It’s safe to say Ellie Hamblen of Alexandria is in the busiest and wildest week of her young professional career, surfing the whirlwind of public relations preparations for Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

Hamblen, 26, is the communications manager for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation – a position she took three years ago – and she is part of a committee of 90-plus public relations professionals within New Orleans and across Louisiana working to make this Super Bowl a success.

A graduate of Pineville High (’16) and LSU (’20), Ellie owns an MBA degree, and she is well on her way to mastering her current work.  Rob Hatley, the vice president of corporate affairs and communications for Entergy, the principal sponsor of the Super Bowl, has nothing but praise for Hamblen, whom he has been working with, especially in the weeks and months and the past year leading up to the Super Bowl.

“She’s got a great mind for the game, the discipline, and what I would call a great attention to detail,” Hatley said Monday. “She brings a level of maturity to her role with some things that are difficult if not impossible to teach – like how to think strategically, how to read a room and even have a healthy sense of paranoia, as funny as that may sound.

“I’ve been in this business for 35 years,” Hatley continued, “and there are people with 15-20 years more experience that don’t do as well at the job as she does.”

Ellie said she has learned a lot from Hatley. “He’s been a good mentor to me. I’ve worked closely with him this past year.“

She believes she has had sports “ingrained” in her from her childhood, being the daughter of parents who both worked in the sports media in their professional careers. Her father, Mark, worked as the lead sportscaster at KALB-TV in Alexandria for many years, and her mother, Libby, was a sportswriter and assistant sports editor at The Town Talk newspaper in Alexandria before moving into the corporate world at Cleco.

She also owns some athletic talent, having earned all-district and all-Cenla honors at PHS as a soccer player. Considering her quick maturity as a communications manager, it’s not surprising to learn that she was a regular honor roll student during her elementary and high school years.

“My dad and I are very close,” she said. “We’re very similar, and one of the ways Dad and I bond is through sports. In fact, he was just in town a few weeks ago and we visited. He has season tickets for the Pelicans games, so he’ll come in and we’ll go to a Pelicans game and have lunch the following day and recap the game and talk about what’s happening in the NFL or college sports or tennis (another sport Ellie played at PHS).”

Ellie appreciates the role sports has played in her life, both as an athlete and a fan, noting the discipline required of an athlete and the need to be “part of a team” and the camaraderie that results from that.

Her work this week, she said, “gets crazier and crazier each day,” and she calls it a learning experience. “I learn every day, all day. It’s really fun.”

Nonetheless, she has felt the pressure and stress of the job. Hatley, who reports to Alexandria native and former Peabody basketball star Marcus Brown, Entergy’s executive vice president and general counsel, said Ellie has confided at times to him of having been a “wreck” after speaking to a group, but he reassures her, “You delivered well.”

Looking ahead on Ellie’s agenda, there will be, among other things, work to promote the 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, National Congress and Trade Show, in August. 

What is she most looking forward to right now?

“The handoff ceremony,” she said, referring to the post-Super Bowl ceremony next Monday morning at the Super Bowl media center when New Orleans officially hands off the Super Bowl to Santa Clara, Calif., and the Bay Area.

“That,” she said, “is when I can finally take a nap.” 

Cheneyville’s mayor, Derrick Johnson, has announced he will not seek re-election.

This March will hold a few local races to watch for, including the race for Cheneyville’s mayor.

Johnson served as mayor of Cheneyville starting in 2013 after defeating candidate Reginald Allen with 55% of the vote in April. He is the immediate past president of the Louisiana Municipal Association. He is also one of two mayors currently serving as an attorney in central Louisiana.

Johnson’s seat will now be up for grabs in the March 29 election. So far, only one candidate has qualified for the mayor’s race – Francis Mitchell (D). Qualifying ended Friday, Jan. 31.

Mayor Johnson has released the following statement regarding his decision:

Although this is not an easy decision, I have chosen not to seek re-election for Mayor of Cheneyville. While there are no term limits, I made a decision at the beginning of my third term that it would be my last because we live in a democracy and I believe in giving the next generation an opportunity to lead. I am proud of the work that we have accomplished throughout my three terms from infrastructure, drainage, and recreational projects. Though I will no longer be mayor, I will still be very active in my community and the surrounding areas. God has truly blessed me throughout my journey and I look forward to serving the citizens of Rapides Parish in my role as Assistant District Attorney. I feel confident that throughout these years I have motivated the next generation to get involved in local government and that I have showed them not to be afraid to dream big. I will forever be grateful to the citizens of Cheneyville for allowing me to be their mayor for the last 12 years. I look forward to working with the next mayor and council to ensure a smooth transition for the betterment of our community.

Louisiana Christian University convergence media and public relations students participated in the Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC) at Mississippi State University in Starkville over the weekend and brought home several awards.

Nine students attended and participated in on-site competitions against students from other universities across the Southeast.

Danny Cobb and Adán Wright placed third in TV Sports.

In addition, Best of the South awards were given to the best student submissions representing published and broadcast works of journalism for 2024.

The following students were recognized:

Kai Stone – TV Hard News Reporter, 4th place; TV Feature Reporter, 4th place
Cayden Walls – TV Feature Reporter, 5th place
Wildcats Media Sports Podcast – Best Audio Program, 3rd place

SEJC includes 25 colleges and universities in the Southeast and is open to all schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Earlier in the month of January, the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit began receiving community complaints in reference to two subjects, identified as Billy Gadburry and his son, Austin Gadburry, allegedly selling narcotics in the Boyce/Cotile Lake Community. 

Through their investigation, RADE Agents were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Austin Gadburry for Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute CDS II (Methamphetamines) and a search warrant for 51 Kendall Lane, Boyce.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, RADE Agents executed the search warrant at 51 Kendall Lane and located Billy Gadburry at the residence.  Austin Gadburry arrived shortly after RADE’s arrival and was taken into custody without incident.  A search of the residence was conducted and Agents located approximately one ounce of Methamphetamine, approximately two ounces of Marijuana and two firearms. 

Austin Gadburry was arrested for the active arrest warrant and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he was released later that day.

Billy Gadburry was taken into custody without incident and arrested for Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS II (Methamphetamines) with Intent to Distribute, Illegal Carrying of Firearms with Narcotics, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Billy Gadburry remains in jail at the time of this release, being held on a $19,000.00 bond.

RADE Agents say their investigation is still ongoing.

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office. 

The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area.  If anyone has information or would like to report any narcotics activity, they may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced on Feb. 3 that Jonathan Matthew Miller pled guilty to five counts of pornography involving juveniles, four counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, five counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, and four counts of computer sex solicitation.

Miller will face sentencing on May 19 before Judge Patricia Koch.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office said Miller was arrested back in July 2023. At that time, Miller was charged with:

• Four counts of pornography involving juveniles
• Thirteen counts of indecent behavior with juveniles
• Nine counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile
• Four counts of computer-aided solicitation of a minor

In early January 2025, detectives with the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office assigned to their Cyber Special Victims Unit contacted Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Agents in reference to a case they were actively working in reference to alleged criminal sexual conduct involving a juvenile.

Concordia Detectives advised RADE Agents they had arrest warrants for a suspect, identified as Bryan Keith Stuckey, 59 of Cankton, for Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. From their investigation, detectives believed at some point in the near future, Stuckey would be traveling to Pineville with the expectation of allegedly having inappropriate sexual contact with the 16- year-old female. 

On Jan. 30, Concordia Detectives learned that Stuckey would be traveling to Pineville later that day to meet the female at a local hotel. RADE agents were conducting surveillance at the hotel, and when Stuckey arrived and positive identification was made, RADE agents took him into custody without incident.  Stuckey was placed under arrest and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and was initially booked for the active Concordia Parish warrants and for Attempted Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile.

As RADE agents continued their investigation, a search warrant was conducted on Stuckey’s vehicle and agents located 7.2 grams methamphetamine in the vehicle.  Agents re-arrested Stuckey on the narcotics charge as he was still in jail, awaiting extradition back to Concordia Parish.

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office. 

The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area.  If anyone has information or would like to report any narcotics activity, they may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.

Few dishes evoke as much comfort and nostalgia as a steaming bowl of homemade soup. On February 4, National Homemade Soup Day, we honor this versatile, timeless meal that nourishes both body and soul. From hearty chicken noodle soup to flavorful minestrone, soup has been a culinary staple across cultures for centuries, offering sustenance and a sense of community.

Let’s explore the history of homemade soup, the warmth it brings to our lives, and tips for crafting the perfect bowl to share with loved ones.

A History of Soup

Soup dates back to ancient times when early civilizations boiled ingredients in water over an open fire. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans began making soup as far back as 20,000 BCE. Early soups were often made with simple ingredients like meat, vegetables, and grains, providing a nourishing and easily digestible meal.

In the Middle Ages, soup evolved into potage, a thick stew-like dish that often served as the main meal for peasants. Over time, it became more refined, with French cuisine introducing consommé and bisque. Immigrants brought their traditional soups to America, contributing to the rich tapestry of flavors we enjoy today.

Soup as Comfort Food

There’s something uniquely comforting about homemade soup. It’s a dish that invites creativity, allowing cooks to use what’s available and tailor recipes to personal tastes.

• Healing Powers: Chicken soup, often called “Jewish penicillin,” has long been touted for its ability to soothe colds and other ailments. Studies suggest it can reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
• Family Traditions: Many families pass down soup recipes through generations, creating a culinary link to the past. Whether it’s Grandma’s vegetable soup or Dad’s chili, these recipes hold sentimental value.
• Universal Appeal: Every culture has its version of soup, from pho in Vietnam to borscht in Eastern Europe. This universality makes it a dish that connects people worldwide.

Tips for Making the Perfect Soup

While soup-making can be as simple as throwing ingredients into a pot, a little technique can elevate your creation.

1. Start with a Good Base: A flavorful broth is the foundation of any great soup. Whether you use chicken, beef, vegetable, or seafood stock, simmering it with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs adds depth.
2. Layer Your Flavors: Add ingredients in stages to build complexity. For example, sauté vegetables before adding broth to enhance their sweetness.
3. Don’t Overlook Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and herbs can make or break your soup. Taste as you go and adjust as needed.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: While frozen or canned vegetables work in a pinch, fresh produce gives your soup a vibrant flavor.
5. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding unexpected ingredients like coconut milk for creaminess or a dash of hot sauce for spice.

Recipes to Try at Home

If you’re looking for inspiration to celebrate National Homemade Soup Day, here are three recipes to warm your heart and kitchen:

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup:
   • Ingredients: Chicken broth, shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onions, egg noodles, and fresh parsley.
   • Tip: Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

1. • Ingredients: Tomatoes, garlic, onion, heavy cream, and fresh basil.
   • Tip: Roast the tomatoes beforehand for a richer flavor.

3. Hearty Beef Stew:

1. • Ingredients: Beef chuck, potatoes, carrots, onions, and red wine.
   • Tip: Cook low and slow for tender meat and well-blended flavors.

Sharing the Love

Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a way to show care and compassion. Many people prepare homemade soups to deliver to friends, neighbors, or loved ones who are unwell or going through a tough time. It’s an act of kindness that speaks volumes.

For communities, soup kitchens provide warm meals to those in need, often relying on volunteers to cook and serve. National Homemade Soup Day is an excellent opportunity to donate your time, ingredients, or financial support to these vital organizations.

Why Soup Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, soup reminds us to slow down. The process of simmering ingredients and patiently waiting for flavors to meld teaches us the value of time and care. It’s a meal that brings people together, offering warmth and nourishment during cold winter days or tough times.

This February 4, embrace the tradition of homemade soup. Whether you’re stirring a pot of your family’s favorite recipe or experimenting with new flavors, take a moment to savor the experience. Share a bowl with someone you love, and celebrate the simple joy of this timeless dish.

The Alexandria Historical & Genealogical Library, long a stalwart of the community’s genealogy and history scene, is hosting a series of free classes on beginning genealogy at their facility on 503 Washington St. in downtown Alexandria.

The classes will be held each Saturday during February from 9am to 10:30am. The first class,
Beginning Genealogy, was taught by the organization’s president, David Manning. The next
three classes will be taught by genealogist Patricia Boone and will cover African American
Genealogy, including information on using Freedman’s Bureau records as well as other topics in
African American Genealogical research.

The Alexandria Historical & Genealogical Library is a superb resource for anyone interested in
exploring their family’s heritage or researching the area’s history. The volunteers are knowledgeable and love to share their expertise with researchers of all experience levels.

The Louisiana State University of Alexandria College of Business released its January 2025 issue of the Central Louisiana Economic Dashboard.

The Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced a mix of positive and challenging economic trends during November and December, according to Randall Dupont, author of the economic report.

Employment in the Alexandria MSA saw a slight increase in November, reaching 60,001 employed individuals, up from 59,804 in October. However, this figure remains 2,207 jobs below the level observed a year ago. The unemployment rate in Alexandria decreased to 4.1% in November from 4.4% in October, favorably below the state’s November rate of 4.3%. The broader 11-parish region of Central Louisiana also witnessed a decline in its unemployment rate, settling at 4.7% in November. While initial unemployment claims remained relatively stable at year-end, continued unemployment claims rose by 8% in December, signaling potential ongoing challenges for some in the workforce.

Consumer spending patterns presented a mixed picture, says Dupont. Eight of the eleven local tax jurisdictions reported increases in sales tax revenue collected in December, which reflected sales activity from November. Alexandria and Pineville demonstrated positive annual growth in sales tax collections, with increases of 5% and 4%, respectively. However, Natchitoches experienced a 3% decline in sales tax revenue for the year. Vehicle sales tax collections were also varied, with some parishes experiencing monthly declines while others saw increases. Regarding online sales tax revenue, Central Louisiana’s online sales tax collections accelerated in December, showing an 11% increase over November and a substantial 48% surge compared to December 2023. For the year, online sales tax revenue for central Louisiana was up 52% over 2023.

Dupont says the housing market continued to grapple with the effects of high mortgage rates. Since last summer, the median number of days a home is on the market has risen significantly. Properties in Natchitoches and Alexandria were on the market 12% and 20% longer than a year ago. Nevertheless, the average listing price for a home in Alexandria was $282,000, up 10% from December 2023.

Travel and tourism indicators were also mixed. Hotel occupancy, as reflected in hotel occupancy tax revenue, showed declines in some parishes, while others experienced modest increases. Gasoline prices in the Gulf Coast region remained relatively stable.

Finally, new business formation in Rapides Parish experienced a decline for the year, with a 20% decrease in new businesses created in 2024 compared to 2023. This trend mirrors a statewide decline in new business applications, suggesting a potential slowdown in entrepreneurial activity.

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 January 2025 CENLA Economic Dashboard, click here. 

Cabin-bound by January’s “blizzard” came upon following stash put away for me over the years by spouse for “safekeeping,” though from what I know not:

Brownie Hawkeye 620 camera, Christmas 1955; Sunday School perfect attendance certificate, really, 1956; Tape-wrapped baseball, last in play Nichols Field, Gay Road, summer 1956; Baseballs signed by members of youth teams coached over years. Those “kids” now 30s-50s; Grandfather’s WW1 dress uniform hat; First glasses, 1958; Italian cuff links gifted by globe-trotting aunt (courtesy U.S. Army), 1959 (remember French cuffs?); Micro-cassette recorder; Passport (since replaced because it was “lost”); Press credentials, U.N. General Assembly, Sept. 1984, 1985; First cellphone purchased; Pulitzer medallion; Bruin 1962 (gosh they’re all young); Class ring; Slip of paper with phone number on it (a story best left unwritten); “Baby” book carefully compiled by late mother for 20 years, entrusted to me at age 22; “It’s a boy” baby gown, held on to by same until my first child born; First pay stub newspaper job, $82.50 weekly, November 1967; Last pay direct deposit statement newspaper job, January 2017;

Can hear many voices in that same cabinet. Best close it.

Louisiana Christian turned the ball over just eight times, rallied from 17 dow and had a chance to send the game into overtime at the buzzer Saturday but a last-chance 3-pointer didn’t fall and Xavier bested the men in Orange and Blue by a 61-58 final in a Red River Athletic Conference basketball game at H.O. West Fieldhouse in Pineville.

LCU (10-12, 9-9 Red River), dropping its second straight atter a stretch of seven wins in eight tries, played the Gold Rush (15-5, 14-4) down to the buzzer.

The Wildcats missed three shots in the final six seconds: a 3-point try by 17-point scorer Devin Carter, rebounded by Jon’Quarius McGhee, whose putback missed and went out of bounds off a Xavier player. LCU called timeout and worked Bryce Weinmunson (12 points) free for a last-gasp 3-pointer, but it didn’t fall either.

Chukwuemeke Nwaoshai added 10 points for the home team, which rallied from a 12-point deficit with 5:19 left to have a chance to force OT. Xavier padded a 1-point edge to the winning margin on a layup with 19 seconds remaining.

The visitors led by 17 points with 15 minutes remaining.

XAVIER WOMEN 71, LCU 52: The 18^th-ranked Gold Nuggets (20-1, 17-1 RRAC) trailed by 16-14 after the first quarter but clamped down in the next two periods, outscoring the Wildcats by 18 in the middle two quarters to take command in the second game Saturday.

Louisiana Christian (6-14, 6-12 Red River) picked up 13 points from Kylei Leblanc, a season high for her, and Princis Goff. McKayla Price added 10 points and equaled Goff’s team-high seven rebounds.

The game was played after the men’s contest because officials were late showing up at H.O. West Fieldhouse.

LCU’s teams are home again Thursday evening for a doubleheader against Jarvis Christian with the women’s game slated to tip at 5:30 opening action.

The second-ranked LSUA men’s basketball team won its 14^th straight game Saturday with a 79-69 Red River Athletic Conference victory at The Fort over the University of the Southwest (N.M.), completing a sweep of the afternoon doubleheader.

All-American senior guard Kashie Natt led the Generals (20-1, 17-1 RRAC) with 23 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals. He shot 5-for-10 from the field and finished 12-for-15 at the free throw line. Jakemin Abney recorded 15 points, while EJ McQuillan added 12.

The Generals led the Mustangs (12-8, 9-8 RRAC) 38-33 at halftime. LSUA grabbed its first double-digit lead with 12:24 remaining, 56-44, on a three from Abney.

The Mustangs cut it to six, 67-61, with 4:58 left in regulation. A three-point play from McQuillan, layup from Abney, and a layup from McQuillan pushed LSUA’s to 13, 74-61, with 2:47 left in the contest.

LSUA WOMEN 83, SOUTHWEST 67:  Five Generals (17-5, 14-4 RRAC) finished with 10 or more points. Benedetta Peracchi and Jewel Jones recorded 14 points each. Amani Gray tallied 12, while Alexis Dyer and Reese Stephens each scored 11.

The Generals opened the game with a 12-0 run over the first four-and-a-half minutes. The Mustangs (11-10, 7-10 RRAC) pulled back to briefly lead, and as the buzzer sounded for halftime, it was even 34-34.

In the first 5:15 of the third quarter, LSUA opened a 10-point lead, 50-40. The Generals shot 62.5 percent as a team in the penultimate period and stayed hot in the final 10 minutes, hitting 53.8 percent from the floor.

The LSUA teams go to Houston Thursday for an evening doubleheader at North American.

Last weekend Alexandria High School’s Troupe 731 brought home 4 Superior Rankings from the LA Thespian Festival. Superior is the highest rank awarded and qualifies those pieces to compete at the national level at ITF.

Mary Cate Leddy took Superior in Solo Musical Theatre Dance with her performance of “The Sex is in The Heel.”

Evelyn LaFleur and Mary Cate Leddy took Superior in Duo Musical Theatre Dance with their performance of “Anything Goes.” 

Troupe 731 took two Superior rankings in Group Acting. One was for “These Shining Lives” featuring Jazmayra Camacho, Kennidi Hamilton, Mary Cate Leddy, and Rebecca Smith. The other was for “The Wolves” featuring Je’Kira Blue, Laila Collins, Jada Fisher, Calleigh Kress, Nesha Murphy, Evie Thompson, and Aaidyann Walker. 

ASH praised their thespians, saying “We are so proud of our qualifiers for bringing home this prestigious honor and we can’t wait to see you shine in June at ITF.”

Northwestern State University’s Cenla campus in Alexandria hosted about 125 high school students from Rapides and Avoyelles parishes who explored career opportunities in nursing, allied health, radiologic sciences, social work, psychology, addiction studies and EMT/paramedic.

The Healthcare Academic and Career Exploration (ACE) project is funded by a grant from The Rapides Foundation. Faculty from NSU, Central Louisiana Technical Community College and Acadian Companies engaged with high school juniors and seniors to raise their awareness about the high demand for healthcare workers in central Louisiana, including fields such as mental health and community wellness.

Students from Alexandria Senior High, Bolton, Rapides, Pineville, Tioga, Marksville, Bunkie and Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences participated in the Jan. 31 event at no charge.

Upcoming ACE events are set for students from Winn, Catahoula and Natchitoches parishes.

Information on Healthcare ACE is available at www.nsula.edu/healthcareace/ or by contacting the program’s executive director Steven Gruesbeck at sgruesbeck@nsula.edu. Information on NSU’s CENLA campus is available at www.nsula.edu/CENLA/.