Rapides Parish DA’s office wins two convictions

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced the end of two cases this week, both resulting in conviction wins for the DA. 

Nydrek Desean Burns was charged with and found guilty of Theft of a Firearm and Illegal Carry of a Weapon with Drugs. Following the conviction, Burns has been sentenced to five years in prison. This case was prosecuted by ADA Gerald Weeks.

Antonio Cortez Love was charged with and found guilt of CDS I with Intent (>2.5 grams) and Firearm Possession by a Felon. Following the conviction, Love has been sentenced to eight years in prison. This case was prosecuted by ADA Charles “Chuck” Johnson. 


UPDATE: Victim identified; Deputy-involved shooting at Alexandria Academy confirmed by RPSO

UPDATE:
 
The shooting victim in Saturday’s shooting at Academy Sporting Goods has been identified by his mother, Lakeisha James, as Isiah Treadway, 22, of Alexandria, Louisiana
 
ORIGINAL:
 
A Rapides Parish Sherriff’s deputy was been involved in a shooting at Academy Sporting Goods, 3205 South MacArthur Drive, on Saturday, Jan. 25.
 
One suspect was transported to a local hospital by Acadian Ambulance. The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Fire Department were also on scene to assist.
 
Investigators with the Central Louisiana Critical Incident Response Team are working to process the scene and gather further information.
 
This investigation is active and ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.
 
A call to the Central Louisiana Critical Incident Response Team was not returned as of press time.

Looking back at Chiefs’ last (and first) Super visit to New Orleans

The last time the Kansas City Chiefs played in New Orleans for a Super Bowl trophy, it was 1970, and the game was played outdoors at Tulane Stadium, and tickets cost $15.

It was a dud of a game, not worth the price of admission, many agreed, with Kansas City beating the error-prone Minnesota Vikings 23-7. Bill Carter, then the sports editor for the Alexandria Town Talk, wrote in his post-game column, “Citizens who paid $15 to see the Super Bowl didn’t think it compared with the Sugar Bowl game between Ole Miss and Arkansas, for thrills and execution.”

In that Sugar Bowl game, also at Tulane Stadium, earlier that month, Archie Manning passed for 273 yards and a touchdown to lead 13th-ranked Ole Miss to a 27-22 upset over No. 3 Arkansas.

In Super Bowl IV — the last matchup of NFL and AFL teams before the two leagues merged — the winning Chiefs got $15,000 each. The losing Vikings each got $7,500. Oh, how times have changed. The winners of this year’s Super Bowl will get $178,000 each, and the losers, $103,000 each.

Compared to that $15 ticket in 1970, the cheapest ticket for this Super Bowl, scheduled Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Superdome, is roughly $6,500 – just 1 grand less than what the Vikings each got as runners-up in Super Bowl IV.

No team has won three straight Super Bowls. As tough as it is to win one, it’s even tougher to win two in a row, and more remarkable to win three straight titles.

Yet this brings a “hold my beer” moment. Should the Chiefs accomplish a threepeat, they would still have some work to do to achieve the five straight World Series titles the New York Yankees claimed from 1949-53, and they’d have much more work to do to match the eight straight NBA crowns won by the Boston Celtics from 1959-66. Perhaps more remarkable, the Celtics competed for the NBA championship in 10 consecutive seasons from 1957-66.

The shivering snowy weather New Orleans just went through last week came to mind when I saw a newspaper clipping from days before the Super Bowl IV game with a picture of Chiefs quarterback Lenny Dawson wearing a coat and shivering in 24-degree cold. He was posing in front of a frozen fountain in front of the team’s hotel.

That Chiefs team had several players from Louisiana on its roster: safety Johnny Robinson and center Remi Prudhomme from LSU, defensive tackle Buck Buchanan and cornerback Goldie Sellers from Grambling and running back Bob Holmes and wide receiver Frank Pitts from Southern.

Robinson, who had two fumble recoveries and a big interception in the Chiefs’ victory, roomed with quarterback Lenny Dawson the week before the game, and he was quoted after the game as saying they both had trouble sleeping the night before the game. Dawson couldn’t sleep because he was in the news because of an alleged link (found later to be untrue) to gamblers, not to mention nursing the emotional wounds from losing his father to a heart attack earlier in the season. Robinson couldn’t sleep because of an exceedingly painful torn rib cage.

Robinson, a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member who was an All-American at LSU and member of the Tigers’ 1958 national championship team, got a shot of Novocain before the game and another one at halftime to help him endure his pain during the contest. Dawson, meanwhile, was cool, calm and efficient in leading the offense and winning the game’s MVP award.

That game is also remembered, thanks to NFL Films, for Chiefs coach Hank Stram agreeing (for $500) to wear a microphone during the game.  

Probably his most remembered and widely quoted line from that experience was when he exhorted his offense to “just keep matriculating the ball down the field, boys.”

Super Bowl IV is also remembered for a halftime show like nothing ever seen before or since. After performances from the likes of Carol Channing and the Southern University band, there was a re-enactment of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, with many cannon blasts that left the field so smoky it was difficult to see the action on the field early in the third quarter.  

For a dud of a game, it also lives on in memories for yet another scene, this during the pregame ceremonies. Two hot-air balloons were supposed to lift off for each team. The Chiefs balloon rose without incident, but the balloon with a Vikings mascot in the basket dragged across the field before crashing into the stands.

Maybe that $15 ticket was worth the price of admission after all was said and undone.


Pineville cheerleaders win national championship, Tioga cheerleaders bring home 2nd place

The Pineville High School Rebel Cheerleaders took gold at the National Cheerleaders Association National Championship. Pineville High School extended its congratulations to the team on social media, praising their “hard work, dedication, and team spirit,” since it “paid off in the biggest way.” 

Tioga High School’s cheerleaders brought home 2nd place from the Championship and won the “Best Use of Jumps” award. The team expressed pride in themselves on social media, adding that “This is just the beginning and we can’t wait to return to NCA nationals 2026.” 

Congratulations to both teams. 


Roads closed due to recent storms

The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced that the following roads are closed to traffic due to high water: 

  • Elmus Paul Rd.
  • Ida Wells Rd.
  • Brannon Rd.
  • Lee Bridge Rd.
  • Newsome Rd.
  • Old Beaubourf Rd.
These roads will remain closed until further notice. Crews will be assessing the roadways regularly to monitor.

Shooting in the 1300 block of Enterprise Road

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 1300 block of Enterprise Road in reference to a shooting that sent one person to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury on Sunday, Jan. 26, at approximately 10:35pm.

A suspect in this case has been identified as 42-year-old Michael W. Collins of Alexandria. Currently, APD has a warrant for the arrest of Collins for one count of Attempted Second Degree Murder. Collins should be considered armed and dangerous.  

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.


Another Deville man arrested following earlier RADE arrest

William David Aldridge

A Deville man was arrested on multiple charges in the wake of an arrest earlier this month by the Rapides Are Drug Enforcement (RADE).

Stephen Sasser of Deville was arrested by RADE on narcotics charges back on January 7. Following that arrest, RADE determined that Sasser had a “stash house” where he kept an inventory of drugs.

After obtaining a search warrant for a residence on Hwy 115 in Deville, RADE executed the warrant on Jan. 15. This is the home of William David Aldridge, 66. RADE agents discovered about four pounds of methamphetamine, 20 grams of cocaine, 340 grams of marijuana, and nine assorted firearms at the residence. Additionally, Aldridge had more than $1,000 in cash in his possession.

Aldridge was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Powder Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Illegal Carrying of Firearms with Narcotics, and Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses.

He has been booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center and held on a $161,000 bond. He also received a Civil Asset Forfeiture Paperwork for the seized cash.

Sasser and Aldridge have received additional charges for criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Sasser remains in jail at this time. Both men were rearrested on Jan. 17 for these new charges.

RADE said this investigation is still ongoing.


Emil’s Waste Cheese

By Brad Dison

In 1873, Julius Wettstein, a German cheese maker, opened a cheese factory in Monroe, New York. He named it Monroe Cheese Company. The company was so successful that Wettstein sold the company five years later for $16,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over half a million dollars in today’s money. The cheese company was bought and sold twice, each time making a profit, until Adolphe Tode and a partner bought it in 1884 for $25,000. In 1888, they hired 21-year-old Swiss immigrant Emil Frey to work in the factory. 

In 1889, Adolphe challenged his cheese makers to produce a popular cheese called Bismarck. Bismarck cheese imported from Europe spoiled before it reached American grocers. After two years of failed attempts on his own time, Emil developed a new spreadable cheese that was so popular that the company discontinued their efforts to create Bismarck cheese. They named Emil’s creation Liederkranz after a famous New York Singing Society. iederkranze cheese became popular across America, but Adolphe had made enough bad business decisions that he lost everything.    

In 1891, New York wholesale grocer Jacob Weisl bought the Monroe Cheese Company from the Goshen Savings Bank. Under Jacob’s leadership, the Monroe Cheese Company grew and expanded. They opened a second factory in Covington, Pennsylvania where they focused mainly on producing Swiss cheese. Sales of Swiss cheese were spectacular, but there were some issues with producing and distributing wheels of hard Swiss cheese. It often came out misshapen or was broken during the manufacturing or distribution processes. Jacob deemed the misshapen or broken cheese unsalable, but what could they do with all the “waste cheese?”

In 1916, Jacob challenged his employees to find a way to turn the “waste cheese” into a profitable product. Luckily, Emil Frey was still working for Monroe Cheese Company. In his spare time in his home kitchen, Emil mixed and measured various ingredients. After two years of trial and error, he came up with a concoction which used only three ingredients; the waste cheese, whey, which was the leftover liquid from milk curds, and an emulsifier used to blend and stabilize the product. Emil patented the process, named his new cheese, and shared his discovery with his boss. The new cheese could easily hold its shape, required no refrigeration, had a long shelf life, and turned into a silky sauce when melted. 

The Monroe Cheese Company quickly put the “waste cheese” into production. Like Emil’s Liederkranze cheese, his new creation became popular in homes, hotels, and restaurants. It was so popular that on Valentine’s Day 1923, Jacob created and incorporated a new independent company to produce this one product. In 1927, Kraft Foods bought the “waste cheese” company. 

Researchers at Kraft quickly began tinkering with Emil’s formula and process. Remember that Emil patented the process for making his “waste cheese.” Rather than three ingredients, the new formula had a paragraph’s worth of chemical ingredients. Kraft advertised the “waste cheese” as a health food and diet aid, though it was neither. With clever marketing campaigns, Kraft’s version of Emil’s “waste cheese” remains one of the most popular cheese products in the world. Kraft’s version still tastes and melts pretty much the same as the Emil’s “waste cheese,” and still uses the name Emil gave it because of its velvety smoothness when melted. You know Emil’s “waste cheese” as Velveeta. What you may not know is that Kraft’s version of Velveeta cheese does not contain any cheese.

Sources:

1.     David Levine, “Where Does Velveeta (and Liederkranz) Cheese Come From? Monroe, NY, Of Course!” Hudson Valley Magazine, March 18, 2013, https://hvmag.com/food/where-does-velveeta-and-liederkranz-cheese-come-from-monroe-ny-of-course/.

2.     David Levine, “Who Emil Frey whipped up a smooth dairy sensation,” Smithsonian, January-February 2025, p.35.

3.     “The History of Cheese Making in Monroe,” Monroe Historical Society, https://www.monroehistoryny.org/cheese-in-monroe.


Safeguarding your digital life: tips for data privacy

National Data Privacy Day, celebrated on January 28, serves as an annual reminder to safeguard our digital lives in an increasingly interconnected world. With cybercrime on the rise and personal data becoming a valuable commodity, taking steps to protect your information is more critical than ever.

Data privacy encompasses various aspects of our online behavior, from securing personal accounts to being mindful of what we share on social media. It begins with understanding the risks. Every time you browse the web, post on social media, or shop online, you leave behind a trail of data. This data, if not adequately protected, can be accessed by hackers, advertisers, and even malicious actors.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your data is by creating strong, unique passwords for each account. A good password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. For added security, enable two-factor authentication, which requires a secondary form of verification beyond your password.

Another crucial step is keeping your software and devices up to date. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems to gain unauthorized access. Regularly updating your software ensures you have the latest security patches.

Social media users should be especially cautious about oversharing. Information like your full name, birthdate, or location can be used for identity theft. Adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts and being selective about friend requests can help minimize risks.

When shopping online, ensure the website uses secure encryption, indicated by “https” in the URL. Public Wi-Fi networks are another common risk. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, like online banking, when connected to an unsecured network.

For those seeking to go further, consider using tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), password managers, and antivirus software to bolster your security. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect your digital identity and ensure your data remains private.


Notice of Death – January 27, 2025

Geneva M. Lucas
January 12, 1948 – January 25, 2025
Service: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 11am in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville.

Mary Louise Woodson Price
November 27, 1941 – January 25, 2025
Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10am at New Hope Free Methodist Church, Deville.

Amy Cathleen Walton Oldag
April 14, 1949 – January 20, 2025
Service: Friday, January 31, 2025, 2pm at the Hixson Brothers Chapel, Alexandria.
 
Martha Marie “Bea” Walker Branton
July 1, 1938 – January 16, 2025
Service: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 1pm in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville.
 
Florine Marie Iles-Lovelady
June 9, 1936 – January 14, 2025
Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 11am at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.
 

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)


Board sets 2025-26 school calendar with Fair day, reduced Fall Break

By JIM BUTLER

Start planning your year

The school schedule is here

There’s a day for the Fair

It’s all up to you

You and yours can be there

At the Fair, the Fair.

(Apologies to Frank)

– – –

It’s official.

All those impacted by the public school schedule now have a 2025-26 calendar to plan by.

The School Board’s vote at a special meeting allows a holiday Friday during the parish fair week, reducing Fall Break the following week to one day (Friday).

Classes begin on August 11 and the school year ends on May 22, 2026.

The board’s unanimous vote came after Superintendent Jeff Powell told the members that any number of parties were awaiting a calendar resolution in order to proceed with schedule for a range of activities and concerns.

Willard McCall opened the calendar discussion with a proposal to prepare four options for consideration by all concerned parties, allowing time for them to comment.

His motion was discussed after a second. Following Powell’s remarks Wilton Barrios offered a substitute to accept the Fair Day calendar option.

It passed without dissent.

Proposals to declare an emergency for damage and loss from last week’s snow and ice and authorizing cleanup and repairs, and to pay for them from the Special Reserve Fund with reimbursement by any insurance or disaster declaration payments were pulled from the agenda, without explanation.


Layssard stars as LCU men break out the brooms on visiting LSUS in milestone feat

Chukwuemeke Nwaoshai (with ball) had a double-double Saturday to help the LCU Wildcats win for the seventh time in their last eight games, finishing a season sweep of LSUS. (Photo courtesy LCU Athletics)
 

Notching an accomplishment for the first time in nearly 30 years is a powerful sign of progress. Louisiana Christian’s men’s basketball team reached that milestone Saturday.

The Wildcats completed a season sweep of LSU Shreveport for the first time this century during a convincing 93-79 Red River Athletic Conference triumph at H.O. West Fieldhouse. It was the seventh win in eight games for LCU.

The offense has been the primary reason for the club’s surge back to .500 (10-10), and that was apparent Saturday as the ‘Cats posted season highs for points (93), field goals (37), field goal percentage (53.6), and assists (25).

Former Northwood-Lena All-Stater Omarion Layssard, a sophomore, had a huge game for Louisiana Christian (10-10, 9-7 Red River) with a collegiate-best 19 points, sinking 9 of 12 shots including a thunderous putback slam off a teammate’s missed 3-pointer.

Devin Carter put together his eighth outing with at least 20 or more points by topping the Wildcats with 22 points while adding five assists.

Chukwuemeke Nwaoshai posted his third LCU double-double snatching a game-high 12 rebounds on top of scoring 10.

Joseph Holloway did not miss on the afternoon, draining each of his six shots on his way to 13 points while Corey Lombard got 10 for the Wildcats. Konnor DeJean led LCU with a season-best six assists.

Tyler Washington scored a game-high 28 for LSUS (12-8, 9-7).

LSUS WOMEN 69, LCU 49: The Wildcats’ offense struggled, shooting just 29.5 percent from the court, 22.2 percent on 3-pointerss, and 61.1 percent at the line against the RRAC’s second-place team.

Louisiana Christian (6-12, 6-10) was led by Princis Goff with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. MaKayla Price scored 11.

LSUS (16-3, 15-1) took command by outscoring LCU 20-5 in the second quarter for a 38-19 halftime lead.


LSUA hosts “Spend the Day at A” event in February

LSU Alexandria has announced its next “Spend the Day at A” event for Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9am to 2pm.

This event allows high school juniors and seniors – and their supporters – an opportunity to visit LSUA to learn about campus life, academic programs, and more. Students and their supporters can meet professors, connect with organizations, and discover all of the exciting opportunities LSUA has to offer.

Registration is required. Register here: https://www.lsua.edu/admissions/visit-campus


Deputy-involved shooting at Alexandria Academy confirmed by RPSO

A Rapides Parish Sherriff’s deputy was been involved in a shooting at Academy Sporting Goods, 3205 South MacArthur Drive, on Saturday, Jan. 25.
 
One suspect was transported to a local hospital by Acadian Ambulance. The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Fire Department were also on scene to assist.
 
Investigators with the Central Louisiana Critical Incident Response Team are working to process the scene and gather further information.
 
This investigation is active and ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.
 
A call to the Central Louisiana Critical Incident Response Team was not returned as of press time.

Pineville PD on paying traffic tickets

The Pineville Police Department reminds the public that all traffic tickets should be paid directly at the Pineville City Courthouse, located at 904 Main Street, Pineville.
 
The Pineville Police Department does not have access to the courthouse system and is unable to provide information on extensions, continued court dates, or other court-related concerns.
 
Court is held almost every Thursday, and calling the courthouse the day of a scheduled court date may result in delays or no assistance, as courthouse staff are typically occupied with court proceedings.
 
Make sure to address any questions or concerns before a scheduled court date to avoid any issues. For more information or assistance, contact the Pineville City Courthouse at 318-449-5656.

RPSO seeking man wanted for domestic abuse

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted for domestic abuse battery with a child present.
 
Shelby Ryan Walden is a white male, 49 years of age, 6’4”, and 185 pounds. Walden has blue eyes and brown hair.
 
The suspect may be traveling in a 2001 Toyota Tundra gray in color with LA license Y458060.
 
If anyone has any information on Walden they are asked to contact Detective Shelby Anderson at 318-473-6737 or RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700.

Alleged carjacker draws $45K bail; Alexandria teen faces allegations of domestic abuse, drugs, child endangerment

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Jan. 26

Dontarious De’Wayne Brown, 25, Alexandria – OWI second offense, resisting an officer, improper parking, expired MVI sticker, obstructed view tint, $2,300 bail;

Jonathan Leslie Jackson, 39, Deville – illegal possession of stolen things more than $25,000, parole violations, no bail data;

Brittney Lynn Long, 37, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, no bail data;

Christopher Boston Metoyer III, 42, Alexandria – OWI third offense, two counts resisting an officer, simple battery of an officer, driving under suspension/revocation, $1,100 bail;

Chloe Lea Nicholls, 22, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, expired plate/registration, $1,700 bail;

Camron Lorenzo Orange, 20, Alexandria – OWI first offense, reckless operation (first), speeding, modified exhaust, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, improper tint, $6,800 bail;

Jason Wayne Preston Jr., 40, Colfax – failure to timely register as a sex offender, driving under suspension/revocation, improper turn, safety belt violation, $300 bail;

Jeffrey J. Tarver, 59, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper turn, $1,100 bail;

 

Jan. 25

Adrianna Nicole Devote, 32, Alexandria – OWI first offense, possession of controlled dangerous substance, smoking in vehicle, open container, failure to secure registration, expired MVI sticker, $4,800 bail;

Jackson Douglas Gallent, 20, Ball – OWI second offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,600 bail;

Latavion Hall, 18, Alexandria – unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, aggravated battery domestic abuse with child present, child endangerment, running a stop sign, no driver’s license, $50,600 bail;

Frankie Alan Smith, 53, Pearl River – illegal possession of stolen things, failure to secure registration, expired MVI sticker, switched license plate, $1,600 bail;

Rebecca Darlene Wiley, 35, Deville – theft, two counts resisting an officer, battery of an officer, contributing to delinquency of juvenile, $3,000 bail;

 

Jan. 24

Conner Ray Coker, 20, Pineville – two counts aggravated assault with a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, criminal conspiracy, $45,000 bail

Demetrius Edwards, 24, Glenmora – aggravated strangulation, domestic abuse battery, $25,000 bail;

Bernard Ellis Jr, 36, Pineville – theft, $500 bail;

Triston Jagneaux, 22, Marksville – two counts simple burglary, criminal conspiracy, $30,000 bail;

 

Jan. 23

Cedric O’Brien Allen, 39, Alexandria – theft under $1,000, criminal conspiracy, $1,000 bail;

Mary Sarahi Avilabueso, 21, Dry Prong – theft under $5,000, three counts contempt of court, $61,000 bail;

Eddie Raven Cloud, 20, Marksville – possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 1 and schedule 4, legend drug possession for distribution without prescription, modified exhaust, obstruction of driver’s view, Louisiana fugitive, $7,200 bail;

Jalynn Palsyanne Garlington, 17, Effie – producing, manufacturing, or distributing of marijuana (more than 2.5 pounds), paraphernalia, possession of controlled dangerous substance, $10,500 bail;

Samauria Norris, 23, Alexandria – two counts malfeasance in office, sexual conduct, $2,000 bail;

Lucille Elnisa Simon, 41, Alexandria – aggravated assault/domestic abuse, $5,000 bail;

Dustin W. Sweat, 44, Suphur – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, parole violations, $2,000 bail;

 

Jan. 22

Travis Raymon Finex, 43, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule 1 and 2, paraphernalia, illegal carry of firearm with drugs, $4,500 bail;

Arion Lee Ryan, 39, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, obstruction of justice, simple assault/battery, $2,000 bail;

Eli Dillon Stewart, 28, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, obstructing public passages, parole violations, $3,500 bail;


LDH confirms two more winter weather-related deaths

Following the recent winter storms, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two more winter weather-related deaths in the state. 

The first weather-related death of the year was confirmed on Jan. 9 in Rapides Parish. 65-year-old Carl Blackburn, a man who was living unhoused in Alexandria, died of hypothermia. 

The two more recent deaths took place in Pointe Coupee and Orleans parishes, according to the LDH. 

The Pointe Coupee Parish death was related to hypothermia, like Blackburn. The victim in this case was an 85-year-old man. 

The Orleand Parish death was the result of a space heater-related fire. The victim in that case was a 60-year-old woman. 

No further information about these cases will be related, other than the parish coroners in them confirmed the deaths as weather-related. 


Central District Livestock Show begins Jan. 29 in Alexandria

The Rapides Parish 4-H club has announced that the Central District Livestock Show will kick of Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 12pm, at the Dean Lee Research/Extension Center Livestock Complex in Alexandria.

The event will run from Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 1, with the last event beginning at 10:30am. There will be events every day for animals of all kinds, from goats and dairy livestock to rabbits and poultry. 

For more information and the full schedule (with check-in and exhibition times), see the Rapides Parish 4-H club post about the show