September 30, 2024
Month: September 2024
Juvenile groups involved in Lancaster Drive shooting injuring one
By JIM BUTLER
A Lancaster Drive shooting involving rival juvenile groups injured one teen Saturday night, Alexandria police report.
Lancaster runs north from Jackson Street to Castle Road.
Investigators said, contrary to initial media reports, that no establishments on Jackson or in MacArthur Village were involved or threatened and the gunfire was not a random act.
The issue at the heart of the dispute was not revealed, if detectives had yet nailed it down.
Proceedings involving juveniles are confidential, whether they involve violence or otherwise.
Agencies are limited to what they can release relative to underage suspects.
Louisiana ranks near the top, so what can be done about it?
My good neighbor advises my next semi-annual premium for vehicle insurance is going up by about 17 percent.
That is coupled with about 12 percent when the current six-month premium was due.
Roughly speaking, my neighbor will collect about $1,500 this year from me for being there.
Again roughly speaking, that will bring to about $90,000 what I’ve paid to now four different neighbors over time since that first premium as a 20-year-old with a souped-up street rod. Remember those rates that were a price of youth?
I confess to not knowing much about insurance pools, shared risks, etc. but do know my claims over that span — three windshield replacements covered by a policy rider.
My sad song is no different than that of many others and our chorus has the attention of legislators trying to come up with answers and solutions.
They are not having much success getting answers so far since key players aren’t participating.
Four separate committees have discovered what we all suspected — our rates are near the highest in the nation at average annual cost of $3,618. National average is $2,543.
By that standard I fare well. Could be age, or location, or driving record, or type/age of vehicle (no Rocket 88 these days). Don’t know.
Rates vary within the state’s regions though the industry hasn’t yet shared the factors that create the variables.
Insurers blame personal injury lawyers. The lawyers blame insurers. Everyone blames drunk drivers, uninsured drivers, medical costs and rising vehicle, parts and labor costs.
Cynics suggest not letting legislators who are lawyers or insurance agents participate in the bill-drafting process.
All we know for sure is change has to be a-coming.
Full disclosure: Following the Katrina debacle, my good neighbor paid our claim on newly purchased and essentially destroyed home, furnishings in Gulfport, MS four days after filing. Had paid only six monthly premiums. Karma, I suppose.
SOCKtober to benefit Fostering Community
By Jeanni Ritchie
The Fostering Community is hosting their annual sock drive, SOCKtober, to fill the Foster Care Closet with much-needed socks for boys and girls in foster care in Central Louisiana.
Help fill the sock bins with new socks for boys and girls in all sizes and styles. Whether it’s cozy, fun, or everyday socks—every pair counts and will make a meaningful impact.
How You Can Join SOCKtober:
Donate New Socks: Drop off socks or ship them from your favorite retailer directly to: The Fostering Community, 3336 Prescott Rd. Alexandria, La 71301.
Host a SOCKtober drive: Have your school, business, or organization host a sock drive! This would make a great Sunday School project or teen service project as well.
For more info or to sign up, email info@fosteringcommunity.org.
SOCKtober runs October 1-31, 2024.
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
Prep Roundup: ASH remains unbeaten with dramatic road win over Opelousas
By BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports
JT Lindsey put on his Superman cape Friday night.
Lindsey, Alexandria Senior High’s star senior running back and an LSU commitment, willed the Trojans to a 43-40 victory over Opelousas.
ASH trailed the Tigers, last year’s Division II Non-Select state champion and the No. 3-ranked team in last week’s Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 4A poll, by 14 points at the half and by five points late in the fourth quarter.
It was the first time this season the Trojans had trailed in the second half, but Lindsey made sure they weren’t behind when the final buzzer sounded.
ASH erased the two-score deficit on a pivotal three-play swing when Lindsey raced 60 yards for his second rushing touchdown, sophomore kicker Eli Fung recovered his own onside kick, and sophomore quarterback Max Gassiott scored on a 49-yard run to tie the game at 28.
The Trojans took the lead late in the fourth quarter on a 14-yard TD pass from Gassiott to fellow sophomore Alex Fontenot, but they gave up a long touchdown pass to allow Opelousas to retake the lead 40-35 with less than two minutes to play.
ASH coach Thomas Bachman said he wasn’t worried when the Tigers scored to go ahead late in the game.
“Your eyes immediately go to the game clock,” he said. “Alright, how much time do we got? A minute forty with one timeout. Alright, let’s go score. We believed in the kids. I don’t think there was any panic. It was just, alright, let’s go get it done. To our kids’ credit that’s what we did.”
With their backs against the wall, the Trojans called on Lindsey, who had scored a 45-yard touchdown in the first half. Lindsey caught a screen pass from sophomore Karsen Sellers and weaved his way through the Tigers’ defense for a 64-yard gain. He scored from 2 yards out on the next play and ran in the 2-point conversion as the Trojans rallied for the three-point victory.
“He’s an ultimate competitor, and he competed his tail off the other night,” Bachman said.
Lindsey ran for 149 yards and three touchdowns while also catching four passes for a team-high 97 yards. Sellers and Gassiott combined to go 14-for-21 for 236 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Darius Washington caught five passes for 79 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown on the Trojans’ opening drive of the game.
Not only is Lindsey the Trojans’ best player, but Bachman said he’s a tremendous teammate who cares more about his teammates than he does his own statistics.
“He’s a winner,” Bachman said. “He’s so much more than talented.”
The victory gave ASH a 4-0 start for the fourth time in the past seven seasons with Many coming to town this week for Homecoming.
Pineville’s Ayden Tate ran for 129 yards and a score, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for his career, but the Rebels were unable to slow down Leesville star senior Xavier Ford as the Wampus Cats pulled away for a 41-13 victory.
Carter Smith found Landon Grimes for a 24-yard touchdown in the first quarter to cut Leesville’s lead to 14-6, and Tate’s 6-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the second half pulled the Rebels (2-2) within 20-13.
Leesville got a touchdown run from Ford and two passing TDs from Trel Brown to pull away for the victory. Ford finished with 282 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding a third score through the air, while Brown passed for 212 yards and four TDs.
Pineville senior safety Jacob Miranda, who had his fourth straight game with double-digit tackles, tipped his cap to Ford and the Wampus Cats for their performance.
“It was a hard game, a harsh environment out here,” Miranda said. “We just got to come back better.”
Tioga and Peabody both picked up their first victories of the season, as the Indians defeated Richwood 59-22 and the Warhorses knocked off Franklin 47-22.
Tioga got two touchdown passes from Cace Malone, one each to Kervin Johnson and Angelo Shelton, who both also scored rushing touchdowns for the Indians. Travis Adams scored a 37-yard touchdown, and Kenny Ponthier added two touchdown runs.
Menard improved to 2-2 on the season when the Eagles got a fourth-quarter safety to defeat Abbeville 15-14. Jake Vaughn’s 39-yard punt was downed by Wyatt Heyward at the 1-yard line, and Sam Brocato broke through the line for a tackle in the end zone on the next play.
The Eagles pulled within a point at 14-13 late in the third quarter on a 39-yard pass from Vaughn to Austin Parra, but the Eagles’ PAT attempt was blocked.
Menard scored on its opening drive of the game when Vaughn kept on a 1-yard fourth-down run to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead.
Buckeye (2-2) dropped its second straight game, falling on the road 46-0 to Avoyelles, while Northwood-Lena (1-3) lost to Lakeside 55-20.
Bolton Academy (0-4) remained the only winless team in the parish with a 42-0 loss to LaGrange on Thursday.
Wildcats’ comeback not quite enough in wild loss at Wayland Baptist
PLAINVIEW, Texas – The Louisiana Christian University football program lit up the scoreboard in the final frame, nearly erasing a four-touchdown deficit with under nine minutes to go but dropped a thriller to the Pioneers as Wayland Baptist held on for a 49-44 margin.
Louisiana Christian dipped to 1-3 overall and 1-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Wayland Baptist rose to 2-2, 2-1.
Freshman and Alexandria native EJ Scott had quite possibly the most impressive single-game by a first year student-athlete in team history despite not hitting paydirt, exploding for 259 receiving yards on nine catches for an absurd 28.8 yards per reception including four long hauls that went for 35 or more yards.
Scott became the first Wildcat to amass over 200 receiving yards since Glenn White (203) at Lyon on November 6, 2021 and barely missed the program’s first 10-catch performance since Canaan Leon had 11 at Belhaven on March 6, 2021.
Quarterback River Thompson shredded the defense to the tune of 450 passing yards on 18 completions (25 yards per completion) with a trio of touchdowns, not including a career-long 71-yard bomb to Scott who was pushed out of bounds at the Pioneers’ 4.
Ethan Christman had a nose for the end zone, notching his second career multi-score outing and topping 100 yards for the first time (103), one of his touchdowns on a 4th-and-14 that went a career-long 64 yards.
Daylon Charles led the ground game with a season-best 142 yards while averaging 7.5 per tote and a TD, hitting the century mark for the second straight week.
Taevion Cunningham turned four carries into 35 yards plus a touchdown while Datlan Cunningham contributed 52 yards and a score as well.
Sammy Feaster caught just one ball but it resulted in six points, hauling in the 13-yard touchdown for his ninth career score through the air.
The Wildcats come home for their next outing.
Oklahoma Panhandle State, the first victim in LCU’s current 14-game winning streak at Wildcat Field, returns to the scene of the crime on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Burns makes his mark helping lead USA to President’s Cup win
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
QUEBEC, Canada – Sam Burns’ Saturday successes helped the USA regain control in the 2024 President’s Cup golf competition, and his Sunday competitiveness muted the International team’s fiery leader.
His weekend excellence helped Team USA prevail 18 ½-11 ½ in the four-day, five-session competition at Royal Montreal Golf Club. Overall, Burns went 3-0-1, one of only two unbeaten Americans.
Burns, a 28-year-old Shreveport native and Calvary Baptist graduate, was perfect in three team matches Thursday and Saturday. He stayed undefeated Sunday while preventing Tom Kim from generating any momentum that was vitally needed to spark any International team rally from an 11-7 deficit beginning the final day.
Sunday, in a tense singles contest, the two-time LSU All-American took a 2-up lead on the front side with a string of four birdies in six holes. He stemmed the tide after Kim bounced back and drew even on the 15th hole.
Burns pulled off clutch shots on the final two holes and posted a crucial draw, earning a half point as the Americans edged toward the 15 ½ points needed to retain the Cup.
The 22-year-old South Korean looked poised to take a 1-up lead with a tee shot into 3 feet on the par-3 17th. Burns responded in style, hitting pitching wedge also next to the flag and draining the putt for matching birdies.
On 18, Burns hit a brilliant 20-foot pitch from a challenging lie to inside 3 feet and pured the putt to match Kim’s par and earn the half point for the Americans.
“I should have never put myself there. I struggled today with my irons, didn’t really strike it great,” said Burns, who now lives in Choudrant and plays out of Squire Creek Country Club. “It was a difficult chip. There were a lot of variables, up and over that slope, needed to put some spin and some height on it. It was a nice up and down.
“It was a tough match. I knew it would be against Tom. He’s a great player, a great competitor. The majority of the people out here were not rooting for us and we knew that coming in. We tried to embrace it, use it as fuel, and overall we did a good job of that. I’m proud of our guys.”
Burns sat out Friday’s alternate shot format, but rose to the occasion after the Internationals stunned the Americans with a 5-0 sweep on the second day. Entering Saturday with the competition tied at 5, Burns posted wins to score points for the USA in both sessions.
In the morning, he teamed with Patrick Cantlay, his Thursday partner, to score a 2&1 decision over Hideki Matsuyama and Sung-jae Im. In the afternoon, he and Collin Morikawa won 1-up over the Canadian duo of Corey Connors and McKenzie Hughes. Those two points helped lift the USA to a four-point advantage entering Sunday’s 12 singles matches.
It was his second victory in President’s Cup competition, following the USA’s win in 2022 on home soil. He was on the losing Ryder Cup team in Italy a year ago, and had a deceptive 1-5-2 mark in his first two international competitions as a pro (in 2022, he was paired with good pal Scottie Scheffler in the team matches and Scheffler admittedly played poorly).
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Tigers have tuned up for SEC season with plenty of variety
BATON ROUGE – LSU put itself in almost every situation imaginable in its four games this football season.
Losing a one-possession neutral site game in the season-opener to a 4½-point underdog because of 10 penalties for 99 yards, including two senseless personal fouls by veterans.
Slogging to a home win in game two vs. a supposedly overmatched FCS (formerly Division 1-AA) in-state 19 ½-point underdog school that had a running back lineup as a Wildcat QB who rushed for 145 yards and 2 TDs.
Winning on the road in the SEC in Game 3 over a 7½-point underdog after falling behind 17-0 in the game’s first 18 minutes.
Winning at home in Game 4 over a 23½-point underdog despite being in a 17-17 tie at halftime with a team that had scored seven first-half points in its first two games.
But here Saturday in Tiger Stadium in their final non-conference contest before an open date and seven SEC games in the regular season’s last eight weeks, the Brian Kelly-coached 14th-ranked Tigers found themselves in a foreign yet welcome spot.
Playing mostly like a 23½-point favorite as deemed by oddsmakers, LSU hammered South Alabama 42-10 after scoring 14 points in its first three offensive plays.
“Coach Kelly kept telling us during the week this was our last game before an open date,” LSU linebacker Whit Weeks said. “He said, `Everybody’s gonna be talking about this game for the next two weeks, so make sure it’s a good one.’”
Good, yes.
Good enough to win the rest of LSU’s games or maybe another loss or two along the way? Debatable.
It’s hard to argue with 667 yards total offense vs. the visiting Jags.
There was a career-high 409 passing yards (in his sixth college start) from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and 217 all-purpose yards (128 rushing, 71 receiving) in one half from true freshman running back Caden Durham who sat out the second half with a foot injury Kelly deemed “not major.”
Defensively, playing without injured linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. who sustained a season-ending torn ACL vs. UCLA, the Tigers held an offense that had averaged 512.3 yards and 48.3 points to 333 yards and a field goal and a touchdown.
While it’s nit-picking to find the negatives in a 32-point win, every possession is now magnified when LSU, now ranked 13th in the AP and 12th in the coaches poll, resumes SEC play on Oct. 12 at home vs. No. 12 Ole Miss.
Just ask the Rebels about how each possession is meaningful. Armed with an offense ranked first nationally in total offense (670.8 yards per game) and points (55 points per game) against four woefully weak non-conference creampuffs, Ole Miss scored on its first possession in its SEC opener before going 1 for 10 in third down conversions with one lost fumble in a 20-17 home loss to Kentucky.
The Tigers’ offense wandered away from focused execution vs. South Alabama after establishing a 35-3 lead with 4:23 left in the first half.
From that point, LSU’s final five possessions of the game consisted of Nussmeier throwing back-to-back interceptions, followed by a 99-yard TD drive, a punt and a clock-killing 55-yard possession under backup QB Rickie Collins that ate the final 6:38 of game clock.
Nussmeier, who has improved a million miles in his decision-making from his last few years as a backup, threw two uncharacteristically bad passes for picks.
“The first one was just a play that I got outside the pocket and some throw that I make normally in my sleep,” Nussmeier said. “I’ll beat myself up over it for the next couple of weeks. The second one was a mistake that I made that I should never not.”
Though a red-faced, cussing Kelly gave Nussmeier a thorough tongue-lashing after the second pick – something some LSU fans on social media deemed inappropriate behavior from a head coach – Nussmeier understood Kelly’s anger.
“I’ve been coached hard my whole life,” said Nussmeier, son of longtime NFL and college QB coach Doug Nussmeier. “When I was a kid, my dad was always very hard on me, very enthusiastic and very loud. I’m used to it. Coach Kelly does an unbelievable job helping me correct it.”
Kelly hinted afterward that Nussmeier’s mistakes were the byproduct of having a comfortable lead, conducive to taking more risky throws.
“I think he probably got caught up a little bit in the game,” Kelly said. “I’m not here to defend him for that, but I’m not panicked about the two interceptions. Those were decisions that are easily correctable. And I’m not concerned about the two interceptions from that perspective.”
Playing without Perkins for the first time seemed to galvanize LSU’s defense. There were fewer coverage busts and not as many missed tackles. The linebacking duo of Weeks and Greg Penn III seemed to play as one, accounting for 23 tackles, 1 ½ tackles for loss and 2 QB hurries.
“Those two pair up really well, really feed off each other,” Kelly said. “But it’s important to point out we’re doing a good job up front (on the defensive line).”
Kelly said this week’s open date will be treated differently than the Tigers’ second open date week of Nov. 2 before hosting now No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 9.
“We’re going to practice, we still have some real work to get done,” Kelly said of this week’s first open date. “We’ll treat the second open date as a recovery week.”
Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com
National Chewing Gum Day
By Jeanni Ritchie
Remember the Double Mint Twins?
There were actually ten sets of identical siblings who represented Wrigley’s iconic gum beginning in 1939, including Liz and Jean Sagal (Grease 2), Cynthia and Brittany Daniel (Sweet Valley High), and Tia and Tamera Mowry (Sister, Sister).
On September 30, we celebrate #ChewingGumDay, to celebrate the substance humans have been gnawing on for over 5,000 years.
In 2007, a British archaeology student discovered a 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum made from bark tar with tooth imprints in it. Presumed to be the oldest piece of chewing gum, the discovery took place in Kierikki, Yli-li, Finland. Made from bark tar, scientists believed the gum to have antiseptic properties and other medicinal advantages.
In 1848, John B. Curtis developed and sold the first commercial chewing gum, which was called “The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum.”
Now there are several different kinds of gum in a variety of flavors: center-filled gums like Freshen-Up, ball gum, stick gum, ribbon gum, tab gum, tube gum, dragee gum, and wrap gum.
My favorites were always Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit and Super Bubble green gum.
Studies show chewing gum helps improve memory, reduce stress, and increase alertness. Chewing sugar-free gum improves overall oral hygiene while also helping to curb cravings and improving digestion.
And remember, perhaps the best benefit of all, is you can kiss a little longer, longer with Big Red!!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
Uncommon: attempted murder suspect also charged for tail lights that weren’t red
Arrests are accusations not convictions.
September 26
Weapons
Jvaughn Barnes, 25, Alexandria — attempted murder 2nd degree, felon possessing firearm, firearm with drugs, possession with intent, paraphernalia, resisting, tail lamps must be red, $601,100 bail;
Other
AKeymean Barnes, 29, Alexandria — stalking, unlawful communication telephone/telecom 50 counts, $25,000.
This date: 17 arrests, 7 including one or more contempt counts.
September 27
Weapons
Emell Smith, 28, New Orleans — illegal use dangerous weapon, obstruction evidence tampering, disturbing peace, $13,000;
Other
Kahnan Delcambre III, 22, Arnaudville — fugitive, no bail set;
Randy Galloway, 64, Boyce — criminal conspiracy, $5,000;
Kenny Henry, 44, Alexandria — criminal conspiracy, aggravated criminal damage, theft, $110,000 bail;
Carla Johnson, 47, Alexandria — aggravated battery, criminal damage, battery, $1,000 bail;
Chris Osteen, 41, Alexandria — unauthorized entry place of business, $25,000 bail;
Alana Wiggins, 39, Alexandria — accessory after the fact, operating vehicle under prior suspension, $5,500 bail.
This date: 22 arrests, 10 including one or more contempt counts.
September 28
Weapons
Ashley Haley, 39, Ball — felon possessing firearm, fugitive, no bail set;
Other
Jerome Harris, 35, Pineville — aggravated battery, battery, $500.
This date: 13 arrests, 3 including one or more contempt counts.
Plenty of contempt charges add to four possession arrests
Arrests are accusations not convictions.
September 26
Robert Aymond Jr., 23, Alexandria — possession, firearm with drugs, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, littering, headlamps improper height, contempt, $10,700;
Jernisha Watson, 28, Alexandria — possession, criminal conspiracy 2 counts, contributing to delinquency, thefts 2 counts, contempt 2 counts, $8,000 bail.
September 27
Heather Creasy, 48, Deville — possession, paraphernalia, contributing to delinquency, contempt, $5,000 bail;
Derek Taylor Sr., 53, Alexandria — possession with intent, headlamps required, $5,100 bail.
September 28
Eryka Logan, 36, Pineville — possession 2 counts, paraphernalia, resisting, contempt 4 counts, $18,000 bail.
Remembering MAJ Charles Gardner Sanders, USAF Retired
July 23, 1941 – September 28, 2024
Funeral services for Charles Gardner Sanders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Pineville with Reverend Jeremy Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow in Mowata Baptist Church Cemetery, Mowata, LA.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, and from 9:00 a.m. until shortly before the time of services on Wednesday in the funeral home.
Charles Gardner Sanders, 83, of Pineville, went to be with the Lord on September 28, 2024, in his residence.
He retired having achieved the rank of Major in the United States Air Force. He also retired from Central Louisiana Electric Company (CLECO). He was a longtime member, Sunday School teacher and deacon of Pineville Park Baptist Church. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club for over 40 years. He was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed hunting and traveling. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather that loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 41 years, Cynthia Ann Casselmann Sanders; children, Michael Livingston Sanders (Tara), Katherine Michelle Sanders Norris (Eddy), Terilynn Rankin (Randy), Traci Ann Strange (Scott), and Mark Walter Brown (Kathy); thirteen grandchildren, Charity Kubick (Clayton), Jennifer Sanders, Cathy Norris, Matthew Smith, Brandon Bairfield (Alyssa), Lauryn Brinson, Jacob Toler (Sadie), Megan Guillory (Jamie), Samuel Toler, Victoria Burge (Garrett), Katelyn Strange, Taylor Strange, and Hailey Strange; and eleven great-grandchildren.
His parents, Walter Gardner Sanders and Benny Martin Sanders; one sister, Linda Sue Sanders Richardson, and one grandchild, Jennifer Michelle Smith, preceded him in death.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Smith, Brandon Bairfield, Garrett Burge, Mike Little, Jamie Guillory, Dwayne Zaunbrecher, Jonathan Rockett, and Christopher Tucker.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Douglas Zaunbrecher, Kaden Cross, Bryson Bairfield, Connor Guillory, Cooper Guillory, Jesse Toler, and Eli Toler.
Memorial donations can be made in memory of Charles to Pineville Park Baptist Church, 2455 LA-28, Pineville, LA 71360.
Remembering James Louis Foster
September 30, 1946 – September 27, 2024
Psalms 37:4; “Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart”.
James Louis Foster was the first-born child of Bentley ”Dick” Foster and Virginia Elizabeth Wilson Foster, born on September 30, 1946. His parents added a sister, Joan Elizabeth Foster Rist (Terry), and two brothers, Bennett and Mark. His parents, sister, and brother-in-law predeceased him. James passed from this world on September 27, 2024, at Rapides Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family.
James’ lifelong passion was music. He began singing in church at the age of 5; he, his sister, Joan, and two cousins Ida and Kathy started the musical group “The Singettes” and traveled the southern United States, attending revivals, the Louisiana Hayride, the National Quartet Convention, and recording sessions. Later, he recorded gospel albums of songs he shared in revivals, funerals, weddings, and in his evangelical work. These included “Singing For Him” and “Well Glory” with James Foster & Friends.
James continued his ministry in a different way, beginning on January 23, 1964, when he accepted the call to preach at the age of 17. His first sermon was in 1966 at a Free Methodist Church; his last sermon was shared on September 8, 2024, at Church of the Cross. James served the Lord throughout the world as a Christian educator, vocalist, music leader, minister, mentor to pastors, evangelist, associational liaison, and whatever he was asked to do. His family does not remember him saying no to any spiritual calling, no matter what church or denomination.
James was an avid sportsman from the time he was a child, participating in all sports including baseball, basketball, and football. Although he was talented and received a full athletic scholarship for college, music, and ministry were his consistent passions. In fact, he met his high school sweetheart, Wanda Hudson in church, when he noticed her as she accompanied him on the piano. After dating for several years, they were married in 1967 and raised three children to whom they were devoted, Brad, Becky, and Benje.
James graduated from Buckeye High School in 1964 and enrolled in Louisiana College that fall with a full scholarship to play football. He graduated from LC in May of 1969, majoring in History and Physical Education. While attending Louisiana College, he met several lifelong friends and ministers who influenced his life ministry, encouraging him to begin work in the field of music ministry in a regular position with the church. It was his honor to later serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Louisiana College. He was awarded the Trustees Distinguished Service Award on October 15, 2015, in the presence of his family, most of which also attended Louisiana College.
Upon his college graduation, James immediately entered Mississippi College in graduate courses, obtaining a Masters degree in principalship and administration. His first classroom experience was at West Monroe Junior High; he then transferred to Buckeye High School in 1970. James continued his education, receiving his Masters+30 degree in education while teaching. He retired from the Rapides Parish School Board after more than 25 years of teaching and coaching. James was the first in his family to obtain a college education and was honored that his siblings and offspring continued their education after high school as well.
“Brother James”, as many referred to him, was multi-vocational. For a period of time, he secured his realtor’s license and worked with his wife appraising and selling homes. In addition to teaching and coaching, he continued his spiritual ministries and found time to attend barber school to follow in his father’s footsteps. Not only was his father a barber, but a captivating storyteller. James certainly honed both skills on Saturdays at their family barbershop. Many people in their community would arrive on Saturday to visit and share stories while getting a haircut. Others would travel far and wide to make those Saturday haircuts and his mother’s famous teacakes and cathead biscuits. His students continue to tell “Coach Foster” stories that he shared during their history class with him.
James’ children remember him completing school, getting in the car with one of them or a friend to drive to a revival, and sharing the time with him in a new location several times a month. His summers included revivals and camp meetings in Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Texas, and South Carolina with one or more of the kids at his side, usually Brad who loved the great adventures with his dad.
Brother James was faithful from early in life; he encouraged others along the way, whether they were on the path or had lost their way. He counted people from all walks of life as friends, always willing to lend a helping hand.
James enjoyed his late-night talks with Benje who shared his musical talent, and being spoiled and cared for by his only daughter, Becky. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and devoted himself to whatever interest they had. He was later heard to say, however, that if he had known how much fun grandchildren were, he would have had them first!
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Hudson Foster of 56 years, sons, Bradley Foster (June), and James Benjamin “Benje” Foster, daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Foster Cooper (Jason), grandchildren, Trinity Joan Foster, Cade Ashton Foster and Jonathan Bentley Foster. James is also survived by his brothers, Bennett Foster (Beverly) and John Mark Foster (Pam). He is also survived by his uncle and aunt, Melvin and Grace Deville (who prayed over him from the time he was born, until he took his last breath), uncle James Wilson, uncle and aunt Johnny and Rosemary Foster, aunt Betty Lou Nicholson, and many cherished cousins.
Pallbearers honored to serve are Brad Foster, Benje Foster, Jason Cooper, Cade Foster, Bennett Foster, Mark Foster, Danny Hudson, and Art Jeffery. Honorary pallbearers include Melvin Deville, James Wilson, Roy Willis, Dr. Ilyas Chaudhry, Tendol Hudson, Carol “Goat” Lanier, Rev. Joe Bailey, Bobby Shaw (his personal barber), Dewey Chelette, Steve Chevallier, Rev. Dustin Davis, Rev. Jimmy King, Rev. Sam Tinsley, Rev. Lloyd Whitman, Rev. Jimmy Spurlock, and Kolin Belgard.
Visitation for James will be held at Longview Baptist Church in Deville, Louisiana on Monday, September 30, 2024 (his birthday) at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. His services will be held at Longview Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. on October 1, 2024, with a visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Longview Baptist Church cemetery.
James and his family were very humbled by the outpouring of love and prayers during his hospitalization. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff of Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Intensive Care Unit during his last days. They truly showed compassion and devoted care to James and his family. His family requests that you consider offerings to The Gideons International in lieu of flowers.
Of all of his jobs, preacher, evangelist, song leader, teacher, coach, barber, and realtor, his greatest was that of dad and poppy.
There will be reserved seating for ministers.
WELL GLORY!!!
Notice of Death – September 29, 2024
Charles Robert Tumminello
June 27, 1936 – September 22, 2024
Service: Monday, September 30, 2024, 10:30 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.
June 27, 1936 – September 22, 2024
Service: Monday, September 30, 2024, 10:30 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.
James Louis Foster
September 30, 1946 – September 27, 2024
Service: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 1pm at Longview Baptist Church, Deville.
September 30, 1946 – September 27, 2024
Service: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 1pm at Longview Baptist Church, Deville.
MAJ Charles Gardner Sanders, USAF Retired
July 23, 1941 – September 28, 2024
Service: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Hixson Brothers, Pineville.
July 23, 1941 – September 28, 2024
Service: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Hixson Brothers, Pineville.
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)
September 27, 2024
Theft accusation lodged against ex-Ball town employee
A former Town of Ball employee is charged with theft from the public’s till.
According to a news release, on August 29 the administration of the town contacted the Sheriff’s Office in reference to a possible misappropriation of town funds.
According to Ball administrators, an internal audit was conducted following the release of an employee, identified as Shinitria Daniel Gaines, 48, of Pineville.
Once the audit identified possible financial discrepancies, the investigation was turned over to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office for criminal investigation.
From their investigation, which included interviews and financial analysis, detectives determined probable cause was established to obtain warrants for the arrest of Gaines for one count theft $5,000-$25,000.
On Thursday, she was arrested without incident, transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center.
Gaines remains in jail Thursday evening as no bond has been set.
Sheriff’s Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing. If anyone has any information on this crime, they are asked to contact RPSO Criminal Investigation Division at 318-473-6727.
Suspect facing 98 counts of rape back in local jail after mental health hospitalization
By JIM BUTLER
Accused child rapist Israel Williams is back in Rapides custody, awaiting the next step in the judicial process. He is accused of 98 counts of 1st degree rape, 2 counts of molestation of child under age 13, obstruction by aggravated assault/battery, issuing worthless checks and contempt. His bail is almost $5.5 million.
Williams, first charged in March 2022, was scheduled for trial last September.
But after reviewing the findings of a court-appointed sanity commission Judge Mary Doggett ruled him unable to proceed and ordered him committed to East Feliciana State Hospital until determined fit to proceed.
His alleged crimes occurred between June 2018 and December 2021. The investigation and arrest came after Florida authorities alerted the parish to alleged sex trafficking involving a minor from Rapides.
Terms of Endearment opens at City Park Players
By Jeanni Ritchie
The Shirley MacLaine-Debra Winger tearjerker was first a book by author Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove) in 1975. After the big screen adaptation in 1983, a stage production arrived in the UK in 2006. In 2016 an off-Broadway run starring Molly Ringwald as Aurora hit the US.
City Park Players brings this highly relatable, funny and touching story about the sometimes fractured bonds between mothers and daughters to Central Louisiana under the direction of Jill DuPont at the Hearn Stage Theatre in the Kress Building this week-end.
Terms of Endearment tells the fictional story of mother and daughter Aurora Greenway and Emma Greenway-Horton as they face challenges in life and have their relationship tested, while showing resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Johnette McNeal-Coco (Aurora) and Reade Spivey (Emma) immediately made me feel at home, from the emergency air freshener spray sesh from my teen years to the disapproving daughter glares from my girls’ teen years to the tight bond formed as both mother and daughter grew older.
In fact, right before I headed to the show, I’d had my own heart-to-heart with my middle daughter Kelsey when she stopped by on her way home from work. Watching Aurora and Emma interact was like watching parts of my own life, my relationships with my mom as well as my girls.
Spivey was so adorably vulnerable as Emma that I found myself wanting to rush the stage and serve her husband Flap, played to misogynistic perfection by Dylan Boothe, a big pot of Medea’s hot grits every time he appeared.
I probably should’ve been equally appalled at Aurora’s neighbor, the smarmy former astronaut Garrett, but Jim Weinzettle is so charming, he even makes a womanizing boozehound likeable.
The scenes with Emma and her best friend Patsy (Claressa Nixon) lit up the stage with major girl power, from their pre- to post-marriage gabfests every woman will relate to. A girl’s gotta have her bestie at all stages of life.
But ultimately, what it all boils down to when you take out the men and the friends, is there is an undeniable bond between mother and daughter that no time or distance can ever truly separate. McNeal-Coco and Spivey show the authentic bond between mother and daughter with warmth, humor, and most of all, relatability especially in the darkest times of life.
Rounding out the cast are Jim Smilie (Dr. Maise), Luke Goudelock (Rudyard), Eli Grant (Doris), Kim Patton (Nurse), Lizzie Wright (Woman in Restaurant), and Carey Reister, Julia Dupont, and Maisie Wright (Voiceovers).
The show runs September 26-29 and October 3-6 with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows beginning at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees beginning at 2:30 PM. Special teacher discounts are available for Friday night shows and for the general public on Thursday night performances.
Advance tickets may be purchased at cpptheatre.com.
Jeanni Ritchie is a former City Park Player and lifelong theatre fan who cries during every curtain call, no matter the show! She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
Kelly’s commitment to sustainability evident as LSU gets final non-conference test at home
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
BATON ROUGE – LSU head football coach Brian Kelly has never deviated from his philosophy of building a sustainable program.
Not a one-hit wonder like previous head coach Ed Orgeron, fired effective at the end of the 2021 season just two years after the Tigers won the 20198 national championship with a 15-0 record.
Because former Notre Dame coach Kelly signed a 10-year LSU contract with an annual salary of around $9.5 million – a high figure required to make the rare hire of swiping a proven head coach from another major power – there have been unreasonable expectations from LSU’s fanbase of an immediate turnaround of a program whose roster was bankrupted by Orgeron.
When Kelly went 10-4 and 10-3 in his first two LSU seasons, the anticipation of the Tigers challenging for a playoff spot accelerated this season even though he was just three years into rebuilding a roster with just 38 scholarship players when he took over.
Yet there is still work to be done. And as the 14th-ranked Tigers (3-1, 1-0 SEC) close the non-conference portion of their schedule vs. South Alabama (2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt) at 6:45 p.m. Saturday in Tiger Stadium, Kelly’s belief remains strong about constructing a championship program based on high school recruiting classes rather transfer portal signees.
His number of transfer portal signees has dropped with each recruiting class while the number of true freshmen Kelly signed who have played has increased.
Kelly played 15 true freshmen in his first season with four starting at least one game. Last year, 22 true freshmen played with four starting at least one game.
This season after just four games, 16 true freshmen have already played including 10 on defense (with three starting at least one game).
The influx of the newbies on defense is not only to get experience but to fill crucial roles such as the defensive line with three linemen taken in April’s NFL draft.
And then just in September, LSU has already lost senior starting tackle Jacobian Guillory with a season-ending torn Achilles and junior linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (torn ACL). Senior reserve tackle Jalen Lee has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Consider all that and mix in an all-new defensive coaching staff in the off-season, the defensive performance weekly progresses inches forward trying to reduce coverage busts and increase fundamental soundness.
“With first-year (defensive) coaches and new players, they’re starting to get to know who their guys are and who they can lean on in certain situations,” Kelly said. “You’re going to see more guys we’re gradually bringing along thrust into the action.”
True in-state freshman defensive linemen like Ahmad Breaux of Ruston High, Dominick McKinley of Lafayette’s Acadiana High and Gabe Reliford of Shreveport’s Evangel Christian have been moved into more prominent roles. So has safety Deshawn Spears of Denham Springs.
Breaux weighed 245 pounds when he enrolled at LSU last January, which was ideal for playing linebacker as he did in high school but undersized to play on the defensive line.
“I played the whole spring trying to keep my weight down, but that didn’t work,” Breaux said. “So, when they (the coaches) told me to eat whatever I wanted (to gain weight), I just started eating a lot of protein.”
Breaux now weighs 282. Despite the added weight, he lost body fat even though his eating habits included frequent visits to What-a-burger and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
Breaux, who credits veteran LSU defensive line coach Bo Davis with his transformation to tackle (“He made me a totally different player – I didn’t know how to use my hands or how to use my leverage,” Breaux said), was well-prepared mentally to play early in his college career.
Breaux’s defensive coordinator at Ruston was former LSU All-American defensive tackle Kyle Williams, a six-time Pro Bowl selection in his 13-year NFL career before the Ruston High alum retired in 2018 and moved back home with his family.
“Coach Kyle told me to do every drill full speed with your hair on fire,” Breaux said. “He taught me to have that mindset to never quit. He taught me how to work, how to play, how to be a man, everything that he had to learn growing up. He made me a way better player than what I would have been with anybody else.”
Kelly said he’s been happy with what’s seen upfront defensively from the young tackles as well as newbie Wisconsin senior transfer Gio Paez, second-year end/tackle Arizona senior transfer Paris Shane and vastly improved ends senior Sai’vion Jones and sophomore Dashawn Womack and second-year senior Oregon transfer Bradyn Swinson.
With 10 sacks in the last two weeks in wins over South Carolina and UCLA, the Tigers’ season total of 12 sacks is three ahead of last year’s pace.
“This is an important week for us as we continue to develop,” Kelly said. “After next week’s bye week, it’s welcome to the SEC with seven games in eight weeks.”
GO FIGURE
0: interceptions thrown by South Alabama, one of 14 FBS teams that haven’t had a pass picked
1-6: South Alabama’s record against SEC teams
14: LSU players have caught passes this season
19: Straight games in which the Tigers have thrown a TD pass
37-2: LSU’s record vs. Sun Belt Conference teams
73.3: Percent of South Alabama’s total offense this season produced by redshirt freshmen or true freshmen
Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com
Pineville’s Tate, Leesville’s Ford meet in prolific rushing matchup
By BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports
Ayden Tate may have just picked up another first down.
The junior running back set a Pineville single-game rushing record in last week’s 39-36 win over Tioga. After being credited with 400 yards on Friday night, Rebel coaches went back to recheck his total and confirm it for the record book, and Tate finished with a total of 407 yards along with four touchdowns.
Pineville coach Bryant Bell said he thought Tate was having a great game, but he had no idea in real time that he had rushed for over 400 yards.
“It was great. It was a culmination of just everything we’ve done on offense since the end of last year,” Bell said. “Our O-line is vastly improved. It was just the cherry on top. It was fun to see. It was rewarding for everybody, the head coach included.”
Tate was the second straight running back to rush for 400 yards against Tioga as Leesville’s Xavier Ford accomplished that feat the week before.
This week’s matchup features Tate vs. Ford as the Rebels (2-1) travel to Leesville (2-1) in a matchup of the state’s two most prolific single-game rushers so far this season.
Through three games, Tate has rushed for 491 yards and seven touchdowns while Ford has gained 796 yards and scored 15 touchdowns for the Wampus Cats.
Bell said the two teams run similar offenses, and he expects Friday night’s game could be an offensive shootout. The key for Pineville will be trying to stop Ford before he gets to the second level, where he has the speed to run away from linebackers and defensive backs in the open field.
“We’re not gonna stop him,” Bell said. “He’s gonna get his. He’s a really good player, as advertised. We just have to keep him in front of us. We have to gang tackle him. One person isn’t gonna bring him down. He’s too strong. He’s too good. It’s gonna take a group to get him on the ground.”
While the Rebels look to move to 3-1, Alexandria Senior High seeks a fourth consecutive win as the Trojans hope to remain the parish’s only unbeaten team when they travel to face Opelousas, last year’s Division II Non-Select champion.
It’s a second straight top-10 clash for the Trojans, who moved up to sixth in this week’s Class 5A Louisiana Sports Writers Association poll after last week’s victory over Destrehan. Opelousas is ranked No. 3 in Class 4A.
Peabody and Tioga are two teams sitting at 0-3 who have been very close to breaking through in the win column.
The Indians lost to Pineville last week on a last-second field goal after being within a score in the fourth quarter the two previous weeks against Leesville and Sterlington.
They welcome a winless Richwood team to The Reservation Friday night, as they seek to ride the powerful legs of senior running back Travis Adams, who eclipsed the 200-yard mark against Pineville last week.
The Warhorses, meanwhile, have dropped two of their three games by three points or less. They travel to Franklin on Friday in search of their first victory of the season.
Peabody coach Harry Coleman said the Warhorses have been getting solid play from their defense, which gave up 22 and 16 points in two of the losses, but they haven’t been able to get enough production in the running game to complement star senior receiver TJ Hullaby.
“We’re just not scoring the ball,” Coleman said. “The defense is playing well enough to win the game.”
The Warhorses have been playing with “relentless effort,” he said, but they haven’t been able to keep drives going by moving the chains on the ground.
Coleman said he recently promoted a freshman to starting running back, hoping for any kind of offensive spark, but he knows his team will continue to work hard.
“If we can stay positive, we’re gonna get positive results,” Coleman said.
Buckeye (2-1) looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season on the road against Avoyelles, while Menard (1-2) looks to snap its two-game losing skid at home against Abbeville.
Northw0od-Lena (1-2) looks for its second win in a row at home against Lakeside on Friday.
Bolton Academy (0-4) was dumped 42-0 by visiting LaGrange (3-1) Thursday night.
Wildcats go west aiming for 2-0 league start Saturday at Wayland Baptist
PLAINVIEW, Texas – The Louisiana Christian University football program heads to the stovepipe of the Lone Star State in search of a fourth Sooner Athletic Conference win in a row when it takes on the Wayland Baptist Pioneers on the final Saturday of September.
Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium. Both teams are 1-2 overall LCU is 1-0 in the SAC after last week’s resounding homefield win over Langston. Wayland Baptist is 1-1 n the conference.
The Wildcats pounded the Bulldogs last year in Pineville, 60-14, and are 4-0 all time against Wayland Baptist.
The game will be broadcast locally on KSYL Radio: 104.9 FM, 970 AM, or 100.3 HD3.
A live video stream will be available at this link: https://wbuathletics.com/watch/?Archive=930&type=Live
Live statistics will be available online at https://wbuathletics.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
The Wildcats roared to life after halftime in their home and conference opener last Saturday, ripping Langston 50-15.
Wayland Baptist’s Pioneers were 52-51 overtime losers two weeks ago at Sul Ross State. They won in Houston 41-14 at North American on Sept. 7, after losing their season and SAC opener 31-13 at Oklahoma Panhandle, the team that visits Pineville for LCU’s next game Oct. 5.
LCU punter/kicker Levi Hilborn was chosen SAC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in the romp over Langston.
Hilborn started perfect execution of an onside kickoff that opened the second half and triggered an eruption by the Wildcats. He also had three punts inside the 20-yard-line of the Lions and kicked a career-long 42-yard field goal.
Pineville man, 77, arrested for alleged strangulation try
Arrests are accusations not convictions.
September 25
Darnell Beauregard, 53, Marksville — stalking, violation protective order, unlawful communication telephone/telecom, $4,500 bail;
Kevin Hall, 46, Alexandria — felon possessing firearm, contempt 2 counts, $11,000 bail;
Royricus Osteen, 26, Alexandria — felon possessing firearm, paraphernalia, no vehicle registration, no insurance, no driver’s license, $1,200 bail;
Robert Stewart, 77, Pineville — aggravated domestic abuse battery strangulation, aggravated resisting with force or violence, $7,500 bail;
For’Trevious Viree, 17, Alexandria — illegal possession stolen firearm, discharging firearm, contributing to delinquency, $15,500.
This date: 21 arrests, 9 including one or more contempt counts.