GET YOUR Natchitoches Jazz/R&B EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW!!!

THIS WEEK IS YOUR LAST CHANGE to secure your 2023 tickets at the lowest price possible for the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival on May 12th & 13th

The Early Bird sale ends March 31st at 11:59 pm!

Buy tickets and be entered in the Steel Magnolia’s Getaway Giveaway!

VIP ticket buyers will be entered into an exclusive VIP Giveaway to be announced! STAY TUNED!

Get your tickets here & enter the giveaway here:

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Detectives made an arrest in the late Sunday evening shooting in the Old Boyce Road area that left one subject deceased.

Detectives worked throughout the night collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses in the shooting that occurred on Old Boyce Road. Early on into their investigation, Detectives developed Arthur Jamal Wallace, 33 of Alexandria as a suspect.

During their investigation, Detectives located what they believed to be Wallace’s vehicle at a residence on Gary Street in Alexandria. With the assistance of RPSO SWAT, Detectives conducted a search warrant for Wallace at the residence but the suspect was not there.
At approximately 10:40 pm, Wallace turned himself in to Deputies at the RPSO Main Office at the courthouse. He was taken into custody without incident.

Sheriff’s Detectives continued their investigation, obtaining warrants for Wallace’s arrest for one count First Degree Murder and one count Attempted First Degree Murder. Wallace was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center, where he remains at the time of this
release, being held on a $1,500,000.00 bond.

The deceased has been identified as Christopher Earl Chisem, 32 of Alexandria.

Sheriff’s Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing. If anyone has any information on this case, they are asked to contact Detective John Skrobarcek, at 318-473-6727 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster app may also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for reward. P3 app: https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm

NOTE: Crime Stoppers is a private non-profit organization. Crime Stoppers is not a law enforcement agency.

“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”

Arrestee:
Arthur Jamal Wallace, 33
2016 Dixie Street, Alexandria, LA

Charges:
One count First Degree Murder
One count Attempted First Degree Murder

By JIM BUTLER

Walking into a youth baseball park after an absence of a couple of decades, I almost literally bumped into the first kid I ever played catch with, though he’s a kid no more.

Ted Barbe was leaving his grandson’s first T-ball game; I was arriving for great-grandson Ethan’s first one.

Small world, yet baseball has been a part of ours for 70 years. Ted and I advanced from playing catch, workup and pepper on Gay Road to leagues at several levels. Trying out for Little League at age 8, he was selected by a majors team; I was dispatched to the minors.

My banishment to the Bluebirds while he embarked on five seasons with a majors team (C&F, I believe) defines our baseball careers. There was only one program at that time and competition was keen.

When we were 11 our league sent its All-Star squad to Williamsport, PA for the then-8-team World Series. It was a one-and-done event, but the stuff our dreams were made of. Alexandria lost 4-2 to New Jersey which later lost in the championship game. (Incidentally, that New Jersey league sent its team back to the Series the next year.)

Ted and I played in the same leagues but played two different games. I dreamed of home runs, he hit them.

We shared parents who supported the teams we played for (OK, some of the games I played along the way didn’t play well with JRB and Mellie, but that’s a different story.) Unless he was working, JRB would be in the stands. The same was true for Annette Barbe. And for Irby Ducote and Quinton Robinson when their sons Richard, and Don and Johnny played.

As years went by, Ted and I crossed regularly at baseball fields, as youth league coaches, as fathers at high school games. Then, it was over. He went his way, becoming a bit of a legend in the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Western District of Louisiana; I went mine.

Now here we are again. Play ball!

Jim Butler, a Bolton High School alumnus, was an acclaimed writer and editor at the Alexandria Town Talk for 36 years, the last 23 (1977-2003) as editor-in-chief. He led Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of Hurricane Katrina for the Gulfport (Miss.) Sun-Herald in 2005. Butler returned home to Cenla a few years ago, and will share his talents and insight with Rapides Parish Journal readers.

Rapides Parish high school baseball is always represented well in the LHSAA playoffs and all signs point to that continuing next month.

There are six local teams ranked eighth or higher in their Select divisions in the unofficial LHSAA power ratings used to set the playoff brackets due April 18.

Pineville is No. 2 and Alexandria Senior High is No. 3 in Division I. The Rebels have an 11-7 record while ASH is 15-4, according to the LHSAA. The teams collide in district play today and Friday.

Menard stands fifth in Division III with a 14-6 record. Buckeye (16-7) is also fifth in Division II.

Country Day University Academy (6-3) is sixth in Division V. Perennial power Oak Hill (6-7) is close behind in eighth.

Despite a 3-12 record, Plainview stands 12^th in Division V. Tioga (8-10) is No. 13 in Division I. Bolton (8-7) also ranks 13^th in the Division II power ratings.

Glenmora, which has lots of playoff accomplishments, is 14^th in Division III and holds a 12-8 record. Rapides also owns a 14^th-place rating but also holds a 1-13 record.

Peabody (8-13) stands 20^th in Division II. Northwood, coming off its basketball state championship, stands 21^st in Division IV with an 8-2 record.

Playoffs will begin soon after the brackets are set, and are slated for championship round competition May 9-13.

GET YOUR Natchitoches Jazz/R&B EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW!!!

THIS WEEK IS YOUR LAST CHANGE to secure your 2023 tickets at the lowest price possible for the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival on May 12th & 13th

The Early Bird sale ends March 31st at 11:59 pm!

Buy tickets and be entered in the Steel Magnolia’s Getaway Giveaway!

VIP ticket buyers will be entered into an exclusive VIP Giveaway to be announced! STAY TUNED!

Get your tickets here & enter the giveaway here:

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

• TRSL pensions support approximately 15,507 Louisiana jobs and more than $719 million in income.
  
  
• TRSL has invested more than $1.1 billion in companies that do business in Louisiana, supporting economic and job growth in the state.
  
  
• Almost 90% of the retirement dollars TRSL pays out goes to individuals who live in Louisiana, where they buy local goods and services.
  
  
• Less than a penny of every dollar spent at TRSL is for administrative expenses. TRSL provides a high level of service at a low cost.

The young men in Oak Hill High School’s Wood Works class had an opportunity to visit and learn in the RoyOMartin plant on March 29 in Chopin.

The Rapides Parish School District is looking for new members to join its team!

If you would like to see the full list of employment opportunities, scan the QR code or visit https://rapides.applicantportal.com/

I am not a fan of chocolate cake, but this right here is absolutely divine! If you are a milk chocolate lover, this is 100% for you!  Peep these Mini Easter Bundts!  I made these in the Pampered Chef Mini Bundt Pan, let them cool, and frosted them halfway.  I used mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on before adding the Peep bunny. You can definitely make this in any cake pan. 

This cake recipe is also found in The Copper Whisk Cookbook, and I make it all the time.  It keeps well for a few days (if leftovers last that long)!  These little cakes are perfect for any Easter get together.  Little hands will be reaching for them until they are gone.

Ridiculous Chocolate Cake

Cake Ingredients
• 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
• 1 (3.9 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Frosting Ingredients
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup heavy cream (depending on consistency add more if desired)
• Chocolate chips 

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease Bundt pan. In stand mixer combine all ingredients except chocolate chips. Mix on low for 30 seconds then medium for 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Pour batter into Bundt pan and bake for 60 minutes or until cake is set. Cool completely before frosting.

To make frosting, beat butter, cocoa and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until combined. Add in vanilla and cream. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until creamy. Frost the cake and sprinkle more chocolate chips over the top.

(Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.)

Louisiana State University of Alexandria is excited to partner with the City of Alexandria for the 2nd year of offering free clinics to the youth in our community.  Space is limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis through signing up online at lsuagenerals.com/camps. Drinks and lunch will be provided following the camp.

Men’s and Women’s Soccer Wednesday April 5 from 10am-12pm (Spring Break) at the Big Island Park near the Zoo

Men’s and Women’s Basketball Saturday April 15 from 10am – 12pm at the Frank O Hunter Gym

Tennis – May 6 from 10am-12pm at the Alexandria City Courts
 
Baseball/Softball Saturday May 13 from 10am – 12pm at the Alexandria Youth Baseball/Softball Complex near Cabrini

For most of the local business leaders watching the 2023 SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Louisiana State Championships next week in Alexandria the event will be a tremendous showcase of area workforce talent. For Scott Laliberte it will be a trip down memory lane.

Laliberte, who is the President and Chief Operating Officer with MLJ Companies in Alexandria, which includes management of the Hotel Bentley as well as the Diamond Grill, earned medals in SkillsUSA competitions while a high school student in Massachusetts. “Scott represents the eventual goal of SkillsUSA,” said Dr. Damian Glover, Executive Director SkillsUSA Louisiana College Post-Secondary.

“I participated in SkillsUSA in 1997-2000,” Laliberte said. “I medaled at the state level in Opening Ceremony Presentation and in Extemporaneous Speaking.”

Laliberte said he uses the skills he honed in the SkillsUSA program every day in his business life. “Opening Ceremonies really taught me about how to build a solid team you could depend on. Extemporaneous speaking was really about preparing with limited time,” he said. “The program definitely taught me skills that are imperative to building a strong resume and career.”

Glover said SkillsUSA continues to offer the Opening Ceremonies and Extemporaneous Speaking programs in its 130 areas of competition, with each designed to contribute to workforce development in the state.

Competitions will be held at the Randolph Riverfront Center in downtown Alexandria as well as the CLTCC main campus building on Murray Street and at the Cleco Advanced Manufacturing Center on Second Street. The event is free and open to the public.

Glover said approximately 500 students representing each of the 12 Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) campuses are expected to compete in the annual competition. They will be competing for medals in more than 40 categories and roughly 30

business and industry partners will be taking part in the event as well. Gold medal winners at the state competition advance to compete at the national SkillsUSA championship.

SkillsUSA offers competitions in three broad categories – Leadership Development, Occupational, and Skilled and Technical Sciences. “The SkillsUSA program provides tremendous benefits to our cities, state, and nation. It is a great recruiting tool for K-12 schools as well as higher education,” Glover said. “When we look at achieving our state goals, such as improving our infrastructure and broadband expansion, a lot of these students will be the ones to fill those jobs.”

SkillsUSA is a national organization in which students, instructors and business and industry partners work together to produce a “highly skilled” American workforce. The 2022 National Leadership & Skills Conference featured more than 12,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 650 national corporations, trade associations, businesses, and labor unions.

“We are incredibly proud of all of our SkillsUSA team members and excited they have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the state competition right here in beautiful Alexandria,” said CLTCC Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle. “Historically, our students have done very well at the state competition and for the past two years we have had six CLTCC students win medals at the national competition. These awards are a wonderful recognition for our students, but the real winners will be the people here in Central Louisiana and the businesses that hire these outstanding students and the patients and customers that they serve.”

For information about enrollment visit http://www.CLTCC.edu/apply. For more information, contact the school via email at info@cltcc.edu or call 800-278-9855.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than 20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for high-demand and high- wage careers. CLTCC serves seven parishes in Central Louisiana through its five campuses and provides instruction in one state prison and one federal correctional institution. For more information, visit http://www.cltcc.edu.

Pictured: Alexandria’s Scott Laliberte, President & Chief Operating Officer with MLJ Companies was a SkillsUSA champion in high school. Next week he’s part of a team of business and industry leaders welcoming 500 to Alexandria for the 2023 SkillsUSA Post-Secondary State Competition. (Laliberte is pictured, second from the right)

Ten students presented research Saturday during the 3^rd Annual C.S. Lewis Honors Forum at Louisiana Christian University.

The interdisciplinary research project is the final requirement in fulfillment of the C.S. Lewis Honors Program. 

“The University’s C.S. Lewis Honors Scholars’ annual presentations serve as a solid reminder that great work can happen at a smaller university,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “I am grateful for the professors who shepherd our students toward incredible, creative research underscoring the application of Colossians 3:17.” 

The following students took part in this year’s forum.  

Shelby Cumpton, of Quitman, will graduate in May with a degree in history and minor in political science. She recorded her presentation “A Language of Resistance: The White Rose and the Use of Framing,” as she was representing the LCU Debate Team at the National Championships in Boise, Idaho. 

Ashley Young, of Shreveport, will graduate in May with a degree in missions and ministry. The title of her research was “An Exegetical Study of Psalm 137.”

Delaina Nacole Walley, will graduate in May with a degree in English and minor in art. Her research examined the classical art in Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queen.”

Kyle Dupre, of Houma, will graduate with a degree in worship leadership in May. He is part of the Chapel band that leads worship each Tuesday. His research examined “How Much Scripture Do We Actually Sing?”

Lily Breaux, of Mansura, is a biology and chemistry double major, headed to physician assistant school in Shreveport. Her research partner, Laura Weatherford, of Bay Minette, Alabama, is a biology major, with plans to attend medical school. Both will graduate in May. Their joint research examined how magnetotactic bacteria might be used to revolutionize medicine. 

Harrison Bieber, of Dry Prong, is a graduating senior in pre-med. He will attend LSU Schoool of Medicine in the fall. His research examined biochemistry from a Christian perspective.

Laurel Robinson, of Opelousas, is completing her nursing degree in May with plans to work as an obstetric nurse. She presented research on the importance of teaching in the nursing field.

Joshua Poole, of Lithia, Florida, expects to finish his bachelor’s degree in pre-engineering with chemistry in May 2024 and then pursue a doctorate in polymer sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi. He presented research he began last summer at the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program for the polymer sciences at Southern Miss.  His research was “Development of Orthogonal Post-polymerization Modification Strategies: AU(I) Catalysis Enabled Click Chemistry.”

Ethan West, of Bayou Chicot, is a senior chemistry and biology double major who will graduate in May 2023. He ultimately plans to be a clinical microbiologist. His research title was “Analysis of Micro-doped P3HT Nonowires with FECI₃ using AFM and KPFM.”

Following the presentations, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Clark presented each student with a C.S. Lewis Honors Medallion to be worn at graduation.

“The Honors Forum clearly demonstrates that LCU is providing an unshakeable Christian foundation while expecting academic excellence across all disciplines,” she said. “The students’ interdisciplinary research projects show they understand, recognize and embrace the inseparable connection between their calling and career. 

“Knowing that these graduates are equipped and ready to pursue graduate degrees and professional careers and are our future biochemists, medical professionals, scientific researchers, lawyers, and educators renews my hope for the future. “

The C.S. Lewis Honors Program at Louisiana Christian University is an interdisciplinary program that is designed for students who perform at the highest academic standards. Its small, seminar-style courses focus on integrating faith and learning through writing, discussion, service learning, and travel. Students enter during their freshman year and complete the honors curriculum as a cohort. 

“One of the best things about attending the Honors Forum every year is seeing how the students that I taught early on in the program have matured into deep thinkers and skilled researchers,” said Dr. Christine Reese, chair of the Division of History and Political Science and member of the Honors Council. “Their creativity and passion for their research topics shines through to make the Honors Forum a dynamic celebration of learning. I am grateful for the opportunity that God has given me to work with the superb faculty at LCU to produce a new generation of Christian scholars.” 

Dr. Sarah J. Payne, professor of chemistry, serves as the director of the C. S. Lewis Honors Program. She holds a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Virginia, and earned a B.S. in chemistry, graduating with honors, magna cum laude, from Milligan College. 

Services for Joseph Seth Hudnall will be at 11AM, Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Wallace Ridge Baptist Church, Jonesville, LA with Bro. Ronnie Wiley and Bro. Jack Crane officiating. Visitation will be from 10AM until time of service at 11AM, Thursday, March 30th at the church. Interment will be at Pease Cemetery, Larto, LA under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Joseph Seth Hudnall, 23, of Denham Springs, LA passed away Monday, March 27, 2023.

He was preceded in death by brother, Jordan Hudnall; grandfather, Bobby Hudnall; and grandmother, Tena Mayeaux.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Sommer Hudnall; father, Scott Hudnall; grandmother, Betty Hudnall Otwell and husband Ben; grandfather, Randy Book; great grandmother, Grace Book; uncle Kendall Book and Kimberly; Aunt Heather; cat, Pookie; and numerous cousins, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Kendall Book, Colby Scarbrough, Richard Tiser, Kevin Watson, Brandon Phelps and Aaron Phelps.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Law Enforcement Academy today, March 29, graduated its 35th class of cadets into the ranks of LDWF Enforcement Division agents at a ceremony in Baton Rouge.

After six months of training at the academy, 19 newly commissioned agents are ready to begin enforcing hunting, fishing and boating regulations that govern the use of the state’s natural resources.

LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet was the keynote speaker at the graduation and told the cadets, “I congratulate each cadet for a job well done. While you have proven to be dedicated and impressive individuals, I know you have learned that you are best when working as a team. That’s my message and I could not be prouder of you. I pray that you will be safe today, tomorrow and forever.”

Col. Chad Hebert, head of the LDWF Enforcement Division, presented certificates and recited the Oath of Office making the cadet’s transition to commissioned agents official.  “These 19 cadets have proven they are ready for the next step in their careers after completing our six month training academy.  We hope they all have long and successful careers as agents,” said Col. Hebert.

The 19 new agents are:

Zachary Funderburk, of Bossier City, assigned to Webster Parish
Ernest Reynolds, of Winnsboro, assigned to Tensas Parish
Zachary Spillers, of Farmerville, assigned to Morehouse Parish
Darrel Causey, of Glenmora, assigned to Avoyelles Parish
Nicholas Ortego, of Pine Prairie, assigned to LaSalle Parish
Callie Pitre, of Ville Platte, assigned to Avoyelles Parish
Rebecca Bercegeay, of Lafayette, assigned to Lafayette Parish
William Callegari, of Cypress, Texas, assigned to Calcasieu Parish
Trevor Benoit, of New Iberia, assigned to St. Mary Parish
John Stansbury, of Lafayette, assigned to St. Mary Parish
Joel Moncada-Rubio, of Glenmora, assigned to St. Mary Parish
Kyle Volentine, of Baton Rouge, assigned to Lafourche Parish
Ethan Arbour, of Denham Springs, assigned to Ascension Parish
Jake Fowler, of Kentwood, assigned to Tangipahoa Parish
Grayson Parker, of Lake Providence, assigned to Washington Parish
Dustin Slade, of Covington, assigned to St. Tammany Parish
Jimmie Daniel, of Madisonville, assigned to Jefferson Parish
Joshua Schilling, of Metairie, assigned to Plaquemines Parish
Austin Wiles, of Mandeville, assigned to St. Bernard Parish

During the graduation ceremony, Reynolds was awarded the physical fitness award for scoring the highest on the physical fitness assessment test.  Stansbury received the firearms award for the best marksman in the class.  Arbour received the academic award for having the highest grades.  Arbour also won the overall award, which is a cumulative score from the firearms, academic and physical training categories.

At the academy, cadets train to enforce the state’s recreational boating laws, the state and federal wildlife and fisheries laws and general law enforcement work on the state’s many wildlife management areas.  The academy also covers general law enforcement training equal to that of other state law enforcement officers.

The graduating agents fill vacancies in LDWF’s Enforcement Division and will be assigned to a field-training officer for their first six months of duty.  Now part of the agency’s commissioned officer staff, the agents will join the ranks of those patrolling land and water to primarily detect game, fish and boating law violations.  These duties require travel into Louisiana’s forests, swamps, fields, streams, bayous, lakes, marshlands, the Gulf of Mexico and on the state roadway system.

Pictured: Front row from left to right: Col. Chad Hebert, Lt. Col. Rachel Zechenelly, William Callegari, Joel Moncada-Rubio, John Stansbury, Nicholas Ortego, Grayson Parker, Rebecca Bercegeay, Callie Pitre, Ernest Reynolds, Kyle Volentine, and Lt. Ladd Turner.  Back row from left to right: Capt. Lance Devillier, Jake Fowler, Trevor Benoit, Darrel Causey, Joshua Schilling, Ethan Arbour, Zachary Spillers, Zachary Funderburk, Dustin Slade, Jimmie Daniel, and Major Clay Marques.

The City of Pineville celebrated the upcoming retirement of Captain Doug Washington. Captain Washington has served Pineville Police Department for 33 years. He served in many different entities within the Police Department but most importantly as a mentor to not only fellow Officers but his community. The City wishes him well on his next chapter in life and thanks him for his many years of dedicated service to Pineville Police Department and his community.