The Banner News

07/21/2025

Headshots I snagged this afternoon of some beautiful new queens -- more to come in this weeks issue of The Banner News

07/17/2025

DOWNSVILLE MAN ARRESTED AND STOLEN CARGO TRAILER LOCATED

A Downsville man has been arrested and a stolen cargo trailer recovered following a successful joint investigation between the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office (UPSO) and the West Monroe Police Department (WMPD).

On July 2, 2025, UPSO deputies received a tip regarding a stolen cargo trailer possibly located at a residence near Farmerville. The trailer had been reported stolen from a business in West Monroe. Deputies responded to the residence and located several individuals, along with a vehicle matching one seen in the business’s surveillance footage. The truck had been recently painted in an apparent attempt to disguise it. Witnesses stated the trailer in question had been brought to the property by Brook McKenzie Simpson, 35, of Downsville; however, the trailer was no longer there. Simpson, who was present at the scene, denied any knowledge of the trailer or truck. A search of Simpson revealed a syringe in his possession, which field-tested positive for methamphetamines.

During a consented search of the property, deputies located items belonging to the business that had been stored inside the stolen trailer. Evidence also indicated that attempts had been made to alter the appearance of both the trailer and the vehicle by repainting them. The investigation then led deputies to another location in Downsville, where additional stolen items were recovered. It was determined that Simpson had stashed the stolen property there and repainted the trailer in an effort to conceal it.

Simpson was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center. He is charged with Possession of Schedule II Narcotics (M**h) and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things. His bond was set at $22,500 by a Third District Judge. Simpson is currently on probation, and a hold was placed by his probation officer. Charges are also pending from WMPD for crimes committed in their jurisdiction.

This week, UPSO received a tip about the location of the stolen trailer. It was recovered at an address within Farmerville city limits and has since been returned to its rightful owner.

07/15/2025

Announcement of candidacy

“Since John Belton‘s announcement that he would
not be seeking re-election as the DA of the Third Judicial District,
I have been encouraged by law-enforcement, community leaders,
and members of the business community to run for that District
Attorney position,” Cary Brown said.

Brown is scheduled to have a campaign kickoff event on July 29
and will make a formal statement at that time.

07/15/2025

Do your kids love legos? If so, you will NOT want to miss this! The Union Parish Library is partnering with Bricks4Kidz - Shreveport Bossier to bring an interactive lego building experience to the Farmerville Jaycees Watermelon Festival 2025. Find our tent at the festival and your kids can make an piece (structure, vehicle, assessory) that will go into our collaborative Bricktown USA we will be building together. There will be over 2000 pounds of bricks to build your item for our Legoland village! Times are Friday night 6:00-8:00 and Saturday 10:00-12:00.

07/15/2025

07/15/2025

JOIN US for our 2nd Annual Teacher Appreciation Event! 🍎😊

Please read the instructions carefully!
Nominate your favorite teacher from a Union Parish School or Charter School and the top 5 nominees will receive $100 paid toward their Amazon Classroom Supply Wish list!

*You may nominate more than one teacher, but each nominee MUST be in separate comments. (one comment with teacher's full name and school) to THIS POST.
*LIKES to a nomination do NOT count as nominations/votes. It must be a comment with the teacher's name and school.
*Nominations tagged onto another nomination comment or post do NOT count as nominations/votes (it's too hard to track them this way)
*YES, you can nominate yourself.

DEADLINE is July 30th & the winners will be notified & announced on July 31st.

*****THERE IS NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE AND NO ELEMENT OF CHANCE TO THIS CONTEST*****

07/15/2025

MICHIGAN MAN JAILED AFTER ROAD RAGE INCIDENT TURNS VIOLENT

On July 5, 2025, at approximately 1:41 PM, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a battery complaint on Hwy 2 near the Antioch community in Farmerville, Louisiana, following a suspected road rage incident.

The investigation revealed that two drivers, one identified as Jacob Gordy, 28, of Swartz Creek, MI, pulled over to the side of the road after a traffic dispute. The victim stated that they flashed their lights to signal Gordy to stop, intending to discuss his alleged reckless driving. Both vehicles then stopped on Hwy 2 near Antioch. The victim reported that Gordy immediately became aggressive, striking them multiple times and causing visible injuries. Pafford EMS paramedics transported the victim to the hospital, where a serious head injury was discovered.

Deputies interviewed Gordy, who claimed the victim initiated physical contact, leading to a mutual altercation. Gordy was arrested for Second Degree Battery and transported to the Union Parish Detention Center without incident. Bond was set by a Third District judge at $75,000.

This incident remains under investigation and additional charges are expected.

07/15/2025

FIVE UPSO DEPUTIES RECOGNIZED AFTER LIFE SAVING RESPONSE

In July 2025, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a critical call involving a person with a severe, self-inflicted injury within Union Parish. Upon arrival, they encountered a combative individual resisting medical aid. With great composure, deputies performed critical interventions, including applying tourniquets, to stabilize the individual, while other deputies coordinated efforts to secure the chaotic scene.

The entire team of deputies played a vital role in supporting and executing this emergency response under extreme pressure. Their collective actions reflect an exceptional level of courage and commitment to duty. These five deputies were, without a doubt, instrumental in saving a life.

Each of the deputies received a letter of commendation for their actions. Please join us as we say thank you, and job well done to the following deputies:

Sgt. Matt Ford
Lt. Chad Nolan
Dy. Cody Frith
Dy. Kristian Davidson
Dy. Cortincia Shelbon

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

COMING TO BERNICE: MOVIE NIGHT!
Hosted by Union Parish Library
Thursday, July 17 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Movie starts at 6:30 PM
Bernice Civic Center

Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun summer evening with FREE popcorn, nachos, ice cream, and books!

Sponsored by:
Town of Bernice, CommuniHealth Services, Connect Point Church, and Reeves Memorial Medical Center

Let’s come together and “rise by lifting others!”
We hope to see you there!