Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInGREEN BAY (WBAY) - Public health and safety officials want to bring awareness to how many people are affected by and at-risk of having a heart attack have high blood pressure and don’t know it High blood pressure develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures The Grand Chute Fire Department is highlighting it with red hearts outside both stations When they respond to a call of a heart attack or cardiac arrest one of the bulbs will be changed to a dark purple -- as a reminder when cardiac muscle dies it turns a dark purplish-black that will never turn back to a healthy color The Grand Chute Fire Department says let’s work together to keep the hearts red Health cardiovascular medicine specialist Dr He says heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S since 1921 and blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for heart attacks or strokes Tattersall says as far as prevention there are things in our control and things we can’t control he says it’s important to focus on what you can control going along with recommendations by the American Heart Association “Avoiding things that we know -- we know it’s not good to inhale cigarette smoke or vape Anything you inhale through the lungs is probably not helping your heart health He said a lot of people don’t know they have high blood pressure (hypertension) until they have a heart attack or stroke so maintaining those healthy habits is really important Controlling high blood pressure early can have a long-term effect on your heart health He also says younger people should be attentive to some of the risk factors and have regular checkups with their doctor first-responders with Bossier Fire District #1 responded to Mid South Loop in the Red Chute community for a call of a residential structure fire The first arriving units found a single-wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames and threatening another structure It took them about 15 minutes to bring the fire under control Bossier news in your email inbox first thing every weekday morning. Sign up now Gallery Credit: Caddo Correctional Center Bossier Sheriff’s Office Investigating Body Found in Red Chute Bayou\nRead More -- The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office has released the identity of the man whose body was found last week in Red Chute Bayou The sheriff's office said the body of Joshua Byrd who lived in the 2400 block of Stockwell Road was found by a land surveyor entangled in the brush near a railroad trestle in the Stockwell/Dogwood area An autopsy was performed to determine cause of death Local breaking news delivered as it happens News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday News headlines delivered at Noon Monday - Friday News headlines delivered at 4:00 pm Monday - Friday Weather forecast delivered at 9:00 am daily Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: A man's body was found in Bossier Parish by a land surveyor on Wednesday According to Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office a land surveyor found the body entangled in the brush near a railroad trestle The body appeared to be a black male in his late 20s or early 30s The body was found in Red Chute Bayou in the Stockwell/Dogwood area of Bossier Parish the body was removed from the bayou by the Bossier Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Bossier Parish Coroner's Office is working to confirm the identity of the body More: Two people dead in Bossier City murder/suicide shooting, police report Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBOSSIER PARISH (KSLA) - Officials are investigating after a body was found in Red Chute Bayou in Bossier Parish The body was found Wednesday (May 8) in the Stockwell/Dogwood area of the parish A land surveyor found the body entangled in some brush near a railroad trestle The body appears to be that of a Black male in his late 20s or early 30s who stands about 6′ tall The body was removed from the bayou by marine patrol officers The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office said they have tentatively identified the person; however that identify still needs to be confirmed by the coroner’s office The investigation will continue pending the completion of an autopsy Anyone with information about the case should call the sheriff’s office at 318-965-2203 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security Loggy Bayou WMA lies between Loggy and Red Chute Bayous and Lake Bistineau in the Red River Alluvial Valley in northwestern Louisiana The WMA is one of the few remaining bottomland hardwood areas in northwest Louisiana The WMA’s terrain is flat with approximately 90 percent of the area subject to annual flooding from backwaters of the Red River the WMA consisted of approximately half overgrazed cattle pasture and half severely overgrazed Several hundred acres of agricultural fields were planted in the early 1970s and 1980s in preferred oak species Seedlings planted over two decades ago are now producing quality habitat for a variety of wildlife populations LDWF plants several hundred acres of the open fields and forested areas in pecan and nuttall the main understory species are poison ivy and fescue along with hardwood and honey locust sprouts LDWF fallow disks or plants wildlife openings on approximately 50 acres Fishing and boating: There is one improved boat ramp on the southern portion of the WMA on Loggy Bayou. Recreational and commercial fishing are available on the WMA. Popular fish in Loggy and Red Chute Bayous include catfish, gar, buffalo, and carp, as well as bass and several species of bream. See regulations for details Camping: Overnight camping is allowed on designated camping areas Loggy Bayou Loggy Bayou WMA is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Bossier City Access the northern portion of the area off of LA Hwy 154 LDWF maintains one all-weather road and a series of ATV trails throughout the interior of the area update: Bossier Parish evacuations still in place Red Chute Bayou has not crested but it’s not time to relax yet according to Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington Bossier Parish Police Jury president Wanda Bennett and Whittington were at a briefing Saturday morning confirming all evacuations are still in place and rescues are ongoing “We’re asking our citizens to please be patient with us,” Bennett said because things are changing minute by minute .. It’s a very dynamic agenda that is taking place with weather of all kinds Red Chute Bayou near the Dogwood South subdivision still is rising it would be topping the levee,” Whittington said “That’s just how close and how serious this is.” South Bossier also is continuing to receive water that is backed up from nearby tributaries Whittington said he talked to some residents in the south Bossier area that had been there 70 years and this is the highest they’ve ever seen the water along Highway 71 “I can’t explain why that’s so,” Whittington said private contractors and military personnel helping with the 24-hour operation “If there is an indication of a potential overtopping we’ve got the resources to address it immediately,” Walker said Walker stressed the importance for citizens to obey the ongoing mandatory evacuation update: 24 American Red Cross shelters open across state The American Red Cross has open emergency shelters across Louisiana to assist those affected by ongoing floods More than 650 people spent Friday night in Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana The threat of more rain and flooding is expected to continue through the weekend as additional residents arrive at shelters Red Cross workers are providing a safe place to sleep food and emotional support for those with immediate The Red Cross is working with parish officials and partners regarding other needs and shelters to open The following Red Cross managed or supported shelters were open overnight locally: Southern University-Shreveport Gym – 3050 Dr First United Methodist Church of Minden – 903 Broadway “Our thoughts and sympathy are with all those impacted by these relentless storms,” said Kay W chief executive of the Red Cross in Louisiana “Red Cross disaster teams are helping now and will continue to help for weeks to come.” Anyone evacuating should bring essential items for each member of the family: Prescriptions and emergency medicationsFoods that meet unusual dietary requirementsIdentification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documentsExtra clothing hygiene supplies and other comfort itemsSupplies needed for children and infants formula and toysSpecial items for family members who are elderly or disabledChargers for any electronic devices you bring with youBooks games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself With more severe weather forecasted through the week the Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankle If you come upon a flooded road while driving If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.Keep children and pets out of the water as they are curious and can be harmed by flowing or contaminated water.Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger For more information on what to do before, during and after a flood, please visit redcross.org/prepare/disaster/flood Have safety and first aid information at your fingertips. The Red Cross Emergency app features weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets you use social media outlets to let family and friends know you are okay. The apps include a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps follow the American Red Cross of Louisiana on Twitter at @LaRedCross1 You can also visit redcross.org/Louisiana or call 1-800-REDCROSS update: Caddo Sheriff reminds public Barron Road still closed Caddo deputies were still conducting rescue operations in the Barron Road area yesterday evening parts of Barron Road are still underwater and will remain closed Sheriff Steve Prator also is urging anyone who has damage to their home or property due to flooding to report it at reportdamages@caddosheriff.org or by calling 318-675-2255 update: Latest road information from Louisiana State Police • LA 154 West of Culversons.• LA 507 both East of Bienville.• LA 154 North of Gibsland.• LA 792 North of Caster.• LA 155 from Saline to LA 4• LA 4 from LA 155 to the Jackson Parish Line • US 71 North of LA 157 and South of LA 157.• LA 160 at the Webster Parish Line.• LA 154 East of LA of LA 157.• LA 157 South of LA 527 to LA 154.• LA 527 at Goathill Road.• LA 527 at US 71 • LA 173/US 71 at North Hearne.• LA 3094 between US 80 and US 71.• I-49 at Bert Kouns Industrial Loop.• LA 1 at LA 175.• LA 175 at Hearts Island Road • I-49 North and South Bound from LA 3276 to LA 526.• US 84 at the DeSoto/Red River Line.• LA 175 at the Caddo/DeSoto Parish Line.• LA 3015 East of Longstreet.• US 371 at LA 177 at the DeSoto/Red River Line (Interstate 49 will remain closed between LA 3276 (Exit 191) in DeSoto Parish and LA 526 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop (Exit 199) in Caddo Parish The alternate route for south bound traffic is LA 526 (Exit 199) - US 171 - LA 3276 (Exit 191) – I49 South The alternate route for north bound traffic is LA 3276 (Exit 191) - US 171 - LA 526 (Exit 199) - I49 North • LA 155 from US 71 to LA 507.• LA 509 to the DeSoto Parish Line.• LA 480 from US 84 to Natchitoches Parish.• LA 507 west of Castor.• LA 1 at the Red River/Caddo Parish Line.• US 84 West of LA 1.• LA 177 • I-20 milepost 44 the East bound entrance and exit ramps.• LA 164 at Amos Cutoff Road.• US 80 East of US 371 at Bayou Dorcheat.• LA 2 at LA 802.• LA 164 from Sibley to Horseshoe Loop.• LA 160 from Fire TowerRd to Cotton Valley.•LA 157 between Springhill and Shongaloo.• LA 528 North of US 371 LSP urges citizens and motorists to refrain from all unnecessary travel never drive through flood waters or around barricades and stay informed of road and weather conditions in your area Don’t Drown!•Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.•Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade•Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (sharp objects etc).•A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.•If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving Do not leave the car and enter moving water and the “Way to Geaux” smartphone application the traveler information system allows access to valuable resources such as current road reports on crashes and construction as well as real time traffic camera views Motorists that witness hazardous road conditions and/or reckless drivers are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the nearest Louisiana State Police Troop headquarters Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency PreparednessLouisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)U.S National Weather Service (NWS)US National Weather Service New Orleans Louisiana update: Briefing at Caddo Parish Communications Center Caddo Parish and Shreveport officials spoke at a media briefing following their 9 a.m "Things are beginning to normalize," said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator "But that's just the very beginning." Prator said two exceptions are Caddo Lake and Twelve Mile Bayou Resources are being concentrated in each of these areas and also noted Red River is rising by some inches there have been no major injuries but Prator did say the Caddo Coroner's office is looking into the death of a homeless person No additional details were provided regarding the cause of death Mayor Ollie Tyler said officials continue to receive contact from citizens who are distressed about the Twelve Mile Bayou rising water and the city is continuing efforts to notify residents sandbags are still available at 3825 Mansfield Road Tyler also said help will be provided to anyone who wishes to evacuate their home "We're gonna be there to protect our citizens," said Tyler Officials will be visiting the neighborhoods in Allendale and the MLK areas today National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Bill Parker said the Caddo area does have a slight risk for thunderstorms Sunday With that comes the possibility of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes but the chance of seeing thunderstorms is about 20 to 30 percent Parker said the hydrological event exists even when the sun is out and the rain and storms leave the forecast Water will remain across roads and barricades will still be up "Please do not drive around barricades," said Parker "If you see water across the road that doesn't have a barricade Caddo Commissioner Matthew Linn said that Caddo Parish has sandbags at the Monty Street location The National Weather Service in Shreveport has extended the flash flood warning for Caddo Parish and Red River Parish in northwestern Louisiana until 1:15 p.m the NWS said that flooding continues across the warned area and numerous roads remain closed due to standing water Many drainage basins also remain at capacity flash flooding remains possible across the warned area Some locations that will experience flooding include Shreveport The Red Chute Bayou bridge on Sligo Road has collapsed Bossier Parish and state officials met last week to develop a plan to address the traffic and public safety issues that have arisen in south Bossier following the unexpected closure of the Red Chute Bayou bridge on Sligo Road more than a month ago Officials from the Bossier Parish Police Jury Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Bossier Parish Emergency Medical Services and Bossier Parish Communications 911 District met in a standing-room only Police Jury conference room "We understand there is growing concern by residents in south Bossier and with those who travel the roadways in that area," said Butch Ford "We've heard their complaints and concerns and we wanted to meet today and get key players together to come up with a viable solution to address those issues." Red Chute Bayou bridge on Sligo Road was closed March 14 due to high water damaged bents and indeterminate severe erosion at the abutments which continue to worsen with the prolonged high water levels The bridge will remain closed until such time as it can be repaired or Current water levels prohibit a full assessment on damage to the bridge caused by the high water and debris slamming against the bridge foundation Water levels are not expected to be back to normal until sometime in the summer The bridge was already slated to be rebuilt next year and DOTD officials are currently working to accelerate that process to replace the bridge "As we address the Red Chute bridge closure we are fully aware of the inconvenience this is causing motorists," said Cindy Dorfner "We are moving as quickly as we can to expedite the project to alleviate travel interruptions and has been fenced off to prohibit the public from crossing the bridge in any manner Pedestrian movement of any kind is not allowed because the hot-mix surfacing on the approach has been undermined by scour and portions of the pavement within the fencing have collapsed "Pedestrians must not cross the bridge because it is not safe," Dorfner said "Portions of the pavement within the fencing have collapsed The rest of the pavement in the area of concern is supported only by air as scour continues to undermine portions of the approach slab." In an effort to jointly ensure safety at this location the Sheriff's Office continues to provide additional patrol to monitor the bridge site at the request of DOTD motorists have been detouring onto Caplis-Sligo Road which now has a significant volume of 3,700 vehicles on average each day Bossier Sheriff's Office deputies have been monitoring traffic with speed warning devices and signs to keep motorists safe and DOTD officials have monitored the traffic flow and pattern in recent days officials addressed the issue of traffic building up on Caplis-Sligo as motorists approach La 71 as motorists are turning onto Caplis-Sligo Ideas discussed include possible roadway improvements such as a dedicated right turn lane onto La 71 and a left turn lane onto Caplis-Sligo from La officials will look at possibly placing appropriate caution signs to slow traffic in that area especially as they engage in any road improvements Ford said he will also be in contact with KCS Railroad officials to develop a plan to adequately address any safety issues with the railway Parish officials also discussed the issue of emergency medical and law enforcement response issues with the bridge closure in order to get those services to residents appropriately State Police troopers and officers with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit will have an increased presence to provide traffic enforcement motorists are encouraged to have a higher sense of awareness as they drive in the affected area "This meeting shows a commitment of our parish and state officials to address the public safety needs of our residents," said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington "We understand how road closures affect your driving routine and make travel times longer but we ask folks to remain patient as we develop and implement a safe and effective plan to meet their needs since the last thing we want is a vehicle crash due to driver negligence or folks getting in too much of a hurry." Officials will now determine the best course of action and reconvene in the next couple of weeks to develop a plan to adequately and quickly address the public safety issues and get traffic flowing safely They also discussed the effects and timing of the Red Chute bridge closure and repairs and the planned closure of the Jimmie Davis Bridge this year which is expected to be closed up to one year "We will update residents on the plans and developments of road closure and repairs in south Bossier as soon as we can," said Ford 157 over Fox Skin Bayou and Fox Skin Relief that was closed April 6 was re-opened Two additional subdivisions in south Bossier City and the area immediately around and adjacent to Louisiana Downs are now under a mandatory evacuation Golden Meadows and Southgate subdivisions (south of Robert E Lee Blvd.) in south Bossier off of Highway 71 were added to the list of neighborhoods under a mandatory evacuation by Bossier officials Thursday evening The list of subdivisions in the mandatory evacuation Wednesday remains and residents there are encouraged to evacuate  Those subdivisions include: Victorian Pointe Red Chute Bayou above I-20 will continue to rise and Bossier officials anticipate the levees will likely overtop by Friday morning The American Red Cross is operating a shelter at the Bossier Civic Center on Benton Road for anyone evacuating The threat for flooding continued overnight due to widespread thunderstorms Many areas received 3-7 inches of rain while others saw 10-14 inches of rainfall Steady rain was expected through Wednesday and increasing through the night according to meteorologist Travis Washington Isolated tornados and damaging winds were possible Wednesday night Flash floods and scattered thunderstorms are expected for Thursday Rain is not expected to move out of the area until Saturday but an additional 8 inches or more of rain is expected for the area With the potential of up to 10 more inches of rain fall in the forecast the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office has issued a mandatory evacuation of the following areas: Carriage OaksVictorian PointeStonebridgeTiburonStockwell PlaceLafayette ParkBrookhavenDogwoodRichmond Cove The Guideline Levee on Red Chute Bayou hasn’t been breached yet but the additional rain fall will likely cause it to overtop “We’ll be out there in full force the rest of the evening and night for as long as it takes,” said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington “We encourage everyone to get prepared and try to evacuate.” The Civic Center in Bossier is available to those seeking shelter The evacuation area will impact roughly 3,500 homes “This is a very serious situation,” said Wanda Bennett “We know that no one ever likes to leave their home but we always have to put life before property.” Nearly 15 inches of rain so far has flooded approximately 100 homes so far Relief efforts have been ongoing since Tuesday night and so far everyone in danger has been rescued safely The Bossier Parish courthouse 26th Judicial District Court Section 8 housing and the Bossier Parish library system will be closed Thursday due to inclement weather Update: A note from publisher Alan English The Times and Shreveporttimes.com remain committed to bringing you in-depth coverage of the storm impacting lives in northwest Louisiana online and in print We have teams at different spots in the community recording events sometimes delayed only by finding an Internet line or safe passage We thank them for their service documenting and keeping you informed of what’s happening We also express great thanks to the newspaper carriers remaining committed to the mission of getting the news out The Times print edition will continue to be delivered as it was today We are sorry some deliveries were late or will be delayed by as much as a day given the ongoing threat of impassable roads The Times is printing early tonight to minimize delays Please check shreveporttimes.com for the latest roads to Ruston are expected to be too dangerous so editions of The News-Star may be delivered to some Times subscribers as a replacement tow trucks are helping carriers out of bad spots We are grateful for all of the support the community is providing to our teams and to many others at non-profits throughout the city the greatness of this region is easily experienced in the citizenry and dedicated employees at all of our businesses The Times business offices will open at 10 a.m tomorrow based on current weather forecast Please exercise caution and avoid travel unless is it essential Caddo Parish schools will remain closed Thursday Southern University in Shreveport campus will be closed Thursday 8-12 inches of rain had fallen in Caddo Parish with an additional 5-7 inches expected through Thursday The sheriff's office received 25 calls for motorist assistance and 85 reports of downed trees between 2 p.m Rescues and evaluations were conducted by Caddo Sheriff’s deputies and Caddo Fire District personnel on Wednesday for one home in the 700 block of Self Road in Belcher for seven people and six dogs Five houses in the 11000 block of Colt Trail in Keithville are being evacuated with 10 people and five animals already assisted And five people were assisted within two units at the Sherwood Apartments in the 10,000 block of Mansfield Road Additional evacuations involving Greenwood Police took place overnight at the Greenway Apartments in Greenwood according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office Water rescues are being conducted by boats and high-water equipment by the Caddo Sheriff’s deputies Caddo Fire Districts and Shreveport Fire and the Louisiana National Guard has staged boats and high-water vehicles in the area Residents in need of flood relief may go to the reception center in the Brau Building at 805 Brook Hollow Drive in Shreveport The Red Cross of Northwest Louisiana is providing resources snacks and helping residents plan for further action Those in need also may visit The Cowboy Church's flood relief shelter at 9950 Hwy Road closures in rural Caddo Parish include:Hwy 538 @ CrawfordColquitt @ Twin BridgesLinwood @ BarronSouth Lakeshore east of BradfordLand Avenue in Oil CityCurly Avenue in Oil CityKeithville-Kingston @ HilltopKeithville-Kingston @ DominoKeithville-Kingston @ BarronMansfield @ BarronI-49 north @ Hwy 530 exit closedHosston-Rodessa Road south of RodessaPinehill @ Winchester (power line) Numerous other roads remain threatened or impacted by high water and motorists are urged to to use caution and follow all warning signs and barricades Sandbags are available to the public around the clock at the City of Shreveport’s Public Works facility at 3825 Old Mansfield Road and until 10 p.m at the parish facility at 1701 Monty Street The City of Shreveport has extended sandbag distribution to 24-hour service 3825 Old Mansfield Road Caddo Public Works More than 8,000 sandbags have been issued to residents as of Wednesday afternoon according to director of communications Africa Price City facilities closed today include Chris Hayes All Shreveport Parks Assembly and Recreation athletic events are canceled and will be rescheduled to a later date Weather altered business hours for WK Fitness & Wellness Centers: on ThursdaySome group fitness classes will be cancelled during our altered operating hours A schedule can be viewed at www.wkfitness.com Bossier Parish Schools will be closed Thursday due to flooding Bossier Parish Community College will remain closed Thursday The flash flood warning was extended until 10:30 p.m The flash flood warning continues until 6:30 p.m Steady rain is expected over the next several hours and increasing throughout the day and into the night with 3-5 inches of rain with higher amounts possible Potential of severe weather continues Wednesday Rain is not expected to move out of the area until Saturday morning The Bossier City Fire Department is responding to flooding in The Pecan Valley Estates mobile home park Those who want to leave the area are being transported to the Bossier Civic Center About 100 people of the estimated 1,000 residents have chosen to leave the area The temporary shelter can hold up to 100 people said BCPD Chief Thomas Waggoner Shelters also are being opened at the old Parkway High School Bossier City is currently setting up a temporary shelter at the Bossier Civic Center for residents whose homes have been affected by floodwaters and are not able to find accommodations Voluntary evacuation notices are being issued to residents in the Victorias Pointe Richmond Cove and Stonebridge subdivisions as a precaution due to rising water on Red Chute Bayou and Flat River The Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will contact residents of those subdivisions via the automated telephone notification system – First Call Personnel with the Bossier City Police Department and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office will go door to door to notify residents of the voluntary evacuation notice Residents in need of evacuation assistance should call the Bossier Sheriff’s office at (318) 965-2203 Pecan Valley Mobile Home Park in the 6500 block of Barksdale Boulevard was evacuated this morning Some camps at Lake Bistineau are expected to flood and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has established a no wake zone for the lake Tall Timbers subdivision in Haughton and some sections of HWY 80 are experiencing flooding Approximately 2,294 Bossier Parish residents are without power Approximately 1,324 residents in Caddo Parish are without power Sandbags can be obtained from Caddo Public Works at 1701 Monty St No homes have been reported with standing water and no injuries have been reported said most of the calls have been in regards to assisting motorist Deputies have reported that many residents are driving around barricades causing their vehicles to stall and become stranded Caddo Parish has officially declared a State of Emergency due to severe weather and flood warnings Trees have been spotted down in the 3000 block of Nottingham and 7400 block of Preston causing roads to be temporarily closed Shreveport Police Department and Caddo Sheriff's office personnel are located at 40 different locations across the parish helping residents there's been eight to 12 inches of rain throughout the parish and more is expected within the next few days A media briefing this morning indicated Cross Lake is currently at 172 feet and is expected to reach 174.5 almost 2.5 feet above the flood stage and Wallace Lake is at 148 feet and is expected to rise 11 to 12 feet There have been no problems with TL Amiss Water Treatment Plant Vivian Airport Road is closed due to high water Eleven people were evacuated from their homes overnight in Greenwood and taken to the Cowboy Church for shelter Sherwood Apartments on Mansfield Road are also threatened by high water but the National Weather Service in Shreveport predicts another surge of hard rain is predicted to come through this afternoon and early evening NWS predicts the Red River in Caddo Parish will not flood unless more rain hits Oklahoma and Arkansas The agency does predict Red River Parish and Natchitoches are expected to see the river above flood stage later this week Tomorrow's temperature will be in the upper 60s and there is a 78 percent chance of rain and possible tornadoes associated with storms National Guard deployed to help with flooding John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency and authorized the Louisiana National Guard to assist with rescues from heavy flooding in the area The National Guard has currently deployed about 10 soldiers to assist with flooding due to heavy rainfall from multiple thunderstorms and is working in conjunction with the governor search and rescue teams and Fish and Wildlife Services "We are providing high water vehicles to help local agencies with search and rescue," said Col making sure we have vehicles and soldiers ready to go west central Claiborne Parish and northwestern Red River Parish west central Bienville Parish in northwestern Louisiana Southwestern Columbia County in southwestern Arkansas southwestern Lafayette County in southwestern Arkansas and southeastern Miller County in southwestern Arkansas until 8 a.m local law enforcement and emergency management officials continued to report flash flooding from thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area Flash flooding is expected to continue over the next several hours Some locations that will experience additional flooding include: Shreveport Caddo schools issued a release saying: "After monitoring road conditions and consulting with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness weather projections indicate dangerous travel conditions are expected on Wednesday In an effort to ensure the safety of students all Caddo Parish schools and sites will be closed Wednesday.'' Also closed: Bossier Parish Community College LSU Health Shreveport School of Allied Health Medicine and Graduate Studies will be closed today The closure included academic activities only Physicians and residents who have hospital or clinical responsibilities should report to work Administrative officials are encouraged to report for duty only if weather conditions permit LSUS is closed Wednesday due to inclement weather The Caddo Parish Sheriff's office reported a low power line at 5709 Old Mooringsport Rd and that Furrh Road at Backpath Road is closed in Blanchard Much of the high water that flooded and closed streets Tuesday night in Bossier City has receded according to Bossier City Police Department spokesperson Mark Natale Bossier City Police are continuing to monitor these areas as the heavy rain event progresses The major roadways in Bossier City that are barricaded at this time are Benton Road between East Texas Street and Shed Road and the outside lanes of traffic of Airline Drive at Douglas Drive BCPD would like to remind residents that they should not drive around barricades set up in any of these affected areas High water areas include: Princeton Rd./Highway 157 -  8-foot section of road is gone by the school; Highway 157 south of Haughton -  Parts of the roadway are impassible; Highway 162 1300-1700 block range.Please use alternate routes with any of these roadways that are impassable side streets and subdivisions that have high water and flooding throughout the parish but motorists still need to use caution for standing water on side of roadway Many side streets also remain flooded and motorists are advised to avoid driving in these areas of high water Motorists are advised to use caution this morning on Bossier City roadways and to allow themselves extra time to get to their destinations Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water About 30 homes in the Fox Chase subdivision in Haughton were evacuated Tuesday afternoon and other areas in the early morning areas  Motorists have been rescued from being stranded in their vehicles in the high waters Tuesday and through the night deputies have been evacuating residents in the Tall Timbers subdivision; about 24 households so far some 75 homes and vehicles have been evacuated or rescued The American Red Cross is opening a site to assist those affected by flash floods The first location to open is in Bossier Parish at First Baptist Church of Haughton The Red Cross is working with parish officials and partners regarding other sites sandbags – limited to 25 per individual -- are available for pick up from 8 a.m in an operation that will extend as needed each day throughout the remainder of the week The Caddo Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness also began distributing sandbags for residents of Caddo Parish at the Parish Public Works facility Each pick up also is limited to 25 for the duration of the need and availability residents can pick up sandbags at the maintenance barn at 410 Mayfield St or at the public service complex at 3223 Old Shed Road Updates will continue as information is released (KSLA) - The Sligo Water System is taking measures after testing positive for a brain-eating amoeba The test found that naegleria fowleri was in a portion of the Sligo Water System The affected area is from Hwy 70 to Red Chute Bayou along Sligo Road Sligo Water System at the time was purchasing water from Bossier City for the area of the system The Sligo Water System disconnected Bossier City water and reconnected Sligo water to the entire system A free chlorine burn of the system will take place over the next 60 days People cannot be infected with negleria fowleri by drinking water according to the Louisiana Department of Health the most common exposure to the amoeba is by going swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes and rivers It also can happen with the contaminated water enters the nose when people submerge their heads in water or when irrigating the sinuses Any activity where water could enter a person’s nose should be avoided Naegleria fowleri causes an infection that lead to the destruction of brain tissue it can be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis according to Louisiana Department of Health For a full list of precautionary measures, visit this article by the Louisiana Department of Health Anyone with questions is instructed to call Operator Andy Freeman at (318) 517-5595 \n NglrFwlr Facts 2015by\n KSLA News 12 on Scribd Area residents received welcome relief Thursday as storms produced significantly less rainfall than anticipated evacuations and rescues in flood-ravaged areas of Caddo and Bossier parishes continued and officials warned residents not to let down their guard president of the Bossier Parish police jury pleaded with residents remaining in their homes in mandatory evacuation areas to leave as quickly as possible also thanked those who already had done so "Do not be fooled by the idea that it's over with now We're still in a long duration storm," said Bennett flanked by Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington Those of you who have not evacuated as yet we're asking you to do so as quickly as possible It's better than being in there and waiting for someone to come get you in a boat." public officials and emergency responders faced a third straight day of flooding rains officials admitted their resources were overburdened but they were able and determined to meet needs beleaguered evacuees found themselves wondering not only about the condition of their homes but when they would be able to go back “Till we’re satisfied that Red Chute (bayou) is safe," said Whittington when asked when residents would be able to return to their homes As much as 14 inches of rain had fallen in the area since Tuesday and the National Weather Service extended it's flash flood watch till 6 p.m.Friday Ross said Shreveport could expect an additional one to two inches of rain today and flooding was expected with the amount of rain the area has received The service estimated there was a 40 percent chance of rain on Saturday and 20 percent on Sunday Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesman said flooding was attributable to the area receiving tremendous amounts of rain over a short amount of time Steele acknowledged Caddo and Bossier parishes have reached a point where their resources are stretched thin — but any parish would be we're getting a little break in the rain," said Steele also speaking at the Bossier afternoon press conference "There is still some rescue work going on in areas but we're in the transition from emergency to recovery." Steele said the recovery period would begin once water levels fell to a safe level and data could be amassed about total damages it would start determining what services and financial aid would be available to communities The Federal Emergency Management Agency steps in once that recovery period has started "It depends on where the biggest needs are," Steele said "FEMA will send teams down with assessment teams Officials on both sides of Red River tallied their efforts Thursday: and Richmond Cove in Bossier Parish — still under evacuation orders The American Red Cross had set up a shelter at the Bossier Civic Center on  Benton Road to assist evacuees More than 200 people rescued in Bossier Parish through a combined effort of the Louisiana National Guard South Bossier Fire District 2 and the Bossier City Police Department Lt Bill Davis of the Bossier Sheriiff's office said more than 100 of those rescues had taken place in south Bossier Pecan Valley Mobile home park and Golden Meadows subdivision experienced severe flooding Whittington said his office had been receiving calls to do isolated rescues He urged residents to coordinate rescues for efficiency "It would really help us out when we go rescue someone if they would work as a unit it would really help us out a lot and get them out in a safer manner faster." More than 100 evacuations also had occurred in Caddo parish since Wednesday according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's office Evacuations took place in neighborhoods around Colt Trail Barron Road and Barron Ridge in south Caddo and the Lakeview North Fork and Mallard Bay subdivisions in north Caddo A Red Cross shelter opened in Caddo parish at Southern University's campus on Dr Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator said the Louisiana National Guard was working in collaboration with the sheriff's office to provide assistance to flooded areas Deputies were aiding in more than 60 locations The sheriffs office had evacuated 59 people moved livestock and had plans to evacuate west Lakeshore Drive Of particular concern was Mallard bay homes near Cross Lake "We're doing door to door checks and looking to open a shelter up north," Prator said As the day wore on officials turned their attention to stressed levees and tributaries The Bossier Levee District decided to open the diversion gate on Red Chute Bayou approximately 30 percent on Thursday according to Bossier Parish Police Jury spokesman Pat Culverhouse “They were also talking about opening it a little wider if necessary,” Culverhouse said “There are two or three bodies of water for it to empty into Culverhouse said the water from Red Chute should not affect Golden Meadows or the Gardens of Southgate subdivision  Red Chute at Dogwood Trail in south Bossier was expected to rise and crest near 26.5 feet during the upcoming weekend the weather service's Bill Parker said Red River was at 25.86 and was expected to rise to 30 feet by Sunday Caddo Lake was at 175.5 feet and expected to rise to 178 within the same timeframe and Cross Lake was at 176.5 feet and expected to rise another foot Thursday night before dropping off Wallace Lake was at 159 and already spilling over but also was expected to start slowly falling Caddo Parish: Sandbags are available 24-hours at 1701 Monty Street and 3825 Old Mansifeld Road or from a self serve station at 7300 Mansfield Road  Residents are encouraged to report damages to the Caddo Sheriff's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at 675-2255 or reportdamages@caddosheriff.org Bossier Parish: Residents can pick up sandbags at Bossier Parish Highway Department Maintenance Barn at 410 Mayfield St the Bossier City Public Service Complex at 3223 Old Shed Rd and anytime at the Elm Grove Elementary School in south Bossier Residents are encouraged to call the Bossier Sheriff's Office at 318-965-2203 or 911 if they are have an emergency This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Read other stories about big bucks killed this season by clicking here This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access. Deville hunter bags 16-pointer scoring 171-plus in Rapides Parish Maurice hunter shoots three-legged 8-pointer in Grant Parish The Muckster Lite Clog is the perfect shoe for warm-weather fishing Walker High School Fishing Team member Hunter Holland wants to complete his four-year run as a high school bass angler on a high note.[…] The Free Fly Topo shorts are ultra-comfortable and offer plenty of storage pockets.[…] ©2025 Louisiana Sportsman, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Employee Information Relentless overnight rain resulting in flash floods forced many Haughton residents from their homes Wednesday with another 8 or more inches of rain expected officials ordered mandatory evacuations of as many as 3,500 homes in east Bossier City as a swollen Red Chute Bayou threatened to breach a levee including Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker and Bossier Parish Police Jury president Wanda Bennett said at least 15 inches of rainfall had stressed nearby tributaries and flooded about 100 homes — most of those in the Haughton area including those from the Louisiana National Guard had been ongoing since Tuesday night and affected residents in danger has been rescued safely But Whittington said those efforts would continue as officials braced themselves for continued developments overnight and into Thursday "We’ll be out there in full force the rest of the evening and night for as long as it takes,” said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington As more residents of Bossier Parish were evacuated from their homes in Carriage Oaks and Richmond Cove subdivision the American Red Cross set up a shelter at the Bossier Civic Center on  Benton Road a volunteer with the American Red Cross of North Louisiana urged residents coming to the shelter to remember the basic necessities — especially medications about 45 residents were planning to stay at the shelter which was set up to accommodate as many as 150 people Officials urged the public to heed warnings and evacuate “This is a very serious situation,” Bennett said “We know that no one ever likes to leave their home but we always have to put life before property.” Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff's office clarified that the evacuation in and around the Dogwood community is most specifically targeted at Dogwood South and those homes in the Dogwood neighborhood that are in the vicinity of the Red Chute Bayou "If they stay then they're doing it on their own accord," Davis said on Whispering Pine Drive in the city's Tall Timbers subdivision homes were almost completely submerged in high water Officials from the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office were on site with boats to checking for any residents still trapped by the high flood waters is one resident of Tall Timbers whose home was not affected by the rising water "I woke up and saw a giant lake where the street used to be," said Smith Davis said that it is not yet known why the area took on water at such a rapid pace "It's not because it's a low-lying area," said Davis Sixty two people were evacuated from 25 homes and Davis estimated that the water level was at least six feet at its highest point "We weren't even talking about Tall Timbers yesterday," said Davis who believes the area began to fill with water sometime around daybreak on Wednesday Davis said that residents were given the opportunity to go to a shelter or to stay with family and friends were visibly shaken as they stepped from the rescue boat onto dry land to leave the area around 10 a.m The Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Haughton began Wednesday morning as a temporary shelter for evacuees from the Fox Chase subdivision Green said Pastor Gevan Spinney opened the church to families who were displaced by flash flood conditions that swept through the area Tuesday night The Haughton church was a temporary staging center and was closed as those efforts moved to the Bossier Civic Center A Haughton animal hospital had opened its facility to family pets displaced by the flood Flooding also made the the normally easy trek from Haughton to Minden nearly impossible as portions of Interstate 20 from Interstate 220 to the Bienville Parish line were closed throughout the day and alternate routes were nearly just as impassable as water rose over sections of US Hwy 80 and Hwy 371 Davis said  area road conditions remain uncertain as night fell Wednesday "Everything is very fluid right now," said Davis who was still waiting to find out if the roads he travels would be clear so he could get home Report Kevin Connelly contributed to this story The Bossier City area across the Red River from Shreveport has taken the brunt of the storm that began saturating northern Louisiana late Tuesday. At least three people have died, and mandatory evacuations have been enforced by rescuers using large trucks able to negotiate the high waters. At the Pecan Valley Estates mobile home park, Sam Cassidy and his wife were the last holdouts. The murky waters surrounded Cassidy's home and his neighbors had already left. He said he would leave if the water started to get inside but he was worried about looters. He said God might take it all with the flood but he wouldn't allow anyone else to. Thursday morning, with waters creeping up his front steps, he stood in waist-deep water watching his neighbors evacuate. An alligator swam by. By night it looked like a "horror movie." "We were the only two here," he said. "It was pitch black, the houses were empty. It's been an adventure." Residents in two additional subdivisions in the region were ordered to leave Friday, while the Louisiana Downs racetrack was under a mandatory evacuation, said Bossier Parish Sheriff's Lt. Bill Davis. A flood warning was in effect for the Red Chute Bayou, where levees built to prevent water from overflowing were at risk. The southeast of the state started to get battered by rain Thursday and Friday. In Tangipahoa Parish, Sheriff Daniel Edwards said close to 50 roads were closed due to high water and an estimated 300 to 400 people had to evacuate. Flash flood waters in many populated areas appeared to be receding by Friday afternoon, although more rain could change that. To the east, in St. Tammany Parish officials said three local rivers were reaching historic levels and would continue to rise. They encouraged people in homes nearby to decide before dark whether to evacuate. Thaddeus Jackson, 37, said water was already entering his two-story apartment in Hammond when he arrived home from work at around 2:30 a.m. He tried to protect his furniture, then he and his wife and children went to bed. "When I woke up this morning, the rescue people were banging on the door, telling us to get out," said Jackson. Further to the east in Washington Parish, swollen rivers and creeks have led to widespread flooding, prompting rescues from scores of homes. Mike Haley, a chief deputy for the parish's sheriff, said dozens of homes have been flooded. The Coast Guard even had to send a helicopter from New Orleans to rescue someone trapped on a roof. There were no reports of serious injuries or deaths, said Haley, but he noted that the flooding was worse than what the parish saw during Hurricane Isaac in 2012. The severe weather system that has dumped rain across the state has been feeding off of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, said Frank Revitte, from the National Weather Service in Slidell. On Tuesday night and Wednesday, the system dumped 15-20 inches over north Louisiana before moving south where it dumped about 10-15 inches of rain Thursday and Friday in some areas - in just 3 to 4 hours - Rivette said. The weather system is starting to move slowly to the northeast, he said, giving the state a chance to dry out. Southeast Louisiana will dry out faster than north Louisiana, where the ground is saturated, he said. The rain will be slow to leave - additional showers are expected Saturday. But by Sunday, Rivette said, "We should see the sunshine and begin to dry out." Gov. John Bel Edwards traveled to northern Louisiana Friday to assess the situation after issuing a statewide declaration of emergency Thursday. The Louisiana National Guard deployed roughly 400 people along with 30 to 35 high-water vehicles and 15 to 18 boats to assist in search-and-rescue operations in north Louisiana. A section of Interstate 20 east of Bossier City remained closed and a portion of I-49 was closed south of Shreveport. All of southeast Louisiana remained under a flash flood watch Friday as bands of heavy rain moved over the area. Ellen Mary GalimoreBirth date: Oct 13 Visitation & Funeral Information","description":"Honoring the memory of Ellen Mary Galimore with their obituary visitation and funeral information.","articleSection":"Obituaries","articleBody":"Ellen Mary Galimore was born on October 13 who also preceded her in death.\n\nEllen joined Red Chute Baptist Church at a young age where she showcased her musical talent by playing the drums where she became an exceptional self-taught cook delighting many with her culinary skills.\n\nHer spiritual journey continued as she joined Goodwill Baptist Church and later became a member of True Believers of Christ Church in 1999 Ellen's faith was a cornerstone of her life guiding her through many years.\n\nEllen leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: her daughter Angela Galimore granddaughter Patrice Galimore Weiss (Lars) She is also survived by six nieces: Mary Ann and Todd; one niece Natasha; and two nephews Willie and Charles who preceded her in death Ellen's legacy extends to a host of grand and great nieces and nephews and loved ones.\n\nSpecial friends and caregiver Phil Casey will also mourn her passing.\n\nEllen Mary Galimore's life was a testament to love She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.","keywords":"Ellen Mary Galimore Biography","dateCreated":"2025-04-05T17:51:52.337Z","datePublished":"2025-04-05T17:51:52.337Z","dateModified":"2025-04-15T19:32:38.597Z","genre":"Obituary Biography","author":[{"@type":"Organization","name":"Restland Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory","url":"https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/"}],"mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/ellen-galimore/obituary","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Restland Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.f1connect.net/cdn/14362D-Zjk/layout/images/logo.63873319164.png"}},"creator":"Restland Funeral Home Ellen joined Red Chute Baptist Church at a young age Her spiritual journey continued as she joined Goodwill Baptist Church and later became a member of True Believers of Christ Church in 1999 Ellen's faith was a cornerstone of her life Ellen leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: her daughter Angela Galimore Ellen's legacy extends to a host of grand and great nieces and nephews Ellen Mary Galimore's life was a testament to love She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her Share a story where Ellen's kindness touched your heart Describe a day with Ellen you’ll never forget Flash flood warnings became flash flood emergencies on Thursday when torrential downpours continued over northwest Louisiana Emergency personnel continued evacuating residents from several neighborhoods in the Shreveport-Bossier City metroplex No area was completely off-limits from the indiscriminate fury of monsoon-like rains that battered the Ark-La-Tex region Residents worked together with a compassionate blend of public service and solidarity to aid in evacuations from flooded neighborhoods in both parishes Barksdale Air Force base deployed more than 50 airmen to help with sandbagging needs throughout subdivisions near Haughton. A sandbagging station was set up Wednesday night near the Red Chute Bayou levee in the Dogwood South subdivision of Bossier City Champion said the operation started efforts again by 7 a.m Most of the sandbagging efforts centered around the north end of the Red Chute levee Champion said several members of the community also stopped by to pick up sand bags from the station "The overall mood seems pretty calm," Champion said It's an honor to be out here and doing something for the community." a heavy equipment operator with the Bossier Levee District said he had also helped with the floods in 2009 and June of 2015 bringing the sandbags here," Halbrook said who lives next door to the sandbagging station stood with a brightly colored umbrella while watching the efforts Nagle said she and her family re-located from Germany to Bossier about two months ago when her husband was deployed here A coworker of my husband's lost everything." Nagle said an optional evacuation of the area was announced Tuesday She said her family decided to stay because she had friends visiting from out of town and small children and her home hasn't yet run into any trouble yet with high waters "Unless they make it a mandatory evacuation We're praying for the families that have it so much worse than we do was forced to evacuate her home on Bayou Road following a mandatory evacuation order on Wednesday around 3:00 p.m Musica packed her valuables and headed over to Autumn Creek to stay with a friend while authorities monitor the condition of the Red Chute levee "We're waiting to see what the levee does and the rains stop," Musica said Tami Brock also left her home in Stockwell with her elderly mother and her children on Wednesday afternoon Brock said the family had parked one of the family's cars away from the home when the rains started pouring down so they would be able to leave if the area flooded You hear about floods and people evacuating Brock said she has made several trips back to remove her valuable and sentimental items since the evacuation order on Wednesday afternoon The evacuation from the North Lakeshore Mallard Bay subdivision was one of many that took place around Cross Lake beginning on Wednesday night and continuing throughout the morning Thursday Donna Jackson and other members of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office were gathered at the intersection of North Lakeshore Drive and Lakeview Road on Thursday morning to assist with evacuation efforts.“The water wasn’t over the roadway last night,” said Jackson who also noted that around 10 to 12 residents and their animals had been evacuated as of 9:30 a.m. with around six to seven still waiting for transportation Shreveport Fire Department and other first responders also were on site to assist with the transportation of evacuees from a staging point within the neighborhood Boats were used to bring people from their homes to the staging area and official vehicles then brought the residents out of the area Kay Raney and her dog Roxy were delivered to the safety by ambulance They had gotten to the ambulance from her home on the north side of Cross Lake by boat “It’s just about under water,” said Raney about the flooding situation in her neighborhood Raney spent most of Wednesday night keeping her eyes on the water levels outside her home “I got up several times to see if water was up in our house yet there was a whole bunch of black spiders coming in the house.” Raney said she jumped at the opportunity for a way to safety when she was asked if she wanted a ride from authorities “I’m gonna stay in a motel for one night,” said Raney “I don’t know what I’m gonna do after that.” Raney’s husband and their Labrador dogs were en route to join her and Roxy Elsewhere on the roads circumnavigating the shores of Cross Lake water had crept up over roadways making travel impossible At the intersection of South Lakeshore and Jolly Napier Road travel was prevented for any considerable period due to water spilling across the streets and barricades preventing drivers from gaining entry to dangerous areas Residents in the area surrounding Calumet Drive were keeping their eyes on the rising water Darrel and Anna Folse said they were not aware that they were in an area being monitored for evacuations until mid-morning “The water’s about four or five feet closer since yesterday,” said Darrel Folse “Another two feet and it’s gonna become critical.” Barbara Knott and Paul Yuli both waded out from their properties on Calumet Drive on the north side of the lake to survey the extent of the damage from the street Yuli noted one of the structures on his property was only two weeks old and estimated at least three feet of water had already filled his home Greg Tarver also lives on the north side of Cross Lake Tarver said that he lives on a high peak in the Squirrel Point area so he was not immediately concerned about flooding of his property Many of Tarver’s neighbors had not been as lucky Around six to seven of his neighbor’s homes were flooded and Tarver had been assisting them with sandbagging throughout Thursday morning “He is sending help from south Louisiana to north Louisiana,” said Tarver “Here all the way to the Monroe area to help with this situation.” two young men leaned against broom handles  while waiting by an inflated air mattress — which they were using to ferry people across a waist-high reservoir that had formed in the middle of the community's road The young men were the sons of Katrina Picard who had lived in the neighborhood since 2011 and was watching the day's events from a lounge chair outside her home We're staying until it gets into the house," Picard said Gary Marlar's sons were also out — playing in the water while wearing inflatable life jackets You can't keep them inside," said Marlar of his two children Marlar said the neighborhood's main problem has been getting access to sandbags The city has delivered some to the entrance near Benton Road but Marlar said that's two miles away from his home where the water is more than 24 inches deep and makes driving out unsafe adding that the family relied on itself when yesterday's rains hit "Right now there's a lot of people out here We just stood and watched the water rise." Mercedes Pitts alternated between sweeping excess water off her porch and pausing to stare at the boats drifting by her mostly-submerged mailbox said she hasn't been able to get to sandbags — or to her job We haven't even gotten any sandbags," Pitts said But Pitts added the flooding has given her a chance to spend more time with her sons I've gotten to spend time with my boys," said Pitts We've got our things together if we have to evacuate." Flooding also was taking place in other sections of Caddo Parish even after the rain had stopped and the sun peeked out from the clouds A section of Wallace Lake Road leading to a recreational area was completely submerged on Thursday afternoon that the road appeared to be an intended boat launch Shreveport resident Susan Holland was in awe of how completely flooded the entire area had become “Straight out that way is a park that you are not seeing right now,” said Holland as she gestured at the spot typically a popular area with access to fishing “It’s all under water right now,” said Holland “I’ve never seen it this high before.” Drivers happening upon the area stopped to take photographs before realizing that they would have to turn around Sandbags are available in Caddo Parish at the following locations: 3825 Old Mansfield Road (around the clock);Caddo Public Works 1701 Monty Street;Self-serve location at 7300 Mansfield Road Bossier Parish residents got a break Sunday – Red Chute Bayou crested at 26.25 feet and a nearby levee Officials promptly downgraded a mandatory evacuation order for 11 neighborhoods to voluntary but warned residents to remain vigilant and prepared we’re still not out of the woods,” said Gene Barattini of the Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Barattini spoke along other Bossier Parish officials at an early afternoon media briefing John Bel Edwards announced late Sunday afternoon President Barack Obama had declared a major disaster for Louisiana The declaration is an important first step in qualifying for federal assistance as the state recovers from historic flooding homes in areas such as Mooringsport near Caddo Lake were already taking on floodwaters or were threatened As the water level on Caddo continued to rise so would Twelve Mile Bayou – expected to reach 39-40 feet on Tuesday Residents in Shreveport’s Allendale and Martin Luther King neighborhoods already hard hit by June’s historic Red River flood were bracing for the worst for the second time in a year “The water is starting to recede off the roadways but we still have a lot of homes that have water in them,” said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator of flooding in the northern part of the parish near U.S “We hope the next couple days are good to us and we can start helping some people out.” Sunny skies Sunday belied a mid-afternoon tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service which also issued a flood warning until 11 p.m The tornado watch was supposed to end at 8 p.m The service also predicted Red River would rise to 31 ½ feet – moderate flood stage – by Tuesday Bossier parish officials stressed Red Chute and Flat River remained threats and Cypress Black Bayou continued to flow into Red Chute Flat River was experiencing troubled emptying into the higher-than-normal Red River The two merge in south Bossier Parish near its boundary with Red River Parish the more (Flat River is) going to back up,” Whittington said residents were unable to leave and officials had not yet been able to reach them Officials hoped to reach residents on Sunday In an effort to return to “normal,” officials with the area’s two largest school districts Caddo Public Schools and Bossier Parish Schools Bossier Parish Community College also planned to re-open Machen conceded closed roads – especially in south Bossier Parish and Haughton – would hinder transportation for students and staff Buses would run but would not travel on flooded roads or across flood-impacted bridges that had not yet been inspected by the state Department of Transportation and Development Some parents would have to take their children to the nearest bus stop but Machen urged them not to drive in floodwaters “Do not jeopardize your life,” Machen said. The district also asked for help from the public in donating school uniforms, backpacks, school supplies and other necessities for children who impacted by the flood. Those donations could be dropped off at any Bossier Parish school or by emailing the district’s public relations liaison at Sonja.Bailes@BossierSchools.org Nearly 250.000 sandbags made and distributed 30 residents staying at the American Red Cross shelter at the Bossier Civic Center   Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedIn(KSLA) - After record breaking rainfall this past week and with more rain projected through the weekend all eyes are now turning to the rising rivers Major flooding is expected and new record heights have already been broken Caddo Lake will reach its highest level in 50 years with a crest of 179.5' on Monday The lake will reach major flood stage by Sunday Homes and roadways are already being flooded with levels at 177.45' An evacuation advisory is in place for those who live around the lake and it is highly suggested that boats are taken out of garages to keep from breaking through their roofs with the rising lake levels over the next few days Cross Lake Bayou in Shreveport reached major flood stage at 176.99' at 4 a.m The lake is currently receding and as of 9 p.m Black Lake Bayou in Natchitoches Parish is at 116.5' as of 9 p.m This is a record flooding event for Black Lake breaking the old record of 114.5' on July 6 1989 from the effects of Tropical Storm Allison The lake will continue to rise to a crest of 119' Monday morning Wallace Lake in DeSoto Parish is currently in major flood stage Water is overflowing the spillway and has flooded homes and roadways including portions of I-49 Water will fall to 158.2' by Sunday morning Bayou D'Arbonne at Lake Claiborne has fallen into moderate flooding after reaching major flood stage of 191.99' on Thursday Levels are projected to fall below flood stage by early Monday morning Bayou Dorcheat in Webster Parish has reached major flood stage at most points along the bayou Springhill crested Friday afternoon at 21.2' after flooding a few homes near Shongaloo and downstream The water will slowly recede through the weekend Dixie Inn has also crested as of Saturday afternoon at 25.78' This has topped the old record set back in 1997 of 25.1' This shatters the record of 147.9' reached back in 1991 A crest of 150' is expected late Sunday night even those on stilts are flooding at levels as high as this Red Chute Bayou in Bossier Parish has crested at Sligo with 38.8' on Thursday and will slowly recede to 37.5' Sunday morning Red Chute Bayou at Dogwood Trail will reach a crest of 26.5' Sunday morning Mandatory evacuations have taken place for several subdivisions near the bayou as water could potentially over top the levee It is expected that bayou levels will not reach normal capacity until the first week of April Twelve Mile Bayou lead to major flooding of homes in the Allendale MLK and parts of the Lakeside neighborhood of Shreveport back during the June 2015 flood This area is of high concern as levels will lead to even worse flooding with a projected crest of 40' on Tuesday Current levels are at 39.14' as of 9 p.m Sunday It is highly advised if you experienced flooding in June Rivers across the region are also on the rise the Red River in Shreveport had reached minor flood stage of 30.04' with an expected crest at moderate flood stage of 31.5' on Tuesday The Red River at Grand Ecore has already reached moderate flood stage with 37.61' It is projected to reach major flood stage of 39' at its crest on Saturday The Sabine River has also reached moderate flood stage at Beckville and Logansport the Sabine River at Beckville is at 30.72' This is after reaching a crest of 31.35' on Saturday It will crest on Sunday at a major flood stage level of 35' the Logansport Municipal Water Treatment Plant will be in danger of flooding We will continually bring you updates with the flooding situation throughout the next few days You can always keep up with the very latest weather information here: Copyright 2016 KSLA After approximately 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the area last week the Red River began rising and crested at minor flood stage on Wednesday. River flooding has been reported along all river basins across a four-state region Below is the latest information you may need to know about the forecast for the Red River and other local waterways. This page will be updated.  Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is warning Caddo Lake residents to prepare for possible flooding as the lake approaches its crest later today “Caddo Lake is at 172.80 feet and is being forecast by the Shreveport National Weather Service to crest at 173.5 feet later today," he said. "This forecast doesn’t take into consideration any additional precipitation we may receive or water release increases from Lake O’ the Pines." Residents should expect water over some roadways creating ingress and egress issues. Citizens should prepare accordingly as there is the potential for their flooding risk to increase Deputies went door-to-door in the Caddo Lake area this morning to warn residents who may be impacted “We will be hitting the most vulnerable areas first,” Prator said and we want everyone to be prepared.” The Caddo Sheriff’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will also be sending out phone messages in the area through its CodeRed Emergency Notification System. To register, go to www.caddosheriff.org Areas of concern are those along the lake shore: River crests at 31.35 feetThe Red River crested Wednesday morning at 31.35 feet hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport.  “Expect only a very small fall through the next five days,” he said Residents are urged to never leave animals outdoors in hutches or confined in any other way during a flooding situation as they will be unable to flee rising waters Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately Police have asked residents to move livestock from low-lying areas as waterways have begun flooding.  Buck Wilkins of the Bossier Sheriff's Office spent Tuesday morning checking on homes businesses and residents in South Bossier and Lake Bistineau The National Weather Service forecasts Lake Bistineau to rise to 145 by the end of this week The lake hit the 150 mark in the flood of 2016 Rainfall forecast Tuesday through Thursday could impact the water levels at the lake Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington and Bossier deputies are closely monitoring the situation to keep residents informed and safe Gov. Edwards declares state of emergencyGov. John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency for Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Caddo, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides and Grant parishes as a result of severe weather and flooding Bossier officials receive weather briefingBossier Parish and city officials are continuing to monitor rising water conditions as the National Weather Service forecasts two to three inches of rain will fall in the area Tuesday through Thursday Members of the Bossier Parish Unified Command were advised Monday that the Red River is still forecast to crest at 31 feet Tuesday in Shreveport and Lake Bistineau is expected to rise to 145 feet which is one foot higher than the current level Bossier Parish’s Unified Command suggests the following tips: CPSO rescues cattle off Twelve Mile BayouSeveral head of cattle were rescued from flooded Twelve Mile Bayou Monday morning The cattle were caught in rising water along Interstate 49 north between the North Market and La. 173 exits Livestock Patrol and Marine Unit responded and were able to get them to higher ground with help from those responsible for the cattle Some of the cows were in water over their heads and trying to stay afloat while others were tangled in heavy underbrush The Livestock Patrol roped the cows and used boats manned by the CPSO Marine Unit to pull them to safety Four cows were loaded into trailers and taken to a new location Two longhorns were pulled to higher ground along the levee Bossier Parish residents who may need sandbags will be able to make pickups until 6 p.m Monday at the Police Jury highway maintenance facility, 410 Mayfield​ St. Sandbags are also available at satellite locations in the parish Storage bins are located at the Fire District 1 station on U.S. 80 east in Haughton at south Bossier Fire District 2 on Robertson Road near Elm Grove at McKinley Avenue in Haughton and West Palmetto in Plain Dealing Bags are available on a self-service basis Heavy rainfall and several thunderstorms are possible Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday Hydrologist with the National Weather Service's Shreveport office Current estimates call for 1.5-3 inches of rainfall hail and a tornado or two is possible across the region 4.96 inches of rainfall has been recorded at Shreveport Regional Airport with heavier rainfall totals recorded to the north and south of the city The Red River is expected to crest at 31 feet on Tuesday Bickham Dickson Park and the Shreveport Dog Park are closed.  Twelve Mile Bayou is expected to crest at 33 feet "which is a good thing because it won’t spill over into the farmland hopefully at that point," Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator said on Monday.  The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office reported these forecasts from the National Weather Service as of Sunday afternoon:  Lake Bistineau will continue to rise to 144 feet by Wednesday and Thursday then start falling.Flat River at High Island to rise and crest near 31 feet Wednesday.Cypress Black Bayou crested at 181.5 feet with a very slow fall through Monday.Red Chute Bayou at Dogwood Trail to rise to near 19 feet and hold steady through at least mid-March Subject to change due to inflows from Cypress Bayou/Black Bayou Lake.Red Chute Bayou at Sligo to hold steady near 28 feet through Monday Flood stage is 31 feet.Sandbags being distributedShreveport residents may pick up sandbags at 3825 Mansfield Road from 8 a.m Caddo Parish residents may pick up sandbags at 1701 Monty St. Bossier Parish and city officials have made sandbags available for residents and the sandbags can be picked up at these locations: This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Red Ryder Roundup® Rodeo held annually in Pagosa Springs This multi-state sanctioned rodeo series features amateur cowboys and cowgirls from various states competing for prizes and prize money Rodeo participants receive cash and prize awards for their daily performances including the coveted personalized belt buckle The overall cowboy and cowgirl award is presented after the third and final performance and each winner receives a Red Ryder Roundup® Rodeo Golden Boy Henry rifle sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort The rodeos are Friday and Saturday, July 2 and 3 at 6pm and Sunday, July 4 at 2pm presented at the Western Heritage Event Center arena and grounds. Tickets are available online at www.pagosarodeo.com and at the gate prior to the event The cost is $15 per adult and $8 for children Box seats are available and can be purchased by calling Diana at 970-749-3492 Concessions are available throughout the events including Lil’ Bit Texas BBQ serving smoked meat delicacies and Our Savior Lutheran School is manning the beer tent and selling drinks and snacks Traditional American rodeo features cowboys and cowgirls in the various livestock events like bronc riding Various activities are included in the daily performance like the Daisy BB gun raffle and the presentation of the honorary Red Ryder Award An impressive grand entry with flags waving from westerners on horseback kicks off each performance that is accompanied by the announcer introducing special guess and the crowd singing the national anthem Mutton Bustin’ is always fun and full of laughs as boys and girls dawn helmets and vests prior to mounting a sheep gripping a rope tied around the chest of a sheep and hanging on while the sheep races out of the chute as it opens Ten contestants each day vie for the coveted belt buckle that is given to the daily winner with the longest ride time The rodeo clown is a staple in the rodeo arena the chief responsibility is to protect the cowboy from dangerous livestock While the cowboy is focused on the ride and maximizing time the bullfighter distracts the livestock once the rider dismounts The term “clown” comes from the entertaining side of this job who entertains the crowd during the lulls in the action Red Ryder was the main cowboy character in the popular western comic strip created by Stephen Slesinger and artist Fred Harman that ran for over 25 years in newspapers all over the country Red was a strong and ethical cowboy who lived on Painted Valley Ranch in the Blanco Basin in the San Juan Mountains his sidekick was Little Beaver with horse Papoose and they protected the people and land from unscrupulous behavior and this community been blessed to have Fred Harman III as a town resident for decades More rodeo information is available by calling 970-264-2730 or sranch@centurytel.net or visiting www.PagosaRodeo.com The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com The Pagosa Daily Post is published by Bill Hudson Productions LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Send to pagosadailypost@gmail.com Indicate that you would like to share your letter with our readers ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS can be sent to pagosadailypost@gmail.com Content on the Daily Post is shared via a CREATIVE COMMONS license.  Learn more here. Intermittent rain blanketing the area Friday was welcome relief as Caddo-Bossier came to grips with the growing impact of historic flooding for the second time in less than a year were put under mandatory evacuation late Thursday — an estimated 4,000 homes now impacted The threat of floodwaters also was felt in Keithville Cross Lake and Lakeshore Drive neighborhoods Mid-morning Friday there was more distressing news: Officials in Texas were releasing water from Lake O' the Pines that was expected to travel to Caddo Lake and into Twelve Mile Bayou was anticipated to reach 39 feet – flood stage – at Dixie by Tuesday As Twelve Mile winds its way through Caddo Parish several areas were expected to experience possible flooding including Shreveport's Martin Luther King and Allendale neighborhoods With Red River at 28 feet and expected to crest Sunday at 30 “It can’t dump into the river,” Prator said Bossier Parish officials were cautiously optimistic sandbagging a levee near Red Chute Bayou would keep lapping waters at bay but were resigned the bayou likely would overtop today They also were keeping a watchful eye on Flat River — a significant source of flooding in the southern part of the parish stretching from north Bossier Parish to it's south still were under evacuation orders and Louisiana Downs also was threatened "I'm as sure as the Corps of Engineers and weather service can tell us that the Flat River will rise," said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington The National Weather Service warned the area could expect at least another inch of rain over the weekend and tornadoes and hail were possible on Sunday John Bel Edwards addressed reporters after receiving a briefing from local officials Edwards was in Shreveport-Bossier City to view flood impacted areas before moving on to visit Monroe Edwards said efforts to evaluate infrastructure and ways to mitigate flooding in the future were necessary – and promised those studies would happen But he also stressed the focus now would remain on rescuing residents and addressing emergency issues While state and local officials would do all they could to mitigate damaging floods in the future some aspects of flooding and other natural disasters would be beyond their control “Sometimes Mother Nature is just going to be Mother Nature,” said Edwards speaking to a group of reporters at the Caddo Communications Center on Texas Street "We’ll never conquer Mother Nature but we’ll have to find a better way to live in harmony.” A portion of a water system that serves south Bossier Parish has tested positive for a brain-eating amoeba according to the operator of the water system said residents from Highway 71 to Red Chute Bayou along Sligo Road may be affected The Louisiana Department of Health conducted a random test of the system last week and notified the system of the positive result on Friday Sligo had purchased the water that tested positive for the amoeba from Bossier City Sligo has disconnected from Bossier City water and is now using well water to supply those customers MORE:  How 'rare' is illness from brain-eating amoeba? Very Other Sligo testing sites did not have the amoeba Sligo already was concerned about chlorine levels so it began flushing the affected portion of the water Wednesday The water system has been instructed to initiate a free chlorine burn for the next 60 days is commonly found in warm freshwater and soil It usually infects people when it enters the body through the nose and later the brain You cannot get infected by swallowing the water Sligo normally serves water users with well water but dry conditions had prompted it to buy Bossier City water said the city complies with and meets all state and federal regulations No advisories are in place for Bossier City With more floodwater comes more questions for northwest Louisiana Heavy rains have left parts of south Bossier and north Caddo under water as swollen streams Here are few things you need to know to stay better informed about the flooding Tributaries from Texas and Arkansas drain into Twelve Mile Bayou from two lakes: Cross Lake and Caddo Lake That water flows through Twelve Mile Bayou and goes directly into Red River There is water coming from as far away as Lake O’ the Pines in Texas through Big Cypress Bayou and into Caddo Lake has caused thelevel for Twelve Mile Bayou to reach as high as 37 feet on Friday Army Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction over Caddo Lake and Lake O’ the Pines It's been coordinating and regulating the flow of water the lakes to make sure pressure is released but distributed evenly The Caddo levee systems are holding up wellThere are two systems of levees in Caddo Parish which won’t be impacted because the river won’t reach flood stage  according to Ali Mustapha of the Caddo Levee District Then there’s a system of levees along Twelve Mile Bayou The levees run from Caddo Lake dam down toward Shreveport the levee system provides protection so water won’t spill over into Red River and flood the area “The levee system is holding up well,” said Mustapha who made two checks on the system Friday morning “We keep an eye on it and check it all the time .. We don’t have concern about it getting overtopped.” The water level at Twelve Mile Bayou is projected to get as high as 39 feet by Tuesday but with the levee systems in place that shouldn’t cause any problems on the east side of the bayou But the west side is wide open and water is anticipated to rise and spread out in places north of Interstate 220 That water will eventually drain out and make its way down Twelve Mile Bayou “The system is working as intended," Mustapha said We have gates that let water go from these areas into the Twelve Mile Bayou We are pumping over the levee to keep these areas dry .. Red Chute Bayou is still risingThe volume of water is rising and continuing to rise at Red Chute Bayou according to the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office This also is affecting Flat River as the water from Red Chute Bayou flows through nearby communities and into the south Bossier Parish river Red Chute Bayou is expected to overtop sometime Saturday About five feet of water is coming over the spillway at Cypress Black Bayou which is the highest amount on record according to a post to the Bossier Parish Police Jury Facebook page by parish engineer Butch Ford Ford believes some roads in south Bossier could remain under two to three feet of water until next week “There is more water in south Bossier than we’ve ever seen,” Ford said “We’re in a battle with high water through next week .. We will be in the field watching and ready to react It’s a complicated situation and we’re not out of the woods yet We will have to see what happens to the levees.” — A wanted felon was captured after police said he led them on a dangerous high speed pursuit from Redding to Red Bluff It ended with the suspect sliding down a hotel laundry chute into the arms off officers Redding Police said 32-year-old Ruben Ybarra had eight warrants for his arrest when an officer spotted him driving a red SUV on East Cypress Avenue near Bechelli Lane Sunday around 3:30 p.m. Police said Ybarra was on post-release community supervision and was a convicted felon The chase headed south on Interstate 5 reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour A CHP airplane was used to follow Ybarra south on Interstate 5 Police say he got off the interstate on Main Street in Red Bluff and abandoned his car outside the Home Depot They said he ran into the nearby Holiday Inn hotel where they say he ran upstairs and a K9 tracked him to a locked closet they said he slid down a laundry chute before being caught by a game warden Ybarra was booked into the Shasta County Jail for felony evasion resisting arrest and failure to appear for felony and misdemeanor charges This is the eleventh time Ybarra has been arrested in the past two years Red Bluff Police and the Tehama County Sheriff's Office also assisted with the arrest This story was originally published by Wisconsin Watch A Sheboygan police recruit involved in an alleged sexual assault had been flagged as a suspected gang member in high school but that information was not provided to an oversight board before he was hired The male recruit resigned from his job on March 15 less than two weeks after being accused of sexual assault by a female Grand Chute police recruit who also attended Fox Valley Technical College’s police academy The Sheboygan recruit was not charged with a crime The female recruit lost her job within five days of alleging the assault as part of an unrelated Grand Chute disciplinary investigation Wisconsin Watch is not naming either recruit because no charges were filed In February Wisconsin Watch reported on a previously undisclosed culture of sexual harassment against women within the Sheboygan Police Department that had resulted in 12 officers out of the 62-officer patrol force being disciplined or verbally admonished Wisconsin Watch learned about the Grand Chute sexual harassment case during that investigation but Grand Chute police resisted releasing any details of the investigation for months citing a constitutional protection for crime victims Public records obtained by Wisconsin Watch revealed the Sheboygan recruit had been flagged as a suspected “Latin Kings” gang member when he was in high school But a month after the commission approved his hire the flag was removed from a department database by one of his superior officers Members of the Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission — the civilian oversight body that approves new hires — said they learned of his past only after approving him as a probationary officer on the recommendation of senior officers Gang affiliation flags have come under scrutiny over whether they are effective and potential racial biases. Court records list him as Hispanic Former commission president Bob Lettre said the fact he had been flagged by police as a suspected gang member by Sheboygan police should have been disclosed “I certainly expected the police department to give us the total background,” Lettre said Lettre said patrol-level police officers raised concerns privately about the Sheboygan recruit only after the hire was approved Steve Cobb removed the gang flag from the database a month after the recruit’s hire was approved said commissioners are routinely given all information available about potential hires so they can ask them about their past But he could recall no disclosure of the suspected gang ties “If somebody had a speeding ticket or somebody had an arrest for drunk driving we would typically be aware of that information,” Hopp said Cobb — who retired from the police department in early 2022 — declined to comment on “confidential employee information.” He has since been hired part-time by the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office to run background checks Sheboygan Police Chief Christopher Domagalski declined an interview but answered questions via email He said the gang flags were not disclosed to the commission “because it would have been improper and wrong to do so.” “The alert flag was removed when it was brought to our attention as it should have been removed years earlier,” he wrote adding that gang flags are meant to be purged from the system after five years if there is no new information The male recruit addressed his resignation letter to Domagalski and Cobb “I am grateful for the support and belief you all had in me,” he wrote “It brings me sadness and disappointment to have to submit this letter but I am honored to have had the time spent with this department.” The nonprofit Wisconsin Watch (www.WisconsinWatch.org) collaborates with WPR other news media and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication posted or disseminated by Wisconsin Watch do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates GRAND CHUTE — Kessler's Diamonds will relocate to the former Outback Steakhouse building at 4827 W Red Robin was previously expected to replace the Outback restaurant, which closed in 2021. It was projected to open in late 2023 or early 2024 the Grand Chute Plan Commission approved Kessler's Diamonds to relocate to and renovate the building instead community development director for Grand Chute said Red Robin backed out of the project "some time ago" but did not state a reason why said while there is no definitive date for the store's official relocation and re-opening he projected it to be sometime this spring Construction and renovations have already begun on the building Reach Jelissa Burns at 920-453-5107 or jburns1@gannett.com Follow her on Twitter at @burns_jelissa or on Instagram at burns_jelissa NEW ORLEANS - As floodwaters began receding Monday in northwest Louisiana emergency officials along Louisiana's southeastern border with Mississippi were watching the rise of the Pearl River amid widespread flooding that has damaged thousands of homes The water has started to ebb from flooded subdivisions in south Bossier City on the Red River in northern Louisiana Ross in Shreveport says it will take at least a week before homeowners can get back to their homes and assess the damage Highway 71 from Bossier Parish into Red River Parish was covered by water Ross said Red Chute Bayou on the east side of Bossier City did not top the levee as feared a fast-moving weekend storm system brought rain National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Brown says as many as four possible tornadoes may have touched down amid Sunday evening's severe weather Weather Service crews will survey the areas Monday the National Weather Service has pushed back to timeline of flooding from the Pearl River at the southern end of the Louisiana-Mississippi line Forecaster Phil Grigsby predicts the Pearl River could reach 21 feet by late today or early Wednesday - the height of a 1983 flood Hancock County Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Adam said he's been told to expect 5 to 7 feet of water Adam said some 100 to 200 homes around Pearlington At least four deaths have been reported in Louisiana amid the flooding that began last week and the search continued for two fishermen missing since Wednesday in Mississippi Tammany Parish officials said the town of Pearl River already was seeing flooding in one neighborhood officials were warning residents in eastern Slidell to be vigilant about rising water Flood warnings were in effect for most of north Louisiana and scattered sections in the southern part of the state flooding warnings are in effect for areas along streams and bayous Louisiana emergency officials said nearly 5,000 homes were damaged That number is expected to rise as more reports come in from areas still battling floodwaters Mississippi reported that 185 homes were damaged by floodwaters and about 650 homes sustained minor damage The flood waters have caused several roads in a south Mississippi county to collapse Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office said anyone with flood damage should report it to their parishes' homeland security office cleanup kits will be made available" Davis said President Barack Obama signed an order declaring the flooding in Louisiana a major disaster The president's declaration triggers federal aid for flood victims It's the most widespread non-hurricane flooding the Louisiana National Guard has ever dealt with The National Guard said it had about 1,200 soldiers and air crews at work in flooded areas throughout Louisiana National Guard crews had evacuated more than 4,255 people and 354 pets as part of its round-the-clock operations by Monday morning The Guard had also issued more than 71,570 bottles of water to Richland 576 MREs to Winn Parish and over 1 million sandbags to affected parishes.