The Town of Sibley hosted the Small Town Mayors Conference for the first time September 24-25, bringing municipal leaders from across Louisiana to the Minden Civic Center to share ideas on small-town governance.
The event opened with a welcome from Sibley Mayor Robert Smart. Speakers included Barney Arceneaux, executive director of the Louisiana Municipal Association; State Rep. Wayne McMahen; and Kyle Ardoin, deputy chief of staff for the Governor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Rural Revitalization.
Conference topics covered a range of issues facing small communities, including “Leading with the Comfort of Being Cyber Secure,” “Newly Elected Officials,” and “Trash Court.” Roundtable discussions allowed mayors to collaborate on challenges such as water and sewer systems, audits and financial reports, budgeting, insurance loss and prevention, and governing in the digital age.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife, Kelly Johnson, a native of Sibley, also took part in the program Wednesday.
“We’re so blessed to be home in Northwest Louisiana where the values are the things that Kelly and I were raised on. Webster’s like my second home,” Johnson said. “This is where we feel most aligned with our values.”
Johnson opened by referencing a recent attack on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Dallas and thanking law enforcement officers and first responders for their service.
The Speaker recalled flying with President Donald Trump on Air Force One to attend the recent memorial service for Charlie Kirk. He said the trip was Kelly Johnson’s first on Air Force One, calling the occasion both meaningful and tragic.
“The memorial was very moving,” Johnson said. “If you want to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, then what you should do is advance his principles, and you should adopt his approach.” He emphasized the importance of teaching youth about the Constitution and the nation’s founding as the 250th anniversary approaches.
Johnson spoke about the work of the current Congress, calling it one of the most productive in history. He highlighted the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he said was designed to benefit lower- and middle-income Americans by lowering taxes, reducing government, and supporting small businesses and communities.
“A strong America is good for freedom-loving people around the world,” Johnson said.
On agricultural policy, Johnson said he was optimistic about the Farm Bill, noting some elements overlap with the broader legislation. “I’m very bullish on the Farm Bill, and I think it’ll be easier this time than it was five years ago,” he said.
Johnson also addressed rural health care, calling it one of the nation’s top concerns. He said efforts are underway to bring down pharmaceutical costs and make broader changes to the system.
Conference attendees mingled with the Johnsons before their departure. Over the course of two days, the Small Town Mayors Conference offered municipal leaders from across Louisiana a chance to exchange ideas, address common concerns, and build connections aimed at strengthening small communities.
