Each week, the Rapides Parish Journal’s always-hungry reporter visits a different restaurant and tells you about the experience.

By ANON E. MUSS

In the mood for a good burger, I invited a friend to join me for lunch at the MacArthur Drive location of Darrell’s Restaurant. The restaurant itself is nothing special to look at but the employees are very friendly. In addition to burgers and other sandwiches, Darrell’s also offers fried chicken and seafood.

On this particular day, Darrell’s appeared to be having a really good lunch crowd as the parking lot was full and there was a steady line in the drive-through. I ordered the hamburger minus the onions and decided to get a side of mashed potatoes instead of fries. My friend settled on the ham and cheese sandwich and seasoned fries. We did not have to wait very long for our food but when it arrived, we were surprised to see that the staff had gotten the order wrong. My hamburger came fully dressed, including the onions. Fortunately, they were sliced onions so they were easy to take off. Unfortunately, the burger was lukewarm, which surprised me since Darrell’s is known for its burgers. I enjoyed the mashed potatoes, especially since they came with brown gravy as I am not a big fan of white gravy.

Instead of the ham sandwich that my friend ordered, he was given a BLT. I found the mix-up funny since, no matter where we go, he always orders a BLT and I was surprised when he chose the ham & cheese sandwich instead. He was happy to report that the sandwich tasted just as good as it looked so he was not going to complain about the mix-up. His fries were well-seasoned and hot.

Darrell’s offers milkshakes, ice cream and an apple fritter on its dessert menu. Although I did not get one on this visit, I highly recommend the chocolate milkshake.

For this particular visit, I give Darrell’s Restaurant two forks. The lukewarm burger really was disappointing. On previous visits, Darrell’s would have garnered three forks. In today’s economy, Darrell’s is still a budget-friendly option for families. The total for our order was $22.50, which included drinks for both of us and tax. If you want to order catfish or the 1/2 fish & shrimp, be prepared to spend between $12.99 – 16.99, which is not bad considering that you get hush puppies and one side with your order.

Location: 1200 MacArthur Dr., Alexandria, Louisiana
Price: $20-$40 – Diner

Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit? Email: Anon E. Muss

1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so

By JIM BUTLER

The Police Jury will hold a public hearing today on the proposed establishing of a gun range near Rapides Station.

The hearing will be at 3 p.m. preceding the jury’s scheduled monthly meeting.

Front Sight wants to locate a range at 5645 Old Boyce Road. The tract is more commonly known as the site of defunct Myers No. 2 Air Strip.

Information regarding Front Sight owners-applicants is not included in the hearing announcement.

Shooting training and practice is not an uncommon occurrence in the vicinity.

The Alexandria Police Department range is at nearby Harold Miles Park off La. 1 and the Sheriff’s Department range is inside the Red River levee to the east.

By JIM BUTLER

About a month remains on scheduled construction time of a new traffic flow arrangement at Hwy. 28 West and St. Clair Road.

Progressive Construction has the $1.33 million contract for Phase 1 of creation of the Restricted Crossing U-turn, more commonly known as a R-Cut.

The work comes less than three months after a fatal accident at the intersection renewed appeals from various parties to DOTD for renewed attention to its dangers.

Emma Parsons, 68, a retired Shreveport teacher known to many as a hostess at various RV campgrounds, was killed when the vehicle she was a passenger in was struck trying to cross east-bound Hwy. 28.

According to experts the R-Cut has 14 fewer crossing conflict points than the conventional crossing.

All St. Clair Road traffic will make a right turn followed by a U-turn at the designated spot to continue in the desired direction.

It’s not to be confused with a roundabout, which requires all traffic on roads approaching it to yield right of way.

Fatal accident at 28 West and St. Clair Road

The Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services (CLASS), Healthy Living for All organization sponsored the 10th annual CENLA Pride Weekend Friday and Saturday, June 7-8. The event began Friday with a Pride Mass at Alexandria’s St. James Episcopal Church followed by a reception and silent art auction.

Saturday saw a record crowd of over 350 people participate in the Pride Parade starting downtown and ending at the Randolph Riverfront Center. Twenty Target employees from stores throughout Louisiana joined the march as did members of PFLAG. After the parade, attendees enjoyed an expo at the Randolph Riverfront Center with food trucks, an eclectic variety of vendors, voter registration, and entertainment.

CLASS Healthy Living for All primarily serves the area of the Louisiana Department of Health’s Region IV: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn Parishes. Their website sums up their mission. “Since incorporating in 1987, CLASS has worked tirelessly to ensure that all people have access to the resources and services which will help them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

June 6

Weapons

Kaleb White, 17, Alexandria — attempted murder 2nd degree (amended to accessory after the fact), obstruction of justice evidence tampering, $200,000 bail;

Other

Bryant Deselle, 29, fugitive, contempt, $5,000 bail;

James Vinson, 39, Plainview — parole violations, no bail;

Michael Wolf, 39, Pineville — theft, $5,000 bail. 

This date: 9 arrests, 7 that include one or more contempt counts.

June 7

Weapons 

Tyler Jeffrey, 38, Deville — illegal possession stolen firearm, $10,000 bail;

Chester Sonnier Jr., 38, Pineville — murder 2nd degree, probation violation, no bail set;

Other

Austin Gordon, 17 Woodworth — felony flight, reckless operation, $500 bail;

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

Nicholas Lendeborg, 33, Boyce — probation violation, no bail set;

Patrick Robert, 24, Opelousas — suspension/revocation prior offense, hit & run driving, $1,000 bail;

Henry Walker III, 34, Pineville — illegal possession stolen things 2 counts, $40,000 bail;

Hunter Wiley, 18, Pineville — felony flight, theft 2 counts, theft of motor vehicle, illegal possession stolen things, $31,000 bail;

Harvey Wright, 49, Alexandria — violation protective order 2 counts, $3,000 bail. 

This date: 25 arrests, 13 including one or more contempt counts. 

June 8

Weapons

Ere’onia White, 23, Alexandria — attempted murder 2nd degree, resisting, $250,500 bail;

Other

Michael Jones III, 22. Alexandria — illegal possession stolen things, $10,000 bail. 

This date: 19 arrests, 11 that include at least one contempt count. 

By JIM BUTLER

A Bunkie man faces murder charges in Rapides and an Alexandria woman is accused of an unsuccessful attempt.

A teenager initially booked for attempted murder had charges amended to accessory after the fact.

As of Sunday evening no details beyond jail record were available regarding the circumstances for each.

Chester Sonnier Jr., 38, of Bunkie was charged Friday evening with second-degree murder. A convicted felon on probation, he had no bail set.

Not long after midnight Saturday Ere’onia White, 23, of Alexandria was charged with attempted murder 2 and resisting arrest. Her bail is $250,500.

On Thursday evening Kaleb White, 17, of Alexandria was charged with attempted murder 2 and obstruction of justice by evidence tampering.

That was later altered to accessory after the fact and obstruction. His bail is set at $200,000. 

Whether there is relationship between the Whites was not available information.

Sonnier has Rapides arrests dating to at least early 2021, including firearms and drug charges.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

June 7

Dominique Jackson, 32, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, contempt, $10,500 bail;

Monica Morgan, 33, Alexandria — possession with intent with child under 12 present, forgery 2 counts, contempt, $16,500 bail.  

June 8

Joseph DeSoto Sr., 57, Pineville — possession, contempt, $25,500 bail;

Kim Gray, 36, Pineville — possession, theft, $3,000 bail;

Devin Pierce, 37, Alexandria — possession, theft, contempt 3 counts, $4,500 bail;

Michelle Turner, 49, Alexandria — possession, criminal trespass, contempt, $8,000 bail;

Albert White, 60, Pineville — possession 2 counts, obstruction evidence tampering, $4,000 bail. 

By Jeanni Ritchie

June 10 is National Iced Tea Day, the unofficial beverage of the South. Whether you like yours sweet or unsweet, with lemons or combined with lemonade, pour yourself a big glass and check out these random facts about iced tea! 

• Iced tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, following water
• The oldest tea dates to 453BC
• Recipes for iced tea have been found dating back to the 1860’s
• Hotels and railroads began offering iced tea on their beverage menus in the 1870’s
• In 1904, the iced tea was introduced at the World’s Fair in St. Louis by a tea merchant who added ice to his hot tea during a heat wave
• Pools across the country filled up with tea in 1976-1977 as consumers took the “Nestea Plunge”
• A viral TikTok trend created by Hishamraus Restaurant amassed over 17 million views and encouraged viewers to cold-steep Lipton Black Tea in Sprite
• The US population consumes nearly 50 billion glasses of iced tea per year

I’m pretty sure during my 3^rd pregnancy I drank half of those!

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ICED TEA DAY

• Brew and enjoy a glass of iced tea with friends. With so many ways to brew iced tea, it’s become more convenient than ever, too. 
• Create your favorite flavors by adding mint, lemon or fruit. 
• Visit various restaurants and enjoy a glass of iced tea. Make a comparison to see who has the best home brew. 
• Are you looking for iced tea deals to celebrate? Bojangles, McAlister’s Deli, Numi Organic Tea, Starbucks, QuikTrip, and Love’s Travel Stops have special offers on June 10 at participating locations.
• Bake Tea-Infused Treats: Experiment with tea-infused recipes such as matcha cookies, Earl Grey-infused cakes, or chai-spiced muffins. Enjoy the delightful flavors and aromas as you indulge in these homemade treats.
• Organize a Tea-inspired Movie Night: Pick your favorite tea-themed movies or films set in tea-drinking cultures, such as “The Joy Luck Club” or “The Darjeeling Limited.” Prepare some snacks and, of course, a pot of tea, and settle in for a cozy movie night filled with tea-centric entertainment.
• While enjoying your iced tea, be sure to share on social media using the hashtag #NationalIcedTeaDay.

Jeanni Ritchie is a journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.

By JIM BUTLER

Louisiana Christian University is officially searching for its next president.

Dr. Rick Brewer retired in the Spring after nine years leading the school known until late 2021 as Louisiana College. 

Acting President Dr. David Jeffreys, who has filled a variety of positions with national and state Baptist conventions, now holds the seat once occupied by such as Dr. E.O. Ware, Claybrook Cottingham, G. Earl Gunn, Robert Lynn, Joe Aguillard and Brewer. 

The following is from the university:

Louisiana Christian University has announced its search for the 10th president of the nearly 120-year-old institution, according to Tommy Kiker, who serves on the university’s Board of Trustees and as presidential search committee chair.

“As we begin this process, the committee and I covet your prayers and we need and ask for your input in the process,” said Kiker, who is lead pastor of East Leesville Baptist Church. “We are accepting applications and recommendations, but will spend most of the summer praying, receiving input from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the school, and developing a desired profile.”

The presidential search committee members include four trustees and two LCU faculty members. The members were voted on and approved by the full board at its spring board meeting.

The committee requests alumni, community members and all interested parties to offer input through a survey tool developed by LCU’s research department. The survey tool can be accessed here.

The search committee welcomes applications and recommendations to the following email address: psc@lcuniversity.edu.

Jeffreys has been serving as LCU’s acting president since the spring retirement of Brewer, who served since Feburary 2015 as the ninth president of the institution.

“Prior to this assignment, he [Jeffreys] served in an executive leadership role at the university, gaining substantial knowledge about its operations and objectives,” said Board of Trustees chair Anthony Bunting.

Jeffreys served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the university under Brewer since January 2022.

“I pray for God’s leadership during this transition and as the search committee begins its important work of finding the next president of LCU,” Jeffreys said. “We appreciate the input of all of our supporters in this search.”

Kiker said the search committee plans to begin its review of applicants in September and will offer periodic updates throughout the process.

By JIM BUTLER

Good news for every student’s household came as a last-minute mention at June’s School Board meeting.

As adjournment was being called Supt. Jeff Powell learned the system has again qualified for the program providing no-charge (FREE) breakfast and lunch to every student. 

The Community Eligibility Provision enables schools to provide no-charge meals regardless a student’s socio-economic standing.

That’s about 23,000 students daily in Rapides. 

Downside to being eligible for the program is that it’s low-income driven: at least 25 percent of a system’s families have to fall below the threshold. 

The most-obvious benefit from the program is every student has the opportunity for two meals daily. 

The USDA says research demonstrates that access to school meals at no cost improves students’ diet quality and academic performance and can reduce social stigma and food insecurity.

Researchers have observed that “CEP exposure is associated with an almost five percent decline in households classified as food insecure.” 

The program is also credited with reducing administrative burden and eliminating unpaid meal debt in schools.

By Jeanni Ritchie

There’s only way to celebrate National Doughnut Day and that’s with a big, sugary round concoction with a hole in the middle. Or skip the concoction itself and eat the hole!

 National Doughnut Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in June. It was created in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor the “Donut Lassies” who’d gone to France in 1917 to establish field bases near the front lines. Soldiers would come to stock up on essential goods and get one of the sweet baked treats by the Lassies.

In 1938, the Chicago Salvation Army created the first donut day event as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression. The donut was, and continues to be, a taste of home and a symbol of comfort to people living in the United States.

Who couldn’t use a little comfort in America today?

Locations offering freebies today:

Shipley Donuts

Shipley Donuts is celebrating by giving customers a free doughnut with any purchase.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ fans can get a free classic doughnut with the purchase of any drink while supplies last.

Krispy Kreme

On June 7, Krispy Kreme is giving away one free doughnut per customer at participating U.S. locations while supplies last.

7-11

Loyalty members can get a glazed doughnut for $1 Friday at its convenience stores as well as Speedway and Stripes locations.

Jeanni Ritchie can be found today indulging in chocolate-filled donuts for purely patriotic reasons. Find her at www.jeanniritchie.com.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

June 5

Weapons

Matthew Cherry, 28, Boyce — illegal carrying weapon, speeding, contempt 3 counts, $4,100 bail;

Joshua Edwards, 43, Glenmora — firearm with drugs 2 counts, possession, CDS in presence of person under 17, $25,000 bail;

Eric Redfern, 32, Boyce — theft of firearm, burglary, criminal trespass, criminal damage, $6,000 bail;

Other 

Cody Bates, 26, Deville — burglary 2 counts, criminal damage, $15,000 bail;

Delmarco Franklin, 26, Alexandria — aggravated domestic abuse child present, aggravated battery 2nd degree, $5,000 bail;

Cedric Jones, 21, Alexandria — aggravated assault domestic abuse, contempt, $2,500 bail;

Brittney Long, 37, Alexandria — aggravated battery, $2,500 bail;

Shawn Tyler, 34, Boyce — unauthorized entry inhabited dwelling, probation violation, $13,500. 

This date: 15 arrests, with 7 including at least one contempt count. 

Arrests are accusations, not convictions. 

June 5

Akini Butler, 21, Alexandria — possession, paraphernalia, battery on dating partner, $3,500 bail;

Jamie Wiley, 38, Colfax — possession, fugitive, contempt 3 counts, $15,000 bail. 

July 27, 1932 – June 5, 2024 

Paul Peter Guillory, a loving husband, father, and dedicated serviceman was born on July 27, 1932, in Bordelonville, LA to Alvis and Elzira Guillory. Paul served his country in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1970, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Throughout his distinguished career, he was bestowed with several accolades, including the Good Conduct Medal with three bronze loops, Small Arm Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, among others.

Paul Guillory, a proud veteran, was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, and a member of TREA (The Enlisted Association) and the Air Force Sergeants Association. His dedication to his country and fellow servicemen was unwavering.

He is survived by his loving spouse, Lydia Guillory, sons Dale Guillory and his wife, Peyton, and Donald Guillory and wife, Gayla, as well as grandchildren Susan, Dana, Megan, and Richard Guillory and six great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and a son, David Paul Guillory.

Visitation will take place at the Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Pineville on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and from 8:30 am until shortly before service time in the funeral home on Monday. Funeral Services will be on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11:00 am at the same location with Rev. Albi Mulloth officiating. Burial will take place in Wise Chapel Cemetery, Ruby immediately following services.