Cartoon of the Week: Louisiana homeowners take their chances on insurance

If it feels like getting or keeping insurance lately comes down to luck, you’re not alone. With rates climbing, policies changing, and hurricane season always looming, many homeowners are left wondering what they’ll land on next—and whether they can afford it.


Brad Dison: The Cruciform Groove

John P. Thompson changed our world yet most of us have never heard of him. At some point in our lives, each of us has used his inventions. It would be hard to find a home in America which does not contain multiples of John’s inventions. They are so commonplace that they often go unnoticed.

Little is known about John Thompson, but he was born in 1857 in Iowa. After working various jobs including laborer, bank teller, and room furnisher in a couple of different states, he eventually settled in Portland, Oregon. While there, he worked as an auto mechanic. John used a hand tool to tighten fasteners to the cars he worked on, but the tool kept slipping off the fastener. This resulted in skinned knuckles and damage to the cars. Finally, John’s frustration had reached its limit. He decided to create a new tool and fastener that when used together would not slip. No one knows how long John worked on his inventions or how many attempts it took before he created his “cruciform groove” tool and fastener, but in the summer of 1932, John filed for patents for his two inventions. On May 9, 1933, the United States Patent Office granted patent numbers 1,908,080 and 1,908,081 for John’s fastener and tool respectively. For reasons that remain unclear, in the patents John assigned or transferred his rights to his inventions to Henry Frank. The connection between John and Henry has never been proven, but many people believe that Henry purchased or funded John’s patents.

Rather than investing the money to create and sell the tool and fasteners himself, Henry created a company to franchise the products. Companies which produced them paid Henry’s company a hefty royalty. In 1936, Cadillac became the first industrial customer to use John’s inventions for its 1937-year model cars. The new tool and fasteners increased production and lowered costs. Word quickly spread and within a short time the other automobile companies as well as railroad and aviation manufacturers adopted John’s cruciform groove inventions. In September 1940, John died impoverished and largely forgotten, but Henry became wealthy. John’s cruciform groove inventions could have been known as the Thompson screw and Thompson screwdriver, but because he transferred the patents to Henry, we know them by his last name. We have all used Henry Frank…Phillips screws and Phillips screwdrivers.

 

Sources:

1. Michael J. Allen, “Phillips screw and driver,” Oregon Encyclopedia: A project of the Oregon Historical Society, accessed April 5, 2026, https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/phillips_screw_and_driver/.

2. “J.P. Thompson Screw, patent number 1,908,080,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/1908080?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiIzODg1YzMwNC1hNmRjLTQwMzMtYWNlYi0xODAxMTlkNzZkNjciLCJ2ZXIiOiJlYWZmMjhlYi1hMmRlLTQ4ZGUtYTQxMy01M2E2NzJjZjZjOTYiLCJleHAiOjB9.

3. “J.P. Thompson Screw Driver, patent number 1,908,081,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/1908081?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiIzODg1YzMwNC1hNmRjLTQwMzMtYWNlYi0xODAxMTlkNzZkNjciLCJ2ZXIiOiJlYWZmMjhlYi1hMmRlLTQ4ZGUtYTQxMy01M2E2NzJjZjZjOTYiLCJleHAiOjB9.

 


April 15 remembered for tragedy, resilience, and turning points in history

April 15 is a date etched into history through events that span tragedy, perseverance, and transformation across different eras.

Perhaps the most widely recognized event tied to this day is the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. After striking an iceberg late on April 14, the luxury liner sank in the early hours of April 15, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. The disaster shocked the world and led to sweeping maritime safety reforms, including improved lifeboat requirements and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol.

April 15 is also known in the United States as Tax Day, the deadline for filing federal income tax returns. While far less dramatic, the annual date has become a consistent fixture in American life, often sparking discussions about fiscal policy, government spending, and economic responsibility.

In 1947, another milestone unfolded when Jackie Robinson made his debut in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier. His first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, challenging segregation in professional sports and paving the way for greater inclusion.

The date also carries somber significance in more recent history. On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds. The attack led to a massive manhunt and ultimately changes in security measures at major public events.

Across generations, April 15 has come to represent both loss and progress, serving as a reminder of how pivotal moments can reshape safety standards, social norms, and national conversations.


Notice of Death – April 14, 2026

Terry Ray Andrews
October 4, 1951 – April 11, 2026
Services: Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Belah Cemetery, Jena

LaSalle Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

Weekly Arrest Report: 04/03/2026 – 04/09/2026

The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


LaSalle General Hospital celebrates therapy team during National Occupational Therapy Month

LaSalle General Hospital is recognizing the dedicated professionals of LaSalle Therapies & Fitness in honor of National Occupational Therapy Month, highlighting the vital role therapists play in improving patients’ lives across the community.

Hospital officials say the therapy team works hard to help patients regain independence, restore function, and enhance overall quality of life through personalized and compassionate care. Their efforts support individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, and various medical conditions, making a meaningful difference for families throughout LaSalle Parish.

“This special group is dedicated to helping patients regain independence and improve quality of life every day,” the hospital shared in a statement. “Through compassionate, personalized care, they make a lasting impact on our patients and community.”

The team being recognized includes:

Matthew Jackson, PT, DPT; OT, MOT

Kristal Hardie, LOTR

Brittney Windham, COTA/L

Kailey Appleby, LOTR

Leaders at LaSalle General Hospital encourage the community to join them in thanking these therapists for their commitment and the positive impact they make each day.

National Occupational Therapy Month is observed each April and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the important role occupational therapy plays in helping people of all ages live life to the fullest.


Jena Lions Club to host 2026 annual golf tournament in LaSalle Parish

The Jena Lions Club is inviting the community to tee off this spring at its 2026 Annual Golf Tournament, set to take place at the LaSalle Country Club.

The tournament is scheduled for Friday, April 10, with a 12:00 p.m. tee time. The event will feature a two-person scramble format, with entry set at $120 per team. Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to join, as the event promises both friendly competition and community fellowship.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place teams, and players will enjoy a complimentary lunch at 11 a.m., provided by the Jena High School BBQ Club.

In addition to player participation, the event offers opportunities for local businesses and individuals to support the cause through sponsorships. Hole sponsorships are available for $250, while sign sponsorships are offered at $100.

Organizers say the annual tournament not only provides a fun day on the course but also helps support various community initiatives and charitable efforts led by the Lions Club.

Those interested in registering a team or learning more about sponsorship opportunities can contact Doug Moore at (615) 406-2100 or sign up directly at LaSalle Country Club.

The Jena Lions Club encourages residents across LaSalle Parish to come out, enjoy the spring weather, and take part in an event that combines recreation with giving back to the community.


Warm and sunny week ahead for LaSalle Parish


Residents of LaSalle Parish can look forward to a stretch of mostly sunny and warm weather in the coming days.

Wednesday will bring plenty of sunshine with a high near 79°F, accompanied by light southeast winds of 5 to 10 mph. As temperatures dip

Wednesday night, skies will be partly cloudy with a low around 57°F and gentle east winds.

Thursday continues the sunny trend with a high near 80°F, followed by a partly cloudy evening and a low around 58°F.

Friday will see slightly warmer conditions, reaching a high of 82°F, with overnight lows settling near 59°F under partly cloudy skies.

The weekend is shaping up to be particularly pleasant. Saturday promises abundant sunshine with a high near 85°F and a mild night low of 60°F. Sunday will be mostly sunny, with highs climbing to 86°F and mostly cloudy skies overnight, bringing a low around 64°F.

Monday rounds out the forecast with another mostly sunny day, maintaining highs near 86°F. Overall, LaSalle Parish can expect a mild and sunny stretch, perfect for outdoor activities, with light winds and comfortable nighttime temperatures.


Weatherization program offers free energy efficiency services for North and Central Louisiana residents

The Weatherization Assistance Program is providing no-cost energy efficiency services to income-eligible households across North and Central Louisiana through local administration by the LaSalle Community Action Association, with support from the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The program, known as WAP, is the largest residential energy efficiency initiative in the country. It is designed to help households with limited income reduce energy costs by improving a home’s overall energy performance at no cost to participants. The program operates nationwide, providing funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes and U.S. territories, and serves approximately 35,000 homes each year.

Locally, the program helps residents save energy, lower utility bills and stay comfortable year-round. Services available may include insulation and air sealing, energy-efficient lighting and appliance upgrades, and basic health and safety checks.

The Weatherization Assistance Program serves a wide range of households, including seniors, individuals with disabilities and families. Both homeowners and renters may apply, though renters must have landlord approval. Applicants must also meet income eligibility guidelines.

The program serves multiple parishes throughout the region, including Rapides, Caddo, Ouachita, Lincoln, Jackson, Caldwell, Grant, Winn, Madison, Concordia, Catahoula, Franklin, Richland, Tensas, LaSalle, West Carroll and East Carroll parishes.

Officials say the program not only helps reduce financial strain for residents but also improves home comfort and safety by addressing energy efficiency issues.

The LaSalle Community Action Association is currently accepting applications for the program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, recent utility bills and documentation from the property owner if applicable.

Those interested can apply or seek assistance by contacting the organization at its Ferriday office, located at 107 E.E. Wallace Boulevard, by calling (318) 757-9213, or by emailing erikaw.lcaa@gmail.com. Additional information is also available online at lhc.la.gov/weatherization.



Cartoon of the Week: Pollen levels reach “unacceptable”

Louisiana residents are once again battling their annual sworn enemy as a thick layer of pollen quietly takes over cars, porches, and anything that dares to exist outside. Visibility is fine, but everything now has a nice yellow finish—whether it asked for it or not. Officials have yet to confirm when it will end, but locals agree: the pollen is winning.


Ponderings: Laughter is good for us

Most of us know that laughter is good for us. It eases stress, strengthens relationships, lightens the workplace, and boosts our overall sense of wellbeing. Proverbs puts it plainly: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” And honestly, who among us couldn’t use a refill.

But humor, like everything else, needs healthy boundaries. We don’t have to be standup comedians or laugh at every mishap. And “putdown humor”—the kind that gets a chuckle by bruising someone else—doesn’t heal anything. It just dries up the bones faster.

What we need is the kind of humor that grows out of a joyful, grounded way of seeing the world.

And believe it or not, Jesus modeled that beautifully.

Jesus wasn’t the stonefaced figure we sometimes imagine. He used humor—sharp, surprising, and downright funny—to open people’s eyes. When he talked about someone obsessing over the speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the log in their own, that wasn’t just a teaching. That was comedy. Picture someone with a telephone pole sticking out of their face saying, “Hold still, I think you’ve got a little something right there.”

Or his line about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. That’s ancient satire. Jesus knew that sometimes the best way to expose our blind spots is to make us laugh at them.

And that’s the invitation for us today. We can choose joy over cynicism. We can practice humor that lifts people up instead of tearing them down. We can resist becoming a “Negative Nate”—the person who finds the downside of winning the lottery—and instead cultivate the kind of cheerful heart that heals.

Life is serious enough. Faith gives us permission to smile anyway. And the Great Physician still prescribes a good laugh.


Unpaid Child Support in Louisiana: What Parents Need to Know

“It breaks my heart to think about children growing up with so much uncertainty because one parent isn’t paying what they should. When the support doesn’t come, it’s the kids and the custodial parent who carry the burden every single day — and no family should have to live that way.”

 See what Ida says.


Freshman Connection Is Your First Step Toward Success at NSU

Freshman Connection gives new students a clear path into college life, from class registration to campus relationships, before the semester begins.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

The drive to campus often carries two things at once, excitement and uncertainty.

For many students, college begins before the first class ever meets. It starts in the quiet questions that build during the summer. Where do I go? Who do I ask? What will this place feel like once it becomes mine?

At Northwestern State University, Freshman Connection is designed to answer those questions early and well.

The program serves as NSU’s official orientation for new first-year students attending the Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville, and Shreveport campuses. It gives students an organized, welcoming introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the people who will help shape their first year. Students meet in small groups led by current student Connectors, who guide conversations, share advice, and help make a university feel personal from the very beginning.

That matters, because the transition to college rarely feels small.

Students are stepping away from familiar routines and entering a new environment with new expectations. They are learning how to manage time, ask for help, build relationships, and take ownership of their education. Freshman Connection meets them in that moment. It does not overwhelm them with information and send them on their way. It introduces them to the rhythm of NSU, one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time.

During orientation, students learn about academic advising and register for fall classes. They are introduced to campus services and resources that support strong academic choices and healthy social decisions. They explore opportunities for involvement and begin to understand what responsibility looks like in a college setting. By the end, the university is no longer a collection of buildings and offices. It starts to feel familiar.

“We want you to leave orientation knowing exactly where you belong,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. “You arrive as a visitor, and you leave as a Demon.”

That sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of the experience.

Freshman Connection is also built with families in mind. Parent Connection runs alongside the student program and gives parents and guardians a closer look at first-year transitions, student involvement, campus services, university procedures, and academic resources. NSU also offers Kid Konnection for siblings ages 5 to 12, creating a family-centered welcome that recognizes college is often a transition shared by more than one person.

The 2026 schedule gives families several options. Natchitoches will host sessions May 20 to 21, May 27 to 28, June 17 to 18, and July 9. Additional one-day satellite events are scheduled for Alexandria on June 23, Leesville on June 24, and Shreveport on June 25, and these sessions are only for students attending those campuses. Registration opened Feb. 10 through the myStatus portal at http://www.nsu.la/mystatus, where students can also review admissions, financial aid, housing, and orientation information in one place.

That is why Freshman Connection matters. It gives students structure before the semester begins. It helps them move from uncertainty to clarity. It gives them names, faces, places, and next steps.

And for many, it marks the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.

At the end of Freshman Connection, students depart with direction. They know where to go, who to contact, and how to begin. They leave having already taken an important first step toward success at Northwestern State.

Explore Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/fc
Apply to NSU: www.nsu.la/apply
Register for Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/mystatus


Regrets and joys in life

We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off.

Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret.

There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy.

But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through.

I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge.

One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more.

I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!

That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.

Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos.

Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career.

While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass.

I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.

Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.

Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable.

But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon.

To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!

Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com


Historic milestones mark April 8 across science, leadership, and culture

April 8 has marked several significant turning points in global history, from groundbreaking scientific achievements to the loss of influential leaders whose legacies continue to shape modern society.

One of the most notable events tied to this date occurred in 1974, when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record by hitting his 715th career home run. The moment was more than a sports milestone—it represented perseverance and dignity in the face of intense racial hostility. Aaron’s achievement became a defining moment in American sports history and a symbol of progress during a turbulent era.

April 8 is also remembered for the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013, the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990 and played a key role in reshaping British economic policy through deregulation and privatization. Her leadership remains a subject of debate, but her impact on global politics is undeniable.

In science and exploration, April 8, 1960, marked the introduction of the first weather satellite system capable of transmitting cloud images from space. This advancement revolutionized meteorology, providing forecasters with unprecedented tools to predict storms and monitor climate patterns. Today’s satellite technology traces its roots back to these early innovations.

April 8 also carries significance in civil rights history. In 1968, just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King led a silent march in Memphis, continuing her husband’s work and demonstrating the enduring strength of the movement. The march drew thousands and reinforced calls for justice and equality.

From sports achievements to political leadership and scientific breakthroughs, April 8 stands as a date marked by resilience, innovation, and lasting influence across multiple fields.


Remember This: Kutol Wallpaper Cleaner

In the 1930s, the Kutol Products soap company was dangerously close to going out of business. Cleo McVicker worked hard to get Kutol’s products into stores and ultimately in the hands of consumers. Kutol needed a new product, but what? At the time, many homes in America were heated with coal which left a sooty residue on everything in the home. Unlike regular household dust which could easily be swept or vacuumed up, coal dust was finer and more difficult to remove. Sweeping and vacuuming coal dust normally sent more of it back into the air than was collected. Coal dust also contained sulfur, nitrogen, silica, and heavy metals, which could be hazardous to health. In 1933, Cleo negotiated a deal with the purchasing agent for the Kroger grocery store chain to add a cleaner to their inventory which would remove coal dust from wallpaper. Coal dust was especially hard to remove from wallpaper because it was small enough to settle into the paper fibers of wallpaper. Cleo promised Kroger a product which did not exist.

Cleo immediately contacted his brother Noah, Kutol’s main product developer, and the two began the rigorous research and development process. After countless failures, they came up with the formula for a compound which easily removed coal dust from wallpaper. Unlike liquid cleaners which required the user to apply the liquid to a cloth and swipe away the coal dust which usually made a bigger mess, Kutol wallpaper cleaner, was non-toxic, non-staining, and made no mess at all. The user simply pressed the compound onto the wall and the coal dust stuck to it. Once the compound became saturated with coal dust, the consumer threw it away and bought another can for five cents. Because it was a replenishable product, the Kutol company was saved one nickel at a time.

For 20 years, Kutol wallpaper cleaner kept the company afloat and successful. Following World War II, many people converted their homes from being heated by coal to natural gas. No longer did homeowners have the hassle of purchasing, handling, and storing a skuttle of dusty coal. Natural gas burned cleanly and was piped directly into the home. Around the same time, manufacturers began making wallpaper out of vinyl rather than paper which made it much easier to clean. By the early 1950s, sales of Kutol wallpaper cleaner began to decline quickly. The company was once again on the brink of failure.

In 1955, Joe McVicker, Cleo’s son, was searching for a way to keep Kutol from going bankrupt when Kay Zufall, his sister-in-law and schoolteacher, convinced him that Kutol wallpaper cleaner could be used for something more fun than cleaning. Joe ran with the idea. In 1956, Kutol established the Rainbow Crafts Company Inc. and repackaged the wallpaper cleaner, but Kutol was so near bankruptcy that they had no advertising budget. That could have been the end, but Joe demonstrated his product to Bob Keeshan, better known to the world as Captain Kangaroo. Bob liked the product so much that he agreed to use it in his television show at least once a week. From 1955 until 1984, Captain Kangaroo was one of the most popular children’s shows on television. Before Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to sell their rebranded product. Because of Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to keep up with demand. Since its introduction on Captain Kangaroo, billions of cans of rebranded Kutol wallpaper cleaner have been sold. It has become one of history’s most iconic toys and it remains popular to this day. We have all played with Kuto wallpaper cleaner, but we know it as Play-Doh.

 

Sources:

1. The Cincinnati Enquirer, April 19, 1936, p.25.

2. The Akron Beacon Journal, April 18, 1938, p.19.

3. David Kindy, “The Accidental Invention of Play-Doh,” Smithsonian magazine, November 12, 2019, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-play-doh-180973527/.

4. “The History of Play-Doh: Good, Clean Fun!” The Strong National Museum of Play, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/the-history-of-play-doh-good-clean-fun/.

 


Notice of Death – April 7, 2026

none

LaSalle Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

Weekly Arrest Report: 03/20/2026 – 03/26/2026

The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


LaSalle General Hospital highlights specialized mental health program for adults and seniors

LaSalle General Hospital is emphasizing the importance of mental health at every stage of life through its LaSalle Behavioral Health Unit (LBHU), a dedicated inpatient program for adults and senior adults experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.

The LBHU provides personalized treatment that may include:

Group therapy sessions

Medication management

Therapeutic activities

The program is designed to help patients improve daily functioning, manage chronic conditions, and enhance overall quality of life.

Patients at LBHU have round-the-clock access to a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including a Licensed Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioner, and Medical Doctors, ensuring comprehensive care for both psychiatric and medical needs.

Hospital officials urge family members to seek help if they notice changes in loved ones, such as persistent sadness, confusion, withdrawal, or difficulty coping with daily life. “You are not alone,” the hospital emphasizes, encouraging early intervention and professional support.

Those in need of assistance or referrals can reach the LaSalle Behavioral Health Unit at:
Phone: 318-992-9140
Referral Line: 318-992-9142

The hospital continues to prioritize mental health care for the community, highlighting that early support and professional treatment can make a meaningful difference in recovery and well-being.


Lasalle Parish weather forecast: warm midweek with increasing storm chances ahead of weekend cooldown

Residents of Lasalle Parish should prepare for a mix of warm temperatures, breezy conditions, and increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms through the upcoming week.

Wednesday: Isolated Afternoon Storms

Wednesday will see mostly cloudy skies gradually giving way to sunshine, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Highs are expected near 86°F, with south winds at 5–10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. Overnight, skies remain mostly cloudy with lows around 66°F and continued breezy conditions.

Thursday: Afternoon Showers Likely

Rain chances increase Thursday, with a 60% likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Skies remain mostly cloudy, with highs near 81°F. Thursday night brings a 20% chance of showers early, with a low around 65°F.

Friday: Continued Storm Threat

Friday offers a chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly after 1 p.m., with a 60% probability of precipitation. Partly sunny skies will allow highs to rebound near 85°F. Friday night will be mostly cloudy with a slight 20% chance of lingering showers and lows around 65°F.

Weekend: Unsettled and Cooler

Saturday continues the unsettled trend, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., and a high near 83°F.

Saturday night brings continued storm chances and a noticeable temperature drop to around 55°F.

Sunday introduces cooler conditions, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs near 69°F. Overnight lows fall to around 47°F with a 20% chance of rain.

Monday: Sunny and Comfortable

The new week begins with mostly sunny skies and a high near 69°F, marking a return to more stable and pleasant weather.

Bottom Line:

Lasalle Parish will experience typical springtime weather—warm, breezy days with increasing afternoon and evening storms through Friday and Saturday, followed by cooler, drier air by Sunday and Monday. Residents should stay alert for developing storms, especially during the afternoons.