The Louisiana State University of Alexandria College of Business releases its November 2024 issue of the Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard.   

“Local economic indicators such as employment, consumer spending, and new business starts, continue to show uncertainty in central Louisiana,” said Randall Dupont, Dean of the LSUA College of Business. In September, Alexandria’s unemployment rate of 4.2% dipped below the state’s 4.3%. Louisiana’s unemployment rate for October was 4.5%. However, the release of local unemployment data for October is delayed because of the holiday. Employment in Alexandria fell by 199 in September from the previous month, while Natchitoches Parish added 240 to the employment rolls. On a year-over-year basis, Alexandria was down 2,183 from September 2023, while Natchitoches Parish was up 521. “The good news is continued unemployment claims have been trending down,” Dupont says.  

In October, five of nine local tax jurisdictions saw increased sales tax revenue. Sales tax revenue in October reflects September sales activity and serves as a proxy for consumer spending. Rapides’ sales tax revenue rose 5% in September but fell 6% in October. Alexandria and Pineville saw October declines of 6% and 7%, respectively. Natchitoches had a 14% increase in October. Vehicle sales tax collections continue to run behind last year, with all six jurisdictions reporting YTD declines ranging from 4% to 19%. Online sales tax collections, on the other hand, rose 21% year-over-year and 23% YTD. Lower gas prices have not increased hotel stays. Hotel occupancy taxes were down for the year in Natchitoches and Vernon but slightly up in Rapides and Avoyelles.  

“Mortgage rates are nearing previous highs,” says Dupont, “which is stretching the number of days houses remain on the market.” As of last week, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.84%, and the 15-year rate was 6.02%. Median days on the market were up in all four metro areas reporting, with Leesville reporting a 21% increase, while Alexandria and Natchitoches reported 6% increases from a year ago. Active listings for single-family homes increased in Alexandria, Leesville, and Natchitoches. Unfortunately, the sluggish economy is impacting mortgage repayments. Louisiana led the nation in non-current mortgage loans at 8.3% in October. The median listing price of a home in Alexandria was $229,900 in October, up 3% from a year ago. 

New business formation in Rapides is down 18% so far this year. Through October, 299 new businesses were created in Rapides, compared to 365 in 2023. Likewise at the state level, new business applications are down 17% for the year.  

The Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard is a service of the LSUA College of Business to help business and community leaders monitor the economic pulse of central Louisiana. To view the November 2024 CENLA Economic Dashboard, click here.     

In some families, Thanksgiving will involve holding hands and praying before the meal. I was thinking about all the tables full of food surrounded by family members, who have gathered for this holiday. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love and grace. What are your family traditions around this holiday? Will you share your blessings? Are you a hand-holding family?

Has God given you a hand to hold?

Ronald Greer tells this story:

“I was sitting in the Atlanta airport, waiting at Gate 32 to board a plane. Zones 1 and 2 were called; I stood, picked up my briefcase, and walked toward the line that was forming. As I passed a row of seats, I heard a girl ask her mother, “Do I stand up now?”

Something about the girl’s voice got my attention. She was developmentally disabled. I kept walking, got in line, and boarded the plane.

I took my place in seat 7C. After I settled in, I looked up. There was the girl, coming down the aisle by herself. I was surprised to see that she was a teenager—she was so petite that she appeared almost frail. The seat in front of mine was hers.

Then “Animal House” boarded. A group of college students came down the aisle and took several rows of seats across from us. They were laughing, joking with one another, and having a great time. But above all else, they were cool. Cool, you understand, was imperative.

Finally, the plane was pushed back and began taxiing. Ten minutes later the pilot announced that we were cleared for takeoff. He made the final turn onto the runway.

I looked up and saw that little head with brunette hair lean partway across the aisle. I heard the girl say to the college student across from her, “I get really nervous when we take off. Would you hold my hand?”

My eyes were riveted on the young man to see what he would do. Holding a stranger’s hand is not cool. After a first nervous blush, he began to smile, and halfway across the aisle came that kid’s big ol’ hand. The girl’s tiny fingers grabbed it and squeezed it.

There they held hands across the aisle, as our Delta jet was airborne.

There they held hands as I stared, also in disbelief, and memorized that sacred moment. I knew I was seeing a sacrament.”

Has God given you a hand to hold?

On November 27, meat lovers across the country celebrate National Craft Jerky Day, a day dedicated to the art of crafting premium, small-batch jerky. This tasty snack has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a method of preserving meat, evolving into a gourmet treat that showcases unique flavors and artisan techniques.

Jerky’s history dates back to ancient times when cultures worldwide dried and cured meat to extend its shelf life. However, the rise of craft jerky has elevated this simple snack into a culinary experience. Artisan producers focus on quality, often using grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, or exotic meats like venison, elk, and even bison. Small-batch production allows for precise flavoring and attention to detail, creating a jerky that’s as much about taste as it is about nutrition.

The explosion of creative flavor profiles has been a key factor in jerky’s resurgence. Sweet and savory classics like teriyaki and hickory-smoked remain staples, but modern artisans are pushing boundaries. Spicy options such as sriracha-infused jerky and ghost pepper varieties cater to heat lovers, while experimental blends like coffee-rubbed or maple bourbon jerky offer bold, unexpected tastes. Vegan jerky made from mushrooms or jackfruit has even entered the market, appealing to plant-based eaters.

Beyond flavor, craft jerky appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking high-protein, low-sugar snacks. Many producers emphasize all-natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives or artificial additives.

National Craft Jerky Day is a time to savor the creativity and care behind this age-old snack. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sweet, or smoky, there’s an artisan jerky to match your palate. This day serves as a reminder of how far jerky has come—from survival food to a gourmet indulgence.

By JIM BUTLER

The Alexandria City Council will introduce a resolution at its meeting this afternoon to amend and update its ambulance service ordinance provisions.

That comes on heels of the parish Ambulance Advisory Committee’s recommending the Police Jury stick with a single authorized provider.

That has been the case since early this century. And most providers urged, for financial and logistical practicalities, to continue it.

Amending the city ordinance will update it to reflect current factors, including the advisory panel’s continuing role.

Pineville PD was dispatched to 410 Pinegrove Drive (United States Post Office) in reference to a motor vehicle accident yesterday at around 2:25pm. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that an elderly female subject attempted to park and her foot slipped off the brake. The Nissan Frontier she was driving accelerated into the building causing a significant amount of damage. There are no injuries to report.

By JIM BUTLER

On a day many, if not most, 17-year-olds are celebrating a week out of school three spent it in Rapides lockup.

Amariya Lewis, Kellen Murphy and Isairion Warden were booked Sunday in unrelated cases.

Lewis, in the news last year when she was a missing person, allegedly assaulted an officer attempting to arrest her and is also accused of battery on an officer, resisting arrest and criminal damage. Bail is set at $2,000 for the Boyce resident.

Warden, of Alexandria, was twice the subject of missing person alerts last year.

A felony fugitive, he is accused of illegal possession of a stolen firearm. Information about the fugitive charge was not available.

Arrested about 11 a.m. Sunday,  he posted $20,000 bond at 10 a.m. Monday and was released.

Murphy, of Pineville, is charged with illegal carrying of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest. Bail is set at $5,500.

He was booked on identical charges on October 27 and released on $5,500 bond four days later.

Alexandria Senior High scored all 49 of its points in the first half of last Friday night’s regional round game of the Select Division I state playoffs, but the most impressive thing is the Trojans held Evangel Christian to six points.

You read that right. ASH (11-0) held Evangel, with its high falutin’ sophomore quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston, to six points. The Trojans limited Houston to 237 passing yards, his season low. This is the same guy who, last month, set a national high school single game passing record of 814 yards in a 77-76 overtime loss to Captain Shreve.

ASH’s defense snared three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and held the visiting Eagles (6-6) to minus-7 rushing yards in a contest that mercifully went to a running clock in the second half. Against an aggressive, harassing Trojan defense, Houston completed less than 50 percent of his passes (10 of 28) for the first time this season. The Trojans also staged a goal-line stand after the Eagles got to the ASH 1-yard line on their first possession. That was set up by a 69-yard pass from Houston to Nate Green.

Holding an opponent to one touchdown in an era of vulnerable defenses – especially an opponent with a national passing record quarterback – is as rare as a tuxedo at a rodeo.  Yet, ASH has done so three times this season, with the other two being against West Feliciana and Many. Edna Karr, the top-ranked Division I team in the state has held three teams to one touchdown or zero points, but one of those was a forfeit by Opelousas recorded as a 2-0 win.

The architect of this ASH defense is Joshua Keegan Mercer, a 30-year-old husband and father of two. He’s in his eighth year at ASH and his third season as defensive coordinator, and he considers himself lucky to be alive. An ASH football alum, Mercer suffered a severe head injury during spring practice before his senior season. He suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke.

He remembers a priest, Fr. Jose Robles, twice giving him the last rites at age 17.

“I had to relearn how to walk and how to talk,” Josh recalled. “I had speech therapy for three or four months.

He healed enough that, instead of playing football as a senior, he was a student coach, having been granted that opportunity by Eric Cook, the defensive coordinator at the time. That led to his coaching career, which included a five-year stint coaching linebackers at Pineville High School. He was coaching while attending LSUA.

He credits Duane Urbina, a former powerlifting coach, assistant football coach and principal at ASH for recommending him as an assistant to ASH coach Thomas Bachman, who hired him in 2017.

He also credits his defensive coaches – Ryan Russo (linebackers), O.J. Chatham (defensive line), Malik Williams (cornerbacks) and Kyle Arthaud (safeties) – for helping shape such a stalwart defensive unit.

How did they prepare for Pop?

“It was nothing secret or special. We played the same defense we’ve been playing all year,” Bachman, a former Evangel star wide receiver, said of his defensive staff, which employs multiple defensive alignments but generally operates a 3-4 defense. “They teach it extremely well. I think they did a great job of preparing what they were going to see, and then get a chip on your shoulder and go compete.”

The lone touchdown for Evangel, a 74-yard pass from Houston to John Isaac, came on a busted coverage that allowed Isaac to be wide open.

Quarterbacks Karsen Sellers and Max Gassiott, Mercer said, helped the defense prepare for Houston’s throwing and scrambling, and the mantra during the practice week was “relentless pursuit.” Coach Chatham, meanwhile, had 10 different guys alternating on the defensive line, always sending in a fresh body to be relentless in their pursuit of the ball.

Senior strong safety Jayden Lewis, with a big tackle in the goal-line stand, also got an interception near mid-field that he returned to the 1 to set up a touchdown.

“The growth that Jayden has had in the last four weeks,” said Mercer, “he’s a different young man. He just flipped a switch and has played at a high level.”

After the game, Evangel coach Denny Duron suggested ASH is “probably the best team in the state,” but ASH needs to win three more games to prove that, and the next game is at home Friday against another Shreveport opponent, C. E. Byrd (9-3).

ASH is as ready to tackle the Byrd Yellow Jackets as Bocelli is to sing “Ave Maria.” That’s because the last time ASH played Byrd, in the second round of the playoffs two years ago, Byrd burned the Trojans, 49-10, in a game that mercifully went to a running clock.

“This one is personal for us,” said Mercer. “We’ve got a chip on our shoulder.”

With their justifiable swagger, it’s as if the undefeated Trojans are daring the Yellow Jackets to knock that chip off.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 5200 block of Lacassine Drive in reference to a shooting on Monday, Nov. 25 at approximately 12:17am. One person was transported to a local hospital and treated for non–life–threatening injuries.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441–6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441–6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443–7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at  http://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

Arrests are accusations not convictions. 

November 24

Weapons

Kellen Murphy, 17, Pineville — illegally carrying weapon, resisting, $2,000 bail;

Isairrion Warden, 17, Alexandria — illegal possession stolen firearm,,felony fugitive, $20,000 bail;

Other 

Jerry Craig, 36, Alexandria — aggravated assault, disturbing peace, $500 bail;

Ashley Evans, 33, Natchitoches — contributing to delinquency 4 counts, resisting, burglary 2 counts, failure to appear, $4,500 bail;

Amariya Lewis, 17, Boyce — aggravated assault on police officer, battery on officer, criminal damage, resisting, 2,000 bail. 

This date: 17 arrests, 1 including contempt counts and 9 with priors. 

Arrests are accusations not convictions. 

November 21

Kainne Bordelon, 20, Deville — firearm with drugs, possession with intent, resisting, fugitive, $10,500;

Marcus Boyd, 44, Bentley — possession, paraphernalia, no insurance, $3,100 bail;

Kevick Garrison, 33, Alexandria — firearm with drugs, possession with intent 2 counts, paraphernalia, illegal possession stolen firearm, no plate light, $80,600 bail;

Traveon Lemons, 25, Alexandria — possession, forgery, $2,500 bail;

Amy Sims, 49, Pineville — possession, contempt, $3,000 bail. 

November 23

Jamarion Boyd, 20, Pineville — possession with intent, possession, illegal carrying weapon, obstruction evidence tampering, lamps/signal devices required, $22,700;

Kenneth Chapman, 21, Colfax — possession with intent, illegally carrying weapon, $20,000 bail;

Jason Rose, 43, Boyce — possession, paraphernalia, criminal trespass, $3,500 bail;

David Smith, 53, Alexandria — possession, obstruction evidence tampering, criminal trespass, contempt, extradition, $3,500 bail. 

November 24

Clarence Williams, 34, Lecompte — possession, paraphernalia, burglary 2 counts, theft, forgery, $4,500 bail. 

Most of Tom’s life was spent in incarceration, but now he was sentenced to death by guillotine. The date of his execution was set for November 19. As he sat on death row, he could do nothing but wait. From his jail cell, he could see others awaiting a similar fate. Tom knew nothing of their reasons for being there, whether they were innocent or guilty, but Tom was absolutely innocent. As the old saying goes, “everyone on death row is innocent.” One by one he watched as they were led away never to return. Shortly after their cells were vacated, other prisoners took their place in a seemingly never-ending cycle. Finally, his day had come. He spoke not a word as he was led out of his jail cell and onto the platform. The only thing that could save Tom now would be a last-minute reprieve, but it had never happened to someone under Tom’s circumstances. There was little hope.

Tom’s time had come. From the platform which had been set up in such a way as to give the public a good view, Tom looked out at the crowd as they looked back at him. Rather than a somber occasion, the crowd was relaxed and seemed almost cheerful. The crowd knew something that Tom did not. A man stood next to Tom and begin to speak to the crowd. Like the crowd, the speaker was smiling and cheerful as he spoke. Tom watched the crowd in silence. During his speech, the man told the crowd that he was commuting Tom’s death sentence to life in prison. Tom was saved from the guillotine. After some brief remarks, a quick photo, and a few questions from reporters, the speaker gave the sign and John was whisked away from the podium. He was transported back to his cell at the Keithley McPherrin turkey breeding farms in Sunnymead, California. Tom, a white 55-pound turkey, was the first turkey in history to receive a pardon from the President of the United States.

Although other presidents had saved various turkeys from dinner tables throughout the years, the pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey did not become an annual tradition until Thanksgiving 1989 when George H.W. Bush said at a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation ceremony, while animal rights activists picketed nearby, “let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy—he’s presented a Presidential pardon as of right now—and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”

As we gather together with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we should remember to be thankful for everything and, more importantly, everyone we have. We should be thankful for every moment we have on this earth because none of us know how much time we have. You see, the first turkey to receive a presidential pardon was by President John F. Kennedy. Kenndy planned to spend that Thanksgiving with his family in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, but first he had to do a short political tour. On November 22, 1963, three days after pardoning Tom, John F. Kennedy was riding in a convertible in Dallas…

Sources:

1. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), November 20, 1963, p.12.

2. The Post-Star (Glens Falls, New York) , November 18, 1989, p.4.

3. Betty C. Monkman, “Pardoning the Thanksgiving Turkey,” The White House Historical Association, accessed November 23, 2024, https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey.

BOM is a sponsor of this weekend’s 18th Annual Cruisin Southern Style Car, Truck and Bike Show in Marksville. Each year the event has over 600 participating vehicles. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Karen Brown and Mary Pringle.

Red River Dance Theatre Company, along with other local dancers, will present the beloved ballet “The Nutcracker” this weekend.

The ballet will run on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7pm and Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2pm at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

For more information, visit redriverdance.org. To purchase tickets, click here. 

Every year on November 26, dessert lovers come together to celebrate National Cake Day, a sweet homage to one of the most beloved treats worldwide. Cake, in its many forms, has a rich history and holds a special place in cultures across the globe.

The origins of cake can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Early cakes were more like dense, bread-like creations sweetened with honey. The word “cake” itself comes from the Old Norse word kaka, and the modern versions began to evolve in Europe during the 17th century when baking techniques improved and sugar became more accessible. Today, cakes range from elaborate layered confections to simple homemade treats, each with its unique twist.

Cultural interpretations of cake vary widely, showcasing its universal appeal. In France, the gâteau represents elegance, with the rich Opera cake and light mille-feuille as staples. Italy’s panettone, a fluffy holiday fruitcake, brings warmth to festive gatherings. In Japan, matcha-flavored sponge cakes blend traditional tea culture with Western baking. Meanwhile, in the U.S., cakes like red velvet and birthday cakes topped with buttercream have become iconic.

Some cultures use cake for ceremonial purposes, such as wedding cakes symbolizing prosperity and unity. In Mexico, the Rosca de Reyes is a ring-shaped cake enjoyed during Epiphany celebrations, while in Greece, the Vasilopita cake is baked with a hidden coin for New Year’s good fortune.

National Cake Day isn’t just about indulging in dessert—it’s an opportunity to appreciate the artistry, history, and cultural connections tied to this timeless treat. Whether it’s a slice of cheesecake or a piece of tiramisu, cake continues to bring people together, one delicious bite at a time.

By JIM BUTLER

A Sunset man is accused of trying to kill a Rapides deputy with her sidearm.

Dontrail Rubin, 22, is accused of attempted first-degree murder after disarming and shooting one of the officers attempting to break up a disturbance at Compass Behavioral Health on the Lake Charles Highway on Thursday evening.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the officers were responding to a disturbance call about 7 p.m.

Rubin, a patient, who apparently had been fighting with employees, then fought with officers, snatching the deputy’s sidearm and shooting her in the upper thigh.

Another of the RPSO responders then shot Rubin in the torso, a news release said.

The deputy, rushed to a hospital by an Alexandria Police Department patrol sergeant responding to the call, was treated and released.

Neither the wounded officer or the deputy shooting the suspect are identified in the release, which is standard procedure for the department.

Rubin was treated at a hospital. Held under $610,000 bail, he is also charged with disarming an officer and aggravated resistance with force or violence.

Records indicate he was arrested in St. Landry Parish on June 28 on charges of possession with intent to sell or distribute and monetary instrument abuse.

Thursday night’s incident triggered an investigative response procedure that is automatic in wake of an officer-involved shooting.

Pineville Rebel swimmers – with ONLY FIVE swimmers – snatched 11th place out of 21 teams! EVERY swimmer scored valuable points and showed up in true Rebel style!

The Boy’s 200 yd Medley Relay started off the excitement with Curtis Malone (Jr) leading off with the 50 yd backstroke. Next came Lethan Dodge (Sr) giving it his all in the 50 breaststroke. Liam Alletag (Jr) followed up with a strong 50 yd butterfly, then Lucas Linsey (Sr) anchored the team bringing them home with 50 yd freestyle. 10th place overall at 1:52.10

But the boys weren’t done yet. The 200 yd Free Relay with Liam Alletag, Lethan Dodge, Lucas Linzey, and Curtis Malone turned in a great performance – 1:38.62 earning 10th place overall! Well done, gentlemen!

Individually, Pineville swimmers held their own this weekend. Liam Alletag swam a blistering 50 yd free to earn himself 6th place overall with 22.63 seconds! That’s TWO laps for you non-swimmers! Then, Liam turned in another fantastic swim – this time in the Boy’s 100 butterfly – one of the most difficult strokes. He fought his way to 3rd place overall in the State with a 51.34 time!

Tori Broussard (So) had a strong showing in the Girl’s 200 yd IM – earning her a 16th overall at 2:39.30. Tori also swam in the Girl’s 100 yd back, earning 19th overall with a 1:14.55! Way to go, Tori!!

Curtis Malone followed in the Boy’s 200 IM. He battled his way to 2nd place overall at 1:52.10! But the 100 yd back is his love and he proved it – State Champion at 1st place with a 50.80! Great job, Curtis!
These swimmers make this look easy but it’s anything but! Well done to these amazing swimmers who have put in countless hours of practice to make it to this point!

Let’s not forget our coaches – Joie Stanley and Jessica Guidry! Without their time and dedication, none of this would have been possible. Thank you is not enough!

That’s a wrap for the LHSAA Swimming season! GO REBELS!!!

Rapides Parish – On November 24, 2024, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Gilly Williams Road at Obanion Road.  The crash claimed the life of 27-year-old Brandon L. Whatley of Ball.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Whatley, was traveling north on Gilly Williams Road. For reasons still under investigation, Whatley’s vehicle left the roadway, traveled down the ditch embankment, overturned and struck a tree.

Whatley, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.