The Main Branch of the Rapides Parish Library system will be unveiling its Community Heart on Thursday, April 10, at 10 a.m. The RPL invites the public to join them in the unveiling. 

Libraries are the hearts of their communities, and RPL and its branches are in the heart of Louisiana. What better way to celebrate National Library Week than with the unveiling of their community heart created in cooperation with Explore Alexandria/Pineville and designed by local artist Gavin Bridges. Join them for the unveiling, photo opportunities, and light refreshments.

Contact 318-445-2411 for more information.

Paid Content

Join Louisiana Christian University and Theatre Louisiana Christian in celebrating their amazing seniors at their final TLC performance as students.

Stick around after the 7pm showing of Little Women: The Broadway Musical this Saturday, March 29, for a special recognition and their final bows. Get tickets here: purplepass.com/tlclittlewomen

Paid Content

This Day in History: The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident (1979)

On March 28, 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster occurred in Pennsylvania, marking the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history. A partial meltdown of Reactor Number 2 raised fears about nuclear energy safety and led to significant regulatory reforms. While no immediate deaths resulted from the incident, it fueled ongoing debates about nuclear energy’s risks and benefits, shaping global energy policies for decades.

Something on a Stick Day

For a lighter celebration, March 28 is recognized as National Something on a Stick Day, a fun food-themed observance dedicated to all things skewered—from corn dogs and kebabs to popsicles and marshmallows. Restaurants and food vendors embrace the holiday with creative menu items, and home cooks experiment with new ways to enjoy their favorite foods on a stick.

The Birth of Maxim Gorky (1868-1936)

Born on March 28, 1868, Maxim Gorky was a Russian writer, political thinker, and advocate for social change. His literary works, including The Lower Depths and Mother, captured the struggles of the working class and influenced socialist movements in Russia. Gorky’s impact extended beyond literature, as he played a role in shaping early Soviet ideology and cultural policies.

The First Direct-to-Home Satellite TV Broadcast (1983)

On March 28, 1983, the first direct-to-home satellite television broadcast was launched, revolutionizing the way people consumed media. This technological advancement allowed households to receive television signals directly from satellites, bypassing traditional cable networks. Today, satellite TV and streaming services continue to evolve, shaping how audiences access entertainment and information worldwide.

The City of Alexandria will see the return of Alex River Fete in May. This three-day fest – taking place over Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 1-3 – will feature Louisiana BBQ, live music, and local culture. From smoky flavors to to soulful sounds, this is where the best of Louisiana comes together. For more detail, check out the Alex River Fete website. 

“Free Community Concert”

Our oldest daughter, Heather, loved to sing, she still does.  When she was growing up, she sang in the church choir, she sang in the school choir, she sang in the car, and she probably even sang in the shower.  One time on family vacation, Heather and her little sister sang the entire soundtrack to “Grease” at the top of their voices much to the chagrin of their daddy.  I have always thought my daughter had an angelic voice, but I am her mom, so what do I know.

However, the more she sang, the more people took notice.  People who know a good voice when they hear it and could encourage her talent.  By middle school, she was telling us she wanted to go to a particular college and sing in their choir and be one of their “singing ambassadors.”  So, we got behind Heather and supported her vocal training to help her make her dream come true.  We also began to attend some of these college concerts to help her hear and see and inspire her to keep her dream alive.  By the time she graduated High School, she was ready.  It was a proud moment when all her hard work and effort paid off.  She made the choir!!

I tell you all of this to invite you to a free concert this Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street).  The UL College Choir is about to go on a European tour and their Chamber Sings under the direction of Dr. William Plumber, wants to preview some of their music in front of a live audience.  Help me welcome these singing ambassadors to our city. Bring your friends who love music.  Bring that young hopeful who might also have a dream to sing in a college choir one day. You never know who you might inspire.

On the journey,

Ramonalynn Bethley

Ramonalynn Bethley is the pastor at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. If you would like to contact Ramonalynn, please email her at DrRevRL@fumca.org

Continue your article here…

This week’s wanted Wednesday is ol’ Sticky Fingers Michael W. Sander‍s himself. Sanders has a real problem with actually paying for the things he wants.

Sticky Finger Sanders seems to enjoy late-night escapades with his partner-in-crime, creeping around like a discount magician—except instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, he’s making items disappear from shelves. Whether it’s a midnight shopping spree without stopping at the register or a carefully coordinated duo act, Sanders seems to dodge the police better than Peter La Fleur dodges a ball.

If anyone knows where Sanders may be, send Pineville Police a message on Facebook or give them a call. All tips remain anonymous, and as always, everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions

March 26

Karisma Renee Batts, 19, Alexandria – violation of protective orders (non-violent first offense), $1,000 bail;

Michael James Dauzat, 53, Pineville – three counts pornography involving juveniles victim under 13 and offender over 17, two counts unlawful deepfakes, no bail data;

Sharanda Nicole Lewis, 41, Pineville – aggravated assault with firearm, unlawful telephone communication, simple assault, $2,000 bail;

Brittany Wavette McGlory, 35, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, four counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Thomas Edward Tunny, 25, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, possession of firearm by convicted felon, no bail data;

Leroy Turner, 36, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing with intent controlled dangerous substances, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearms with drugs, drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of stolen firearms, no bail data;

March 25

Laken Nicole Afeman, 39, Hineston – domestic abuse battery with child present, $5,000 bail;

Christina Diane Bolgiano, 39, Pineville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, four counts contempt of court, $14,000 bail;

Joshua Thomas Childrey, 46, Ball – theft, contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Daniel Delaney, 25, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, three counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Trevor Lee Delrie, 18, Alexandria – hit and run, open container, reckless operation, no driver’s license, $660 bail;

Jerimiah Enriquez, 24, Shreveport – producing manufacturing dispensing marijuana, criminal conspiracy, taking contraband in state-owned hospital, $40,000 bail;

Deroy Jones, 47, Alexandria – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, texting while driving, driver’s license required, four counts contempt of court, $10,700 bail;

Adrion Lamar Logan, 43, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, resisting an officer, $29,500 bail;

Clayton Mitchell, 48, Heflin – taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $10,000 bail;

Aletha Nicole Simon, 28, Baton Rouge – identity theft, misrepresentation while issuing misdemeanor summons, speeding, driver under suspension/revocation, resisting an officer, $2,200 bail;

Michael Wayne Smith Jr, 26, Pineville – aggravated assault with firearm, $20,000 bail;

Tanya Renee Turner, 59, Oakdale – domestic abuse battery, $1,000 bail.

 March 24

Arkarius Brown, 23, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail;

Terry Byrd, 22, Cottonport – aggravated battery strangulation of dating partner, criminal damage to property, $25,500 bail;

Michael Wayne Collins Jr., 21, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, six counts second degree aggravated battery, two counts simple battery, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $2,246,000 bail;

Nataniel Demontre Cyriaque, 26, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $1,000 bail;

Jeffrey Dale Gordon, 32, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing controlled dangerous substance with intent, contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Keisha Renee Green, 35, Alexandria – two counts first degree murder, second degree battery, contempt of court, $1,175,000 bail;

Jason Dean Guy, 45, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, four counts contempt of court, $18,545 bail;

Debra A. Douzat Holt, 59, Pineville – criminal damage to property, contempt of court, $1,500 bail;

Tyler Mitchell Jeffrey, 39, Deville – six counts contempt of court, $120,000 bail;

Mario Lotts, 52, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Kenneth Mead Moran III, 37, Ball – second degree battery, possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, $11,500 bail;

James Timothy Powell, 49, Deville – four counts contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Jed Rushing Sr, 58, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, rear lamps bicycle, $2,600 bail;

Jessie Earl Williams, 56, Alexandria – aggravated battery, $20,000 bail.

March 23

Faron Pernell Ashmore II, 34, Pineville – resisting an officer, three counts contempt of court, $41,500 bail;

Linda Marie Bonnette, 42, Pineville – 12 counts forgery, theft, nine counts contempt of court, $26,000 bail;

Demichael Deandre Liggins, 32, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing dispensing with intent controlled dangerous substances, no evidence of insurance, no driver’s license, resisting an officer, aggravated battery of police officer, possession of controlled dangerous substance, parole violations, $120,700 bail.

Pineville High School is proud to announce that some of their brilliant students have earned spots in Who’s Who. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for excellence. The students are as follows.

Malak Abdel-Jabbar
Ella Clancy
Morgan Cox
Mallory Edwards
Madelyn Halle
Isabella Huffman
Chloe Hughes
Rosalie Jones
Noah Langford
Westin Oates
Kelsey Stuckey
Qusai Zeidan 

NATCHITOCHES — Another personal best helped Pineville product Maygan Shaw earn her latest Southland Conference track and field honor Wednesday.

The Northwestern State senior sprinter was named the SLC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week for the second time this season, the league announced Wednesday.

She was one of many Northwestern competitors to post a personal best last Saturday in the outdoor season opener at LSU’s Lurline Hamilton Invitational. Shaw brought home the event crown in the 400-meter dash (52.33) and won as part of the 4×400 relay (3:36.03) while taking second as a member of the 4×100 relay team (45.06).

Shaw not only leads the conference in the 400 and as a member of both the 4×100 relay and the 4×400 teams, but she also ranks third in the NCAA in the 400, and is among foursomes who are seventh in the NCAA in the 4×400 and 25th in the NCAA in the 4×100 relay.

The other time she earned the conference weekly award this year was the first indoor award of the season in January.

A Class 5A state 400 meter champion for the Lady Rebels, Shaw began her NSU career in 2022 by winning SLC Freshman of the Year honors. Since she was been All-Louisiana, has won multiple SLC event championships, has been Academic All-Southland, and has been a mainstay for a Lady Demons team that has won four Southland Conference team championships, including three in a row indoors and the 2024 outdoor title.

For her performances at the recent 2025 SLC Indoor Championships, Shaw was voted conference Female Track Athlete of the Year by the league’s coaches.

Not only did Shaw dominate individually, she was also a member of that 4×400 relay team. At the SLC meet, Shaw broke an SLC indoor meet record in the 400-meter dash, running a 52.97, finishing more than a second ahead of second place in the 400.

She also was a member of the 4×400 relay, which clinched the conference championship after winning the gold, overtaking Lamar for the championship.

Even prior to the indoor meet, Shaw broke records seemingly every meet. In the 400 at the Tyson Invitational, she broke the school record by clocking a 52.90.

She also broke the conference record on multiple occasions as a member of the 4×400 relay team.

Shaw and her Northwestern teammates make their annual trip to the Texas Relays and Bobcat Invitational for three-day meets, beginning today in central Texas at Austin and San Marcos. Shaw will compete in Austin.

When Tyler Jordan shot a huge buck on December 7, 2020, he made a prediction that fortunately didn’t hold true.

“I may never shoot another 190-inch buck. I’m in the woods a lot and I have never seen a buck that size,” Tyler told me when I wrote the story about a huge buck he had taken, a buck that scored 190 4/8 inches of mass. The buck earned the name of “Stomper.”

Jordan was hunting in Catahoula Parish on the 20,000-acre Honey Brake property when he took the buck. Fast forward four years when Jordan, now age 32, encountered a buck that has earned the name of Stomper, Jr. because of similar genetics as Stomper.

The son of Bill Jordan, founder and CEO of Real Tree, Tyler works in the marketing department of the company. He lives in Columbus, Georgia.

“We became interested in Honey Brake in 2018 and would bring business guests down to duck hunt. We had no idea at first that the property was capable of producing quality deer but as we learned what the folks at Honey Brake were doing, our interest was piqued,” said Jordan.

Putting out trail cameras this past September, plenty of quality bucks began showing up but it was not until November 1 that Stomper Jr. started showing up on cameras.

“We purchased a ground blind to set up on the food plot where we felt was the best chance to see the deer. One afternoon, two minutes after legal shooting hours had ended, Stomper Jr. showed up at 20 yards. A cameraman and I were in the blind and apparently the buck saw the camera light and he spooked and took off. We didn’t see any more evidence of him for 2 ½ weeks,” Jordan recalled. “It became an issue of looking for favorable weather when deer would more likely to be active.

“On December 2, I checked the weather forecast and it looked like things would be pretty decent and I felt that if deer would move at all, it might be then. We had the north wind we needed and on the morning of December 3, he showed up four minutes before legal shooting time,” he said.

Setting up a ground blind in the area where the photos of Stumper Jr. were taken, Jordan got in the blind around 2:30 the afternoon of December 5.

“There was plenty of action as does and smaller bucks were displaying rutting activity and then at 5:10, I looked up and there stood Stomper Jr. I shoot a Franchi .308 and got on him. When I hit the trigger, he dropped on the spot,” Jordan said.

The rack the 250-pound buck carried was mind boggling. There were 14 points, evenly distributed on each side and the inside spread was 19 5/8 inches. Main beams were 26 ½ inches each with bases measuring 5 2/8 and 5 1/8. The buck was determined to be 6 ½ years old.

The tale of the tape measured a gross score of 203 inches with the net score being 192 3/8 inches.

The previous Louisiana state record for typical whitetail bucks is a record that has held since 1939 when Marshall McKay downed a massive buck in Madison Parish that measured 186 6/8 inches. After a drying time of 60 days, it is very likely that Tyler Jordan can lay claim to a new Louisiana state record for typical bucks.

Well Tyler, you won’t ever be able to say what you told me in 2020 that you may never shoot another 190-inch deer. You just did.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com.

World Theatre Day

Since 1962, March 27 has been recognized as World Theatre Day, an international celebration of performing arts. Established by the International Theatre Institute, this day honors the contributions of playwrights, actors, directors, and stage crews in shaping cultural expression across the globe. Theatrical performances, panel discussions, and special events are held worldwide, emphasizing the power of theater in storytelling and social change.

This Day in History: The Deadliest Aviation Disaster (1977)

On March 27, 1977, the world witnessed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history when two Boeing 747s collided on a foggy runway at Tenerife’s Los Rodeos Airport in the Canary Islands. The crash, caused by miscommunication and poor visibility, resulted in 583 fatalities. The tragedy led to significant changes in air traffic control procedures, crew communication protocols, and safety regulations that continue to shape modern aviation.

The Launch of the First Successful Weather Satellite (1960)

On this day in 1960, TIROS-1, the world’s first weather satellite, was launched by NASA. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized meteorology, providing real-time weather imaging for the first time. TIROS-1 paved the way for advanced satellite technology, improving storm tracking, climate monitoring, and disaster preparedness. Today, weather satellites play a crucial role in forecasting severe weather events and mitigating their impact on communities worldwide.

Quentin Tarantino’s Birthday (1963)

One of the most influential filmmakers of modern cinema, Quentin Tarantino, was born on March 27, 1963. Known for his bold storytelling, nonlinear narratives, and stylized violence, Tarantino has directed some of the most celebrated films in Hollywood, including Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Django Unchained. His impact on filmmaking and pop culture continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Tuesday Governor Jeff Landry had a press conference at the Rapides Parish Renaissance Facility to announce that the state will build a new $39 million modern secure facility as an addition to Renaissance.

Some of the funds will also be utilized to renovate Renaissance’s existing dorm. The state will also assist in paying for the facility’s annual operations through its Office of Juvenile Justice Department.

Adjacent sister parishes will be paying to participate in the project.

The new facility will provide Rapides Parish with 32 guaranteed juvenile beds (the current facility operates with 12 beds) with an additional 13 available to Rapides if needed, and a more modern and secure overall facility.

This will come at no additional cost to Rapides taxpayers, officials said.

Rapides Parish taxpayers will still get what they voted for – the $2.3 million annual tax will fund the existing facility.

But they will now get a larger, more modern and secure facility thanks to the state.

The Town of Ball Police Department honored former Assistant Chief Carl Bordelon with a plaque at the town’s Officer Memorial Wall on March 24. 

Bordelon passed away from natural causes on January 10, 2015, while on duty. In remembrance and honor of Bordelon, his badge number, BL3, has been retired. 

The memorial ceremony event, organized by current Ball Chief of Police Marshall Deen, Bordelon’s fiancée Alicia Leggett, and BPD, brought together Bordelon’s family members and law enforcement officers from nearby departments. 

Pollock Police Chief Chris Paul was one of the speakers at the ceremony. Chief Paul recounted Bordelon’s instrumental role in securing the BPD’s first K-9 dog and shared more about who Bordelon was.

“Carl was a good man. A lot of people sometimes look at a law enforcement officer while they’re in uniform and won’t approach them, but you didn’t have that problem with Carl,” Paul shared. “He was going to approach you. He would ask about your family, how’s your wife doing, things like that—whether he was in uniform or just out in town. Very friendly person and everyone respected him here.”

Ethan Looney, Bordelon’s nephew, also spoke at the ceremony. Looney followed in his uncle’s footsteps by becoming a police officer at the same station. He shared how his Uncle Carl’s influence shaped his life and career choices. 

“He taught me, without even saying a word, that this life is about how many lives you can touch, not how much money you can make,” he said. “He painted the perfect picture of what I believe a police officer should be – not just a ticket writer, not just someone who goes and chases the bad guy, but someone who touches lives in different ways.

“I’m glad that this is happening. It shows the fellow officers coming after him that the town cares about them and that their lives matter. I just want to thank him for being such a good role model. I hope he’s looking down, watching over all of us, and continues to guide me as I continue my career,” Looney added.

The memorial plaque is located at the Town of Ball’s Park and Walking Trail, behind the gazebo.

Serving Rapides Parish with a Legacy of Trust and Community Commitment

Exchange Bank, Louisiana’s oldest bank, led by President and CEO Mike Newton, is proud to announce the grand opening of its full-service branch in Pineville, located at 3580 Hwy 28 E. Previously operating as a Loan Production Office, the transition to a full-service branch brings enhanced banking capabilities to Rapides Parish, including personal and business banking services, loans, safe deposit boxes, and more.

“Our Pineville team is excited to offer comprehensive banking services to meet the needs of the Rapides Parish community,” said Newton. “Whether you’re looking to open a new account, secure a loan, or utilize our safe deposit box services, we are here to serve you with the same trusted, local expertise that Exchange Bank is known for.”

Founded in 1892, Exchange Bank has been serving Louisiana for over 130 years, building a reputation of trust, personalized service, and community commitment. With branches in Natchitoches and Pineville, the bank continues to expand its footprint while maintaining its focus on local relationships and exceptional customer care.

The Pineville branch is staffed with a dedicated team, including:

Vice Presidents: Jared Ganey and Bob Hollingsworth
Branch Manager/Loan Officer: Hunter Rabalais
Personal Bankers: Shonda Morgan and Ashlynn Brossette

Customers are invited to visit the new full-service branch, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, to experience the convenience and care of community banking.

Exchange Bank’s Board of Directors includes Chairman J.M. “Joe” Henry, III, Michael S. Newton, John Luster, Sidney Evans, Harold Boutte, and Kirk Soileau.

For more information, please visit exchange-bank.com or call the Pineville branch at (318) 357-3495.

In the 1980’s, Jay Winsten, a public health professor at Harvard, got interested in the idea of a “designated driver.” He’d picked up the concept in Scandinavia where it was the norm. At the time, the concept did not exist in the US. None of us knew what a designated driver was.

Winsten and his team at Harvard made it a goal to create a social norm in the United States: If you are going out drinking, you would pick a designated driver who would commit not to drink for the evening. How do you create a social norm out of thin air? Winsten’s inspiration was that you could make the behavior contagious by repeatedly exposing people to it, in many different contexts, even if those contexts were fictional.

Winsten and his team collaborated with producers, writers, and actors from more than 160 prime time TV programs, sprinkling designated-driver moments naturally into the plots. Segments featuring designated drivers appeared on Hunter, The Cosby Show, Mr. Belvedere, and Who’s the Boss? On one episode of the smash-hit L.A. Law, the heartthrob lawyer played by Harry Hamlin asked a bartender to call his designated driver. A designated-driver poster appeared in the bar on Cheers.

Winsten’s plea to the media was for “five seconds” of dialogue about a designated driver. He didn’t want a full episode or even a whole scene. He simply wanted the words mentioned repeatedly. Grant Tinker said about it, “Considering the simplicity of it all, it was very hard for us to feel our independence was being challenged.”

In 1991, three years after the campaign launched, nine out of ten people were familiar with the term designated driver. And they were behaving differently as a result. Thirty-seven percent of all Americans reported having acted as designated drivers, and 54% of frequent drinkers had been driven home by one. The behavioral change saved lives. Alcohol related traffic fatalities declined from 23,626 in 1988 to 17,858 in 1992.

I want you to ponder this under the rubric of “words create reality.” A new reality was created when two words were used repeatedly in the media. This is a positive story about words creating reality. I’m sure you can think of the other side of this issue where words create another reality when they become a constant drumbeat in the media.

What words have created your reality?

Better yet, whose words have created your reality.

Those words are changing your life.