Under heavy pressure from Barksdale Air Force Base top brass and influential supporters of Barksdale, the Bossier Parish School Board recently approved a charter school for the base.

Lt. Col. Oliver North, combatdecorated U.S. Marine, bestselling author and military correspondent, will be the guest of honor at a special fundraiser to benefit Caddo- Bossier Crime Stoppers at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 11 at Sam’s Town Casino and Hotel Ballroom.

The Ark-La-Tex community has always shown great support and interest in Barksdale Air Force Base, as evidenced in hundreds of thousands of visitors who attend the Air Show and Open House every year. Now, to further foster community relations, Barksdale has opened some of their sports and recreation programs to the local community.