Sen. Womack, Rep. Riser & Rep. Firment recap session

LaSalle Parish’s state legislative delegation was in Jena Tuesday night, July 21, to participate in the LaSalle Economic Development District’s (LEDD) annual legislative forum.

The event was held at the historic Strand Theater where LEDD members and invited guests listened as the legislators shared insights from the 2026 Legislative Session in Baton Rouge, with many of the bills/laws having significant interest to LaSalle Parish.

Also at the event, LEDD welcomed the Town of Tullos’ newest representative to the board, Tony Weisskopf and information was distributed about several exciting ventures. Among those included updates on the state acquisition of the Kitterlin Creek property, progress on the new Rod Brady Campus of CLTCC and how the #thrive art camps will continue using opioid abatement funding. (See separate stories on those issues.)

It was also learned that the Jena Historic District application is set to be approved by the state during a historic committee meeting on July 30 in Baton Rouge and if approved at the state level, will then be submitted to the national historic committee in Washington D.C. for final approval.

LEDD Executive Director Cynthia reminded those in attendance, as well as the public, that two foundations have been established by LEDD. The first is the LaSalle Scholars Foundation which raises money for the annual parish scholars banquet where thousands of dollars are distributed each year to achieving graduates and the second, the Historic Bank of Jena Foundation, where funds will be used to renovate the historic bank building in downtown Jena. Among the renovations include the upstairs, with plans to have the facility available for public use.

For more information about the foundations or any of the events coordinated by LEDD, visit AGreaterLaSalle.com or email Cockerham at info@agreaterlasalle.com.

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