LSUA’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity in online education was on display this past week with the inaugural induction event of the Chi Chapter of Omega Nu Lambda (ONL), the only national collegiate honor society exclusively dedicated to online students. Led by Amber Weidner, LSUA’s Learner Support Coordinator, the induction ceremony welcomed 67 new members into the prestigious society, marking a significant milestone in recognizing the academic achievements of LSUA’s 100 percent online students.

Omega Nu Lambda (ONL) celebrates academic excellence among full-time online students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their studies. To qualify for membership, students must be enrolled in a 100% online degree program, have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at LSUA online, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. The inaugural class of ONL members comprises students from all five academic colleges at LSUA, representing a diverse array of disciplines and backgrounds.

LSUA Learning Support Coordinator Amber Weidner spoke of the new chapter, “I am incredibly proud of our first cohort of ONL students for their unwavering dedication to their studies. Establishing the Chi chapter at LSUA fosters a sense of community and belonging among our online students while celebrating this diverse group’s achievements.”

Founded with the mission of fostering a supportive community and recognizing the achievements of online learners, Omega Nu Lambda offers a range of benefits to its members, including scholarship opportunities, networking events, and access to resources designed to enhance the online learning experience. By acknowledging the academic accomplishments of online students, ONL aims to create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among members, empowering them to thrive in their educational journey.

With 23 chapters nationwide, Omega Nu Lambda provides a platform for students to connect, collaborate, and succeed. LSUA’s Chi Chapter adds to this legacy, reinforcing the university’s commitment to serving the diverse needs of its online student community and ensuring their academic success.

Please join us in congratulating the inaugural inductees:

Keisha Alexander-Green, Ashley Bagwell, Blair Batiste, Kenda Bishop, Sandra Blalock, Brody Blanchard, Brittany Young Bordelon, LaQuala Bradley, Zack Breaux, Analise Breckenridge, Courtney Brignac, Hayln Brown, Adam Bruce, Grace Buller, Anna Bullock, Allison Caldarera, Matthew Casas, Megan Conrad, Shelby Courville, Tabitha Davis, Lanessa Dowden, Marcos Duran, Katherine Elkins, Gardenia Evans, Kassie Felder, Shannon Fontenot, Leah Gailor, Heather Gayhart, Jacquelle Goff, Jessica Hanner, JaCoya Hodges, Candis Iglinksy, Traci Jack, Lanita King, Kerri Kiracofe, Lisa Landon, Hailey Larich, Debra Mackey, James Austin Martin, Angela McBride, Emily McGlothlin, Shawn McGlothin, Jennifer Medina, Kelsie Menard, Sneha Padumane, Cynthia Palmisano, Jennifer Pena, Mallory Rikard, Lea Robinson, Jessica Rodrigue, Stephanie Rollins, Omega Roston, Chalanda Samec, Lauren Sexton, James Simeon, Jeniffer Spindel, Jaunita Stutes, Banojir Sultana, Alexis Thomas, Desiree Toth, Chana Turner, Eric Wallis, Malysa Weaver, Tara Wilber, Patrick Wisor, Amber Yglesias, and Amy York.

By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — There are times when LSU women’s head basketball coach Kim Mulkey enjoys a quiet arena or gym.

Like when her team plays on the road and is beating the snot out of the home squad, such as Monday night when it took LSU just 15 minutes to build a 20-point lead at Texas A&M.

“It was great because the Aggies were quiet,” Mulkey said. “We didn’t give them much to get excited about really. That’s what you try to do when you go on the road. Get the home crowd out of it by keeping the lead and just do what you got to do to keep from getting excited.”

Sophomore guard Flau’jae Johnson carried the Tigers in the first half when she scored 13 of her game-total 20 points and junior forward Aneesah Morrow hit 19 of her game-high 25 points in the second half as the Tigers roared to an 81-58 SEC victory.

The LSU portion of the crowd of 6,908 got rowdy as Johnson and Morrow dug deep to carry the Tigers for the last 5:43 of the third quarter when the Aggies suckered Tigers’ forward Angel Reese into her second, third and fourth fouls with physical, emotional play.

LSU (22-4 overall, 9-3 SEC) was leading at 49-18 when Reese picked up a second personal foul and by was hit with a technical (which counted as her third personal) on the same play with 6:15 left in the third quarter.

She and A&M’s Kay Kay Green (who also got a technical) trash-talked after Reese was whistled for a personal trying to block a shot by A&M’s Maliyah Johnson.

Thirty-two seconds later, Reese was grabbed going up for a shot just in front of her basket. When she and an Aggie defender fell to the floor and somehow Reese was called for her fourth foul, Mulkey exploded with a tongue-lashing of an officiating crew which spent a large portion of the night reviewing call after call after call on the replay monitor.

“I’m a coach and we want to get the call right,” Mulkey said. “But it seemed like they (the officiating crew) went to the monitor too much. Sometimes, it’s just too much.”

With Reese on the bench, A&M outscored LSU 17-8 the rest of the quarter to exit the third period trailing by 21 at 57-36. But Reese was back in the game to start the fourth quarter – she had 5 points and 3 rebounds in the final 10 minutes to finish with 13 points and 10 rebounds – and the Tigers got back on course.

Janiah Barker led A&M with 21 points and 9 rebounds while Alcha Coulibaly added 16 points and 6 rebounds. The Aggies played without starting point guard Endiya Rogers who was sidelined with a knee injury.

“It’s going to take some time for us to figure out how to play with that our point guard,” said A&M coach Joni Taylor, whose team fell to 17-8 overall and 5-8 in the SEC. “Credit to LSU for how they came out. We were really bad in the first half.”

The Tigers return home for a Thursday 8 p.m. game against Auburn. LSU lost at Auburn 87-62 on Jan. 14.

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – It still may take a while for LSU’s fans to transition from the expected game-opening series wins of last year’s national championship team provided by pitcher Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft.

There’s no longer Mr. Automatic Get on Base, brilliant centerfielder Dylan Crews, the No. 2 overall MLB draft selection., who got on base just about any time he wanted.

Also missing is first baseman Tre’ Morgan, the greatest infield security blanket in LSU baseball history, whose glove and athleticism will remain forever the gold standard of fielding in the program.

But after the 2024 season-opening four-game series for the No. 2 Tigers concluded Monday, a 4-0 record with wins over VMI (11-8, 27-5) and Central Arkansas (2-0, 4-3), LSU head coach Jay Johnson was even more optimistic about his revamped team than he was a week ago.

“You can seemingly command their (LSU’s players) attention for improvement when you lose a game better than when you win a game,” Johnson said after his team’s one-run win over Central Arkansas. “I thought we had their attention.

“We didn’t need to lose a game to improve, and that is something I’m very happy about. That shows maturity in this completely new team. We have some good leadership. They’re motivated. We have an approach to every game here that is unique. And I think they did a good job with that this weekend.”

Johnson started different lineups every day, getting a look at different outfield combinations and various batting orders.

The Tigers batted .380 in the series. The pitching staff, using three starters and 13 relievers, had a combined ERA of 3.71 and only three fielding errors were committed (two by Tigers’ pitchers on errant pickoff throws).

“We’re not a finished product; we’re going to move guys in and out of the lineup,” Johnson said. “Maybe it’s almost even tougher this year than it was last year because we have a lot of guys who are (in) close (competition) that offer different things.

“I’m pleased with what I see is the depth of the position player group. And I’m really confident where we’re going to land once all our pitching pieces are in place.”

LSU returns to action this weekend for a second straight four-game homestand. The Tigers play Northern Illinois on Thursday and Saturday and face Stony Brook on Friday and Sunday.

Here’s a review of LSU’s opening weekend:

Best hitter: Even before grad student catcher Hayden Travinski concluded the series Monday afternoon batting .571 (8 of 14) with 4 RBIs, 8 runs scored, three walks drawn and twice hit by pitches, he was collecting his first in-season award. On Monday morning, the Shreveport native was named the SEC’ co-Player of the Week.

Best starting pitcher: In his LSU debut, Alabama transfer Luke Holman was in total command. He pitched more innings (5.1) and struck out more batters (10) than the other three weekend starters.

Best reliever: UCLA transfer Gage Jump, throwing in a live game for the first time in 22 months, after returning from Tommy John surgery, dazzled in his LSU debut in the Tigers’ season-opening 11-8 win over VMI last Friday.

Eight of his 11 ninth-inning pitches were strikes, closing out the Keydets in order including two strikeouts.

Best surprise pitcher: Of all LSU’s new pitchers, Johnson rarely mentioned Fidel Ulloa’s name in the preseason. But the 6 2, 205-pound junior transfer from San Joaquin (Calif.) College gave up 1 hit, no runs, and struck out 3 in facing 9 batters in a collective 2.1 innings in Game 1 vs. VMI and Game 4 vs. Central Arkansas. He got the save in the latter game, retiring the visitors on eight pitches in the ninth.

Best surprise position player: Outfielder Jake Brown was the most ballyhooed true freshman signee in the preseason. He didn’t disappoint as he leads LSU in hitting, batting .600 after the opening weekend.

But the “Who is THAT guy?” true freshman was second baseman Steven Milam, voted the No. 1 player in New Mexico last season when he led Las Cruces (Centennial) to the state championship.

After not playing in LSU’s season opener last Friday and coming off the bench in Game 2 vs. Central Arkansas, he started Game 3 vs. VMI as the Tigers ‘ leadoff hitter. He went 4 of 6 with three RBIs and four runs scored.

He exited his first weekend as a collegiate batting .545 with 4 RBIs and 5 runs scored.

GO FIGURE

6: Opposing base runners thrown out by LSU catchers Brady Neal (3), Alex Milazzo (2) and Hayden Travinski (1).

8: LSU batters combining to get hit by 15 opposing pitches

15: LSU runs scored with two outs

15: LSU batters hit by pitches in first four games

20: LSU singles in Game 3 vs. VMI, a Tigers’ single-game record

27: LSU hits in Game 3 vs. VMI, tying Tigers’ single-game record

33: LSU players on its active 40-man roster played in the opening weekend

.733: Batting average (11 of 18) for LSU in 3-2 pitch counts

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 18

Preston Gilbert, 44, Boyce — aggravated resisting with force or violence 3 counts, battery on officer 2 counts, resisting, temporary plate display, $1,100;

Macorria Payne, 21, Alexandria — battery on officer, remaining after forbidden, resisting with force or violence, escape, $3,500 bail.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 18

Terralizzia Booze, 31, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, contempt 4 counts, $15,000 bail;

Terrace Winchester, 20, Alexandria — possession with intent, paraphernalia, $1,500 bail.

Louisiana Christian University participated in the RECIPE for Rural STEM DAY on Feb. 8 at the LSUA Mega Shelter in Alexandria. More than 1300 Central Louisiana fifth and sixth-graders interested in science, math, engineering and technology fields participated in the event.

RECIPE for Rural STEM Day is a statewide initiative to promote STEM education to upper elementary-age students. RECIPE stands for Relevant, Educational, Career-minded, Impactful, Purposeful and Engaging.

LCU’s Physical Therapy Assistant program, along with the Health and Exercise Science programs, attended and provided interactive games that correlated general anatomy and systems of the body with various basic healthcare assessments, said Associate Vice President of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Dr. Shaina Goudeau.  

Examples of planned activities included determining the effect of physical activity on heart rate, sensory nerve testing, grip strength assessments, and an anatomy versus body system matching game.  LCU faculty selected simple tasks and created fun games to allow a direct approach to science-based activities.  The simplified method of active learning served to pique the curiosity of attendees toward possible healthcare-based careers and also provided interesting methods for connecting didactic material and the human body.  

Research has shown that providing meaningful firsthand STEM experiences for early childhood and elementary-age children positively impacts their perceptions and dispositions towards STEM, Goudeau said. Additionally, researchers have declared that participating in STEM modules enriched with critical thinking principles improves students’ critical thinking skills, such as interpretation, analysis, and inference in relation to the science content. Research has proven that STEM training is multi-faceted and can improve many areas of student learning.

The RECIPE for Rural STEM Day, along with community partners such as Louisiana Christian University, allows students from across Louisiana to participate in and learn about science, math and technology.  

Louisiana Christian University seeks to be at the forefront of engaging students of all levels of education to enhance and bolster self-confidence, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning while presenting the diverse options of healthcare career fields.  

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Charles Smith has a long history of flying under the radar during his 34 seasons as head basketball coach at Peabody High School, but the latest case takes the cake.

The modest but incredibly accomplished Smith reveled in Saturday’s Peabody “Hall of Fame” game on campus featuring a recognition and gathering of all of the state championship teams at Peabody – eight that he coached. But nobody announced Smith had just become a finalist for the sport’s most elite club – the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

He didn’t bring it up, either.

The Basketball Hall is the epitome of accomplishment in the basketball world – it includes international greats as well as the most renowned figures in the sports’ history. From the Hall’s namesake, Dr. James Naismith, who invented basketball in Springfield, through more than a century of history, figures such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Bob Pettit, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Kim Mulkey, Cheryl Miller, Nancy Leiberman and the greats of the game are in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Now, as of a Friday evening announcement during the NBA’s All-Star Game Weekend, Peabody’s Smith is one step away from joining them.

Smith is one of six North American finalists – selected from a pool of 37 nominees – on the Basketball Hall’s radar. He was nominated last year for the first time and Friday emerged from a rigorous review process in his first year of consideration.

The final step: gaining endorsement from a 24-member Honors Committee comprised of experts from the world of basketball. To earn selection for the Hall, at least 18 must approve a finalist.

Smith and 13 others have advanced to this stage. He is the only high school coach being considered. The Class of 2024 will be announced and introduced April 6 during the NCAA’s Final Four festivities in Phoenix.

The other North American finalists are NBA greats Chauncey Billups, Vince Carter, Michael Cooper and Walter Davis, and longtime Wisconsin Badgers college coach Bo Ryan.

Two Women’s Committee finalists include another Louisiana native, Baton Rouge’s Seimone Augustus, who starred at LSU, was a three-time gold medalist for the USA, and is one of the all-time greats in the WNBA. She is going into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in April and will enter the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches on June 22.

Contributor finalists are Doug Collins, Herb Simon and Jerry West – who is already in the Basketball Hall as a player but now is considered for his front office role with the Los Angeles Lakers.  Two others – notably former NBA star Dick Barnett – are being considered as veteran finalists along with international finalist Michelle Timms.

“Being named a finalist for the Class of 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to the highest echelons of achievement in the sport,” said Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “It’s an honor that reflects not only individual greatness, but also the long-lasting impact on the game itself.

“Each finalist embodies the pinnacle of basketball excellence. Their inclusion underscores the diverse contributions that have shaped and enriched the sport, making this recognition truly exceptional.”

The Class of 2024 will be enshrined in Springfield on Aug. 16-17.

Only eight Louisiana natives – Leon Barmore, Joe Dumars, Elvin Hayes, Malone, Mulkey, Robert Parish, Pettit and Willis Reed – are in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Smith, 74, is steering the 2023-24 Peabody team into the state playoffs as the fifth-winningest coach in American high school history. His teams have won 1,204 games and lost only 214. His eight state championships include seven this century, the last in 2020.

Three of the four coaches ahead of him on the national career wins list are already in the Basketball Hall. The one who isn’t has coached six more years than Smith has.

Born in rural Rapides Parish, he became the Warhorses’ head coach in 1985. He started as a math teacher and assistant coach to Ernest Bowman at Peabody in 1975 and continues to teach trigonometry classes.

Smith was named ESPN’s National Coach of the Year after a perfect 41-0 state championship season in 2010. He was a head coach at the 2020 McDonald’s High School All-American game in 2020.

By JIM BUTLER

MGM Development Group, stymied by Alexandria on a project a couple of months ago (or sandbagged, depending on the point of view), is moving to another housing effort.

The City Council, responding to administration concerns about long-term commitment, on a tie vote rejected city backing for a proposed affordable housing apartments project on south MacArthur Drive.

Now the developer is proposing a seniors affordable housing investment in Pineville, essentially bounded by Shell Road and Azalea Road.

The name Central Point derives from the former Central Louisiana State Hospital grounds.

MGM envisions spending up to $45 million to rehabilitate existing buildings and for new construction of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units with clubhouse and supporting services.

The financing package includes low income tax credits, federal and state historic tax credits, Community Block Development Grant and other sources, including Louisiana Housing Commission and Louisiana Bond Commission.

Jeff Glover, who was unable to persuade an Alexandria council majority in December, is the contact person.

His firm last year opened a 48-unit development on England Drive.

Three of Rapides Parish’s seven teams left in the LHSAA girls basketball playoffs will finally hit the hardwood tonight In the second round of playoff games.

No. 3 Holy Savior Menard and No. 7 Glenmora both in Division III and Northwood-Lena, the No. 2 seed in Division IV all received first-round byes.

Oak Hill, the top-ranked team in Division V, and No. 5 Plainview, both received a bye in the second round. Oak Hill will play the winner of tonight’s game between St. Joseph’s-Plaucheville and Rapides in a quarterfinal game Thursday. Plainview will play No. 4 Claiborne Christian Thursday.

No. 9 Tioga picked up a first-round win defeating No. 24 Bonnabel and will travel today to face No. 8 St. Thomas More.

The only first-round casualty was No. 21 Alexandria who dropped a 67-48 decision to No. 12 Northwood of Shreveport in Division I.

Tonight’s second-round pairings 

All Rapides Parish schools participate in Select Divisions

Division I

No. 9 Tioga (27-7) at No. 8 St. Thomas More (15-10), 6 p.m.

Division III

No. 14 Calvary (12-9) at No. 3 Menard (20-11), 5:30 p.m.

No. 10 Houma Christian (13-4) at No. 7 Glenmora (17-14), 6 p.m.

Division IV

No. 18 St. Edmund (11-13) at No. 2 Northwood-Lena (16-12), 6 p.m.

Division V

No. 9 Rapides (10-21) at No. 8 St. Joseph’s-Plaucheville (11-15), 6 p.m.

First round results

Select

Division I

(9) Tioga 57, (24) Bonnabel 23

(12) Northwood 67, (21) Alexandria 48

By LAMAR GAFFORD

TIOGA – The seniors of the Tioga girls basketball team had accomplished so much this season and had room for one more step Thursday.

They’ll aim to make the next stride tonight.

Making the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and hosting a home playoff game for the first time since 2011, the Lady Indians cruised past Bonnabel, 57-23, at The Reservation on Thursday night. It was the program’s first playoff win since 2006, when it made the Sweet Sixteen state tournament.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been in this position,” Tioga coach Debbie Johnson said. “These kids worked hard. I’ve had all these kids starting as freshmen and we’ve made it through the COVID year and all the other years. This feels good right now.”

The Lady Indians wasted no time in exerting their dominance after jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter – only for the lead to continue to swell.

At halftime, Tioga (27-7) led 42-12 and the 35-point mandatory running clock soon followed early in the third quarter.

It was a fitting sendoff for the Lady Indians’ senior quartet of Ashton Nick, Abbi Troquille, Christina Lambert and Madison Lockwood, who combined to score 40 points in possibly their final home game at The Reservation. Nick led all players with 17 points, while Troquille added 11. Freshman Naomi Dishmond scored 10 points off the bench.

“This was really important to Coach Johnson, so that was a big part of us trying to do our best,” Troquille said. “We’ve been here for four years and have never gotten this far. This is our year to go as far as we can.”

Bonnabel (9-18) was led by junior Anaiah Perry’s 11 points in its first playoff appearance since 2021.

Tioga will travel to No. 8 seed St. Thomas More tonight in the Division I Select regionals.

NORTHWOOD (SHREVEPORT) 67, ASH 48: The Lady Trojans’ season ended at the hands of Northwood-Shreveport Thursday in the first round of the Division I Select playoffs. Hannah Mouton paced the Lady Falcons with 25 points, while Queen White added a double-double of 13 points and 20 rebounds. ASH’s season ends at

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 15

Devon Barron, 26, Dry Prong — aggravated assault, $500 bail;

Delwin Decena II, 22, Pineville — illegal possession stolen firearm, expired license plate/registration, $5,100 bail;

Jamieon Osteen, 29, Alexandria — possession/sale firearm with obliterated serial number resisting, criminal trespass, contempt, $30,500 bail;

Tivis Peace Sr., 28, Alexandria — firearm possession by convicted felon, no plate light, no signals, contempt 2 counts, $10,950 bail;

Phoebe Thomas, 36, Alexandria — aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, $10,000 bail;

Travis Thomas, 31, Alexandria — parole violations, firearm possession by convicted felon, firearm with drugs, felony flight, no driver’s license, speeding 2 counts, criminal trespass, possession/sale firearm with obliterated serial number, paraphernalia, reckless operation, $126,800.

February 16

Jakamein Dykes, 20, Alexandria — home invasion-intimidation, resisting, $500 bail;

Adam Forester, 27, Pineville — contributing to delinquency of minor 3 counts, criminal damage, unlawful communication telephone/telecom, $7,500 bail;

Danielle Lewis, 43, Alexandria — aggravated assault w/firearm, $5,000 bail;

Jacob Samples, 30, Pineville — violation protective orders 6 counts, $30,000 bail;

Juwuan Scott, 26, Pineville — aggravated assault w/firearm, resisting, contempt, $33,000 bail.

February 17

James Davis Jr., 49, Alexandria — domestic abuse battery strangulation, false imprisonment, theft, battery on dating partner, aggravated assault, $13,000 bail;

Michael Johnson Jr., 38, illegal carrying weapon, contempt 4 counts, $8,000 bail;

James Veal Jr., 46, Alexandria — domestic abuse battery strangulation, violation protective order, electric scooter exceptions, resisting, obstruction public passage, $2,100 bail. 

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

February 15
Nareisha George, 27, Alexandria — possession, paraphernalia, obstruction public passage, $3,500 bail;

Raymond Green, 29, Colfax — possession, paraphernalia, contempt, $3,500 bail;

Levi Harris Jr., 30, Alexandria — possession, driving under suspension/revocation, safety belt violation, improper plate display, $6,500 bail;

Thomas Holt Sr., 53, Alexandria — possession, improper plate display, $1,600 bail;

Jake Jefferson, 43, Alexandria — possession with intent, possession, running red light, parole violations, $11,100 bail;

Brian Layssard, 44, Pineville — possession, escape, contempt 2 counts, $15,000 bail;

Ramon Martin, 29, Ferriday — possession with intent 2 counts, improper plate display, improper lane usage, no driver’s license, $40,300 bail;

Quincy Martin-Alford, 20, Moreauville — possession, firearm with drugs, no MVI, safety belt violation, $5,700 bail;

Chelsea Matthews, 21, Ferriday — possession with intent 2 counts, $40,000 bail;

Christopher Moody, 29, Pineville — possession, contempt 3 counts, $50,000 bail;

Jason Reed, 40, Pineville — possession 2 counts, unauthorized entry inhabited dwelling, probation violation, $10,000 bail;

Kevin Williams, 35, Alexandria — possession with intent 2 counts, contempt 5 counts, probation violation, $105,500 bail.

February 16

Aubrey Blue, 40, Lecompte — possession, no driver’s license, CDS in presence of person under 17, excessive window tint, $10,700 bail;

Terrick Chaney, 38, Alexandria — possession 3 counts, expired MVI, unsafe vehicle, ), $15,700 bail;

Robert Davis, 34, Alexandria — possession, paraphernalia, parole violations, $3,000 bail;

Tijah Foster, 19, Alexandria — firearm with drugs 2 counts, possession, paraphernalia, $20,500 bail;

Evan Lotts, 38, Alexandria — possession, firearm with drugs, no vehicle insurance, driving under suspension/revocation, failure to dim lights $1,800 bail;

Sherman Miller Jr., 47, Alexandria — possession, resisting, contempt 4 counts, $32,600;

Jamar Neville Jr., 26, Houston, TX — possession with intent 4 counts, paraphernalia, firearm with drugs, $16,000;

Tiffany Ricard, 39, Alexandria — possession, contempt 3 counts, $13,000 bail;

Markedrius West, 22, Lafayette — possession with intent, firearm with drugs, improper lane usage, $5,600 bail;

Alonda Williams, 34, Alexandria — possession 3 counts, $6,600 bail.

February 17

Patrick Battles Jr., 43, Alexandria — possession, resisting, felony flight, no vehicle signals, contempt non-support 3 counts, $30,015,597 bail;

Ezra Harris, 49, Alexandria — possession, paraphernalia, no vehicle insurance, excessive window tint, contempt, $8,200 bail;

Raymond Henderson, 41, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, bicycle lamps/reflectors required, $3,100 bail;

Matthew Thompson, 49, Pineville  — possession, driving under suspension/revocation, paraphernalia, improper plate display, $3,200 bail;

Vence Turner, 39, Alexandria  — possession 2 counts, $1,000 bail;

Tyrone Wilson, 43, Alexandria — possession, paraphernalia, contempt, $9,000 bail;

William Wood, 47, Alexandria — possession 3 counts, suspension/revocation, improper plate display, contempt 6 counts, $17,700 bail. 

By Jeanni Ritchie

Backpacker Joe’s story started flooding my Facebook feed the minute he hit Natchez. People were excited to catch a glimpse of this young man trekking across our country on a personal prayer pilgrimage.

He was a Christian Forrest Gump and Louisiana laid out the welcome mat.

Meeting up with him after the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass at the downtown St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, I listened as he shared his story with many parishioners. He prayed and took photos in the vestibule, just as he had after mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor earlier that day.

Attending masses in the cathedrals in cities he passes through is a big part of Joe’s journey, one begun at the Statue of Liberty five months ago. His origin was planned; it mirrored a parallel journey his Sicilian ancestors had taken from Ellis Island. He had specific sites in New Jersey, Alabama, and Maryland he wanted to visit. Kentucky wasn’t on the list but we discovered we’d both spent time at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky.

Over a shared platter and quick tutorial on crawfish peeling at Tunk’s Cypress Inn, he told me more of his story.

The idea of walking across the country, praying for our nation and its communities, didn’t spring up overnight. In fact, Joe often waits out crazy ideas in his head to be sure they are God. The moment I heard that, I knew our meeting was divine providence. My mind needs decluttering as often as my desk does.

Trust in divine providence is one of Joe’s intentions as he crosses the country. Reparation for his own sins is another. Praying for the country is the third.

It is here where citizens join in. Joe has prayed in parking lots, churches, and on the side of the road. People drive around looking for a sighting and share photos when they catch up with him. #backpackerjoe is trending nationally and online sighting groups have popped up for people to share this journey.

This started when he arrived in Natchez. Karla Brown, who’d carried a cross across the country 22 years ago, had heard about the story and quickly sprang into action. Covering his story initially on her personal page, it was shared over 1000 times and garnered much response.

People wanted to help!

Like Piper Pearce, 7, and her mother Jennifer. I met them at a donation drop-off spot before my interview. They admired Joe’s journey and wanted to thank him with a gift. Seeing mother and daughter sowing seeds of goodness reminded me of long ago motherhood and warmed my heart.

This generosity has been shown to #backpackerjoe throughout his journey but nothing compared to what happened once reached Natchez. The true spirit of the South enveloped this former EMT and firefighter. Joe was on a mission much greater than himself, and residents responded mightily.

I watched my beloved hometown come together. I saw friends and former students tagging #backpackerjoe in photos and calls and messages came in asking me where they could donate. My search for hotel room funding was quickly ended by a friend with a magnanimous personality.

“He will stay here in our pool house.” You don’t argue with a Southern woman when she makes up her mind and Belle Chatelain is no exception. We would head to her house as soon as dinner ended.

First, we had to peel tails and suck heads! Midway through, I asked for his assessment. “I love this experience, but it’s a lot of work,” All good things require a little work both in the Kingdom and Cajun cuisine. Deeming it worthy of the time spent fighting hard crustacean shells for that juicy morsel of meat, Joe relayed stories of growing up in the restaurant business. His mother has a restaurant not far from where he grew up in Indiana.

It was only natural that we’d talk about his mother. The mother in me trumps the reporter every time.

“What does your mom think about all this?”

“She’s completely supportive.”

“Was she not worried in the beginning?”

“Oh, she was definitely concerned.”

I laughed. Joe is about to turn thirty. I have three kids older than him and one younger. Mothers never stop worrying about their children no matter how old they get.

“We made an agreement.” I was anxious to hear; my son signed one at four promising to never ride a motorcycle. I’m not sure if he’s in breach of that contract or not. I decided to make sure Joe was honoring his promise instead.

“Yes. I text my mom every time I turn my phone to let her know I’m okay.”

That’s once or twice a week because Joe purposefully has an older flip phone. He doesn’t always have it charged and it has no smart technology. After all, distraction is one of the specific idols he’s praying against. Using my phone for work, I know how quickly I can lose focus and attention every time I pick it up. Watching Joe’s simplified life for a magnified calling was inspiring.

After RPSO officer Jay Slayter recognized Joe on our way out of the restaurant, he was quickly ushered over to the kitchen to meet owner Scotty Thiels. Joe shared his childhood restaurant experiences and how much he’d enjoyed dinner. We then headed to his hosts’ home for the evening.

The next couple of hours were a true blessing, connecting with friends old and new. I left Joe in good hands, and he was their guest at Calvary the next morning. A last-minute decision to attend services at my childhood church had me sitting between Joe and Piper Pearce in a way that only the Master could’ve orchestrated. Calvary was as welcoming as the Cathedral, and I was blessed to have been in attendance. After a lunch of grilled steaks with his hosts, #backpackerjoe headed toward Natchitoches. Based on the number of messages I’ve received today the red carpet has been rolled out for his journey all the way through Shreveport.

From Shreveport, Joe will go to Texas, Oklahoma City, and Colorado. His exact route is undetermined, but Servants of Christ Jesus in Denver is the next confirmed destination. His final stop will be a site in San Francisco. He anticipates ending his journey next January.

In the meantime, Facebook groups are popping up where people can post their #backpackerjoe pics. Birthday cards and gift card donations will be collected through Friday to bring to Joe for his 30^th birthday. A scrapbook has been started with messages and photos that will be delivered to his mother’s restaurant prior to his return next year. This inspiring journey is one to watch for. This young man is out to change the world, one community at a time.

Birthday and gift cards will be collected through February 23:

KP Jewelers
c/o Keith Patton
4005 Jackson St.
Alexandria, LA 71301

Red River Bank
c/o Blake Chatelain
1412 Centre Court
Alexandria, LA 71301

Messages and photos of Joe’s journey may be mailed to:

c/o Backpacker Joe
1620 Audubon Dr.
Alexandria, LA 71301

Jeanni Ritchie is a mental health journalist from Louisiana who often blends pop culture with faith.

By JIM BUTLER

The Ball Town Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday night at 7 on whether to alter how it sets wastewater rates.

To date, the town has increased rates each year on the basis of the Consumer Price Index-Urban Index.

Municipalities receiving federal grants for wastewater system work are required to annually adjust rates in order to recover costs.

Heretofore, the town has relied on the CPI but heard discussion at its January meeting about benefits of switching to an index created by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.

The town’s engineer, Tommy David, and auditor, Steven McKay, agreed the switch would likely be beneficial to rate adjustments.

NACWA projects indexing growth at 4-5 percent through 2027. Its index is composed of pricing consideration more subject-specific than the CPI measure.

Also in January the council amended city ordinances to award a 4 percent raise for all employees in lieu of a cost of living adjustment and to establish the town clerk’s pay rate at $21.80 hourly for hours worked.

That post is considered full-time. Any time beyond 40 hours is remunerated at 1.5 hours comp time for each hour worked.