The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, (DOTD), advises the public that US 71 will be closed to thru traffic beginning at 7 am on Monday, April 3 and ending at 7 am on Monday, April 10 to accommodate the Town of Cheneyville to do a drainage improvements project at US 71 (Front Street) and Greenwood Avenue.
Permit/Detour Section Southbound traffic will detour right onto LA 181 then left onto I-49 South then left onto LA 115. Northbound traffic will detour left onto LA 115 then right onto I-49 North then right onto LA 181.
Safety Reminder All construction activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Additional Information Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at http://www.511la.org. Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ http://www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook page.
Commander Gordon Jeffers of the Paul P. Benoit Memorial Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, stopped by City Hall on March 27 to say thanks to the City of Pineville, and present a plaque of appreciation to Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree.
Proud to be a part of a Great organization like the DAV, that provides free consulting services and general help to Veterans every Thursday afternoon from 1pm – 4pm at Kees Park Community Center!
Services for Mrs. Peggy West will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Pineville with Dr. C. Stewart Holloway officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Pineville.
The family request visitation be held Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Peggy West, age 77 of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 25, 2023 – 372 days after the passing of her husband, Russell West.
Peggy was a beautician for more than 30 years, working in the shop at her home and at Canterbury House for the elderly. Peggy was an active member of First Baptist Church of Pineville for more than 50 years. She spent many of those years as the Director of First Baptist Day School. She volunteered with Mission Friends and Vacation Bible School, and mentored girls in GAs. However, her favorite job was that of Mom and Mimi.
Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include her two sons, Les and wife, Brandy, Paul and wife, Morgan; her five grandchildren, Leslie, Ty, Madison, Allie, and Cooper; and Toni Williams.
Those who proceeded her death include her husband of 55 years, Russell West; her parents, Ranel and Allie Ray; her brother Shiner Ray and her sisters, Virginia Johnson and Georgia Kelly.
Pallbearers will be Ty West, Cooper West, Kevin McVay, Barry Owens, Ray Pennington, James Rachal, and Kirk Taunton.
The family would like to thank her caregivers: Siouxsie Simmons, Gennie Elliot, Chris Turnage, and Katie Williams.
A Mass of Celebration for the life of Roy L. Aldret will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church with Reverend George Gennuso officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Pineville, with Military Honors provided by the Ft. Polk Military Honor Guard.
The family asks that friends call Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Pineville. Visitation will resume Wednesday at the church from 8:30 a.m. until time of service.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Tim Urena, Gary Moore, Jr., Triz McKneely, Jr., Charles McKneely, Jared Ward, and Obie Ward. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Steve Hendricks, Ken McKneely and Steve Branch.
Roy L. Aldret, 72, of Pineville, passed from this life Friday, March 24, 2023, at his residence.
He was a long-time member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Pineville, and loved to cook, a good joke and music. He was very hospitable and loved time spent with family and friends. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. During his working career he was a cable repairman with AT&T, retiring after 38 years of service.
His wife of 33 years, Bonner McKneely Aldret; his parents, Archie Lee Aldret and Mable Marie Vicknair Aldret, and his sister, Dorothy Aldret Moore, preceded him in death.
Roy leaves to Cherish his memory, his son, Randy Aldret, and his wife Stephanie Aldret; his sister, Joy Aldret Hirsch, niece, Dana Urena, nephews, Tim Urena and Gary Moore, Jr. and a host of other family members and friends.
Longtime Pineville resident Lyn Rollins, a Northwestern State and LSU alumnus, was the radio voice for NSU Athletics (1992-2002) before becoming a statewide sports television broadcaster best known for his work with LSU sports since 2003. In today’s Billy West Live podcast, Rollins talks about his early days as a TV sports reporter at KALB in Alexandria and his distinguished career in sports broadcasting. Lyn, a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2018 inductee as a journalist, also assesses LSU baseball and the Tigers’ prospects for 2023.
Up Interstate 49 in Natchitoches, Northwestern State has made two basketball coaching hires in as many years, getting it done in under 10 days each time.
Not so fast for LSU Alexandria. There’s no search consultant involved in the Generals’ efforts to replace the departed Larry Cordaro, who started the LSUA men’s basketball program from scratch and was wildly successful in nine seasons.
His exit from LSUA was announced last Monday, March 20. His replacement may not be announced any time soon, said athletics director Tyler Unsicker on Monday, as the university is conducting a deliberate, thorough and far-reaching search.
There’s not any money sitting nearby to hire a search firm. That’s the reality of filling a coaching vacancy at the NAIA Division I level, where resources are scant compared to nearby NCAA counterparts like Northwestern, Grambling, Southern, McNeese, Louisiana Tech, ULM and UL Lafayette.
So there’s no question that while Unsicker is open to candidates from any level, from high school to high powered, the more prudent possibilities likely come from the NAIA ranks.
“There’s definitely some challenges at our level, where you don’t have the resources you might have at a bigger school, so someone who’s familiar with that is appealing. You don’t have full-time assistants, you don’t have a travel budget, you don’t have a recruiting budget that other places have, and that’s going to be an important part of the process in evaluating candidates to find the best fit.”
But at this stage, all comers are welcomed. Unsicker is hearing from interested parties, their advocates, and LSUA supporters, and he welcomes every e-mail, text, letter, fax, or phone call.
“I’m willing to talk to anybody so we can find the person who will be the best fit for our student-athletes and for our university, to grow the brand and represent us in a positive manner.
“You cast a wide net. Share what we’re looking for, talk to as many people as you can,” he said. “Obviously Coach built a great program here and we’re looking to grow upon what’s already been built. We’re looking for as many good candidates as possible.
“I knew it would be busy and people would be excited and interested, but it’s been even greater than I envisioned,” said Unsicker. “We’ve won big here. Coaches know it can be done here.”
Could it be an accomplished high school coach?
“I’m open,” he said. “There are some benefits to understanding the collegiate level and all that goes with it.”
Unsicker has formed a search committee, and expects to use virtual interviews before bringing top candidates to campus. He’s collecting all the information and inquiries he can and hopes to hone in on narrowing the field sooner than later, though not this week and probably not the next. The process will run its course, he said, as some candidates rise, fall or drop out.
In the meantime, the information flow is considerable.
“You get a lot of coaches calling, former coaches, on behalf of candidates. I’m getting a lot of community members reaching out to tell me about a great candidate from this high school or this place. You listen to all of it because there’s value in what everyone has to say,” he said.
What’s the profile of the new LSUA coach?
“We want a candidate who has a plan, is organized, creates a great team culture, holds his team accountable, graduates student-athletes, making sure they go to class and fulfill all the other responsibilities,” said Unsicker. “Then the winning will take care of itself.”
Glenmora High School had two boats representing the school’s fishing team on March 25 in the ALBC Regional Tournament. There were about 30 boats from several area schools fishing. The Wildcat Anglers ended up with 1st and 2nd place.
Louisiana Christian University launches the Louisiana Christian Scholars Academy this fall for high school students looking for a serious jump-start on their college studies.
It is designed to offer high school students 60 hours of college credit over two full years,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “They will earn an associate of arts degree in general studies.
The best part—the cost of the program is only $2500 per semester for 15 hours of credit, including textbooks. Any level high school student who meets the ACT of 20 and academic criteria is eligible to participate.
Students may attend remotely or attend classes on campus. LCSA students will receive LCU Student IDs and will be welcome to attend campus activities, athletic events, Chapel, Baptist Collegiate Ministry events, cultural events and have access to the Louisiana Athletic Club.
Information sessions will be held in late spring/early summer and will include in Welcome Week activities.
“Parents seeking a Christ-centered education for their high school student need to look no further than Louisiana Christian University and our Scholars Academy,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “In the midst of a decaying culture, LCSA offers an alternative that promotes God and Country while equiping students with the requisite ‘tools’ needed to approach the world with a Christocentric mindset.”
Students will be enrolled in co-horts and will progress through to an A.A. degree in four semesters, said Dr. Cheryl Clark, provost and vice president of academic affairs.
It is important to register early to ensure your spot for the semester you plan to begin.
High school students not enrolled in the LCSA will still be able to enroll in dual enrollment courses at a per hour rate.
“High school students will be earning legitimate college credit being taught by seasoned professors with terminal degrees,” Brewer said. “Plus, they can live anywhere and do this. Local, statewide online, homeschoolers—it’s open to any high-achieving, scholarly student.”
Those who qualify for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) grant for college, could have a year or two of funds left to work on their master’s degrees, if they complete their A.A. through the LCSA.
“They’ll start college with two years already done, Brewer said. “They could be starting their master’s degree in year 3 of college.”
More information is available on the Scholars Academy web site. There are no residential requirements, but space is limited.
Come run, walk, skip, cartwheel, or bunny hop to the finish line on Saturday, April 1 at 9 am at the beautiful Fort Randolph Buhlow Historic Site, located at 135 Riverfront St. in Pineville. This fundraiser will benefit the Pineville Elementary School Flash Pride Running Club.
Registration is $25. Virtual runners are welcome. To register go online to: bit.ly/3TVa3qH
Unwind after school or work and spring into Alex River Fete at Downtown Rocks 2023, featuring Lil’ Nate & The Zydeco BigTimers for the second of this free Spring concert series on Thursday, March from 5pm to 8pm. The final concert in the series will be held on Thursday, April 13 featuring Wayne Toups. Kicking it off will be Chicken on the Bone. For more info call 318.449.5225 or email CommunityServices@cityofalex.com. Rain site for Downtown Rocks will be Convention Hall.
Eighteen French and Spanish students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) participated in Southeastern Louisiana University’s 40th Annual Foreign Language Festival on Friday, March 24.
LSMSA returned to the competition for the first time since 2019, with numerous students recognized for their performances:
Anastasia Adams-Giron (’24) of Alexandria – Spanish Recitation, Native Speaker – 2nd place Blaise Albarez (’25) of Covington Juliana Allemand (’23) of Thibodaux – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Native Speaker – 3rd place Lucia Allemand (’24) of Thibodaux – Spanish Translation, Native Speaker – 3rd place Aiden Allgire (’24 of Port Barre – French Recitation, Level 1 – 3rd place Leah Aranas (’24) of Lake Charles Maci Bergeron (’23) of Ama – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 3 – 3rd place Tadgh Bowman (’23) of New Orleans – French Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 3 – 3rd place Errol Chouest (’23) of Larose River Costello (’23) of Baker Trinity Hatten (’24) of Grayson Grace Herpin (’25) of Lafayette – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 2 – 2nd place Mackenzie LaCombe (’24) of Prarieville – French Recitation, Level 4 – 1st place Jaime Perdue (’23) of Prairieville – Spanish Recitation, Level 4 – 3rd place Colin Perret (’25) of Hammond – French Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 1 – 2nd place Joy Qiu (’23) of Houma – French Recitation, Level 3 – 1st place Kushal Upadhyay (’24) of Leesville – French Recitation, Level 2 – 2nd place Jessie Zaffron (’24) of Mandeville – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 4 – 3rd place
LSMSA, a tuition-free, residential, public high school for high-achieving rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offers a variety of foreign languages, including Chinese and German. The school has a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities, and the LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need. For more information about the Louisiana School or to apply for the 2023-24 school year, visit http://www.LSMSA.edu.
Rene’ Finley Chiocchi – Corley October 8, 1956 – March 20, 2023 Visitation: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 9 am until 11 am Service: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 11 am in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers
Glenn Murphy, Jr. November 2, 1946 – March 24, 2023 Visitation: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 9 am in the Calvary Chapel. Service: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 11 am at Calvary Baptist Chapel, Alexandria.
Peggy Ray West May 27, 1945 – March 25, 2023 Services: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, Pineville.
Roy L Aldret August 31, 1950 – March 24, 2023 Visitation: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 5 pm until 8 pm at Hixson Brothers – Pineville. Service: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 10 am at St Michael’s Episcopal Church.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com)
Alexandria Mayor Jacques M. Roy announced plans to replace Alexandria Police Chief Ronney L. Howard in remarks to the Alexandria City Council during its regular meeting Tuesday night.
“There will be a change in the police chief shortly,” Roy said. He added that the search process, which includes advertising the vacancy and conducting a police chief examination, will begin immediately.
Howard, who joined the Alexandria Police Department as a patrol officer in 1990, was named chief by former Mayor Jeff Hall on May 28, 2021, following the retirement of Jerrod King. King retired effective Nov. 1, 2020. Howard served as interim chief until he was appointed to the full-time position.
In his remarks to the council, Roy did not indicate if Howard is still leading the department or if an interim chief would be named. A message left with Howard requesting comment was not immediately returned.
In addition to his plans to replace the police chief, Roy told the council members a new fire chief would be named soon as well. Former Alexandria Fire Chief Larry King announced his retirement in November of 2021 and Curtis F. Beauregard has been serving as the interim Fire Chief.
Howard’s appointment as police chief was met with some controversy. Hall appointed a citizen’s advisory committee to offer input regarding selection of a new chief. Howard was not one of the top three candidates recommended by the citizen’s group, leading to some members criticizing the selection.
Another project underway in the City of Pineville is the welcome sign as motorists enter from Hwy. 28E. The new look will be completed soon and will feature the logos of a lot of the Manufacturing partners that employ a number of residents.
NEXT UP AT NSU: Rick Cabrera, announced Wednesday as the new Northwestern State basketball coach, has made strongly positive impact at prior stops. (Photo courtesy Tallahassee Community College)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
“I find it a little ironic that the Demons hired a saint.”
That from Ryan Kelly, sports director at Tallahassee’s WCTV Channel 6, talking about new Northwestern State basketball coach Rick Cabrera, who leads his Tallahassee Community College Eagles into the Elite Eight of the National Junior College Athletic Association championships today.
Cabrera, 47, a veteran of 13 seasons as a Division I assistant coach and with a 151-44 record in six years as a junior college head coach, was announced Wednesday as the Demons’ replacement for one-year wonder (22 wins) Corey Gipson.
“Through the two years I’ve covered him, Rick Cabrera has been so gracious, so kind,” said Kelly. “That intensity that he brings on the floor is obvious. You know how animated he is, how invested he is, and it’s because he’s invested in his players. You can see by the way they perform on the floor that they feed off that.”
It’s happening in Hutchinson, Kan., at the NJCAA Tournament. TCC (30-5) entered as the 12th seed, scored a three-point win Tuesday (for Cabrera’s 150th career coaching victory), then shocked No. 5 Salt Lake 94-93 in overtime Wednesday.
“This team is playing without arguably its best player, and it doesn’t mean anything. He has a point guard drop 48 (Wednesday) like it’s no big deal,” said Kelly. “That’s what these guys do. They play hard for him. They hustle for him, because he’s done the same for them. He’s willing to take chances on them, to fight for them.
“A players’ coach, yes, and I get that in some corners that’s not always well received because people assume he’s not disciplined. He runs a tight ship, and TCC is better for it. It’s very clear that everything he does, it’s with his players in mind, and he’s inclusive. People love the sense of community he’s built around that Eagles’ program,” said Kelly.
Even more compelling: rave reviews from two former NSU coaches who worked with Cabrera in a couple of his previous Division I stops. One is former Tennessee Tech head coach Steve Payne, his boss with the Golden Eagles as Cabrera worked first as an assistant coach, then associate head coach from 2012-17.
“I adore the guy, and he’s just a fantastic fit in Natchitoches and at Northwestern,” said Payne, who has known Cabrera since 2004. “The NSU family, and that community, will love him and his family. He’ll want people to come watch practice, to buy in, to be included.
“He’ll be great to work with. He’s just a good dude, a really fun, super solid guy,” said Payne, who got his Division I start on J.D. Barnett’s NSU staff from 1994-98.
“From a basketball perspective, he knows good players. He’s brought them into every program he’s been in. People in the profession like him. They’re going to try to help him succeed. His players will love him.”
Travis Janssen, who was Austin Peay’s baseball coach while Cabrera was an assistant on the Governors’ basketball staff from 2017-19, and Janssen’s wife Christy were overjoyed.
“He personifies class in every way. Be sure that’s in there,” said Janssen, a Demon baseball assistant under Mitch Gaspard from 2002-04. “He’s a stud, a family guy. He and his wife will embrace the town, with their four kids making great friends. They’ll be visible. I think the world of Mike McConathy, one of the great people I’ll ever know. I think Coach Mike will love spending time with him. Rick is a purely good person.
“When I heard, I was shocked, in a good way. I told Christy, ‘How great is this?’ About every November we say, ‘wouldn’t it be great to come back to Natchitoches for the Christmas Festival,’ and with three kids and all we have going, we haven’t made it yet. Rick being there, that would make it even more special to get back.”
As to Cabrera’s coaching chops, what he’s accomplished in Tallahassee is winning as an under-resourced member of the Panhandle Conference, anchored by powerhouse programs Northwest Florida State and Chipola CC.
“There are so many obstacles because other programs have big legs up in this league, and he has been able to power TCC past all that,” said Kelly. “To see what some of the others have compared to what TCC has, and know his teams are not just competitive, but they’ve won the league, it’s really impressive and I commend him for it.”
The City of Alexandria announced that Calvert Street will be closed Saturday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Alexandria Water Department will be working in this area. Detours will be marked. Drivers are asked to use caution and allow extra time for their commutes.
Pineville residents may see a new version of the police department’s traditional black and white patrol units driving around the City soon. Pineville PD will begin to move to this new design for its patrol fleet in the upcoming months.
Pineville is rich in history supporting America and the Pineville PD believes this is a small way for it to do its part everyday.
Memorial services for Rene’ Finley Chiocchi-Corley will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home with Father Dan O’Connor officiating. Entombment will be at St. Joseph Mausoleum #2. Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Marksville.
Rene’, age 66, of Youngsville, LA., passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at her residence in Youngsville. She is preceded in death by her mother, Betty M. Bordelon. Those left to cherish her memory are her sister, Ledra Finley (Michael McBride) of Cincinnati, OH and her stepfather, Tim Bordelon of Bunkie, LA.
Rene’ was a dedicated educator for over 22 years touching the hearts of many students during those years. She was passionate in her subject matter, and she wanted her students to share in that passion. Rene’ pushed her students to excel not only with their schoolwork but in their personal lives as well. She loved interior design, art, and travel. She was a loyal friend to all those who knew her and was always there with a helping hand.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Hixson Brothers Chapel.
Toast of all kinds speaks to me!It just beckons to be on my table, and pairing different toasts with different meals is so fun in my book.These mini toasts are no exception.They are so delish and too easy to pop them over and over again into your mouth.
Ingredients:
1 package Hawaiian rolls
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Minced parsley for topping
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Slice each roll into 4 pieces of toast and place on baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Flip and bake another 5 minutes.
In a bowl whisk the melted butter, mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread onto each piece of toast. Sprinkle with parsley. Put in oven on broil for 3 minutes.
*I made a pan full of these and reserved the remaining topping to make again the next day.
**Complete your meal: These go perfectly with the Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup!
(Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Louisiana.)
