A local man says that he is glad to be back among the young people at Carroll High School, now that charges against has been dropped from an October 2019 altercation. Tommy Ballard is a long time member of the Carroll Booster Club and is the only one to have won the "Big Man of The Year Award" that goes to men in the community who are making a difference in their community. But Ballard had some legal issues beginning late year when an alleged Facebook post was circulated that scandalized his reputation. When Ballard attempted to clear things up with the persons involved, he became embroiled in an altercation with a female that became physical where police officers were called. Ballard was subsequently arrested and placed in custody. He was charged with domestic battery and aggravated assault. He was also charged with allegedly violating a restraining order. Ballard said all he wanted to do was try to understand why disparaging comments was made about his character, because people that know him from the community knows that he works very well with young people, particular at Carroll. But Monday(Aug.31), Ballard was told by his attorney that after reviewing a video of the altercation, it was determined that he was not the aggressor in that altercation and charges were dropped. Even though the altercation happened months ago, Ballard's case like so many other court cases in Ouachita Parish and around the nation had been put on hold/delayed when COVID-19 became an epidemic. But Ballard said that it was important for him to defend his character and reputation because working with the kids means so much to him. He said that he was "touched" when so many of the kids that know him told him how happy they were that he was back with him. Ballard said that he "is not bitter", nor does he wants to cause any trouble with anyone. He says that he is "the same person" and that he wants to get on doing what he enjoys doing for Carroll the things he has always done. Ballard said that he "is moving on" and in the words of the late, great Curtis Mayfield, who wrote, "Wild and free is the way I want to live my life, nature way for me without pain or strife", is for him.