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BOSSIER SECRET MEETING

BOSSIER CITY, LA. – Shouting down a commenter in a public meeting, holding secret meetings to suppress public comment, and threatening employees with FBI investigations are some of the reasons a retired law enforcement officer and U.S. Army combat veteran sued Bossier City officials in federal court today.

Weston “Wes” Merriott, who lives in Bossier Parish and writes about local issues online at sobo.live, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, to prevent any" further assaults on the public’s constitutional right to free speech," Merriott said in a news release.

He named City Council members Jeffery Darby, Jeffrey Free, David Montgomery and City Attorney Charles Jacobs as defendants who violated the First Amendment.

“A healthy democracy embraces criticism, welcomes questions, and values dissent,” said Merriott in the release. “The First Amendment isn’t just a right; it’s a promise to the American people that their voices will always matter in government decisions.”

Merriott is represented by lawyers from the Tulane First Amendment Law Clinic.

“Public meetings are where our elected leaders make policy decisions and engage with citizens. The right to freely comment on policy and ask questions of elected leaders at those meetings is crucial to our system of self-governance,” clinic director Katie Schwartzmann said in the news release. “The actions of Bossier City officials limit public discourse on political issues important to Bossier citizens and are unconstitutional.”

The controversy began after a petition for term-limits for City Council members and the mayor was introduced in July. Merriott chronicled the progress of the measure and questioned in public meetings what he saw as delay tactics by the City Council.

Merriott raised his concerns about council members’ motives and what he called a lack of transparency. In turn, some council members interrupted and threatened him with removal from council meetings.

On Sept. 5, Merriott was threatened with removal for pointing out the City Council had failed in their legal obligations after receiving a certified petition demanding term limits and noted potential conflicts of interest by parties providing counsel to the city.

Despite speaking from a prepared text, some members of the Bossier City Council opened asked for Merriott’s removal. Merriott’s comments were labeled “disruptive” in the official city minutes of the meeting.

Leaked audio later revealed several City Council members had met privately following the Sept. 5 meeting in a back office at City Hall. They discussed changing the meeting rules to only allow public comment at the start of each meeting. The result, said Merriott, would stop him from commenting on anything they did during the proceedings.

When this secret meeting became public, Jacobs threatened to call the FBI to investigate who leaked the audio. He also imposed a gag order on employees, according to Merriott.

In the lawsuit filed today, Merriott argues the councils’ actions are unconstitutional because the government cannot silence critics and dissent. He argues that the council rules are vague and overbroad, and that the defendant council members are retaliating against political viewpoints that they dislike.

Merriott also challenges the city attorney’s gag order on city employees and the attempt to change meeting rules to eliminate public comment on agenda items.

Merriott is asking the court to:

1) Stop enforcement of the unconstitutional acts;

2) Require adequate training for the council on First Amendment rights;

3) Amend the council meeting minutes to remove from the record the following: “Mr. Merriott became disruptive in his remarks”; and

4) Award damages, legal fees and costs.

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The water is fully restored in Bossier City and the boil advisory has been lifted

Approximately 12,000 residents were included in the affected area.

Residents in the area were advised that if water is to be used for drinking or cooking it should be boiled for at least five minutes prior to use.

Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler said he is sensitive to the impact of the outage on businesses and residents and assures all that the problem will be resolved as soon as possible.

Bossier City Public Information Officer Louis Johnson said a leak was found in a 42″ water main, the largest one in the city, around 2 a.m. He said the main is valved off at this time while utilities work to restore it. There is not currently an estimated time for completion, but Johnson said they will keep the public updated as they have new information, and services will be restored as quickly as possible.

Councilman Chris Smith posted a message to his Facebook page announcing the decreased pressure as crews make needed repairs.

Smith said the areas most affected were Carriage Oaks, Swan Lake, Stonebridge, Tiburon, Hickory Ridge, and Stockwell.

Read Smith’s full message below.

Some Bossier City customers may not have water this morning. Around 1:30 AM Public Utility workers noticed a significant drop in water pressure around the City. They began investing and Utility workers, BCPD and BCFD began driving the City to find signs of a leak. Eventually, the leak was found thanks to technology. A 42 water main between Airline and Benton Road close to Shed Rd ruptured and caused the disruption. Most affected areas are Carriage Oaks, Swan Lake, Stonebridge, Tiburon, Hickory Ridge and Stockwell. However, this has had affects across the whole City. The leak has been isolated and vavled down. Customers are starting to come back online as pressures increase. The hardest hit area will be Northeast section of the City.All customers are anticipated to come back on soon. More details will be released soon.

Bossier City Councilman Chris Smith via Facebook

The City of Bossier released a statement Friday saying the boil advisory had been lifted.

As of 10:00 a.m. today the boil advisory has been lifted and the citizens of Bossier has been given the “All Clear” after water samples were tested. Bossier City Utilities did a great job of locating and repairing the water main that was broken.

“Progress comes with a little bit of pain when it comes to a construction project, especially one on the interstate”

The rehabilitation project began Monday, Sept. 18.

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) — Traffic is down to one lane on portions of Interstate 20 in Bossier City.

As we’ve told you all week, we’re only days into the I-20 major rehabilitation project and it’ll be about two years before it is complete.

There already have been reports of standstill, bumper-to-bumper traffic and multiple accidents on I-20 and alternate routes that have several travelers concerned.

So KSLA News 12 again talked with Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (LaDOTD) officials. They told us they believe a better highway will make up for these temporary frustrations.

“Fix I-20. We want to see something happen on I-20. We want to see the progress made,” area LaDOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan said.

“Well, here’s the progress. Progress comes with a little bit of pain when it comes to a construction project, especially one on the interstate.”

[Learn more about the I-20 major rehabilitation project]

With the lane closures, safety has become a concern for many.

“There were a lot of wrecks this morning. 220 and 20. Insane,” Jessica wrote to KSLA News 12.

Karen said, “40 minutes on 220 to get past Airline to benton.”

And Michael observed, “Y’all couldn’t deal with a few bumps on I-20, so get ready for the next 2 years to be like this.”

LaDOTD says it will monitor traffic flow within the first few weeks of the project and will make adjustments based on their queue detection system as well as with traffic signals on surface streets. However, as of right now, there will be no changes to the construction zone or alternate routes.

INTERMITTENT RAMP CLOSURES

LaDOTD advises motorists to anticipate intermittent on- and off-ramp closures as part of the I-20 major rehabilitation project that is under construction in Bossier City.

These brief ramp closures are anticipated to take place in half-hour to hourlong intervals and will take place only during non-peak travel times.

The ramp closures may impact various interchanges within the rehabilitation zone, including Airline Drive, Barksdale Boulevard, Industrial Drive and Old Minden Road, although not at the same time.

The closures are necessary to allow for the movement of equipment as work progresses on Phase 1 of the I-20 major rehabilitation project.

LaDOTD bulletin

Copyright 2023 KSLA. All rights reserved.

BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Cordish Companies on Monday presented master project plans to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for the redevelopment of Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. Cordish intends to transform the property into a world-class Live! casino resort and entertainment destination.

Centrally, this includes the construction of an entirely new, first-class land-based Live! casino and the removal of the existing casino riverboat. Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is scheduled to open in 2025.

"We're very excited and honored to present our plans to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and thank them for their enthusiastic support of our project," said Joe Weinberg, Managing Partner, The Cordish Companies. "Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will be a world-class resort destination that brings a first-class gaming, dining, entertainment and hospitality experience to the region, creates significant new jobs, and generates millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community. We look forward to working with Foundation Gaming & Entertainment, state and local officials, and the community to bring the project to fruition."

"The development plan for the Diamond Jacks property that was presented this morning will be transformative, and we are thrilled to be a part of it," said Greg Guida, Co-CEO of Foundation Gaming & Entertainment. "We are looking forward to finishing up the demolition that was started in February to get the property ready for the transformation to a Live! Casino & Hotel."

Live! Casino coming to Bossier City

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Cordish Companies

The new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL LOUISIANA, which represents an investment of $250+ million, will be a world-class gaming, dining, entertainment and hotel destination, featuring:

"The Louisiana Gaming Control Board looks forward to working with The Cordish Companies to bring a world class casino and entertainment destination to the Bossier/Shreveport market. The reputation of The Cordish Companies throughout the country to own and operate first class casinos, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment destinations is exemplary. We thank Cordish for choosing Louisiana to bring their expertise and major investment to our gaming market," said Ronnie Johns, Chairman, Louisiana Gaming Control Board. "The Board also wants to thank Foundation Gaming for their vision in beginning this much needed process of rebuilding a closed casino property. We will be working closely with both Foundation and Cordish to make this project a reality as soon as possible to deliver a gaming and entertainment destination that Louisiana can be proud of."

"We are very excited to welcome The Cordish Companies team to Bossier City and look forward to working with them on this beautiful project," said Thomas Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City, LA. "Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana will attract millions of visitors to our city, create substantial new jobs, and generate additional significant tax revenue for our community. It's a life changer for our region."

In addition to fully renovating the hotel rooms and public space, Cordish plans to develop a brand new, land-based casino to replace the existing casino riverboat, as well as introduce a variety of new dining and entertainment concepts including a fine dining steakhouse and an Asian restaurant.

Among the featured outlets in the facility will be Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar, two powerhouse names that are among the fastest growing concepts in the United States. The concepts are located at the front door of professional sports stadiums, high-profile entertainment and lifestyle districts, and world-class casino resort destinations across the U.S. including The Battery adjacent to Truist Park in Atlanta, GA; Ballpark Village adjacent to Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO; Texas Live! in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District; Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in South Philadelphia's Stadium District and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor.

Sports & Social, the premier sports bar and restaurant in the United States, offers guests an immersive sports entertainment atmosphere as the next best game watching experience outside of a stadium or arena. Curated by James Beard Award Nominee Chef John Suley, Sports & Social's menu features an elevated selection from its made-from-scratch kitchen for lunch, dinner, and a can't-miss brunch experience on the weekends. The bar's beverage program includes creative craft cocktails, specialty drinks, and an extensive line-up of brews on tap.

The venue features multiple digital media experiences, including a state-of-the-art LED media wall, that allows guests to watch multiple games and sporting events at once. Game days at Sports & Socials feature an electric environment with elements such as emcees and DJs, live fan-cams, competitions and games, and industry-leading audio and visual displays including music and light effects. Sports & Social venues showcase a wide variety of interactive social and nostalgic arcade games throughout the space, as well as live music and special events during the week.

Born from the toughest sport on dirt, the iconic PBR Cowboy Bar lives up to its legendary namesake, Professional Bull Riders, which embodies toughness, determination, and a true spirit of independence. PBR Cowboy Bars fuse that spirit with first-class hospitality, bringing an authentic country western experience that marries an electric combination of "cowboy cool" and big-time entertainment. The venue offers high-energy music, expansive bars, private VIP tables, industry-leading sound & lighting, and a mechanical bull.

The soul of PBR Cowboy Bar comes alive through its great entertainment, the best in country music, and its rich traditions, including Freedom Friday, a night of appreciation once a month for all military personnel, veterans, first responders and public service members. PBR Cowboy Bars have welcomed some of the biggest names in country music including Luke Bryan, Old Dominion, and Justin Moore.

The development of Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City continues Cordish's vast expansion across markets in the South Central and Southeast regions of the U.S. including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas where the Company currently has over $1 billion under construction adjacent to its Texas Live! development in the Arlington Entertainment District in North Texas.

For over a century, The Cordish Companies has created and managed an extraordinary portfolio of upscale mixed-use, entertainment and casino resort destinations throughout the United States. Its Live! brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country, welcomes over 55 million annual visitors to its dining, entertainment, casino, hotel, and sports-anchored entertainment districts, many of which have revitalized communities and reshaped the social and economic landscape of major markets across the country. This transformational effect has earned the Company an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for its urban revitalization efforts, more than any other developer in the world. For over two decades, Live! has dramatically changed the entertainment experience, creating one-of-a kind destinations that offer a curated year-round calendar of special events, premier dining venues, first-class hospitality, and the best of local, regional and national entertainment.

In gaming, The Cordish Companies has developed the most successful casino entertainment resorts in the U.S. including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL; the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, FL; Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland; Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia; and Live! Casino Pittsburgh. The award-winning properties have been nationally recognized for excellence in operations, food and beverage offerings, and its Live! Rewards Loyalty Program, annually named one of the best casino loyalty programs in the country by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards.

The Cordish Companies and its affiliates also have a strong history of leadership in philanthropy, volunteerism and community service working with local non-profit organizations in all markets where it does business and becoming active members of the community. Cordish is committed to supporting the Bossier City community and its non-profit organizations through direct monetary contributions and in-kind services, acting as a convener to assist community organizations and non-profits in their fundraising efforts and volunteerism, an endemic value to the Company and its team members.

The proposed project is subject to approval by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. More details will be shared in the coming months. New information will be posted to the website as available at www.LiveCasinoLA.com.

Two north Louisiana natives are taking their passion for live entertainment and creating a one-of-a-kind hangout spot in Bossier City.

Have you ever been to dueling piano bar? Well now you don't have to travel outside of north Louisiana to enjoy the entertainment of larger cities.

Sweet Caroline's Dueling Piano Bar is coming to Bossier City late October to early November. Co-owner DJ Roman said, "my partner and I have been thinking about investing in a local business for a while, but weren't really sure what we wanted to invest in."

He continued by saying that he and his business partner, Keith Haley, always visit dueling piano bars when they go out of town. "I've always felt like north Louisiana needed a dueling piano bar, it's about the only thing we don't have," said Roman. "So, we started entertaining the idea."

For the past four months, Roman and Haley have been scouting locations and creating a plan for this new entertainment venture. Sweet Caroline's found its home in the former Charming Charlies located in the Louisiana Boardwalk.

Haley said, "we see the opportunity down here for this place to be able to grow."

Sweet Caroline's is the first of its kind not only for the area but as business. "It's not a chain," said Roman. "We worked on getting it trademarked and stuff like that to make sure that it was something that we could actually utilize."

More:Sweet Caroline's Dueling Piano Bar coming to Louisiana Boardwalk

The name Sweet Caroline's was chosen because of Neil Diamond's song Sweet Caroline, "it's a very popular song," said Roman.

He continued by saying, "if you are from out of town and are looking for something to do and you see Sweet Caroline's Dueling Piano Bar, it's going to elicit a feeling."

Roman and Haley have been scouting other dueling piano bars in Dallas, Little Rock and Austin, and are excited to embark on this new journey. "I'm excited to try a new adventure like this," said Haley.

The task now is to hire performers. "We're going to need your standard type of people to work in the bar, bartenders, bar backs, hostess and some security," said Roman. "But the biggest one, obviously for us is going to be musicians and dueling piano players and that's not easy to find."

According to Roman, some training will be asked of the musicians. "Not just anybody can get up on stage and be a dueling piano player."

Musicians interested in performing in an exciting new environment can submit their applications and resumes to sweetcarolinesbc.com/join-our-team.

"Get ready for an unparalleled experience that will redefine what night-life looks like in the Shreveport-Bossier City area", said Haley. "At Sweet Caroline's, we're not just setting a new standard for entertainment; we're going to write a whole new melody—one that will resonate with everyone in the Ark-La-Tex."

Read:Check out these businesses expanding in Northwest Louisiana

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].