By JIM BUTLER

For a decade Jerry Pearson robbed Peter to pay Paul. Now he will pay the Piper. 

More than 70 victims are owed $3.4 million by conman Pearson, of Boyce, ordered Thursday to repay them. And sent to federal prison for five years. 

Pearson, 62, stole the millions from his clients after they turned funds over to him for retirement investment, what it turned out was a Ponzi scheme. 

Pearson, who pleaded guilty to one fraud count in August, will be on three years supervised release after leaving prison. 

Pearson, promising high interest, took victims’ money for investing in self-managed IRAs, then transferred it to accounts for his personal use, prosecutors said. 

Some early investors realized gain, but it was money moved from others’ accounts, not earnings on their own investment. 

England Airpark and the Alexandria International Airport (AEX) reflected on an impressive year of strategic
planning, growth and transformation in 2024, setting the stage for an even more dynamic 2025. England Airpark’s strategic plan and planned enhanced air service development have solidified its position as a vital transportation hub for the Central Louisiana area.

A Year of Milestones

In 2024, England Airpark experienced:

The launch of England Airpark’s 15-year Strategic Plan as well as an airport passenger traffic increase of 1%, reflecting a rebound in air travel and heightened demand for domestic and international destinations from Central Louisiana. The airport saw a notable increase in travelers for the 2024 holiday season. 

The Alexandria International Airport has successfully completed several major infrastructure projects, including a Runway Safety Area Project, a North Ramp Joint Seal Project, a Precision Runway Approach Lighting System, a new Air Traffic Control Radio Installation, upgrades to the Terminal Security System, and the completion of a Wildlife Fence Rehabilitation Project. These critical improvements were undertaken at a total investment cost of approximately $22,500,000.

Economic Development

In 2024, England Airpark welcomed new companies Sol Powerlines, LLC, and Global Crossing Airlines, Inc. Sol Powerlines is a utility contractor that provides professional services to IOU’s, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and industrial companies. They will have 18 office personnel at the England Airpark Office with 280 working under their direction in the field. Global Crossing Airlines is an airline providing services to the US Government, sports teams, casinos, as well as other operators and airlines. Global will provide maintenance services and training at the EA location as well as charter flight services for the US Government. They will have 50 employees operating at their facility including MRO services, operations, and training.

NSU Expands to 2nd Building

Northwestern St. University opened the doors to students and faculty in the Fall of 2024 to their newly renovated 2nd building expanding the NSU Central Louisiana Campus at England Airpark to 65,000 sq ft. The second building will allow NSU to expand its Nursing degree programs and add Rad Tech degree programs to support and fill the jobs of the Central Louisiana medical community.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we enter 2025, England Airpark is focused on further elevating its role in the region’s economic and transportation landscape. Key initiatives include:

Expanded Air Services: We have plans to continue to increase airline partnership strategies, making it easier than ever for travelers to reach their destinations.

The Alexandria International Airport is embarking on an ambitious slate of infrastructure projects in 2025, with an estimated investment exceeding $47,000,000. Key initiatives include a significant Runway Extension Project, the construction of an Aircraft Wash Rack, and the expansion of the South Ramp. Additionally, the airport will undertake Terminal and Road Improvements, enhance the Air Traffic Control Tower, and commence design work on numerous other crucial projects, all aimed at improving safety,
efficiency, and overall operational capacity.

“2024 was a transformative year for both England Airpark and the Alexandria International Airport,” said Ralph Hennessy, C.M., Executive Director. “As we look to 2025, we are committed to building on this momentum by delivering exceptional service, growing our destination network, and enhancing our
facilities to meet the needs of our passengers and partners.”

For more information about England Airpark, visit www.englandairpark.org.

By CALEB DUNLOP, LSUA Sports Information Director

The LSU Alexandria men’s basketball team earned its highest ranking of the season in the latest NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, coming in at No. 2 on Wednesday, then looked the part Thursday night.

The No. 2 Generals (19-1 overall, a league-best 16-1 in the Red River Athletic Conference) hit the gas after halftime and lit up visiting Paul Quinn 96-68 at The Fort on the LSUA campus, winning their 13^th in a row. In Thursday’s first game, the LSUA women (a very impressive16-5, 13-4) prevailed 80-69 over Paul Quinn.

LSUA is home again Saturday in a 1 p.m. women’s-men’s RRAC doubleheader against Southwestern.

After winning last year’s RRAC crown, the LSUA men opened this season at No. 12 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Top 25 Poll in late October and jumped to No. 6 in the first regular season poll on Nov. 13.

Coach Dimario Jackson’s Generals were 4-0 including a victory over then-No. 4 Freed-Hardeman (69-63), currently the only team above the Generals in the Top 25. In an outing that didn’t count on the record but caught notice around the country, LSUA notched an 83-80 win in an exhibition at NCAA Division I Lamar, one of the better teams in the Southland Conference.

Since then, the Generals are 15-1.

“It’s been an outstanding season so far for Dimario and his players,” LSUA director of athletics Tyler Unsicker said. “I am proud of not just their performance, but how they have continuously challenged themselves and each other to get better as the season has progressed. At this stage of the season, the games always get tougher, and the sustained success is a testament to the culture and drive of the program.”

LSUA is in prime position to defend its RRAC championship. The regular season will not end local fans chances to see the team — 2025’s conference tournament is Feb. 28-March 2 at the Laborde Earles Coliseum (formerly known as the Rapides Parish Coliseum).

Leading the Generals are All-American senior swingman Kashie Natt and sophomore guard E.J. McQuillan.

Natt has produced a remarkable season, averaging 18.1 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 46 percent  from the floor. The 6-foot-2 guard has recorded 10 double-doubles on the season, eight of which have come in conference play. He ranks fourth among conference players in points per game and leads the conference in rebounding.

McQuillan averages 13.1 points and is connecting on 42 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. McQuillan has recorded double-digit points in all but four games this season and scored a career-high 24 points twice – the first against Southwest in December and the second against Texas College in January.

After this week’s home contests, six games remain in the regular season.

The Generals’ final four games feature a trio of teams slated to make the RRAC Tournament. Two of those teams, Xavier and Our Lady of the Lake, are directly behind the Purple and Gold in the standings.

Xavier is currently second in the RRAC with a league record of 12-4, while Our Lady of the Lake is third at 12-6.

Three of the final four games are slammed into the week after the Super Bowl. LSUA goes to Xavier on Feb. 11, then is home for the final two, against Our Lady of the Lake on Feb. 13 and  Texas A&M-San Antonio two days later.

The regular season finale sends LSUA on the road to play its sister school LSU Shreveport. The Generals captured the opening leg of the season series, 108-75, at The Fort on Jan. 4.

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Christian University men’s basketball program had its worst shooting evening of the campaign Thursday night opposite the Xavier Gold Rush, stunting their momentum in a low-scoring setback, 61-42, in the Big Easy.

Losing for only the second time in the last nine outings, the Wildcats seemingly had a lid on the basket, dipping to season lows in most key offensive categories — field goals (12), field goal percentage (25), 3-pointers (1), 3-point percentage (6.3) and points.

Louisiana Christian (10-11, 9-8 Red River Athletic Conference) got the 17^th consecutive double-figure scoring performance from Devin Carter, who led the losers with 13 points.

Xavier (14-5, 13-4 Red River) will head north to Pineville for a Saturday women’s-men’s doubleheader at H.O. West Fieldhouse, with the first game tipping at 1.

XAVIER WOMEN 71, LCU 57: The 18^th-ranked Gold Nuggets (19-1, 16-1) overcame 10 shots blocked by LCU (6-13, 6-11) and prevailed.

Princis Goff went for her eighth double-double of 2024-25 and 15th as a Wildcat, leading all players on either side with 21 points and 11 rebounds while hitting 9-of-10 from the line.

Jakiya Thompson dropped in 10 points in a reserve role. Kylei Leblanc and Deja Tanks each rejected three Xavier shots and Tanks collected 10 rebounds off the bench.

Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming to Alexandria to the Rapides Parish Coliseum on Wednesday, February 5, at 7pm.

Don’t miss a chance to see what fans love about the Harlem Globetrotters plus more as the world-famous Globetrotters level-up every game with all-new, exciting challenges in 2025: NEW year, NEW global tour, NEW challenges. Same Globetrotters everyone LOVES.

Every Harlem Globetrotters game serves up unprecedented fan interaction opportunities before, during, and after the game so attendees can meet their favorite players. 

Come see all the amazing basketball spins, slams, and dunks that people have come to expect at every Globetrotters game, PLUS new trials as players face-off to see who can pull off astonishing trick shots and more. See the Globetrotter stars and their renowned rivals, the Washington Generals, LIVE as they challenge themselves and each other to new moves, new shots, and new innovations.

Tickets are on sale now. VIP Bench Experience tickets also for sale now. Tickets are available at the Box Office Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Tickets can also be bought via Ticketmaster. 

The Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI) to host the annual LABI State Legislative Session Outlook Event, featuring Will Green, President & CEO. This event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13, 11:30am to 1pm, at the England Airpark Community Center.

Green will detail LABI’s legislative policy priorities and vision for the 2025 Louisiana State Legislative Session. He will also discuss current challenges for business and industry and opportunities to improve Louisiana’s economic climate and global competitiveness.

To register, visit the event website. 

In conjunction with the City of Alexandria, The Nature Conservancy plans to plant a total of 129 trees across three areas this week. 

This effort, being called “The Alexandria Project,” is part of Louisiana Treesilience Program (LTP), a program within The Nature Conservancy meant to help restore urban tree canopies damaged by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. 

LTP funds each planting initiative completely. Additionally, LTP oversees all of the contracting and the work itself to make sure that each initiative is a success. 

LTP is working in 22 Louisiana parishes working to repair canopy damage from hurricanes. LTP representatives meet directly with community members to learn about specific needs and desires to restore their communities’ urban tree canopies.

“Doing work in Sulphur, DeRidder, New Orleans, Slidell and Terrebonne,” said Amanda Takacs, who is The Nature Conservancy’s Community Forest Conservation Coordinator for Louisiana. “There are a lot of different communities that are ultimately being impacted by this funding and opportunity to restore urban canopy.”

Art has the profound ability to move us, inspire us, and connect us with our innermost emotions. From the strokes of a painter’s brush to the rhythm of a dancer’s feet, art transcends barriers and speaks a universal language. Each year on January 31, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day invites us to reflect on the emotional impact of art and its ability to shape and enrich our lives.

This day isn’t just about observing art but about engaging with it—whether through creating, exploring, or simply appreciating the beauty around us. Let’s delve into the significance of art, its emotional and cultural resonance, and ways to incorporate it into our daily lives.

The Emotional Power of Art

Art has a unique capacity to evoke emotions, whether it’s joy, sorrow, wonder, or nostalgia. Psychologists have long studied the relationship between art and emotion, finding that viewing or creating art can reduce stress, enhance mood, and even improve mental health.

• Painting and Visual Art: A vibrant painting can lift our spirits, while a dark, moody canvas might invite introspection. Take Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, for instance, which has captivated generations with its swirling skies and emotional depth.
• Music: A symphony or a simple melody can evoke tears or energize us with happiness. Songs have the power to bring memories to life and provide solace during difficult times.
• Dance: Movement has a way of expressing feelings words cannot. The fluidity of a dancer can tell stories of struggle, triumph, and everything in between.

Art is a mirror reflecting the complexities of human experience. Whether it provides comfort in hard times or celebrates life’s joys, its ability to touch our hearts is unmatched.

Inspiring Stories of Art

Art has inspired countless individuals and communities throughout history. Consider the story of Frida Kahlo, whose self-portraits expressed her physical and emotional pain while empowering generations of women. Or the role of music during the Civil Rights Movement, where songs like We Shall Overcome became anthems of hope and resilience.

Closer to home, local art scenes across Louisiana have transformed neighborhoods and communities. Murals in towns like Lafayette and New Orleans not only beautify public spaces but also celebrate the state’s rich culture, history, and heritage.

The Role of Art in Everyday Life

Engaging with art doesn’t require a trip to a museum or concert hall. Everyday moments can be filled with creativity and inspiration:

• Journaling: Writing poetry or prose can help process emotions and reflect on personal experiences.
• Photography: Capturing the beauty of nature or a bustling cityscape allows us to see the world through a new lens.
• Cooking: Yes, even cooking can be an art form. The way we combine flavors, plate a dish, or experiment with recipes reflects our creativity.
• DIY Projects: From knitting to furniture restoration, hands-on activities allow us to create something meaningful.

Art is everywhere—in the colors of a sunset, the arrangement of flowers in a garden, or the melody of wind chimes. By paying attention, we can find artistic inspiration in the most unexpected places.

How to Celebrate Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

1. Visit a Local Art Gallery or Museum: Louisiana is home to many artistic treasures, such as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans and the Alexandria Museum of Art. Immerse yourself in exhibits that showcase regional talent and diverse perspectives.
2. Support Local Artists: Attend a craft fair, purchase handmade goods, or follow local artists on social media. Supporting creators in your community helps keep art alive and thriving.
3. Take a Class: Explore a new medium, such as watercolor painting, pottery, or photography. Many community centers and art studios offer beginner-friendly workshops.
4. Host a Movie or Music Night: Watch a film that showcases artistic expression or listen to a genre of music you’ve never explored before.
5. Create Something: Dedicate time to an art project, no matter how small. Whether you sketch, bake, or write, the act of creating can be deeply rewarding.

Art in Louisiana: A Cultural Celebration

Louisiana’s vibrant arts scene is a testament to the state’s rich cultural tapestry. From the lively jazz music of New Orleans to the intricate craftsmanship of Cajun quilts, art in Louisiana reflects a blend of traditions and stories.

• Mardi Gras Parades: The floats, costumes, and masks are a stunning display of creativity and community spirit.
• Creole and Cajun Music: Instruments like the accordion and fiddle bring stories of resilience and joy to life.
• Cultural Festivals: Events such as the Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s art markets or local crawfish festivals often feature artisans showcasing unique works.

Exploring these local treasures not only supports artists but also strengthens our connection to the culture that makes Louisiana so unique.

The Lasting Impact of Art

Art isn’t just something to admire—it’s something that shapes who we are. It teaches us empathy by allowing us to see the world through another’s perspective. It provides a sense of community by bringing people together. And it gives us a way to express ourselves when words fall short.

This Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, take a moment to pause and appreciate the creative beauty around you. Whether it’s a favorite painting, a song that moves you, or a handmade gift from a loved one, art has the power to touch our hearts and inspire our souls.

By embracing art in all its forms, we celebrate not only creativity but also the shared human experience that binds us all.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Jan. 29

Montavion Tyrell Bryant, 25, Alexandria – second degree battery, possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carry of firearm with drugs, probation violation, $80,500 bail;

Matthew Wesley Johnson, 43, Pineville – theft of motor vehicle, theft, two counts violation of protective orders (non-violent), five counts contempt of court, $154,000 bail;

Christopher McBeth, 42, Alexandria – sexual battery, two counts contempt of court, $500 bail;

Martavius Dionta Taylor, 33, Alexandria – cruelty to the infirm, no bail data;

Jan. 28

Michael Wayne Collins Sr., 42, Alexandria – two counts attempted second degree murder, second degree battery, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, $2.1 million;

Randall Wayne Craig Jr., 36, Colfax – issuing worthless checks, $1,200 bail;

Simeon Aaron Hill, 44, Boyce – possession of a firearm by convicted felon, illegal possession of stolen things, $10,000 bail;

Demarcus Demond Johnson, 39, Alexandria – producing, manufacturing, distributing with intent of controlled dangerous substance, $2,000 bail;

Douglas John Juneau II, 46, Deville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, fugitive in Louisiana, $2,500 bail;

Kristian Karas, 22, Pineville – aggravated battery of a dating partner, $500 bail;

Jeffrey Wilson Prince, 63, Ball – accessory after the fact, probation violation, no bail data;

Christopher Wayne Reed, Alexandria – theft, remaining on premises, seven counts contempt of court, $15,500 bail;

Kimberly D. Smith, 48, Jena – two counts possession of controlled substance, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Jacob Stockman, 26, N/A – theft between $1,000-5,000, $500 bail;

Kayla Noelle Vaughn, 29, Pineville – two counts simply burglary, simple battery of the infirmed, exploitation of the infirmed, three counts contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, two counts contempt of court, $17,500 bail;

Jernishia Nicole Watson, 29, Alexandria – two counts theft, three counts contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Reginald Wayne Winfield Jr., 31, Alexandria – theft of a motor vehicle, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carrying of weapons, simple/aggravated escape, resisting an officer, $35,500 bail.

Jan. 27

Byron Keith Fay, 52, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery pregnant, false imprisonment armed with a dangerous weapon, resisting an officer, $65,000 bail;

Richard Finley, 40, Alexandria – second degree rape, $50,000 bail;

Jasmine Renee Holden, 34, Alexandria – aggravated battery, parish probation violation, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Randy McDonald, 32, Woodville, Miss. – OWI first offense, driving under suspension/revocation, $1,100 bail.

Jan. 26

Luis Alberto Aparacio Portillo, 25, Houston – fugitive in Louisiana, no bail data;

Donald Glen Brooks, 57, Alexandria – OWI third offense, open container, contempt – failure to pay fine, $15,100 bail;

Ryan Anthony Garvin, 43, Pineville – simple burglary, contempt of court, $1,500 bail;

Jerry Wayne Griffin, 39, Alexandria – failure to renew registration as sex offender, two counts contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Charles Ray Jackson, 49, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, $3,500 bail;

Roberto Mendez, 26, Houston, Texas – fugitive in Louisiana, no bail data;

Amy Elizabeth Portillo, 18, Houston, Texas — fugitive in Louisiana, no bail data;

Edwin Portillo, 17, Houston, Texas — fugitive in Louisiana, no bail data;

Jernishia Nicole Watson, 29, Alexandria – two counts theft, three counts contempt of court, $6,000 bail;

Tanner Nicholas Wootan, 31, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia, domestic abuse battery, $3,500 bail.

The Alexandria Police Department (APD), with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, arrested Michael Collins Sr. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, in connection with the shooting incident that occurred late Sunday night at the Sanctuary Apartments on Enterprise Road.

Collins was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Rapides Parish Jail on charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

In addition to these charges, Collins was also charged with two active warrants.  One warrant was for Second Degree Battery and the other warrant was for Attempted Second Degree Murder from the shooting in the 600 block of Richmond Drive on Dec. 9, 2024. The investigation into both shootings remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion emphasized the department’s commitment to working with law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of the community.

“Our officers, alongside the Louisiana State Police, worked tirelessly to apprehend this suspect,” said Chief Gremillion. “We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to arrest those in our city who commit violent crimes and ensure they are held accountable. Public safety is our top priority. “

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number 318-441-6416, or APD Dispatch 318-441-6559. Information can also be emailed 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 www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

Retired LSU Prof. Emeritus Robert Mann visited Louisiana Christian University to present one of the first copies of his latest book, You Are My Sunshine: Jimmie Davis and the Biography of a Song (LSU Press February 2025), to the LCU Norton Memorial Library. 

Mann is the author of 10 books on U.S. and Louisiana political history. He was a senior aide to U.S. senators Russell Long and John Breaux and Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.

He served on the faculty of LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication for 18 years before retiring in 2024.

At the center of this story is Jimmie Davis, a 1924 graduate of Louisiana College which went on to become Louisiana Christian University.  Davis sang on campus and played his guitar in the streets of Pineville and Alexandria for funds to pay for his education. 

He went on to become a country music superstar with the hit song “You Are My Sunshine,” a song covered by an impressive array of artists to date. Mann found that in 1940, Davis became the third artist to record “Sunshine,” after he bought it.  

As “You Are My Sunshine” grew in popularity, so did its link to Davis, who entered politics and became the ‘singing governor’ for two non-consecutive terms as governor, 1944-1948 and 1960-1964.  In 1977, the Louisiana Legislature made “You Are My Sunshine” the state song.

Davis spent four years at Louisiana College, graduated, and remains one of the most famous of its graduates now 101 years after he took classes in Alexandria Hall, which still stands as the main building on the now suburban campus in Pineville. 

LSU Press praised Mann’s new book, “this is more than the story of a simple song; it’s a biography of a cultural icon, enduring and ubiquitous as sunshine itself.”