The AlexandriaPolice Department responded to a local hospital on Friday, Nov. 22 at approximately 11:45pm where a person was brought in with non–life–threatening injuries from a gunshot wound. The shooting occurred in the 4700 block of Natchez Street.
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 athttp://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.
Alexandria is one of three locations in Louisiana – and the only in Cenla – with a special resource center known as the Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center (STAR).
STAR is a non-profit organization that provides support services to sexual violence survivors.
“When somebody is sexually assaulted, it’s not something that you plan for. Having a place like STAR is essential,” said Morgan Lamandre, President and CEO of STAR. “We believe you, we support you and we’re here for you.”
“We provide free and confidential services to sexual assault survivors,” continued Lamandre. “That includes therapy, advocacy, which is like case management and accompaniment services, and then free legal representation.”
The free resources and services are available for any survivor since STAR believes every survivor has that right.
According to Ashley Day-Primeaux, one of STAR’s resource advocates, STAR serves “any age, race and gender. We have no discrimination against any survivors. You’re coming here to get help and support.”
STAR also emphasizes its confidentiality efforts to ensure that all survivors feel safe and comfortable asking for help.
“People sometimes fear that if they go to a certain place, it will automatically mean something,” Lamandre said. “We take confidentiality very seriously. We will support the survivors, and we will get them seen as quickly as we possibly can. Don’t ever be ashamed, don’t ever think that you’re alone, because you’re not. We are here for you, and we will provide services to you.”
Survivors do not have to report their assault to receive STAR’s services.
“They don’t have to report to get support from STAR,” said Mandy Roberts, STAR counselor. “They don’t have to make a firm decision exactly on what they want. They can just call our office and be like, ‘I’ve experienced some form of sexual violence, and I’m not sure what I want,’ and we can help them from there.”
To receive services from STAR, all a survivor needs to do is call their 24-hour hotline at 1-855-435-STAR. When someone calls the hotline, they are immediately connected with an advocate who will help them connect with services and remain on their case for the rest of their time with STAR. STAR also has a website, STAR.ngo.
Day-Primeaux added, “Sexual violence is a spectrum and so we support every step of the way. Whether you were assaulted in your childhood and you want to come later in life. We just want you to know that you don’t have to report to come to STAR.”
For more information on the services that STAR offers survivors, click here.
ASH senior running back JT Lindsey (6) breaks free for a 65-yard touchdown run in the Trojans’ playoff rout of Evangel on Friday. Lindsey rushed for 224 yards and four touchdowns in the victory. (Journal photo by BRET H. MCCORMICK)
By BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports
“The biggest back in the state” heard the talk on social media.
JT Lindsey responded on the field with 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns to lead No. 2 Alexandria Senior High to a dominating 49-6 victory over Evangel in the second round of the Division I Select playoffs.
After one of Evangel’s two-way standouts called out the Trojans’ star running back and LSU commitment in an interview that made its way to Lindsey via social media, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound speedster said he stepped on the field last Friday night with a little something extra to prove.
“Nobody really posted anything on Instagram about me the whole season, especially saying stuff like that, so I took it real personal,” Lindsey said. “I hadn’t been saying nothing, hadn’t really been saying anything about it, so I took that one to heart.”
Lindsey turned in a vintage performance, including two touchdowns of 65 yards or more, surpassing the 200-yard barrier for the third consecutive game and fifth time on the season.
His second touchdown was a 69-yarder in which he started off right tackle before cutting hard to the left and finding a seam in the middle of the Eagles’ defense. He slipped one tackle and then split three Evangel defenders before coasting into the end zone for a 14-0 Trojan lead.
The next score, although not quite as dynamic, was nearly as beautiful as he juked to the right to avoid a tackle at the line of scrimmage and then raced 65 yards between two downfield blocks. That touchdown gave the Trojans a 28-6 lead, and the rout was on.
ASH coach Thomas Bachman said he was proud of the way Lindsey approached the situation and responded to the challenge.
“You get your name mentioned, you got a target on your back, go let your play do the talking,” Bachman said. “Don’t do it on social media. Don’t do it on all that. Give the credit away, and the praise will come. Obviously, he’s super talented … phenomenal kid. Proud of his performance.”
Lindsey wasn’t the only standout performer for the Trojans Friday night.
Facing Evangel sophomore sensation Peyton “Pop” Houston, the state’s leading passer, the ASH defense harassed him into his worst performance of the season. Houston completed just 10 of 28 passes for a season-low 237 yards and was intercepted three times, double his season total entering Friday’s game.
The Trojans intercepted Houston three times in four possessions as they broke open the game.
Sophomore linebacker Jackson Townsend’s interception set up Lindsey’s 65-yard touchdown. The second pick was returned 48 yards by senior safety Jaden Lewis to the 1-yard line to set up Lindsey’s fourth touchdown of the game. The final interception was returned 14 yards by Kartez Simon to give the Trojans a 42-6 lead.
The Trojans sacked Houston four times and forced the Eagles (6-6) into four turnovers.
“Words can’t explain,” Lindsey said of the Trojans’ defensive performance. “They did so good, outperformed themselves, man. Going against a great quarterback like he is and got picks, got stops, key stops to win the game. They played perfect, man.”
Evangel coach Denny Duron came away extremely impressed by what he saw from the Trojans.
“They’re probably the best team in the state,” Duron said. “They’re the best team I’ve seen in a long time.”
Senior Vaughn Darbon, who rushed for a career-high 96 yards and two touchdowns, added a 2-yard TD late in the second quarter as the Trojans invoked the mercy rule and ran out the clock in the second half.
The Trojans threw the ball just six times in the game as they racked up 361 yards on the ground while limiting the Eagles to minus-7 yards rushing.
ASH will host No. 10 Byrd (9-3), which upset seventh seeded St. Paul’s 37-15 last week, in the quarterfinals on Friday.
The Woodworth shooting range will be closed Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) and Nov. 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The range will be open Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 with normal hours.
The Woodworth shooting range is located at 661 Robinson Bridge Road in Woodworth.
This date: 17 arrests, 6 including one or more contempt counts and 13 with one or more priors.
November 23
John Harrison, 37, Pineville — negligent homicide, cruelty to juvenile 2nd degree, CDS in presence of person under 17, possession with intent, possession 2
counts, fugitive, contempt, $5,500 bail.
This date: 12 arrests, 3 including one or more contempt counts and 4 with one or more priors.
A Pineville man is charged with crimes that could lead to years in prison.
Authorities through Sunday evening had not yet released information regarding the arrest of John Harrison, 37.
He was booked 24 hours earlier on charges that include negligent homicide and 2nd-degree cruelty to juvenile.
He is also accused of possessing narcotics with intent to distribute, possession, use of narcotics in presence of person under 17, and being a fugitive and parole violator.
Negligent homicide, which includes failure to provide necessary care – carries a penalty of up to five years if convicted.
Second-degree cruelty – intentionally or negligently mistreating a child under 17 resulting in serious bodily injury or neurological impairment – carries a maximum penalty of 40 years.
Harrison’s bail was initially set at $5,500. He remained in lockup Sunday night.
November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a global call to action to address gender-based violence. This day, established by the United Nations in 1999, aims to raise awareness of the pervasive issue and advocate for policies and resources that protect women and promote equality.
Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, often at the hands of an intimate partner, according to UN Women. The issue extends beyond physical harm, affecting mental health, economic stability, and community well-being. This annual observance encourages individuals and organizations to take a stand against such violence through education, activism, and support.
In Natchitoches, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) plays a vital role in supporting women and children. While primarily focused on maternal health, the WRC empowers women through educational resources, literature, and services designed to support pregnancies, planned or otherwise. By addressing women’s health holistically, the center provides a safe space for those seeking guidance and assistance, ensuring they feel valued and supported during critical times.
Resources for women facing violence include the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), offering 24/7 confidential support, and local shelters that provide immediate refuge. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) specialize in supporting survivors of sexual violence through counseling and advocacy.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women reminds us that everyone has a role in ending violence. Communities must work together to break cycles of abuse, uplift survivors, and foster environments where women feel safe and respected. By supporting local organizations like the Women’s Resource Center and others, individuals can help create a future free from violence and full of opportunity for women and girls.
RPSB expressed gratitude to ALL of the partners who helped make the Thanksgiving Outreach Project a success. The schools, student volunteers, and several teachers and sponsors, joined together to give Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of families in the school system on Saturday morning, Nov. 23, at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.
RPSB collaborated with the Office of the Governor, Walmart, Modern Woodmen, Petron, RLC Trucking and other local vendors to create full meal kits that can be enjoyed by families for the holiday.
The State Fire Marshal and the Alexandria Fire Department joined in to help on the morning of the event. JROTC cadets from Alexandria Senior High, Bolton Academy, and Peabody Magnet High School also lent their time and energy. Finally, the bags were filled with generous donations from Walmart and the schools.
This effort underscores the strong community bonds in Rapides Parish.
Elton E. “Sonny” Chandler April 24, 1941 – November 23, 2024 Service: Monday, November 25, 2024, 1pm in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville.
Theda Rose Ray April 15, 1933 – November 22, 2024 Service: Monday, November 25, 2024, 11am at Union Hill Baptist Church, Union Hill.
Angela Gail Isaac February 18, 1976 – November 18, 2024 Service: Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
William David “Bill” Hathorn July 18, 1951 – November 17, 2024 Service: Monday, December 2, 2024, 11am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Reverend Donald Ray Sibley March 3, 1950 – November 15, 2024 Service: Saturday, November 30, 2024, 11am at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Marquarious Wilbert Varra November 11, 2004 – November 10, 2024 Service: Saturday, November 30, 2024, 11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
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)
Three elementary schools made perhaps the most significant progress in this year’s School Performance Testing in Rapides.
D.F. Huddle and L.S. Rugg moved from F letter grade to D, leaving only Horseshoe Drive below the passing line, and Acadian moved from D to C.
Phoenix Magnet Elementary retained its spot at the top of the parish scoring and Pineville High overtook Alexandria Senior High to claim the high mark among high schools.
Huddle scored 11 points higher than last year with its 57.9 while Rugg gained 8 to reach 52. Acadian jumped 10 points to 66.2.
Horseshoe Drive scored 43, a dip of 4.5 from last year.
Another elementary school, Lessie Moore in Pineville, rose 11 points to 76.3, tantalizingly close to a B.
Pineville Elementary recorded 59.4, adding 3 points in its D category.
The testing is among several accountability measures used by the state. Collectively they measure student progress and preparedness.
Phoenix scored 109.9, followed by Caroline Dorman Jr. High (Woodworth) at 98.6.
Pineville High’s 96.4 topped ASH at 96.2.
Tioga and Buckeye High Schools also earned A ratings; Bolton, Glenmora, Northwood, Plainview and Rapides attained B; and Peabody Magnet a C.
Bolton scored 14 points higher than last year in moving from the C designation. Plainview scored 10 fewer in moving from A to B
Complete information regarding the testing can be found at:
The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding 14 grants through the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) to assist communities in 14 states with their air service initiatives, and the Alexandria International Airport has received one of those grants.
To be eligible for the Small Community Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Their airport must be classified as no larger than a small hub airport.
The airport must require more air carrier service or have unreasonably high airfares.
The airport must demonstrate unique characteristics indicating the need for the program.
Applicants cannot receive funding for the same project more than once in a five-year period, except under certain circumstances.
This program is designed to allow communities to develop tailored solutions to their air service challenges, enhancing the chances of success. The Department is authorized to award grants to communities that seek to provide assistance in the following ways:
To an air carrier for subsidizing service to and from an underserved airport for a period not exceeding three years.
To an underserved airport to obtain reliable service to and from that airport.
To an underserved airport to implement additional measures aimed at improving air service, focusing on reducing costs for consumers and increasing the availability of service. This includes efforts such as marketing and promoting air services and enhancing the utilization of airport facilities.
The funding will be used for a revenue guarantee and marketing to restore United Airlines service to Houston, TX. Despite the community’s loss of its previous Houston service in 2022 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has shown remarkable resilience. This loss has forced Houston-bound passengers to drive long distances to access the Houston hub, coupled with the high airfares at Alexandria, adversely affecting the community’s economy. However, the community has not given up and has formed a public-private partnership, receiving significant funding for the project from the Central Louisiana Community Foundation. United Airlines has provided a letter of support for the project, further bolstering the community’s spirit.
England Airpark would like to acknowledge the Central Louisiana Community Foundation (CLCF) as a crucial partner in the process. They will provide the local funding necessary to meet the financial-contribution commitments as part of the awarded grant money, playing a significant role in our efforts to restore United Airlines service to Houston.
The City of Alexandria, along with the Rapides Parish Gravity Drainage District No. 1 and the Rapides Parish Police Jury, completed the Horseshoe Canal Drainage and Flood Control Project, the first initiative of the Louisiana Watershed Initiative and one of 13 flood mitigation projects occurring in the state.
This project, like the other mitigation projects underway in the state, is designed to improve water flow, reduce flooding and enhance local infrastructure. The intention is that these efforts will help the area to better withstand storms and heavy rainfall. It is one part of the state’s overall plan to enhance flood resilience and protect communities.
“This project, known as the Canal Hardening Project, began around 20 years ago following a study,” said Ralph Covington, President of the Gravity Drainage District No. 1. “Today, we celebrate the completion of this effort. We hope to see the benefits of this work as it greatly improves drainage and reduces flooding in this area.”
Covington explained that despite some flooding over the weekend, the new system definitely had a positive impact on the situation. He added, “The new initiative allowed water to flow more easily, showing that the project is already making a difference.”
Thomas Bachman (right), a legendary receiver at Evangel Christian Academy more than two decades ago, speaks with Alexandria Senior High offensive coordinator Caleb Donaho before a game earlier this year. Bachman will lead his second-seeded ASH Trojans into a second-round playoff game against his alma mater tonight at Alexandria’s J.L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium. (Journal photos by BRET H. MCCORMICK)
By BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports
Thomas Bachman doesn’t want the focus to be on him tonight – or any Friday night, for that matter.
But he knew the spotlight might come.
After Bachman guided Alexandria Senior High to a 42-16 win over Neville, wrapping up the first unbeaten regular season in ASH history and locking up the No. 2 seed for the Trojans in the Division I Select playoffs, he started looking at power rankings and possible matchups for his team after its first-round bye.
Looming as a possibility was Evangel Christian Academy, the school where Bachman won three state championships, rewrote the receiving record book and became the Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2001.
The Eagles were a national powerhouse during Bachman’s days at the Shreveport private school, where they won state titles in 1998, 1999 and 2001.
One of the all-time greatest receivers at a school known for throwing the ball all over the field, Bachman caught 96 passes for 1,453 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior and finished his career with 221 receptions for 3,489 yards and 49 TDs before signing with Texas Tech.
Bachman said he’s not sure how he will feel tonight when he looks across the field and sees Evangel’s signature “e” logo on helmets, but he said he and the ASH coaching staff have approached this week the same as any other game.
“Ultimately, you’ve just got to coach,” Bachman said. “That’s what you’ve always done. You prepare. Obviously, I’m very familiar with the uniform and the name, and it’s played a tremendous role in my life and shaped who I am and the foundation it laid for me. I’ve got nothing but good feelings (for Evangel). I’m very appreciative. The older I get, the more I appreciate all I was exposed to by the men and the experience of Evangel, and that will always be true.”
Denny Duron, Evangel’s head coach, said he’s not worried about coaching against someone like Bachman, whom he’s known for more than half of Bachman’s life. The challenge is Bachman’s coaching acumen and the Trojans’ talent.
“It’s only difficult because he is a great football coach,” said Duron, who was Evangel’s offensive coordinator during Bachman’s playing days. “That’s the difficult part. Thomas has done an amazing job at ASH, and he’s done an amazing job everywhere he’s been.”
Evangel won 11 state championships in the 14-year span between 1993 and 2006, but the Eagles have just one state title since 2010 and haven’t won a title in the past eight years.
However, they are back in the spotlight this year behind one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, sophomore Peyton “Pop” Houston, a dangerous threat with both his right arm and his legs.
Houston leads the state in passing this year, throwing for 4,234 yards and 37 touchdowns while completing more than 70% of his passes and throwing only three interceptions in 414 attempts. He threw for a national-record 814 yards and eight TDs in a 77-76 single overtime loss to Captain Shreve Oct. 10.
“We have had a lot of great quarterbacks through the years and they’ve all been different, and Pop is different as well,” Duron said. “He is uber-talented, No. 1. He can run, and he can throw. But he also is undoubtedly the hardest-working young athlete I’ve ever been around in my life – and that would be any sport in any era. This guy just never stops.”
The Eagles (6-5), who are seeded 18th, avenged their Captain Shreve loss last week with a 58-48 first-round upset that was led by Houston’s 389 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Houston spreads the ball around as the Eagles have four receivers with 500 or more receiving yards, including junior Johnny Casey, one of the state’s leaders with 57 receptions for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Houston is also the Eagles’ leading rusher on the season with 717 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior Josh Isaac Jr. has rushed for 614 yards and six touchdowns, while junior Damari “Dae Dae” Drake, who plays both ways and capped the Captain Shreve victory with a pick-six, has a team-high 11 rushing TDs.
“He’s just so resilient,” Duron said of Houston. “He feels no pressure. He loves playing this game, and for him it’s always just walking out there on that field and knowing that he’s well-prepared. That’s who Pop is.”
“Not only can he scramble, he’s extremely accurate on the move,” Bachman said. “The athleticism, the speed, but he also delivers the ball on the move when the scramble drill’s happening, when his guys are moving with him. He can deliver the ball to all areas of the field on the move. That’s a lot of space to have to be accountable for defensively.”
Evangel’s high-powered offense has scored 50 or more points in five games this season and is averaging 44 points per game, but the Eagles travel to face a Trojan squad that has scored 40 or more points in every game this season and has one of the most balanced offenses in the state.
While Bachman cut his teeth as a player and assistant in explosive passing offenses, his Trojan offenses have used the spread to set up the run. This year’s ASH team is no different, led by senior LSU commitment JT Lindsey, who has rushed for 1,726 yards and 23 touchdowns.
The Trojans’ two sophomore quarterbacks, Karsen Sellers and Max Gassiott, have combined to complete 70% of their passes for 2,114 yards with 32 TDs and only two interceptions. Senior Darius Washington is the team’s leading receiver with 50 receptions for 769 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Defensively, ASH’s success begins in the middle with junior linebacker Xzavier White, who leads the team with 136 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss, but the Trojans have young playmakers at every level of the defense and are playing their best ball heading into the playoffs.
“They’re big and fast and strong and well-coached,” Duron said of the Trojans. “We have a challenge on every hand on Friday night. We’re looking forward to playing. Our kids are just so resilient. They’re excited about the experience.”
Bachman said the Trojans’ roster is full of players who are hungry to accomplish things never done before in program history. They finished the regular season unbeaten. They won the District 2-5A championship. Now they are four wins away from the first state football title in school history.
Bachman said the Trojans can’t get ahead of themselves, and they must tackle the challenge that is before them immediately. Friday night, that is Evangel Christian Academy.
“You have to control what you can control,” Bachman said. “That’s what you need to happen. … You’ve got to find a way to capitalize on the breaks you do get and find a way to overcome the things that go against you.”
The Pineville Police Department participated in the 2024 Students Exploring Career Opportunities (SECO) event at the Randolph Riverfront Center. This initiative provided Central Louisiana 10th graders with insights into various career paths, including law enforcement. PPD officers engaged with students, offering firsthand perspectives on policing and emphasizing the importance of community relationships. Such interactions are vital for fostering trust and understanding between law enforcement and the youth, contributing to a safer and more connected community.
The Libuse Branch of RPL will host a pour painting class for kids on Saturday, Nov. 23, 11am to 12pm.
Young artists will explore fluid art by pouring, tilting, and swirling vibrant paints on canvas to create their own masterpieces. No painting experience needed – just bring imagination and a love for fun.
The family of Charles and Rose Broussard have graciously funded a program in the name of their parents that provides an opportunity for a paid internship at one of three research stations within the LSU AgCenter system.
The internship program is open to both high school and college students and provides an opportunity for the student to gain practical experience with agriculture research being conducted at one of three research stations – the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Rayne, the Iberia Research Station in Jeanerette, or the Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria.
Interested students should complete an application form and return it along with a resume to Dr. Kurt Guidry (kmguidry@agcenter.lsu.edu) by February 21, 2025. Download the form here: https://tinyurl.com/2025AgCenterInternship
The King Branch of RPL will host a Sip-N-Paint event on Monday, Nov. 25, 5-6pm.
RPL’s own Mary Roberts will direct this painting session. It is not a trace or paint-by-number class. This is a worry free, kid free, no judgment zone artistry class. Relaxation and socialization is the end result.
On November 22, cranberry lovers have a reason to celebrate with National Cranberry Relish Day—a tribute to the vibrant, tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to holiday meals. As Thanksgiving approaches, cranberry relish holds a cherished spot on dinner tables, often serving as the perfect complement to turkey and other festive dishes.
The history of cranberries as a holiday staple dates back to early Native American tribes, who used the versatile berry for food, dye, and medicine. By the 1600s, cranberries had become a key ingredient in colonial meals, earning their place in traditional Thanksgiving feasts. Cranberry relish, with its simple yet bold combination of fresh cranberries, sugar, and citrus, rose to popularity in the 20th century as an easy-to-make alternative to canned cranberry sauce.
Unlike its jelly-like counterpart, cranberry relish is known for its fresh, uncooked preparation, which preserves the fruit’s natural tartness and bright color. Many modern recipes incorporate additional ingredients like apples, nuts, ginger, or spices to create unique variations that suit any palate.
National Cranberry Relish Day invites food enthusiasts to experiment with this classic dish. Try a zesty twist by adding orange zest and jalapeños for a spicy-sweet kick, or opt for a touch of warmth with cinnamon and cloves. For those looking to reduce sugar, honey or maple syrup can provide natural sweetness.
Beyond its culinary appeal, cranberries are packed with health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Whether you’re preparing a traditional recipe or a creative take, National Cranberry Relish Day is a delicious way to honor a time-honored ingredient. So, as you gear up for Thanksgiving, let cranberry relish add a touch of tart, festive flair to your holiday table.
