year renewal of a grant aimed at expanding access to education and workforce training for families across North Louisiana.
Awarded in June through a continued partnership with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the TANF/FITAP grant supports the only program of its kind in Louisiana, directly in line with Governor Jeff Landry’s “one-door” mission to streamline access to education, workforce, and human services for families in need.
Through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), BPCC connects eligible students to short-term resources and long-term goals by providing access to workforce training, career pathways, and wraparound services that build lasting self-sufficiency.
“BPCC is honored to be the only college in the state leading this kind of work,” said Vaquetta Hudson, TANF Student Success Coordinator. “This program is about building futures and impacting our communities. We’re connecting students with skills, resources, and momentum to reach their goals.”
Now entering its second year, the initiative has already shown measurable results. More than 60 students have enrolled in programs leading to workforce certifications, industry-based credentials, or college degrees — each one contributing to greater job readiness and employability in the region.
For student Brittany Pea, the support has been life-changing.
“After spending several years incarcerated, I felt hopeless, but BPCC gave me purpose,” said Pea. “As a TANF recipient, working with Ms. Hudson helped me to see a future for myself. Now I’m studying surgical technology to help patients like my grandmother, who never healed properly after a car accident. I want to be part of the solution for my community.”
Dr. Teresa Jones, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Services, emphasized the broader significance of the initiative.
“This grant is more than funding — it’s a gateway. It brings the Governor’s “one-door” vision to life, uniting education, workforce training, and wrapping services into a seamless support system,” said Jones. “BPCC is proud to stand at the doorway, providing access, equity, and opportunity to every student, regardless of where their journey begins.”
To learn more about this initiative, contact Vaquetta Hudson at (318) 678-6206 or vhudson@bpcc.edu.
Jimmie Davis Bridge to be reduced to one lane this weekend
On Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20, 2025, the Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River will be reduced to one lane.
This lane closure is scheduled to take place from approximately 6:00 am to 5:00 pm each day and is necessary for routine bridge inspection.
Restrictions/Permits: This lane closure will allow vehicles 10 feet wide or smaller to pass through the inspection zone. Larger vehicles must utilize an alternate route.
Alternate Route: LA 1 to LA 3032 (Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge) to US 71
Bossier Schools: Registration begins for new school year
Registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open. Bossier Schools requires all students to complete the online registration process.
Visit https://www.bossierschools.org/page/registration for more information.
Bossier City Police incidents and arrests report: July 12 - 14, 2025
Hour by hour. Day and night. This is BossierNow’s reporting of Bossier City Police Department incidents and arrests. This report covers the actions that occurred from July 12 - 14, 2025. Identities of subjects involved in misdemeanor arrests or traffic citations are withheld.
All persons named or shown are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
07/12/2025 04:10:00 Arrest 1900 Blk Barksdale Blvd/Central Park Dr Bossier City, La 1) Fugitive Arrest (CPSO) (Misdemeanor) Black Or African American, Male, Age 36
07/12/2025 04:21:00 Arrest 1900 Blk Barksdale Blvd/Barksdale Blvd Ramp Bossier City, La 1) Resisting An Officer (Misdemeanor), and 2) Fugitive Arrest (BPSO) (Misdemeanor) Black Or African American, Male, Age 52
07/12/2025 05:26:00 Arrest 1500 Blk Debra St Bossier City, La Domestic Abuse Battery - Strangulation - Simple (Felony) Shawn Q Hubbard, White Or Caucasian, Male, Age 34
07/12/2025 06:37:00 Incident 7900 Blk E Texas St Bossier City, La Theft (Active)
07/12/2025 07:00:00 Arrest 5800 Blk Hollyhock Ln Bossier City, La Dog At Large (Misdemeanor) White Or Caucasian, Female, Age 32
07/12/2025 07:44:00 Incident 4800 Blk Sheryl St Bossier City, La Simple Burglary - From Motor Vehicle (Active)
07/12/2025 09:22:00 Arrest 700 Blk Margaritaville Way Bossier City, La Fugitive Arrest-BPSO (Felony) Dennis Joe Menn, White Or Caucasian, Male, Age 40
07/12/2025 10:00:00 Incident 2100 Blk Scott St Bossier City, La Identity Theft (Active)
07/12/2025 11:59:00 Incident 2100 Blk Scott St Bossier City, La Simple Assault (Exceptionally Cleared)
07/12/2025 13:31:00 Incident 900 Blk Garden St Bossier City, La Theft (Exceptionally Cleared)
07/13/2025 00:11:00 Arrest 1100 Blk W 2nd St Bossier City, La 1) Failure To Appear - Disregard Red Light (Misdemeanor), and 2) Failure To Appear - No DL (Misdemeanor) White Or Caucasian, Female, Age 50
07/13/2025 00:15:00 Incident 2500 Blk Viking Dr Bossier City, La Domestic Abuse Battery - Simple (Active)
07/13/2025 00:24:00 Arrest 1100 Blk W Second St Bossier City, La 1) Possession Schedule II (Felony), and 2) Prohibited Acts - Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor) Ezekiel Reyes, White Or Caucasian, Male, Age 33
07/13/2025 00:27:00 Arrest 3300 Blk E Texas St Bossier City, La Domestic Abuse Battery - Simple (Misdemeanor) Black Or African American, Male, Age 24
07/13/2025 02:17:00 Incident 800 Blk E Third St/E Texas St Bossier City, La Possession Schedule I (Cleared By Arrest/Adult)
07/13/2025 02:30:00 Arrest 800 Blk E Third St/E Texas St Bossier City, La Possession Schedule I (Misdemeanor) Black Or African American, Male, Age 47
07/13/2025 02:34:00 Arrest 1600 Blk E Texas St Bossier City, La 1) Resisting A Police Officer With Force Or Violence-Simple (Misdemeanor), 2) Battery Of Police Officer - Simple (Misdemeanor), 3) Simple Criminal Damage To Property (Misdemeanor), 4) False Communication With Intent To Cause Emerg Response (Misdemeanor), and 5) Failure To Appear-False Alarm (Misdemeanor) Black Or African American, Male, Age 63
07/13/2025 03:31:00 Arrest 400 Blk Hamilton Rd Bossier City, La Simple Criminal Damage To Property (Felony) Ragan Wayne Lowe, White Or Caucasian, Male, Age 47
07/13/2025 04:58:00 Incident 900 Blk Hamilton Rd Bossier City, La Theft (Active)
07/13/2025 05:00:00 Arrest 3200 Blk Murphy St/Anita St Bossier City, La 1) Possession Schedule I (Misdemeanor), 2) No Driver's License (Misdemeanor), 3) No Proof Of Insurance (Misdemeanor), 4) Violations Of Registration Provisions; Switched (Misdemeanor), and 5) No License Plate Light/Improper Display Of License Plate White Or Caucasian, Male, Age 21
07/13/2025 07:38:00 Incident 2400 Blk Melrose Av Bossier City, La Simple Battery (Active)
07/13/2025 08:19:00 Incident 1100 Blk Delhi St Bossier City, La Simple Criminal Damage To Property (Active)
07/13/2025 11:19:00 Incident 1000 Blk Gould Dr Bossier City, La Simple Criminal Damage To Property (Active)
07/13/2025 12:14:00 Incident 500 Blk Half Moon Ln Bossier City, La Theft (Active)
07/14/2025 00:17:00 Incident 200 Blk John Wesley Blvd Bossier City, La Domestic Abuse Battery - Simple (Exceptionally Cleared)
07/14/2025 03:29:00 Citation 1699 Traffic St/Yarbrough St Bossier City Pedestrians On Highways Or Interstate Highways Black Or African American, Male, Age 56
07/14/2025 03:29:00 Incident 1600 Blk Traffic St/Yarbrough St Bossier City, La Possession Schedule II (Cleared By Arrest/Adult)
07/14/2025 03:46:00 Arrest 1600 Blk Traffic St/Yarbrough St Bossier City 1) Possession Schedule II (Felony), 2) Obstruction Of Justice (Felony), and 3) Pedestrians On Highways Or Interstate Highways (Misdemeanor) Clifford Wayne Russell, Black Or African American, Male, Age 56
07/14/2025 03:55:00 Arrest 600 Blk Benton Rd Bossier City, La Failure To Appear-Failure To Register Veh (Misdemeanor) White Or Caucasian, Female, Age 37
07/14/2025 04:58:00 Incident 1900 Blk Mars Dr Bossier City, La Attempted Simple Burglary From Motor Vehicle (Active)
07/14/2025 10:12:00 Incident 2800 Blk Misty Ln Bossier City, La Simple Burglary - From Motor Vehicle (Exceptionally Cleared)
07/14/2025 10:13:00 Arrest 2600 Blk Ormond Pl Bossier City, La 1) Domestic Abuse Agg Assault-Child Endangerment (Felony), and 2) Possession Schedule I (Misdemeanor) Malcome Ishiah Jeter, Black Or African American, Male, Age 22
07/14/2025 10:15:00 Arrest 2100 Blk Airline Dr Bossier City, La 1) Possession Schedule II (Felony), 2) Possession Schedule IV (Felony), and 3) Fugitive Arrest-BPSO (Misdemeanor) Brandon Lynn Martin, White Or Caucasian, Male, Age 33
07/14/2025 10:17:00 Arrest 3400 Blk Barksdale Blvd Bossier City, La Failure To Appear / Speeding (Misdemeanor) Black Or African American, Male, Age 38
07/14/2025 11:00:00 Arrest 600 Blk Benton Rd Bossier City, La 1) Court Ordered Sentencing / Disregard Red Light (Misdemeanor), and 2) Court Ordered Sentencing / Careless Opr (Misdemeanor) White Or Caucasian, Female, Age 52
07/14/2025 11:00:00 Arrest 600 Blk Benton Rd Bossier City, La Court Ordered Sentencing / Driving On Roadway (Misdemeanor) White Or Caucasian, Male, Age 30
07/14/2025 13:45:00 Incident 2600 Blk Beene Blvd Bossier City, La Theft (Active)
07/14/2025 13:46:00 Incident 900 Blk Rickey Pl Bossier City, La Motor Vehicle Parts And Accessories (Active)
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