At the end of last week, the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s office recognized several employees. These employees have served in the DA’s office for ten years. These employees are as follows.

• Greg Wampler
• Tia Jamison
• David Stone
• Valerie Areingdale
• Chris Bolden
• Monica Doss

The DA’s office thanked each employee and recognized something special about their contributions to the team. 

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

March 16

Thomas Nicholas Bergeron, 43, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

M’Keiah Rakese Butler, 27, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $1,870 bail;

Keith D’Wayne Chaney, 49, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, probation violation, $2,500 bail;

John Herbert Duke Jr, 55, Alexandria – OWI first offense, carless operation of vehicle, $600 bail;

Joshua James Pryor, 31, Deville – issuing worthless checks, two counts contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Randal Smith, 22, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail;

Adrian Cendrell Woods Jr, 18, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, $500 bail.

March 15

Kevin Lamont Batiste Sr, 52, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, general speed law, $1,200 bail;

Brooke Lindsay Benson, 32, Pineville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, $1,000 bail;

Ty’rune Harris, 24, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $2,000 bail;

Waylon Allen Hewlett, 38, Deville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, criminal trespass, three counts contempt of court, $56,000 bail;

Buster Huxton, 80, Hineston – domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery with serious injury, resisting an officer, $500 bail;

John Earl Jefferson Jr, 34, Alexandria – marijuana possession, paraphernalia, two counts contempt of court, $1,500 bail;

Jarinisha Jenkins, 30, Alexandria – OWI first offense, open container, no signals, no driver’s license, $1,300 bail;

Angela Evette Jones, 57, Opelousas – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, running a stop sign, $1,200 bail;

Devontay Jamar Krumvieda, 27, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, possession of marijuana, $1,600 bail;

Eric Lemon McNeal, 43, Pineville – theft, two counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Shonna Rochelle Murray, 47, Deville – simple escape, possession of controlled dangerous substances in a school zone, two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, theft, fraud access to a device, nine counts contempt of court, $155,500 bail;

Samuel Monroe Neal, 27, Deville – simple assault home invasion, domestic abuse battery, no bail data;

Diante Obrian Smith, 31, Alexandria – OWI second offense, speeding, improper lane usage, resisting a police officer using force or violence, $1,700 bail;

Whitney Simone Toney, 24, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, resisting an officer, contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Jamie Dewayne Troquille, 39, Marksville – aggravated domestic abuse strangulation, paraphernalia, $500 bail.

March 14

Robert Wayne Aymond Jr, 24, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, possession of controlled dangerous substance, $1,500 bail;

Arcenio Ramon Bowie, 35, Lecompte – second degree murder, attempted second degree murder, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $2.5 million bail;

Sarah Burnett-McCormick, 43, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of vehicle, driving under suspension, resisting an officer, five counts producing manufacturing dispensing of controlled dangerous substances, six counts contempt of court, $11,700 bail;

Patrick Heath Cotton, 39, Pollock – criminal trespass, aggravated assault on peace officer, two counts flight from an officer, three counts possession of weapon by convicted felon, two counts resisting an officer, Louisiana fugitive, parole violations, $451,000 bail;

Robert Edward Dauzart, 51, Alexandria – theft, illegal possession of stolen things, exploitation of the infirmed, forgery, two counts contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Cortavius Markell Hicks, 29, Alexandria – attempted first degree murder, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of weapon by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, three counts producing manufacturing dispensing with intent controlled dangerous substances, drug paraphernalia, parole violation, $550,000 bail;

Dontravius D McCant, 24, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing controlled dangerous substances, two counts contempt of court, $3,000 bail;

Elvin Ortiz, 66, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, parole violations, $2,500 bail;

Kayla Noelle Vaughn, 29, Pineville – two counts simple burglary, battery on the infirmed, exploitation of the infirmed, three counts contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, criminal trespass, simple escape, child desertion, misrepresentation during booking, two counts contempt of court, $71,500 bail;

Bobby Lewis West Jr, 57, Alexandria – OWI second offense, open container, improper driving on the left, no driver’s license, $400 bail;

Arthur Lee Williams Jr, 61, Glenmora – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail.

March 13

Umajesty Prince Allah, 24, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, unlawful communication via telephone, marijuana possession, $11,000 bail;

Jessica Marie Bledsoe, 30, Alexandria – second degree murder, contempt of court, $200,000 bail;

Amy Ducote, 43, Alexandria – arson with intent to defraud, criminal conspiracy, theft, three counts contempt of court, $9,500 bail;

Hardy Dewayne Dunn Jr, 46, Boyce – two counts theft, two counts criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, simple assault home invasion, three counts aggravated assault with firearm, two counts domestic abuse battery, cruelty to the infirmed, parole violations, $156,000 bail;

Javarus Devante Evans, 24, Alexandria – two counts simple battery, simple assault home invasion, $52,000 bail;

X’Zavion Johnson, 19, Alexandria – second degree murder, possession of handgun by juvenile, carrying firearm on school property, criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, simple battery, $522,000 bail;

Antwon Lakeitha Ransburg, 44, Pineville – simple burglary, burglary of inhabited dwelling, $30,000 bail;

LaToya Jenaya Washington, 23, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing controlled dangerous substance, illegal carry firearm with drugs, drug paraphernalia, $2,500 bail;

Dontarius L. Williams, 24, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing controlled dangerous substance, exceeding three persons in the front seat, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $25,700 bail;

Joseph Jermone Wilton, 35, Alexandria – domestic abuse strangulation, domestic abuse battery, illegal possession of stolen firearm, possession of weapon by convicted felon, $90,000 bail.

St. Patrick’s Day, observed annually on March 17, commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and celebrates Irish culture and heritage. The day has evolved from a religious observance into a global celebration marked by various customs and festivities.

Saint Patrick was a 5th-century Christian missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was captured by Irish raiders at sixteen and spent six years in captivity. After escaping, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, dedicating his life to converting the Irish to Christianity. He is believed to have died on March 17, 461 AD, a date now celebrated worldwide as St. Patrick’s Day. 

While St. Patrick’s Day originated as a religious feast, it has become a secular celebration of Irish culture, particularly in countries with significant Irish communities. Festivities typically include parades, wearing green attire or accessories, public festivals, and the consumption of traditional Irish food and drinks.

Major cities around the world host parades featuring bagpipers, dancers, and floats adorned with shamrocks and other Irish symbols. These events attract thousands of spectators, showcasing a vibrant display of Irish pride and community spirit.

Food plays a significant role in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Traditional Irish dishes such as corned beef and cabbage are commonly prepared. Bakeries often feature green-colored pastries and desserts, and mint-infused treats like mint chocolate chip cookies are popular during this time. 

The consumption of Irish beverages is a notable aspect of the festivities. Pubs and restaurants may offer promotions on drinks like Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Irish coffee. In some places, establishments reduce prices on pints, including Guinness, to encourage patrons to join in the celebration. 

Beyond the festivities, St. Patrick’s Day serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural contributions of the Irish people. It highlights themes of community, heritage, and the blending of traditions across different societies. The day also provides an opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to participate in cultural exchange and appreciation.

St. Patrick’s Day has transcended its origins as a religious observance to become a global celebration of Irish culture and community. Whether through parades, culinary delights, or wearing green, people worldwide come together to honor Saint Patrick’s legacy and the rich traditions of Ireland.

The Town of Ball will be hosting the 2nd Moon Pie Festival this Saturday, March 22, starting at 10am. The festival will feature fun, food, music, contests, and more. The festival schedule is as follows.

10am – Opening Ceremony

11am – Cut-off time for dropping off entries for the cooking contest at the Community Center

11:30am – Moon Pie Cooking Contest; “Barn Day” session (at Thompson Farms); Introduction of visiting festival queens

12pm – Live performance by Hunter Courville & Cajun Fever

1:30pm – “Barn Day” session (at Thompson Farms)

4pm – Announcement of raffle winners; Moon Pie festival queens; and Moon Pie eating contest

5-8pm – Street dance; live performance by Avery Michaels

The Rapides Parish 4-H has announced spring horse clinics. The 4-H reminds all interested parties that all horses must be uploaded into 4-H online no later than April 1. Individuals in need of a lease agreement or grade horse forms please reach out via email (listed below). Anyone who added a horse for the fair, those horses are still valid in the 4-H system.

Clinics will be on Mondays 5:30-7pm at the Ag Arena in Opelousas. The dates of the clinics are March 31, April 21, April 28, May 19, and May 26. Clinic topics are TBA. Master horsemen will facilitate the clinics. 

Please email hlbordelon@agcenter.lsu.edu for more information about the horse program.

By JIM BUTLER

Alexandria’s wastewater treatment plant has adequate capacity for the foreseeable future but a clean out is needed.

According to the city water pollution audit by the state, received in late February, the 50-year-old plant had a monthly inflow average ranging from 7 million to 17 million gallons daily last year.

Its design flow when constructed is 22 million gallons daily.

BOD levels, a measure of impact of discharge on water it is routed to (eventually Ref River), average 5,000 to 10,000 pounds per day. The plant design capacity is 25,000, the audit notes None of the measurements exceed any of the facility permit allowances.

An apparent issue is sludge buildup.

According to officials, it’s at least 4 to 5 feet deep in all the plant cells with a 13-14 feet depth in one 15-feet deep pond.

Sludge removal is a tedious, expensive yet necessary requirement.

The audit notes Phase 1 design is underway.

Northwestern State University is set to host a thought-provoking forum next week that will explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence in leadership and industry.

Featuring distinguished experts Dr. Julian Bailes, Dr. Neilank Jha and Monty Chicola, Leadership in the Age of AI will take place  next Wednesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

As NSU continues to establish itself as a leader in artificial intelligence and innovation, this forum will highlight real-world applications of AI in fields such as technology, medicine and business. Attendees will gain insights from distinguished professionals who have leveraged AI to drive advancements in their respective industries.

“Artificial intelligence is a leading topic at the forefront of both business and healthcare conversations and this is a great opportunity to learn from pioneers who are driving its use,” said Willis Knighton Health CEO Jaf Fielder.

Forum highlights:

• Dr. Neilank Jha, newly appointed NSU Distinguished Professor in Leadership & Neuroeconomics, will discuss his unique multidisciplinary approach to leadership, integrating Eastern and Western philosophies. Dr. Jha, a renowned neurosurgeon and behavioral economist, will begin teaching special topics courses at NSU this fall.
• Dr. Julian Bailes, a Natchitoches native and NSU alumnus who is a renowned neurosurgeon, will share insights on brain health, sports-related injuries and the role of AI in advancing medical research. Bailes has been named one of Chicago Magazine’s “Top Brain Surgeons in Chicago” for 10 consecutive years.
• Monty Chicola, NSU alumnus and founder of Real Vision Software, will provide an overview of his work in AI-driven enterprise computing and discuss the IBM i programming course he is currently teaching at NSU, which focuses on practical AI integration in business applications. His software company is now upgrading customers worldwide on how to make serious returns on investments in AI, today and moving into the future. He will be discussing the business case uses for AI in different office environments, including medical, transportation, government, insurance and manufacturing sectors.

“Artificial intelligence is already transforming the healthcare industry, and it’s critical for medical professionals and administrators to understand its impact,” said Natchitoches Regional Medical Center CEO Kirk Soileau. “This forum is a great opportunity for our team and the broader community to hear from experts on the forefront of AI’s integration into medicine, business, and technology.”

The forum also coincides with NSU’s recent announcement of the Lola Walker Dunahoe Endowed Chair, aimed at attracting top talent in interdisciplinary studies, reinforcing the university’s dedication to excellence in research and education.

For more information on Leadership in the Age of AI and to register for this free event, visit www.nsu.la/leadershipAI. 

Louisiana Christian University Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics graduating class of 2025 has achieved 100% acceptance rate into graduate and professional programs, according to Department Chair Dr. David Elliott, professor of chemistry.

“This is one of the top two or three classes we’ve ever had,” Elliott said. “Many of them have a 4.0. We have a lot of good students, but this is a group we hate to see go.”

Graduating seniors by programs are as follows.

LSU-Shreveport Medical School
Leanna Lanford, of Pineville, honors biology/chemistry double major
Ethan Lanford, of Pineville, biology/chemistry double major
Ethan Barnes, of Ball, biology major
Cy Fontenot, of Alexandria, biology major

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana VCOM Monroe
Kamryn West, of Pine Prairie, honors biology/chemistry double major
Madelyn Duncan, of Alexandria, biology major

LSU Health Physical Therapy School, New Orleans
Brianne Rotolo, of Bridge City, honors biology major

Rosenberg School of Optometry at University of the Incarnate Word,
San Antonio, Texas
Jade Harmon, of Lafayette, honors biology/chemistry double major

“Our current graduating class is one that only comes around every so often,” said Dr. Sarah Payne, chemistry professor and director of the C.S. Lewis Honors Program. “I am grateful to have been a small piece of this astonishing group’s time here at LCU. I know that these students will carry LCU in their hearts and lives as they go on to lead successful careers in various health fields, serving their patients with dignity, compassion, and character.”

Individual medical and professional schools differ in their acceptance rates, but it is extremely competitive to get in. For every member of the graduating class who applied to be accepted to the programs, it is incredible.

While LCU has a well-established track record of medical school acceptance, this class was extra successful, Elliott said. In addition to being hard-working and fast-learning students, they were also fun to be around. They pushed each other, but they also had great, happy personalities.

Elliott said the two things that set LCU apart in its high acceptance rates are the small class size and faith-based aspect.

“Our professors teach the classes,” he said, “not graduate students or teaching assistants. And because we are faith-based, we have no limitations on what we can talk about in the classroom.”

Secular schools, Elliott said, are limited. LCU professors can expose students to all three theories– evolution, creationism and intelligent design, and point students to the truth of God’s Word.

“Our students are better prepared for medical school because of the stronger critical thinking skills and foundations in reading, science and math,” he said.

He said he has no doubt this class will succeed and join the ranks of former LCU students who are now doctors and physical therapists all across the country.

“Once again, we find ourselves congratulating a great group of students,” said Dr. Wade Warren, professor of biology. “Our applicant pool this year is an unusually large group of exceptionally talented students.  They have distinguished themselves in ways that will be remembered for years to come.  LCU has provided an environment of support and challenge for them, but they have done the hard work and deserve the credit for their success. The faculty are grateful for the opportunity to teach them, to lead them in research projects, to become their mentors, and to develop friendships with them. We know they have learned much in the sciences, and it is also our prayer that their love for Jesus has deepened during their time at LCU. We have no doubt that they are going to heal and care for many.”

Oak Hill Fire Department has released its data relating to calls made between March 3 and March 9.

The Alexandria City Council voted at its March 11 meeting to authorize Mayor Jacques Roy to execute the entity state agreement for the Capital Improvement Metropolitan Planning Organization Project. 

The project will cover the area from the intersection of Masonic and Texas Avenue to Masonic and Lee Street. The main part of the project will convert the existing four-lanes to three-lanes with two travel lanes, a center turn lane and two dedicated bicycle lanes.

This project will continue work that the city has already been done.

“They’ve done it from Jackson Street to Masonic on Texas,” Council-at-Large Jim Villard said. “Now we’re finishing all the way to Lee Street.”

Villard explained of the coming project, “They’re going to make them [the lanes] smaller because they’re going to put bicycle lanes on it for one thing, and they’re going to put crosswalks on the two to make it easier for pedestrian traffic.”

Villard said the project is funded 80% by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, with the city covering the remaining 20%. The exact cost of the project is not yet available, as the council just recently voted to approve it. Regardless, Villard believes the project will greatly benefit the neighborhood. 

“It’s going to make it easier for them to walk, easier for beautification, bringing the property value up,” Villard said. He added that this project is another step in the city’s effort to clean up the neighborhood.

Construction will likely start in a few months, once all the legal documents are finalized. Villard said there should be minimal impact to drivers during this project.

If anyone would like to submit a request for proposal, they can monitor the city’s website.

LAKE CHARLES – It all comes down to this.

Plainview’s Hornets take a shot at a state championship today at noon, meeting top-ranked Pleasant Hill in the Class C boys basketball finals at Burton Coliseum in the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness event.

Plainview (28-3) is the second seed in the Class C bracket. The Hornets reached today’s game with a 64-55 victory Tuesday in the semifinals over No. 3 Gibsland-Coleman.

It’s the first state championship game for the Hornets since 1984. They won a state title in 1965 – exactly 60 years ago.

Plainview is led by senior ZeQuan Lewis, who averages 27 points and 14 rebounds. He scored 23 points and snagged 20 rebounds in Tuesday’s win.

The Hornets played without a key starter, Nathan Fee, their second-leading scorer and rebounder with averages of 17 points and 6 rebounds. He injured an ankle in Plainview’s quarterfinal win over Hornbeck and is not expected to play today.

Junior Kendan Maricle stepped up Tuesday by scoring 19 points for the Hornets, five over his average.

The one-seed LSU Alexandria men’s basketball team hosts 16-seed Stillman College in the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship First Round at The Fort tonight at 7:30.

“Stillman (18-11) is a good basketball team,” LSUA coach Dimario Jackson said. “It’s a reason they are conference champions. Our conference play has prepared us for this game. We’ve had some really good practices leading up to this game, so we feel good about where we are. The guys are focused and ready to play.”

The Generals (28-2) won the Red River Athletic Conference regular season ad tournament titles for the sec guard Kashie Nat earned his second RRAC Player of the Year and added Defensive Player of the Year to his mantle. Natt also earned RRAC Tournament MVP after scoring a season-high 36 points in an 88-79 win over Southwest (N.M.) in the Final.

In tonight’s opener of the four-team Alexandria pod, eighth-seeded Nelson and  No. 9 Middle Georgia State play at 5:30 p.m. and the winners of the two games collide Saturday evening at 6, with the survivor advancing to the 16-team national tournament next weekend in  Kansas City.

LSUA WOMEN:  Seeded ninth, LSUA meets eight-seed Benedictine College (Kan.) tonight at 7:30 in the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship first round at Crisp Arena on the campus of Bethel University (Tenn.) in McKenzie, Tenn.

 “So very proud of our team and being able to play in the national hampionship,” LSUA coach Billy Perkins said. “Benedictine College is going to be a tough matchup. They are fundamentally very good and play complimentary basketball. It should be a good game.”

The Generals (23-8) reached the Red River Athletic Conference final before falling 54-51 to LSU Shreveport. This is the second time the Purple and Gold have made the National Championship, the first coming in the 2018-19 season.

 The Benedictine Ravens are 24-7. In the other regional pairing, host Bethel plays Sterling (Kan.) today at 5:30. Tonight’s winners collide Saturday at 4 with a berth in the 16-team NAIA Tournament in Kansas City next weekend.

Pineville Randolph Easter Fest is just around the corner –  the family fun destination at Fort Randolph.

Spring is in the air, and Pineville is buzzing with excitement. Get ready to celebrate the season with the Pineville Randolph Easter Fest, a day packed with family fun, delicious food, egg-citing activities, and beautiful plants. The fest will be held on Saturday, April 19, at Fort Randolph in Pineville from 11am to 3:30pm.

This isn’t the average Easter egg hunt. The organizers have crafted a day that promises something for everyone, from the tiniest bunnies to the grown-up hares, all within the historic setting of Fort Randolph. 

Egg-cellent Adventures for the kids will include: 

• Timed Easter Egg Hunts: Thrilling dash for eggs, organized by age groups to ensure fun for all ages.
• The Golden Egg Quest: Find the special Golden Egg hidden among the colorful ones and win an AMAZING prize.
• Potato Sack Races: Hop, skip, and jump to victory.
• Jumping for Joy: Bounce and play in fun-filled jumpers.

The event will also be a feast for the senses:

• Local Vendor Village: Explore unique crafts, gifts, and creations from talented local vendors.
• Food Truck Fiesta: Taste mouthwatering treats from a variety of food trucks.
• Master Gardener Plant Sale: Enhance the garden with beautiful plants and get gardening tips from local experts.

Attendees can also groove to the beat – live music for attendees to tap feet and dance to the sounds of talented local bands all day long.

Why no one should miss Pineville Randolph Easter Fest:

• Family-Friendly Fun: A day packed with activities for all ages.
• Community Spirit: Celebrate Easter and the beauty of spring with neighbors and friends.
• Unforgettable Memories: Fun activities, delicious food, and live music for the whole family.
• Support Local: By enjoying the vendors, food trucks, and plant sale, the local community is being celebrated and supported.

Don’t miss out on the hoppiest event of the season! Bring family, friends, and Easter spirit to the Pineville Randolph Easter Fest at Fort Randolph.

Vendor registration link: https://forms.gle/eTGgk4sdX94DbJEs8

The Alexandria Museum of Art announces a ribbon cutting and reception to celebrate the temporary installation of the Solomon Northup commemorative bronze statue “Hope Out of Darkness” on Thursday, March 20, at 5pm.

The statue, created by Wesley Wofford, is traveling along Northup’s path this year to raise awareness and funds for its permanent installation. Commissioned by The Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works, it will ultimately be installed at the Marksville Courthouse where Northup gained his freedom. Wofford gained notoriety for his monuments after creating “Harriet Tubman: Beacon of Hope” installed in Cambridge, Maryland, just a few miles from where she was born.

Founded in the summer of 2022 by Reverend James Theus, the committee is a cross-section of people from communities in central Louisiana as well as in Northup’s native New York. Committee members include President, Allen Holmes; Founder and Vice President, Rev. James G. Theus; Legal Advisor, Charles Riddle III, Esq.; Secretary, Nealie Hale; Project Manager, Melissa Howell (a direct descendent of Northup); Executive Director of Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, Wilbert Carmouche; LA District 28 House Representative, Hon. Daryl Deshotel; Founder of Marksville Main Street, Jacques Goudeau; LA District 26 House Representative, Hon. Ed Larvadain III; and Member, Larry Wilmer.

The committee’s mission is to create the opportunity for all persons who encounter Wofford’s statue of Solomon Northup to experience a profound, even visceral response, to the depravity of slavery in all forms and places, past and present, through the transformative “Out of Darkness” for a renewed life of freedom again. They seek to honor the native New Yorker’s life and work, who was wrongfully enslaved as a free citizen in the Red River region of Louisiana, rescued, and later authored the written work, Twelve Years A Slave.

The statue comes to AMoA from the Whitney Plantation and will travel after its stay in Alexandria to Haverstraw, NY, and Saratoga Springs, NY. “Hope Out of Darkness” will be on view at the Alexandria Museum of Art until April 22.

To assist with the cost of the permanent installation, donate to The Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works at https://snccw.com/donate/.

Wesley Wofford, FNSS – Artist’s Statement

As the viewer sees “Hope Out of Darkness” from a distance, the sculpture emanates a free American citizen, leading the way to a more equitable future with a raised torch. But as one moves closer and experiences the sculpture in the round, the viewer will discover the pathos and tragedy of Solomon Northup’s story. They will realize he was in fact kidnapped, enslaved, and eventually liberated after twelve horrific, long years. The viewer will empathize with Northup’s pain and feel his courageous endurance that led a wrongfully enslaved man to freedom once again.

The papers in Solomon Northup’s upraised hand represent many things, such as the papers required to be held by black Americans to move about the country, the letters sent north in an effort to free Northup, the legal documents written to free him, and his own memoir. They also represent black American stories purged from the history books, education, and the elevation of all citizens through knowledge.

The manacles in Northup’s opposite hand represent his time in captivity and the indignities he and many others suffered during long years of enslavement. Northup has escaped these shackles through perseverance, and they no longer bind him, but instead, he holds them and will use them to help break the chains for others. As viewers move around the piece, they will discover his scarred back, illustrating how he was beaten until his clothes were tattered rags. These scars will be with him for the rest of his life, and they represent not shame, but endurance. One of his shoes is worn through and dangling, taken directly from his memoir – “Besides, I had lost one shoe, the sole having come entirely off, leaving the upper only dangling to my ankle”.

The pedestal Northup is standing on is split to represent the duality of his life. He is courageously rising up from enslavement with a posture of triumph and struggle. The engraved side is rusted corten steel, formal but not perfect, and represents the thin veneer of his precious freedom. On the other side, craggy and difficult, Northup rises from the mire, surrounded by the struggle of those who never attained freedom. Within the mud are 12 actual handprints of men, women, and children from across the country- each representing personal stories of resilience and the ongoing fight for equality.

“Hope Out of the Darkness” stands as a reminder that our freedoms are rooted in uncomfortable truths we must continually face. Solomon Northup’s steadfast perseverance will echo for generations inspiring others to overcome their own struggles no matter how insurmountable they may appear.

LA Revised Statutes 42:19 —

A public body may hold an executive session pursuant to R.S. 42:16 for one or more of the following reasons:

(1) Discussion of the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of a person, provided that such person is notified in writing at least twenty-four hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, before the scheduled time contained in the notice of the meeting at which such executive session is to take place and that such person may require that such discussion be held at an open meeting. However, nothing in this Paragraph shall permit an executive session for discussion of the appointment of a person to a public body or, except as provided in R.S. 39:1593(C)(2)(c), for discussing the award of a public contract. In cases of extraordinary emergency, written notice to such person shall not be required; however, the public body shall give such notice as it deems appropriate and circumstances permit.

(2) Strategy sessions or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining, prospective litigation after formal written demand, or litigation when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body.

(3) Discussion regarding the report, development, or course of action regarding security personnel, plans, or devices, including discussions concerning cybersecurity plans, financial security procedures, and assessment and implementation of any such plans or procedures.

(4) Investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct.

(5) Cases of extraordinary emergency, which shall be limited to natural disaster, threat of epidemic, civil disturbances, suppression of insurrections, the repelling of invasions, or other matters of similar magnitude.

RS 42:17 —

Upon unanimous approval of the members present at a meeting of a public body, the public body may take up a matter not on the agenda. 

Any such matter shall be identified in the motion to take up the matter not on the agenda with reasonable specificity, including the purpose for the addition to the agenda, and entered into the minutes of the meeting.

Prior to any vote on the motion to take up a matter not on the agenda by the public body, there shall be an

opportunity for public comment on any such motion in accordance with R.S. 42:14 or 15.

The public body shall not use its authority to take up a matter not on the agenda as a subterfuge to defeat the purposes of this Chapter.

Media reports do not indicate whether Rapides Parish police jurors added the ambulance provider question to their agenda Monday or took it up under another item. Discussion in executive session took about an hour.

Which permissible category for closed talks ambulance service offers fall under is unclear. 

Draw your own conclusions.