Central City News

Russell Starns Founder, City of Central When I look back at where we were before becoming a city and compare it to where we are now, many things come to mind. I’m so glad we have maintained our core values of conservatism, honesty, and integrity throughout this journey. These principles have guided our decisions, shaped […]

David Barrow Mayor, City of Central (2019-2023) I enjoyed my tenure with the City of Central from starting off as chairman of the first Planning & Zoning Commission in 2005 to becoming Chief Administrative Officer in 2007 under Mayor Mac Watts (the best Mayor Central has ever had) to becoming Mayor in 2019.  It was […]

 Woody Jenkins editor, Central City News It’s great to have our speaker, former Congressman Garret Graves, at the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon.  It’s unusual to call him “former” Congressman because I feel he should still be our Congressman. He’ll be talking today about the President’s Great Big Beautiful Bill that has passed and other issues.  […]

Bank of Zachary is pleased to announce the promotion of two valued team members, Ruth Ann Kuhns and Nicky Gautreau, to the position of Vice President. These well-earned promotions recognize their outstanding contributions, leadership, and sustained commitment to excellence in serving the bank and its customers. Ruth Ann Kuhns, who joined Bank of Zachary in […]

Mr. Willie Davis Knippers is our friend and our HERO! Willie Davis Knippers was born on June 15, 1923, in a tiny town Progress, MS in Pike County. He grew up as the second of seven children, guided by his parents’ values of hard work, respect for others, and a dedication to faith. Mr. Willie […]

The Central High School Class of 2025 walked across the stage at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center Wednesday night, May 14, 2025.  With 402 eligible to walk, it was the largest graduating class since the Central Community School System was founded in 2007. More than 8,000 people packed into the Assembly Center on the campus […]

May 2005 was an important time in the history of Central. On April 19, the Central City News began publication, and two days later the voters of Central voted to incorporate Central as Louisiana’s newest city.  May 2005 was a time of great excitement but also apprehension about the future. All eyes in the capital […]

In May 2005, if you had to pick some folks who best represented the old timers who made Central what it was prior to incorporation, you could find no better choice than Johnny Carpenter and his wife Jean. For many years, their home was the site of Pickin’ and Grinnin’ — a unique monthly event […]

Bill Lewis, 94, grew up on Blackwater Road in Central in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and he wrote a delightful book about growing up here, called Simpler Times. Bill’s daughter Cathy Gable texted me a few days ago telling me that Bill was not doing so well but that he was wondering if I might […]

Benjamin Cavin, president and CEO of Landmark Bank in Clinton, was installed as the Capital region representative on the Louisiana Bankers Association’s Board of Directors during LBA’s 125th Convention and Exposition. Cavin succeeds Mark S. Marionneaux, president and CEO of Bank of Zachary. Marionneaux served for three years as the Capital  region representative on the […]