by Wesley Harris
U. S. Senator Bill Cassidy was seen making the rounds at the Louisiana Peach Festival last Saturday. He faces challengers in next year’s election.
Cassidy spoke about what the Peach Festival means to the Ruston community and state of Louisiana.
“Our state is incredibly special, and sometimes we take for granted out special we are,” said Senator Cassidy Saturday. “Then you come to (these festivals) and meet some wonderful people.
“This man I just spoke to is a disabled veteran who learned how to make mead — the old honey wine that you read about in Robin Hood — and he uses the profits to help benefit disabled veterans. That is cool.
“And then the fellow from Lake D’Arbonne who has taken his STEM team … of 400 students he is working with and they are No. 9 in the nation.
“Our state is special and when you come and have a sense of community like here in Ruston and you see how special it is … you walk away with an extra bounce in your step. And you know why you live here, and you know why you can recommend it to other people. It really gets me excited.’
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Brister’s Smokehouse announced its closure recently, but all is not lost. Reauxlin Smoke Bar-B-Que operated by Clinton and Becca Crumpler opened at Brister’s Cooktown Road location June 2. The Crumplers say they are “bringing some fresh energy, new menu items and daily specials.”
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John Belton’s announcement of his retirement as district attorney at the end of this term has prompted lots of speculation over who will run for the job in 2026. The names of several local prosecutors are already being bandied about. Attorney Cary Brown already has campaign signs up.
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Sheriff Stephen Williams reported the inmate litter crew cleaned 147 miles of parish roads in May, collecting 9,520 pounds of trash.
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The splash pads at Cook and Mayfield Parks are open. Several years ago, the City of Ruston opted to use splash pads as a safer and more economical option than building a public pool which requires a crew of lifeguards and much more maintenance.
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If you attended the Peach Festival Saturday you may have noticed the streets into the venue were blocked by city work vehicles. That was at the recommendation of Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson in light of the terrorist attack by truck in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Ordinary barricades, the chief told festival organizers, are insufficient to stop such an attack or even prevent an accident where someone steps on the gas instead of the brake.
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