Cleco Power announced that power restoration efforts are underway in the wake of Monday’s severe weather that left several customers without power.

As of Tuesday evening, Cleco indicated that the majority of customers have had their power restored, though 880 customers remain without power. Affected customers are being notified.

If using a portable generator, Cleco reminds customers to operate it outdoors only and in well-ventilated areas. Appliances should be plugged directly into portable generators with grounded extension cords that can handle the load. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. Do not exceed the rated capacity of the generator and only refuel when the engine is off and cool.

Assume all downed lines are live and stay away. Report downed lines immediately by calling 1-800-622-6537 or 911.

The three-story medical complex rising along Winnfield’s five-lane should be open by year’s end, Winn’s retired teachers heard during their monthly session May 19.

What launched as Winn Community Health Center with 5 employees in 2009 has grown into a healthcare operation covering seven parishes with nearly 500 employees, explained CEO Deano Thornton.  Asked about the name “Trinity,” he replied that as the coverage area grew, an overall name of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana was adopted, although each clinic retains the name of its specific parish.

With Thornton was Lisa Peddy Frontaura, a 2000 graduate of WSHS who was described in introduction as “the principal architect who oversees everything from the beginning of design to the end of construction and everything in between.”  She is vice president of operations for TBA Studio.

The CEO and former Winnfield mayor told the retired teachers that his dream is to leave something lasting here in the community.  Inspired by a saying by longtime educator Etoy Ashley, he noted, “Make your community better because you were part of it.”

When asked, he said cost of the project from the ground up is about $30 million, including $1 million in furniture.  “I called Lisa and said I wanted to build this clinic.  She is a Winn graduate and proud to be involved with this construction.  She is young enough to do the IT work whereas I’m too old, more traditional.”

Frontaura confirmed, telling the gathering that she is happy to be here and part of this project.  “When I was approached, I was glad to be giving back to this community.”  Having worked on projects big and small over the 20 years of her career, she called this “the height of my activity.”  In its design, she sought a façade that reflects the region’s forestry rather than simply a “white medical building.”

The audience seemed to enjoy descriptions of each of the three floors.  Thornton continues to be proud of the escalators from the ground to second floor as well as the elevators, although if a patient ends up on the third, administrative floor, it’s only because they got lost, he said.  First floor will contain primary care, clinic pharmacy, behavioral health, nurses’ station and x-ray.

Second floor will house optometry, dental care, physical therapy as well as a visual space to “look down” on the first floor plus an outdoor balcony.  The third floor will have administration for the multi-parish clinics, billing, medical records, finance, IT, a kitchen and conference room large enough to seat 100 banquet-style.

The three-story was designed not just for patients but also employees so every floor has a break room for staff.  About 125 people will work in the building daily.  “My mission is to create jobs, not to farm things out.”  Parking and access to the building with be ample, the visuals showed.

Since Trinity’s new center interfaces with the varied aspects of its services—clinic patients, school-based clients, pharmacy—he said the move could be in phases including school holidays to minimize service disruptions.  He anticipates that move should be complete by the end of the year.

The City of Pineville has released the adjusted sanitation schedule for the rest of 2025. If anyone has any questions about the adjusted schedule, call 318-449-5668.

My grandmother lived to 90 years of age, and in the last week of her life she gave me a wonderful gift. I guess she had been in the hospital for a week or so. It is really hard to remember just how long we had been there as days tend to run together when you are sitting at the bedside of a loved one. She had not spoken in days, nor eaten solid food.  She mostly slept, but suddenly there was this moment of real clarity. My Aunt and I were there together, as she stated in a clear and commanding voice “hold my arms up.” So we did – my aunt on one side and I on the other. Then looking to the ceiling and with a sound of surprise she said “Mama!”, my great-grandmother that I only remember meeting once when I was about four years old. This was followed by a joyous “Roscoe”, my grandfather who had died when I was 16. And then in a voice of awe she said, “Oh my Lord!”

It has now been over 20 years since her passing, but I truly believe even to this day that my grandmother looked at the face of Jesus that day as she prepared to move from this earth to her heavenly home. The veil between heaven and earth was so narrow, so shear, she could almost touch it and what a privilege it was for me to share that brief moment with her.

I have often thought about that moment in the years since. I am grateful to know we will recognize each other when we get to heaven. I have even speculated which of my relatives will accompany Jesus when it is my time. The other valuable lesson for me was a real Jesus showed up when my grandmother needed him. Prior to that encounter when my grandmother struggled to catch her breath she panicked. After that encounter there was a sense of peace. For that I am most grateful. I believe in a Jesus that shows up still today. How about you? I would love for you to email me your Jesus encounters.

On the journey,
Ramonalynn Bethley

Ramonalynn Bethley is the pastor of First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. You can contact Ramonalynn directly at DrRevRL@fumca.org.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to a shooting that occurred on Hollywood Drive and Eddie Williams Avenue on Saturday, May 24, at approximately 12:38am. One person was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number 318-441-6416, or APD Dispatch 318-441-6559. Information can be emailed to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at 318-443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 2500 block of Loblolly Lane in reference to a shooting. One individual was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number 318-441-6416, or APD Dispatch 318-441-6559. Information can be emailed to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at 318-443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

Join Madilyn Anderson on Saturday, May 31, 10am to 4pm, for a day of printmaking beginning with concept drawings, participants will carve images to create original prints utilizing personal symbols, much like George Rodrigue with his Blue Dog. The class will be held at the Alexandria Museum of Art. The cost of the workshop is $50; tickets can be purchased online. 

On May 28, National Hamburger Day invites Americans to celebrate the iconic sandwich that has become a culinary canvas. In Louisiana, this day takes on a flavorful twist, showcasing the state’s unique spin on the classic burger.

While the traditional hamburger consists of a beef patty between two buns, Louisiana chefs infuse it with local flair. Think burgers topped with crawfish étouffée, fried green tomatoes, or spicy remoulade sauce. These creations reflect the state’s rich culinary heritage, blending Cajun and Creole influences.

Restaurants across the state are known for their inventive burgers. In Baton Rouge, “Bayou Burgers” offers patties infused with andouille sausage, while New Orleans’ “Creole Buns” serves up burgers with a side of jazz. These establishments not only provide delicious meals but also celebrate the state’s diverse culture.

To mark the occasion, many towns host burger cook-offs, inviting locals to showcase their grilling prowess. These events foster community spirit and friendly competition, with proceeds often supporting local charities.

National Hamburger Day in Louisiana is more than a nod to a beloved food—it’s a celebration of the state’s ability to take a classic and make it uniquely its own. It’s a day to indulge, innovate, and appreciate the flavors that define the region.

ADA compliance lawsuits are a growing concern for businesses, with a significant increase in cases filed in recent years. In 2023, there were 4,605 lawsuits, a 42% increase from the previous year. This trend continues to rise with 11,452 cases filed in federal courts

National Cases:

• Harvard and MIT: Paid $1,575,000 in attorneys’ costs and fees.
• Target: Paid $3.5 million in attorney’s fees.

Central Louisiana Cases Filed in Federal Court:

Plaintiff: Daniel Todd of Winn Parish, Louisiana, an Individual

Complaint: Violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq., and
declaratory and injunctive relief, damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs the Louisiana Commission
on Human Rights, LA. REV. STAT. ANN. § 51:2231 et seq

446 Civil Rights – Amer w/Disabilities – Other
Cause 42:12181 Americans with Disabilities Act – Public Accommodations

Defendants:

Alexandria Pizza Hut, LLC & ADT Louisiana, LLC (Attached)
Frances Properties (Attached)
Darrell’s Restaurant
Security Sporting Goods
Feng Jin Teng dba East Asia China Buffet
* and others filed

To protect your business, consider the following steps:

• Conduct an accessibility audit

If you have been sued and served, contact your attorney at once. You will need expert help in dealing with this type of litigation.

God’s first words to human beings, according to the first story of creation in the Bible, were: “Be fruitful and multiply.”

It hit me over the Memorial Day weekend that my wife’s Belgian ancestors took those words seriously. There were some 140 relatives who showed up for the Mathews-Vanhoof Family Reunion at the Belgian-American Club. Many of them were from a family of 11 Mathews siblings – the children of Lawrence and Rosalie (or Rosie) Mathews. They were: Inez, John, Oralee, Charles, Huey, Tom, O’Hearn, Myrt, Delores, Alfred and Shirley.

Many were from a passel of siblings from Augustine Vanhoof’s family,  the likes of which included Cecelia, John, Joseph, Julian, Rosalie, Louis (Bud) and Fabian.

But here’s a takeaway from the reunion – for a multiplying family, there was a recurring theme of scarcity in conversations with different folks from this fruitful clan.

“Nobody wants to (fill in the blank on a variety of jobs) anymore.”

This was a lament from people who are good at what they do but are worried about the future because of shortages of everything from priests to firemen. Younger folks are in short supply for the work force, and it shouldn’t be surprising since birth rates and fertility rates have been tracking on an ominous downward slope for many years.

Then, too, there is the matter of not only the shortage of those in our society who are able but those who are able but not so willing.

As for this crowd, there was no shortage of cooks, camaraderie, kidding or kindness. 

Elsewhere …

As you probably have learned by now,  the recent vote by the NFL to ban the “tush push” failed by just two votes. I think this was “breaking news” at the major networks when the vote was announced. For those not up on the NFL and wondering what the heck is a “tush push,” it’s also been called “the brotherly shove,” and it’s a play teams run when needing short yardage. Players line up behind and around the quarterback and after the snap, the team pushes the runner forward.

What you probably don’t know – but has been revealed to me by secret sources — is the “tush push” is the “end” result of a “bun run.”

***

It’s ironic that although LSU has won four national championships in football, it has fewer retired numbers (four) than LSU basketball, which has never won a national championship. LSU basketball has five retired numbers for Bob Pettit (50), Pete Maravich (23), Rudy Macklin (40), Shaquille O’Neal (33) and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (35). It was recently announced that former All-American running back Charles Alexander will have his No. 4 jersey join the other retired jerseys of football legends Billy Cannon (20), Jerry Stovall (21) and Tommy Casanova (37).

Other LSU jerseys retired are, for baseball, Skip Bertman (15), Ben McDonald (19), Eddy Furniss (36) and Todd Walker (12); and for women’s basketball, Seimone Augustus (33) and Sylvia Fowles (34). 

***

Finally, here’s bidding a couple of fond farewells – the first to the Long, Gray Beard, aka Phil Roberston, aka the Duck Commander. He’s the guy who preceded Terry Bradshaw as quarterback for Louisiana Tech, but, as Bradshaw will tell you, he didn’t beat him out of a job; he took over after Robertson quit football to purse his passion for the outdoors, especially duck hunting.

Robertson died at age 79 Sunday. He was elected in 2020 to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame but because of the Covid restrictions that year, he wasn’t inducted until the delayed ceremony in 2021.

The last RIP wish is for Baton Rouge native Lynn Amedee, the former LSU quarterback and coach at the high school, college and professional levels. Just learned Monday of his death at age 83 last week. He was a kind soul, always ready to help whoever came calling. Such as former Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams, who encouraged Amedee to take the head coaching job at Doug’s alma mater, Northeast High in Zachary. This was after Lynn was let go as offensive coordinator amidst a coaching staff change at the University of Texas.

Amedee took the job (one of many in his well-traveled coaching career) and guided Northeast to nine wins and a district championship. “I guess I proved I don’t have one of those big egos,” he said. “I had three phys. ed classes, bus duty and lunchroom duty.”

The Woodworth Shooting Range will be closed May 30-31, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. A Louisiana Youth Hunter Education Challenge event will be held at that time at the shooting range, necessitating the closure.

The Woodworth Shooting Range is located at 661 Robinson Bridge Road in Woodworth. For more information on it and other LDWF shooting ranges go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/shooting-ranges.

For more information on the Louisiana YHEC program, contact Chad Moore at 318-371-5206 or cmoore@wlf.la.gov. For more information on LDWF’s Hunter Education program, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hunter-and-trapper-education.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

May 26

Johnathan Cruz, 23, Forest Hill – OWI first offense, careless operation, driving under suspension, $1,200 bail;

Adam John Davis, 34, Lecompte – domestic abuse battery, aggravated battery, contempt of court, $2,000 bail;

Angela Christine Deville, 43, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $20,000 bail;

Sheila James, 61, Erath – OWI first offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, $1,500 bail;

Hosie Charles Jordan III, 46, Pineville – attempted manslaughter, no bail data;

Lakeshia Tameka Swafford, 35, Pineville – theft, criminal conspiracy, five counts contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Brooke D. White, 39, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, use of CDS in presence of minor, possession of marijuana, safety belt violation, expired MVI sticker, $700 bail.

May 25

Hunter Dwayne Berry, 24, Stonewall – OWI second offense, $1,200 bail;

Ronald Ray Bordelon Sr, 50, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data;

Sean Kevin Bordelon, 50, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, no bail data;

Brandon La’Ron Braden, 27, Pineville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, no bail data;

Curtis Ray Brown, 46, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, failure to appear, $4,000 bail;

Robert Edward Dauzart, 51, Alexandria – theft, illegal possession of stolen things, exploitation of the infirmed, forgery, aggravated second degree battery, three counts contempt of court,  simple escape, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Bishop Arnet Dorn Jr, 25, Pineville – domestic abuse battery with child present, criminal damage to property, $500 bail;

Austin J. Ekermeyer, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, $1,000 bail;

Joseph Woodrow Goudeau III, 45, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, obstruction of justice, possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;

Ursula Nicole Hargove, 36, Ball – OWI first offense, texting while driving, $900 bail;

Michael D. McLendon, 50, Pineville – criminal trespass, contempt of court, $553 bail;

Carson Moreau, 21, Colfax – OWI third offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, no insurance, flight from an officer, open container, $40,600 bail;

John Fredrick Paul, 59, Alexandria – possession of CDS, improper turn, contempt of court, $2,100 bail;

Jeremy N. Rutledge, 39, Boyce – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, no bail data;

Kristie Kay Thompson, 48, Lecompte – aggravated battery, domestic abuse battery with child present, no bail data.

May 24

Adrienne Aaron Ann, 39, Alexandria — seven counts contempt of court, $21,500 bail;

Chayla Brown, 25, Alexandria – theft, criminal conspiracy, $1,000 bail;

Jason Paul Daigrepont, 59, Pollock – 12 counts contempt of court, $18,500 bail;

Rhonda Renea Dupas, 53, Alexandria – disturbing the peace, contempt of court, $1,750 bail;

Laterica Neshay James, 32, Alexandria – theft, criminal conspiracy, four counts contempt of court, $102,500 bail;

Cedric Dione Jefferson, 48, Pineville – possession of CDS, no bail data;

Raymond C. Lawrence II, 46, Woodworth – unlawful communication, stalking, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, criminal trespass, $7,000 bail;

Steven Michael Mitchell, 32, Dry Prong – possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, improper bicycle operation, resisting an officer, $600 bail;

Walter Lee Moses, 60, Alexandria – possession of CDS, switched license plate, six counts contempt of court, $20,500 bail;

Camron Davis Ray, 32, Alexandria – possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Demetria Rinconcillo, 29, N/A – OWI first offense, expired plate registration, driver’s license, $1,600 bail;

Dmycal Turner, 26, Dry Prong – two counts Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Teena Willey, 53, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, identification fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, no bail data.

May 23

Michael Paul Burke, 42, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $5,000 bail;

James Elbert Doyle, 42, Elizabeth – possession of CDS, $1,000 bail;

Zhivago Lepetere Hall, 38, Pineville – aggravated assault domestic abuse, domestic abuse battery, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, nine counts contempt of court, $47,000 bail;

Jalen Antwone Peters Jr, 27, Alexandria – OWI first offense, reckless operation, speeding, flight from an officer, possession of marijuana, driving under suspension, $2,700 bail;

Heather Danielle Riggs, 45, Alexandria – simple assault, criminal damage to property, $1,000 bail;

Joseph Lee Tate, 30, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail.

May 22

Kyrah La’Sha Beverly, 23, Alexandria – battery of a dating partner, $1,500 bail;

Latina Denise Bowman, 52, Lake Charles – OWI first offense, OWI second offense, hit and run driving, failure to secure registration, two counts contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Marques Rashon Brevelle, 20, Alexandria – manufacture transfer possession of machine guns unlawful, drive by shooting assault, $600,000 bail;

Bernard Ellis Jr, 37, Pineville – six counts simple burglary, $60,000 bail;

Michael Shane Funderburke, 46, Pineville – theft (more than $25,000 in value), $50,000 bail;

Stacye Lynn Longoria, 31, Woodworth – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, $3,000 bail;

Jonathan Frank McMahan, 33, Pineville – possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, $3,000 bail;

Richard Allen Morris, 30, Deville – criminal trespass, two counts simple burglary, criminal damage to property, two counts simple escape, probation violation, parole violations, $176,000 bail;

David Glenn Baron Whittington Jr, 48, Deville – OWI second offense, speeding, expired driver’s license, $6,700 bail;

Daisha Danielle Williams, 24, Alexandria – aggravated battery, battery of a dating partner, $16,500 bail.

May 21

Javarus Devonte Evans, 25, Alexandria – DWI first offense, violation protective order, $1,000 bail;

Shonnan Dewayne Johnson, 49 Ball – possession of CDS, parole violations, $1,000 bail;

Charles Peyton Nichols, 33, Pineville – aggravated battery, home invasion aggravated assault, $15,000 bail;

Azam Aziz Popatiya, 36, Alexandria – producing manufacturing dispensing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $10,000 bail;

William Demond Slaughter, 38, Alexandria – illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, home invasion, four counts contempt of court, $19,000 bail;

Justin Daniel Smith, 42, Alexandria – possession of CDS, driving under suspension, no signals, contempt of court, $12,700 bail.

By JIM BUTLER

Rezoning would allow a residence for homeless boys to locate on Kimball Avenue in Alexandria.

Lewis Carruth Properties is asking the city’s Board of Adjustments & Appeals for a special exception in the land use.

The property is currently designated SF-2 single family. An exception for a philanthropic institution under the land Development Code is requested.

The board will consider the matter, and from any who support or oppose, at its 4 p.m. June 9 meeting.

Representing the petitioner will be Vicki Lee of Rosebud Health Care, a Baker-headquartered firm.

The proposed home would be a foster home for boys age 11-17, according to the petition announcement.

Kimball runs from Madonna to Darby streets, east of Texas Avenue. The location is near Kimball & Stimson, several blocks from D.F. Huddle Elementary.

As the Police Jury’s Ambulance Service Control Board moves toward the first transition of emergency medical response management in 30 years, the board’s membership is also shifting.

At a Thursday meeting, board chair Dr. Paul Coreil, chancellor at LSUA, said local fire chiefs around the parish will fill some of the seven board seats along with the ambulance contract administrator, Joshua Dara.

That group will oversee the transition as Pafford EMS, with its Louisiana operations headquartered in Ruston, takes over the role from Lafayette-based Acadian Ambulance after more than a year of assessment by the ambulance board and plenty of wrangling and intense discussions. The decision was made by a 5-4 Police Jury vote ending a meeting over about five hours in April, and was unanimously ratified by the Jury earlier this month in response to a formal challenge by Acadian.

During Thursday’s meeting, the framework of oversight of Pafford’s takeover was outlined by the board, which intends to glean reactions from local police and fire departments and seek input from parish residents during monthly meetings to continually evaluate Pafford during its probationary first year of the five-year contract.

Alex Pafford, who is the Louisiana director of operations for the new provider, said during the meeting that he and other Pafford personnel have begun a productive dialog with local elected officials and other community leaders.

He told the board that Pafford has been involved in 30 such transitions taking over ambulance service responsibilities in the past five years and each has been successful.

“This will be no different,” he said.

Pafford’s “Air One” helicopter will be housed at Lake Buhlow where a hangar and storage facility will be built. The Pineville headquarters should provide the best access to area trauma centers, he said, and improve response to rural residents in the north half of the parish.

The 28th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service will take place on Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. on the front steps of the Rapides Parish Courthouse. The public and media are invited to attend this solemn ceremony honoring Central Louisiana law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The annual memorial service serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced daily by law enforcement officers and the profound loss felt when one of their own is taken too soon. The ceremony will pay tribute to those who have given “the last full measure of devotion” in service to their community and country.

“When a law enforcement officer dies in the line of duty, the entire nation often feels the weight of that loss,” said a representative of the organizing committee. “It’s more than just the end of a career—it’s the loss of a protector, a public servant, a hero.”

The event will include participation from local law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and family members of the fallen, offering a time for reflection, unity, and gratitude.

Organizers encourage residents of Central Louisiana to attend the service and stand in solidarity with law enforcement and the families of the fallen.

“Please join us as we honor the memory of those who have gone before us and recommit ourselves to supporting those who continue to serve,” the spokesperson added.

Kees Park will close temporarily at 12 p.m. on Friday, May 23 to allow for final preparations ahead of the grand opening of its highly anticipated splash pad.

The park and the new splash pad will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 just in time for families to kick off a summer of fun and outdoor recreation.

City officials advise residents to plan accordingly and apologize for any minor inconvenience the temporary closure may cause. Crews will be working diligently during this time to ensure all amenities are safe, clean, and ready for the season.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we put the finishing touches on what we hope will be a popular destination for families throughout the summer,” said a spokesperson for the City of Pineville.

The splash pad promises to be a refreshing addition to Kees Park, offering children and families a new way to beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors.