In a meeting marked by celebration and progress, the Bossier Parish Police Jury on Wednesday, June 18, honored the 40th anniversary of Keep Bossier Beautiful, recognized the LSU Shreveport baseball team’s historic national championship season, and approved key residential development plans for the Benton area.
In a heartfelt resolution, the Police Jury recognized Keep Bossier Beautiful (KBB) for 40 years of dedication to environmental stewardship and community pride.
Founded in 1985 as the Clean Cities Committee, KBB’s origins stretch back to local beautification efforts of the 1950s. Under the leadership of founder Marie Wiseman and first Executive Director Diane Chandler, the organization launched iconic projects such as five “Welcome to Bossier” monuments and the development of a green beltway on McDade Street.
Rebranded in 2003 to align with the national Keep America Beautiful campaign, KBB endured financial and facility setbacks in 2011 but was revitalized in 2020 through support from Sheriff Julian Whittington, Mayor Lo Walker, and Police Jury Administrator Bill Altimus.
“We appreciate the great work and the hard work that you’ve been doing for the past couple of years,” said District 8 Juror Doug Rimmer, noting increased community involvement across the parish. Jury President Glenn Benton highlighted the organization’s real-world impact, saying litter pickup events at his church have seen a noticeable reduction in trash, thanks to KBB’s efforts.
Today, Keep Bossier Beautiful leads the only correctional facility-based recycling program in the state and has launched multiple other initiatives:
- Distributed compactors to expand local recycling efforts
- Installed 58 trash receptacles at city bus stops
- Provided environmental education for grades 4–8
- Coordinated litter cleanups, tree plantings, and outreach campaigns
KBB has been honored with the 2022 Keep Louisiana Beautiful Outstanding Affiliate Award and the 2024 Outstanding Recycling Award.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past—it’s a recommitment to our future,” said Lynn Bryant, current Executive Director. “Together, we’re building a cleaner, greener, and more united Bossier Parish.”
In another moment of pride, the Police Jury passed a resolution recognizing the LSU Shreveport (LSUS) Pilots baseball team for their unprecedented 59–0 season and 2025 NAIA World Series championship.
The team, led by Head Coach Brad Neffendorf, made national headlines on May 29 by completing a perfect season and securing the championship. The resolution praised the players, coaches, trainers, and support staff for their unwavering dedication, discipline, and teamwork.
“These young men have set a new standard not only for LSUS, but for collegiate baseball across the country,” said Jury President Glenn Benton.
The championship has shined a spotlight on northwest Louisiana and sparked pride across the region. Accepting the resolution were Athletic Director Lucas Morgan, Head Coach Brad Neffendorf, Chancellor Robert T. Smith, and members of the Jury.
In a nod to the region’s steady growth, the Police Jury also approved several key residential development and zoning updates recommended by the Benton Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC).
Among the approvals:
- A plat for Northlake Estates Unit No. 1A, covering approximately 3 acres in District 4, which will expand housing options while preserving neighborhood character.
- A resubdivision of Lots 135 and 136 in River Ridge Subdivision (District 3), reflecting careful land use and community-driven planning.
Each proposal underwent public hearings and received favorable recommendations from the Benton MPC, demonstrating the parish’s commitment to transparency and thoughtful growth.