A Vernon Parish man is accused of timber theft in Rapides Parish following an investigation of Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement agents, according to LDAF. James R. Fredieu was arrested by Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office deputies Sept. 10. He was later booked into the Rapides Parish Jail on one count of timber theft under $25,000, according to an LDAF press release. The press release said enforcement agents responded to a timber theft complaint Aug. 19 where a...

Brian Todd Middleton of Colfax A Colfax man was arrested in connection with a wildfire in Rapides Parish, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Brian Todd Middleton, 38, of Flores Road in Colfax, reportedly fled the scene of a fire near 418 Cabra Hill Road in Rapides Parish on Sept. 10, according to LDAF, when LDAF and local fire crews, as well as Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office personnel arrived on the scene. Following an investigation by LDAF agents, an...

Updated 8/26/26 Three more parishes were added to a growing list of fire ban issuances, bringing the total to 28 as of Wednesday, Aug. 26. Extended dry weather and high temperatures led to 25 parishes in Louisiana to issue burn bans. According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry website, most of the 28 parishes are listed as High or Very High levels for fire danger. Parishes that have so far issued burn bans as of Wednesday, Aug. 26 are: Acadia Allen Beauregard Bossier...