Bossier Press-Tribune
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2020 | $1.00 | BOSSIER CITY, LA | SERVING GOD & OUR COMMUNITY | VOL. 91 NO. 29
bossierpress.com
State senator eases fears over Jimmie Davis Bridge
By Stacey Tinsley
stinsley@bossierpress.com
State Senator Barrow Peacock took the opportunity Wednesday to ease fears over the lack of progress on replacing the Jimmie Da-
vis Bridge. Peacock was one of five local legislators speaking at the South Bossier Lunch Group meeting at the Shady Grove Community Center. “There were some spirited con-
versations at a previous lunch sometime ago about the bridge. You had some wonderful representation present here at that time. Would you like to add anything?” asked Adam Bass, audience member and Dist. 5 School
Board representative. Peacock was quick to respond with an explanation regarding funding for the project and how the importance of leveraging state and federal dollars can help Shreveport-Bossier.
Deadly storm hits Bossier From Staff Reports
newsroom@bossierpress.com
Bossier is recovering after a deadly tornado moved through the area last weekend. The storm claimed the lives of an elderly couple and destroyed their home on the 400 block of Davis Road in the early morning hours of Jan. 11. Jerry W. Franks, 79, and Mary Sue Franks, 65, were confirmed as the storm victims to the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Saturday, Jan. 11. An EF2 tornado packing 135 MPH winds traveled over their residence at 438 Davis Road just before 2 a.m. The storm moved their home from its foundation to some 200 feet away. “It was a strong storm Family picks through wreckage of a home demolished by a tornado off Davis Road.
Benton Middle School damaged
VIA BOSSIER SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Drone footage of the damage to Benton Middle School.
By Sean Green
sean@bossierpress.com
Classes for Benton Middle School students have been cancelled in the wake of storm damage over the weekend. Benton Middle School sustained damage from a storm that moved through Bossier early Jan. 11. The roof of the north side of the building was ripped off in high winds, causing sprinkler systems to flood some classrooms. Classes will be canceled for all Benton Middle School students Monday, Jan. 13. The day will be used as a faculty/staff work day before students head back to school Tuesday, Jan. 14. “We at Bossier Schools are immensely grateful this weather incident did not occur during school hours when more than 1,100 students and employees were there. For that reason, we are so blessed,” See, BENTON, Page 3
Benton officer schocked trying to protect driver From Staff Reports
newsroom@bossierpress.com
A Benton police officer was electrocuted by a power line early Saturday morning while attempting to stop a driver. The incident occurred in the 6200 block of La. Hwy. © 2019 Bossier Newspaper Publishing Co., Inc.
3 on Saturday, Jan. 11. Officer Larandle Taylor arrived on scene, located the down utility line, and began blocking the road with his patrol unit. Several minutes later, a pickup truck turned VIA BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
See, OFFICER, Page 3 The patrol car of Benton officer damaged by a utility line.
See, LUNCH, Page 3
PLANS FOR 2020 PT. 2
Teacher pay, at-risk schools main priorities for superintendent
[Editor’s Note: This is the second in a fourpart series outlining parish leaders’ goals for the new year.]
STACEY TINSLEY/PRESS-TRIBUNE
See, STORM, Page 3
“The project is a state and federal project. Although it is a state highway, it qualifies for federal funding. The idea was to leverage our state dollars for federal mon-
ish’s Title I schools will see increased efforts towards the district being able to provide more resources. “We’ve started those pilot programs, so we are goBy Stacey Tinsley ing to continue to monitor stinsley@bossierpress.com that and expand those efBossier Schools will put forts to try to impact those an emphasis on finding a schools in a positive way,” pay increase for teachers Downey said. Looking towards imin 2020. Bossier Schools Super- provements in 2020, intendent Mitch Downey Downey points out there said he and the Bossier are three construction Parish School Board are projects that will take place — an additional wing continuing to look is due to be added for sustainable at Haughton High funds to try to inSchool, Cope Midcrease employees dle School will see wages. additional class“This is somerooms, and Benton thing that is diffiMiddle School will cult and complex. also have a wing We have a new added. chief financial ofBenton students ficer that is in the Downey will also see a shift process of becomthis fall as the fifth ing more familiar with those different line grade from Benton, Legaitems of our budget,” said cy and Kingston Elementary Schools will combine Downey. He noted they are still with the Benton Middle engaging legislators about School 6th grade to form collaborating on a solu- Benton Intermediate. This will be housed at the curtion. “We’re still continuing rent Benton Middle School to talk to local represen- site. Meanwhile, seventh tatives to try to collabo- and eighth graders will rate with them about ad- now attend Benton Middle dressing the needs that we School at the old Benton have, but it’s not easy. It is High School campus. Downey also noted something that we will remain focused on,” Downey that there could be some changes coming to Parkpledged. A proposed property way High School. “There is money that tax that would have gone towards teacher pay was was set aside from the voted down by parish resi- 2012 bond for an additional classroom wing at Parkdents in May last year. The board was able to way High School, which is replace the school sys- our smallest high school tem’s perfect attendance campus,” he explained. stipend and cut enough “There may be an opporfrom the budget that they tunity to try to expand that authorized a modest raise campus and provide adfor teachers and certified ditional classrooms. But, that remains to be seen at employees in mid-July. Also high on Downey’s this time.” list are the parish’s at-risk See, PRIORITIES, Page 3 schools. He said the par-