STONEWALL, La. - For decades, Stonewall had operated as a dry townòòò½ÊÓƵ”meaning alcohol sales were not legal. But there was a time in 2015 when town leaders surprisingly learned that wasn't the case anymore.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Ultimately it led to an election where the town voted to be dry, but now voters have the chance to decide again on alcohol sales in Stonewall.
In early 2015 a liquor store went up in Stonewall, which shocked residents who believed they lived in a dry town. It turns out when the parish election lines were changed, Stonewall became part of a district that was wet, so that made the town wet.
The liquor store had its supporters and opponents. Later that year, citizens voted against all alcohol propositions, and now the liquor store is an eye doctor's office.
Fast forward 10 years, and Stonewall resident Angelo Deprimo is leading the effort to vote on alcohol sales again.òòò½ÊÓƵ Deprimo and other supporters petitioned in 2024. The petition got enough signatures to force the town council to call another election. He believes the extra revenue could be helpful for the town and could even benefit the schools.
"I have two kids that go to North DeSoto. I started the entire process for the petition because of the failed school bond vote. I recognize it failed because people didn't want their taxes to increase for us. Bringing in extra businesses will bring in extra tax revenue," said Deprimo.
Deprimo believes a lot of opposition comes from people who don't want the town to grow.
"While I feel for those people because they've been here andòòò½ÊÓƵthey were used to a certain way of life, growth is inevitable. I know of multiple deals right now for businesses willing to come into Stonewall that are 100% contingent on alcohol sales passing," said Deprimo.
Some citizens believe it will also bring crime to the area. There has even been a slogan going around saying, "Don't Shreveport my Stonewall." Other residents see both the good and bad that can come from alcohol sales.
"It can be good, and it can also be bad. I say that because, you know, there are a lot of people that do like alcohol around here that I know since I've been here for the past couple of years. It has ups and downs with it. Some people don't drink it at all and are 100% against it. Now some people are 100% with it. Me, I'm both in between," said Sam Smith, a Stonewall resident.
Deprimo said the best thing to do is just go out and vote, no matter if you're for or against.
"I've always been a proponent of going out and doing your own research, and when you get to the ballot box, you are going in informed. You don't have to take my word for it. You don't have to take a friend's word for it. Go through, do some deep digging, and figure out if you think this is going to benefit the town or not," said Deprimo.
In the past 10 years, the parish's two other townsòòò½ÊÓƵ”Mansfield and Logansportòòò½ÊÓƵ”have voted in alcohol.òòò½ÊÓƵ
The election is Saturday.