Avoyelles Parish received a 911 call yesterday from the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse saying an unknown male entered the courthouse in Marksville covering his face and possessing fake plastic guns and carrying packages and bags. Local law enforcement agencies responded and searched the man, his bags, and the courthouse. Fortunately, no explosives were found.  APSO Detectives identified the man as Jaymes Edward Baker of Mulberry, Florida and learned that Baker allegedly went there to make a statement about his dissatisfaction with civil proceedings in a child custody matter.  Baker was arrested and booked for Terrorizing and Simple Assault.  No bond has been set.

Entergy Louisiana crews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible. VP of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (BORG) says in the coastal parishes including Assumption, Terrebonne and Lafourche, full restoration will take a little longer.

Cut 5 (08) “…two to three days.”

Bourg notes that South Louisiana’s geography makes it challenging for crews, with many power poles being located in marshes, swamps and heavily wooded areas.

Cleanup and recovery continue in the coastal parishes. In St. Mary Parish, President Sam Jones says things are almost all the way back to normal.

Cut 8 (09)  “…we’re cleaning up.”

Jones says the progress is incredible considering the parish was among those hit hardest by Francine.

Second Harvest Food Bank is mobilizing to address the immediate needs of communities in parishes impacted by Hurricane Francine. The organization is providing food, water, and essential supplies. President and CEO Natalie Jayroe says Second Harvest aims to ensure that necessities reach those in need as quickly as possible.

Cut 10 (09) “…lives back together.”

To volunteer or make donations to Second Harvest, visit no dash hunger dot org.