Arrests are accusations not convictions. 

September 25

Davids Young, 40, Alexandria — possession with intent, fugitive, $2,500 bail. 

August 10, 1936 – September 24, 2024

James Lamar Thomasee passed away on Tuesday evening, September 24, peacefully in his home after an extended illness. Services will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, September 28th at Hixson Brothers in Pineville with pastors Mark Richardson and Sammy Morrow officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, September 27th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Hixson Brothers in Pineville, continuing Saturday at 11:00 am until services begins at 1:00. The pallbearers will be Ray Boone, Ralph Boone, Jarred Boone, Mike Mauberret, Carl Bates and Jake Thomasee. A private burial will be held at the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his parents and son.

If you ever heard Jim speak, he began with, “How exciting it is to be a Christian and to serve our Lord Jesus Christ! What a wonderful Lord we have! He’s ALIVE and he’s coming back soon!”

Jim spent his early life growing up in Natchitoches on the banks of Beautiful Cane River. He and his best fishing buddy Emmett (his dad) caught their share of Big Bass! If the fish weren’t biting, the golf clubs were nearby. While serving the Lord was number One, his other true loves were Marty and FRIED Chicken! Jim learned to play the saxophone at an early age and became quite the musician. He grew up in the post-World War II Era and loved the Big Band music of the times. He played with the Northwestern Demonairs in college and later with the Red River Jazz Band and the Rapides Symphony Orchestra.

Jim was invited to speak with the World Baptist Alliance in Korea in 1970. He, along with his interpreter, spoke to hundreds of thousands in attendance and was followed by Rev. Billy Graham.

Jim preached over a thousand revivals and served as the pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Pineville since its founding in 1975. He hosted “The Voice of Liberty” radio program which is still broadcast on many radio stations today. He was very active in the prison ministry and visited several prisons weekly throughout the state of Louisiana.

He founded the Jim Thomasee Insurance Agency in 1970, where he served as Owner and President.

He is survived by his only love, high school sweetheart, and wife of 67 years, Martha Book Thomasee and three children Jason Kent Thomasee, Toni Thomasee Guinn (Johnny) and Becky Thomasee Rogers, 8 grandchildren Laurie Thomasee Mauberret (Mike), Lynsey Thomasee, Jake Thomasee, Tori Thomasee, Samantha Thomasee, Raven Rogers, Raleigh Rogers, and Ramsey Rogers; 1 great grandchild, Miles Mauberret. He is preceded in death by his parents Della and Emmett Thomasee and son, John Timothy Thomasee.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Compassionate Care, Home Instead and Carl Bates, friend and neighbor, for providing loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, for the continuation of the Voice of Liberty radio program, P. O. Box 4417, Pineville, LA 71361.

Rebel Swimming participated in the Southwest Louisiana Swim League High School Meet Saturday. With multiple swimmers scoring points, PHS earned second place against Barbe High School. We have three State qualifiers! Liam Alletag (Jr) Tori Broussard (So) and Curtis Malone (Jr). *

The following swimmers scored 3rd place or higher:

Chloe Adams (Sr) 3rd 50 yd free – 31.06

*Alletag (Jr) 1st in 100 yd Fly – 57.04; 1st in 500 yd Free – 5:21.84

*Tori Broussard (So) – 2nd 200 yd IM 2:47.84; 2nd100 yd Fly – 1:20.45

*Curtis Malone (Jr) 1st – 200 yd Free – 1:52.69; 1st -100 yd Breaststroke – 1:05.88

Vivian Montalvo (Sr) 3rd 100yd Fly – 1:32.07

Vivian Tran (Sr) 3rd – 200 IM – 3:08.03; 3rd – 100 yd Breast stroke 1:34.11

U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, recognized 356 schools as the 2024
cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that
excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among
different student groups.

Caroline Dormon Junior High was recognized as one of seven in the state of Louisiana and one
of 356 schools nationwide to receive this distinction.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional
excellence and uphold high standards. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a
focused effort to ensure every student succeeds.

Jennifer Bordelon, principal of Caroline Dormon Junior High says, “It is an incredible privilege
and honor for myself and every member of the CDJH family to receive this award. Students,
teachers, parents, and community members work together every day to ensure we have a safe,
loving, and educational environment where everyone can thrive. This award acknowledges the
hard work and dedication of our school community.”

Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.

Superintendent Jeff Powell says, “Having a school in our district earn this outstanding
distinction is such an accomplishment. It’s a testament to the relentless work of the school’s
administrators, teachers, and families. We are so proud of the standard that CDJH sets; their
commitment to elevating their students and community to their maximum potential is evident!”

Leaders from the school are planning celebrations for the student body as well as the
community as a whole during the week of September 30, 2024. In November, the administration
team will travel to Washington, D.C. for a national recognition ceremony.

The announcement to the students and faculty was made yesterday afternoon in the school
gym. District leaders, including Superintendent Jeff Powell, Board Member George Johnson,
and Mayor David Butler were also in attendance.

Red River Bank has earned a ranking on Louisiana State University’s 2024 LSU100 list of fastest growing LSU graduate owned or led companies. In addition to celebrating the success of LSU graduates, the LSU100 program provides a forum for LSU graduates to pass business success guidance on to the next generation of LSU entrepreneurs.

Red River Bank is led by President and Chief Executive Officer R. Blake Chatelain, a finance graduate of LSU. Joining Blake on the bank’s leadership team is Bryon C. Salazar, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, who also holds a B.S. in Finance from LSU. Many other LSU graduates are employed in various departments throughout Red River Bank.

“To know we are one of the Top 100 fastest growing LSU graduate-owned companies is a testament to our belief in the importance of operating a customer-oriented and well-capitalized bank,” said Red River Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Blake Chatelain. “Being recognized by your alma mater is always an honor, but when it’s for your own company’s success, it makes the honor all the more special. Geaux Tigers!”

Honorees will learn their official ranking on the LSU100 List at the LSU100 Gala in early November. 

About Red River Bank

Red River Bank is a Louisiana state-chartered bank established in Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1999 that provides a fully integrated suite of banking products and services tailored to the needs of its commercial and retail customers. Red River Bank operates from a network of 28 banking centers throughout Louisiana and one combined loan and deposit production office in New Orleans, Louisiana. Banking centers are located in the following Louisiana markets: Central, which includes the Alexandria metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”); Northwest, which includes the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA; Capital, which includes the Baton Rouge MSA; Southwest, which includes the Lake Charles MSA; the Northshore, which includes Covington; Acadiana, which includes the Lafayette MSA; and New Orleans. Red River Bank is a subsidiary of Red River Bancshares, Inc., which trades under the trading symbol RRBI on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Learn more at redriverbank.net.

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Arrests are accusations not convictions. 

September 24

Givonni Dent, 31, Woodville, MS — felon with firearm, improper lane use, $10,100 bail;

Adrion Logan, 42, Alexandria — unauthorized entry inhabited dwelling, criminal trespass, $5,500 bail. 

This date: 7 arrests, 3 including one or more contempt counts. 

Arrests are accusations not convictions. 

September 24

Marshall Hadnot Jr., 44, Alexandria — possession, flight, no driver’s license, failure to change driver’s license address, expired MVI, improper lane use, expired plate/registration, littering, contempt 4 counts, $8,500 bail;

Sirwelton Hobbs III, 41, Alexandria — possession 2 counts, running red light, resisting, reckless operation, hit & run, $4,600 bail. 

December 8, 1942 – September 24, 2024

Funeral Service for Leon Blalock, Jr. will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Blaine Ussery officiating. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Leon Blalock, Jr. 81, of Alexandria, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the Oaks Care Center, surrounded by his family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lynne Blalock; his parents, Leon and Corinne Blalock, Sr.; his brother-in-law, A.D. Deville, Jr; his nephew, Abby Blalock, Jr.; his niece, Jennifer Coker; and his son-in-law, Mike Haupt.

Leon was born on December 8, 1942, in Lecompte, and grew up in Alexandria. He graduated from Bolton High School. Leon proudly served in the United States Navy. He retired as chief electrical inspector for the City of Alexandria.

Leon enjoyed many activities in his retirement, including spending time in the woods, on the water, and at home with his pets. He loved his family and took a great interest in family history and genealogy. His greatest pastime was spending quality time with his family and friends always joking and sharing stories of past fun.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Jeanne Haupt, Charlene Kessler (Shane), and Leon Blalock, III (Melissa Carter); his grandchildren, Shelby Corley, Brenden Kessler (Margaret), and Kathryn Harper “Kate” Blalock; and one great grandson, William Kessler. Leon also leaves behind his brother, Abby Blalock, Sr.; sister-in-law, Patty Eskew, and his dearest life-long friend, L. D. Laborde.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Craig Laborde, Tommy Eskew, Michael Richard, Abby Blalock, Sr., Shane Kessler, and Brenden Kessler. Honorary pallbearers will be, William Kessler, L.D. Laborde, Aubrey Thiels, David Fogleman, and Larry McGuirt.

By JIM SMILIE

The ongoing challenges of crime and economic development dominated Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy’s comments Tuesday afternoon to the Rotary Club of Alexandria.

“If we’re not going to come together as a community, we will have major problems,” Roy told Rotarians gathered in Convention Hall for their weekly meeting. “If you are looking for an omnibus solution from government, you’re way off.”

Looking specifically at economic development, Roy said Alexandria has lost the competitive advantage it had in the past as a retail and healthcare hub. While the timber industry remains strong, with central Louisiana having the advantage of what Roy called the “wood basket” and industrial leaders like Roy O. Martin, retail dominance has given way to online shopping and healthcare dominance has declined due to a lack of medical professionals. “When you are down to 2 or 3 urologists, that’s a bellwether of trouble,” Roy said.

Roy said he believes partnerships with Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) and Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) are key to regaining a competitive advantage in healthcare. LSUA, which set an enrollment record this year with more than 6,000 students, is in the process of expanding its downtown healthcare campus while CLTCC has recently expanded its Practical Nursing cohort and has a record number of students enrolled in the program.

“The most essential partnerships that we can create are with LSUA, CLTCC and the City of Alexandria,” Roy said.

Regarding economic development in other segments, Roy noted, “We are at a crossroads. A ‘win’ for us can simply be defined as just not losing something.” Communities that are simply holding their own and not growing aren’t actually maintaining their position, Roy said, they are moving backward.

While many communities have offered various incentives to attract business, Roy said there is 20-30 years of data that shows companies will initially come for incentives but won’t stay long-term. Instead, when the incentives run out, they move on in search of new incentives. “Firms that take an incentive are not more likely to create jobs than those that move into a state or region without one,” Roy said. Instead, Roy said he favors improving infrastructure and building a community that businesses want to be a part of.

One of the things Roy said frustrates him the most is when he hears someone who has the financing and ability to launch a business or open a restaurant complain that Alexandria doesn’t have the establishment, but then refuses to take the initiative to create it themselves. “We are risk averse in Alexandria. We need to take more risks,” Roy said.

“Of course, if you don’t have a safe city, you can’t do any kind of economic development,” Roy said as he turned to crime in Alexandria. “There are some things that are broken in Alexandria. There are some big-time things.”

Roy said the city has made significant investments in equipment and benefits to recruit and retain officers. He said the city purchased 54 cars, has invested heavily in new equipment, has added incentive plans for new officers and has increased the amount the city pays to cover insurance.

In spite of the efforts, Alexandria, like most cities across the country, struggles to find officers. “We won’t get back to the numbers we had pre-COVID. People don’t want to become police officers,” Roy said.

A long-standing advocate of community policing, Roy still feels having “boots on the ground” in neighborhoods with citizens and police officers working together is a key to reducing crime. “We all have to own it,” Roy said, adding “I hope nobody says ‘it’s not in my neighborhood.’ We have to converge and do a lot more than what we are doing.”

Acknowledging the fact that current staffing levels aren’t high enough for the kind of community policing needed, Roy said the city is working on a program that will utilize marshals in neighborhoods to make up for the lack of officers. “Prevention will take your involvement,” he said.

Regarding homicides in Alexandria, Roy noted the majority of incidents are between individuals who know each other and many stem from domestic issues or are in retaliation for another shooting or homicide. He noted roughly 30 percent of Alexandria homicides are related to domestic issues while 21 percent are retaliatory. Most of the offenders, as well as the victims, are African American males between the ages of 22 and 30.

Roy also noted that 64 percent of the offenders were on probation at the time. “So they are out on bail committing crimes while other charges are pending,” he said. “It’s the same people. Those statistics should bother you all. They should tell you that what we are doing is not enough.”

APD detectives are clearing 80-90 percent of the homicide cases, Roy said, adding the clearance rate is also strong in cases of property crime, “so the police are doing their job. They are closing cases,” he said.

The problem is, the offenders are often released and are back on the street soon after the arrest, and statistics show they continue to commit crimes. While he said he supports rehabilitation efforts and prevention programs, Roy said there are some offenders that the only solution is to put them in jail.

“We need to support programs for kids we can interdict,” Roy said. “But we could spend all the money in the world and kids 18-22 won’t come to a program, and their parents can’t make them come.”

Roy acknowledged there is no quick fix to the problem and that some parts of the city, especially District 1, present serious challenges. That’s where community involvement comes into play. “One thing they have to do is be willing to come and talk to us and share intel, which by the way, nobody is doing – it doesn’t matter what neighborhood – no one will share intel like they used to. No one wants to get involved. No one wants to talk. Everyone is worried, well, then they may do something to me. Or worse, they just don’t care. It’s just ‘I don’t have time for that, it’s not affecting me, I’m due at home.’ Our community, we are all being affected by this, we need your help.”

Circling back to economic development, Roy said it’s critical that “we create jobs that let people have a sustainable life.”

Roy noted that while many medium cities across the state and the nation are facing the same challenges, he can’t just say “well, it’s happening everywhere” and let it go at that. “We have to be the prescription for what happens in our data, here. We have to work on that prescription every day and we do. Do not think that your team is not working on it, because we are. But it’s going to take a minute to get some deep change in this. And it’s going to take more than a minute to get in some of the areas. It’s tough. And it’s super tough if someone has no hope. If a kid or a family is in an environment where there is no hope, that is the toughest of all.”

Note: Roy and Police Commissioner Patrick VanDyke addressed public safety in Alexandria in a 90-minute briefing September 19, 2024. The briefing can be seen at https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/videos/2024/september/mayoral-briefing-september-19-2024

By JIM BUTLER 

An Alexandria man is charged in the death of another on MacArthur Drive last week. 

Jason Fruge, 43, is charged with hit & run death/injury in the case of Robert J. Fink, 59, whose body was discovered September 19 in the median of the 1100 block of MacArthur Drive. 

That area, approximately between Castle Road and Jackson Street, has regular pedestrian users. 

Fruge is also charged with having no insurance, no vehicle registration, switched MVI, cancelled license plate and driving under suspension/revocation. Bail is set at $201,400. 

He has been in and out of city, parish and state custody five previous times this decade on traffic and narcotics charges as well as parole and probation violations and contempt counts. 

Fink had been booked eight times this year on misdemeanor charges involving disturbing the peace and public intoxication. 

He was jailed on aggravated arson and parole violation charges last September and released in March this year.

By JIM BUTLER 

Johnny Cash perhaps said it best – don’t take your guns to town, son, leave your guns at home. 

Phrased another way – don’t take anger to the streets; bad things can happen, and often do. 

Those guns, more precisely illegal guns, are a dominant factor in crime statistics shared by Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy and police officials at a public briefing. 

In the wake of a horrific weekend of violence they shared the following: 

18 separate murder cases have occurred this year in the city of about 50,000 residents, a number that counters a false impression some have or have preached; 

16 had been cleared (suspect/suspects arrested) as of briefing; 

17 of 18 cases involved firearms, the other was a stabbing; 30% were domestic; Of the other 70%, one-fifth were retaliatory, two-fifths involved suspects with past gun violation issues, two-thirds of suspects were on probation and two-thirds were out on bail on pending charges. 

Statistical demographic, victims and suspects – African-American, male, ages 22-30. 

Totals on shootings that resulted in attempted murder 2nd degree charges were not available. 

Counting crime after the fact is not what Roy and his team want. 

They reinforced commitment to community policing that builds on shared responsibility and accountability for keeping a community safe. 

Who’s looking for trouble? Who’s taking guns to town? 

Knowing before the fact can head off tragedy. That is the premise the administration is committed to.