The Jena Times Olla-Tullos-Urania Signal

08/26/2026

The Northeast Louisiana Firefighters Association (NLFA) held its monthly meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 18, at the Historic Strand Theater in Jena, hosted by LaSalle Parish fire departments, with state fire officials touting recent reforms to training costs and the keynote speaker leading a candid discussion on the recruitment and retention crisis facing departments across the region.

Notably, at the meeting, Department of Public Safety Principal Assistant Bryan Adams announced that certification classes, instructors and testing are now fully free for firefighters across the state, with candidates given three opportunities to pass each certification test.

08/26/2026

The Jena Giants are coming off the greatest season in school history where they made the trip to the Superdome in New Orleans for the first time in program history.

Even though the Giants came up short in the state championship game, it was still a season to remember for a lifetime. All that did for the fans and players was make them eager to get back to football as fast as possible. Now, football season is finally back.

08/26/2026

The wait is nearly over for the LaSalle Tigers as preparations continue for another exciting football season. With a new district alignment, several fresh opponents on the schedule, and a rivalry matchup looming this week, there is plenty of anticipation surrounding Tiger football heading into the fall.

LaSalle got an early look at where the team stands during a preseason scrimmage against the larger Vidalia Vikings. While the Vikings brought size and depth to the field, the Tigers left encouraged by what they accomplished offensively. Running their basic offensive package, LaSalle consistently moved the football with a combination of tough inside runs and efficient short passing.

08/26/2026

This week's paper has TWO 16-page football preview sections full of pictures, write-ups, and more! Pick up a copy or use your digital subscription on thejenatimes.net today!

08/25/2026

"There is a moment, every fall, that reminds me why I love this state. The sun goes down. The lights come up. The smell of popcorn and the smoke of pit hamburgers drifts across a parking lot that was empty six hours ago and is now packed bumper to bumper. The band strikes up. The student section erupts. And somewhere in the stands, a grandfather who played on this same field half a century ago watches with pride as his grandson takes the field.

That moment, replicated in small towns across Louisiana every Friday night from August through November, is one of the most underrated and under-appreciated gifts of rural American life.

Football season is here. And I could not be more grateful."

08/24/2026

After years of delays tied to insurance disputes, labor shortages and storm damage, renovation work has finally begun at Olla’s Dixie Center, Mayor Rhonda Elliott told the town council during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 11, at The Olla Town Hall.

The Dixie Center was damaged several years ago by two hurricanes and an ice storm, leaving the town to navigate a long and difficult process to secure insurance funding for repairs. Elliott has spent the past two years personally working with the insurance company on the town’s behalf, a process she has repeatedly described as “a nightmare.”

08/23/2026

08/22/2026

Six LaSalle Parish School Board members including Buddy Bethard, D’Juana McCartney and Fred Book will not be seeking office in the upcoming November elections.

Bethard and McCartney are both terming out as per state regulations and laws, and Book has chosen not to add his name to the ballot.

These six members have a combined total of 118 years of public service to the LaSalle Parish School System, with Bethard serving 20 years, McCartney serving 16 years and Book serving 9 years. Each carries a banner of dedication and commitment to area schools, students and staff and have set high standards in representing and governing the local educational system.

08/21/2026

Cindy White of Jena has announced her candidacy for the Jena Town Council during the November 3, 2026, election.

White, a successful business owner in Jena, understands the importance of fiscal responsibility and believes many improvements are needed in Jena and vows to work hard to see those improvements achieved.

See her full announcement below.

08/21/2026

Clint Masters of Jena has announced his candidacy for the office of Alderman for the Town of Jena during the November 3, 2026, election.

Masters has years of business experience that he hopes to use for the advancement of the Town of Jena in his quest for it to continue to be a place where families are proud to live and provide a reason for children to come back home and build their futures.

See his full announcement in the article below.