By Jim Smilie

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards listed the expansion of the Medicare program as well as changes in state budgeting that erased a $2 billion deficit as two of the biggest accomplishments of his seven and a half years as Governor during remarks Tuesday to the Rotary Club of Alexandria.

“Medicare expansion was the easiest decision I ever made as governor. While my predecessor said we could not afford to do it, I would say we could not afford not to do it,” Edwards said, adding he knows there are people alive today who would not be alive if not for the expansion.

Regarding the budget, Edwards recalled that when he took office the state faced a $2 billion “fiscal cliff” budget shortfall. “We needed to make cuts, and we needed to raise revenue. The rules that apply to your home and business apply to state government, and surpluses are better than deficits,” he said. “Today, I can tell you that the $2 billion deficit is gone and we have $2 billion in the bank, and I am extremely proud of that.”

Edwards said the state finished the 2022 fiscal year with approximately a $700 million surplus and so far this year the state is on track to have a $900 million surplus. He noted that a state sales tax enacted to overcome the deficit will expire in 2025, the second year of the next governor’s term. If it is not renewed, experts predict an $800 million decrease in revenue.

So, Edwards said, if officials continue to stay the course and maintain the fiscal policies that are generating a $900 million surplus, the funding should be there to cover an $800 million decrease and avoid a new “fiscal cliff.”

Edwards said the current budget surpluses have enabled the state to make progress in a number of areas. A quarter of the surplus is required to go to the state’s “rainy day” fund, and another 10 percent is dedicated to reducing the state’s unfunded pension liability. But after the mandated allocations, there are still many other things surplus dollars can be used to fund.

“You can pay debt with surplus dollars, and we have done that,” Edwards said, adding the state saved more than $1.4 billion in interest payments by paying cash for some of the hurricane recovery projects thanks to surplus dollars.

Having extra funds on hand also enables the state to provide required matching dollars when federal grant opportunities come along. By having matching funds available, Edwards said the state was able to get millions of dollars in reallocation of grants to other states that were not ready to move forward with highway projects. “I don’t mind taking other state’s money and putting it on our roads,” Edwards said.

Speaking of roads, Edwards said under his administration more than 7,000 miles of roads and bridges have been improved. The roadwork was part of more than 2,000 infrastructure projects costing $5.5 billion.

Other priorities Edwards cited include reducing the “digital divide,” spending more than $177 million in the GUMBO program to bring broadband internet service to all parts of the state, and increasing funding for education, including K-12 as well as higher education. Edwards said he plans to ask the State Legislature for $3,000 pay raises for teachers in this year’s budget.

“Nothing will transform our state as much, as fast, as teaching our kids to read at an early age,” Edwards said.

Due to term limits, Edwards can’t run for re-election this fall. When his term of office ends on January 8, 2024, Edwards said he plans to “return to the home we have maintained in Tangipahoa Parish. I have a law license I plan to put to use,” he said. “I don’t plan to spend my time hunting and fishing, I can’t afford to do that yet.”

Edwards did admit there are some perks of being governor that he will miss. “It has been well over seven years since I looked for a parking spot,” Edwards said. “I live in the best public housing in the state. And the motorcycle escort to LSU games is really nice.”

Until his term ends, Edwards said “I will work extremely hard every day to do the best I can to continue to move our state forward. It’s been challenging, but a very good and rewarding time serving as your governor. I have enjoyed every single day.”

Rapides Parish schools boast some of the most powerful high school softball teams in Louisiana as the regular season winds down and playoffs approach.

All of the 12 softball-playing schools fit into the Louisiana High School  Athletic Association’s Select category. The regular season ends April 12 with playoff brackets set the following day. The postseason culminates April 28-29 with semifinals and finals in Sulphur.

Six of the local teams rank in the top 10 in the LHSAA’s unofficial power ratings, led by Buckeye – No. 1 in Division II with a 15-7 overall record.

Tioga (12-2) is No. 2 in the Division I ratings.

Alexandria Senior High School (16-6) is fifth in Division I, just ahead of No. 6 Pineville (14-7).

Oak Hill (6-7) stands seventh in Division V. Menard (12-9) is the No. 9 rated team in Division III.

Owning a No. 11 power rating in Division V is Country Day-University Academy (3-11), right ahead of No. 12 Plainview (1-11) and 13^th-rated Rapides (0-10).

The rest of the parish softball teams stand 24^th or lower in their divisions.

Northwood (7-8) is 24^th in Division IV. Glenmora (4-5) stands 25^th in Division iII. Peabody (2-14) sits 29^th in Division II.

Bolton has not played this spring, according to the LHSAA, and has no record in Division II.

The power ratings, once made final, determine seeding in the playoff brackets in each division.

Tomorrow: Parish baseball teams’ power ratings coming down the stretch in the regular season, which ends April 17.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced the following Rapides Parish Grand Jury Indictments on  March 28:

Al Jerome Keys, 58 of Houston, TX for two counts of first degree rape

Gerard Bernard Silas, 40 of Alexandria, for two counts of molestation of a juvenile

Tiffani Christina Doherty, 32 of Alexandria, for two counts of molestation of a juvenile

The Rapides District Attorney announced that DaJaun Slaughter was convicted and sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison for Attempted Murder 2 on March 27. Assistant District Attorney Kelvin Sanders prosecuted the case.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria held its annual Employee Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, March 28 to celebrate the hard work and dedication of faculty and staff.

The most prestigious recognition awarded each year is the Bolton Award for Teaching Excellence. Established in 1989, the estate of Mrs. James C. Bolton provides funds to the University for an award to recognize excellence in teaching at LSUA.

The Bolton Award for Teaching Excellence is presented annually to the full-time faculty member who best exemplifies the University’s commitment to teaching, service, and professional development. The recipient of this honor is recognized with a cash award and a plaque for outstanding contributions to the University.

The Bolton Award recipient for 2022-2023 is Carol Corbat, Professor of Biological Sciences. Corbat grew up on a family farm in northeast Indiana, where she developed a passion for the outdoors that lead her to pursue a B.S. in Wildlife Science at Purdue University and an M.S. in Wildlife Management at Penn State. She earned a doctorate in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia. Corbat has served LSUA in the classroom and in various administrative roles for 32 years.

LSUA also recognizes the recipients of nine endowed professorships. The professorships are established through private donations to the LSUA Foundation and matched through the Board of Regents Support Fund to establish a $100,000 professorship endowment.

The recipients of this year’s endowed professorships are:

The Howard and Eloise Mulder Endowed Professorship #2 shall be awarded to a faculty member at LSUA in any discipline,determined according to university need – Cole Franklin, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies.

The Howard and Eloise Mulder Endowed Professorship #2 shall be awarded to a faculty member at LSUA in any discipline,determined according to university need -Skyler Braswell, Assistant Professor of Nursing.

The Capital One Endowed Professorship in Business is awarded to a faculty member of the Business Department – Adena Lejeune, Associate Professor of Accounting.

The Roy O. Martin, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Business is open specifically to faculty members engaged in Business Administration and Computer Information Services who actively incorporate the study of business best practices into the curricula – Long Li, Associate Professor of CMIS.

The Cliffe E. Laborde, Sr. Endowed Professorship in Education shall be awarded to a faculty member who teaches in current or future education programs – Susan Myrick, Associate Professor of Education.

The Jack and Sue Ellen Jackson Endowed Professorship in Education shall be awarded to a faculty member who teaches in a program within the Education Department – Emily Weeks, Assistant Professor of Education.

The Richard Bryan Gwartney Endowed Professorship shall be awarded to a faculty member who teaches a theater or arts program within the College of Liberal Arts – Patrick Hunter, Assistant Professor of Theatre.

The Rapides Regional Medical Center Endowed Professorship in Radiologic Technology shall be awarded to a faculty member in the Allied Health Department who teaches radiologic technology courses – Elizabeth Azua, Instructor of Radiologic Technology.

The Huie Dellmon Trust Endowed Professorship in Science shall be awarded to a faculty member who teaches in the LSUA Division of Science – Cheryl Bardales, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences.

Endowed professors receive a salary stipend as well as additional funds for professional development or travel activities. Professorships are usually awarded for a two-year term.

The Staff Senate Boss of the Year award is given by direct reports to a manager who demonstrates excellence in personnel management, leadership, responsibility, and professionalism. This year’s winner is Elizabeth Beard, Interim Provost and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

The Staff Senate Scholarship is awarded to two full-time staff members to defray the costs of achieving a degree or continuing their education. This year’s scholarship recipients are Marty Brown, LSUA Police Sergeant, and Takerya Wagner, Educational Technology Specialist.

Student Choice Awards are included in this year’s program. Current LSUA students nominate the awardees. The winners are:

Life Changing Class – Aime Starks, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Clinical

Outstanding Staff Service – Tyler Unsicker, Director of Athletics

The Teaching Innovation Award and Grant are given to showcase and reward innovative teaching in the classroom. The winners are:

Teaching Innovation Award – Shonu Nangia, Professor of Foreign Languages

Teaching Innovation Grant – Purujit Gurjar, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Sona Kumar, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Medical Laboratory Science

The Outstanding Staff Service Award program began in the 1970-71 academic year as a means of recognizing and rewarding superior performance and outstanding contributions to the University by non-teaching employees. The recipient of this honor receives a plaque and cash award for his or her service to LSUA.

This year’s recipients of the Staff Outstanding Service Award are Kristie Jacobs (classified) and Haley Bryant (unclassified).

The Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholarship is given to a faculty member who exemplifies outstanding research and scholarship. This year’s winner is Christof Stumpf, Professor of Biological Sciences.

The Faculty Award for Outstanding Service recipient is Brenda Ellington, Associate Professor of English.

The Outstanding Adjunct Award recipient is Zebulon Winstead, Adjunct Instructor of Business.

The Service Above Self Award is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty throughout the past year to ensure the well-being of LSUA students. The award is presented by LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil. This year’s recipient is Chad Gauthier, Safety & Risk Manager and Interim Director of Facilities.

Four new awards were added this year to the slate of honors given to LSUA’s outstanding faculty and staff.

The Rising Star Award will be presented annually to a staff member who has worked at LSUA for fewer than five years and who has made outstanding, novel contributions to campus life, culture, and/or programming. This year, the award goes to Caleb Funderburk, Coordinator of Intramurals and Wellness.

The Four-Star Service Award will be presented annually to a staff member who has worked at LSUA for more than ten years and who has made long-lasting contributions to the institution’s operations, student success, and/or campus culture. This year, the award goes to Teresa Seymour, Director of Distance Learning.

The Diversity Champion Award will be presented annually to full-time university staff and faculty who have exhibited excellence in attention to diversity. This award honors individuals who have embedded diversity, equity, and inclusion into their work or teaching pedagogy, promoted social justice, and removed barriers for underrepresented populations.

This year’s Diversity Champion Staff Award goes to Mechelle Williams, LSUA Police Officer.

This year’s Diversity Champion Faculty Award goes to Jessica Ringo, Chair of Chemistry and Physics.

LSUA also honors Service Learning employees, those who have retired in the past year, as well as all employees who have 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to LSUA. Brenda Ellington was specially recognized for her dedication to 35 years of teaching at LSUA.

Written by Adam Lord

Photo credit – Nathan Parish | LSUA Strategic Communications

The Rapides Parish Police Jury announced on March 28 that Vine Street, located in 9-B (off of Stilley Road, will be closed to traffic beginning on Monday, April 3 at 8:30 am, for the remainder of the day (barring any unforeseen complications), for culvert repair.

Kayden DeShawn Engles, Age 20, of Olla, Louisiana passed on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Rapides Regional Medical Center.

A service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2023 in the LaSalle High School Gymnasium.

Public viewing will begin at 12 Noon and continue until the start of service at 1:00 pm.

A visitation will be held on Saturday evening, April 1, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Urania First Baptist Church, 5909 Tannehill Drive, Urania, LA 71465.

Kayden will be laid to rest in the Pinehill Cemetery in Olla, Louisiana immediately following the funeral service on Saturday.

Please keep the family close in prayer.

Pineville Fire Chief Scott Kessler retired on March 23. City employees and his public safety peers gathered to celebrate Kessler’s 33 years with the Pineville Fire Department, the last seven of which he served as Chief.

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 Dupree, 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. 

In the past several years here at home, epidemic violence and the breakdown of our families across America are at our front door. The City of Alexandria sees explosive domestic violence and unpredictable, reckless youth crime. We need you; we need community-driven public safety.

Read the Plan:

1. Solve Rates and Crime. Our investigative teams solve violent crime. We are sending out our public safety teams in new ways, addressing issues fast and with new vigor and commitment. We are proud of our investigators. We need community help to prevent these crimes and aid in property crime. Property crime and other issues ultimately lead to worse or violent crime. If you heard in the past that we cannot talk about property crime, report it. That is intolerable.

2. Other Law Enforcement and Allied Public Safety. This is the subject of no less than three of the community summit meetings in the Plan, released March 15, 2023. Read the Plan. The police cannot solve every issue; it takes us all.

In the criminal justice system, solving crime quickly and dealing with it properly, after the fact, are critical, even playing roles in future prevention—think reentry and skills development. But, making the proper arrest, completing the investigation, and finding the facts to support our justice system’s actions, while a critical City police role, cannot be considered true prevention at the level we need. Every citizen has a fundamental civil right to be secure and safe. While the causes of crime may be multi-factorial, we cannot allow violence to rule our City. Prevention is key.

3. Prevention. Prevention is the goal of great departments, while solving crime and meting out justice are close followers. Civilianization of departments with new practices and skill sets, in allied fashion to traditional policing, are paramount. Read the Plan. Prevention, separation of oversight to create better practice, and holding all involved in the criminal justice system accountable are drivers of public safety effectiveness. Speaking of effective police leaders and investigators, one of our best is Alexandria Police Chief Ronney Howard. Chief Howard is not leaving; he is stepping up.

“Chief Howard has provided notable, topnotch investigative smarts to this City. He has been for his entire career a leader in our police department. I find him uniquely qualified for leading, with our Commissioner, our changing model of modern police services,” said Mayor Jacques Roy. “I established on day one, two, and three with him—my intent is to move forward together and make his successes a blessing to the City. We have been friends and colleagues a long time, and shared some memorable moments over many years. My trusted leadership team led by our Commissioner, Patrick VanDyke, consider Chief Howard a ‘great friend’ in the service. They, and other dutiful officers, stand with Chief Howard in the proverbial gap,” continued Mayor Roy. “The Chief will be helping to craft our new response to better prevention, separation of oversight to create better practice, and accountability—Advocacy, Policy, and Discipline. I offered and the Chief accepted the Directorship over Public Safety Special Services.”

The Chief will remain on the job and transition to deputy commissioner of public safety, and this appreciated and qualified policing professional will create and head up the:

• office of Gun Violence,
• office of Independent Audit and Internal Affairs for public safety,
• offices of Juvenile Services, Focused Deterrence, and Organized Crime, and
• increased role as a liaison to other law enforcement for optimizing interagency and interoperability.

4. Focused Deterrence. These intelligence-led policing activities increase neighborhood-led crime prevention and participation in the solutions to City problems. The tracking of illegal guns, particularly in the hands of juveniles, is paramount to stem the epidemic of gun violence within the youth community.

The Louisiana State University of Alexandria College of Business recently released its March 2023 issue of the Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard.  

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the first of two projects to install the flashing yellow left turn arrow traffic signals in the central region.

The first project (Part 1) includes the installation of the foundation, mast arm, and signal work for 30 locations in Natchitoches, Avoyelles, Sabine, Vernon and Winn Parishes. These upgraded signals will only be installed at intersections where a protected left turn (left turn arrow) and designated left turn lane already exist.

Currently, the contractor for the $2.8 million project is installing concrete foundations for the new mast arms that hold traffic signals at various locations. Motorists can expect to see the new signals operational in the next few months.

The second project (Part 2) – anticipated to go to bid in April 2024 – includes signal upgrades in Rapides Parish. Please note that letting dates are often subject to change based on a variety of factors.

Flashing yellow arrow signal indications feature a flashing yellow arrow, in addition to the traditional red, yellow, and green signals.

When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to perform a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic.

Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning.

Flashing yellow arrow signals provide more opportunities for motorists to make a left-hand turn and reduce delays when traffic is light.

Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrows on all state-maintained traffic signals across Louisiana where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals.

For more information on flashing yellow arrows, click here. To watch a video explaining the operation of the new signals, click here.

The Alexandria Museum of Art (AMoA) has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies, and the museum-going public. AMoA was initially accredited in the mid-1980s and was one of the first accredited museums in Louisiana. It was last re-accredited in 2013.

Alliance Accreditation recognizes a museum’s commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continuous institutional improvement. Developed and maintained by museum professionals for 50 years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program is the primary means for ensuring quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability in the museum field. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable, thereby providing the best possible service to the public.

“After completing the rigorous process to maintain our accreditation, we are excited to make this announcement also confirming that we have come through the challenges of the last few years and remain a strong arts anchor in our community,” said Catherine Pears, Executive Director of AMoA. “The Museum staff and board are proud of the work we do here at AMoA as we seek to be a dynamic institution that makes a positive impact on current and future generations in Central Louisiana.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, nearly 1,080 are currently accredited. The Alexandria Museum of Art is one of only 23 museums accredited in Louisiana.

Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

“Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Laura L. Lott, Alliance President and CEO. “Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.”

About the Alexandria Museum of Art:

The Alexandria Museum of Art fosters a healthy and culturally rich community by embracing change and using the power of art to educate, inspire and heal. The museum entices visitors of diverse tastes with rotating exhibitions of art from our permanent collection, traveling exhibitions from around the world, and exceptional contemporary artists. Educational and community programs are implemented to complement exhibitions. In an effort to become self-sufficient and sustainable, the Alexandria Museum of Art endeavors to establish programming that is collaborative in nature, beneficial to the community, and advances our mission.

Currently on view through June 17, 2023: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT II is a traveling museum exhibition produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C., the purpose of which is 1.) to recognize, document, and share the work of leading contemporary artists who chose to focus their work on global as well as local environmental issues; 2.) to heighten public awareness and concern about the intentional or unintentional consequences of human action or inaction, through the power of this art.

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance stands for the broad scope of the museum community. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

Public Wireless, in participation with the Rapides Parish School Board, is providing free tablets and unlimited internet access to thousands of students within Rapides Parish schools. For a student to register, an online application must be filled out at publicwireless.jotform.com/230785705844969. Students must register by April 14.

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE:
FREE 10.1 inch Tablet with a Hardcase Cover and Screen Protector
FREE SIM Card that provides 24/7 LTE Broadband Internet Service. Does NOT need WIFI access.

Both the SIM Card and the 10.1 inch Tablet are FREE with NO Strings Attached for Qualified ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program Applicants).

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces a project to significantly improve a heavily traveled corridor in Pineville, Rapides Parish. The $10.5 million project includes the replacement of the existing concrete with hot mix asphalt concrete on US 167 (Pineville Expressway) from Donahue Ferry Road to US 165. The purpose of the project is to lengthen the service life of the roadway, which sees an average of approximately 53,300 vehicles per day.

Phase 1 of the project began on Monday, March 27 with lane closures on US 167 between Edgewood Drive and US 165 in both the outside north and southbound lanes. Additionally, the US 167 northbound exit ramp to US 165 will be closed. The US 167 southbound entrance ramp from US 165 will also be closed.

This particular phase of work is anticipated to last approximately one month, at which time the contractor will move on to the next phase.

In order to help alleviate congestion and delays, all truck traffic is encouraged to avoid utilizing US 167 between I-49 and US 165 and to seek an alternate route when possible.

The entire project is expected to be complete in Fall 2023, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that may impact construction timelines.

Alternate routes:

There will be a 12’ lane restriction on US 167 associated with these lane closures.

LA 28 Westbound to US 165:
Traffic will take US 167 southbound, and exit on I-49 northbound. Traffic will then take Exit 86, and continue on US 165 northbound.

US 167 Northbound to US 165:
Traffic will take Edgewood Dr. exit, turn left on to LA 3144. Traffic will then turn right onto US 165-B, then continue on US 165-B to US 165.

US 165 Southbound to US 167:
Traffic will turn left onto US 165-B, then make a left turn onto LA 3144. Traffic will then turn right onto the US 167 on ramp.

US 165 Northbound to US 167:
Traffic will continue on US 165 towards US 165-B. Traffic will then take a right onto US 165-B, then a left onto LA 3144. Finally, traffic will turn right onto the US 167 on ramp.

US 167 through traffic from I-49:
Traffic will take US 165 northbound to US 167. Traffic then will turn left onto US 167 on ramp and continue north.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.