Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

April 30

Bobby Blake, 57, Alexandria — aggravated assault, resisting, $1,000 bail;

Braedyn Gray, 18, Boyce — unauthorized use motor vehicle, $500 bail;

Dallas Henry, 43, Glenmora — theft of identity 17 counts, unauthorized use motor vehicle, $18,000 bail;

Dustin Johnson, 38, Pineville — domestic abuse battery child present, $5,000 bail;

Timothy Tyler, 19, Lecompte — aggravated assault on police officer, $500 bail. 

This date: 24 arrests, 11 that include at least one contempt count. 

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

April 30

John Bynog, 35, Boyce — possession 2 counts, battery on officer, resisting, parole violation, $3,000 bail;

Christopher Moody, 29, Pineville — possession 2 counts, contempt 3 counts, $56,500 bail;

Eric Warden, 42, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, lamps/reflectors required, $1,100 bail;

Ricky Wise, 49, Pineville — possession with intent 2 counts, paraphernalia, no driver’s license, parole violation, contempt 2 counts, $26,600 bail. 

NATCHITOCHES – Skye Marie Dager of Pineville is the winner of the 2024 Meraki Scholarship presented to a student in Northwestern State University’s Department of Fine and Graphic Art. Artist James Borders established the scholarship to honor the memory of his wife, Lisa Chesser Borders, who lost her battel with cancer in 2018 at age 49.

“Dager’s exceptional talent stood out amidst a large pool of nominees, leading the selection committee to narrow it down to three students,” Borders said. “The committee was particularly impressed by Dager’s high level of production across different mediums, including prints and paintings. Her ability to present such a large, high-quality body of work exemplified the essence of Meraki. Meraki is derived from Greek and means ‘labor of love, creative task done with absolute devotion and undivided attention to detail. To infuse passion, soul and one’s essence into the work.’”

Borders created the scholarship to award to students who embody those qualities. The scholarship presentation ceremony took place on April 24 in the Lisa Chesser Borders Permanent Student Art Collection, housed within Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library’s Academic Success Center.

Dager is a senior majoring in Fine and Graphic Art. She was among seven nominees who submitted a large body of work that was reviewed by a panel of judges followed by an interview. Dager, whose favorite medium is printmaking, said she hopes to inspire others with her art and keep finding beauty in everything.

Borders, curator of the collection, acknowledged the selection committee “whose meticulous evaluation ensured a deserving recipient was chosen. Their dedication has been instrumental in maintaining the scholarship’s integrity and success.”

The committee included Joe and Janice Columbia, Judge Desiree Dyess, Rhett Fitzgerald, Sydney Frederick, Barry Galloway, Preston Gilchrist, Cliff Hayes, Anna Tapia MacDonald, Al Poston, Gabe Richmond, Romulus Roquemore, Michael Scott, Rebekah Borders, Shelby Borders and Matthias Schubnell.

Borders also thanked his family for their support, as well as Dr. Leslie Gruesbeck and the Department of Fine and Graphic Art for organizing the nominees and ensuring students understood the standards and qualities that the committee were looking for in a candidate.

In addition to a cash prize, Dager received a signed framed print depicting a sculpture titled “Faith,” a 32-foot cross at Trinity Baptist Church that Borders created in memory of Lisa. Dager also received her personal Meraki award plaque and her name will be permanently displayed, joining all past winners, in the memorial collection plaque that was unveiled for the first time this year. Borders hopes the winners will continue Lisa’s legacy by pursuing excellence in their academic and professional endeavors.

Borders extended special thanks to Romulus Roquemore, owner of Fisher’s, who produced and donated all plaques and nameplate, for his time and attention to detail; Mike Scott for consistently supporting the scholarship with his artistic expertise and professionalism; staff from NSU’s Office of Development Cristy Bernard, Janet Vienne, Tiffany Chasteen and Jill Bankston for their assistance in coordinating the scholarship award; Johnatan Wilson for his help with the installation of Lisa’s collection and Watson Library personnel Bobby Jordan, Anna Tapia MacDonald, Deborah Huntington and Jackie Hawkins.

Nominees for this year’s scholarship received a framed print from Borders’ Oculus Series in appreciation for their hard work and dedication and to encourage them to apply in the coming years. He expressed his desire for future recipients to uphold the scholarship’s high standards and use it as a catalyst for achieving greatness in their artistic pursuits.

“Looking ahead, the committee aims to enhance the Lisa Chesser Borders Permanent Student Art Collection through various initiatives including the addition of a large name plate, a donor plaque, display cabinet for three-dimensional work and improved lighting,” Borders said. “As the recipients of the Meraki Scholarship continue to excel and inspire others, they carry forward the legacy of Lisa Chesser Borders, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and creativity.”

BY JIM BUTLER

A Ball man accused of sex crimes while substitute teaching in Grant Parish has been booked on similar charges in Rapides.

Dakota Ray, 27, was charged Monday with 16 counts of carnal knowledge and 16 of indecent behavior with juveniles.

Details of the circumstances leading to the allegations in the Rapides case were not yet available.

Ray was charged in Grant in mid-March for alleged actions while working as a long-term, uncertified substitute teacher at Grant High School.

Many school systems have such teaching slots due to the relative shortage of degree-holding certified instructors in some subjects, such as math.

In Grant, Ray is charged with 27 counts of possession of child pornography, 28 counts of indecent behavior, prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student and malfeasance in office.

His Rapides bail is set at $32,000.

By JIM BUTLER

The City of Alexandria proposes amending its five-year Community Development Block Grant use plan to put more money into home rehab.

A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 3 p.m. May 23 at the Community Development conference room, 625 Murray Street.

Officials want to move $1.73 million from the non-performing new construction affordable rental multi-family construction account to the major rehabilitation of substandard housing program.

The objective is to make deferred repairs on more than 100 structures, rendering them safe and habitable and extending their useful life.

HOME funds are the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households.

The 2nd annual City of Lights crawfish cookoff hosted by the Natchitoches Parish Fair Board will be held on May 4th at the fairgrounds. Teams will be boiling their best recipes competing for cash prizes and people’s choice.

This event is open to the public, 11 am to 5 pm for only $30 – all-you-can-eat crawfish!!! There will be live entertainment provided by the Comeback Kids & the Born to Boogie band. A Taste of Heaven Food Truck, Cane River Pizza Co., snow cones, Murphy’s Sweets & eats, a bouncy house play area for the kids, and Antoons will be selling beer to that ID as 21 and over. 

No ice chests or outside food or drinks will be allowed, bags will be checked, and lawn chairs are recommended. Visit our 2nd annual City of Lights crawfish cookoff Facebook page to find sponsorship and /or registration information to enter a team or to purchase pre-sale tickets.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the NRMC Cancer Center. So come to the fairgrounds on May 4th to support this great cause.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

April 29

Michael Henderson, 19, Alexandria — illegal possession stolen firearm, possession, resisting, $1,500 bail.

Arrests are accusations, not arrests. 

April 29

Tori Barron, 36, Pineville — probation violation, contempt 5 counts, $27,720 bail;

Victoria Bordelon, 37, Bunkie — fugitive, violation protective order, $1,000 bail;

Fredrick Bray, 44, Pineville — rape 1st degree, aggravated resisting force or violence, $26,500;

Billy Claiborne, 34, Pineville — battery on officer, resisting force or violence, trespassing/remaining after forbidden, no bail reported;

Keturah Dolrjsi, 43, Alexandria — fugitive, non-support contempt, contempt 2 counts,$5,000 bail;

Demarcus Johnson, 38, Alexandria — domestic abuse battery strangulation, $5,000 bail;

Eugene Lee, 36, Alexandria — terrorizing, $5,000 bail;

Dakota Ray, 27, Ball — carnal knowledge 16 counts, indecent behavior with juvenile 16 counts, $32,000 bail;

April Wallace, 27, Alexandria — aggravated domestic abuse battery with child present, resisting, $1,000 bail. 

This date: 26 arrests, 10 including one or more contempt counts.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

April 29

Alton Coke, 40, Pineville — possession 2 counts, contempt, $15,000 bail;

Regenia Patterson, 59, Alexandria — obtaining CDS by fraud, $2,500 bail. 

From Thursday through Saturday, Downtown Alexandria will turn into a vibrant festival playground with Alex River Fête. Enjoy three days of music, featuring an eclectic mix of big-name and emerging artists across multiple stages.

Dinner on the Bricks: Start the festivities from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday with a feast of local flavors on Third Street, where dining meets community spirit.

Que’in on the Red: Experience fierce competition in our barbecue battle, sanctioned by the Barbecue Competitors Alliance, featuring categories like chicken, pork spare ribs, and beef brisket.

Art Fête: Explore a world of creativity with stunning artworks in various mediums, perfect for art enthusiasts looking to add to their collections or just to browse and enjoy.

IndieFête: Celebrate the spirit of local, independent creativity at IndieFête, offering a unique blend of crafts, art and performances.

Food and Refreshment: Indulge in a variety of delicious offerings at Food Truck Alley and unwind in the Beer Garden for those over 21.

Luminary Procession (Friday, 8 p.m.): The Alexandria Museum of Art’s Luminary Procession is a dazzling parade of hand crafted, life sized art pieces made by local artists and community members!

Join us for a weekend of joy, culture, and community spirit. Alex River Fête is more than just a festival — it’s a vibrant showcase of what makes Alexandria unique. For more details, visit alexriverfete.com. Come hungry, leave inspired, and make lasting memories!