This Saturday, March 22, Cotile VFD will be installing smoke alarms in the community. Anyone who needs smoke alarms can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/Louisiana. Anyone can call the fire station to sign up. If no one is unavailable to take the call, leave name, address, and phone number to be added to the list at the station. For questions, call 318-793-4433.

Children ages 6-13 are invited to join ASH Theatre for a musical theatre clinic on Saturday April 26, 10am to 2:30pm, with a performance at 3pm.

Participants will spend the day learning music, dances, acting scenes, and even doing some behind the scenes projects. The day culminates in a performance open to friends and family. The Holiday Clinic was such a blast, ASH Theatre can’t wait to see what the spring crew brings. The cost of the clinic is $50. Sign up at this link. 

March Madness is one of the most thrilling sporting events of the year, but few people know that the very first NCAA basketball tournament tipped off on March 19, 1939. What started as a small competition with just eight teams has grown into a national spectacle, drawing millions of viewers and generating billions in revenue. As we mark the anniversary of the first tournament, let’s take a look at its humble beginnings and how it evolved into one of the most celebrated sports events in the world.

The inaugural NCAA tournament was a far cry from the 68-team powerhouse event we see today. Organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the tournament was designed as a way to showcase college basketball’s best teams in a single-elimination format.

Held in Evanston, Illinois, at Northwestern University’s Patten Gymnasium, the 1939 tournament featured eight teams. Oregon, led by coach Howard Hobson, emerged as the first national champion after defeating Ohio State 46-33 in the final. The event wasn’t widely covered in the media at the time, and many sportswriters even questioned its importance compared to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), which was more prestigious at the time.

Despite its modest start, the NCAA tournament began to gain traction in the 1940s and 1950s. By 1951, the tournament expanded to 16 teams, and by the 1970s, it had grown into a nationally recognized event. The introduction of television coverage in the 1960s helped boost its popularity, making household names out of college stars and legendary coaches like John Wooden, whose UCLA teams dominated the tournament throughout the decade.

The phrase “March Madness” was first used in connection with the tournament in 1982 by sportscaster Brent Musburger, and the name stuck. By 1985, the field had expanded to 64 teams, creating the bracket format that fans know and love today. The addition of the play-in games in 2001 and the expansion to 68 teams in 2011 only fueled its appeal.

What makes March Madness unique is its ability to captivate both die-hard basketball fans and casual viewers alike. The unpredictability of the tournament, the Cinderella stories of underdog teams, and the heartbreak of buzzer-beaters make it one of the most exciting sporting events each year.

Additionally, the tournament has a massive economic impact. It generates billions of dollars in revenue, with major TV deals, advertising, and betting pools fueling its growth. Office brackets have become a staple of American culture, with millions of people participating in friendly competitions, even if they don’t usually watch basketball.

The NCAA tournament has come a long way since its first game on March 19, 1939. From a modest eight-team contest to a nationwide phenomenon, March Madness has cemented itself as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events in sports. As we gear up for another year of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and championship dreams, it’s worth remembering how this incredible journey began 85 years ago.

Chief Fore wanted to take a moment to personally thank everyone for the kind words, support and well wishes following his recent appointment to the Chief of Police. It means a lot to the entire Pineville Police Department to know that they have a strong and supportive community standing behind them. 

Chief Fore’s letter to the community went as follows. 

I want to take a moment to personally thank each and every one of you for the kind words, encouragement, and support as I step into the role of Chief of Police. I’ve read every comment, and I truly appreciate the outpouring of positivity from our community. Since I don’t personally use social media, I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out and let you all know how much your well wishes mean to me. Your support is truly appreciated, and I look forward to serving you with dedication and integrity. And for those wondering – yes, I can and I do smile…just not for pictures. Let’s move forward together to make our city safer and stronger.

Gene Koury is 84 but he can still remember he was 7 in March of 1948 when they brought his uncle Sam home.

“They brought his casket to his home,” Gene said, “and all our Syrian relatives were there. They all came to see him.”

The Koury family not only came to Sam’s home in Leesville to see him but to honor him. Five years earlier, in September of 1943, Sam Koury died in the line of duty after being part of a PT boat mission that, unbeknownst to Sam, rescued a future President of the United States.

PT-109 is the most famous PT (patrol torpedo) boat ever because it was the one commanded by Navy Lt. John F. Kennedy in the Solomon Islands campaign of the Pacific theater in World War II. PT 109 was engaged in hazardous night patrols in this area with the goal of seeking out and destroying Japanese coastal barges used to sneak troops and supplies into New Guinea.

On Aug. 1, 1943, at about midnight, a Japanese destroyer loomed suddenly out of the darkness and rammed into PT 109, cutting it in two, and it eventually sank. The Japanese destroyer apparently didn’t even realize it had hit an enemy boat because it continued its course. Kennedy and all but two members of his crew managed to swim to a small island and later a larger island. There, Kennedy persuaded some friendly natives to take a coconut with his crudely scratched message to the PT base on Rendova Island.

According to the Kennedy Library, the base commander, on being notified of his dilemma, proposed sending a rescue mission, involving PT-157 (Koury’s boat) and PT-171.  That eventually led to a wet and exhausted Kennedy climbing aboard PT-157 on Aug. 7, 1943. The rescue mission went forward without incident, and the men of PT-109 made it to the U.S. base at Rendova early the next day.

According to a Leesville Daily Leader remembrance story on Veterans Day in 1992, Koury was helping man the 37 mm cannon mounted on the bow of PT 157 as it engaged a Japanese barge in battle on the night of Sept. 9, 1943. On a second attempt to sink the barge, at a closer range than before, Koury was shot. Japanese officers fired their pistols at PT-157, which had been racing through waters at speeds up to 48 mph. A small 25 caliber slug managed to hit Sam in his right groin.

Raymond Palmer of Leesville wrote in the Daily Leader story that Koury was taken below as the boat raced back to Lever Harbor and the base hospital. By the time he got to the hospital, he’d suffered a great loss of blood. The best efforts of a Navy surgeon and other personnel were unable to staunch the flow of blood. Koury died the next morning, far from his home in Vernon Parish. He was 24.

Sam Koury was initially buried at Russell Island on Guadalcanal. But the Koury family’s misfortune didn’t end there. Sam’s brother-in-law, Morris Carruthers, who had married Sam’s sister, Ann, died while serving in the Navy when Japanese Kamikaze pilots attacked his ship, the USS Franklin, in the South Pacific in March of 1945.

Strangely, yet another Koury family misfortune happened on the day of Sam’s funeral service in Leesville on Marh 21, 1948. After the war was over, Sam’s body was among the first to be returned by the Navy to the United States for local burial. A Mass was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and internment was at the Leesville cemetery.   

The same day, after everyone had left the cemetery, this is what happened, according to Palmer’s story: Sam’s brother-in-law, Pete Sliman, drove Sam’s father, Simon (Ikey), to the cemetery just north of Leesville to visit the new grave. Just as Sliman turned the car into the cemetery, another vehicle crashed into the right side of the 1936 Chevrolet and Ikey was killed instantly.

Gene Koury said Sliman was badly injured but recovered and lived another 35 years.

“Ikey wanted Pete to take him to put flowers on the grave,” said Gene Koury, a retired U.S. Army captain from the mid-1960s who has been in auto sales and leasing for 57 years.

It was Ikey’s last devotion to the son who gave his “last full measure of devotion” in service of his country.    

Theatre Louisiana Christian and Louisiana Christian University Music Department open the third and final show of the 2024-2025 season Thursday evening with the hit musical “Little Women: the Broadway Musical.”

“This show is unique because it provides perspective from people from all walks of life,” said senior vocal performance major and theatre minor Cheyenne Carbaugh, who plays the role of Jo March. “ This show so beautifully portrays what it means to be a sister, what it means to be a mother, what it means to mourn, and just what it means to live. I feel like this show can touch almost anyone in any season and almost anyone can find bits of themselves in the four March sisters.”

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life and novel Little Women, the show follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested. Her friend Professor Bhaer tells her that she has to do better and write more about her own life. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experiences.

“I am excited for audiences to come see this production,” said junior theatre, media and communication major Cayden Walls, who will be performing as Professor Bhaer and is the choreographer of the show. “It is a beautiful telling of a classic story. I feel that our cast does an excellent job bringing Louisa May Alcott’s story to life.”

Theatre Prof. Tabitha Huffman said this has been one of her favorite seasons of performances.

“These students have put in so much work this year, and it’s evident in the quality of each production,” Huffman said. “One of the most special things about this season has been students who have never done theatre have come and been a part of each show. It’s exciting to see both seasoned and new actors grow in their craft.”

“Little Women: the Broadway Musical” runs March 20-22 and 27-29 at 7 p.m. with matinee performances March 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for LCU students, faculty, and staff; $15 for senior citizens and non-LCU students; and $20 for general admission. Groups of 12 or more can attend for $10 per person.

Visit https://www.purplepass.com/tlclittlewomen to get tickets.

A search of the Louisiana Real Estate Commission website shows that the Broker License for Rodrick Terrell McIntosh has been suspended and the status indicates the License is Not Valid.

A search of the Broker Company section of the Louisiana Real Estate Commission website shows that the Broker Company License for Clear to Close Realty, LLC has been suspended and the status indicates the License is Not Valid.

• Each search was conducted on March 18, 2025 at the website: https://portal.lrec.gov/public/search

Pineville residents, be on alert. A rash of vehicle burglaries occurred overnight last night in the Military Hwy and Myrtlewood Drive area. Please check vehicles and security cameras for any suspicious activity.

Tips for preventing burglaries and helping address burglaries include:  

• Lock your vehicles & remove valuables
• Report any missing items
• Check security footage

If anyone has any information or footage that could assist the investigation, contact Pineville Police Department at 318-442-6603 Ext. 1 or utilize the online reporting by scanning the QR code.

By Brad Dison

In September 1912, 21-year-old Dorothy Gardner married 30-year-old Leslie Lynch King. Dorothy was a “strikingly attractive brunette,” and King was “a tall, handsome, sandy-haired wool merchant.” Dorothy’s mother said she had never seen Dorothy as happy as when she and her new husband boarded the train for their honeymoon on the West Coast. Three weeks into their trip, the honeymoon bliss ended in the lobby of the elegant Multnomah Hotel in Portland, Oregon. King became enraged with Dorothy, called her vile names, slapped her in the face, and punched her in the head. They reconciled briefly and continued their honeymoon. While en route to California on a train, King flew into a rage and beat and kicked Dorothy. She lived in fear because she never knew when the next beating would come.

Dorothy was shocked by King’s actions. During their courtship, King had always treated her kindly and gently. He was from a prominent and wealthy family. King assured Dorothy that he would provide for her every need, lovingly and financially. When they returned from their extended honeymoon, Dorothy learned that King was deep in debt and had been stealing money from his father. Dorothy decided to leave King and was making preparations when she learned she was pregnant. King’s parents pleaded with her not to leave and reasoned that having a child would surely change their son’s troubled ways. Dorothy reluctantly agreed to stay.

In July 1913, Dorothy had a son in King’s parent’s mansion. At King’s insistence, they named the child Leslie Lynch King Jr. On the day after the child was born, King burst into the sickroom and berated Dorothy to the extent that her doctor intervened. He told King that Dorothy was quite ill and warned him to stop abusing her. The doctor was so concerned about King’s unpredictable nature toward his wife that he brought in a nurse to protect Dorothy and young Leslie. A few days later, King stormed into the sickroom armed with a butcher knife and threatened to kill Dorothy and young Leslie. The nurse called the police, who disarmed King and arrested him. Dorothy knew she had to leave King, but she knew to be discreet. Dorothy wrapped 16-day-old Leslie in a blanket and fled from the King mansion. After a fifteen-month volatile marriage, Dorothy divorced King.

Dorothy and young Leslie began a new life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two years later while Dorothy was at a church social, she met a man who asked if he could call on her. Dorothy was in no hurry to jump into another relationship. For a year, she learned all she could about the man. He was a paint salesman who quit school at 14 to provide for his widowed mother and sisters. He was scrupulously honest, a regular at church, and was kind to everyone who knew him. Most importantly, he was all that Leslie King Sr. was not. Finally, she agreed to let him call on her. In February 1916, he and Dorothy married in the church where they met. To ease the painful reminders of her first marriage, Dorothy changed her son’s name to that of her new husband. Dorothy’s son was 30 years old when he learned that his birth name was Leslie Lynch King Jr. To him, the name was meaningless. His name, the one Dorothy bestowed upon him in honor of the man she married, was Gerald R. Ford. Dorothy’s son eventually became the 38th President of the United States.

Sources:

1. The Omaha Evening Bee, August 21, 1912, p.8.

2. The Macon News, September 15, 1974, p.86.

3. James Cannon, Gerald Ford: An Honorable Life (University of Michigan Press, 2013), 40-42.

On March 18, 1889, the final piece of the Eiffel Tower was placed, completing what would become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Initially met with skepticism, the tower has since become a symbol of France’s ingenuity, a global tourist attraction, and an architectural marvel.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel and his engineering team, the Eiffel Tower was constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in Paris, held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. At the time, the design was revolutionary—an iron structure that soared to a height of 1,083 feet, making it the tallest man-made building in the world.

Despite its ambitious design, the tower faced intense opposition from artists and intellectuals. Many feared it would ruin Paris’s skyline, calling it an eyesore. French writer Guy de Maupassant was so against the structure that he dined at its restaurant regularly—just because it was the only place in Paris where he didn’t have to look at it!

Originally planned as a temporary exhibit, the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years. However, its usefulness as a radiotelegraph station saved it from demolition. By the early 1900s, it was being used for military communications, further solidifying its place in history.

As the decades passed, the tower evolved from a controversial engineering feat to a symbol of romance, art, and cultural pride. Today, it attracts nearly 7 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited paid monuments in the world.

Beyond tourism, the Eiffel Tower has been a backdrop for historical moments, film settings, and even daring stunts. In World War II, the French cut its elevator cables to prevent the Nazis from using it. In 1912, an inventor attempted to test a parachute suit by jumping from the tower, only to tragically fail.
From hosting light shows for global events to inspiring artists like Salvador Dalí and Marc Chagall, the Eiffel Tower continues to be more than just an architectural wonder—it’s a living part of history.

March 18 marks the final touch on a structure that defied its critics and stood the test of time. What was once considered an eyesore is now a beloved landmark, proving that innovation often faces resistance before gaining recognition. Whether viewed as an engineering marvel, a romantic destination, or a national symbol, the Eiffel Tower remains a testament to human ambition and creativity.

By JIM BUTLER

Two months after its auditor’s startling assertions Pineville’s audit report for the year ending last June 30 is not yet public record.

Those attending January’s City Council meeting were shocked by CPA Stephen McKay’s findings of alleged major compliance issues.

McKay’s report, an annual finding review, is public record. The audit report per se is not until reviewed by the Legislative Auditor’s Office and posted on its web site.

The length of time involved in this instance is not extraordinary considering the extent of issues cited.

At the time McKay said information regarding alleged credit card abuse would be turned over to authorities, another possible factor in delay of the audit report posting.

The audit criticisms overshadowed McKay noting the city was in a strong financial position.

Questioned expenditures involving former Mayor Rich Dupree, former Chief of Staff Doug Gann and former employee Brittany Poston Meshell, along with credit card transactions took the spotlight.

Auditors allege Meshell, admitted consort of both Dupree and Gann, received payments for services outside city employment (not enumerated), with checks payable to various parties circumventing the “related party” issue.

According to McKay’s review, frequency of use and price of the services increased during the audit year, and after her employment ended the service was not used, raising the question, his report said, of whether it had been needed at all.

His report noted the mayor’s son’s band was paid for several performances during the year.

And lack of pre-approval for municipal credit card use led to possible waste and abuse, it notes.

About $25,500 in such transactions, involving multiple parties, appeared to have no clear municipal business purpose.

Also cited was failure to seek Requests for Proposals or three bids for development of Beacon Point Beach Park at Buhlow Lake, normal procedure for projects under $250,000.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office has provided an update to the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office on their investigation into the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office’s deputy-involved shooting at Academy Sports on South MacArthur Drive in that took place earlier this year on January 24.

Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain said that the GPSO’s chief deputy and chief detectives presented their final results to Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell on March 11.

A partnership was created with the most experienced investigators from 11 different parishes across Central Louisiana, according to Sheriff McCain, with GPSO leading the investigation. That partnership is known as the Central Louisiana Critical Incident Response Team.

Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood has stated that body camera footage related to the shooting is expected to be released soon. However, it is unclear exactly when the bodycam footage of the incident will be released. 

The Louisiana Department of Energy & Natural Resources (LDENR) will be holding a public meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss CO2 Carbon Capture. This meeting is open to the public.

Mr. Patrick Courreges, LDENR Communications Director, will provide information to the public on LDENR’s rules on Class VI carbon sequestration, the process used in reviewing permit applications, and the requirements for operators if and when they receive permits.

There will be a PowerPoint presentation followed by responding to questions from local officials and the public.

————————–

HOST: Louisiana Department of Energy & Natural Resources

TOPIC: Public Meeting regarding CO2 Carbon Capture Wells

SPEAKER: Mr. Patrick Courreges, DENR Communications Director

WHERE: Vernon Parish Fairgrounds Auditorium
276 HM Stevens Blvd., Leesville, LA

TIME: Monday, March 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m

It wasn’t easy but the No. 2-ranked LSUA men’s basketball team punched their ticket to Kansas City and the NAIA Final Site with a pair of homecourt wins, 77-65 Saturday evening over Nelson after surviving an upset bid Friday night and stopping Stillman 83-76.

The Generals (30-2) play 14^th-ranked Bethel (24-8) of Indiana Friday at 5 p.m. in Kansas City, Mo., at the fabled Municipal Auditorium, site of the NAIA national tournament for decades. Two wins advance LSUA into the Final Four and four wins will get them home with the national championship.

Saturday night, the Generals eliminated Nelson’s Lions (24-9) with four double-digit scoring efforts from Kashie Natt (21), Jaso Perry II (15), Jakemin Abney (12) and Kaleb Pouncy (10). 

LSUA collected 15 offensive rebounds and held NU to just six. The difference in offensive boards led to an 18-6 advantage for the Generals in second chance points in an otherwise even game statistically.

At the halftime break, the Generals led 42-33. The margin expanded to 52-38 but Nelson made a push within 61-55 before LSUA scored six straight and maintained control afterward.

The Generals, top-seeded in the NAIA’s Liston Quadrant, struggled Friday night to put away 16-seeded Stillman College.

LSUA had a 14-point second-half lead erased by the Tigers (18-12), who climbed ahead 72-69. 

Back-to-back threes by Jordan Decuir and Perry swung momentum back towards the Generals. They outscored Stillman 11-4 in the final 3:35.

BENEDICTINE (KAN.) 80, LSUA WOMEN 41: The Generals’ women’s basketball season was ended by Benedictine in the NAIA’s first round at McKenzie, Tenn. 

Justice Young led LSUA (23-9) with 16 points. Benedictine (25-7) led 21-10 after the first quarter and established command afterward.

LAKE CHARLES – The goal for the 2024-25 Plainview boys basketball team, dating back to their junior high days, has always been to earn a banner on the wall in their gym, for reaching the state tournament.

The Hornets accomplished that by reaching Marsh Madness this week, and made an even deeper, and far-reaching mark by winning it all Friday afternoon at Burton Coliseum.

Plainview upended Pleasant Hill 58-54 for the LHSAA’s Class C state championship, the school’s first in 60 years, since back-to-back titles in 1964-65. The Hornets (29-3) got 28 points and 14 rebounds from the game’s Outstanding Player, ZeQuan Lewis, who had 23 points and 20 rebounds Monday in a 64-55 semifinal win over Gibsland-Coleman.

“I just wanted to come out there and play hard for my team, and get the W,” said Lewis, who has roots in Plainview but spent his first three years of high school in Texas before transferring back to play with his junior high teammates – and to pursue that dream of a banner on the gym wall.

“Since these guys were seventh graders, they’ve wanted their names on the wall. Their sisters are on the wall, their brothers, their dads, their grandads,” said Plainview coach Dustin Howard, a Plainview native who previously coached the Lady Hornets to a state championship. “I’m just proud we got that done, and in a big way.”

Two other seniors didn’t have big statistical games Friday but made pivotal impact.           

Nathan Fee has the Hornets’ second-best season scoring average (17 per game) but hurt an ankle in the quarterfinal win over Hornbeck and had to miss Monday’s semifinal win. He came off the bench Friday and scored 8 points with 6 rebounds, sinking 2 of 3 from 3-point range.

“I knew these guys would get us through (to the finals),” said Fee. “Two days ago, I tried to practice and couldn’t run on my ankle. Thankfully coach put me in the game and I was able to make a few shots.”

Dallas Harrison – whose grandfather played on the 1965 state champion Hornets team — started and was a defensive and inspirational sparkplug, as usual.

“He’s the heart and soul of our team,” said Howard. “Dallas is the captain, he’s the leader, he’s the glue guy.”

There were 8 ties and 10 lead changes, although the Hornets led for 21 of the 32 minutes.

It was a three-point play by Harrison with 3:31 to go that pushed Plainview ahead for good, 50-48. A rebound and basket by Lewis at 2:43 made it 52-48, and after the Eagles got a bucket with 1:15 left Lewis answered right back on a jump shot 13 seconds later.

Two P-Hill free throws with 47 seconds left closed the Eagles within 54-52, but Lewis went to the line and made three straight, sandwiched around a vital rebound by the team’s fourth senior, Damien Martin, of a missed jumper by Pleasant Hill with 18 seconds to go.

The Eagles got it down to a one-possession margin one more time on two free throws with six seconds left, but Plainview was able to inbound the ball cleanly. Lewis sank a freebie with two seconds remaining that locked up the outcome and sent the large crowd of green-clad Plainview supporters into a frenzy.

It also put Plainview into the LHSAA history books as a state champion once again.