Ward 4 FPD

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

Yesterday we welcomed Weston’s Pre‑K classes to Ward 4 Fire Protection District for our annual field trip — a tradition that has become part of the heartbeat of our community. Every year, we get the privilege of planting little seeds of courage, curiosity, and service in the next generation, and every year we’re reminded why this day matters.

Mrs. Stephanie from Dispatch shared one of the most important lessons a child can learn — how and when to call 911. Mrs. Regina Chatham with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry brought equipment for the kids to explore, and Smokey Bear reminded them that even the smallest hands can help protect our woods. Mrs. Jolene Smith with Jackson Parish Ambulance Service opened the ambulance doors and showed the children that help is never far away.

Our Fire Chief, Josh Halbrook, continued a tradition of his own — cooking hundreds of burgers so every child, teacher, and family member is fed. Josh and Daniel Allen spent time showing each child how the tools on the fire truck work, sparking the kind of wonder that stays with a kid long after the day is over. And Tina Allen volunteered her time to help prepare food and keep everything running smoothly, just as she has done for years.

We also want to recognize our youngest volunteer firefighter, Addison Ledford. Addison shows up every year ready to help with the kids and make sure every goodie bag gets safely back to the school. Watching her serve reminds us that legacy doesn’t start when you’re grown — it starts the moment you choose to show up.

We’re grateful to Weston High School for sharing their post, and we added a few of our own photos — equipment demos, Smokey Bear’s visit, bounce house fun, and the fire‑truck ride that ended with dropping the kiddos back off at school.

This day is more than a field trip. It’s a reminder that community is built one moment at a time, one lesson at a time, one child at a time. And we’re honored that Ward 4 gets to be part of the memories these children will carry forward.

04/15/2026

🚧 REMINDER: LA‑147 Bridge Closure Begins Tomorrow

A quick notice for anyone who travels LA‑147 (Walker Road):

Starting tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, the bridge over the Brown Creek Tributary will be closed for a full replacement. The closure point is 1.8 miles east of the LA‑147 / LA‑505 intersection, roughly halfway between Jonesboro and Chatham.

DOTD is replacing the original 1970 bridge to improve safety and load capacity for the 370 vehicles that use it daily. Because this is a total replacement, the road will be completely impassable at that spot for about four months.

04/10/2026

🚧 Upcoming Road Closure on Walker Road 🚧

If you travel Walker Road (LA 147), DOTD will be closing the LA 147 bridge over the Brown Creek Tributary starting Thursday, April 16th. This is the bridge about 1.8 miles east of LA 505.

They’re doing a full bridge replacement, and the work is expected to take around four months, give or take depending on the weather.

If this is part of your usual drive, you might want to plan a little extra time and use an alternate route when you can.

JACKSON PARISH, La. (KTVE/KARD) — Motorists in Jackson Parish should prepare for a long-term road closure later this month as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development begins…

03/29/2026

This will start Monday 3/30/2026 due to extreme fire danger.

02/26/2026

01/23/2026

Winter weather is coming to Northeast Louisiana. ❄️

Ice is rare here, but power outages and slick roads are REAL.

Before the freeze:
✔️ Charge devices
✔️ Protect pipes
✔️ Avoid travel if possible
✔️ Stay warm safely
✔️ If you think you'll need transportation assistance, plan ahead and call 211 early — options may be limited once conditions worsen

Need help with heat, food, shelter, supplies, or transportation (when available)? Connect to 211:
📞 Dial 211 (free, 24/7)
💻 unitedwaynela.org/211database
📱 Text your ZIP Code to 898-211 (M–F, 8am–5pm)
📝 unitedwaynela.org/211

✔️ Printable winter prep checklists available at unitedwaynela.org/211

01/22/2026

01/19/2026

🚗LA‑34 Bridge Update — NOW OPEN🚗
The LA‑34 Bridge over Dry Creek, south of Chatham, has reopened to all traffic following the completion of repair work.

Thank you to everyone who adjusted their routes and stayed patient during the closure. Please continue to use caution in the area as crews may still be finishing up minor work nearby.

If you have any questions about state road conditions, you can always check 511la.org for real‑time updates.

01/11/2026

TRAFFIC ADVISORY – LA 34 BRIDGE CLOSURE

The LA 34 Bridge over Dry Creek, located south of Chatham in Jackson Parish, will be closed for repairs from Monday, January 12 through Monday, January 19.

The closure point is approximately 530 feet south of LA 810. During this time, all vehicles will need to use an alternate route. Detour signs will be posted along the route to guide motorists safely around the work zone.
Please allow extra travel time and use caution when traveling in this area. We appreciate everyone’s patience as this necessary work is completed.