With Christmas 2023 here, I’d like to share a portion of one of the chapters in my new book, “Bamboozled By A Bobcat” regarding what Christmas was like during my growing up years in Goldonna, before World War II and a lot of modern conveniences.
“Christmas at my house growing up. Man, what special memories. I think it all started with a trip our family took to the woods out back to find a Christmas tree. It was not easy to find one perfectly shaped. One side would look good, but the back side was skimpy because of growing next to a big tree.
“No problem. Mother would just set the tree in the corner and turn the skimpy side to the wall. Decorations were simple – red roping, icicles, a few colored balls. No lights for one simple reason – electricity had not made its way to Goldonna during the early years of my growing up.
“Another favorite memory are the smells that came from my mama’s kitchen – wood duck roasting in a cast iron pot, gravy dark and rich, cornbread dressing, a hen, not a turkey, roasting. We never had turkey growing up, but no problem, we were catching a chicken from the yard, wringing the neck, and scalding it.
“Desserts? Oh my! Chocolate pie, pecan pie and my all-time favorite, applesauce cake. Even today, my wife Kay and my daughter, Cathy, make me an applesauce cake for Christmas. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.
“The night before Christmas, Tom and I would go over from our house on one hill to the next hill where our cousins, Doug and Sambo, lived. We’d build a big bonfire and shoot fireworks. I especially remember those big red two-inch firecrackers that could remove a finger if handled carelessly.
“After fireworks, it was off to bed, but sleep was not easy to come by because I couldn’t help thinking about what I might find under the tree the next morning. Tom and I would often wake up and jump out of bed long before daylight to see what was under the tree, and I was never disappointed.
“We didn’t get the fancy stuff kids get today but a BB gun, toy truck, hard candy, apple and orange, and maybe a board game.
“My most memorable gift was when we were really small and we each got a pedal car. Daddy had found them somewhere, maybe in somebody’s garbage, but he brought them home, hammered out the dents and gave them a shiny coat of blue paint. I guarantee you no brand-new, store-bought pedal car would come close to providing the thrill we got when we saw those blue cars under the tree.
“Probably my favorite Christmas memory was when it came time to sit down for the noon meal Mother had prepared. Before we sat down, she prepared a tray with everything we were about to enjoy, and the whole family would walk through the pine thicket to the home of an old couple and share our food with them. Otherwise they would not have had such a fine meal.
“It taught me something that has stuck with me all my life, and that is the joy of giving. What sticks out in my mind the most is the lesson it taught us kids as Mother and Daddy used the occasion to remind us about the greatest gift ever given when God sent his son Jesus Christ to Earth to show us how to live and then to die and take the penalty of our sins on himself.
“Though our faith in what He did, we have the promise of life everlasting in His presence when our days on Earth are ended.”
Having said that, I’d like to wish my readers and listeners your very best Christmas ever.
Gregory Alvin Lloid passed away on December 15, 2023 at his home in Pineville, LA. His death leaves a massive hole in our hearts.
Born January 10, 1958 to Kermit D and Janie Elizabeth Richardson Lloid in Alexandria, LA, Greg was the definition of the word “GREGARIOUS”, never meeting a stranger and having more friends than one can count.
Employed as a Certified Biomedical Electronics Technician by General Electric, Greg was based out of Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, LA. As shop supervisor, he traveled all over Louisiana repairing medical equipment.
An Air Force brat, Greg lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Hawaii, finally landing in Natchitoches, LA. Upon graduation from Natchitoches Central High School in 1976, Greg joined the Coast Guard. Trained in electronics, he worked in communications at small boat stations on the east coast and was stationed on the United States Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis for two years, traveling between Alaska and Hawaii. He told tales of boarding and inspecting the holds of international fishing vessels in the Bering Sea.
Upon completing his military service in 1980, Greg returned to Natchitoches, LA and married his sweetheart, Tammy Gibson. He attended Northwestern State University and graduated in 1984 with an Associate’s Degree in Electronic Technology. Greg enjoyed Working at the NSU radio station KNWD (Your Mother Wouldn’t Like It) as a DJ, spinning records and hanging out with his buddies. While in college Greg worked with his dad in Audiovisual and Electronics Installation and Repair. Upon graduation from NSU Greg joined the repair team at Kelly Ward Music in Alexandria, LA repairing electronic instruments and visiting virtually every electronic organ in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes. Greg accepted a position as a Biomedical Electronics Technician at Rapides General Hospital in 1988. He turned down the initial job offer because Tammy didn’t want him to shave his beard, since she hadn’t seen him without a beard since high school. Clean shaven for a number of years, all was well when the employer’s rules were relaxed.
Greg had many talents and interests. He could build and/or repair just about anything. He made Tammy’s first spinning wheel in his required college woodworking class at NSU. One of his passions was volunteering at the Alexandria Zoological Park. With Leslie Whitt, Zoo Director, Greg did anything and everything at the Zoo for more than twenty-five years. He was a docent, substitute train driver, repaired equipment, constructed habitat, prepared animal diets, and made wonderful Zoo friends. The special group of Carla Oncay, Flora Luquette, Doris Edwards, and Lee Dufour were known as “Les’ Purple Hooters” (I have no idea why). The Purple Hooters celebrated many occasions together over the years, particularly at Mardi Gras and Halloween.
Greg was a voracious reader on many subjects, enjoying Clive Cussler novels. One of the books in his vehicle at his death was a mythology text. He explored in his Celtic roots, researching traditions, and even acquiring and wearing a kilt from time to time. He loved music of almost any genre and enjoyed sitting on the back porch listening to whatever was playing on Red River Radio that evening (usually with a cat in his lap). His musical tastes ranged from ZZ Top and heavy metal to jazz and soul.
This wonderful, funny, talented fellow will be missed by his wife of 43 years, Tammy, his daughter, Alyssa Jane Lloid Ramstad, and son-in-law Daniel Ramstad. Greg is also survived by his brothers Dee Lloid (Nancy) and Carl Lloid (Connie), sister Karla Sue Lloid Autrey (Chuck), nieces Paige Doering (Kayla) and Valerie Smith (Steven Toomey), nephew Travis Lloid, great nephew, Noah Smith, and parents-in-law Robert H. and Billie Gibson. Preceding him in death were his parents, Kermit D and Janie Elizabeth Richardson Lloid, and sister, Karen Lloid Bond.
Greg loved life and just about everything. He loved to cook, feeding the guys at his office, and cooking for the family “Critter Dinner”. I was so glad when he got too old to re-enlist in the Coast Guard – he perked up every time he saw those watercraft. Greg was a long-time member of the RRMC Lifesavers rowing team for the Dragonboat Races in Alexandria. He loved his daughter, Alyssa, more than anything in this world. He was so proud of her achievements and especially her earning her Master’s Degree in Educational Theory in December 2022.
The Carpenter’s tune “Close To You” says it best: On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true. So, they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and star light in your eyes of blue. Rest easy, my love. Love you forever. Tammy
Visitation is planned for Thursday evening, December 21, 2023 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA from 5 PM to 8 PM. Memorial services will be held at funeral home on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10 AM with internment with military honors to follow at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Alexandria Zoo (FOTAZ) in Greg’s name, or to a charity of your choosing.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office will hold a Firewood Sale on Thursday, dec. 21 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.
Dajaron Pearson, 26, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, possessing firearm with drugs, no bond set;
Scott Perkins II, 30, Boyce — possession, paraphernalia, failure to dim headlights for oncoming vehicle, possessing firearm with drugs, contempt 2 counts, $13,100 bail.
Candy Cane Breakfast is fun to whip up and put on the Christmas table! Use cherry or strawberry pie filling. I make this every year and little hands love it. It also makes great leftovers!
Ingredients:
2 cans crescent rolls 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese spread, softened 1 egg 1/2 cup sugar 1 can cherry pie filling 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a cookie sheet arrange the crescent roll triangles pointing inward into the shape of a candy cane with the edges overlapping. Lightly press triangles together to seal. I used exactly 1 1/2 packages.
With a hand mixer, mix cream cheese and sugar. Add egg. Using a teaspoon, spoon the mixture onto dough leaving 1” of dough exposed. You will have extra mixture. (Roll it up in the leftover crescent rolls)!
Add teaspoons of cherry filling over cream cheese mixture. Fold tips of dough over toward the right side. At this point I had to gently shape the dough into more of a candy cane shape I wanted. Bake 15-20 minutes.
Mix together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Let candy cane cool slightly before adding glaze.
Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.
Judge (Ret) Richard Harmon Drew, Jr. November 11, 1946 — December 17, 2023 Service: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:30pm at St. John’s Episcopal, Minden.
Ervin Joseph Fruge December 20, 1936 – December 17, 2023 Service: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1pm at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, Alexandria.
Gregory Alvin Lloid January 10, 1958 — December 15, 2023 Service: Friday, December 22 at 10 AM with internment with military honors to follow at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery
Adam Ambrose Carmouche, Jr. August 12, 1957 – December 12, 2023 Service: Saturday, December 23, 2023, 11am at Second Union Missionary 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)
The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office held its Annual Christmas Party and honored two of its amazing employees that are heading to retirement, Eddie Beckham and Mike Stephen. Their exemplary service in law enforcement is unmatched. Both men are vital to the organization and they will be truly missed. Best wishes gents!
ASH senior Ty Feaster threw for a parish-leading 2,306 yards in his first season at Alexandria Senior High along with 30 touchdown passes, leading the Trojans to the Division I Select quarterfinals. (Photo by BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports)
By BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports
One 2,000-yard passer and two others who pushed that milestone.
Two 1,500-yard rushers and three receivers who caught 50 or more passes.
One player who scored 30 touchdowns and another who was only two behind.
And a whole host of big, physical, athletic linemen paving the way for their star quarterbacks, running backs and receivers.
It was a banner year for offensive standouts in Rapides Parish. Below are the 12 players selected as the top offensive stars for the 2023 football season along with specialists and the best of the rest on the inaugural Rapides Parish Journal All-Parish Football Team.
The team was selected by RPJ contributor Bret H. McCormick and CenlaPreps.com’s LaMar Gafford along with consultation with the parish’s coaches.
Quarterback: Ty Feaster, Sr, ASH (6-2, 190) – Feaster transferred to Alexandria Senior High after being an all-district and Class 1A all-state honorable mention recipient at Glenbrook last season. He showed a tremendous amount of improvement throughout the season, leading the Trojans to the Division I Select quarterfinals. A second-team selection in District 2-5A, Feaster completed 160 of 257 passes (62.3 percent) for a parish-leading 2,306 yards, 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Running Back: JT Lindsey, Jr., ASH (5-11, 190) – Lindsey transitioned from backup to starter with no problem and turned in the most rushing yards by a Trojan during the Thomas Bachman era. A first-team selection in District 2-5A, he finished the season with a parish-leading 1,587 yards on 272 carries for an average of 5.8 yards per carry and scored 23 rushing touchdowns. Lindsey also caught 11 passes for 142 yards and three TDs.
Running Back: Jim Burlew, Jr., Buckeye (5-10, 185) – The Panthers’ workhorse carried the ball a parish-high 316 times on the season for 1,560 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns with only two fumbles while also playing linebacker. He averaged 29 carries, 142 yards and 2.5 touchdowns per game, and had several games where he carried the ball 40-plus times, earning first-team all-district in District 2-3A.
Wide Receiver: TJ Hullaby, Jr., Peabody (6-0, 165) – A first-team all-district selection in District 2-4A, Hullaby led the parish with 58 receptions, 989 yards and 15 receiving TDs. He also played some defensive back, where he had two interception returns for touchdowns and returned three kicks for scores.
Wide Receiver: EJ Scott, Sr., ASH (5-8, 150) – The king of the stop route, Scott was the Trojans’ most consistent receiver throughout the season. He was capable of moving the chains on short and intermediate routes or hitting home runs in the deep passing game. Scott earned first-team all-district in District 2-5A and finished the season with 50 receptions for 697 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the team in all three categories.
Wide Receiver: Haidyn Boone, Jr., Buckeye (5-10, 165) – Boone emerged as the top target for the Panthers as the season progressed and proved to be a home-run hitter, catching 52 passes for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was by far the most productive receiver in District 2-3A, earning first-team all-district and averaging 18.3 yards per catch.
Offensive Line: Gage Vercher, Sr., Buckeye (6-2, 285) – An all-district performer on both sides of the ball as a junior, Vercher played almost exclusively along the offensive line this season. He was the best lineman on a team that rushed for almost 2,500 yards and threw for over 2,000 yards and a first-team selection in District 2-3A.
Offensive Line: Cam Calderon, Sr., ASH (5-10, 245) – The Trojans’ center was the most productive and important member of the ASH offensive line. He helped pave the way for Lindsey to achieve the highest single-season rushing total during Thomas Bachman’s eight seasons as head coach and was a first-team all-district selection in District 2-5A.
Offensive Line: Braylen Dusang, Sr., Menard (6-3, 310) – A two-way starter at offensive and defensive tackle, Dusang was the Eagles’ best lineman on a team that ran the ball 75 percent of the time. He opened gaping holes as an offensive lineman and also made 61 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and two fumble recoveries on defense, earning first-team all-district on both sides of the football.
Offensive Line: Keenan Taylor, Sr., Pineville (6-1, 260) – Taylor is one of several defensive linemen who made the switch to offense this season, and he became the leader of the Rebels’ offensive line. Described by coach Bryant Bell as “the rock” of the offensive line, he consistently graded out as Pineville’s top lineman.
Offensive Line: Jathen Lachney, Sr., Buckeye (6-1, 300) – The Panthers’ most talented defensive lineman, Lachney focused on offense as a senior due to the Panthers’ style of play. He was a second-team selection in District 2-3A and was pivotal in Buckeye’s ability to rush for nearly 2,500 yards and pass for more than 2,000 yards.
Athlete: Dartavin Depass, Sr., Peabody (6-2, 175) – One of the most unique players in Rapides Parish, Depass was equally as good as a running back and a receiver. The District 2-4A Offensive MVP compiled 1,609 all-purpose yards and scored 30 touchdowns, rushing for 786 yards and 22 TDs while catching 43 passes for 820 yards and 8 TDs.
SPECIALISTS
Placekicker/Punter: Ryan Hicks, Sr., Menard (5-10, 160) – An absolute weapon for the Eagles’ special teams, which were key in their district championship run. A first-team selection at both kicker and punter in District 4-2A, Hicks made seven of his nine field goals on the season and missed just one extra-point attempt. He sent 60 percent of his kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks and averaged 43 yards per punt.
Return Specialist: Darius Washington, Jr., ASH (5-6, 135) – The Trojans’ No. 2 receiver was absolute dynamite with the ball in his hands. A first-team all-district selection as a receiver and second-team return specialist in District 2-5A, he finished the year with 44 catches for 650 yards and five touchdowns while returning a punt 75 yards for a TD against Bonnabel in the playoffs.
Best of the Rest
Quarterback: Adam Brodnax, Jr., Buckeye; Larry Roberts III, Jr., Peabody
Ron Higgins, as a 6-year-old, meets his hero, LSU’s Jerry Stovall, at a December 1962 practice as the Tigers prepared to play in the Cotton Bowl.
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Columnist
BATON ROUGE — A TV commercial rarely comes along that you never tire from repeatedly watching.
But Amazon’s commercial titled “Joy Ride” featuring three elderly women who are lifelong friends and ride sleds together down a snowy slope as they did when they were kids is something that touches the souls of senior citizens like me.
When I walked into Tuesday’s LSU football practice as the Tigers prepare for their Jan. 1 ReliaQuest Bowl date vs. Wisconsin, I closed my eyes and just listened to coaches coaching, whistles blowing, pads thudding and hands clapping.
Suddenly, I was no longer 67 years old. I was a 6-year-old at a December 1962 LSU football practice in Tiger Stadium as the first-year head coach Charles McClendon began preparing his squad for its Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl clash vs. Texas.
Though Dad (then-LSU sports information director Ace Higgins) rarely allowed me and my older brother Johnny to attend practice – this was a special occasion.
Dad had arranged for us to have our pictures taken with our favorite LSU player.
Johnny’s guy was quarterback/placekicker Lynn Amedee, who went on to a remarkable 33-year coaching career at 10 colleges, three high schools and two pro teams.
My main man was Jerry Stovall, the 1962 Heisman Trophy runner-up (he got robbed by Oregon State’s Terry Baker).
Older LSU fans believe Stovall might be the best all-around player in the school’s history. He certainly had the stats and the versatility to justify it.
As a senior in 1962, Stovall the halfback led LSU in rushing (368 yards on 89 carries) and pass receiving (9 catches for 213 yards).
Stovall the defensive back tied for the team lead in interceptions with 2. Tackling stats weren’t recorded, but he was a fierce enough hitter for the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals to draft him as a safety (he played 9 years and was a three-time Pro Bowler).
Stovall the punter averaged a team-best 37 yards per kick.
Stovall the kickoff returner topped LSU in kickoff returns with 6 for a 41.6 yards per return average including a 100-yard game-winning TD return vs. Georgia Tech.
Stovall the punt returner was second on the team averaging 9.6 yards on 9 returns.
Finally, the multi-faced Stovall scored a team-high 11 touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving, 1 kickoff return).
Younger LSU fans remember Stovall for stepping in as the Tigers’ head coach in the wake of the tragic death of McClendon’s successor Bo Rein. He died in a plane crash returning from a recruiting trip from Shreveport in January 1980 less than a month after was named head coach.
Stovall did his best, but he kept just about all of Rein’s staff. After four seasons – two winning and two losing – Stovall’s situation became untenable.
He was fired. I was LSU’s beat reporter for the Baton Rouge Advocate at the time and took no solace in having to write my childhood idol’s coaching obituary.
My more pleasant memory of Stovall is him shaking my hand, kneeling next to me for the picture and his overwhelming kindness. It wasn’t an act. Now 82 years old, he’s been that way his whole life.
And while watching practice Tuesday, the day before the early signing period starts, it occurred to me that if Stovall was currently a high school recruit LSU wouldn’t have even given him a second look.
Though Stovall was the first All-State back produced by West Monroe High, he was the last prospect in LSU head coach Paul Dietzel’s 59-man signing class in an era that had no scholarship limits.
“I was the runt of the litter,” Stovall once told me.
Stovall has always credited the late Red Swanson, a former LSU player, assistant coach and Board of Supervisors member, for convincing Dietzel to sign him. Only LSU, Tulane and Louisiana Tech had contacted Stovall and he thought about enrolling at then-Northeast Louisiana in Monroe because he could also take a part-time job at the school.
“I can never thank Mr. Swanson enough,” Stovall said. “He first saw me play football as a ninth grader and followed my high school career.”
By today’s recruiting rating system, Stovall would have been a 3 or 2-star prospect praying some school would sign him.
And now, with the transfer portal, he’d have virtually no shot at a scholarship. Head coaches now would rather get a player with a couple of years of college experience than drafting a 3 or 2-star player and developing them.
The list of former LSU players who were 3 or 2-star high school recruits that now are NFL starters includes WR Justin Jefferson, C Lloyd Cushenberry, LB Damone Clark and DS Blake and Reid Ferguson.
Sometimes, coaches have to look beyond the measurables like 40-yard dash times or a recruit’s vertical to see the work ethic, character, heart and the simple will to succeed.
Suppose a coach finds a couple of those guys every year or even a walk-on like LSU senior running back Josh Williams who has been steady and productive throughout his career once he was given a chance to play. In that case, that’s a football program with a chance to annually play for championships.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a small part of the Wreaths Across America program.
To quote their mission statement, “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”
These veterans where these wreaths are lain answered the call to protect and defend our way of life. It is truly an honor to be part of this very special tribute.
God bless America and all those that defend get each day.
Louise Rush Dobernig February 18, 1944 – December 16, 2023 Service: Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 11am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Judge (Ret) Richard Harmon Drew, Jr. November 11, 1946 — December 17, 2023 Service: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:30pm at St. John’s Episcopal, Minden.
Ervin Joseph Fruge December 20, 1936 – December 17, 2023 Service: Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1pm at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, Alexandria.
Gregory Alvin Lloid January 10, 1958 — December 15, 2023 Service: Friday, December 22 at 10 AM with internment with military honors to follow at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery
Adam Ambrose Carmouche, Jr. August 12, 1957 – December 12, 2023 Service: Saturday, December 23, 2023, 11am at Second Union Missionary 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)
I’m not dreaming of a white Christmas, at least not like the one (and only one) I’m bemused to know.
Being a New Orleans native and a longtime resident of Alexandria, my first and only legitimate white Christmas was 19 years ago. Yes, it happened on the 25th of December in 2004, during an ill-fated family trip from Alexandria to New Orleans to visit with family at my parents’ home.
The only problem was, we never made it there.
We packed up the car and left at 9:30 a.m., and little did Janet, Matt, Sally, Chris or I know then that we would be on the road all day.
Trouble began when we were diverted off an iced-over I-10 at the Prairieville-Geismar exit and directed, along with throngs of other cars, to Airline Highway. Then we crawled down the road in in bumper-to-bumper traffic, only to have our dreary, gray day brightened by falling snow. For a while, it was hard snow with big flakes flowing almost sideways from the south into the windshields of all the south-bound cars.
It happened on my 54th birthday, to boot.
Curiously, it wouldn’t have happened if we had not made the trip because it didn’t snow in Alexandria. That’s a rarity when south Louisiana shuts out central and north Louisiana on a snow day.
We got as far as LaPlace as a link in a chain of slow-moving, single-file cars, when a policeman drove slowly by, calling through a bullhorn that the bridge ahead was closed and we must make a U-turn.
By that point, we were in no mood for another potential encounter with Miss Adventure. We declined to search for another route to New Orleans, which, we heard, was closing more and more bridges. Being hungry, we decided to go north again to find a place to eat. Do you know how difficult that is on Christmas Day, when even converted Scrooges give their employees the day off?
We spotted a cheap hamburger joint open but nixed that, since we weren’t starving yet. Then, driving back through Baton Rouge, we figured the Great Wall, a China restaurant, would be open. But no, it was closed, too.
Finally, we hopped around enough to spot an I-Hop and agreed to eat there, although we didn’t have pancakes or waffles or eggs. Two hamburgers, one monster cheeseburger and a grilled chicken sandwich made up our order. And, evidently, there were enough other stranded travelers there that we had to wait 45 minutes for our Christmas meal.
On the drive from Baton Rouge to Alexandria, we did see a terrific sunset, which seemed like a providential sign that all things – even wild and crazy things – can have happy endings. We did miss a great Christmas meal at the New Orleans homestead, and my mother asked if we might just get a room in Baton Rouge that night and drive to New Orleans on the 26th. But, with both of the boys having colds, and all of us eager to cut the duration of trip, we opted to head back home to Alexandria.
And home never seems so sweet as when it is the end game of a rough journey.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office received calls again reporting a person identifying themselves as a DEPUTY SHERIFF OR DETECTIVE with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and they tell their intended victim they have a warrant threatening them with arrest but can be alleviated if they pay a fee.
Fortunately, potential victims are smarter than this make believe deputy and no one has been a victim of the scam.
REMEMBER, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office or any other law enforcement agency will NEVER attempt to collect ANY monies and instruct the person to get a GREEN DOT VISA CARD. When you hear GREEN DOT VISA, you know it’s a scam.
If you have been a victim, please contact your local law enforcement agency and make a report.
New Orleans native Mickey Joseph took over the Grambling football program Monday when he was introduced as the Tigers’ new head coach. (Photo by T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT, Lincoln Parish Journal)
By T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT, Lincoln Parish Journal
GRAMBLING — Minutes after being officially introduced as the new head football coach at Grambling State University, Mickey Joseph let the media and supporters know there are changes ahead for the GSU gridiron program.
Old-school changes.
“We’re going to restore the order,” Joseph said. “They (opponents) need to fear Grambling and that’s what we’re going to set out to do.”
Joseph said setting the proper environment will be key toward reviving the program, which hasn’t had a winning season since the pause for the 2020 COVID pandemic. The Tigers were 8-14 with two losing seasons, the last a 5-6 mark, under former NFL coach Hue Jackson, fired after a sloppy 27-22 Bayou Classic loss to a Southern team with an interim coach.
Joseph, 55, is a former Grambling assistant (2014-15) who spent the 2022 season as assistant head coach, then interim head coach for the last nine games at his alma mater, Nebraska. Influences of the Cornhuskers’ culture he enjoyed as a star quarterback under legendary coach Tom Osborne were apparent in his remarks after being introduced Monday morning on campus.
“My focus is to create an environment where our athletes can excel in the classroom and win championships on the gridiron,” Joseph said. “We want them to be productive citizens in the local community and enjoy prolific careers once they graduate.
“I’m here to win — on the field and off the field. I’m going to be a guy you can touch. I’m going to go into Walmart. I’m not going to hide. I’m not going to say I’m too big for this. I’m a real one, as the kids would say, and I’m going to continue to be that way.”
Joseph said he understands the standard set by College Hall of Fame coach Eddie G. Robinson during his 57-year coaching career at GSU and that he will remember lessons learned from the legend as he tries to make his own mark on the Grambling football program.
“Coach Rob set the stage,” Joseph said. “His shoes can’t be filled. But I know he’d want me to be myself and I know I can lead this program. We have to lead with integrity. You have to do things right by playing hard. … I want everyone to know we’re going to surround these kids with coaches that are going to demand that from them. That’s what Coach Rob did.”
Joseph said passion and aggression will be part of his coaching style on both sides of the ball.
“I’m passionate — I coach with a lot of emotion,” Joseph said. “If my arms are folded that means I’m upset about something. But I have to make the kids feel me. They’re going to take on my personality. We’re going to play hard. We’re going to play to the echo of the whistle. We’re going to be passionate about the way we do things.
“On the offensive side of the ball, we’re going to be very aggressive. We’re going to be a RPO team, we’re going to keep you off balance. On defense, we’re going to come get you and play man. We’re going to be really sound on special teams.”
He’ll first focus on the basics before anything else.
“Fundamentals will override the schemes,” Joseph said. “We’re going to be fundamentally sound.”
Joseph, who was running backs coach at Louisiana Tech in 2016, was wide receivers coach for LSU from 2017-2021, also serving as assistant head coach from 2020-21. Combined with his time as player and coach at Nebraska, he said, lessons learned from those roles will come into play as he takes over at Grambling.
“Structure,” Joseph said of the biggest takeaway he’ll be bringing with him from LSU and Nebraska. “I’ve talked to (GSU President Richard Gallot and Vice President for Athletics Dr. Trayveon Scott) about it. By having structure — getting more pieces into the program. It’s 2023 about to be 2024. You’ve got to have help with these kids, because right now if you ask 10 coaches to run behind 125 kids, that can’t happen. So we’re going to bring more structure to the program and we’re going to get these kids to do things right on the field and off the field.”
Joseph also pledged a focus on in-state recruiting.
“We’re going to touch every high school in the state of Louisiana when it comes to recruiting,” Joseph said. “Because I think right here in the state of Louisiana, pound-for-pound it’s the best state for high school football. So we’re going to draw a five-hour radius around Grambling and basically stay in state to recruit these kids.”
He said he wanted to have only about 15 percent of Grambling’s roster comprised of transfer portal players. Jackson had a heavier percentage.
Joseph said he hadn’t begun to consider what current coaching staff members have a place in the program going forward but said he knows several of those on Jackson’s staff.
LSU of Alexandria hosted family and friends this past Thursday at the Rapides Parish Coliseum to celebrate commencement for more than five hundred graduates.
LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil, Ph.D., who served as mastery of ceremony, said, “Congratulations on completing your academic journey! The faculty and staff of LSUA are incredibly proud of you for reaching this significant milestone in your life. Graduating from college reflects the sacrifices, dedication, and hard work you have invested in your future. We celebrate those accomplishments and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported you in achieving this incredible goal.”
The commencement address was given by Quinne Jenkins, Director of Community Engagement at Delta Air Lines and Vice President of The Delta Air Lines Foundation. Jenkins leads Delta’s global, nonprofit charitable contributions strategy as well as the organization’s volunteerism initiatives for its nearly 100,000 employees.
Join LSUA in congratulating our graduates for Summer 2023 and Fall 2023.
