Louisiana Municipal Association

Breaking barriers: Leesville’s first female councilwoman-at-large retires - Leesville Leader By Ashlyn Little After 30 years of distinguished service as councilwoman-at-large, Alice Guess has officially retired from the Leesville City Council, leaving behind a lasting legacy of community improvement. A […]

On Friday, May 8, the Louisiana Press Association held their 2026 awards program for stories, layout, editorials, and overall design and content throughout 2025. On the heels of last year's sweep, the Louisiana Municipal Association team responsible for the monthly Louisiana Municipal Review magazine was up for quite a few awards across their District 5 division, and they came out winners yet again. Please join us in congratulating them all!

Drumroll, please … 🥁🥁🥁

Best Feature Story

• 1st - Charlotte Smith, “An English Girl's Cajun Thanksgiving”
• 2nd - Anita Tillman, “Bent, But Not Broken”
• 3rd - Charlotte Smith, “Louisiana Charmer”

Best News Story

• 1st - Charlotte Smith, “Are We Ready?”

Best Front Page

• 2nd - Anita Tillman, “November 2025”

Best Headline

• 1st - Charlotte Smith, “An English Girl's Cajun Thanksgiving”

Best Single Editorial

• 2nd - Anita Tillman, “Reclaiming Civics
• 3rd - Anita Tillman, “When the Calvary Doesn't Come”

Best Photo Package

• 3rd - Charlotte Smith & Frank Nixon, “Let it Sneaux!”

Best Layout and Design Gary Hebert Award

• 1st - Frank Nixon, “Open Arms”

General Excellence

1st - Frank Nixon, “LMR December 2025”

Join us in wishing State Senator Larry Selders a speedy recovery. Our prayers are with you!

LMA staff and friends gathered to share heartfelt goodbyes and warm wishes for Executive Director Barney Arceneaux today, as he begins the wonderful journey of retirement. While we are grateful for his two years of dedicated leadership as our ED, we are equally thankful for his many years of service as a valued LMA member during his time as Mayor of Gonzales, as well as his year as LMA President.

Barney was also honored yesterday at the Louisiana State Capitol with a special proclamation recognizing more than 50 years of unwavering service to our great state. What a truly remarkable legacy!

Wishing you endless joy, relaxation, and new adventures, Barney. You’ve more than earned every moment of this exciting new chapter!

Our thoughts and our prayers are with the City of Shreveport, and all its residents, who have woken up to terrible and tragic news today.

We ask that you keep them all close to your hearts.