LSU’s legendary Skip Bertman, who built the LSU baseball program from scratch to a dynasty with five national championships from 1991-2000, will be visiting Alexandria today in an event open to the public.

Bertman will speak and sign copies of his autobiography from 10:30-12:30 at Walker BMW on Coliseum Drive. 

He’ll sign copies of “Everything Matters in Baseball – The Skip Bertman Story,” an Acadian House Publishing book about to go into its third printing. Author Glenn Guilbeau, a former Town Talk sports writer who is now a national columnist at OutKick.com/FOX News, interviewed nearly 200 people close to Bertman, delving into every detail of Bertman’s mastery.

The book was published last August and the original run of 5,000 copies sold out in February.

Another 3,000 books came out in March and half have already sold, prompting a second edition with an additional chapter and additions that should hit bookstores and online sales this fall, said Guilbeau.

After his incomparable coaching career, Bertman took over as athletics director and guided LSU into its ongoing “Golden Era” of sports success.

His baseball accomplishments are among the greatest in the history of the college game.

In the summer of 1983, Bertman took over a program that had reached the NCAA postseason once, and he took LSU 16 times with 11 trips to the College World Series, turning the quiet bird nest of LSU’s Alex Box Stadium into the cauldron cathedral of college baseball.

“There was not a better coach to learn under,” Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco, who played and coached under Bertman, said days before winning the 2022 national title. “I learned the foundation from him. So much of what we do is Skip Bertman. He made it look easy. It’s not easy.”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson called him “the John Wooden of college baseball” at Johnson’s introductory press conference in 2021.

“Skip has elephant brain. You couldn’t get anything past him,” said Rich Cordani, a star on LSU’s first national title team. “He would always be ahead mentally, situationally. He was our dad, and we were his sons. He was it.”

But Bertman was much more. Upon retiring from coaching in 2001, he became one of LSU’s most innovative athletic directors, and he hired four coaches who each won a national championship.

The book includes a foreword by Alexandria native and resident Warren Morris, the LSU All-American whose legendary walk-off homer versus Miami lifted the Tigers to the 1996 College World Series title.

Guilbeau covered Bertman’s first season at LSU in 1984 for Tiger Rag Magazine in his first year as a sportswriter. He then covered Bertman’s teams from 1989-93 for the Alexandria Town Talk and from 1998-2001 for the Baton Rouge Advocate. Those spans covered three of Bertman’s national championship seasons and his final year.

Guilbeau also covered Bertman’s athletic director years from 2001-04 at The Advocate and from 2004-09 at USA TODAY Louisiana.

Funeral services for L.E. Brunson (CW4 Levie E. Brunson) will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Kingsville Baptist Church in Pineville with Pastor Bart Walker and Reverend Jamie Brunson officiating. Burial with Military Honors, as well as Masonic Honors conducted by his Masonic Brothers of Anchor Lodge 261, Pollock, will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Pineville.

The family requests that visitation be observed at the church Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until time of service.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Cody Brunson, Ross Brunson, Hayden Brunson, Keith Brunson, Conner Brunson, and Marty Brunson.

Mr. Brunson, 90, of Dry Prong, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at his home after a brief illness with his loving family at his side.

L.E. retired from the LA Army National Guard after 41 years of service. He was an active member of the Masonic Anchor Lodge 261 for 65 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and gardening. During their 38 years of marriage, L.E. and Cheryl visited all 50 states and 6 continents.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, (mother of his children), Theda Rae Creed Brunson; his parents, Roy and Bertie Ann Brunson; his sister, Johnnie Brunson Roberts, and his brother and best friend, Charles (Charlie) Brunson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 38 years, Cheryl Wiley Brunson; his children, Danny Brunson (Carol), Donna Brunson Carter (Buddy), and Doug Brunson (Peggy); stepdaughter, Christy Taylor (Bryan); grandchildren, Jodi Nugent (Matt), Danielle Thompson (Jason), Brooks Moreau (Del), Cody Brunson (Kaitlyn), Ross Brunson (Susan), and Hayden Brunson; several great-grandchildren including Ellie Brunson (L.E.’s namesake); brothers, Murrell Brunson, and Gaylord Brunson (Jean), and sister, Judy Brunson White (Doyle).

Memorial contributions may be made to MAC Research (Mycobacterium Avium Complex) at University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, c/o Dr. Julie Philley, 11937 US Highway 271 Tyler, Texas 75708 or Sarah Thomson Memorial Mission Fund at Kingsville Baptist Church in Pineville.

The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice and a special thank you to Alayna Rougeau and Dr. Jonathan Hunter.

Teresa Layssard Thomason, a 1991 graduate of Louisiana Christian University (formerly Louisiana College), has been named Music Teachers National Association Foundation Fellow. She received the award March 27 in Reno, Nevada.

Thomason, of Alexandria, has been well-known in the Central Louisiana music community for decades and has earned local and state accolades for her piano skills. 

Now, she has earned national recognition for her amazing and long-standing work in the music teaching field.

The MTNA Foundation Fellow is given to people who have been important to the organization and who have made outstanding contributions for their years of service.

“When they called me, I was speechless,” she said of the notification by University of Louisiana – Lafayette Prof. Chan Kiat Lim, the current president of Louisiana Music Teachers Association.

Thomason has been teaching piano at Country Day School in Alexandria since 1992 and at Calvary Baptist Conservatory of Music since 1995. Her students have ranged in age from Pre-K4 through high school—with a few adults over the years, as well.

Laura Beth Mears, of Pineville, has been a student of Thomason for seven years. 

“Mrs. Teresa has been an incredible piano teacher for me,” Mears said. “She gave me a great foundation in music theory and taught me the discipline of practicing daily. Then, she encouraged me to continue to love playing piano by helping me choose great songs to play at Sonatina Festivals, Hymn festivals, District competitions and State Piano Rally. I know that her influence and expertise have exposed the gift that has been given to me by God. I have truly enjoyed having a sister in Christ sit beside me for hours, training me to use this gift. Mrs. Teresa is a blessing in my life. 

Over the years, Thomason said students have changed somewhat, and fewer want to spend the time it takes practicing to really excel at piano.

“With technology, young people want instant gratification, and the idea of having to practice, students have lots of excuses,” she said. “But I have some very good students that make up for it.”

She’s been teaching piano since she herself was a teenager and served as church pianist at Central Baptist Church in Spring Hill throughout high school. In fact, it was this that led her to LCU.

“A man in our church gave me a cash scholarship to go to LC,” Thomason said. “Joe Maher—he had sponsored a lot of other students.”

Thomason began college in the fall of 1971 and met beloved LC piano instructor Mary Ann Crump. 

She also met Tim Thomason through her third cousin, Rita Welch, also a student at the time. 

“My mother wanted me to find a ministerial student, but he was a psychology/sociology major,” she said. “He wore boots and had long hair, but after the meal with my family, he took his plate to the sink, and it won my mother over.”

The two were married in 1973, and Thomason left school to go to work teaching piano and to start a family.

“Twenty years after I started, I graduated from Louisiana College in 1991,” she said. “I tell everyone I was a slow learner. And Mary Ann Crump—she said she wasn’t going to retire until I finished my degree.”

Over the years, Thomason has continually worked in the music field.

“I had as many as 70 students a week in my prime,” she said.

One need only mention a CenLa surname, and Thomason has taught someone in the family.

Thomason has taught many doctors’ children—and has taught children who have gone on to become doctors themselves. Two of her former pupils were Louisiana Junior Misses. 

Alexandria orthodontist Dr. Heather Badeaux Moylan said Thomason made a major impact on her life.

“Mrs. Teresa taught me piano for 10 years,” Moylan said. “She was an incredibly patient, kind and encouraging teacher. She taught me persistence and discipline in pursuit of a goal, and those traits have made a huge difference in my life. I am forever grateful for her mentorship.”

She worked for the Louisiana Baptist Convention for 37 years as keyboard consultant and started the State Hymn-Playing Festival in 1979 and the State Piano Festival to provide scholarships for students in 1985. 

The LBC started the Teresa Thomason Keyboard Scholarship in 2007 to honor the longtime music educator, and she said $17,000 in scholarship money has been awarded to date.

Thomason has been involved at every level of music education and has served in numerous volunteer capacities, as well, serving as the State Rally piano chair for 20 years and on the executive board of the Louisiana Music Teachers Association for eight years. 

The League of Trucks fundraiser event this Saturday, April 11 from 10 am – 2 pm at Buhlow Lake in Pineville features an array of large vehicles from construction equipment to rescue vehicles. Children of all ages can see, touch and learn about the vehicles while meeting the workforce and heroes that protect, serve and build our community.

From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. will be a quiet hour for sensory accommodations. The Junior League of Alexandria’s goal for this event is a family-friendly event for all to enjoy together!

Purchase your tickets to the most fun, family-friendly event online at http://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTc5MTY4. 

Kids Entrance Only tickets are for admission, access to vehicles and the free activities.
Kids VIP tickets are for admission and access to vehicles and ALL activities.
Free activities include:

• Sidewalk chalk, sand pit, bubbles, and more!

VIP activities include:

• All of the above PLUS unlimited train rides, face painting, Pirate/Princess dig for treasure, Kona Ice, and more!

Tickets are available online for only $5! Tickets will be offered at the door, but the cost will be $7. Kids and Adults alike will need a ticket to enter. VIP tickets are available, in limited quantities, for kids for $15. These tickets include general admission, unlimited train rides, Pirate and Princess Dig for Treasure, snacks, Kona Ice, and more! 

*If you purchase a VIP Ticket for a child, you do still need to buy an $5 adult ticket for entry. 

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on April 7 around 7:40 pm on Hwy. 1176 near Hwy. 29.  The crash claimed the life of 22-year-old Lauren C. Vaughn.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2021 GMC Sierra, driven by 23-year-old Christopher R. McCoy of Bunkie, was traveling east on Hwy. 1176. For reasons still under investigation, McCoy’s vehicle left the roadway, traveled down the ditch embankment striking a culvert and a tree before overturning onto its roof.

McCoy, who was not restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Vaughn, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Impairment is a suspected factor in this crash. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

In 2023, Troop E has investigated 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 16 deaths.

By JIM BUTLER

Two Pineville manufacturers have committed what are termed significant wastewater discharge violations in the past year.

Notice of the violations has been posted by the city.

Nothing in the notice indicates the violations were either intentional or a result of willful neglect.

Willamette Valley Company, 4502 Williamette Blvd., Pineville, exceeded the daily maximum discharge limit for oil and grease based on samples taken by the City of Pineville during an inspection on 12/1/2022, according to the city, and a violation notice was issued.

Subsequent tests show the facility is in compliance, according to the city.

Calvary Industries, 301 Redmount Drive, exceeded the daily maximum discharge limits for BOD based on sample taken during self-monitoring testing on 6/8/22.

Calvary also exceeded the daily maximum discharge limit for BOD based on samples taken by the City of Pineville during an inspection on 11/16/22.

Notices of violation were issued. Subsequent tests show the facility is in compliance, the posting noted.

BOD provides a measure of the impact of a waste (water) on the oxygen content in a receiving water body.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced on April 10 that Terri L. Williams was sentenced to 20 years in prison for Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with Drugs and Possession with Intent/Manf/Dist CDS II: Fentanyl. Assistant District Attorneys Kenneth Doggett, Jr. and Lea Hall prosecuted the case.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced on April 10 that Gregory Harville Jr. was sentenced to 35 years in prison for Illegal Carrying of Weapons with Drugs -Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute -Fentanyl. Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Doggett, Jr. prosecuted the case.

The last time legislators raised their pay the reasoning was the boost to $16,800 would attract a wider variety of citizens to the job.

Better pay, more candidates, better legislators was the mantra of so-called Young Turks (hard to believe the surviving Turks are now age 80 or more) pushing the 1980 raise.

Whether was a result over the decades since is a matter of opinion.

But the mantra is the same this year as support builds to raise the pay to $60,000.

Why don’t supporters just say it’s been 40 years and $60K would be about the equivalent pay?

Legislators also receive $161 per diem while in session as well as mileage and expense allowances.

One doesn’t have to argue the overall quality of the Legislature to accept that four decades is long enough, whatever the ultimate increase might be.

One thing is certain – regardless the pay there will be no shortage of candidates come October, all telling us it’s about public service.

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.

Northwood-Lena’s Na’Kiya Allen won state Class 1A Outstanding Player honors to highlight seven Rapides Parish high school basketball stars who have been recognized so far on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s All-State teams.

In addition to Allen, two more Northwood girls received All-State recognition.  The first team for Class 1A also included Rhianna Battles and teammate Da’Zya Johnson was on the All-State second team.

It was a fantastic season for Northwood as the boys also captured the state championship and the Gators’ star, Omarion Layssard, was a first-team All-State pick in Class 1A. Teammate and senior classmate Randarius Morris made the second team after averaging 13 points a game for the most dominant team in the state in their class.

In Class 2A, Menard’s Marilyn Seeling was a second-team All-State selection announced by the LSWA. The senior guard averaged 14.1 points for the Lady Eagles, who reached Marsh Madness and were edged 44-42 in the semifinals by Episcopal.

Zakelveon Gadison of Rapides won All-State second-team honors in Class B. The junior guard averaged a parish-best 24 points per game.

It took a little extra time on the clock, but Allen and Northwood-Lena battled defending Division IV Select champion Southern Lab into overtime, capturing the state crown with a three-point victory. Northwood was the 1A champion in 2022.

The Kilgore College signee averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds per game during a dominant senior season. Battles contributed 12 points per game and was a shutdown defender, while Johnson averaged 16 points for the Lady Gators.

Layssard’s scoring average for the season was 21 per game, but he stepped it up in the big games, notably the state finals, getting 34, to go with 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals. “Diddy” Layssard was an obvious choice to win the Marsh Madness Division IV Select Most Outstanding Player award.

LSWA All-State teams in 3A, 4A and 5A will be announced in the coming days.

LSWA CLASS 1A BASKETBALL ALL-STATE

BOYS

First Team

Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Omarion Layssard, Northwood 6-1 Sr. 21.0

Bralyn Mayfield, Lincoln Prep 6-4 Sr. 18.3
De’Vion Lavergne, North Central 6-3 Sr. 26.9
Isiah Stevens, Crescent City 6-0 So. 22.8
Jalan Washington, White Castle 6-2 Sr. 18.0

Second team

Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Bryson Colbert, Hamilton Christian 6-2 Sr. 16.5
Damondrick Blackburn, Central Catholic 5-10 Sr. 17.9
Randarius Morris, Northwood 6-4 Sr. 13.0
Mckennis Savoie, North Central 6-2 Jr. 20.8
Matt Weaver, St. Martin’s 6-2 Jr. 18.1

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: DE’VION LAVERGNE, NORTH CENTRAL

COACH OF THE YEAR: ANTONIO HUDSON, LINCOLN PREP

HONORABLE MENTION: Dwight Magee, Crescent City; Ja’Marcus Fisher; Magnolia Charter; Rodtrevious Crawley, Arcadia; Spencer Dunn, Homer; Joe Metoyer, St. Mary’s; Ayden Warren, St. Mary’s; Benjamin Case, Central Catholic; Brandon Heard, Lincoln Prep.

GIRLS

First Team

Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Na’Kiyah Allen, Northwood 5-11 Sr. 22.0
Rhianna Battles, Northwood 5-5 Jr. 12.0
Laurielle Bias, Central Catholic 5-5 Jr. 21.5
Shaila Forman, Southern Lab 5-9 So. 17.8
Kiara Comeaux, Highland Baptist 5-7 Sr. 18.2

Second team

Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Anna Dale Melton, Ouachita Christian  5-5 Sr. 15.0
Da’Zya Johnson, Northwood 5-11 So. 16.0
Allie Furr, Cedar Creek  5-6 Sr. 18.0
Layla Tell, Haynesville 5-11 So. 15.0
Kori Wesley, White Castle 5-1 8^th 21.3

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: NA’KIYA ALLEN, NORTHWOOD-LENA

COACH OF THE YEAR: EDWIN COLBERT, HAMILTON CHRISTIAN

HONORABLE MENTION: DeAsia Alexander, Arcadia;  Z’Riah Buggs, Homer; Asia Patin, Southern Lab; Lila Lewis, East Beauregard; Jade Oliney, Central Catholic;  Alainah Felton, Riverside Academy; Lizzie McAdams, Cedar Creek; Asijah Wright, Lincoln Prep; McKenzie Deville, Hamilton Christian; Myracle Revon, Riverside Academy.

Funeral services for SMSgt Ronald Arthur Nitz will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 14, 2023 in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville with Pastor James Greer officiating. Burial will be in Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Leesville with military honors provided by Barksdale Air Force Base Honor Guard.

The family requests that visitation be observed at the funeral home Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Pallbearers will be Eric Hochstein, Daniel Hochstein, Nicholas Hoke, Nathaniel Hoke, Edward Barber, Jon Scott Hoke, and Alex Glover.

Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Hochstein, and Colton Coincon.

Ronald Arthur Nitz, 81, of Pineville, passed from this life on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at his home.

He was born on March 5, 1941 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Arthur H. and Helen M. Nitz. Ron graduated from Pocatello High School in Pocatello, Idaho in 1959. Upon graduation he entered the USAF for a 20-year career. In 1965 until 1968 Ron was stationed at Area 51 and later severed tours in Germany, Turkey, and Thailand for a total of over 10 years of foreign service. During his 20-year career he visited 48 of 50 states and 35 different countries. After his military service, Ron met the love of his life Beverly Glover and they married in December 1981 in Clovis, New Mexico. Ron and Beverly both attended Eastern NM University and Ron graduated with a BBA degree in Finance. He continued his education working on his master’s degree from Chapman College in California. Ron then formed his own property management company and helped his wife with her farming and ranching business. At the same time, he worked as a sales manager for Crow Pontiac in Clovis, New Mexico. In 1985 Ron became a financial planner and stockbroker for IDS Financial Services. Ron enjoyed gardening, wood working, and restoring old cars. He was a member of Journey Church and a former member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, both in Pineville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur H. and Helen M. Nitz.

Ron was survived by his wife of 43 years, Beverly Nitz; children, Michael Nitz (Elizabeth); Kathy Nitz Hoke, and Richard T. Nitz (Melanie); two stepdaughters, Nicole Coincon (Darrin), and Amber Glover; four grandsons, Jon Scott Hoke, Jr., Nicholas Hoke, Nathaniel Hoke, and J.T. Nitz; granddaughter, Rickey Nitz; four step grandsons, Alexander Glover, Daniel Hochstein, Henry Hochstein, and Colton Coincon; two great grandchildren, Jon Sawyer and Rowan, and numerous other family and friends.

His greatest love was his Christian faith and his soul mate Beverly.

Professional Fire Fighters of Rapides Parish Fire District 3 Local 5224 and the Alpine Fire Department want to give a huge thanks to Carol Stepp with Woodmen of the World Lodge 1180, who presented a check donation of $2,200 on April 10 for smoke detectors and combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. This donation will make a huge difference for fire safety in Fire District 3.

A quartet of high school classmates attending their first Houston baseball game couldn’t imagine they would be old men before the Astros won their first World Series game, much less their first World Championship, or that the players on the field that night long ago would be in senior homes or playing in a league far away by the time it happened.

Actually, the Houston team wasn’t even the Astros that hot day in the Spring of 1962 — they were the Colt .45s, playing games in the stifling heat of Colt Stadium, where mosquitos hovered over the crowd like pop flies over the infield.

I was among the four making the long drive from Alexandria to see the long-awaited expansion Houston team play against the Milwaukee Braves one afternoon and the San Francisco Giants the next night — no interstate highway, no air conditioned vehicle, no idea of how to find the park.

Somehow we did, and managed to buy two tickets for about $3 a game.

The Colt .45s, brand new to the National League, were a collection of aging stars, journeymen players and youngsters yet to earn player pension rights.

The Braves and Giants, on the other hand, were established teams. Milwaukee had won the World Series in ’57 and lost to the Yankees in the ’58 version. The Giants were headed to the ’62 Series.

 Milwaukee had players such as Hank Aaron, Eddie Matthews and Warren Spahn; the Giants had the Willies — Mays and McCovey — and Juan Marichal on the mound. All of those are now in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

We got safely back home, graduated high school, and went our separate paths. It would be the Spring of 1965 before some of us ventured that way again.

 We found ourselves all working at the same place, sitting out a semester of college. In some cases, the break from classes was for financial reasons; in others, one university or another had invited one or another of us to take some time off.

This time, we were headed to the first game in the spanking new Astrodome — an exhibition match between the New York Yankees and the renamed Astros.

We had a convertible, money in our pockets, and some were of legal age. Beer and girls were as high as baseball on the agenda. We put one guy in charge of the money — he would parcel out prudent amounts for food and fun, pay the motel bill, by the tickets, etc.

The first sight of the Astrodome was astonishing. And walking inside was at the time like entering a future world.

Don’t remember who won the game, but cached forever in my mental photo library is Mickey Mantle driving Turk Farrell’s pitch over the center field wall – the first home run hit in the ‘dome, the sound of bat meeting ball  echoing like a .30-06 then, and now in my memory.

That Yankees team also had Roger Maris, Elston Howard, Bobby Richardson, Mel Stottlemyre, Clete Boyer, Whitey Ford and Tony Kubek on its roster.

The Astros countered with such as Larry Dierker, Dave Giusti, Joe Morgan, Jimmy Wynn and Mike Cuellar. Also on their pitching staff were two hurlers near the end of the line — Don Larsen, who had pitched a perfect game in the ’56 Series for the Yankees, and Robin Roberts, who earned his Hall of Fame credentials in a long stint with the Philadelphia Phillies.

We managed not to get arrested and two days later left Houston. But our moneyman had failed in his stewardship, misjudged how much fuel we needed to make it home, and we found ourselves out of gas and money in Kinder.

The desk officer at the police station there let us call for help and hours later a friend, with cash, showed up, and home we went.

Soon thereafter we had to grow up — school, Vietnam, marriages, careers — and never got back together. Too bad life doesn’t have sports’ instant replay.

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.

By JIM BUTLER

Bank of Montgomery, already well-established in Alexandria/Pineville, is taking its physical presence into southern Rapides Parish.

The bank, headquartered in Natchitoches, has applied with state and federal regulators to establish a branch facility in Woodworth.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regional office in Dallas, the branch would be located at 9380 Hwy. 165, which is a short distance north of the turn toward Indian Creek Reservoir and a state-operated shooting range.

BOM, founded in Grant Parish just after dawning of the 20th Century, is privately owned.

Descendants of the founders are actively involved in the bank management. Those include Richard Kent “Ken” Hale, president and chief executive officer.

The Louisiana Legislature approved multi-parish banking in the mid-1970s.

A rush of expansion, sales and mergers began, accelerated by legislation allowing out-of-state banks to operate in Louisiana.

BOM made its Red River crossing in 1995, opening a branch in Derry and a consistent record of expansion has followed, as has growth in the bank’s financial position.

Any person wishing to comment on the application may file his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at its Dallas Regional Office at 600 North Pearl Street, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75201, not later than April 10. The non-confidential portions of the application are on file in the regional office and are available for inspection during regular business hours.

Any person wishing to comment on the application with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions may file his or her comments, in writing, with the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Post Office Box 94095, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9095.

The Public Section of the application will be available at the Office of Financial Institutions for public inspection during the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.