Assessor Lawrence Desadier.  More than that, you’ll find Desadier himself, his familiar smile on his face.

This is news to folks of Winn because Desadier has been missing from that picture for a long time due to surgeries and complications.  Prayer groups across the community have followed the reports of surgery and complications, recoveries and setbacks, rehab and coming home.

“I was in the hospital and rehab for 68 days,” he told the Journal.  “They cut me open three times.”  When Desadier was taken to the hospital for the first time, he weighed 177 pounds. By the time he entered rehab in Ruston, he was down to 135 pounds.  But they got him fed up a bit and he now tips the scales at 149 pounds.

“I missed being about everyone,” he said.  “I’m thankful for the work of my staff while I was gone.  I’m glad to be back to serve the people of Winn Parish and am grateful for their prayers and support.

He added that he will begin his fifth term of office in a week, on January 1.  He’s already taken his oath of office for that next term.