Settle Talk

OIL CITY SPORTS COMPLEX PRESENTATION ENCOUNTERED HEADWINDS

Thursday, October 1, 2026

A small but well-informed concerned citizen attended the Caddo Commission’s proposed $70 million sports complex presentation last night in Oil City. Caddo assistant administrator Clay Walker and director of communications Krystal Beauchamp represented the Parish administration at the meeting.

DOES SPD UNDERSTAND THE RED RIVER DISTRICT OPEN CONTAINER ORDINANCE

John Settle

Monday, November 3, 2025

There was misinformation on the Mike and McCarty KEEL radio show last Friday on the open container ordinance for the Red River District (RRD).This misunderstanding was reinforced this morning (Monday) in an interview with SPD Capt. Janice Dailey.

CHELETTE HOLDEN’S DOWNTOWN BARS CENTER OF VIOLENCE

John Settle

Monday, November 3, 2025

It’s no secret that Chelette Holden, a DDA board member, owns/operates three downtown bars/lounges. Two are on Texas Street—literally across from each other. Holden also operates/owns GSpot in the Red River District.Violence is constantly happening at the two Holden Texas Street bars.

Caddo Parish Predicts More Property, Sales Tax Revenue In 2026

John Settle

Monday, November 3, 2025

By Emilee Calametti Caddo Parish anticipates collecting more revenue from property and sales taxes next year because of higher home values and inflation.

SPD CHIEF SMITH BRIEFS CITY COUNCIL ON SHREVEPORT CRIME

John Settle

Friday, October 31, 2025

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith presented a report to the Shreveport City Council at its Monday work session.Here are the statistics year-to-date through Oct. 26, 2025:1. Criminal homicides 34Comparables are 75 in 2024, 69 in 2023, and 45 in 20222.

Shreveport Sales Taxes Totaled $13M in September

John Settle

Friday, October 31, 2025

By Emilee Calametti | The Center Square Shreveport collected over $13 million in sales and use taxes during September, bringing the city’s total to $125 million so far this year.

WHEN YOU THINK OF SHREVEPORT’S SAFETY WHAT FACTORS DO YOU CONSIDER

John Settle

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Do you consider natural disaster risk?How about economic stability?WalletHub just released its study evaluating the safety of 182 cities. New Orleans was last with a rating of 182. Baton Rouge ranked 180 and Shreveport placed 152.

NO CITY ORDINANCES REGULATE TRICK- OR- TREATERS

John Settle

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Do you welcome the little ones in costumes or turn your light off and hide?And what about the teenagers bussed in from other areas with pillowcases demanding candy?Halloween always brings its challenges to homeowners and parents alike.

PROGRESS VERSUS PROPERTY RIGHTS—THE RED RIVER EXPRESS CONUNDRUM

John Settle

Thursday, October 30, 2025

The proposed Red River Expressway will be a privately funded toll road from the terminus of LA 3132 at Flournoy Lucas Road that will traverse the Red River and connect to the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway and La. Hwy 71.

REMINDER: Flashing yellow left turn arrow installations continue in NW region

John Settle

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to remind the traveling public that several projects remain underway to upgrade traffic signals across the northwest region to include the flashing yellow left turn arrows (FYA).

LEASING THE RED RIVER DISTRICT COULD RESOLVE MAJOR PROBLEMS

John Settle

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

The Red River District (RRD) is the area under the Texas Street bridge bounded by Commerce Street and Clyde Fant Parkway.The district has been plagued with a multitude of problems since the City became the owner of the property.

Records Show Few Shreveport City Council Travel Reimbursements

John Settle

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

By Emilee Calametti | The Center Square Records indicate the Shreveport City Council spent very little in taxpayer-funded travel over the past three years.

DDA BOARD MEMBER HOLDEN SPONSORS UNAUTHORIZED EVENT IN RED RIVER DISTRICT AND SLUTAWEEN

John Settle

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Chelette Holden is a board member of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).Holden is the owner/operator of G-Spot bar in the Red River District.The bar was a sponsor of the unauthorized, non-permitted Rhythms On The Red party last Friday night (Oct. 24) in the district.

SHREVEPORT BOSSIER THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT

John Settle

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation just released its third quarter report that covers July, August and September. Here is a summary:1. The Adjust Gross Revenues of the six local casinosHorseshoe $34,809,648Margaritaville $34,452,886Live!

CHELETTE HOLDEN, SPONSOR OF FRIDAY’S UNAUTHORIZED PARTY, WAS ADVISED THAT NO PERMIT WAS ISSUED

John Settle

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The Facebook post for Rhythms on the Red listed DDA and GSpot as sponsors.Chelette Holden, a DDA board member, owns/operates the GSpot bar.Holden was notified, along with over 30 others including more that 20 Shreveport City employees, that the Rhythyms on the Red was NOT issued a SPAR permit.

CITY OF SHREVEPORT HAD PRIOR KNOWNLEDGE OF FRIDAY’S BOOKER T. WASHINGTON EVENT IN THE RED RIVER DISTRICT

John Settle

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The homecoming event last Friday (Oct.24) for Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School event was labeled “Rhythyms (sic) on the Red.” The Red River District was the event venue.The promoter(s) applied for a SPAR permit as required by City of Shreveport ordinance.