Jasmin Colligan, 32, Beaumont, TX — Battery 2nd degree, Battery simple, Home invasion Intimidation, Cruelty to juveniles;
Kellen Colligan, 27, Woodworth — Simple pregnant domestic abuse battery pregnant, Home invasion intimidation, Cruelty to juveniles;
Jonathan Miller, 28, Alexandria — Indecent behavior with juveniles, 13 counts; Carnal knowledge of juvenile, 10 counts; Computer-aided solicitation of minor, three counts; Possession pornography of juveniles, four counts; Unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling;
Raven Roberts, 30, Pineville — Flight from officer, Resisting officer, No driver’s license.
July 13
Sammy Baggett III, 36, Alexandria — Firearm possession by convicted felon, Resisting officer;
Jeremy Gadison, 30, Cheneyville — Attempted murder 2nd degree, Aggravated assault with firearm;
Marquayle Martin, 32, Pineville — Trafficking children for sexual purposes;
Christopher Vizena, 30, Pineville — Battery 2nd degree, Obstruction, Simple assault/simple battery, Contempt, three counts.
July 14
Brandon Lewis, 36, Alexandria — Possession firearm by convicted felon;
John Kimbro, 31, Alexandria — Battery 2nd degree.
July 16
Ronald Klein Sr., 55, Ball — Resisting officer, Home invasion aggravated assault.
Two Rapides Parish men are charged in apparently non-related cases with sex-related crimes involving minors.
Each faces likely lengthy prison time and possibly substantial fines if convicted.
Jonathan Miller, 28, of Alexandria, jailed on July 11, is charged with 31 counts.
Marquayle Martin, 32, of Pineville, booked on July 13, faces a single serious charge.
Miller, his bond set at $445,000, is accused of:
Indecent behavior with juveniles, 13 counts,
Carnal knowledge of juvenile, 10 counts,
Computer-aided solicitation of minor, three counts,
Possession pornography of juveniles, four counts, and unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling.
The ages and/or gender of his alleged victims is not specified.
The penalty for the possession charge alone is a fine of up to $50,000 and five to twenty years in prison without parole, probation or suspension, per count.
Felony carnal knowledge carries up to $5,000 fine per count or up to 10 years, with or without hard labor, per count.
Indecent behavior is $5,000 max or up to seven years, or both, per count.
The solicitation charge carries penalty of $10,000 maximum fine or five to 10 years, per count.
Martin, who posted $5,000 bond about an hour after being jailed, faces a variable penalty if convicted.
The severity is predicated on the age of any alleged victim. Neither the age or gender is specified in the jail record.
The minimum sentence if convicted would be up to $50,000 fine or 15 to 50 years in prison, or both.
That point was proven when the parent of an autistic child asked Louisiana State University of Alexandria Chancellor Dr. Paul Coreil what the school could offer as a program for special needs students like her daughter. The result was the creation of the LSUA SPERO program, the first inclusive program for students at any LSU System school.
“She wanted equality for her daughter,” explained SPERO Director Brittany Soden, noting the woman had twins and wanted each to have the same opportunities even though one was diagnosed with autism. SPERO stands for Special Program for the Enhancement of Resources and Opportunities. “SPERO translates to ‘I hope’ in Latin,” Soden added, noting the innovative new program provides hope and new opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Speaking to members of the Alexandria Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon, Soden explained SPERO is a four-year post-secondary education program open to students 18-28 with identified intellectual and developmental disabilities that launched in the fall of 2022. To participate, students must have earned a high school diploma, career diploma or equivalent and be ineligible for regular college admission. Rather than an academic degree, students completing the program earn a Certificate of Completion.
Soden said the program focuses on three specific objectives: improving daily living skills, social skills and employment skills. Daily living skills include things like learning to wash clothes, wash dishes, proper nutrition and how to cook. Regarding social skills, Soden said it is often more difficult for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to make friends because they don’t always communicate in traditional ways. “Here, they have access to groups of friends, which is a whole new ballgame,” Soden said.
The goal is to empower the students to be able to care for themselves rather than relying on a parent or caregiver to do things for them. “We teach advocacy skills so they can learn to stand up for themselves,” Soden said.
Regarding employment skills, Soden noted that employers are having trouble finding people who want to work and these students are eager to work. The program teaches basic skills needed to get a job, including how to handle an interview, how to shake hands with an interviewer and how to make and maintain eye contact — all things that are often a challenge for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“They are teaching us more than we ever knew we needed to know,” Soden said. “They have the capability, they just haven’t been given the opportunity.”
While the students are not pursuing an academic degree, they attend classes to have the classroom experience. “They audit the classes, so they don’t take them for credit,” Soden said. They also get to work with student mentors and participate in on-campus events and activities like any other student.
Melva Villard, the mother of one of the SPERO students, said she has seen significant benefit from the program for her daughter. She said her daughter, who was diagnosed with autism as a freshman in high school, has become more independent and her academic skills have improved during her first year in the program. Villard said it was “a gut punch” when her daughter discovered she didn’t have the same opportunities as her friends and peers. “And there were no programs unless I moved somewhere,” she said.
Soden said funding for the program comes primarily from grants and donations. In fact, planning for the program started just before the COVID pandemic and they took two years to raise enough funds to launch the program. In addition to private donations, SPERO has received funding support from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, the Coughlin Saunders Foundation as well as a grant from the LA Board of Regents. Recently, the program was designated as a Comprehensive Transition Program, making SPERO students eligible to receive federal financial aid.
A number of SPERO students joined Soden for the meeting. “It’s surreal to see them here today,” Soden said. “They just completed their first year of college, and now they are sitting here today with members of the Rotary Club.”
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies with the Special Operations Group are conducting a missing person search off of Messina Road for a missing “geocacher” from New Jersey.
According to initial reports, with the assistance of another geocacher, deputies located a vehicle belonging to Robert Owens Jr. of Millville, NJ. A computer check of the vehicle indicated Owens was reported missing on July 17.
Owens is a 58 year old white make, 5’9” tall, 170 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair.
Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.
Also involved in the search is LouisianaDepartment Of-Wildlife AndFisheries U.S. Forest Service, Oak Hill Fire Department and several civilian volunteers.
Sheriff’s Detectives are also on the scene conducting their investigation into the missing person report.
If anyone has any information on Robert Owens, Jr, they are asked to contact RPSO at 318-473-6700, Detective Tamiko Paulk at 319-473-6727 or local law enforcement.
After a sensational show at the 2019 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame River Fest, Rockin’ Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters are back for more on the Natchitoches riverfront stage in a free concert Friday evening, July 28
Quick quiz on what might happen Friday evening, July 28, in Natchitoches at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Rockin’ River Fest, free to everybody on the beautiful downtown Rue Beauport stage:
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning might croon a tune after he’s introduced
Former LSU baseball coach Paul Maineri could dance a jig as he did after steering the Tigers to a 2009 College World Series crown
Rockin’ Dopsie & The Zydeco Twisters will have everybody in a deep Louisiana musical groove
Shreveport native Alana Beard, whose family hails from Cane River country, may water ski to the stage
All of the above, and who knows what else?
Anything is possible during the riverfront concert, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. One of the highlights: at 9 o’clock, the Hall’s impressive Class of 2023, headlined by Manning, Mainieri and Beard, and presenting a very distinct LSU flavor, will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake.
And yes, you read correctly. It’s free. There will be food and beverage vendors on the riverfront, and of course, Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.
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.
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 a few of the fast-disappearing $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.
Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters are back as the headline act, just as they were when Eli’s big brother Peyton was in the Class of 2019. 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” and note “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, putting on shows popular around the Gulf Coast and all the way to Nashville.
The trio of Manning, Mainieri and Beard headline the 2023 inductees. Mainieri is one of five representing the Tigers of LSU, joined by Shreveport native and NFL receiver Wendell Davis, 14-year Major League Baseball pitcher Paul Byrd, two-time USA Olympic jumper Walter Davis and former baseball player M.L. Woodruff, going in on the strength of coaching 11 state champions at Parkview Baptist.
Beard was one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball at Duke and in the WNBA after an incredible high school career at Southwood in Shreveport. Tulane star Matt Forte became a Pro Bowl running back for the Chicago Bears. Walter Imahara won almost three dozen national weightlifting gold medals while competing into his late 60s. New Orleans native Ron Washington managed the Texas Rangers to two World Series, then won it all as the third base coach for the Atlanta Braves in 2021, and remains in that role at age 71.
Acclaimed south Louisiana sports journalists Bruce Brown and Lori Lyons round out the Class of 2023.
Join the fun and celebrate some of Louisiana’s sports greats, for free, on Friday evening, July 28, in downtown Natchitoches. For information on all of the events during the July 27-29 Class of 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
BIG WINNER: Paul Mainieri’s impact as LSU’s head baseball coach helped bring the Tigers great success, notably a pair of College World Series championships – including this year’s triumph. (Photo courtesy LSU Athletics)
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 July 27-29. For tickets and more information, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
By GLENN GUILBEAU, Written for the LSWA
Paul Mainieri wanted the LSU baseball head coaching job in 2006 so badly, he paid for it – literally.
It is 17 years later, and LSU is still reaping the dividends of the Mainieri Era. That figures. Because if this coaching thing had not soon worked out for Mainieri as a 29-year-old St. Thomas University head man in 1987, he would have been selling stocks in a year. At least, that’s what he told his wife Karen.
Mainieri’s father Demie, a National College Baseball Hall of Fame member (2014) who won a national junior college championship at Miami-Dade North in 1964, told his son not to get into coaching if he wanted to get rich … financially.
And dad was right. Because Paul Mainieri was pushing 30 in the summer of 1987 and still living in his dad’s house in Miami with his wife and three kids while coaching Division II St. Thomas.
Mainieri interviewed for the head coaching job at then-USL after the 1987 season, but he lost out to Oklahoma assistant Mike Boulanger.
“I came home and told Karen, ‘If I don’t get a new job next year, I’ll get out of coaching and get a real job,’” Mainieri recalled, sitting at his ‘good luck restaurant’ before SEC home series – Roberto’s on River Road in Baton Rouge. “I had a book on how to sell stocks, and I set that book down on the table. Reluctantly, I would’ve done it. I mean, how long can you ask your wife to live with your parents and three small children?”
About another year, to be exact. The next summer, Mainieri’s career went airborne. He became the coach at the Air Force Academy, and he was off the hook.
“I was really good in math,” Mainieri said. “But fortunately, I never once opened that book.”
His career sure opened, though. After six seasons at Air Force, Notre Dame came calling. Through 12 seasons, Mainieri took the Irish to the NCAA postseason nine times, including the 2002 College World Series, which was Notre Dame’s first visit to Omaha since 1957. He won four Big East regular season titles. He was the coach of the best northern school in the country through most of his tenure.
Then he landed in 2006 at baseball mecca LSU, where in many ways it had all began in 1976 when he played for the Tigers and met Karen, a New Orleans area native.
Mainieri inherited a troubled program and few high-quality players before the 2007 season, but he returned LSU to Omaha in just his second season in 2008. He won the national championship in 2009 and was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame in 2014 to complete the first-father son coaching duo in that hall of fame.
And now, Mainieri enters the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
“When I got the phone call last summer, I surprised myself on how emotional it felt to me,” Mainieri said. “Especially when I heard about the other people who are in. I was just really moved.”
Mainieri retired after the 2021 season at LSU with the 2009 national championship, the 2017 runner-up finish and five trips to the College World Series (2008, ’09, ’13, ’15 and ’17). Under Mainieri, LSU was consistently a fixture at or near the top of the SEC, and the nation, year-in and year-out.
There were six straight top-eight national seeds from 2012-17 and nine overall under Mainieri. He took LSU to nine Super Regionals, including that last season in ’21 when Mainieri delivered one of his better coaching jobs. The team finished 13-17 in the SEC before rallying to get within two wins of Omaha.
LSU won four SEC regular season titles (2009, ’12, ’15, ’17) and six SEC Tournament crowns (2008, ’09, ’10, ’13, ’14 and ’17) under Mainieri.
“I love the state of Louisiana,” he said. “I was so proud to be the baseball coach at LSU for 15 years. I was proud of what we did accomplish. You always wish you did more. It’s just the nature of the business. I thought we restored the pride in the program within the community and won a championship.”
Mainieri also left a national championship team for his successor. Second-year coach Jay Johnson won the 2023 national title with no less than eight players recruited and coached by Mainieri – center fielder Dylan Crews, shortstop Jordan Thompson, second baseman Gavin Dugas, first baseman Tre Morgan, designated hitter Cade Beloso, catchers Hayden Travinsky and Alex Milazzo, and pitcher Ty Floyd. Left fielder Josh Pearson, right fielder Brayden Jobert and pitchers Griffin Herring and Gavin Guidry did not play for Mainieri, but he and former recruiting coordinator Nolan Cain recruited them.
Oh, and Mainieri recommended Johnson to LSU athletic director Scott Woodward during the hiring process in 2021 in which Mainieri was very much involved.
Mainieri finished his LSU career as one of the highest paid college baseball coaches in the nation at over $1 million. But first, he had to pay to come to LSU after LSU athletic director and former five-time national champion coach Skip Bertman picked Mainieri.
Because Notre Dame decided not to waive his buyout following the 2006 season, Mainieri was responsible for the remaining three years of his deal to the tune of $446,000 within 30 days.
Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White ignored the fact that Mainieri had just turned down the Oklahoma job the previous year. And during his time at Notre Dame, Mainieri said no to another Big 12 job, three SEC head coaching jobs and a few others.
“I met with my accountant, and he told me that basically I would have to work at LSU for five years to be at the same position financially I was at Notre Dame at the time,” Mainieri said. “That’s assuming I’d be successful at LSU. It was a risk.”
Mainieri did the math.
“I took out a loan for the $446,000 and wrote Notre Dame the check,” he said. “Coming to LSU was worth the risk.”
Mainly because Mainieri bet on Mainieri Stock, and that of LSU. It paid off handsomely for the coach and the Tigers.
Country music artist, Hugh Harris, will be leading a tribute to the late Hank Williams, Sr. with his band Hugh Harris and the Drifting Cowboys at the 43rd NSU-Natchitoches Folk Festival at Prather Coliseum on July 22. The band will be performing on the Main Stage at 12:00 PM. Hugh will also be inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists at the festival’s ceremony for his many years of dedication and contributions to keeping traditional country music alive.
Hugh Harris was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1972. Hugh’s interest in Hank Williams began at age 5 when he first heard and sang “Jambalaya” during rehearsal for his kindergarten graduation commencement program. Young Hugh went home from school singing “Jambalaya,” and he remembers his mother saying, “I’ve got a record of that!” The record was Hank Williams’ Greatest Hits, and Hugh admits, “I basically played that thing until the grooves wore out…and by the time I had listened to it that much, I could sing a Hank Williams song…and that’s how that happened.”
Hugh has performed his music as well as that of Hank Williams and other historical country artists at festivals and other venues in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and California. In 1998, he made the acquaintance of Terry Huval and other members of the Jambalaya Cajun Band, and together they have performed at other venues and festivals, delivering music distinctly reminiscent of the early days of country, honky-tonk, and western swing music. The collaboration also led to the writing and production of a stage play based on the life of Hank Williams, which has been performed in multiple theaters around the state. Hugh has appeared with such Louisiana musical legends as D.L. Menard and Jo-el Sonnier; performed with Don Helms, Hank Williams’ legendary steel guitar player, as well as other musicians who had previously traveled and played as members of Hank’s bands; and done shows with the likes of Gene Watson, Don Williams, John Anderson, Loretta Lynn, and George Jones.
The 43rd annual Natchitoches-NSU Louisiana Folklife Festival will be held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum, located at 220 South Jefferson Street at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors, and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 AM, with live entertainment scheduled for 10 AM to 9:30 PM. A collection of dozens of craftspeople displaying and selling their works, and several live demonstrations and panel discussions will be held throughout the festival. The family-oriented festival is fully wheelchair accessible. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are $10 at the door for all events, or $6 for an evening pass to all events after 5 PM.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office will hold a Firewood Sale on Thursday, July 20 from 7am-1pm as part of its Firewood Project.
Firewood is $60 per ric, which is a 4×8-foot stack. There’s a two-ric limit. Money orders only. Receipts for money orders will be given at the guard shack on John Allison Drive. Pick up will be on Vandenberg Drive. For more information call 318-709-8489.
Dr. Vera Lee Poole Johnson passed from this earthly life on July 16, 2023 at the age of 95.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, George Martin Johnson, Jr., her father and mother, Murphy and Dessie Poole and brother Samuel N. Poole.
Her early life was spent in Cheneyville, LA and later moved to Forest Hill with her parents and sister Patty and brother Sam. Her sister Patty Pebbles of Alexandria cherishes many good memories spent with Vera.
She loved and enjoyed her large family consisting of five children, all of whom survived her. Four sons, Murphy (friend Terry), George and wife Debbie, Robert and wife Vickie, Randall and wife Lisa, and daughter , Kayla Stanford and husband Dwight; twelve grandchildren, Shane Johnson, Marc Johnson, Sean Johnson, Lauren Lambert, Chadwyck Johnson, Lindsey Treadway, Kristopher Johnson, Jordan Thorne, Tyler Johnson, Micah Lonigro, Cameron Johnson and Levi Stanford and fourteen great grandchildren.
She left an indelible mark on the local community, serving as a rural postal carrier and teacher as well as supporting her husband with his involvement in securing the nursery business as a dominant force in Forest Hill’s economy. Her graduation from Northwestern State University with a doctorate degree in education secured her positions teaching at Carter C. Raymond, Forest Hill, Oakdale as well as serving as Title I Coordinator in Allen Parish.
She was a loyal member of the Glenmora Church of Christ, membership in Eastern Star, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Phi Delta Kappa.
As an avid gardener, Vera enjoyed spending time with her camellias, roses, and poppies. She also had the good fortune to have traveled in several countries and many of the fifty states.
Christian services will be held at 10:00 on Thursday, July 20 in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Alexandria under the direction of Pastor Justin Simmons of Glenmora Church of Christ.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 6:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m at the funeral home.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Shane Johnson, Marc Johnson, Sean Johnson, Micah Lonigro, Jordan Thorne and Kristopher Johnson. Alternates include Scott Treadway, Levi Stanford and Tyler Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Poole, William McInnis, and Sam Poole.
St. Joseph Hospice Care was extremely helpful in her last days before passing. All family members appreciated the care and concern. Thanks!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Glenmora Church of Christ, P.O. Box 367, Glenmora, LA 71433 in memory of Vera Johnson.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to advise candidates, as they conduct their campaign for public office, to please keep the following in mind:
It is against Louisiana Law (see RS 48:347) to place signs within the right of way of a state highway.
Campaign signs placed in the state right of way will be removed and stored at the nearest DOTD parish maintenance unit for 30 days. Contact information for the DOTD Districts can be found below.
A good rule of thumb is to place your sign behind existing utility poles on property where you have received permission from the private property owner. Most utilities are within the DOTD right-of-way.
For directions about where and how to reclaim any of your signs that have been removed by DOTD personnel, please refer to the list below.
Thank you for your cooperation and your help in keeping our roadways safe for the citizens of Louisiana.
Hank Steven Normand May 9, 1953 – July 16, 2023 Visitation: Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 5 pm at Hixson Brothers Marksville. Service: Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 6:30 pm at Hixson Brothers Marksville. Vera Lee Johnson June 17, 1928 – July 16, 2023 Service: Thursday, July 20, 2023, 10 am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Miss Stella Maxine Manning March 19, 1917 – May 7, 2023 Visitation: Thursday, July 20, 2023, Noon at Chapel of Pinecrest, Pineville. Service:: Thursday, July 20, 2023, 1 pm at Chapel of Pinecrest, Pineville.
Jimmie Dale DeRamus April 5, 1952 – July 13, 2023 Visitation: Thursday, July 20, 2023, Noon at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria. Service: Thursday, July 20, 2023, 2 pm at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria.
Thomas Leon Jackson , Sr. March 20, 1944 – July 9, 2023 Visitation: Friday, July 21, 2023, 4 pm at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce. Service: Friday, July 21, 2023, 5 pm at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.
John Edward Dotson, Jr. April 6, 1969 – July 10, 2023 Visitation: Saturday, July 22, 2023, 10 am at New Scott Olly Baptist Church, Alexandria. Service: Saturday, July 22, 2023, 11 am at New Scott Olly Baptist Church, Alexandria.
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)
Two men arrested in Rapides Parish last July allege in federal district court they were deprived of their rights.
Named defendants include Sheriff Mark Wood, the Police Jury, Nortec LLC, an unidentified nurse, three line deputies, and a lieutenant known to the plaintiffs only as Shannon. Nortec has provided health care to parish prisoners since 2015.
The Police Jury was to discuss the litigation in closed session at the conclusion of its regular monthly meeting Monday.
Such discussions are among the exceptions to the state’s Open Meetings Law. Though not required to be in executive session, they almost always are.
Mark Howard Goldstein, 68 at the time, and Lester Nil Jafro Larkai, 24, were stopped about 9 a.m. on July 7, 2022, and booked into the parish jail about 3 p.m. They bonded out just after 6 p.m., records show.
Larkai, of Yonkers, NY, was charged with improper driving on left, flight from an officer and possession of CDS III.
Goldstein, of Reno, NV, was charged with possession of CDS I 1st 14 or less marijuana, tetracycline or chemical derivatives thereof.
During their arrest and/or detention the men claim they were subject to unconstitutional actions by the defendants.
Such alleged actions often cited in such litigation include accusations of unreasonable search and/or seizure, excessive force, and profiling in arrests and traffic stops.
The suit, filed on the defendants’ behalf by attorney Lance Unglesby, cites U.S. Code violations commonly referred to as Section 1983 action.
That section of Title 42 of the U.S. Code was enacted in 1871, allowing action against state employees and others acting “under color of state.”
It allows award of damages. The plaintiffs have requested a jury trial of their allegations.
The section was the vehicle for numerous landmark civil rights actions in the 20th Century.
This case is 1:2023cv00899 in the Western District Court of Louisiana.
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 2837 LA 457, Poland Lock & Dam, in reference to theft on July 7.
According to the initial report, employees arrived at 7am to find the black, 20 ft utility trailer with 100 gallon fuel tank missing, as well as batteries from equipment and damage to a storage building and wiring.
The trailer has been described as a 20ft, black, Circle M trailer with 2 ramps.
The theft and damage occurred between the hours of 5pm on July 6 and 7am on July 7.
If anyone has any information on this theft, they were asked to contact the RPSO Criminal Investigation Division, Detective Shannon Hanks, at 318-473-6727, RPSO 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers 318-443-7867.
The Alexandria Police Department was called to the 3200 block of Redwood Drive about a shooting on July 14. When officers arrived, it was learned that an 18-year-old male sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.
This is currently an ongoing investigation.
If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559.
Rory McIlroy is riding some momentum heading into this week’s British Open at Royal Liverpool, where he won the 2014 British Open. He’s coming off a dramatic triumph in the Scottish Open this past weekend, firing birdies on the last two holes to claim a one-shot victory over Scotland native Robert MacIntyre.
Yet, when it comes to the British Open — one of my two favorite major golf tournaments (yes, the Masters is the other) — the 34-year-old, four-time major champion from Northern Ireland might deep within his mind harbor the dream about matching Harry Vardon’s record six British Open titles.
The person who came closest to that grand accomplishment was American Tom Watson, who won eight major titles, collecting five of those at the British Open. He almost won a record-tying sixth in 2009, coming within inches of doing so at age 59 at Turnberry in a four-hole playoff with Stewart Cink. And this was nine months after hip-replacement surgery.
Watson’s inspiring quest for the record was transpiring while we were at the Paragon Casino, and I turned down a chance to work the slots to watch the tournament broadcast on a TV elsewhere at the casino. Needless to say, it was a sad letdown when “Old Tom” (not British Open legend “Old Tom” Morris) couldn’t sink that last putt in his duel with Cink.
Speaking of duels, at the same course, no less, Watson was part of one of the epic duels in golf history at the 1977 British Open at Turnberry. He and Jack Nicklaus clashed in what would be called the “Duel in the Sun.” Those two were head and shoulders and even hips above everyone else in the field — as if playing another game in another stratosphere. Nicklaus posted his lowest aggregate score in a major championship, 269, but lost by a stroke to Watson, whose 268 total beat the record by eight shots.
In his biography, Nicklaus wrote the match was “by far the most thrilling head-to-head battle” he’d ever been involved in.
One of the day’s incredible shots was at the 15th where Watson holed out a 60-foot birdie from the hardpan to even the match.
That’s when Watson, the youngster, looked at the veteran Golden Bear and said, “This is what it’s all about, isn’t it Jack?” Nicklaus’ reply: “You bet it is.”
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.
Louisiana Department of Health Regional Administrator and Medical Director for the Alexandria area, Dr. David Holcombe, was celebrated for his years of service to the state at a retirement ceremony on July 14.
As Medical Director, Dr. Holcombe was the top public health official in LDH Region VI, which encompasses Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon and Winn Parishes. He oversaw all community health and preparedness programs, as well as environmental and preventative health programs in the region.
More importantly, Dr. Holcomb and his staff answered the call and worked tirelessly through a worldwide pandemic known as COVID-19.
Dr. Holcomb was the steady voice of reason, expert authority, and leader in Central Louisiana when it came to the pandemic.
“We want to thank Dr. Holcombe for his leadership and compassion he has always shown our community”, said Rapides Parish Sheriff Wood, who attended the event. “We’re both battle tested and fire baptized in those early days of the pandemic and he was always there to give us guidance and assistance and we will be forever grateful to him for his expertise and his friendship. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and know our door is always open.”
The biggest, most celebrity, and fun-filled party of every summer in Natchitoches and for miles around is coming your way a bit later than normal, at the end of this month.
Three days of festivities are right around the corner, Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 29, with the 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning Joins four-time WNBA All-Star Alana Beard (whose parents are from Natchitoches Parish) and College World Series champion LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri in a star-studded 12-member induction class.
The LSHOF Class of 2023 also includes New Orleans native 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; two-time LSU track and field USA Olympian and world champion Walter Davis; and Slidell native, Tulane great and Chicago Bears two-time Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte.
Also elected 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 UL-Lafayette legend; and retired Baton Rouge-Parkview Baptist baseball coach M.L. Woodruff, whose teams claimed 11 state championships.
The LSHOF’s Class of 2023 will be enshrined Saturday, July 29, at the Hall of Fame’s home in Natchitoches to culminate the 64th Induction Celebration.
The 2023 Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, July 27, with the La Capitol Federal Credit Union Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum.
The Friday, July 28 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2023 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party presented by Hancock Whitney.
The slate on Saturday, July 29 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. Kids ages 7-17 do need to register in advance at the LaSportsHall.com website, but there is no charge to participate.
At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is held at The Venue on Front Street.
Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.
The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255, and those events could become sellouts.
The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free. As noted above, camp participants must 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.
WINNING WASH: New Orleans native Ron Washington has helped the Atlanta Braves win a World Series and sustain winning after he managed the Texas Rangers to a pair of World Series appearances. (Photo courtesy Atlanta Braves)
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 July 27-29. For tickets and more information, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
By GIL LeBRETON, Written for the LSWA
The summer of 1970 was a trying and turbulent time to be young and growing up in America.
The military draft was sending high school and college graduates off to war. Vietnam had become a four-letter word.
The air was yet rife with National Guard tear gas and the memory of students gunned down at Kent State.
The Beatles had broken up. Jimi Hendrix died of an overdose. Ford introduced the Pinto.
And in New Orleans, 5-foot-11, 140-pound Ron Washington was about to go off and become a baseball player.
His measurables are pertinent because Washington, at age 18, reported to the inaugural class of the Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy expecting to be a catcher.
The Royals organization had scoured the nation and held tryouts in 41 states for 7,682 kids between the ages of 16 and 21. Washington was one of the 42 selected for the academy’s first class.
“I was well-rounded,” Washington recalled. “I could hit. I could field, I could throw. I could run. And I was cocky. I talked a lot of trash.”
Coming from a family of 10 kids, Washington had learned the power of speaking up.
Now 71 and third base coach of the Atlanta Braves, Wash smiled and shook his head at the memory of the skinny kid from the Ninth Ward of New Orleans who left home to play baseball 53 years ago.
He was one of three (Frank White and U.L. Washington being the others) from the original Royals Academy who made it to the big leagues.
“I caught. I threw people out. I led off. I stole bases – that’s what I did,” Washington said on a recent visit with the Braves to play a series against Texas.
“I was a bad ass behind the plate. If I could have put on some weight . . .”
In 1973 the Royals decided he was too small to make the big leagues as a catcher.
He became an infielder. And Ron Washington’s life was changed forever.
He is not being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame because he had a championship or all-star playing career. But rather, he has coached and managed championship teams and helped to make all-stars of so many of his players.
With Washington coaching infielders, Oakland shortstop Miguel Tejada won the American League MVP award in 2002. A’s third baseman Eric Chavez won six Gold Gloves. He gave one of them to Washington with a note attached — “Wash, not without you.”
He helped turn Michael Young and Ian Kinsler into all-star infielders when he managed Texas to American League championships in 2010 and 2011. His Rangers suffered a gut-wrecking seven-game loss to St. Louis in 2011 – one pitch away from winning Game 6, and the Series crown.
Two seasons ago in Atlanta, Washington finally got his ring as the Braves won the World Series. He’s still in the third base coaching box as Atlanta is rolling toward another run at the Fall Classic later this year, but first, there’s a couple of days away from the club that he and family members will spend next Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Natchitoches.
He remains a beloved figure in north Texas. His Rangers teams had four consecutive 90-win seasons and six times finished either first or second in the American League West.
On a recent trip back to Texas, Wash reflected on his time as Rangers manager.
“It fits high on everything I’ve ever done in this game,” he said. “It started with a lot of talk. But you’ve got to believe. If you are a leader and you believe, the next thing is your followers have to believe. Those players believed because I believed.”
Washington still calls New Orleans home.
His wife Gerry, whom he met in 10th grade at John McDonogh High, comes from a family of 14 kids. Wash himself is one of 10. Their families are in New Orleans, and so home is New Orleans, Washington said.
His house in New Orleans East, at the corner of Dorcester and Perth, was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. But Washington rebuilt, patiently overseeing the work himself in the off-seasons.
Washington said he is humbled by his selection to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
“It was certainly a surprise to me,” he said. “I was just a young kid in New Orleans, running behind a baseball because I loved it. I love baseball. I just love baseball.
“I never dreamed or even thought of being in anybody’s Hall of Fame. I think I was just blessed to be someone who informs, who teaches, who believes that he can help.”
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: Jayden Daniels’ progress, and accomplishments, at quarterback last season had LSU coach Brian Kelly quite optimistic at SEC Media Days Monday. (Photo by PETER FOREST, Journal Sports)
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
NASHVILLE – All Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels did last football season was step into LSU’s starting quarterback job, without the benefit of knowing the offense and the personnel, and guide the Tigers to 10 wins including a victory over Alabama.
And capture the SEC West Division title, a spot in the league championship game and put a school bowl record 63 points on the scoreboard in a Citrus Bowl beatdown of Purdue.
He accounted for 3,798 (2,913 passing, 885 rushing) of LSU’s 6,344 total offense yards, the second-highest team output in school history behind the 2019 national championship team.
Daniels threw for 17 TDs, ran for 11 and became the first LSU player to account for three rushing and three passing TDs in a game decided in regulation.
Yet on the first day of the 38th SEC Media Days staged Monday here at the Grand Hyatt, a writer actually asked Brian Kelly if was still committed to Daniels as the Tigers’ starting quarterback for the Sept. 3 season opener vs. Florida State in Orlando.
Wow. What does a guy do to make the doubters finally disappear?
“Jayden is our starter, he’ll start,” Kelly said without hesitation. “But he’ll have to continue to improve and progress, because (backup) Garrett Nussmeier is getting better every single day, as well.
“You want to talk about great competition? It’s about as good as a head coach could hope for at the quarterback position.”
What held Daniels back in the first half of last season – his reluctance to throw the ball downfield – disappeared over the last six games of the regular season when LSU went 5-1.
It remained a personal point of reference he carried into the spring and now through the off-season.
“The bulk of what we discussed was the need for me to be more aggressive and take more shots,” Daniels said of his conversations with Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. “We’re very explosive on the outside with a lot of talented receivers. We have a bond and friendship on and off the field.
“We’ve been focusing on our timing, working as fast as possible, and being smart.”
What Daniels went through the first half of last season was the same thing Joe Burrow experienced in his first season at LSU in 2018 after transferring from Ohio State. He was still trying to learn his personnel and the offensive playbook.
The difference between Burrow and Daniels is Burrow tried to stay in the pocket when it collapsed, playing to his strength of wanting to throw. Daniels’ comfort zone was taking off and running after holding the ball too long.
Before the disappointing 40-13 loss to Tennessee in Tiger Stadium in Game 5, Kelly and Daniels had a conversation that helped Daniels see the light.
“Just throw it out there, we’ve got guys there that can make the plays for us,” Kelly told Daniels. “You don’t always have to fall back and make a play for myself.”
Kelly said the learning process between he and Daniels was a two-way street.
“We knew Jayden as a person, but we really didn’t know him much as a football player and how would he respond in really a new system of offense where he had to make really a 180 in terms of what he was asked to do,” Kelly said.
“From what we saw in the first week where a step up in the pocket meant step up and run or not making those tight-window throws. I think that’s what we saw during the year was his natural progression of understanding the offense and being more confident.”
Daniels felt he and the offense began to turn the corner in the Tennessee loss.
“Even though we lost, I felt comfortable running the offense after that,” Daniels said. “We kind of just took off as an offense of what we were capable of doing and what we knew that we could do. Getting explosive plays, going out there and just taking shots and giving those guys a chance to make plays.”
Tigers’ running back Josh Williams said Daniels has improved weekly from the day he arrived on campus.
“I could see him every day and every game getting more and more confident, especially after the Alabama game,” Williams said. “Going into the offseason, I saw him come in (to the practice facility) more often earlier and stay longer talking to his receivers and his line, talking about his receivers, talking with the line, coordinating play around friendship and stuff.
“He’s gotten stronger in the weight room, he’s faster and he’s gotten more competent throwing the ball. He’s just taking over the team.”
Daniels spent part of this summer once again making trips back home to California working with an elite group of college quarterbacks.
“The best thing is we all have a healthy respect for each other,” Daniels said. “We watch each other’s games on Saturday. It’s great to see how guys train in the off-season.”
Kelly wants to see Daniels continue where he left off in the Citrus Bowl blowout of Purdue. The game was so lopsided he shared QB duties with Nussmeier, so his stats (67 yards rushing, 12 of 17 passing for 139 yards and 1 TD and a 5-yard TD catch on a pass from wide receiver Malik Nabers) weren’t overwhelming.
But Kelly was pleased with how Daniels accomplished the task that day.
“He was aggressive, but he was under control,” Kelly said. “He ran the ball when he needed to but stepped up in the pocket and made the tight window throws.
“That’s a natural progression. We want to see that in year two. We want to see that confidence that we saw at the end of the year continue to show itself right through the first game against Florida State.”
Services for Jimmie Dale DeRamus will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023 in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria with Reverend Dale Fulenwider officiating. Burial will be in Alexandria Memorial Gardens.
The family requests visitation be held Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria from 12:00 p.m. until time of service.
Jimmie Dale DeRamus entered his Heavenly Home on July 13, 2023, at approximately 3:00 a.m. His passing was unexpected and came as a great shock to everyone. It came after a brief stay at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. due to a rare form of cancer with multiple complications.
Jimmie was born on April 05, 1952, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Troy and Edwina DeRamus. In 1972, he married his High School Sweetheart, Peggy Irene Carlino, and remained so for the rest of his life. They were married 50 years & they had 3 children together.
Jimmie was a man determined to have influence in the world, as well as his family. No matter the subject, he had a story… he knew a man… he had been there and done it. Jimmie was a marriage counselor to many of us. When asked how he and Peggy stayed married for 50 years, his answer was always “I learned to say YES MA’MM on our honeymoon” and it would all be all right. He was a businessperson, a storyteller, an organ grinder, a musician, a donkey basketball referee and most importantly to those blessed enough to be close to him, you were his family.
In 1985, Jimmie & Peggy opened Silver Dollar Pawn & Jewelry Center which grew to be an essential business in the Central Louisiana community. The business led to the filming of “Cajun Pawn Stars” which is known worldwide. Fans of the show came from everywhere to meet the cast. Jimmie loved meeting each one of them and you never met Jimmie without leaving with a story!
Jimmie was preceded in death by his youngest son, Chad Alan DeRamus, his Mother-in-law and Dad-in-law, Patsy and Johnny Carlino, and both of his parents, Troy and Edwina DeRamus.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Carlino DeRamus; a daughter, Tammie Lynette DeRamus-Credeur and a son, Jon Jason DeRamus. Also left to cherish his memories are six Grandsons, David Skylar DeRamus-Credeur & wife Tara, Dylan Alexander DeRamus-Credeur, Jacob Dalton DeRamus-Credeur, Justin Lane DeRamus-Credeur, Jonathan DeRamus & wife Kady, and Tristen DeRamus, four great grandchildren, Cheyenne Credeur, Charlotte Credeur, Christopher DeRamus & McKenzie DeRamus. He is also survived by his brother, Johnnie DeRamus.
Jimmie had a special bond and place in his heart for his brother Wallace, who led him with kindness, love, and forgiveness into the kingdom of God.
He also held a very close bond and friendships with Dale Durham and Jon Norman who provided much comfort and help through the many tragedies the DeRamus family faced over the years.
Pall Bearers will be David Skylar DeRamus-Credeur, Dylan Alexander DeRamus-Credeur, Jacob Dalton DeRamus-Credeur, Justin Lane DeRamus-Credeur, Jonathan DeRamus and Tristen DeRamus.
Services for Bessie Mae Nichols Howell will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Wilda Baptist Church, with Bro. Joey Rudisill officiating. Interment will follow in Dark Neal Cemetery under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the time of service on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the church.
Bessie Mae Nichols Howell, 74, of Boyce, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Rapides Regional Medical Center.
Bessie is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Jefferson Jr. and Allie Mae Nichols, along with numerous brothers and sisters.
Bessie Mae will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all. She was lovingly called “Nannie” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bessie Mae had a great love of bright colors, flowers, butterflies, and lady bugs. She had a bright personality and a nurturing heart. Bessie Mae was a life-long member of Wilda Baptist Church and served her church community by volunteering with the Sunday School ladies for many church functions. Bessie Mae will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Michael J. Howell (Charlene) and Kristene N. Lewis (Carson); 5 siblings, Murrel Nichols (Jean), Amanda Warner, Kendrith Ray Nichols (Onnie), Effie Newsome, and Audrey Roberts; 5 grandchildren, Chelsea LeBlanc (Erik), Caleb Howell, Triston Howell, Ethan Lewis, Carsten Lewis; step-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Lewis, Andrew Lewis (Rebecca); and two great-grandchildren, Easton LeBlanc and Pryor LeBlanc.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Caleb Howell, Triston Howell, Ethan Lewis, Carsten Lewis, Erik LeBlanc, and Robert Morgan.
Charitable donations in Bessie’s memory can be made to the Wilda Baptist Church Building Fund, 75 St. Clair Rd., Boyce, LA 71409.
