Memorial Day saw many people relaxing and enjoying the cool waters of Hemps Creek, one of the parish’s favorite swimming locations on LA 460; however, safety concerns prompted law enforcement officials to issue a stern warning through social media resulting in backlash from the public. According to LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office CEO and Sheriff-Elect Lane Windham, the intent was never to shut down the creek, but rather to prevent a tragedy from occurring. “Our priority is and always will be public safety” Windham said. “It had just gotten to the point where we needed to step in and address a dangerous situation before something terrible happened.”