Poland Junior High to Dedicate Gymnasium Tonight in Honor of Bob Stevens
Poland Junior High School will dedicate its gymnasium tonight, Monday, August 31, at 6 p.m. in honor of Mr. Bob Stevens, a Poland graduate who returned to serve as the school’s principal for many years. Stevens is a 2017 LHSAA Hall of Fame inductee and the Class C record holder for points scored at Poland High School, finishing his career with 4,223 points. He went on to play college basketball at Louisiana Christian University before spending decades coaching and serving in education. The Stevens family, school staff, and the Poland community are invited to attend the ceremony at the Poland Junior High School Gymnasium.
$2.6 Million in Federal Funding Proposed for ATRANS Bus System Upgrades
The Rapides Area Planning Commission met August 27 to review a proposed amendment to its Transportation Improvement Program that would bring approximately $2.6 million in federal funding to the ATRANS bus system through the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5307 program. If approved, the funding would be used to upgrade buses, purchase operational software, keep vehicles in good working condition — including buses serving people with disabilities — and fund automatic passenger counters, radio upgrades, and preventive maintenance. A follow-up RAPC meeting to allocate the funds is scheduled for September 2.
Saline-Larto Complex Recreational Fishing Regulations Updated
New recreational fishing regulations will take effect soon for the Saline-Larto Complex in Central Louisiana. Confirm the specific effective date and full list of regulatory changes through the LDWF before publishing a standalone brief.
RRMC Child Safety Seat Check — September 9
Rapides Regional Medical Center will host a free Child Safety Seat Check on Wednesday, September 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Scott Street Entrance to Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A trained child passenger safety educator will inspect car seats for recalls, verify proper installation, and show parents and caregivers how to correctly install their seats. The process typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes depending on the number of seats in the vehicle. Seat checks are normally held on the second Wednesday of each month.
TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville
Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution around construction workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time.