Rapides Parish felony drug bookings. Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

July 25

Ethan Dunn, 18, Boyce — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession paraphernalia; Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense CDS I > 28 grams analogues or counterfeit thereof; Possession, manufacture, distribution < 2.5 pounds marijuana, tetracycline or chemical derivatives thereof;

Christopher Winget, 29, Pineville — Possession CDS II < 2 grams — Possession paraphernalia, Contempt of court;

Jack Young Jr., 28, Pollock — Possession CDS II 2-28 grams, Possession paraphernalia.

July 26

Kevrick Harrison, 32, Alexandria — Possession CDS I 1st 14 marijuana, tetracycline or derivatives thereof; Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense, possession with intent CDS III; Possession paraphernalia; Illegal carrying firearm with drugs; Probation violation; Contempt of court, two counts.

July 27

Quintella Benjamin, 34, Alexandria — Possession fentanyl, carfentanil < 2 grams; Possession CDS IV except flunitrazepam; Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession paraphernalia, Resisting officer, Driving under suspension/revocation, Expired license plate/registration, Contempt of court;

Savannah Davis, 37, Pineville — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession paraphernalia.

July 28

Luis Perez, 35, Miami — Create, distribute or possession with intent counterfeit CDS II; Possession CDS I 2-28 grams;

David Drerup, 64, Alexandria — Possession CDS II 2-28 grams, Contempt of court;

Christina Harvey, 34, Pineville — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession CDS I 1st 14 marijuana, tetracycline or derivatives thereof; Possession CDS II 2-28 grams, Possession paraphernalia, Resisting officer, Contempt of court;

Jason Reed, 39, Pineville — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, two counts; Unauthorized entry inhabited dwelling, Probation violation.

July 29

Davetreous Howard, 32, Boyce — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession paraphernalia, Resisting officer; Obstruction highway;

Mary Martin, 32, Pineville — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession paraphernalia, Driving under suspension/revocation.

July 30

Paul Betts, 57, Alexandria — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession paraphernalia;

Shonda Fisher, 50, Alexandria — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Possession paraphernalia, Simple battery, Contempt of court;

Eric Sherman, 19, Alexandria — Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense, possession with intent CDS I > 28 grams or more analogues or counterfeit thereof; Possession firearm by convicted felon; Possession firearm with drugs; Illegal carrying firearm.

July 31

Fredrick Warren, 37, Bogalusa — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, two counts — Possession paraphernalia, Resisting officer, No driver’s license, Improper lane usage, Obstructed driver’s view – exceeding three persons in front seat;

Brian Whatley, 43, Jonesville — Create, distribute, possess with intent counterfeit CDS II; CDS in presence of person under 17, two counts; Possession CDS I 1st 14 marijuana, tetracycline or derivatives thereof; Smoking in vehicle person under 17; Contempt of court, three counts. 

Rapides Parish Operating While Intoxicated bookings. Arrests are charges, not convictions. 

July 25
Michael Hemphill, 45, Kountze, TX — OWI 1^st, General speeding law, Contempt of court;
Connie Lacour, 51, Winnfield — OWI 1^st, Possession CDS II < 2 grams, Careless operation, Driving under suspension/revocation; Contempt of court, three counts.

July 26
Gerardo TolChitic, 34, Alexandria  — OWI 1^st, Open container, No driver’s license.

July 27
Alfredo Sanchez, 50, Ragley — OWI 1^st, Improper lane usage.

July 28
Aaron Long, 41, Alexandria — OWI 2nd.

July 30
Kadarius Howard, 28, Jena — OWI 1^st, No driver’s license in possession.

By JIM BUTLER

A Forest Hill teenager is charged with 30 sexual crimes.

Salvadore Rojas-Hernandez, 17, was booked in the parish lockup Tuesday.

If convicted, the penalty depends in part on the age (if 13 or under) of his alleged victim or victims.

Charges are:

Sodomy – crime against nature – aggravated, 10 counts;
Sexual battery oral, 5 counts;
1st degree rape, 15 counts.

No information was available on the age or gender of the victim or victims.

A roseate spoonbill sighted in Wisconsin (first in 178 years) has that state all atwitter this week, even bumping Packers camp from top of the news.

Brings to mind this earlier observation:

Noticed this morning that one of the crawfish ponds on my daily commute route across the Cajun prairie is being drained. Shore birds of many varieties are flocking to it and turtles are leaving.

The turtles’  mission to cross the highway and get to a pond still holding water is sort of like all those 8th Air Force sorties from England to Germany during the big war. They left Great Britain with the assumption of returning, though the fact was many would be lost on each raid.

So it is with these turtles. Most, as evidenced by the carnage splattered along the road, ain’t gonna make it. There’s nothing in their genetic hard-wiring to prepare them for vehicles approaching at 60+ mph, so off they go.

Like those bombers, the turtle migration is a numbers thing. Many are lost, but many also make it to the pond where water still remains.

As for the birds, they come by the hundreds to pick off crawfish left on the exposed mud flats.

There are the ubiquitous egrets, as well as rails, skimmers, a few gulls lured 40 miles inland by the chance of a free meal, and purple gallinules.

Standing out among the birds are the roseate spoonbills. They are, to borrow a phrase, pretty in pink, as the rising sun lights them up like large balls on a Christmas tree.

I suppose their glistening plumage makes up for their other distinguishing feature — a spoonbill that looks sorta like the first, and rejected effort, at designing a pelican.

The roseates are a lot like many of us — not as nice up close as we are from a distance.

Jim Butler, a Bolton High School alumnus, was an acclaimed writer and editor at the Alexandria Town Talk for 36 years, the last 23 (1977-2003) as editor-in-chief. He led Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of Hurricane Katrina for the Gulfport (Miss.) Sun-Herald in 2005. Butler returned home to Cenla a few years ago, and shares his talents and insight with Rapides Parish Journal readers.

The Alexandria Police and Fire Departments responded to a call reporting a swimmer in distress in the Red River near the Alexandria Amphitheater on July 31 around 7:56 pm. Emergency rescue personnel searched the waterway for several hours but were unable to locate the swimmer. Rescue efforts were temporarily suspended late Monday night due to visibility and resumed at daylight on Tuesday morning.

The Alexandria Fire Department Dive Team searched the river throughout the day on Aug. 1. The rescue/recovery efforts were amplified by assistance from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office who provided equipment and personnel all day and into the night on Tuesday.

The Alexandria Fire Department recovered the victim’s body on Aug. 2 at 8 am approximately two miles downriver from the location of the initial call.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APD-Detectives@cityofalex.com

By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine/TV

A lot of kids coming out of high school have a chance to sign in one sport for college, but a select few have a opportunity to play two sports at the next level.

Class of 2024 athlete Maximus Kadrmas of Tioga has a chance to be that special case, to able to choose a sport for college in either track or football.

Choices, choices, choices. Kadrmas has them.

“What I like about track is just the feeling of winning when I cross the finish line. It’s addictive and I love it. Makes me want to strive to be better than ever.

“I started playing the game of football at the age of 7 at the Red River Youth Football League and made a lot of memories there. I started with track my freshman year at 14 years old,” he said.

At Tioga, he has excellent coaches in both sports.

“Coach Kevin Cook has always provided me and my team a good foundation for life and the game of football,” said Kadrmas.

“Head track coach Dan Christman is one of my favorite coaches. He’s my guy. He always has great energy and always can make us laugh. He always wants to win just like me and will do anything for his players. I’m fortunate to be coached by the winningest track and field coach in Cenla.”

Tioga was state runner-up in track and field in May, and Kadrmas was a key contributor. He won state in the 300 meter hurdles and on a leg of the 4×400 meter relay, and ran fourth in the 110 meter hurdles.

As a defensive back last fall, Kadrmas had 34 tackles, 12 pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

His father was a two-sport standout, winning a state title and earning a football scholarship to North Dakota.

But Kadrmas is a Louisiana guy and says he “grew up liking LSU because I’m from Louisiana.”

This summer he attended football camps at LSU, Louisiana Tech and Harding.

He doesn’t have to decide yet which sport to pursue. He may do both at the next level. But at this point, Kadrmas has a slight preference.

“I think it will be hard for me to choose a sport when I’m done because I love both sports a lot,” he said. “But if it came down to picking right now, I would say football for college.”

I believe this 5-11, 178-pounder is a big time Division I sleeper as a strong safety in football. His athleticism is so impressive, and so is his speed. Winning state in the 300 meter hurdles is a big deal because that may be one of the two or three most grueling races in the sport.

There’s a long list of great football/track athletes in our state. Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Eddie Kennison comes to mind, all the way back to the incomparable Billy Cannon, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner.

I’m not saying Kadrmas is that level of talent. But he is remarkable and I believe will get to choose between playing football at a Division I FBS or FCS school, or doing two sports at a smaller one.

Lee Brecheen has operated Louisiana Football Magazine for over 30 years and is one of the state’s foremost experts on high school football and especially recruiting. Based in Baton Rouge, Lee travels statewide to watch practices and games and has broken down film and tape since the late 1980s. He has converted the printed product to an online website (Lafootballmagazine.com) that will preview every high school and college football program in the state before kickoff this fall. Lee also hosts a football-centric TV show on YouTube, The Sports Scouting Report, on weekdays.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

By BRAD WELBORN, Special to the Journal

NATCHITOCHES – New Northwestern State head  softball coach Lacy Prejean added two things to her life Wednesday afternoon, a new family and a new color scheme to her wardrobe. 

After years spent wearing the crimson of Alabama and the vermillion of UL Lafayette, the addition of NSU purple to her closet was made easier thanks to one of the most important things in her life – family. 

“There is no doubt that God orchestrated every step in the journey that led me here today,” Prejean said in front of a packed Stroud Room inside the Donald G. Kelly Fieldhouse. “I want to thank Him for instilling in me an unwavering faith and making it very clear that the Northwestern State family was special.  

“I felt that sense of family from the first conversation I had with (NSU Director of Athletics) Kevin Bostian, and it only got stronger when I got to campus and met Mr. Mike Newton, Mr. Buddy Wood, (NSU President) Dr. (Marcus) Jones and so many other administrators and staff. Every single person that I met made me feel like family.” 

Prejean, an assistant at ULL, became NSU’s 12^th head softball coach after Donald Pickett resigned in late July after 15 years with the program and multiple conference tournament championships. Both Bostian and Prejean made it a point to thank Pickett and his family for their service to NSU and Natchitoches.  

One week after Pickett’s resignation, the clear-cut favorite rose to the top for Bostian and the hiring committee who moved quickly getting Prejean to Natchitoches. 

“We had a great pool of candidates and what became obvious as we got into the details was a clear person we felt would be the best fit for Northwestern State,” Bostian said. “For us to get someone coming from the premiere mid-major program in the country in UL Lafayette is big for our program. I think she’s going to have the energy and wherewithal to get our program moving forward.” 

Prejean’s desire to be a coach was stoked by a Cooperstown elite during her playing days at Alabama prior to a pivotal game against UCLA. 

“We were in the locker room getting ready for our game when the door opens and in walks legendary coach Tommy Lasorda,” she said. “I look up in shock and say to myself, ‘Oh my gosh that’s Tommy Lasorda.’ He comes in and gives us the best motivational speech ever. His face is red, he’s spitting and just going at it.  It was then that I knew I wanted to be a coach like that. A coach that inspires their players.” 

It was another Hall of Famer that helped form Prejean’s coaching acumen and the basis of her family culture and philosophy in Alabama skipper Patrick Murphy and long-time assistant Alyson Habetz.  

“They gave this country girl from Scott a chance to play Division I softball at a high level,” Prejean said. “They helped mold my coaching philosophy and were the ultimate role models on and off the field. If I can be as good as they are at developing players and inspiring student-athletes like they’ve inspired me, then the Southland Conference better watch out.” 

Prejean also thanked UL Lafayette head coach Gerry Glasco for the opportunity to coach alongside him for the past five seasons for the Ragin’ Cajuns and serving as another mentor in preparing her to be a head coach. 

The ties that connect Prejean coaching mentors like Murphy and Glasco are equally as strong as the ones that connect her to her parents, siblings and laundry list of others that have become part of her journey.  

“They are truly my backbone,” Prejean said of her parents John Wayne and Rebecca and three siblings. “They have always shown unconditional love and support during my entire career and especially the last few days.” 

After a promise to her new players to work hard to make their college experience unforgettable, Prejean shared her family-based philosophy that reinforced the notion of NSU being the right fit at the right time. 

“Person over athlete is the fundamental basis of my coaching philosophy,” Prejean said. “It’s critical that every student-athlete knows that she is valued and appreciated as a person first and that will be my number one priority. Secondly, I believe that an authentic culture of excellence can only exist in a family environment.  

“My definition of family is summed up in the acronym – forget about me, I love you. Building this kind of family isn’t easy in today’s culture. It requires sacrificing personal feelings and egos, investing time to building relationships that cultivate trust, believing in something bigger than self and having hope in the greatness that can be accomplished together. And it requires loving others even when they don’t deserve it. If these things are practiced consistently over time, a culture of excellence will grow and that’s when the real magic happens.” 

When I listened to the weatherman on the news last night, I know my brow must have furrowed a bit. No, he wasn’t talking more thunderstorms; something else was about to take place.

Every day or two for a couple of weeks, we were blessed with a shower. Most were light, less than a tenth of an inch but getting a dab of rain has kept things in my yard looking green and nice and needing a mowing every week. What the weatherman said last night that put a knot in my stomach was a forecast that read like this; hot, humid and dry.

Sound familiar? No rain anywhere in sight for at least the next week. Even though it’s the dog days of summer and things are supposed to be hot and humid with little moisture, these are conditions that we never like to see.

Since I don’t have a sprinkler system installed, I have to drag out hoses and move them around the yard to keep things from drying up.

As much as I dislike hot dry weather and all it involves, I got to thinking about our pets, dogs especially, that can get into trouble if they stay out too long during the hottest times of year.

What are some basic rules and suggestions that apply to how to take care of your pup when conditions are like what we are experiencing? I called an expert, Lori Seacrist, one of the owners of Petite Paws Pet Hotel whose job is to take care of the dogs in her care. She shared some important tips and suggestions that will be of value in assuring that our fur buddies stay safe and out of danger during these high heat times.       

“It depends a lot on the particular breed and age of dogs. Older dogs and young puppies seem to have more trouble with heat while the ‘smush nosed’ dogs, like pugs and French bulldogs have the most trouble getting enough oxygen to combat the excessive heat. On the other hand, hunting breeds of dogs like Labs and hounds can more easily adapt to these extreme conditions,” Lori said.

It is also important when planning outings with your dog during times when the temperatures are brutal. She suggested that you should plan outings early and late in the day to avoid potential problems.

“If you’re out with your dog during the hottest part of the day, not only the heat but the humidity can affect them just like it does us. Nothing is much worse for dogs and people than to be subjected to high temperatures and high humidity. Be sure your dog’s ‘potty’ breaks are short and in shaded areas,” she said.

“Another thing to consider is the concrete and asphalt like on your driveway. Reach down and touch these surfaces and if it’s hot to your hand, it’s the same on their paws. Walking them on grass or surfaces other than concrete and asphalt is the best bet,” she continued.

What should you do to help your pup should you see that heat is starting to take a toll on the dog’s wellbeing?

“Dogs can be subject to heat stroke and heat exhaustion just like humans can. If your dog seems especially lethargic after being outside awhile in hot conditions, if they seem to drool or you see foam around the mouth, these are red flags.

“Get the dog to a cool spot and refrain from cooling them down too quickly. Definitely don’t expose them to an ice bath. Instead, use a fan, take a cool rag and put on the paw pads and on the snout to slowly bring the body temperature down,” she said.

Remember these tips to protect your fur baby during these brutal summer days.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

Oh my stars, this was out of this world good!  Inspired by the flavors we all love in French Onion Dip, this takes it up a notch with caramelized onions, pasta and the most delicious dressing.  I made this recently for Grady Woods’ birthday party as a side dish, and everyone there loved it!  The onions do take awhile, but do not skimp on this labor of love.  The end result is worth the time!  This will keep in the fridge for a few days as well.

Ingredients:

• 2 yellow onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3/4 pound bow time pasta
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Garnish:  reserved caramelized onions & more fresh parsley

Directions

Slice the onions very thing into strips.  Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil and butter.  When the butter is melted add the onions.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 45-50 minutes. (Yes, a long time but so worth it)!  The onions will begin to really caramelize at 40 minutes or so.  Do not rush this process.  It will not be the same!

While the onions are caramelizing cook your pasta.  Drain and set aside.

Also, mix the sour cream, mayo, white wine vinegar, parsley and soy sauce together for the dressing.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

When you are ready to assemble, pour the pasta into a large serving bowl.  Pour the dressing in as well as most of the caramelize onions, but do reserve some for topping.  

Garnish with leftover onions and extra parsley.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.

April 4, 2001 – July 28, 2023

Services for Memphis Danielle Welch will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria with Reverend Shawn Waggoner and Reverend Brandon Calhoun officiating. Burial will be in Peniel Cemetery in Calcasieu.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023 in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria from 12:00 p.m. until time of service.

Memphis Danielle Welch, 22, of Boyce, passed from this life, Friday, July 28, 2023 in Pearland, Texas.

She was a 2019 graduate of Hope Baptist School. Memphis found her niche in early childhood development, teaching 3 and 4 year olds most recently, for One Smart Cookie Daycare.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Niche Gunter Welch; maternal grandfather, Bobby Gunter and paternal grandfather, Donnis Welch.

Those left to cherish her memory include her father, Michael Welch (Lori); brother, Marc Welch (Kelsey); sister, Kassidy Irvan (Andrew); maternal grandmother, Barbara Gunter; paternal grandmother, Faye Welch; step-grandparents, Don and Viva Grant; godparents, Mark and Elaine Setliff and a host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Marc Welch, Mickey Christy, Blake Means, Curtis Clark, Trace Cooper, Brian Thacker and Ricky Brown.

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released LEAP results for the 2022-23 school year. For the second consecutive year, Louisiana students progressed on the state assessments that measure proficiency in English/Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies for grades 3-12. Louisiana’s latest results show a two-point jump in the percentage of students considered proficient and that 75% of school systems improved from 2021-22 to 2022-23.

LEAP results for the 2022-23 school year are now available on the LDOE website.

“I’m pleased to see an academic rise in Louisiana for the second straight year —  a true testament to the hard work taking place in Louisiana classrooms every single day,” said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “While I am encouraged, we must remain committed to the implementation of needed practice and policy shifts as too many students remain below proficiency.”

Louisiana’s overall mastery rate improved two points to a 33 in 2022-23 from a 31 in 2021-22. The mastery rate measures the percentage of students in grades 3-12 who scored Mastery or above on LEAP and are considered proficient. Results from the most recent LEAP assessments also show:

For the first time in five years, 3rd graders grew in ELA. The mastery rate for 3rd grade students improved five points to a 43 in 2022-23 from a 38 in 2021-22. The last time 3rd graders improved in ELA was two years before the pandemic in 2017-18.

Last year’s 3rd graders showed strong improvement this year as 4th graders. The 2023 ELA mastery rate for 4th graders is 44, which is six points higher than the 38 that cohort earned in 2022 as 3rd graders. This indicates those students made significant strides with one year of instruction.
High school students improved in five out of six subject areas. Scores increased in algebra by five (39 from 34), biology by three (28 from 25), English I by two (43 from 41), English II by one (47 from 46), and Geometry by three (31 from 28). US history scores declined by one (27 from 28). Louisiana is implementing a more rigorous set of social studies standards, called the Freedom Framework, in 2023-24.

Mastery rates improved among numerous student subgroups in 2022-23 when compared to 2020-21. African American students improved by four (19 from 15), economically disadvantaged by three (24 from 21), Hispanic/Latino by one (26 from 25), and students with disabilities by two (11 from 9).  

“Today’s results continue a trend of consistent progress for schools across our state,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson. “We’ve been intentional about our focus on strong academic instruction delivered by effective teachers focused on individual student needs. That approach will keep Louisiana moving forward.”

This is the latest data to show the continued progress of Louisiana students.

Louisiana’s 4th graders led the country in reading growth and the state’s overall ranking moved from 46th to 42nd among the states from 2019 to 2022 on NAEP.
Louisiana Pre-K-12 education improved five places in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
Louisiana’s students earned the most significant year-over-year increase on state assessments since 2016, as students increased three points in both ELA and math.
Louisiana’s overall School Performance Score returned to its pre-pandemic level.
Louisiana’s students in grades 1-3 grew on the Fall Reading Report for the second consecutive year.

LEAP includes assessments of ELA, math, science, and social studies for grades 3-12. The tests measure the knowledge and skills defined by the state’s content standards for each grade. Student scores are reported on five levels: Unsatisfactory, Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery, or Advanced. Students scoring Mastery and Advanced are considered proficient, or ready for the next grade level.

The Alexandria Police Department was called to 2236 East Sycamore on July 29 around 1:30 am regarding a person being stabbed. Once officers arrived, a 16-year-old female victim who had suffered minor stab wounds was transported to a local hospital for treatment. An Alexandria Police Department Juvenile detective was called out to further the investigation. The identity of a 16-year-old female suspect was learned which lead to her arrest for one count of Aggravated Second Degree Battery.

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  (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559.

By JIM BUTLER

A politician without an office is like a steak without potato.

The steak in this case — Lance Harris, term-limited state representative from Alexandria — has found a potato — the District 5 seat on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Less than two months ago, Harris seemed resigned to “riding into the sunset,” to quote him, as life in the public arena neared closing.

Then in July first-term BESE member Ashley Ellis announced she would not seek re-election and endorsed Harris as her successor.

The why’s and how’s of that process have yet to be fully confirmed.

Ellis is a junior high principal, perhaps an issue, perhaps not, and wife of Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, facing plenty of issues on his front.

Harris’ decision to avoid the sunset and seeking to stay in public life is not unique.

In fact, another term-limited legislator with Alexandria ties is also seeking a BESE seat.

Paul Hollis of Covington is running for a seat vacated by a term-limited BESE member.

Hollis is a son of the late Jesse “Ken” Hollis Jr., 1960 Bolton High graduate and himself a 30-year legislator from the New Orleans area where he located after graduating Louisiana Tech.

Some readers may remember Jesse Sr., who was a car dealer in Alexandria.

When elected to the Legislature, Ken Hollis was succeeded on the Jefferson Parish Council by another then-neophyte politician – Steve Scalise, now of the U.S. House.

In the Legislature, incidentally, Ken Hollis served for a short while with a Bolton High classmate – the late Ned Randolph, subsequently longtime Alexandria mayor.

Term limits have ended 30-year careers such as Ken Hollis’ in the Louisiana Legislature but there are no restrictions on term-limited public officials seeking other office. 

According to his 2022-ending report, Harris had $28,000 on hand from contributions raised in that and previous years, included a 2020 try for Congress.

What he has raised this year as he faced the sunset will be reported 30 days before the October primary.

Should he have opposition when qualifying ends later this month, he could, as a successful businessman (Leebo’s stores), jumpstart his fund if necessary.

As a legislator, Harris has chaired the House Education Committee and the Republican Caucus, among other key roles.

Rapides Jail felony bookings. Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

July 25

Matthew Ball, 36, Pineville  — Aggravated with child present domestic abuse battery;

Camerone Grant, 32, Beaumont, TX — Home invasion  Cruelty to juvenile;

Jerry Jones Jr., 52, Alexandria — Battery aggravated;

Zikorian Turner, 19, Alexandria — Riding bicycle, must have one hand on handlebar, Resisting officer, Illegal possession stolen firearm
Illegal carrying firearm;

Travis West, 38, Alexandria — Simple strangle domestic abuse battery strangulation.

July 26

April Page, 24, Alexandria — Accessory after the fact, Criminal conspiracy; Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense, possession with intent CDS III; Possession or introduce contraband into municipal or parish jail or prison;

Heather Page, 29, Boyce — Accessory after the fact, Criminal conspiracy; Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense, possession with intent CDS III, two counts; Possession paraphernalia; Possession CDS I 2^nd; Illegal carrying firearm with drugs; Contempt of court.

July 27

Justin Breaux, 38, Pineville — Simple strangle domestic abuse battery strangulation;

Daniel Burns, 39, Alexandria — Criminal conspiracy, Simple escape, Possession or introduction of contraband into municipal or parish prison; Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense, possession with intent CDS III;

Jimmy Harris, 40, Ball — Aggravated with child present domestic abuse battery with child present; Simple escape; Contempt of court;

Brock White, 42, Alexandria — Unlawful use/possession of body armor, Probation violation, Illegal possession of stolen firearm, Illegal carrying firearms with drugs, six counts; Possession firearm by convicted felon, six counts; Possession , manufacture, distribution, dispense, possession with intent CDS II < 28 grams or analogues thereof, two counts; Possession CDS IV; Possession 2.5 pounds or more marijuana.

July 28

Yoko Atkins, 22, Alexandria  — Parole violation, Unauthorized entry inhabited dwelling, Illegal possession stolen firearm, Possession firearm by convicted felon;

David Bilbo, 52, Pineville — Criminal conspiracy, Resisting officer, Criminal damage; Simple burglary, two counts;

Kevontray Cooper, 20, Alexandria — Parole violation, Possession stolen firearm, Possession firearm by convicted, Unauthorized entry inhabited dwelling;

Jamarion Marks, 18, Alexandria — Illegal possession stolen firearm, Unauthorized entry inhabited dwelling.

July 29

Phillip York, 56, Pineville  — Aggravated assault domestic abuse, Criminal damage, Assault aggravated; Contempt of court, three counts.

July 30

Derrick Goodman, 25, Alexandria — Illegal carrying firearm,  Improper bicycle operation, Contempt of court;

Willie Moore, 55, Alexandria — Injuring/killing police animal, Resisting officer, Burglary;

Joseph Owen, 41, Alexandria — Simple strangle domestic abuse battery strangulation;

Eddrick Wilson, 34, Alexandria — Domestic abuse/aggravated assault/child endangerment; Contempt of court, three counts.

July 31

Laneisa Cobb, 50, Lecompte – Perjury, Possession firearm by convicted felon, Illegal carrying firearm; Contempt of court, two counts;

Kevrick Davis, 37, Alexandria — Aggravated assault child present/domestic abuse battery with child present;

Allison Hall, 29, Pineville — Battery aggravated. 

By Jim Smilie

Like many military veterans, Alexandria native and Bolton High School graduate William Whisenant struggled at first to find his way after leaving the Navy.

“I had a hard time finding my identity after defending my country,” he told members of the Rotary Club of Alexandria Tuesday afternoon. Upon graduation from Bolton High in 2012, Whisenant enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he spent the next 10 years working with nuclear submarines. Today, he works as a financial advisor with Oestriecher Financial Management Services. Ultimately, it was the birth of his daughter that convinced him it was time to make the transition from ballistic missiles to balance sheets.

“I decided I needed a more stable life with my daughter. Now I have a new mission, to help people with comprehensive, wholistic wealth planning so they can be the best version of themselves,” he explained.

It was stories of his prior mission, serving as an enlisted naval nuclear reactor operator, that captivated the audience of Rotarians. Whisenant started his training at Great Lakes, Illinois, where he did his Navy Basic Training. That was followed by an assignment to Charleston, South Carolina, where he trained to become a nuclear reactor operator. In 2015, he was assigned to the U.S.S. West Virginia, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Ohio-class submarines are currently the largest subs in the U.S. Navy.

“The Ohio-class is the second largest class, just below the Typhoon-class, and they are called ‘Boomers,'” Whisenant said. In addition to being a nuclear-powered submarine, the vessel was also capable of firing nuclear weapons. “We were a guided missile sub. That is what makes us as ‘boomers’ special,” he said.

Most of the time, Whisenant acted as the lead sailor working with the submarine’s nuclear reactor, managing and calibrating controls to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the ship’s power and propulsion system. But when missile drills occurred, Whisenant often served as the commanding officer’s phone talker, sending information to the Command Fitness Leader. “While the old man (Navy slang for the Commanding officer) was running the big picture, I was running the details,” he said.

Whisenant acknowledged the accuracy of some aspects of Hollywood submarine films when it comes to launching missiles. The process starts with the reception of an encrypted message and multiple officers have to provide keys to be able to enable a launch. It’s very precise, and all encrypted messages and passwords must match and be confirmed in order for a launch to take place.

When missile drills took place, it truly was all hands on deck. “All missile launches start with a special announcement to all. If you are sleeping, you get up. If you’re in the shower, you get out,” Whisenant said. “More than once I reported for duty still dripping wet.”

Speaking of showers and living quarters, Whisenant noted the space was very cramped. While the sub was long — 560 feet — it was not wide at only 42 feet. And there were hundreds of sailors along with all of the engines, missiles, gear and other mechanical components needed to operate the vessel. Sailer’s bunks were located between missile tubes in spaces that were roughly eight feet deep and only 5 feet wide. Bunks would be stacked three high.

Bathrooms were also tight, with only about a two-foot gap between the sink and the door to the bathroom stall. That is, if the stalls had doors. “If the Commander of the Boat was having a bad day, he could decide that the doors presented a noise hazard and have them removed. That wasn’t fun,” Whisenant said.

Typically, sailors worked “straight 8s,” meaning eight-hour shifts. Time was specifically scheduled for when personnel would be on watch, running drills to increase proficiency, doing operating functions or sleeping.

Whisenant said he is proud of his service and believes the current submarine and nuclear deterrence program is effective. “The goal is to make sure we don’t lose soldiers in the numbers like we did in World War II,” he said. He noted that in the Vietnam War, the U.S. lost roughly 58,000 soldiers in the conflict that lasted nearly 20 years. That is compared to more than 400,000 U.S. military casualties in the six years of World War II.

NATCHITOCHES – A day full of meetings. Checking in. Receiving gear.

In many ways, Tuesday represented a typical report day for the Northwestern State football team. However, there was a bit of a different vibe surrounding the Demons as they returned to campus.

The return came after a much shorter-than-normal break as most of the team remained on campus throughout June and July.

“It feels different – and that’s a good thing,” sixth-year head coach Brad Laird said. “The investment by the athletic department, starting with (Director of Athletics) Kevin (Bostian), to be able for them to be here this summer with (director of strength and conditioning) coach (Jason) Smelser was huge. Yes, they had a few days off – and it’s good to get back in the swing of things with practice – but you add eight or nine newcomers who weren’t here to the mix. It’s not the report day you’ve felt in the past because of what they’ve done in the summer.”

Northwestern State’s players and staff took part in the report day traditions of hearing from members of the athletic administration, sitting through additional meetings and a meal provided by former NSU quarterback Kaleb Fletcher.

Those meetings only served to whet the appetite for the season.

“I feel like it starts today, but I’m extremely excited,” said junior safety Ronnie Caldwell, entering his second season as a Demon. “I don’t know how it feels to anybody else, but to me it’s crazy that we’re about to start a season.”

While the majority of the Northwestern State roster was on campus since the conclusion of the spring semester, things will ramp up today at 4 p.m. when the Demons hold their first practice of fall camp.

Like Caldwell, that fact has Laird excited about the start of camp as the Demons prepare for their Sept. 2 season opener at UL Lafayette.

“I’m looking forward to getting these guys on the field, especially after seeing what we accomplished on the field in the summer,” Laird said. “We’re very limited in what we can do in terms of Xs and Os in the summer. Now we get to do it on the field with pads on. That can really jump this football team in a different direction when you talk about team chemistry.”

In an effort to communicate better with our community the Pineville Police Department’s Community Affairs Bureau created several neighborhood specific Facebook groups. These groups allow neighborhoods to communicate with their Neighborhood Liaison Officers (NLO’s) and them with residents about issues specific to the neighborhoods.

These closed groups are not monitored 24 hours a day so if residents need immediate assistance call 911 or the dispatch center at 318-442-6603.

Pan Am Heights area is Rushs Lane and all connecting Streets scan the QR Code to request access to the group.