The Alexandria City Council approved amending the 2023-2024 Capital Budget by assigning more than $3.7 million for planned Phase 2 work on the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheatre during a brief meeting Tuesday afternoon.
City Council members took just 14 minutes to move through an agenda with 34 items. The first 10 items were the consent agenda of items introduced without discussion for consideration at the next meeting. The remaining 24 items dealt primary with routine matters, including approving contracts to do landscape maintenance at various city properties and to purchase necessary supplies.
Regarding the Amphitheatre project, council members approved allocating $2,815,000 of funds dedicated to the project from the Red River Waterway Commission and $929,000 of City funds for a total of $3,744,00. Prior to the amendment approved Tuesday, $3,658,531 was budgeted as “unappropriated” for the project.
Richard Johnson with the City of Alexandria explained the funding needed to be allocated in order for the bid process to begin for the Phase 2 work.
Phase 1 of the Amphitheatre project involved installation of the band shell which was recently completed. Phase 2 involves adding Z ramp walkways on the levee to make it easier for people to get to and from the Amphitheatre, new lighting, and the building of two new entranceways. One entranceway is planned to line up with the end of DeSoto Street while the second entrance is expected to line up with the end of Johnston Street. The current entrance utilizes the old Murray Street Bridge ramp.
In other action, council members also approved authorizing Mayor Jacques Roy to enter into a general service agreement for the fifth and final phase of work to replace street lighting along MacArthur Drive through the city. When the measure was approved, Council President Lee Rubin asked when work on the project would begin. Utility Director Michael Marcotte said it would likely be six months before work begins as the contractor agreement calls for 26 weeks of lead time.
In the final item, council members approved local firm Pan American Engineers to provide services for maintenance and overhaul services at the city’s D.G. Hunter electric generation facility.
The next meeting of the Alexandria City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 8.
July 19 Javare Donaldson, 40, Alexandria — Criminal conspiracy, two counts; Theft; Theft < $1,000; Resisting officer, two counts; Obstructing public passage; Contempt of court, seven counts.
July 20 Javrius Battles, 27, Boyce — Parole violation, Firearm possession/sell with obliterated serial number, Obstruction of justice evidence tampering, Careless operation; Possession CDS I 1st 14 or less marijuana, tetracycline or chemical derivatives;
Anthony Reed, 42, Boyce — Probation violation, Trespassing/remaining after forbidden, Bribery: Public, Obstruction of justice, evidence tampering;
Bradley Williams, 39, Pineville — Contributing to delinquency of juvenile, two counts; Criminal conspiracy, Theft > $5,000 < $25,000, Burglary simple.
July 21 Dwan Johnson, 40, Alexandria — Introducing contraband in state correctional institution;
Rapides Parish Patrol Deputies responded to the 800 block to Tanyard Lake Road in the Kolin Community in reference to a burglary on April 21. Deputies made contact with the victim who stated numerous items were stolen from the residence. Deputies took the initial report and gathered as much information as possible, processed the scene and informed the victim to make a detailed list of what was missing including serial numbers, to help with the rest of the investigation.
Sheriff’s Detectives from the Kolin substation responded to the scene and did a thorough search of the area, collecting evidence and anything of importance to help with their investigation. As their investigation continued, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to identify four suspects involved in this burglary, two of them being juveniles. The adult suspects were identified as Rayford Lee Brice, III and Bradley O’Neal Williams. Detectives were able to establish sufficient probable cause and arrest warrants for Brice, III and Williams were obtained.
On July 20 Rayford Lee Brice III, 18 of Pineville, who was currently being held at the Rapides Parish Detention Center for a Second Degree Murder arrest on May 1, being investigated by the Pineville Police Department, was re-arrested for two counts Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles, Simple Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy, Theft > $5,000 < $25,000 and Simple Criminal Damage to Property < $1,000. Bond amount on the new charges was set $14,000 on the RPSO charges and Brice, III remains in jail with a total bond of $1,014,000.
On July 20 Bradley O’Neal Williams, 39 of Pineville, was taken into custody without incident and arrested for two counts Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles, Criminal Conspiracy, Theft > $5,000 < $25,000, Simple Burglary, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property <$1,000. Williams was released on July 21 on a $19,000 bond.
If anyone has any further information about this investigation, please contact Detective Matt Dauzat, Criminal Investigations-Kolin Substation, at 318-542-4409.
Arrestee:
Rayford Lee Brice, III, 18
113 Hudson Street, Pineville, LA
Charges:
two counts Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles
Simple Burglary
Criminal Conspiracy
Theft >$ 5,000 < $25,000
Simple Criminal Damage to Property < $1,000
Arrestee:
Bradley O’Neal Williams, 39
113 Hudson Street, Pineville, LA
Charges:
two counts Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles
Simple Burglary
Criminal Conspiracy
Theft > $5,000 < $25,000
1ct of Simple Criminal Damage to Property < $1,000
The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced on July 25 that jury selection in the case of the State v Joseph Dean Chapman is now in progress.
Chapman is charged with 7 counts of sexual battery and 7 counts of molestation of juvenile.
The case is being prosecuted by ADA Kelvin Sanders
AMONG THE BEST: Slidell native and Tulane product Matt Forte still ranks among elite NFL backs for running and receiving production, and heads into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Bears/LSHOF)
NOTE — This is part of a series of stories profiling the 12-person Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023, who will be inducted to culminate three days of festivities in Natchitoches beginning Thursday. For tickets and more information, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
By LENNY VANGILDER, Written for the LSWA
Recruiting services listed Matt Forte as a fullback coming out of Slidell High School. He would make his mark over four years at Tulane and 10 more in the NFL as a lead back.
To his former high school coach, Wayne Grubb, the letters next to his name didn’t matter.
“I always referred to him as a football player,” Grubb said. “He did other things like run track, but he was a football player.”
Forte – who rolled up more than 3,000 yards from scrimmage in high school, another 5,000 at Tulane and better than 14,000 in 10 seasons in the NFL – is part of the 2023 induction class of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame being honored beginning Thursday in Natchitoches.
Underrated might have also been an accurate way to describe Forte, who was rated only a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.
Current Slidell High School principal Larry Favre had a unique vantage point to Forte’s high school career – the opposite sideline. As head coach at Fontainebleau High School in 2002 and 2003, Favre’s teams faced Forte and Slidell three times – twice in the regular season and once in the playoffs.
“He had over 800 yards in those three games against us,” Favre said. “I always told Matt that when it was time for (recruiting visits), all he had to do was put those Fontainebleau tapes in.”
To a degree, Forte was ahead of his time. By the time his high school career was over, not only had he posted a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons with 31 touchdowns, but he caught 48 passes and had another five receiving touchdowns.
On the recruiting front, LSU showed some interest, but the Tigers’ head coach at the time, Nick Saban, was only signing one back in the 2004 recruiting class – Jacob Hester of Evangel Christian. Signing that two-star recruit worked out well. So did Forte.
Tulane was on him early and he committed to the Green Wave shortly after his high school football career ended in December 2003, following in the footsteps of his father, Gene, who played for the Wave in the 1970s and was captain of the 1977 squad.
His son’s career was solid but not spectacular until 2007, his senior year, when injury-free, Forte was a load that most opposing defenses could not handle.
He started piling up the numbers in a victory over Southeastern Louisiana in the third week of the season – 40 carries for school records of 303 yards and five touchdowns.
The yardage record lasted all of 28 days. Four Saturdays later at SMU, Forte had 38 carries for 342 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over the Mustangs.
Forte finished his senior season as only the 11th player in Football Bowl Subdivision history to top to top the 2,000-yard mark on the ground.
His 361 carries, 2,127 yards, 23 rushing touchdowns and eight consecutive 100-yard games all remain school records. Forte also set Tulane career records with 4,265 rushing yards, 5,261 all-purpose yards, 39 rushing touchdowns and 44 total touchdowns.
The Chicago Bears selected Forte with the 44th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, and it wouldn’t take him long to land in the same spotlight that had previously been occupied by the likes of Gale Sayers and Walter Payton.
Forte started his first NFL game, and ended his rookie season with 1,236 yards rushing, 63 receptions, more than 1,700 yards from scrimmage and a dozen total touchdowns. That, however, was good for only fourth in The Associated Press’ NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
In eight seasons with the Bears, Forte’s worst rushing season was 898 yards. He topped the 1,000-yard mark five times, including a career best 1,339 yards in 2013, when he earned his second Pro Bowl selection.
In 2014, Forte joined an exclusive club. He had 1,038 yards rushing and 102 receptions, joining eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson as the only NFL players at that time to top 1,000 yards and 100 catches. (Christian McCaffrey has since joined the group.)
After eight seasons with Chicago in which he rolled up 8,602 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns, Forte moved on to the New York Jets, where he played his final two seasons.
For someone as grounded in his faith as Forte, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that when he announced his retirement in February 2018 after a decade in the NFL, it wasn’t a story given to ESPN or a major NFL writer, but to the faith-based website Sports Spectrum.
“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to retire from the NFL,” Forte said in his statement. “Like so many others before me, this game has enhanced my life in numerous ways. My career in the League has been nothing short of a miracle granted by God and put on display for His glory. I will cherish the many memories made on the field and the lifelong friends I’ve made over the years in the locker room.
“The past 25 years playing America’s game have left me with unparalleled joy. But, it’s time for the workhorse to finally rest in his stable.”
His decade in the NFL was indeed that of a workhorse – 2,356 rushes for 9,796 yards and 68 touchdowns, to go along with 554 catches for 4,672 yards and another 21 scores. In 146 career games, Forte touched the ball an average of 20 times per game.
In his post-playing days, Forte continues to assist in community efforts, working with the team at Biblica Ministry, speaking at churches, and assisting youth and families through his What’s Your Forte Foundation.
His impact – on and off the field – isn’t lost on those back at his former high school.
“When you look at his entire career, no one has had that career during my 23 years in St. Tammany (Parish),” said Favre. “To do it at Tulane, and the NFL, and now going into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, he’s the most accomplished player to come from here.”
It’s almost showtime for the 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Natchitoches (except for Friday’s BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash in Alexandria), so it’s time to plan to take in as much fun as you can.
The most-asked question — can I still get tickets for the Saturday evening Induction Reception (from 5-6:30 at the Hall of Fame museum) and Ceremony (at 7 in the Natchitoches Events Center)?
YES. While the usual big turnout is coming, there is still time to go online at LaSportsHall.com to purchase admission to the signature event. But don’t delay – it could sell out.
The reception provides an array of food stations with fare from not only local restaurants, but some from around the state, along with refreshments and music. It’s a chance to see new exhibits (the Kim Mulkey showcase, for example), new display items to celebrate the museum’s 10th anniversary, the just-installed Class of 2023 display cases, and to meet all of the new inductees and perhaps snap a selfie.
The Induction Ceremony at the neighboring Events Center kicks off promptly at 7 with the National Anthem, followed by the stirring Walk of Legends showcasing past Hall of Fame members returning, then introducing the Class of ’23, set to music from The Natural. The 12 inductions begin immediately after, featuring compelling video introductions followed by on-stage conversations with inductees – producing lots of laughter and some misty-eyed moments certain to create lasting memories.
Saturday evening is the only “dress up” event of the Induction Celebration. Blazers for the men and cocktail dress-style attire for the women are requested.
Otherwise, it’s casual for the rest of the festivities, starting with the free, open to everyone Thursday evening Welcome Reception from 5-7 at the museum. La Capitol Federal Credit Union will mark its 20th year presenting that signature event – again with food, refreshments and music, and the new inductees and their families having traveled in some cases almost 2,000 miles to celebrate the occasion.
There’s still room for bowlers to join in Friday’s BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The doors open at 11:30 with lunch provided by Walk On’s, plenty of warm up bowling and music, and more mingling with inductees, their families, and other sports celebrities before they’re introduced and “competition” begins at 1. Again – sign up at LaSportsHall.com.
The biggest free event is Friday evening on the downtown Natchitoches riverbank stage – the Rockin’ River Fest Concert, from 6-10:30.
It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by Louisiana Propane Dealers will include basketball, football, golf and science games for all ages to enjoy.
Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters are back as the headline act. Dopsie has played the White House to the Jazz Fest, boogied with James Brown and John Fogerty, and wowed crowds all over, described as “Mick Jagger of the marsh” as “a party seems to break out whenever and wherever Dopsie and his band show up.”
The opening act is Jason Ashley & The Hot Sauce Band, featuring the Alexandria native and regional country music star playing hits from yesterday and today, an act popular around the Gulf Coast and all the way to Nashville.
If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, you can visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up some of the few remaining $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney.
That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2023 Induction Class. They will also be introduced on stage at 9:15, just before a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music.
Saturday morning’s Junior Training Camp hosted by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans at NSU’s Webb Wellness and Recreation Center has only a handful of free spots left for kids 7-17. Advance registration is required at LaSportsHall.com.
There’s no more room for Saturday’s Round Table Lunch downtown at The Venue. It’s sold out.
But there are plenty of other chances to see the Class of 2023: Eli Manning, Alana Beard, Paul Mainieri, Matt Forte, Wendell Davis, Paul Byrd, Walter Davis, Ron Washington, Walter Imahara, M.L. Woodruff, and sports journalists Bruce Brown and Lori Lyons.
You’re invited to join the fun, starting Thursday evening in Natchitoches.
The City of Pineville announced on July 24 that there was a leak on an 8′ water main at 9081 Hwy. 3128. All of Hwy. 3128 will be under a boil advisory until further notice. If you have any questions, call (318) 449-5688.
Mary Cecile Laird Wilder, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 24, in The Woodlands, Texas with her family at her side.
Mrs. Wilder is survived by her two daughters, Mary Natalie Ford and Catherine Lauren Wilder, of The Woodlands, Texas; five grandchildren: John Duncan Ford IV (Leah DePrang Ford), Mary Lauren Ford Briggs (Jeffrey Preston Briggs), Sarah Catherine Ford, Lauren Cecile Bentley LeGros (Matthew Benjamin LeGros), and Andrea Elise Bentley Bennett (Lee Maxwell Ross Bennett ); four great-grandsons: John Duncan Ford V (“Cinco”), Davis Charles Briggs, James Laird Briggs, and Charles Robert LeGros. She was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her two great-granddaughters: Madeline Marie LeGros and Amelia Cecile Bennett.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Herbert Wilder; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Luther Laird Jr.; her husband’s parents, H.L. Wilder and Marie Buckner Wilder; and her brother, Martin Luther Laird, III.
Mary Cecile was born on December 12, 1937, in Alexandria, Louisiana and grew up on Rosalie Plantation outside Alexandria. In her early years, she spent time at a camp in Fishville, walking along the creek with her friends. She loved spending time in her garden at home and arranging roses. Mary Cecile recently reminisced about time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren making “humdingers”, rice crispy-coated date balls, which were a Christmas tradition. Bridge was a favorite pastime with lifelong friends. She resided in Alexandria until her move to The Woodlands in 2018.
Some of Mary Cecile’s favorite activities in Bolton High School were the Bluebirds Club, basketball team, Drama Club, Homecoming Court, the Library Club where she had a pin, Latin Club Vice President and Secretary, Bruin yearbook business staff, Leadership Conference, Graduating usher, Press Conference attendee, and Baccalaureate usher.
Mary Cecile graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She was active in Kappa Delta sorority at LSU. She later earned a master’s degree plus 30 hours in Education from LSU. She also earned certification in Elementary School Principalship and Supervision and then was appointed as Principal of Acadian Sixth Grade Center where she retired after more than 30 years in Education.
Serving at Calvary Baptist Church was one of Mary Cecile’s greatest joys. She served on the Building Finance Committee of the Together We Build Program for the current Calvary Baptist Church building at 5011 Jackson Street which was dedicated February 1982. The pulpit furniture in the Calvary Chapel was donated by Mary Cecile and C.H. in memory of their parents. Mary Cecile served as a Sunday School and Training Union director.
Pallbearers will be Martin Laird, Duncan Ford, Matt LeGros, Jeff Briggs, Ben Russo, John Doggett, John Ford, and Phillip DePrang. Honorary pallbearers will be Knight Doggett, Jim Hanna, and John Texada.
Please join us in celebrating her life Saturday, July 29, at 9:00 visitation and 10:00 a.m. service at Calvary Baptist Church, 5011 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria.
A Memorial Service for (Coach) William ‘Bill’ Morris will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, July 30th, at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria. Mr. Morris passed away during the pandemic and only a private family service was held at that time.
Family, friends, and former players are invited to celebrate and honor his life at the Memorial Service followed by a time of visitation.
The family is grateful for the many memorials that were made in his honor at the time of his passing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Bill Morris to one of the following ministries he loved at Calvary Baptist Church, 5011 Jackson Street, Alexandria, LA ,71303: ‘Senior Adult Ministry,’ ‘Adult Life Group Ministry,’ or ‘Deacon Ministry.’
Mr. Morris was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Smith Morris.
Those left to cherish his memory are sons and daughters-in-law, Wally and Rebecca Morris and Warren and Julie Morris; grandchildren, Winn Morris (Lidiane), Wade Morris (Kathryn), Amelia Morris, Hettie Morris, and Stafford Morris; and great-grandson, Cooper Morris.
Join the City of Alexandria at its Back 2 School Supply Giveaway on Thursday, July 27 from 5-7 pm (or while supplies last) at the Alexandria Convention Hall. This event is free and open to Rapides Parish K-12 students. A parent or guardian must accompany students.
Patsy Cazelot Dubroc September 29, 1949 – July 26, 2023 Service: Thursday, July 27, 2023, 7 pm at Hixson Brothers, Marksville.
Verna Lee Hayes Wilson August 4, 1927 – July 25, 2023 Visitation: Friday, July 28, 2023, 10 am at Hixson Brothers, Marksville. Service: Friday, July 28, 2023, 2 pm at Hixson Brothers, Marksville.
Mary Cecile Laird Wilder December 12, 1937 – July 24, 2023 Visitation: Saturday, July 29, 9 am at Clavary Baptist Church, Alexandria. Service: Saturday, July 29, 10 am at Clavary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
William “Bill” Warren Morris July 7, 1929 – July 29, 2021 Service: Sunday, July 30, 2023, 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Freddie Jones August 3, 1961 – July 17, 2023 Visitation: Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 9:45 am at Edgefield Cemetery, Cheneyville. Service: Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 10 am at Edgefield Cemetery, Cheneyville.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. 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)
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in reference to a report of alleged cruelty to juveniles in the Alexandria area on June 9. Deputies took the initial report and Sheriff’s Detectives assigned to the Special Victims Unit (SVU) were assigned the case for further investigation.
SVU Detectives assisted DCFS with their investigation as well as gathering additional evidence of other alleged crimes for the investigation through RPSO. As their investigation continued, Detectives were able to establish sufficient probable cause that supported allegations of misconduct involving juveniles by the suspects, identified as Melinda Gayle Baldwin, 47, and Richard Anthony Carlino, 61.
Detectives obtained warrants for the arrest of both Baldwin and Carlino.
On July 13 an operation was conducted by SVU Detectives along with the assistance of RADE Agents and RPSO SWAT, at the suspects residence at 2312 Willowood Lane in Alexandria. Both suspects were located and taken into custody without incident and booked into Rapides Parish Detention Center. Both Baldwin and Carlino were arrested for two counts Cruelty to Juveniles and two counts Illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17. Carlino was released the following day on a $40,000 bond. Baldwin was released on July 18th on a $40,000 bond.
Detectives state their investigation is ongoing and if anyone has any information relating to this investigation, you are asked to contact SVU Detective Paulk at 318-473-6727.
“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”
Arrestee:
Melinda Gayle Baldwin, 47
2312 Willowood Lane, Alexandria LA
Charge(s):
Two counts – Cruelty to Juveniles
Two counts – Illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17
Arrestee:
Richard Anthony, 61
2312 Willowood Lane, Alexandria, LA
Charge(s):
Two counts – Cruelty to Juveniles
Two counts – Illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to take a report of alleged criminal sexual conduct involving a juvenile in the Alexandria area on June 30. Deputies took the initial report and Detectives with the Special Victims Unit (SVU) were assigned the case for a follow up investigation.
From their investigation, SVU Detectives identified Jonathon Matthew Miller, 28, as a suspect. As their investigation progressed, Detectives were able to establish sufficient probable cause that supported the original allegations as well as additional charges. Warrants were obtained for Miller’s arrest and on July 12 Miller was located and taken into custody without incident and booked into Rapides Parish Detention Center.
Miller remains in custody at the time of this release, being held on a $465,000 bond.
Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing and if anyone has any information relating to this investigation, they are asked to contact Detective Tamiko Paulk, Special Victims Unit, at 318-473-6727.
“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”
Arrestee:
Jonathon Matthew Miller, 28
2421 McKeithen Drive, Alexandria, LA
Charge(s):
Nine counts – Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
Thirteen counts – Indecent Behavior with Juveniles
Four counts – Pornography Involving Juveniles
Four counts – Computer aided solicitation of a minor
The Rapides Parish School Board will accept bids until August 25 for the lease of 435 acres near Deville.
East of LA 115 and about a mile or two south of LA 28, the property is near, if not adjacent to, Dewey Wills WMA, lying west of Big Saline Bayou.
The entire locale, stretching from Catahoula Lake on the north to Saline Lake on the south to Larto Lake on the east is one of the state’s premier hunting and fishing areas.
The acreage for lease is on the 16th section of the survey township in which it lies.
Under federal (enacted in 1785) and state law the 16th section of each township is reserved for the maintenance and promotion of public schools.
Some sections have actually been used for school facilities. Many others are used to supplement school systems’ revenue streams.
A section (one-mile square) contains 640 acres. A traditional township (six miles square) contains 36 sections.
Because of its topography, it is not out of the ordinary in Louisiana to have more than 100 sections in some townships, with the sections having various shapes, sizes, and acreages.
Bids on the Rapides lease must be submitted on specific forms, available at the School Board Purchasing Department, 619 Sixth Street and must be received by 11 a.m. on the 25th.
Bids on forms other than the board ones will not be accepted.
Specifications and forms can also be requested by email to purchasingdept@rpsb.us, or by sending a written request to P. O. Box 7117, Alexandria, Louisiana 71306. A plat is provided with the specs and forms. Specifications and bid forms are also available at www.centralbidding.com; fees may be associated with the use of this site, according to board officials.
The precise property location is Section 16, T5NR3E.
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies responded to the 200 block of Ates Road in Pineville in reference to a report theft of a travel trailer on July 7. Deputies took the initial report and the case was referred to Detectives from the Tioga Substation for further investigation.
From their investigation, Detectives located what was believed to be the travel trailer was on a vacant lot in the 1900 block of Hickory Hill Road in the Tioga area. Detectives obtained sufficient probable cause and obtained a search warrant on the vacant lot and travel trailer. With the assistance of Patrol Deputies, Detectives were able to confirm the travel trailer was in fact the one stolen from the 200 block of Ates Road. Detectives were able to identify Matthew Pomes of Ball, Daniel Hossieni of Pineville, and Kenneth Charrier also of Ball as the suspects in the theft.
Warrants were obtained for all three suspects and on July 14 they were located and taken into custody without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Pomes was released on July 19th on 1 $16,000 bond. Hossieni remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $36,000 bond. Charrier also remains in jail.
LOUISIANA GREATS: Members of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020 gathered with previously-inducted members on stage. This Legends Lineup concludes each year’s induction ceremony and is a photo favorite for guests.
There are football legends, a women’s basketball great, four baseball icons, a two-time USA Olympian, a world-renowned weightlifting champion with an amazing life story, and five LSU Tigers.
They – and a fun-filled slate of events — are among the reasons to be in Natchitoches Thursday, Friday evening and Saturday, to enjoy the 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.
Festivities include three free events, and four others which require admission charges. Only the grand finale, the Saturday evening Induction Reception and Ceremony presented by State Farm Agents of Louisiana, is a dress up affair.
Two – the Friday lunchtime Bowling Bash presented by BOM, in Alexandria at Four Seasons Bowling Center, and the free Saturday morning New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp on the Northwestern State campus – are activity-filled.
Another – the free Friday night Rockin’ River Fest Concert featuring Rockin’ Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters, and rising country artist Jason Ashley, along with a 10-minute fireworks show over Cane River – is activity-optional, dancing encouraged.
The concert also features a free kids zone presented by Louisiana Propane Dealers with football, basketball, golf and science fun on the Natchitoches riverbank.
Tickets for the Bowling Bash, the Friday night VIP Taste of Tailgating party at the concert, and the big finale, the Induction Reception and Ceremony, are available at LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255. The Saturday noon Round Table Luncheon is already sold out.
Advance registration at LaSportsHall.com for kids 7-17 is required for the free Junior Training Camp, which will feature many of the 2023 inductees participating as coaches in football and basketball.
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning (from New Orleans) joins four-time WNBA All-Star Alana Beard (a Shreveport native with Natchitoches roots) and College World Series champion LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri in a star-studded 12-member induction class.
The Class of 2023 also includes New Orleans native and resident Ron Washington, who managed the Texas Rangers to a pair of World Series appearances and in 2021 helped the Atlanta Braves win the world’s championship (and is still the Braves’ third base coach); two-time LSU track and field USA Olympian and world champion Walter Davis from Arnaudville; and Slidell native, Tulane great and Chicago Bears two-time Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte.
Also set for induction are All-American LSU pitcher Paul Byrd, a 14-year Major League Baseball veteran who made the 1999 All-Star Game; Shreveport native Wendell Davis, who shattered LSU football receiving records before heading to the NFL; multiple national champion and world class weightlifter Walter Imahara, a Baton Rouge florist and UL-Lafayette legend who as a child spent 2 ½ years in a Japanese American internment camp in California; and retired Baton Rouge-Parkview Baptist baseball coach M.L. Woodruff, whose teams claimed 11 state championships.
Two south Louisiana sports journalists, Bruce Brown of Lafayette and longtime New Orleans Times-Picayune high school reporter Lori Lyons, will also be honored.
The Class of 2023 will be enshrined Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 64th Induction Celebration.
The Thursday reception at the museum, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free. As noted above, camp participants need to register online in advance.
The 2023 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors.
For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com .
Eli Manning is one of the featured honorees who will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches Saturday night, and it comes on the 35th anniversary of his father’s induction into the state sports shrine.
Archie Manning was among the Class of 1988, in the days when everything from the press conference to the golf tournament and the induction was held on the same day. The celebration of the state’s Hall of Famers eventually became a three-day extravaganza that starts on Thursday afternoon and extends through Saturday night.
One of the many events on this starburst weekend is the BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash at Alexandria’s Four Seasons Bowling Center at 11:30 a.m. Friday, with all but Eli (he arrives later Friday) expected to be on hand among the Class of ’23 honorees. This is a ticketed event with a charge to participate or watch, rub shoulders with the legends and enjoy a meal from Walk Ons.
If you’re interested in taking part, or getting a ticket to the bowling event, or the Saturday night induction ceremony in Natchitoches, go to LaSportsHall.com.
One of the funny stories to come out of the 1988 press conference was Archie’s memory from the twilight of his career as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. It was a 1984 game against the Chicago Bears when he was sacked 12 times. Archie spent 14 years in the NFL, 11 with the New Orleans Saints, and he was accustomed to getting sacked during his time with the Saints.
Manning was the backup quarterback in ’84 for Tommy Kramer for the Vikings, who finished 3-13. He had to start for Kramer, who was sidelined with an injury, against the “Monsters of the Midway,” who were champs of their division and one year shy of a Super Bowl title.
Manning, the UPI NFC Player of the Year in 1978 and a two-time Pro Bowl honoree, recalled the 11th sack he sustained in that 1984 game.
“Dan Hampton, their All-Pro tackle, picks me up, holds me there and Otis Wilson gets a running start and puts his headgear on my chin — good form tackling,” he deadpanned. “So I’m laying there, my chin all split open and Otis leans over toward me.
“He says, ‘Archie, these guys aren’t blocking for you. You ought to lay here and play like you’re hurt.’
“I said, ‘Otis, I’m damned well thinking about it.'”
Asked during his round of golf the day of the induction if he had a favorite offensive lineman from his time with the Saints, he said, “No, not really.”
He did, however, add that Conrad Dobler, a three-time Pro Bowl guard for the St. Louis Cardinals before playing two seasons for the Saints, was the individual who had the most impact on improving the team’s offensive line. Dobler, once known as the “meanest” man in the NFL, died in February at age 72.
As for Archie, he’s the only father who can claim to join two sons (Class of 2019’s Peyton in addition to Eli) as members of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Bob Tompkins enjoyed a 43-year newspaper career as an award-winning writer and editor, serving the last 39 years at the Town Talk in Alexandria through most of 2015. He is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as a past winner of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. An Alexandria resident, Tompkins is a contributing columnist sharing his talents with Rapides Parish Journal readers.
SIMPLY THE BEST: After helping Southwood High win four state championships, Shreveport’s Alana Beard became the player of the year in women’s college basketball at Duke in a career sending her into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. (Photo courtesy of Duke Athletics)
By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports
For someone who had a career full of highlights, you’d think it would be easy for Alana Beard to choose one.
Think again.
WNBA Champion?
Two Final Four appearances?
Four-time WNBA All-Star?
School scoring record at Duke University?
No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft?
“That’s a tough question,” said Beard, who will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend in Natchitoches.
“It’s impossible to pinpoint just one highlight because all of those have led to this moment,” Beard said. “But my high school career (at Southwood) was my foundation. The fact that we were capable of winning four state championships in a row during that span, that would be it. That was the beginning of everything else.”
The “everything else” part of it is quite substantial because even though her playing career is over, a new career has begun. Once her amazing basketball career ended, she continued to make her mark as founder and president of the 318 Foundation, established to help close the opportunity gap for high school girls in underserved communities.
The program, anchored by the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, has been piloted in Shreveport and is being implemented in other locations.
Beard spent five months in 2019 in Shreveport and took it upon herself to organize meetings with political, civic, and school leaders. “I wanted to see just what was needed in Shreveport,” she said. “I’ve always been adamant about building something in Shreveport for Shreveport and I didn’t want to just let my name to something.”
Beard and Southwood set the standard for high school basketball in this area, but it came from humble beginnings. “Today’s players have so much access to skills trainers and are always evolving,” Beard said. “I was out in my backyard practicing on a dirt court. I was very fortunate to have a coach like Steve McDowell. He laid the foundation for me and gave me the skills and values that go along with being a champion in this sport.”
“She was always the first one there to practice and the last to leave,” McDowell said. “She wanted to be the very best she could be. She had such a will to win.”
Beard did plenty of it. She went on to play at Duke and became the only player in NCAA history to score 2,600 points with 500 assists and 400 steals. In 2004, she won the Wade Trophy, given to the Outstanding Player in Women’s College basketball.
She began her pro career with the Washington Mystics but injuries forced her to miss two complete seasons. In 2012, she returned to play for the Los Angeles Sparks and was part of the 2016 team that won the WNBA title.
Beard retired – “probably a year too late,” she said – in 2019.
“People always say that they didn’t envision themselves being what they turned out to be, but I did,” Beard said, “because I know the amount of work I put into it. I knew what my goals were. I trusted myself and the people I put around me. I’m grateful for everything I’ve been able to accomplish, but I also envisioned it from the get-go.
“My professional career was rewarding,” she said. “That’s the pinnacle for women’s sports. But on top of that, I was able to build relationships that I value more than anything.”
Women’s basketball certainly evolved during Beard’s career. “What I notice more than anything these days is that these women are taking ownership of who they are and really see themselves as a business,” she said. “When you do that, you take more stake in everything else that goes in it. The way that you eat. The way that you work out. The way you present yourself on the court. And the way you present yourself off the court.”
That’s why for those in the 318 Foundation, it doesn’t matter if a student has ever shot a basketball. “We have some life-changing experiences for young girls,” Beard said. “We had two young women, who had never been out of Shreveport, in (Washington) D.C. last week at a leadership camp.”
All of the success Alana Beard has had circles back to those days practicing on that backyard dirt court and her career at Southwood.
“Shreveport raised me,” Beard said. “Shreveport is why I am who I am. I think a lot of people who are raised here go out and gain all of those experiences in the world and don’t return. I’ve always wanted to be different in that sense. I’ve acquired a lot of experience over the last 20 years. What better way to share that than in the community that raised you?”
TONESETTERS: Senior linebacker Jaeden “Buck” Ward, head coach Brad Laird and senior quarterback Tyler Vander Waal (left to right) participated in Monday’s Southland Conference Football Media Day. (Courtesy NSU Athletics)
NATCHITOCHES – Entering his sixth Southland Conference Football Media Day, Brad Laird wanted to look back before focusing on what is in front of his Northwestern State squad.
And the former record-setting Demon quarterback wanted to single out what he considers his team’s most important offseason addition – and it is not one of the more than nearly 30 new scholarship players who have joined the NSU roster since January.
“Our biggest recruit that we’ve had coming into this football season is not a football player,” Laird said during the Southland’s virtual interview segment Monday afternoon. “We’ve got five new (assistant) coaches who have come in and done a great job with these players, but the most important one has been coach Jason Smelser, our director of strength and conditioning. He has changed the mindset of this football team since January. Not just getting bigger, stronger and faster, but the work you have to put in, doing the right thing. He’s brought a different mindset to this football team.”
Smelser’s addition came shortly after the Demons completed their best Southland Conference season in nearly two decades, going 4-2 and finishing a game behind co-champions Southeastern and UIW.
The Demons outplayed their 2022 predictions, a fifth-place projection that matches where the league’s coaches chose NSU to finish in 2023 as well.
Smelser’s presence has been visible for each and every Demon regardless of whether they are new to Natchitoches or an established part of the NSU roster.
“Even when we’re out there conditioning, everything has to be taken seriously,” said quarterback Tyler Vander Waal, who transferred from Idaho State ahead of the spring semester. “You’ve got to have that game intensity doing everything. We talked about Jason Smelser, and he talks about it to0. You’ve got to have that intensity and laser-like focus through everything.”
Vander Waal has embodied that focus since arriving in Natchitoches in January, earning the respect of his teammates on both sides of the ball.
“He’s a dog,” senior linebacker Jaeden Ward said. “He thinks like I do. He expects the best out of his guys. If someone runs a lazy route, he gets on them. I have the utmost respect for him.”
That intensity is something the Demons are focusing on keeping throughout the entirety of their 11-game season, which begins Sept. 2 at UL Lafayette.
“We’ve got to stay focused,” Ward said. “We started conference exactly the way we wanted to, but we fell short in the end. Now, it’s about consistently finishing. With the new players and new coaches we have in, we have the pieces. It’s on us now.”
While Vander Waal will make his NSU debut this season, Ward is set for his third year in Purple and White and second in defensive coordinator Weston Glaser’s system. Blending newcomers like Vander Waal with returners like Ward will be paramount for the Demons entering the 2023 season.
The past two months – when most of the NSU roster was in Natchitoches – has started that process. Vander Waal said, to a man, the Demons accepted him when he arrived in January.
Laird said that feeling has permeated the roster top to bottom.
“I’ve said this, we brought in 27 guys not counting incoming freshmen,” Laird said. “This thing works both ways. As those guys are coming in – Tyler being one of them in January – they didn’t come here thinking they were the guy. Our existing players did not look at them as an enemy or coming to take their spot. It had to work both ways. To me, that’s been the most gratifying thing.
“You’re always looking for that team chemistry. What’s the 2023 season going to be about? You’ve seen the buy-in from both groups – the new guys and the existing players. It’s been fun to watch that mesh. Now in college football, you see it more and more. That has to go beyond the coaches. When I talk about being a player-led team, that’s what you’re seeing.”
In the first half of 2023, the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit has compiled the following stats:
321 arrests
43 pounds marijuana (this does not include the 70 pounds of Marijuana seized early last week in Grant Parish)
14.5 pound methamphetamine
107 pounds powder cocaine
134.9 grams Fentanyl
3 grams Heroin
1017 Xananx pills
750 Ecstasy pills
166 hydrocodone pills
856.1 grams THC gummies
5810 ml Promethazine syrup
225 Suboxone strips
91 firearms seized
7 vehicles seized
$186,072.00 cash seized
The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.
The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area. If you have information or would like to report any narcotics activity, you may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.
